21623 research outputs found
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Exploring leadership competencies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Library in a digital age.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Digitalization as a mega-trend is affecting the library sector, triggering challenges and opportunities that demand new competencies for leaders of academic librarians. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore library leadership competencies in the digital age according to the perspectives of library leaders at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm and non-probability sampling method to purposively select nine library leaders from the University of KwaZulu-Natal for in-depth interviews. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results from the study have shown that library leaders at the University of KwaZulu-Natal demonstrate a variety of five leadership styles and three key leadership competencies for the academic library to adapt to the changes brought by digitalization. The leadership struggles with clarity on the direction at UKZN, collective and shared leadership, an inclusive, partnership and alignment style, and the autocratic and adaptive leadership styles. Secondly, this study revealed three leadership competencies used by leaders of the academic library at UKZN to deal with adaptive change and provide services in a digital age. These leadership competences include developing people and programmes to achieve change within rules; strategic thinking competences; and leading teams. Lastly, the study provided a Leadership Competencies framework for library leaders in the digital age at UKZN, comprising seven different leadership competences and four tasks and roles by leaders at UKZN, which are necessary for effective academic library leadership in the digital era. The study recommended a variety of leadership competences that are key to leading the academic library through adaptive challenges in the digital era. Areas for future research were also highlighted
Response of arthropod biodiversity to native vegetation and monoculture plantations: implications for conservation and management.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Timber plantations are valuable to the global economy. They are inevitably forming part of future landscapes as they have become one of the main land use occupying the global land area. There is a growing interest and debate on their effect on biodiversity since they are non-native habitats with conservation potential. However, biodiversity response to timber plantations remains ambiguous, as previous studies have reported mixed findings. In addition, the factors that drive species’ taxonomic responses to disturbance are not well-studied. Given that invertebrates, particularly arthropods, are the most abundant, the current study will investigate their response to timber plantations (at a global scale) and their diversity and drivers at a local scale (in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal). Particularly, the current study aimed to 1) systematically review published literature on arthropod diversity patterns in Pinus and Eucalyptus timber plantations versus natural vegetation globally, 2) compare the diversity and assemblage composition of different arthropod taxa in these plantations and a native forest in South Africa, 3) determine the environmental factors that drive such patterns, and 4) Assess the functional composition of arthropods in these habitats. To determine the response of arthropods to timber plantations globally, PRISMA guidelines were followed to systematically review the literature. One hundred and eleven studies from 30 countries were selected from the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The review highlighted that arthropod diversity declines with increased habitat simplicity, an attribute of most commercialised timber plantations of tree species outside their native ranges. To assess arthropod diversity at a local scale, ground-dwelling arthropods were collected using pitfall traps from Pinus and Eucalyptus plantations and a native forest in the Natal Midlands. Environmental data were recorded to test whether arthropods were driven by forest type, season, or microhabitat variables within those
habitats. A total of 4 284 arthropod individuals were collected. Although different arthropod taxa had unique responses, the overall arthropod diversity was fairly similar across the three habitats. Habitat heterogeneity was higher in the native forest and correlated with the species richness of beetles and myriapods (centipedes and millipedes). Spider species richness was mainly driven by season, with most spider species collected during the dry-hot season. Ants were best predicted by habitat type as more species were collected in the native forest, although this was not statistically significant. The assemblage composition of beetle and spider communities significantly differed across the habitats, while ants and myriapods had similar communities. Functional redundancy was evident across the site, implying that declines in species richness in the plantations did not lead to a loss of ecosystem functions. This study shows that the generalisation of biodiversity response to timber plantations may be misleading. Rather, future studies should focus on the habitat-specific elements that drive species distribution in these disturbed ecosystems. In addition, it highlights the need to use complementary facets for biodiversity assessment, as taxonomic diversity may provide limited information on ecosystem functions if not combined with functional diversity
