2694 research outputs found
Sort by
Indentification and molecular characterization of human papillomavirus infection among women living with and without HIV in selected health facilities in Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textPhD (Microbiology)Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyBackground: Co-infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been well established. Both viruses are sexually transmitted with paramount public health implications due to their interaction with cervical cancer (CC). Globally, the estimated prevalence of HPV is 11.7%, with high-risk (hr-) HPV 16 and HPV 18 attributing for most cases of CC. Due to the high genetic diversity of HPV, it is important to study the virus in different geographic locations, people, and in persons living with HIV, to inform the selection of genes for vaccine improvements and potential vaccine trial sites. Consequently, it is important to describe the prevalence, genotype distribution and genomes of HPV in Limpopo Province, where there is limited data. The general objective of this study was to therefore to identify and characterize HPV DNA among women living with and without HIV in selected health facilities in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The specific objectives were: (1) To provide a narrative literature review on the prevalence and distribution of selected cervical HPV genotypes among women living with and without HIV in South Africa; (2) To determine the prevalence of cervical HPV infection among women living with and without HIV in selected health facilities in Limpopo Province, South Africa; (3) To describe HPV genotypes among women living with and without HIV in selected health facilities in Limpopo Province, South Africa; and (4) To generate and characterize HPV full genomes among women living with and without HIV in selected health facilities in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Methods: A systematic review of the available literature was conducted in the quest to understand and determine the prevalence and distribution of cervical HPV among women living with HIV (WLWH) and those without HIV in South Africa, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) workflow. Records were retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science databases.
An analytic cross-sectional study on HPV prevalence and genotype distribution among 450 women who were living with and without HIV from selected health facilities in Limpopo Province was done. In this regard, total DNA was purified from cervical specimens and amplified using a double-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategy, targeting the L1 gene. A sample that shows an amplification product of 450 bp in the first nested PCR or a product of 150 bp in the second nested reaction was taken as positive for the presence of HPV DNA. Statistical analysis, using models in R-statistical package, was done to determine comparative inferences of the presence of HPV DNA and associated risk factors. HPV
genotypes were determined through deep sequencing of the 450 bp PCR products on an Illumina MiniSeq platform. The generated sequences were quality assured and analyzed for viral genotypes.
Rolling circle amplification (RCA) was used for enriching DNA in samples that tested positive for HPV DNA to generate and characterize near-full length HPV genomes. The enriched DNA was purified with AMPure XP beads and quantified with Qubit, followed by DNA library preparation, and then sequenced on an Illumina MiniSeq platform following the manufacturer’s protocols.
Results
Prevalence and distribution of selected cervical HPV genotypes in South Africa
A total of sixty-nine (69) articles met the inclusion criteria for determining the prevalence and distribution of cervical HPV genotypes among South African women who were either living with HIV or not. These articles were on studies done in 5 of the 9 South African Provinces. The studies were conducted between 1989-2021. Sequencing was the least genotyping tool used in these studies, while most studies utilized PCR-based hybridization commercial kits. Compared to other investigated genotypes, HPV 16, HPV 18, and HPV 35 were predominant in the study population regardless of the HIV status.
Prevalence of HPV DNA and genotype distribution in selected health facilities in Limpopo Province, South Africa
The HPV DNA was detected in cervical specimens from 147 of 450 women (32.7%), significantly higher at 52.21% (p = 0.00) among WLWH compared to women living without HIV. Forty-eight samples were of acceptable quality and analyzed for viral diversity. The study detected 41 HPV genotypes, all of which belong to the Alphapapillomavirus genus of the Papillomaviridae family. In general, HPV 45 (16.7%) was the predominant genotype. However, HPV 81 (18.8%) and HPV 56 (25.0%) were the most common genotypes among women living with and without HIV, respectively. Multiple infections and high-risk HPV genotypes were more common among WLWH.
Characterization of whole genomes of cervical human papillomavirus
Six full genomes of HPV genotypes 34 (n=1), 35 (n=1), 42 (n=1), 45 (n=2), and 90 (n=1) are reported herein. The study further identified variant sub-lineages, including the A1 sub-lineages of hr-HPV 35 and hr-HPV 45. The genome sequences are available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) database.
