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Differential effects of early life stress and schizophrenia on the development of impulse control disorder = Imiphumela ehlukene yengcindezi yempilo engasekuqaleni kanye nokusangana ekuthuthukiseni ukulawula isifo esivumbuka kungahlelekile.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Background: Early life stress (ELS) and parental psychopathology, such as schizophrenia, have profound effect on neurobiological and behavioral outcomes in later life. While previous studies in human have explored the individual effects of ELS and parental schizophrenia (PSZ), this study investigates their interactive effects.
Objectives: This study aimed to comprehensively examine the impact of ELS and schizophrenia like symptoms on locomotion, anxiety and depressive like behavior, spatial memory, social interaction and neuro-inflammation in Sprague-Dawley rats.
Methods: Male and female Sprague-Dawley pups were randomly assigned to eight groups: control, ELS, Ketamine to induce schizophrenia like symptoms (KSZ), and ELS + KSZ. ELS was induced through prenatal stress and maternal separation (MS), while schizophrenia-like behaviour was induced by ketamine administration (KSZ). Ketamine was administered intraperitoneal to the dams, while subcutaneous to the pups as per previously published studies. Behavioral assay, including open field, Morris water maze, social interaction behaviour, and sucrose preference test, was conducted. Neuro-inflammation was through quantification of glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytes density and inflammatory biomarkers. Results: ELS and KSZ on dams exhibited enduring effects on particularly psychomotor retardation (p < 0.05).
Anxiety and depressive like behavior was elevated in the ELS (p = 0.023) and KSZ on dams (p =0.017) groups compared to controls. The combined ELS and KSZ groups showed the highest anxiety and depressive like outcomes (p = 0.006). Additionally, spatial memory and cognitive impairment in pups were observed due to the combined impact of ELS and KSZ, which was associated with a decrease in astrocyte density and dysregulation of neuro-inflammatory markers (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: This study highlights the interactive effects of ELS and KSZ on behavior, neurodevelopment, and neuro-inflammation in rats. Both ELS and KSZ in parents were linked to anhedonia, subsequently anxiety-like behavior, and ultimately psychomotor, spatial memory, and cognitive decline in rats. Positive parenting was associated with astrocyte regeneration (p < 0.05) and cognitive improvement. Understanding these complex interactions provides insights into the challenges associated with these stressors and offers potential therapeutic avenues.
Iqoqa.
Isendlalelo: ingcindezi ekuqaleni kwempilo kanye nobuzali ekuziphatheni kwesifo sengqondo, njengokusangana, kuba nomphumela omkhulu ohlelwenimizwa kanye nemiphumela yokuziphatha ngokuhamba kwesikhathi empilweni. Izifundo ezedlule ngomuntu ziyiphenyile imiphumela ngomuntu mayelana nengcindezi ekuqaleni kwempilo kanye nobuzali ekuphazamisekeni kwengqondo (PSZ). Lolu cwaningo luphenya imiphumela ethelelanayo.
Izinhloso: lolu cwaningo luhlose ngokubanzi ukucwaninga imiphumela yengcindezi ekuqaleni kwempilo kanye nokusangana njengezimpawu zokudlathuzela, ixhala kanye nokuziphatha okunobukhwantalala, ukugcinwa kolwazi engqondweni, ukuphilisana ngokwenhlalo kanye nokuvuvukala kwemizwa yengqondo ngokukaSprague-Dawley emagundaneni.