Understanding the financial, emotional, and social impacts of nyaope addiction on family members in South Africa: a scoping review of coping strategies and support needs.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Despite the significant impact on immediate family members, interventions addressing the escalating nyaope crisis among South Africans often overlook the broader familial context, focusing primarily on the individual affected. This study aims to bridge this gap by underscoring the pressing needs of family members. A scoping review was conducted to map and synthesize existing literature that investigated the financial, emotional, and social impacts of nyaope addiction on family members in South Africa, their coping mechanisms and support needs. The study adopted Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework; and data were screened thoroughly using PRISMA-ScR flow diagram according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant databases were searched resulting in the identification of six studies for final review. The data were analysed thematically, and by means of descriptive numerical summary. This study revealed financial, emotional, and social repercussions, as well as coping strategies and support needs. Findings highlight the profound impact of nyaope addiction on family members, with coping strategies ranging from seeking external assistance to religious solace. However, many family members find existing support strategies inadequate, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive support systems. The review emphasizes the urgent need for integrated, community-centred interventions addressing not only addiction treatment but also the overall well-being of family members. Recommendations include establishing support groups and community-driven initiatives to offer practical assistance and foster understanding among families affected by nyaope addiction in South Africa
Identification of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in indigenous plants used for diabetes.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Diabetes, a global health concern, is a metabolic disorder with a broad range of micro and macro complications. There is still a need to develop new diabetic therapies. Hence, there is a resurging interest in isolating bioactive compounds with antidiabetic activity. One of the therapeutic therapies is the inhibition of α-glucosidase, an enzyme located in the digestive tract that facilitates the hydrolysation of carbohydrates into glucose. Plant-derived compounds and their derivatives have played a significant role in developing numerous drugs, such as the antidiabetic drug metformin. With the intention to advance and explore new plant-derived compounds that can potentially be developed into new biologically active drugs that will be used to treat diabetes, several Indigenous South African species traditionally used to treat diabetes were selected for investigation. These plants were Bulbine frutescens (L.) Willd., Carpobrotus dimidiatus (Haw.) L.Bolus, Cassia abbreviata Oliv. subsp. beareana (Holmes) Brenan, Gomphocarpus tomentosus Burch. subsp. tomentosus, Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis, Merwilla plumbea (Lindl.) Speta, Pappea capensis Eckl. & Zeyh, Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro, Senegalia mellifera (Vahl) Seigel & Ebinger subsp. detinens (Burch.) Kyal. & Boatwr., Senna italica Mill. subsp. arachoides (Burch.) Lock, Tabernaemontana elegans Stapf, and Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata. Lead-like extracts were prepared for all the plant species, and the extracts were subjected to in vitro enzyme inhibition studies. The extract of S. birrea was selected for further investigation since it demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase. An active fraction of S. birrea stem bark was subjected to LC-MS analysis, and five compounds were identified in the extracts. Preparative chromatography was used to isolate four compounds: catechin, β-sitosterol, β-sitosterol glucopyranoside, and stigmasterol. Of the isolated compounds, only catechin showed reasonable inhibition of α-glucosidase
Recombinant expression, purification and characterisation of TzCATB and TzstefinB from Trichinella zimbabwensis.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Parasitic roundworms of the genus Trichinella, the causative agents of Trichinellosis, are highly successful parasites evident by their broad geographical and host ranges and their ability to manipulate the host immune system. The focal species of this study was T. zimbabwensis; a lesser studied member of the genus prevailing in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although not yet reported in humans, in the absence of a diagnostic test for this species of Trichinella, it poses a risk to human health and economic well-being. Research on different antigens expressed across all the stages of the parasite lifecycle may identify diagnostic, drug and vaccination targets. Cysteine proteases and protease inhibitors are particularly valuable targets for these purposes due to their essential functions in the parasite’s lifecycle, such as penetration of the small intestinal wall, nutrient acquisition and immune evasion amongst others. The aim of the present study was to recombinantly express and characterise cathepsin B (TzCATB) and stefin B (TzstefinB) from T. zimbabwensis. Recombinant TzCATB was expressed in the pET-28a and pCold-1 expression vectors as insoluble proteins at 43 and 42 kDa, respectively. After solubilisation and nickel immobilised metal affinity chromatography (Ni-IMAC) purification of these proteins, no proteolytic activity was detected. Recombinant TzCATB was subsequently expressed in the pCold-TF expression vector as a soluble protein 90 kDa protein, which was purified using immunoaffinity chromatography and the attached trigger factor fusion protein removed with thrombin cleavage. However, this preparation of TzCATB also did not have hydrolytic activity but was detected by chicken anti-TzCATB IgY antibodies in a western blot, but not by rabbit anti-human cathepsin B antibodies. Recombinant TzstefinB was expressed in the pET-28a expression vector as a soluble 16 kDa protein and purified with IMAC. Purified TzstefinB was used to raise IgY antibodies in chickens, which were confirmed to detect the protein in ELISA and western blotting. These antibodies did not detect sheep stefin B. Purified TzstefinB inhibited the hydrolysis of Z-Phe-Arg-AMC by the plant cysteine protease papain as well as by cathepsin L from the parasite Trypanosoma congolense. The inhibition of papain by TzstefinB was also detected with reverse zymography. The inhibitory activity of recombinant TzstefinB was shown to be stable from pH 5.0 to pH 9.0, was rapidly inactivated with incubation at 99 ºC, and was retained after storage at both 4 ºC and room temperature for up to 3 weeks. Thus, TzCATB was recombinantly expressed but was inactive, TzstefinB was recombinantly expressed and demonstrated to have inhibitory activity that is stable across a broad pH range but sensitive to high temperature, and both of these proteins have potential as diagnostic markers