Interpretations and conclusions
Prevalence and distribution of selected cervical HPV genotypes in South Africa
The narrative review of the literature indicated that there are limited studies on cervical HPV prevalence and genotype distribution in South Africa. Therefore, further research is required to identify HPV genotypes, including the use of sensitive approaches such as next generation sequencing. This will enhance our understanding of HPV geo-diversity patterns in various provinces across South Africa, and subsequently inform decisions on screening strategies, and selection of geographically relevant genes for vaccine improvement and development. The high prevalence of hr-HPV 16, HPV 18 and HPV 35 regardless of HIV status in the country is a public health concern, considering their significant contribution to the burden of CC. Consequently, routine HPV screening and prevention measures such as HPV vaccination for all individuals remain critical. Because current vaccines exclude HPV 35 as a target, there is a need to consider this genotype in future vaccine development efforts.
Prevalence of HPV DNA and genotype distribution in selected health facilities in Limpopo Province, South Africa
The study reported a relatively high prevalence of HPV infection among the study participants, which signified the burden of HPV in the province. The prevalence was significantly higher among WLWH, including more HPV genotypes and hr-HPV genotypes as compared to women living without HIV, potentially due to immunosuppression. Considering the high rate of HPV-HIV co-infection observed in this study and other studies in South Africa, prioritizing women living with HIV for cervical HPV screening and HPV vaccination is recommended. Strengthening integrated HPV and HIV screening programs and ensuring regular monitoring of cervical health among WLWH remains a public health imperative. Moreover, the study also showed that women living with and without HIV may have different profiling in terms of HPV infections which is important in intervention strategies, example development of targeted HPV screening strategies. The current study also fills a significant gap of limited data by providing baseline information on the prevalence and genotype distribution of cervical HPV infection among women living with and without HIV in the study area. The study findings further encourage national-level surveillance with the inclusion of expanded regional representation.
Characterization of whole genomes of cervical HPV
Near full-length genomes of six HPV genotypes were successfully characterized in the study population. These sequences could serve as a valuable resource for further research and vaccine development studies. The identified variant sub-lineages may underscore the need to strengthen HPV vaccine coverage, routine cervical screening, and genomic monitoring in
underrepresented areas such as Limpopo Province. Moreover, this data supports the development of risk stratification models aimed at identifying women at high-risk for persistent infection and progression to CC, thereby enabling early, tailored interventions to reduce the HPV related disease burden
Ethinylestradiol (EE2) and Human Reproductive Health: Investigating the Potential Effects of Contraceptives on Human Reproductive Health and Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the Era of HIV and AIDS
No full textPhD (Microbiology)Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyBackground: Reproduction and sexual health are fundamental aspects of human life and are influenced by various hormones, including sex steroids. Sex steroids, estrogen in particular have been implicated in numerous human health issues. The association between estrogens and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) is not clear as studies are contradictory; other studies suggest that estrogens confer protection against STIs and others report that they facilitate the progression of STIs. Because of the extensive use of Ethinylestradiol (EE2) in birth control, it has now become a major global pollutant due to its presence in wastewater, either through household waste, agricultural waste or through industrial wastes. In the aquatic environments where wastewater is discharged, there is a wide variety of organisms that reside there, and in the end they become victims of the impact the hormones has have on them. It’s been reported that exposure of aquatic
organisms to estrogens has been linked to endocrine disruption, including feminization, and these changes are correlated with EE2 concentrations. While extensive research has been on the ecological consequences of EE2, there remains a gap in understanding the impact of estrogens in human health, particularly synthetic estrogens. Given the widespread environmental distribution of these hormones, further research is necessary to elucidate their potential effects on human reproductive health, particularly in relation to sexually transmitted infection (STIs).
Aims and Objectives: The main aim of the study was to further our understanding of the potential impacts of birth control and the tools used particularly ethinylestradiol on sexual health and sexually transmitted infections.
A number of objectives were identified and included:
1. To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of contraceptives amongst women
of reproductive age.
2. To determine the prevalence of contraceptive use amongst women of reproductive age.
3. To describe contraception association with sexually transmitted diseases.
4. To identify microorganisms causing sexually transmitted infections among study participants (Neisseria gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis).