Izindlelakwenza: imidlwane yenduna neyensikazi kaSprague-Dawley yakhethwa ngokungahlelekile yanikezwa amaqoqa ayisishiyagalombili: ukulawulwa, i-ELS, Ketamine ukulandela ukusangana njengezimpawu i-KSZ, kanye ne-ELS+KSZ. I-ELS yalandelwa ngokwengcindezi engaphambi kokuzalwa ngesikhathi sokumitha nokuhlukaniswa nonina (MS), ngesikhathi ukuziphatha okusakusangana kwalandelwa ukusetshenziswa kweketamine (KSZ). Iketamine yafakwa ngaphakathi ontwentwesini lwenxasisu yemidlwane esemadamini, ngesikhathi futhi ifakwe ngaphansi kwesikhumba semidlwane njengokusho kocwaningo olushicilelwe ngokwedlule. Ukuziphatha ngokuhlola ingqondo, kufaka insimu evulekile, amanzi amazombe ngokukaMorris, ukuziphatha ngokwenhlalo, kanye nesivivinyo esikhethekile sikashukela, kwenziwa. Ukuvuvukala kwaba ngenxa yequantification yeglial fibrillary yensiza zakhamzimba nokugqishelana kwe-astrocytes kanye nokuvuvukala kwebiomarkers.
Imiphumela:
Ixhala kanye nengcindezi njengokuziphatha kwaphakanyiswa kuyo i-ELS (p=0.023) and KSZ emadamini (p=0.017) yamaqoqo yaqhathaniswa nabaqashelwe. Ukuhlanganiswa kwe-ELS kanye neKSZ kwatshengisa ixhala elikhulu kanye nengcindezi njengemiphumela (p=0.006). Ngokunezezela, isikhala ngokukhumbula kanye nokulimaza umqondo kwafakelwa izibuko ngenxa yokuhlangana kwesisindo se-ELS kanye neKSZ, okumataniswa nekwehla kwesisindo se-astrocyte kanye nokungalawulwa kwezinkomba zokuvuvukala ngokomqondo (p<0,05).
Isiphetho: lolu cwaningo lugqamisa imiphumela ethelelanayo ye-ELS kanye ne-KSZ ekuziphatheni, ukuthuthuka ngokwasengqondo, nokuvuvukala kwengqondo emagundaneni. Kokubili i-ELS kanye ne-KSZ kubazali kwaxhunyaniswa ne-anhedonia, kwalandela ukuziphatha okusaxhala, kwasekuthi ekugcineni ubudlelwanokusebenza kwengqondo nomzimba, ukugcinwa kolwazi engqondweni, nokufadalala kwenqubokucabanga emagundaneni. Ubuzali obuhle kwamataniswa nokuvuselelwa kwe-astrocyte (p<0,005) kanye nokubangcono komqondo. Ukuqonda ukuthelelana okudidayo kokuphilisana kwanikeza ulwazi mayelana nezinselelo ezimataniswa nezimbangangcindezi kwanikeza namathuba okwelapha okungase kwenziwe
Examining fake news on WhatsApp messaging in the political ecology of Ado-Ekiti and Akure, South-West Nigeria.
No full textResearch Articles. Criminology and Forensic Studies.WhatsApp is a major communication and social media tool in Ado-Ekiti and
Akure, Southwest Nigeria, and it is popular in the urban and rural areas. All ages
and groups use the digital platform to disseminate information. Aside words, it
has attractive features like photographs, voice notes and videos, and that has
increased its wide used. However, the political class and their supporters have also
exploited these benefits to spread misleading information. Fake news has become
a phenomenon in Nigeria, and the carriers of this fake news have mobilised
WhatsApp with all its attendant features for smear campaign and to spread the
so-called fake news against their opponents. This is rife in Ado-Ekiti and Akure.
