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Inhibitory effects of Green synthesized Senna alexandrina silver nanoparticles (SAAgNPs) on Escherichia coli DnaK
No full textMSC in BiochemistryDepartment of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyPlant extracts have garnered considerable interest in the environmentally friendly and economically viable production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through their application in green synthesis. However, Plant-derived nanoparticles may potentially have unique physicochemical characteristics. This study is significant in that it contributes to the understanding of the effects of AgNPs on the functional and structural integrity of the heat shock protein DnaK. The research presents an improved synthesis process for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the Senna alexandrina leaf extract. In addition to evaluating the synthesized AgNP's physicochemical characteristics, the research also examines their effect on the functional activity of E. coli DnaK. During synthesis, the color change from light yellow to dark brown was observed within 30 minutes after the addition of 3 ml of S. alexandrina leaf extract to 1 mM of silver nitrate. A surface plasmon resonance peak at 420 nm revealed by ultra-violet spectroscopy was used as additional confirmation that AgNP had formed. The synthesized SA-AgNPs were characterized using UV- VIS spectrophotometry, FTIR, and SEM analysis. Furthermore, heat shock proteins (Hsp) are cellular and stress-induced proteins. With respect to this, it is anticipated that the Hsp can also interact with AgNPs transported into cells and/or the circulation system. The present study was intended to investigate the effects of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using locally- sourced leaf extracts of S. alexandrina on E. coli DnaK. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized using the green synthesizing method by the reduction of silver nitrate into nano-sized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) inactivated concurrently, which was capped with the phytochemicals of S. alexandrina . FTIR, UHPLC-qTOF-MS, investigated the functional groups present in plant extract to identify the compounds responsible for reducing silver ions. Altogether, findings from this study suggest that DnaK is highly involved in E. coli cytoprotection against AgNPs. In conclusion, both the effect of AgNPs on DnaK stability to heat stress and function in suppressing MDH aggregation were investigated. More importantly, it was also observed that AgNPs can suppress heat-induced aggregation of MDH and consequently stimulate ATPase activity of DnaK. In silico docking studies revealed promising binding affinities of specific metabolites in relation to key proteins (DnaK and its co-chaperones) involved in bacterial survival
Design and synthesis of potential chrome-based anti-tuberculosis agents
No full textMSc in ChemistryDepartment of ChemistryThis dissertation describes the design and synthesis of 4-(4-oxochromen-3-yl)-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-one derivatives and the assessment of their biological activity against a strain of the causative agent of TB.
In this investigation, two classes of chromone-based compounds were synthesised. Different reactions were exploited to synthesise target compounds. In the first route, a Vilsmeier-Haack reaction was applied to convert the 3,5-disubstituted/unsubstituted 2-hydroxyacetophenones to corresponding 6,8-disubstituted/unsubstituted chromone-3-carbaldehydes. The 6,8-disubstituted/unsubstituted chromone-3-carbaldehydes were oxidized to afford 6,8-disubstituted/unsubstituted chromone-3-carboxylic acids with poor percentage yield 15-28%. Additionally, a second series of compounds were obtained by employing the Biginelli reaction to afford ethyl 6-hydroxy-4-(6-substituted/unsubstituted chromon-3-yl)-2-oxo-6-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate derivatives with moderate to good percentage yield of 53 – 74%. Ethyl 6-hydroxy-4-(6-substituted/unsubstituted chromon-3-yl)-2-oxo-6-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylates were successfully dehydrated to ethyl 4-(6-substituted/unsubstituted chromon-3-yl)-2-oxo-6-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate derivatives using a Dean-Stark method at 140 °C, purified by recrystallization.