Second-year Social Science students’ perceptions of electronic information resources at the University of Kwazulu-Natal.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.This study was aimed at investigating the perceptions of second-year social science students about electronic information resources offered by the UKZN library. The study sought to establish the extent of use and perceptive factors that influence the use of electronic information resources. The study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) developed by Davis (1989). This study adopted a quantitative research approach as it is underpinned by a positivist worldview that has been adopted as an underpinning paradigm. Furthermore, this approach is consistent with the adopted descriptive research design, which allowed the researcher to generalise the findings of the study to a greater audience. This study's population was comprised of second-year students registered for the Bachelor of Social Science programme offered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. This population was important to this study as it sought to uncover student perceptions based on their first-year experiences using electronic information resources. The study adopted probability sampling by specifically employing random sampling. The researcher randomly selected participants from the Howard College campus and Pietermaritzburg campus to make up the sample. The sample size was 310 randomly selected participants from both Howard College and Pietermaritzburg campuses. The sampled participants were surveyed using an online questionnaire made available via Google Forms. A staggering 295 students completed the survey, translating to an excellent 95% response rate. Descriptive data analysis was employed in line with the research paradigm underpinning this study and the research design as well as the approach adopted. The findings revealed that (78.6%) of respondents utilised electronic information resources offered by the library. Furthermore, (34.1%) of respondents considered electronic information resources ‘very much useful’. A notable (42.7%) of respondents indicated that they regarded electronic information resources as relatively easy to access. The findings also revealed that (34.1%) of respondents perceived electronic information resources as ‘relatively easy to use’. Some of the challenges cited by the respondents include internet connection, printing-related problems, staff not always available to help, uncertainty as to which database to use and password requirements. Recommendations based on the significant findings and conclusions were made, which involved the library's need to conduct targeted user education programmes. These programmes should address specific challenges that have been identified instead of having a blanket approach to training. Moreover, there should be strong communication channels for students to interact with library personnel when they encounter problems and need assistance, especially when they cannot be physically in the library. Suggestions for further research were also given
pH-responsive gelatin nanoparticles for targeted delivery of ciprofloxacin against bacterial infections.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Background: Given the rise in antimicrobial resistance and challenges associated with traditional antibiotic dosage forms, there is an urgency to develop drug delivery systems that improve, safeguard, and augment the present antibiotics on the market. Further research is required to maximize extended and targeted drug release, which can be accomplished via stimuli-responsive approaches such as pH-responsive nano-drug delivery systems. Furthermore, these pH-responsive nanosystems may be employed as carriers for antimicrobial drugs, which could be beneficial against antimicrobial resistance.
Aim: The aim of this study was to prepare novel pH-responsive gelatin nanoparticles to function as delivery agents of Ciprofloxacin (CIP) to enhance their antibacterial effectiveness against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Methods: CIP-GNPs were prepared using a two-step desolvation method. The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential (ZP) of CIP-GNPs were determined using the dynamic light scattering technique. Transmission electron microscopy analysis was conducted to confirm particle size and visualize the morphology of CIP-GNPs. The entrapment efficiency (EE %) of CIP-GNPs was determined using the ultrafiltration method and was quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). In vitro drug release of CIP-GNPs was conducted using the dialysis bag technique and CIP released was quantified using HPLC. Drug release dissolution factors were analysed using the DDSolver program. Hemocompatibility of CIP-GNPs was performed using sheep blood. In vitro antibacterial activity of CIP-GNPs was determined using micro broth assay against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), MRSA, and P. aeruginosa. Bacterial killing kinetics were performed against MRSA and P. aeruginosa using the plate colony counting method. MRSA and P. aeruginosa biofilm inhibition of CIP-GNPs was evaluated using the microtiter method.
