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Investigation of the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and their genes in wastewater
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Masters Science in the department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, at the University of Zululand, 2020.Antibiotics are therapeutic agents commonly used in the treatment of infections caused
by microorganisms. Due to the increased demand of antibiotics, they have become
environmental pollutant to both water and soil. This have caused adverse effects to
human, animals, aquatic ecosystem and in the environment in general. These effects
includes the development of antibiotic resistant microorganisms, which in turn makes
the selection of appropriate antibiotics for particular infections difficult. Therefore, the
presence and the prevalence of antibiotics in wastewater were investigated in this
study and resistant microorganism and their resistant genes were identified. Gas
chromatography with tandem mass spectrum was used to determine the presence of
antibiotics in domestic wastewater. Resistance capabilities were detected using the
disk diffusion method and resistance isolates were identified using the 16S rDNA
sequencing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers was used to detect
resistant genes. Penicillin, ampicillin, meropenem and imipenem traces were
determined in domestic wastewater and Bacillus cereus isolates were identified. CTX
M, TEM and SHV resistant genes were detected. These genes are commonly found
in water and are implicated in numerous diseases such as gastrointestinal infections
including diarrhoea, abdominal pains, fever, etc. It is essential to track the pattern of
antibiotic resistance because this has a potential in controlling the spread of these
genes, thus preventing infections caused resistant microorganisms
Evaluating the effectiveness of the provision of low-cost housing within the KwaDukuza Municipality a case study of Ntshawini and Ethethe area
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Commerce in the Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law, at the University of Zululand, 2020The study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the provision of low-cost housing within the KwaDukuza Municipality (KwaZulu-Natal Province), using Ntshawini and eThethe as areas of study. The main aim of the study was to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of the processes and procedures utilised in the provision of low-cost housing, as well as understand the perception of the general public regarding the provision of low-cost housing.
The departure of the study was mainly centred on the increasing number of concerns and violent protests taking place in the various parts of South Africa emphasising the inadequacy or rather lack of proper delivery of government housing to its beneficiaries encompassed with the right to housing found in section 26 of the South African constitution. Thereafter, the researcher took cognisance of the increasing number of protests and petitions which demanded low-cost housing within the KwaDukuza Municipal jurisdiction and opted to conduct an original research highlighting the processes and procedures involved, the role of local government (the Municipality itself) in the provision of low-cost houses, the barriers affecting the distribution of human settlements/ low-cost housing as well as the ill effects imposed on the community members due to the lack of the provision of adequate low-cost houses/human settlements.
The researcher then proceeded with the investigation using a qualitative method for the analysis upon which conclusions were drawn to sample 50 participants inclusive of Municipal officials, ward councillors and the general public from two identified areas (Entshawini and eThethe) of interest which were areas that have been reported numerous times of having housing related protests. The main findings convey the public being highly unsatisfied and antagonised by the KwaDukuza Municipality for the lack of and untimely delivery, lack of involvement, lack of communication and an incomprehensible housing allocations policy for the already built houses. The findings also show the efforts made by the Municipality in ascertaining the efficient and effective delivery of these houses while addressing the challenges, barriers and difficulties that come with the provision of housing.
The study articulated the perceptions of the public as well as the information regarding the processes and procedures involved obtained from the Municipality to draw unbiased conclusions with amicable and viable recommendations.National Research Foundation (NRF
Teachers’ perspectives on embedding formative assessment in grade 10 physical sciences at Inkosi Sambane Circuit schools
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Education in the department of Maths, Science And Technology Faculty of Education, at the University of Zululand, 2020.Formative assessment is intended to enhance teaching and learning. Given the importance of formative assessment in classroom practice, this study aimed to explore Grade 10 Physical Science teachers’ perspectives on embedding formative assessment in a Physical Science classroom in Inkosi Sambane Circuit Schools, with the view to promote the inclusion of best assessment practices within a science context. This study was able to explore Grade 10 Physical Science teachers’ perspectives of embedding formative assessment in their classroom practice, ascertain how they were able to accomplish this, determine their challenges that Grade 10 Physical Science teachers’ encounter during embedding formative assessment in their classroom practice and to identify the classroom support and guidance that is available to Grade 10 Physical Science teachers in embedding formative assessment in their classroom. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology. Purposive sampling was employed to select twelve Grade 10 Physical Sciences teachers from the twelve high schools in the circuit. Semi-structured focus group interviews and non-participant’s classroom observations were used to collect data from the participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data that was collected through semi-structured focus group interviews and non-participant classroom observations.