All target compounds were purified by recrystallization and flash chromatography, and then characterized using NMR and FTIR, LC-MS and HRMS. After fully characterizing target compounds, they were screened for activity against the Mtb H37Rv clinical strain. Three media were used for screening and MABA was used for quantitative analysis. Unfortunately, all compounds tested were inactive with an MIC value ˃62.5 μM. Ethyl 2-oxo-4-(4-oxo-6-phenyl-4H-chromen-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate with reported MIC of 3.39 μM also did not show any activity. The discrepancies in the results could be due to differences in media used, incubation conditions, bacteria or contamination. Derivatives with 4-substututed phenyl substituents, were insoluble with solubility <5 μM. The OH group was critical for solubility as removing it resulted in poor solubility. Ethyl 4-(6-substituted/unsubstituted chromon-3-yl)-2-oxo-6-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate derivatives did not show any cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line, with all compounds showing ˃50 μM toxicity.NRF and South African Medical Research Counci
Exploring the role of ethical governance in enhancing organisationa performance: the case of Collins Chabane Local Municpalty
No full textM. Admin.Department of Public and Development AdministrationThis study used the Collins Chabane Local Municipality as a case study to investigate how ethical governance might improve organizational performance. As they work to create a service-oriented local government that upholds public trust, municipal administrators face more difficult moral conundrums. Almost every level of the public sector's service delivery has seen a decrease in ethical governance since the new democratic era in South Africa. According to the literature study, ethical problems that plague public organizations—such as a decline in work ethics, a lack of discipline, corruption, and inadequate control systems also affect municipalities, leading to subpar performance and low productivity. Additionally, the study looked at the ethical consciousness of municipal officials and how it affected their behavior. The study has used both a qualitative research approach and quantitative research approach. The Collins Chabane Local Municipality's local authorities were the target population. In this investigation, a purposive non-probability sampling strategy was used. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were used to gather data. The researcher used statistical and thematic data analysis. The study's findings have shed light on tactics that should be used to encourage moral behavior in the municipality
Comprehensive evaluation of cow dung digestate composition for potential soil fertilization: Advanced analytical techniques
No full textMSC in BiochemistryDepartment of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyCow dung digestate, a nutrient-rich byproduct of anaerobic digestion, offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical composition, nutrient bioavailability, and agronomic potential of CDD (Cow Dung Digestate) in South African agriculture, focusing on its impact on soil fertility, microbial activity, and environmental sustainability. A multi-faceted analytical approach was employed, incorporating pH measurement, gravimetric moisture determination, and UV-VIS spectroscopy for organic matter analysis. Advanced techniques, including FT-IR, ICP-OES, GC-MS, and UHPLC-QTOF-MS, characterized functional groups, elemental composition, volatile organic compounds, and metabolomic profiles. Multivariate data analysis provided a comprehensive assessment of nutrient interactions and biochemical complexity. Results indicate that CDD maintains a moisture content of 45.95%–48.72% and an alkaline pH range of 7.73–8.62, conditions that promote microbial proliferation and nutrient solubilization. Spectroscopic analyses confirm the retention of nitrogenous compounds, humic substances, and bioactive metabolites, contributing to both immediate and long-term soil fertility. Metabolomic profiling highlights the presence of oxaluric acid, proline, and nopaline compounds associated with stress tolerance, nitrogen metabolism, and plant-microbe interactions emphasizing the bio-stimulatory potential of digestate. Structural and elemental analyses reveal strong organic-mineral interactions that enhance soil moisture retention and nutrient stability. Compared to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, digestates particularly UD, exhibit higher levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Elevated sodium and chromium concentrations in certain digestates necessitate careful application strategies to mitigate salinity and toxicity risks. Additionally, lipid-derived compounds enhance microbial activity, while volatile organic compounds suggest the need for optimized composting strategies to minimize gaseous emissions. This study establishes CDD as a scientifically validated biofertilizer that reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers while enhancing soil health, microbial diversity, and crop productivity. However, precise application protocols must be developed to balance nutrient delivery with potential ecological risks.TI