Results: CIP-GNPs had a particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of 212.3 ± 1.739, 0.259 ± 0.023, +4.58 ± 0.148 mV and 38.1 ± 3.85%, respectively. In vitro, biosafety testing identified CIP-GNPs as non-hemolytic. The CIP-GNPs demonstrated pH responsiveness with an increase in particle size from 204.1 ± 0.100 to 226.4 ± 0.451 nm and a charge switch on the zeta potential from -3.59 ± 0.428 to 1.06 ± 0.271 mV, followed by a significantly faster release of CIP at pH 6.0 compared to 7.4. The in vitro antibacterial activity of CIP-GNPs showed 2-fold lower minimum inhibitory concentration values compared to bare ciprofloxacin against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Moreover, the bacterial-killing kinetic test showed 100% elimination of MRSA and P. aeruginosa within eight and one hour(s) of treatment with CIP-GNPs, respectively. In contrast, 100% elimination of MRSA and P. aeruginosa was observed within 24 and 12 hours of treatment with bare ciprofloxacin, respectively. CIP-GNPs eliminated 3,75-fold MRSA biofilm compared to bare ciprofloxacin, whereas 1.4-fold Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms were eliminated.
Conclusion: CIP-GNPs could effectively treat MRSA infections at a faster rate as compared to bare CIP. Therefore, this novel pH-responsive CIP-GNPs may serve as a promising nanocarrier for enhancing antibiotic delivery and antibacterial activit
Assemblage-based monitoring of the uMsunduzi River, using biotic and abiotic lines of evidence.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Globally, urbanisation and industrialisation activities result in a multitude of impacts on freshwater ecosystems. Generally, frequent pollution of rivers from industrial effluents and sewage channels has caused the deterioration of the water quality of rivers. The availability of healthy, clean, and good-quality drinking water is a matter of concern in urban areas, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa. The instream physical barriers that lack fish ladders, development of industrial complexes adjacent to the river banks, extensive agricultural activities, abstraction of water for domestic and industrial use, and ageing sewage networks, as well as periodic industrial spills, have worsened the ecological well-being of the two socio-economically important rivers in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, the uMsunduzi River a tributary of the uMngeni River. The present study evaluated the recovery of the uMsunduzi River, and efforts were made to improve fish population structures following a fish kill event using biotic and abiotic lines of evidence. It was hypothesised that water quality characteristics and biological communities would exhibit improvement since the occurrence of the spill. Abiotic lines of evidence included water quality and habitat characteristics, whereas biotic lines of evidence involved fish communities and fish population attributes of the indigenous KwaZulu-Natal yellowfish (Labeobarbus natalensis), macroinvertebrates, and benthic diatoms. The research was carried out quarterly from 2022 to 2023 at selected sections of the uMsunduzi system, with sites for fish collection upstream of the spill point and re-introduction sites downstream of the spill point. After the mixed product spill and fish kill in the Baynesspruit and uMsunduzi Rivers, nine sites were considered for fish community assessment and ecological monitoring. This included
how assemblages respond to a wide range of environmental variables and for fish using the Fish Response Assessment Index (FRAI). The results showed that the uMsunduzi River is heavily polluted, and the stressors impact water quality, fisheries and habitat availability. The multivariate
analyses indicated that the anthropogenic stressors that drive the ecological well-being and fish community structures of the uMsunduzi River could be related to changes in water quality and instream habitat modifications. The identified environmental modifications can be directly linked
to human activities and flow modifications along the uMsunduzi system. Assessment of attributes of fish communities along the uMsunduzi catchment, with a focus on the KwaZulu-Natal yellowfish as an indicator species, showed a declining state of fish communities in terms of species richness and abundance. The poor fish communities include the fish collection sites upstream of the spill point selected for fish collection. The downstream site, further away from the city, showed some improvement in fish communities. The poor water quality and fish stock for collection sites highlight poor water quality and the impact of stressors on fish communities. The outcomes of this study can contribute to the holistic management, monitoring, and rehabilitation strategies for the uMsunduzi River after a fish kill event. The pre-spill fish data from (Dlamini et al. 2019) showed fish to be slowly recovering to attain the pre-spill abundances. Furthermore, biological stressors should be minimised, particularly inputs of toxic industrial effluents from industrial complexes, sewage from poorly maintained sewage systems and instream physical barriers that fragment fish populations and reduce environmental flows required by indigenous fishes. The development of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies is recommended to attain ecological health for the uMsunduzi River. Removing obsolete instream barriers and incorporating fishways on operational barriers is recommended to allow the movement of migratory fish between upstream and downstream niches. Moreover, inter-system translocation of the KwaZulu-Natal yellowfish from adjacent catchments with healthy breeding populations, such as the uMngeni River, should be collectively decided by the relevant stakeholders to improve population attributes of the yellowfish in the uMsunduzi River. The fisheries management could benefit local subsistence fishermen and improve river conditions. Before this, the genetics of the species need to be determined so as not to jeopardise the genetic fitness or resilience of the existing population. The existing legislative framework for environmental protection should be enforced for industrial and municipal operations to render minimal degradation to freshwater ecosystems. Conservancies should be established to strategically manage and protect freshwater resources and potential fisheries along the uMsunduzi system