5. To determine ethinylestradiol concentration in the study population.
6. To assess the potential association between contraceptive use and UTI.
7. Provide insight into urine metabolomics across study participants using different birth control methods.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Northern Limpopo, in the Vhembe district. A paper-based questionnaire was used to collect data such as demographic data, knowledge, attitude and practice of women of reproductive age towards contraceptives. Urine samples were collected from the study participants using sterile sample collection containers. In the laboratory, urine samples were cultured for UTI determination. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify Ethinylestradiol (EE2) concentration from the samples.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used for detection of three different microorganisms causing non-viral sexually transmitted infections including Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea and Trichomonas vaginalis. For metabolite extraction, solid phase extraction (SPE) was used to extract metabolites from urine samples using C18-E silica- based cartridges. Collected
data was entered and cleaned on excel spread sheet. SPSS software V27 and Stata V12 were used to analyze the data (descriptive statistics was used to estimate frequencies and chi-square test was
used for examine associations). Metabolomics data was analyzed using MetaboAnalyst 6.0 online
software.
Results: Of the 364 women who participated in the study, 96.11% were aware of what contraceptives are. Participants acquired knowledge through more than one platform, with 41.67% through media, 41.38% via health care workers and 31.61% through social media networks. Participants had knowledge of at least one method of contraception. In practice, 75.1% were using at least one form of contraceptive and the most common methods were injectables (46.1%), male condoms (23.8%), and pills (17.4%). Most participants (96.9%) had a positive attitude towards contraceptives and 94.4% said they think contraceptives are beneficial, while 79.8% agreed that the main benefit is to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
Chlamydia trachomatis was the most common STI with a prevalence of (17.39%), followed by
Neisseria gonorrhea with a prevalence of (5.43%) and Trichomonas vaginalis with a prevalence of (2.72%). Based on the age group, N. gonorrhea had the highest rate of (75.0%), followed by C. trachomatis with (59.68%) and then T. vaginalis with a prevalence rate of (30.0%) in participants who were aged between 20-30 years. Educational status appeared to have an influence on the prevalence of N. gonorrhea showing the highest infection rate of (55.0%) in individual’s who
studied up to tertiary level as well as C. trachomatis (53.33%) and T. vaginalis (50.0%) in those
with high school education. Coinfections with C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhea were observed in (30.0%) of the participants.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) were detected in 34.2% of the study population. Education did not seem to reduce the impact of UTIs among the study participants. UTIs were statistically significant among patients who had been using contraceptives for a long time and also among patients who were using Intrauterine devices as contraceptive method particularly (p value less than 0.05. UTIS were also common among participants who had experienced miscarriage although the difference was not statistically significant. The presence of blood, nitrate and ketones in the urine samples were significant markers of UTI among the study participants.
The concentration of ethinylestradiol varied across the samples from low concentration of 11pg/ml to the highest concentration of 804 pg/ml. The concentration of EE2 varied with age, marital status and education level. Individuals with higher educational level also seemed to have higher concentration of EE2 in their urine samples. There was a statistically significant association between ethinylestradiol occurrence and urinary tract infection (UTI) with p value of 0.006. However, there was no significant association with the three STDs tested, although more samples positive for the infection tended to be positive for EE2. Individuals who had experienced miscarriage tended to have higher concentrations of EE2 although the difference was not statistically significant.
Metabolomics studyies identified a number of compounds in the urine samples. The metabolites
identified were mostly associated with lipid metabolism changes, hormonal and estrogenic activity, inflammation and immune responses. Metabolites with neurological impact were also detected. Some of these metabolites included but are not limited to Equol, Pergolide, Leukotriene
and Scopamine.
Conclusion:
We observed a high rate of awareness towards family planning methods. However, there is still a
need for improvement in terms of translating the information into practice. Although, women of reproductive age were the primary focus, regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should be expanded to other significant groups such as sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM). Ethinylestradiol (EE2) can be detected in individuals beyond those actively
using EE2-containing contraceptives; however, prolonged use of such contraceptives may
contribute to elevated levels of EE2 in urine samples over time.Ethinylestradiol (EE2) is not only
found in individuals who are using ethinylestradiol-containing contraception, however, long term
usage of contraceptive might increase the chances of increased EE2 in the urine samples. However,
there is need for further studies to understand the origins of the synthetic compound as there are external factors contributing to levels of the synthetic compound in the body. Furthermore, variation of urine metabolomics is dependent on individual physiology and could be used as biomarkers for lifestyle factors, drug response and to monitor diseases.National Research Foundation (NRF
Detection of antibiotic resistant Escherichia Coli in children living in a rural community of Lwamondo Village in Limpopo Provice and their environment
No full textM. Sc. (Microbiology)Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyBackground: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is found almost in every environment and in the human body. Human-animal-environment interactions may be driving the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria, particularly in areas with little restrictions on antibiotic use, widespread food animal production, and free-roaming domestic animals. Children who are exposed to domestic animals and their waste in the home environment are more likely to have intestinal colonisation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The main aim of this study was to detect the antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli isolates from children less than 5 years old and from their environment.