This study investigates the dangers of using WhatsApp digital platform to spread
fake news. The study adopted a qualitative approach and a random sampling
method to recruit and conduct semi-structured interviews with male and female
residents of the twin-cities of Ado-Ekiti and Akure that are above 18 years. The
study concluded that the government will have to strengthen digital media laws by
instituting an independent body that will regulate and prosecute people who use
the platform to cause damages to people, especially their political opponents,
thereby protect the public from being assaulted with fake and misleading
information that has consequences
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) remotely sensed data and machine learning techniques to predict maize yield.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Abstract available in PDF
Amasu asetshenziswa othisha ukufundisa ukubhala ama-eseyi esiZulu ulimi lwasekhaya ebangeni leshumi.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Lolu wucwaningo oluyikhwalithethivu, elusebenzise isitayela esiyi-ethnography ngenhloso yokukhiqiza imininingo mayelana nemicabango yothisha ngokufundiswa kokubhala ama-eseyi esiZulu ebangeni leshumi. Lolu cwaningo ngaphansi kwepharadaymu i-interpretivsm, olusebenzise izindlela zokukhiqiza imininingo ezingunxantathu, izingxoxo ezisakuhleleka, ukuqaphela othisha befundisa kanye nokuhlaziya amadokhumenti. Kwaqokwa ngenhloso othisha abahlanu abafundisa isiZulu ulimi lwaseKhaya ebangeni leshumi. Lolu cwaningo lusebenzise indlela yokuqoka ngenhloso ngoba umcwaningi eholwa yisihloko kanye nezinhlosongqangi okungumgomgodla wocwaningo. Ngakho-ke, kwaqashelwa ukuthi ukuphenduleka kwemibuzongqangi kuyokwenzeka uma ucwaningo lugxila kothisha besiZulu ulimi lwaseKhaya.
Ucwaningo lwalusekelwe wuhlaka lwemiqondomsuka emine; iPedagogical Content knowledge; iCognitive Academic Language Proficiency; yiCognitive kanye neSocio-Cultural. Emuva kokuqonda ukujula kanye namagebe mayelana nokufundiswa kokubhala ama-eseyi esiZulu, umcwaningi wabona lufanelekile ukusetshenziswa kohlaka lwemiqondomsuka ukuhlaziya iminxa ehlukene emibonweni yothisha besiZulu mayelana nokufundisa ukubhala ama-eseyi, nongakavami ocwaningweni lwesiZulu. Lolu cwaningo lwathola ukuthi othisha banemibono ehlukene mayelana nokufundiswa kokubhala ama-eseyi esiZulu ebangeni leshumi, futhi imibono yabo inomthelela endleleni abafundisa ngayo. Othisha baveza ukuthi ukufundisa ama-eseyi esiZulu kudinga izindlela zokufundisa ezahlukene, ezihambelana nokuthuthukiswayo kubafundi; njengendlela engumkhiqizo ethuthukisa ulwazi lohlaka kanye nemithetho yokubhala ulimi kumaeseyi. Kube nendlela eyinqubo, lapho baveza ukuthi ithuthukisa ukukwazi ukufunda ngokwenza/ ukubhala ama-eseyi, nokulapho uthisha eseka abafundi ekukhiqizeni awabo amaeseyi. Emibonweni yothisha, kwavela nokuthi ukufundiswa kwama-eseyi esiZulu kuthuthukisa
ukukwazi ukuhlela amaphuzu, nemicabango ephusile, futhi kuthuthukisa iphimbo kanye nendlelakubuka kubafundi. Ucwaningo luphetha ngokwakha iziphakamiso ngocwaningo olungenziwa ngokuzayo kanye nezincomo ezibebhekiswe kothisha, abazali kanye noMnyango wezeMfundo mayelana nesidingo sokuvuselelwa kothando lokubhala kubafundi.Thesis written in isiZulu
Pre-service science teachers’ understandings and practices of climate change.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study explored pre-service teachers' (PSTs) understandings and practices before and after a Biological Science for Educators module regarding Climate Change. As Climate Change becomes an increasingly important issue, it is imperative that educators are wellequipped to teach this topic effectively. However, there is a dearth of literature regarding the effectiveness of teacher education programmes in adequately preparing PSTs to address Climate Change in their future classrooms. Employing a qualitative approach, this research utilised questionnaires to assess PSTs' knowledge and practices both before and after the module. The sample consisted of 40 PSTs from the School of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal. A questionnaire was used and adopted from a previous study to measure specific aspects of Climate Change knowledge, such as the understanding of climate processes and practical strategies. Additionally, postmodule interviews provided qualitative insights into PSTs' understandings and practices of Climate Change. The study indicated that while some students were aware that there are changes in our climate occurring due to Climate Change, there was no improvement in their conceptual understanding. This indicates that pre-service science teachers have a limited understanding of the deeper consequences and causes of Climate Change. Additionally, although some students engaged in behaviours that related to mitigating Climate Change, such as lowering energy consumption and burning of fossil fuels, these actions were often superficial and lacked a deeper commitment to sustainability practices. This suggests a need to use a holistic approach to Climate Change that not only increases