Evaluating multiple stressors on aquatic ecosystems in an urban environment.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The issue of compromised aquatic ecosystems is a global dilemma; with existing and new stressors emerging, freshwater ecosystems continue to degrade tremendously. Multiple stressors exist in aquatic ecosystems, from invasive species to overexploitation of aquatic resources, habitat
degradation, flow modifications and pollution. The uMsunduzi catchment in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, is one such stressed freshwater body. The present study was undertaken to determine the major threats to aquatic ecosystems and the possible strategies to
mitigate the factors that compromise freshwater biodiversity, health, and ecological status. The first problem was to investigate the impact of anthropogenic barriers along the longitudinal pathway of the rivers. Hence, an extensive literature review on managing river barriers was
conducted. This systematic review showed a need for river connectivity restoration projects in Africa, particularly in South Africa. The Northern Hemisphere countries are more advanced in restoring river connectivity by removing barriers or retrofitting fishways. A prevalence of physical
barriers in the uMsunduzi catchment was found, and most barriers did not have fishways or fish passage structures. The fish communities, together with their associated habitat features, within the uMsunduzi mainstem and tributaries, were assessed to deduce which environmental factors
influence the fish communities' structures in the system. There was a clear indication of a decline in species diversity and deterioration of the ecological health of the uMsunduzi catchment. Of the 18 expected fish species, according to the Freshwater Biodiversity Information System (2023),
only 50% of these were caught. This is concerning, especially as the “near threatened” (IUCN status) Enteromius gurneyii (redtail barb) was not caught, and Amphilius natalensis (Natal mountain catfish) was caught once in low abundance. The uMsunduzi River had a highly deteriorated ecological integrity per the Fish Response Assessment Index (FRAI) scores, especially close and downstream of the city centre where the industrial areas are concentrated. Similarly, there is a great deal of microbial contamination, putting the uMsunduzi River in a matter of public health. There was also a significant presence of magnesium, calcium and fatty acids. In conclusion, the connectivity, ecological health and water quality of the uMsunduzi catchment were compromised, giving a clarion call for mitigation and management actions on the systems
Bone quality and incidence of urolithiasis in male broiler breeders fed a male or female ration.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Separate sex feeding is highly practiced in breeder farms as it gives a more targeted approach to nutrition, aligning the dietary requirements with the specific needs of male and female birds. Some breeder farmers give the female ration to male breeders as it saves having two feed silos per house and eliminates the chances of females receiving the wrong feed. However, the drawback is that the female ration contains high crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca), and phosphorous (P), which is more than recommended for male requirements. A total of 40 male broiler breeders fed a male-specific ration (MM), and 40 male broiler breeders fed a female ration (MF) at depletion were acquired from KwaZulu-Natal farms. Kidney weight (KW) and kidney lesion score (KLS) from euthanised male broiler breeders were examined as an indication of urolithiasis. Tibia bone weight (BW), bone thickness(BT), bone breaking strength (BBS), tibia ash% (TA%), organic matter (OM%) and Ca/P% were quantified to assess the effects of excess CP, Ca and P on bone quality. Data collected were subjected to a two-sample t-test at a 95% confidence interval using GenStat statistical analysis software, and principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using XLSTAT. The biplots from the PCA were used to predict correlation among the variables. The study results showed that the kidney weights of MF were significantly larger compared to MM (P<0.001). Kidney lesion scores were observed in 50% MF and were significantly higher than in MM (P<0.001). Significant differences in BW, BBS, TA%, and OM% were found between MM and MF. Bone thickness, and bone Ca%, P% and Ca/P% were not significantly different among the two groups. The findings suggested that high CP, Ca and P in female feed given to male broiler breeders can negatively affect kidney and bone quality. The results indicated a significant correlation between dietary composition, bone strength and the incidence of urolithiasis. The study concluded that the nutritional composition designed for female broiler breeders may not be entirely suitable for the physiological needs of male breeders, contributing to an increased susceptibility to urolithiasis. Also, high Ca can interfere with the absorption or retention of Ca and other minerals like P, resulting in low bone quality