Methods: In this study, a total of 94 samples were collected from children (47 stool samples) and the environment (47 soil samples, in each household where the stool was obtained). Isolation of E. coli was done using standard culture methods on Eosin methylene blue and MacConkey agars. The Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine the antibiotic resistance of E. coli isolates. The DNA of all E. coli isolates was extracted using the boiling method following standard protocols and confirmation of the presence of E. coli and determination of resistant genes was done using PCR. The E. coli isolates were then further tested for phylogenetic grouping using PCR employing three specific genes, namely TspE4c2, yjaA.1 and chuA.
Results: The results showed that 216 isolates (117 from stools and 99 from soil samples) were presumptively identified as E. coli. A total of 211 isolates were confirmed as E. coli using PCR. Antibiotic resistance testing showed high resistance to chloramphenicol in soil (50%) and stool samples (41%). A total of 33% (70/94) isolates were positive for blaTEM gene in both soil and stool samples. Phylogroup A was predominant [87%; 65/75] followed by phylogroup D [13%; 10/75], and phylogroup B [1%; 1/75].
Conclusion: The soil environment plays an important role in the transmission of antibiotic resistant E. coli in young children. It is critical to emphasize the need of adhering to proper hygiene standards and the appropriate use of antibiotics
The effects of teaching Mathematics using Home Language in Foundation Phase
No full textM. Ed. (Early Childhood Education)Department of Early Childhood EducationLanguage plays a crucial role in cognitive development, particularly in mathematics learning during early childhood education. However, the linguistic diversity in South African classrooms presents challenges, as home languages often differ from the language of instruction. This study investigates the effects of using home language in teaching Mathematics in Foundation Phase classrooms across selected schools in the Sibasa Circuit in the Vhembe East District of Limpopo Province. Guided by Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, which emphasizes the importance of social interaction and language in learning, the study adopted a qualitative research paradigm to explore participants' experiences and perceptions in depth. A case study research design was employed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon within its real-life context. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. The study's population comprised Foundation Phase Mathematics teachers, heads of departments (HODs), curriculum advisors, and parents in the Sibasa Circuit. Using a purposive sampling procedure, 32 participants were selected, including 10 Foundation Phase Mathematics teachers (Grades R-3), 15 parents, 5 Foundation Phase Departmental Heads, and 2 Curriculum Advisors. Manual thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, identifying key themes and patterns related to home language use in mathematics instruction. The study was delimited to selected schools within the Sibasa Circuit for in-depth exploration. Trustworthiness is ensured through credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, were strictly observed. The findings indicate that learners demonstrate improved comprehension and engagement when mathematics is taught in their home language. Nevertheless, teachers face challenges in translating complex mathematical concepts, which sometimes leads to inconsistencies in terminology. Based on these findings, the study recommended the integration of bilingual teaching strategies to support concept development and the implementation of professional development programs to enhance teachers' skills in teaching mathematics using the home language. This study highlights the importance of home language in enhancing mathematical understanding in the Foundation Phase while also addressing the need for structured support to overcome linguistic barriers in instruction
An Exploration of the Effects of Solar Water Heaters on Selected Households In Thulamela Local Municipality: Challenges and Benefits
No full textM.Com. (Economics)Department of EconomicsSouth Africa has abundant coal supplies, so electricity costs are significantly lower
than in other countries, albeit the advantage of lower energy costs is slowly being
eroded. The low electricity costs have l ed to the widespread use of appliances that
almost exclusively utilizes electricity, including heating water through conventional
electric geysers. Electric geysers account for anything between 25% and 40% of
average household s monthly electricity bill this cost can be prevented through the
use of Solar Water Heaters (SWH), given South Africa s high solar radiation levels.