Experiences of people diagnosed with Malaria at a selected village of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textMaster of NursingDepartment of Advanced Nursing ScienceBackground: There have been extreme cases of Malaria worldwide, nationally as well as regionally, in the Vhembe District. Malaria is a serious health issue despite current efforts and several advancements to control vectors and bite prevention to minimise its burden. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the experiences of people diagnosed with Malaria at Mhinga Village in the Vhembe District. Methodology: A qualitative approach method was used with exploratory, descriptive and contextual designs to get an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. The setting was at the participants’ homes at Mhinga Village, Collins Chabane Municipality, Vhembe District in Limpopo province. A pre-test was conducted with two individuals who were not part of the main study. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select about 26 participants. However, the final number of participants was determined by data saturation. The data collection tool used was semi-structured individual interviews. Trustworthiness and authenticity were ensured by following the criteria of credibility, dependability, conformability and transferability. Data was analysed through descriptive and interpretive codes to categorise data. The research was conducted ethically following principles of respect, beneficence, justice, confidentiality, and informed consent. Results: The findings described and expressed the experiences of people diagnosed with malaria at Mhinga village, Vhembe District. The findings have resulted in five themes: experiences with signs and symptoms, circumstances prompting immediate consultation, experiences with reaching the healthcare facility, experiences with treatment given in the clinic and hospital, post discharge experience from Mhinga clinic and the hospital Conclusion: The study concluded that the participants still experienced symptoms of malaria before and after obtaining treatment from the clinic and hospital. Contribution: The study adds knowledge about malaria prevention to the participants, reducing its spread and relieving the Department of Health from enormous admissions. Recommendations: The recommendations determined by the study findings are related to implementing measures for eliminating the spread of Malaria
Lucwaningo ngekuvetwa kwebalingisi emagcogcweni lamabili lakhetsiwe: umhlaba uyahlaba naletsi emahemuhemu
No full textMA in SiswatiDepartment of African LanguagesLolucwaningo lutsintsa kusetjentiswa kwebalingisi etindzabeni letimfishane letingemashumi lamabili letikhetfwe emagcogcweni lamabili: Umhlaba Uyahlaba nalelitsi, Emahemuhemu. Tinhlobo tebalingisi letibalwako nguleti letilandzelako: umlingisisicaba, umlingisindilinga, umlingisi lomcoka, ummeleli, imbangi nemelekeleli. Emasu ekuvetwa kwebalingisi kubukwe lawa lalandzelako: kucanjwa kwemagama, balingisi batikhulumela bona, sifanisongco netimphawu. Balingisi babukwe kusukela ekucaleni kwendzaba lemfishane kuye kufinyelelwe esiphetfweni. Ligalelo labo libukwe etigamekweni letilandzelanako, ludvweshu, luvutfondzaba, nelupholavutfondzaba. Lucwaningo luholwa luhlelolwati lwetembhalo nendlela yemisebenti.
This is an analytic study of character portrayal in twenty selected Siswati short stories, selected from two books entitled: Umhlaba Uyahlaba (The world has thorns) and Emahemuhemu (Rumors). The types of characters such as flat, round, main, protagonist, antagonist, and tritagonist are categorised and analysed. The techniques of character delineation through naming, character on characters, metaphoric and symbolic representations. The characters are looked at from the beginning of each selected short story to denuoment. Their role is highlighted throughout a series of events, conflicts, climax, and anti-climax. The study is guided by textual, experimental theory and functional analysis
The efficacy of Batho Pele principles in delivering basic services: The case of Thulamela Local Municipality
No full textM. Admin.Department of Public and Development AdministrationThis study sought to identify the efficacy of Batho Pele principles in delivering basic
services the case study being Thulamela Local Municipality. The Batho Pele principles
provide a framework on how government services should be provided to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of the municipal service. Adherence to these principles
will guarantee the provision of excellent services that meet the people’s needs and
expectations, and enhance customer satisfaction, while upholding the government’s
promise that access to decent public services is no longer a privilege to be enjoyed by
a few, but the rightful expectation of all citizens. The delivery of services like housing
and road infrastructure, water, social welfare, and health centers to communities by
the government is referred to as service provision. Despite the existence of these
principles, the local sphere of government has received an exponential increase in the
number of service delivery protests. This study holds the view that any form of service
delivery protest questions the extent to which the municipal sphere of government
implements the Batho Pele principles. This study used a pragmatic research paradigm
and employed a mixed method. In this regard, the study deployed both qualitative and
quantitative research methodologies with the goal of preserving their original
structures and procedures, as well as contextual and descriptive research designs.