The study revealed that the majority of Grade 10 Physical Sciences lack the conceptual understanding of formative assessment as a result some of them struggle to integrate it into their classroom practice. Furthermore, findings on the nature of embedding formative assessment revealed that although participants attempted to use various strategies they are faced with numerous challenges as science teachers hindering effective implementation of the process. In addition, findings indicated that although participants made use of questioning during their science lessons, the majority of the questions elicited lower-order thinking instead of advancing science learners towards higher levels of understanding. Based on the research findings mentioned above, this study recommends that adequate in-service professional development training for science teachers on the implementation and pedagogical content knowledge of formative assessment should be done often so that teachers can support learning and learner achievement. This study also recommends that science teachers should be involved in the design and development of the science curriculum; thus their involvement would improve their instructional practice. Availability and accessibility of relevant learner teacher support material may also support and enhance formative assessment in a science classroom especially in under-resourced schools
The effects of the abolition of corporal punishment on learner academic performance in selected public schools in the Vhembe District
Get PDFA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Department Social Science Education in the Faculty of Education, University of Zululand, 2020.Learner misconduct is one of the major issues that affect learner academic
performance. Before the dawn of democracy in South Africa, the learners’ discipline
in class was largely controlled through corporal punishment and discrimination,
particularly in the “Bantu Schools”. This, however, is not the case in the democratic
South Africa. The democratic dispensation enshrines human rights, equality and
freedom for learners. The aim of the study was to find out how the abolition of
corporal punishment has affected the learner performance in the Vhembe District’s
public schools. The study is positioned in the pragmatism paradigm. The mixed
methods approach was used to investigate the effects of the abolition of corporal
punishment on learner academic performance in selected public schools in the
Vhembe District. Simple random and purposive sampling procedures were used to
select a sample for this study. Data was obtained through questionnaires and face
to-face interviews. The findings were analysed in order to address and help improve
the discipline and conduct problems in secondary schools. An improved discipline
system based on a positive and responsible learning approach is recommended
Experiences of teachers in teaching mathematical literacy in the further education and training phase
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology & Special Needs Education, Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, 2020.This study investigated the relationship between teachers’ demographic data and their experiences in teaching Mathematical Literacy (ML) in the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase. It also investigated participants’ experiences when teaching ML in the FET Phase and the strategies they used during this process.
The introduction of ML in 2006 in South African schools by the Department of Basic Education was largely aimed at capacitating South African citizens with knowledge and skills to contribute to a democratic society and economy. Despite curriculum developers’ claim that they had streamlined the ML curricula, teachers lacked the experience to teach ML.
The study was conducted in the King Cetshwayo District in the KwaZulu Natal province. Purposive sampling was used to select a population of 301 teachers and a sample size of 150 teachers with first-hand experience of teaching mathematical literacy in the FET phase was used. The positivism paradigm framed this study when measuring participants’ perceptions of experiences in teaching ML in the FET phase. The quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire and a descriptive research design was used.
The findings revealed that teachers must possess strong mathematical knowledge and that ML teachers must integrate ML with other subjects to put mathematics content into real-life contexts. Half of the study sample were under the age of 40 years and most of them were females; implying that young teachers were engaged in the teaching ML. The study showed that participants’ experiences in teaching ML ranged between 0-13 years and most of them have a university degree; implying that they are highly educated. There were 141 respondents, out of 150, who were of the African race and 9 mixed-race respondents.
The study recommends that in-service teachers must be retrained to improve the facilitation and understanding of the subject content and the ability to select and implement effective ML teaching strategies. The Department of Education should conduct workshops regularly and provide adequate resources to support ML teachers
Ukungafundiswa Kwezilimi Zesintu kwi-NCV Emakolishi Emfundo Yamakhono (TVET Colleges) Ucwaningosimo Kubhekwa Isizulu Emakolishi Amabili KwaZulu-Natal
No full textA dissertation submitted to the faculty of Arts in the fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in the department of African languages at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2020Isahluko sokuqala
Isahluko sokuqala sibeke isethulo socwaningo esihlelwe ngokulandela lezi zihlokwana: isingeniso, intshisekelo yocwaningo, izinhloso zocwaningo, izindlela zokuqhuba ucwaningo, imiklamo yocwaningo, inkambiso elungileyo yocwaningo, imibono yongoti, abazohlomula kulolu cwaningo, uhlaka lwezahluko kanye nesiphetho.