SWH has high initial costs compared with conventional electric
geysers; however, they
have short buyback periods which is further reduced whenever electricity tariffs
escalate. Moreover, they have a relatively long lifespan of around twenty to twenty
five years, which implies that if households can switch from conventional geysers to
SWH s , they can essentially enjoy hot water for free for the remaining lifespan of the
SWH s , thus ensuring significant financial savings and potential additional funds for
household expenditures. Switching to SHW , potentially confers socio
economic, environmental, and health benefits , to households
Women`s experiences regarding poor maternity care in the selected hospitals of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province.
No full textMPHDepartment of Public HealthA pregnant woman`s life and that of her child largely depend on the care they receive during the
critical stage of pregnancy, labour, and postpartum period. Some women question their decision
regarding future pregnancies as well as where and with whom they will receive their pregnancy
care because of negative experiences that they have had. The aim of this study was to explore
the experiences of women regarding poor maternity care services in selected hospitals in Vhembe
District, Limpopo province. A qualitative research approach using phenomenology research
design was adopted in this study. Pre-testing was conducted. The study population included
pregnant women who were admitted in the maternity ward from the selected hospitals. 18
Participants and one hospital (Tshilidzini Hospital) were purposively sampled. Face-to-face
interviews were conducted with all sampled participants. Data analysis was interpretative and
phenomenological. Measures to ensure trustworthiness which include credibility, conformability,
and dependability were applied. Ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. The
study findings are expected to find ways to improve on the quality of maternity care given in public
hospitals. Research findings will be presented in research symposia, conferences and published
in accredited journals
Development of Aftercare Guidelines to Support and Prevent Relapse of Rehabiltated Substance Abusers in Madibeng Sub-District, North West Province, South Africa
No full textDNPDepartment of Advanced Nursing ScienceBackground
Substance abuse is a challenge that prevails across all ages globally today. Different drugs like cannabis, amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, morphine, and alcohol are abused. Research studies have indicated an increase in relapse of rehabilitated substance abusers. Some studies revealed that 20% of admissions at rehabilitation centres are readmissions. This study aimed to develop guidelines to prevent rehabilitated substance abusers from relapsing in North West Province, South Africa.
Methodology
An interpretive paradigm informed the study; thus, a qualitative approach using explorative, descriptive, and contextual designs was adopted. This study was conducted at the Beethoven Rehabilitation Centre (BRC), North West Province, South Africa. The study population was relapsed rehabilitated substance abusers readmitted at BRC and professional nurses (PNs) caring for them. In this study, purposive sampling was used to select participants who met the selection criteria. Data were generated using unstructured, in-depth individual interviews with participants and analysed using Tesch’s eight steps of analysis. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were employed. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study. The six elements of practice theory; as well as the SWOT and BOEM action plan, informed the development of the guidelines. The developed guidelines were validated following Chinn and Kramer's five critical questions.
Results
Two themes and 10 sub-themes emerged from the analysed data, namely factors contributing to relapse, such as a lack of family support, physical abuse, financial abuse, peer pressure, defaulting, and hopelessness. Secondly, factors minimising relapse include motivation, positive support, medication, and aftercare. Finally, the
aftercare guidelines to prevent rehabilitated substance abusers from relapsing in North West Province, South Africa, were developed and validated.