awareness, but also deepens their conceptual understanding and fosters meaningful, sustained engagement in Climate Change mitigation efforts.The study proposes a content-pedagogical action oriented model that can be adapted and implemented across various educational levels, including schools, communities and tertiary institutions. This model also involves continuous reflection on and assessment of students’ learnings, experiences and curriculum evaluations, including the involvement in Climate Change-related actions and a deeper understanding of the concept of Climate Change. The holistic approach suggested in the model will provide an enhanced, important understanding of the effects of Climate Change. As this is a small case study with a particular socio-economic environment, the findings cannot be generalised across educational institutions or all PSTs
Discovery of novel phage-derived lytic proteins with potential antimicrobial activity against pseudomonas aeruginosa.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The escalation of bacterial resistance to existing antibiotics has accelerated alarmingly. This trend is further compounded by the misuse of antibiotics, leading to an intensified global challenge. Identifying novel alternatives to antibiotics to curtail the rise in resistance has led to the discovery of several alternatives, including phage-derived lytic proteins. This study investigates a solution to the urgent need for antibiotic alternatives amidst rising antibiotic resistance. It highlights the untapped potential of phage-derived lytic proteins as antibacterial agents. Sequence-based screening was used to mine an online phage database for novel putative sequences encoding lytic proteins focussing on sequences from University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN). Four open reading frames (ORFs) displaying domains typical of phage-lytic proteins were selected and synthesised. Phage lytic proteins are derivatives of phage and degrade the peptidoglycan component of the bacterial cell wall and have since gained interest as antimicrobials. Their sizes were 396 bp for Holin, 1341 bp LysA, 1374 bp LysB and 1383 bp Lysin, each with no signal peptide for cytosolic expression. Using PCR, they were subsequently sub-cloned into the pEAQ-HT for expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. The genes were also sub-cloned into pET-30b(+) vector for expression in E. coli bacteria as His6 tagged recombinants with the tag fused to the N- or C-terminal of the proteins. While challenges were experienced with purification, the bacterial system outperformed the plant-based system in recombinant protein production of all four target proteins. Transient expression in N. benthamiana yielded a truncated version of three proteins and no detectable expression of the holin (SM31) protein. Lysin (SM07) was selected for detailed characterisation due to its ancestral lineage to the other proteins and the presence of the potential catalytic domains and catalytic residues for lytic proteins. Lysin (SM07) was purified successfully using IMAC with the His6 tag on the N-terminal. The enzyme demonstrated promising antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.004 μg/μl with no significant toxicity observed against Vero kidney cells. In a prototype, a surface disinfectant was formulated using SM07 as the sole active ingredient. The spray showed a reduced P. aeruginosa bacterial count of approximately 98.7%. Additionally, a 3D structure was modelled using AlphaFold revealing a cell wall binding domain (CBD), and a catalytic/enzymatic domain possessing a typical catalytic dyad (Glu228 and Glu237). Finding a CBD is unusual in Gram-negative active endolysins, raising intriguing possibilities for future antimicrobial research. This discovery will contribute to combatting nosocomial infections resulting from P. aeruginosa
Understanding induction and mentoring experiences of novice teachers.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Induction and mentoring are the experiences of every novice teacher entering the profession and the school. However, induction and mentoring processes are often not well implemented at the school level. Novice teachers may feel frustrated, have self-doubt, and question their future stay within the profession. This case study investigated the induction and mentoring activities of six novice teachers at a public primary school in Pinetown, Durban. Employing an interpretivist paradigm, this research sought to understand the experiences of six novice teachers in the induction and mentoring processes within the selected school, their professional development experiences, and how their experiences of induction and mentoring influenced their decision to stay or leave the profession. Using individual collages and semi-structured interviews, the findings suggest that the novice teachers did not have formally appointed mentor teachers, and that the induction process was not structured. The novice teachers experienced some form of professional development through workshops. However, they