The study used a non-probability sampling wherein purposive sampling method was
used to select participants under the qualitative method. The study also used the
probability sampling method wherein random sampling method was used to select
participants under the quantitative methods. Data was gathered using research
questionnaires and interviews. For data analysis methodologies, the study uses
thematic analysis and statistical analysis.
The study discovered the following: that services rendered to the communities are not
fair, effective, efficient and in an equitable manner; Batho Pele principles ensures
effective service delivery; non- adherence to the Batho Pele principles hinders basic
services delivery: insufficient budget, allocation of funds, negligence, malpractices,
scarce resources, lack of control measures and incompetency challenges the
implementation of Batho Pele principles; Batho Pele principles promotes effective and
efficient service delivery and that Batho Pele principles; municipal service delivery
advocates for the well-being of people; and that basic service can be enhanced
through the local government turnaround strategy.
The study recommends that the municipality's IDP be informed of the community's
needs. The study recommends that municipal officials adhere to the Batho Pele
principles to promote equitable access to basic services. The study recommends
training for municipal officials regarding BPP and adherence to the Batho Pele
principles to enhance equitable basic service delivery. The research suggested an
appointment of effective municipal ombudsman to monitor the use of resources and
budget to promote Batho Pele principles fostered service provision. The study
recommends that Batho Pele principles and municipal service delivery ought to
advocate for the well-being of people. Recommendation by the study is that community
participation in municipal affairs must be encouraged and strengthened to promote
basic service delivery that caters their needs and well-being. The study recommended
that local government turnaround strategy be utilized in the implementation of Batho
Pele principles
Access to Healthcare Services for People with Albinism in South Africa: A Human Rights Perspective
No full textM.A. (Human Rights Law)Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and People's RightsThe Albinism Society of South Africa found that the national healthcare system is
failing to meet the needs of people with albinism. People with albinism face significant
health challenges, including skin damage from ultraviolet (hereafter referred to as UV)
rays and vision problems, primarily due to a lack of melanin. Research shows that
many people with albinism die young, often from skin cancer in their 30s or 40s.
Regular annual skin tests and eye check-ups are essential for early detection and
treatment of these health issues.
In South Africa, the right to access healthcare services for people with albinism is
protected by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (hereafter referred
to as the Constitution). The Constitution is read with various international laws and
agreements, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (hereafter referred
to as the UDHR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
(hereafter referred to as the ICESCR), the International Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (hereafter referred to as the ICERD), the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(hereafter referred to as the CEDAW), the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
the Child (hereafter referred to as the UNCRC), the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (hereafter referred to as the CRPD), the African Charter on
Human and Peoples’ Rights (hereafter referred to as the ACHPR), the African Charter
on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (hereafter referred to as the ACRWC), and the
SADC Declaration on the Protection of Persons with Albinism (hereafter referred to as
the DPPA), all of which provide for the right to health. However, despite these
international and constitutional provisions, there is no specific case law or health
legislation in South Africa that clearly defines the state’s obligations in providing
access to healthcare services for people with albinism.
This lack of case law and legislation that defines the state’s internationally and
constitutionally compliant obligations creates significant challenges for people with
albinism in enforcing their right to access healthcare services. Clarifying these legal
obligations is crucial to establish the health demands of people with albinism as legally
enforceable claims, facilitating effective advocacy grounded in rights-based language.
Advocacy based on international and constitutional entitlements empowers people
with albinism to assert their health needs as rights rather than mere service requests.
This approach provides a stronger foundation for holding the state accountable and
ensuring that people with albinism have access to healthcare services they are entitled
to.