Recommendations
It is recommended that further research be conducted to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the developed guidelines to mitigate relapse of rehabilitated substance abusers in North West Province
Understanding the thermal biology of macadamia nut borer, Thaumato(bia batrachopa (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): a pest of macadamia in South Africa
No full textPhD (Life Science: Zoology)Department of Biological SciencesResponses and adaptaSon of Thaumato<bia batrachopa to environmental changes and the
impact of how it responds and perhaps adapts to these changes and fluctuaSons are
complex subjects. Thaumato<bia batrachopa’s life stages, body temperatures, and various
life cycle occurrences schedules are primarily influenced by temperature and other
ecological factors. There is currently no evidence on the role of temperature on the
development duraSon of T. batrachopa life stages, nor the outcomes regarding
developmental rates and thermal responses. Understanding the mechanisms through which
the temperature affects T. batrachopa’s life stages should contribute to developing a model
of the potenSal responses of this pest to climate change. Thermal biology studies should
reveal the thermal breadth of T. batrachopa, which can be applied to current and future
climate scenarios to plan and execute integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
Therefore, we aimed to explore the thermal biology of T. batrachopa, to build up some
knowledge on the impact of temperature on populaSon phenology and predict the
temperature-dependent populaSon abundance at short and intermediate Sme scales in this
study. This was achieved through the following objecSves; i) To study the effects of
temperature on the development rate of T. batrachopa life stages by monitoring
temperature-dependent development duraSon from egg to adult stage, sex raSo, longevity,
and fecundity of adults under a range of constant temperatures, ii) To determine thermal
tolerance responses of T. batrachopa life stages, establishing criScal thermal limits (CTLs) in
response to acclimaSon, lethal limits, and heat and cold hardening, and iii) To evaluate
degree day models for T. batrachopa, predicSng generaSons it can complete in the orchards,
and invesSgate linkages between variability of microclimaSc data and populaSon dynamics
of T. batrachopa in macadamia orchards at different climate zones.
Effects of temperature on the development duraSon of T. batrachopa life stages were
explored by rearing from eggs to adults at four constant temperatures. Fecundity and
longevity were assessed through mated pairs of opposite sex and recording their mortality.
The temperature-dependent models were derived by quanSfying the development rate at
each temperature, followed by fi[ng the nonlinear models to select the model that best
esSmates the thermal requirements for development. The thermal tolerance study focused
on acclimaSng T. batrachopa life stages at three temperatures and evaluaSng effects
through CTL assays on acclimated individuals. Rapid hardening was explored by exposing T.
batrachopa life stages to cold and warm temperatures, before assessing their responses to
sublethal temperatures. The impact of climate zones on generaSon number, thermal stress
(heat and cold), thermal safety margin (TSM), and relaSve fitness across four macadamia
orchards was examined using phenological model setup and simulaSon of thermal
requirements and physiological traits from Chapter 2 and Chapter 3, respecSvely.
The development duraSon of eggs, larvae, and pupae of T. batrachopa egg was significantly
shorter in high temperatures. Mated adults lived longer at 16°C, with females deposiSng
more eggs than at 25 and 31°C temperatures. The temperature-dependent development
model that best fi'ed the development rate of T. batrachopa life stages was HarcourtYee_82
but could not esSmate Tmin. Therefore, Briere1_99 esSmated the lower development
temperature (Tmin) for all life stages, and the upper development temperature (Tmax), and
opSmum temperature (Topt) were esSmated by HarcourtYee_82. The Degree Day required
for T. batrachopa from eggs to adults was 564.72DD.
The life stages of T. batrachopa showed significant variaSon in their thermal tolerance. The
acclimaSon ability of T. batrachopa varied with acclimaSon temperatures and life stages, and
the results were more pronounced for larval stages. The larval stages had higher criScal
thermal minimum (CTmin) and criScal thermal maximum (CTmax) than adults across all
acclimaSon temperatures. Instar 4 larvae were the most heat and cold-tolerant aier
acclimaSon across all temperatures. Pre-exposure and exposure for two hours didn’t
significantly improve each life stage's survival. However, the adults had a higher %survival
than larval stages aier rapid heat hardening (RHH) and rapid cold hardening (RCH).
The predicted generaSons were high at low elevaSons (6.8 generaSons). The T. batrachopa
populaSon was thermally heat-stressed with the highest TSM and poor relaSve fitness in
high-elevaSon climate zones.