had to resort to developing relationships with their colleagues and doing their research to gain knowledge and become skilful on the job. Most participants felt that despite the experiences they endured, they would still stay in the profession. The sociocultural lens concept by Steadman (2021) explored the conflict, transition and agency that novice teachers experience. The study suggests that induction and mentoring practices need to be more structured and consider novice teachers' challenges when adapting to the school’s organisational culture to ensure a smoother transition. In addition, experienced teachers and the SMT need training for their roles in inducting and mentoring novice teachers. The study recommends further research on the experiences and changes of the selected novice teachers, and an exploration of what qualifies mentor teachers to play their roles in developing novice teachers and inducting them into their positions
The effect of economic uncertainty on exchange traded fund performance and volatility in South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Global economic uncertainty (EU) is at unprecedented levels due to technological advancements, globalization, political divisions, and growing government intervention. Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) exacerbates this by creating ambiguity about future outcomes, leading to cautious investment, increased volatility, and difficulties in decisionmaking. This uncertainty also weakens investor confidence and complicates risk management, with emotional factors during crises further influencing decisions and expectations, making accurate forecasting even harder for both investors and firms. Given the rapid growth in the popularity of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), this study investigates the effect of EU on ETF returns under both bullish and bearish market conditions in South Africa, while also assessing how EU influences ETF volatility. Specifically, the research examines bond and equity ETFs over the period from 2006 to 2023. The sample consists of 40 ETFs, categorized into four distinct portfolios of bond and equity ETFs tracking domestic benchmarks, and bond and equity ETFs tracking international benchmarks. EU is proxied using the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Bureau of Economic Research (BER) Business Confidence Index (BCI). The Markov Switching Regime (MSM) model is used to capture the effect of EU on ETF returns under varying market conditions, utilizing monthly data. In addition, Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models are used to examine the relationship between EU and ETF return volatility. The MSM results indicate that EU has a statistically significant positive effect on equity ETF returns under bullish market conditions, reflecting investor optimism in perceived recovery phases. However, this effect diminishes in bearish market conditions. The international equity ETFs portfolio did not exhibit a significant relationship with EU, reinforcing the view that global diversification helps mitigate South African-specific risks. For bond ETFs, a “flight to safety” phenomenon is observed, consistent with global patterns during periods of heightened uncertainty. The GARCH analysis reveals limited evidence that EU significantly influences ETF volatility across any of the portfolios. This research highlights the importance of behavioural finance in shaping market reactions during periods of heightened EU. The observed asymmetry in market responses to EU under different market conditions presents an opportunity for investors to exploit these differences for potential diversification benefits. The study encourages further exploration of ETF performance, particularly in emerging markets, to expand the existing body of literature on the topic. Additionally, future research should focus on addressing the current limitations and leveraging more sophisticated data and methodologies. By doing so, studies can uncover deeper insights into the behavioural and systemic drivers of ETF performance, especially in the context of EPU, helping to advance our understanding of these investment vehicles in complex financial landscapes
Enhancing management and leadership systems in technical vocational education and training at selected colleges in KwaZulu-Natal.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in South Africa faces systemic challenges that undermine its ability to produce a highly skilled workforce, implement effective management practices, and position itself as the preferred choice for students pursuing technical and vocational careers. The governance structures of the country’s 50 public TVET colleges are characterised by inefficiencies, inadequate resource allocation, and limited institutional capacity, impeding their ability to fulfil the National Development Plan (NDP) objective of enrolling 2.5 million students by 2030. These deficiencies further weaken the sector’s capacity to mitigate critical socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, inequality, and poverty. This study critically examines the management and leadership structures of three selected TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal, Coastal TVET, Umfolozi TVET, and Mnambithi TVET. To identify strategies for improving institutional efficiency and governance. Anchored in an interpretative research paradigm and employing a phenomenological research strategy, the study adopts a qualitative methodological approach. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations, with a purposive and convenience sample of 41 participants, including senior managers, college council members, and student representatives. Findings reveal systemic deficiencies within TVET colleges, including inadequate infrastructure, constrained resources, weak industry linkages, limited stakeholder engagement, insufficient technological integration, governance challenges, and ineffective student support services. These barriers significantly impede institutional performance and the sector’s contribution to national development objectives. The findings reveal structural deficiencies, including inadequate infrastructure, financial and human resource constraints, weak industry partnerships, limited stakeholder engagement, insufficient technological integration, governance challenges, and ineffective student support services. These impediments significantly compromise institutional performance and the sector’s contribution to national development imperatives. To address these challenges, the study proposes an Integrated Management and Leadership Model designed to enhance governance, foster collaboration, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and promote transformational leadership within the TVET sector. This model advocates for strategic coordination, operational efficiency, and continuous institutional improvement. Its implementation would enable TVET colleges to improve governance, enhance educational outcomes, and increase graduate employability. Strengthening leadership and management structures within the TVET sector is imperative for advancing national workforce development, fostering economic growth, and promoting social equity in South Africa
Exploring the isiZulu translation process of medical content at University of kwaZulu Natal Medical School.
No full textCommunication is essential for healthcare practitioners who intend to understand their patients. KwaZulu-Natal has the largest isiZulu-speaking population in South Africa. In some parts of KwaZulu-Natal, especially in the rural areas, many patients are monolingual. Therefore, it is vital that isiZulu and/or other African indigenous languages be integrated into health sciences curricula across the country. At UKZN (University of KwaZulu-Natal), isiZulu has made significant inroads into the MBChB (i.e. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) curriculum. However, more research and further integration of isiZulu is urgently needed. This study explores the isiZulu translation process of medical content used to develop a web-based learning tool at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine to assist non-isiZulu-speaking students in enhancing isiZulu for clinical communication. Translation is a way of building a language communication relationship between patients who are native speakers of isiZulu language and non-isiZulu-speaking medical students. This study intends to generate new knowledge on the isiZulu translation process of medical content by addressing the problem of translating English medical content into the isiZulu language. Specifically, it relates to medical terminology that is non-existent in isiZulu. The main objectives of this study are to review language policies on the use of isiZulu in a medical context, to explore the isiZulu translation process of medical content to improve clinical communication in a clinical setting and to understand the influence of social aspects during the translation process. The study is based on two theoretical frameworks: Nord’s Functionalist theories (1992) and Vinay and Darbelnet’s translation approach (1995). This is a textual study; thus, it uses textual analysis of information from the ongoing UKZN medical school project of medical translated content. This study reflects on the translator's challenges and process when translating medical content from English into isiZulu. Moreover, it reflects on how the translator employs theories to guide the translation process. The study suggests that the isiZulu translation process of medical content for a communicative context is influenced by the social factors attached to language use and the differences in the grammatical nature of writing the languages involved in translation. The steps undertaken in the study highlight that the value of the isiZulu language to AmaZulu impacts the value of isiZulu and how isiZulu is used for communication purposes. The isiZulu language semantically dictates that certain terms should be avoided because of the derogatory status they carry on their social use, which affects the choice of terms during translation