Through a doctrinal method, this study aims to clarify South Africa’s specific
international obligations which are also protected by the Constitution in section 27. It
evaluates South Africa’s legislative framework and measures to ensure healthcare
access for people with albinism, identifies gaps, and concludes with recommendations
to persuade the government to adopt internationally and constitutionally compliant
health laws that guarantee full access to necessary healthcare services for this
population
Evaluating proficiency in using idiomatic expressions in academic writing by Third Level Second Language English Students at South African University
No full textM. A. (English Language Teaching)Department of English, Media Studies and LinguisticsAcademic writing in higher education poses various challenges for South African students learning English as a second language. The students' limited competence to use idiomatic expressions effectively is a significant challenge. This study evaluated third-level second-language students' proficiency in using idiomatic expressions at a South African university. The population for this study comprised 104 third-level English major students at the University of Venda. Systematic sampling was used to obtain 104 participants for quantitative data collection because it gave all members of the larger population an equal chance of participation. Purposive sampling was utilised to select 20 participants for collecting qualitative data based on the study objectives and what the researcher hoped to find. The study adopted a mixed-method approach to collate the findings from each of them. For quantitative research, the researcher administered a questionnaire in the form of a standardised test using multiple-choice and fill-in-the-gap tests to collect data from students. For qualitative research, students wrote an administered academic task in essay form to gain a deeper understanding of their proficiency with idiomatic expressions. The study used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 27 Software to analyse quantitative data because of its feasibility. For qualitative data, thematic analysis was employed because it packaged and used codes from students' transcripts. The study found that students were incompetent in using idiomatic expressions since no question recorded 100% of the correct entries, although some were competent. The implication of this study is that English third-level students struggle with understanding and applying idiomatic expressions effectively indicating that idioms are challenging for learners due to their inherent non-literal meanings and cultural contexts. However, the study limitation was a time factor since the study was conducted only within the stipulated period. Teaching idiomatic expressions should be enhanced by incorporating varied teaching strategies to foster students’ engagement and deepen their understanding
The production and gene polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in patients with tuberculosis in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
No full textM.Sc. (Microbiology)Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyBackground: Tuberculosis (TB) is an old, irresistible infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The causative agent has antigens that can stimulate the production of cytokines via the mononuclear phagocyte system. Although mutations in immune-related genes may directly impact a host’s ability to control the infection when exposed to M.tb, the pro-inflammatory cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor- α is crucial in host defence against TB and granuloma formation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the production and gene polymorphisms of TNF-α in patients with TB in the Vhembe district, Limpopo province.
Methods: This study recruited thirteen TB patients from three healthcare facilities in the Vhembe district, Limpopo province. Collected samples (sputum) were analysed using the Allplex/Anyplex kit, to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Serum was collected from the blood and used to determine the levels of TNF-α in the participants, using the DIAsource ELISA kit. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples and purified using the Zymo kit from Inqaba Biotec. The purified DNA was quantified using the Nanodrop 8 from Thermo Fischer. The quantified DNA was analyzed by MassARRAY system to sequence various TNF-α SNPs. Data analysis for this study was carried out using the Jamovi software for windows version 2.5.3.
Results: This study found that about 69% of the participants were male and 62% were ≤48 years of age. The majority of the participants (62%) were unemployed. Additionally, 46% of the sputum samples were positive for Mtb. There was a high prevalence (69%) in participants with moderate TNF-α levels. Furthermore, this study found ten SNPs namely: rs10242595, rs1524107, rs1799724, rs1799964, rs1800629, rs1800630, rs1800750, rs3093662, rs309376, and rs361525. The following alleles were reported to have higher frequency than the other: rs10242595 A* (58%), rs1524107 C* (58%), rs1799724 C* (100%), rs1799964 T* (93), rs1800629 G* (88), rs1800630 C* (92), rs1800750 G* (85), rs3093662 A* (73%) and rs361525 A* (100). The allele frequency in rs309376 was evenly distributed G* (50%) and A* (50%).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there’s a correlation between TNF-α levels and risk factors and also, there’s a significant association between TNF-α SNPs and TNF-α expression levels