Our findings show that T. batrachopa develops rapidly at warm temperatures (25 and 31°C),
leading to more generaSons in the summer months. This might result in higher infestaSons
and increased damage to macadamia nuts. The T. batrachopa’s ability to acclimate at low
and high-temperature variaSons implies it can adapt, survive, and persist under climate
change. PredicSons show that Orchards in low-elevaSon climate zones will experience
higher infestaSons and greater damage to macadamia nuts due to the increased number of
T. batrachopa generaSons.NRF - DSI and South African Chairs Initiative (SARCHI
Management of Learners’ Dropout in High Schools in Lulekani Circuit of Mopani East District
No full textMED in Educational ManagementDepartment of Educational StudiesThe main aim of the study was to investigate how principals, school governing bodies, and teachers identify and manage high school learners’ dropout rates in Lulekani Circuit of Mopani East District. Learners’ dropouts carry extensive implications for both an individual's personal life and the wider society, affecting economic prospects, social mobility, and overall welfare. It is essential to manage the causes of learners’ dropout and implement supportive measures for learners at risk to alleviate the disadvantages linked with learners’ dropping out. Various factors influencing learners' decisions to terminate their education were explored, with an emphasis on identifying key challenges and circumstances leading to high dropout rates in the target population. The study was framed by the interpretive paradigm underpinned by the Six Sigma Theory of Monojit Pal. This study employed a qualitative case study design. It utilised interviews and personal observation as methods of data collection. The target population comprised school principals, School Governing Body (SGB) members, and teachers. Four high schools from the Lulekani Circuit were conveniently selected to comprise a sample from which data was collected. Data were analysed thematically. This involved transcribing interviews, reviewing, identifying, and coding recurring themes within the data for each participant. The findings of this study, among others, are that learners’ dropout is a stakeholder problem. The dropout problem stems from the social ills due to peer pressure, socioeconomic factors of the family, and the inability of learners to pass grades. This study, among others, recommends that the role of the school’s stakeholders is crucial to address the problem since it manifests because of the family setting, school environment, and lack of role models in the community
Exploring the fine line between ecology, conservation and utilisation of a commonly exploited resource: A case study of mopane worms (Gonimbrasia belina) in southern Africa
No full textPhD (Life Sciences: Zoology)Department of Biological SciencesMopane worms, the larvae of the mopane moth (Gonimbrasia belina), have a wide distribution in south and central Africa. They are valued highly as a food source and thus create local income in rural areas. They also contribute to ecosystem services by being part of the food chain and facilitating nutrient cycling on a landscape level. However, mopane worms are threatened by high harvest rates, habitat loss and the changing climate. Significantly, the existing research focuses on the utilisation of mopane worms, such as nutrient content, for human consumption. Very little research is done on mopane worms' ecology and their ecological contribution and importance.
This study aims to determine the extent of mopane worms’ distribution across southern Africa, specifically in relation to protected and non-protected areas, to evaluate to what extent harvesting is restricted or can potentially be addressed, as well as determine the potential ecosystem services of mopane worms by measuring the consumption rate and frass production on a landscape scale and comparing nitrogen release through mineralization from frass and mopane leaves.
This was achieved through four main objectives: 1) review current research to evaluate the type of research topics, consolidate current knowledge, and identify gaps and future research directions; 2) quantify the suitable habitat of mopane worms in several southern African countries; estimate the effectiveness of protected areas to capture suitable habitat, and, explore variables affecting the suitable habitat of mopane worms; 3) assess the impact of mopane worms on the mopane veld ecosystem in Mapungubwe National Park through herbivory and 4) compare the N mineralisation rate as indicated by N-NH4 and N-NO3 release from frass from mopane worms and leaves from mopane trees, to establish whether the presence of mopane worms’ frass leads to faster nutrient release for plant uptake.
The review found that most studies focus on mopane worm utilisation, such as their importance as a food and income source, while very few research efforts focus on biology or ecology. Although research on mopane worms has drastically increased over the years, these research efforts are not equally distributed among African countries, with most studies being done in South Africa, while other countries have very few or even no studies. Presence-only modelling identified the suitable mopane worm habitat and correlated this with protected and unprotected areas. Most of the harvesting occurs in non-
protected areas, where there are relaxed regulations on harvesting. The extent to which mopane worms contribute to defoliations and frass production, was determined by measuring and calculating the consumption rate and frass production for the landscape. Data show that a wide variation exists, which can be due to factors such as weather patterns, type of vegetation, predation, etc. This was followed up with a laboratory incubation trial to determine the difference between nutrient release from mopane worm frass (when a healthy population of mopane worms are present) with the mineralization and nutrient release from mopane leaves (when no mopane worms are present). More nutrients are released from frass compared with leaves, indicating that mopane worms facilitate nutrient cycling in the landscape.
This study highlighted the significance of mopane worms in the natural environment and then provided a suitable habitat for the worms that need management to ensure their sustainability