Isahluko sesibili
Lesi yisahluko esigxile kakhulu ezindleleni namathuluzi azosetshenziswa ukuqoqa ulwazi kulolu cwaningo kanye nezinjulalulwazi ezizotshenziswa. Kuzoqale kuphawulwe ngezinhlobo ezahlukene zamapharadiyamu bese kugxilwa kuleyo ezosetshenziswa kulolu cwaningo. Ekugcineni kuzobhekwa izinjulalulwazi ezizosetshenziswa kulolu cwaningo.
Isahluko sesithathu
Lesi yisahluko sokubuyekezwa kwemibhalo. Kuzobhekwa lokho osekubhaliwe kanye nalokho osekucwaningiwe mayelana nokungafundwa kolimi lwesiZulu ezikhungweni zemfundo ephakeme. Kucashunwe imisebenzi yabacwaningi abehlukahlukene asebeke bacwaninga ngokungasetshenziswa kolimi lwesiZulu ezikhungweni zemfundo ephakeme. Kuzobhekwa lokho osuke kwabhalwa maqondana nokunganikwa kolimi lwesiZulu isithunzi esilufanele.
Isahluko sesine
Kulesi sahluko kuzokwethulwa lonke ulwazi olutholakele emaKolishi lokufundela amakhono aqokiwe. Lesi sahluko siwumongo wocwaningo. Lapha kuzolethwa ulwazi olutholwe kubafundi, abafundisi nabaphathi basemaKolishi amakhono aqokiwe olumaqondana nokungafundiswa kolimi lwesiZulu.
Isahluko sesihlanu
Isahluko sesihlanu siqukethe isihlaziyo jikelele socwaningo, izincomo zocwaningo kanye nesiphetho socwaningo. Isincomo esikhulu esokuba ehulumeni abukeze umthetho olawula ukuxutshwa kwezifundo ze-NCV ukuze kuvulwe nesikhala sezilimi zendabuko kuwo wonke amakolishi amakhono (TVET Collages) eNingizimu Afric
A strategy to scaffold principals as instructional leaders: a case of underperforming secondary schools at Amajuba district.
Get PDFA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Education in the Curriculum and Instructional Studies in the Faculty of Education, University of Zululand, 2020.This study aims at scaffolding secondary school principals as instructional leaders, guided by specific objectives to understand the need for a strategy to scaffold them as instructional leaders; to explore strategies to support them as instructional leaders; to investigate existing strategies supporting them as instructional leaders; to anticipate the threats to emerging strategies; and to indicate what are the best practices. Framed within critical social theory (CST), with its agenda of emancipation, empowerment, liberation and social justice, it is informed by the qualitative research method, applying participatory action research (PAR) as an approach to addresses power sharing, emancipation and working with real challenges to bring about change in the community. Participants were able to work collaboratively in finding solutions to the challenges principals encounter, with data generated through focus group discussions and subjected to critical discourse analysis (CDA). The empirical analysis, interpretation of data and discussion, and the findings resulting from interventions were conducted using CDA. In the first part reflections are made through PAR, looking at the challenges faced by principals as caused by absence of a dedicated instructional leadership team. The second part identifies the components of the solutions as strategies to be used to counteract the challenges. In conclusion, the study argues that underperformance can be undone not by an individual but rather by working as a team having a collaborative relationship, with all stakeholders engaged and able to partake in decision-making and being involved collectively. It presents a strategy that can respond to challenges faced by principals of underperforming secondary schools
The role of social entrepreneurship as a strategic tool in implementing and sustaining local economic development at UMfolozi Local Municipality
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Commerce in the Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law, at the University of Zululand, 2020.The study analysed the role of social entrepreneurship as a strategic tool in implementing and sustaining local economic development at uMfolozi Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal: South Africa.The study examined the implementation of the Local Economic Development (LED) policy and the strategies used to sustain it. It further determined the challenges that the municipal officials are faced with when implementing the LED programmes. It then determined the strategies and measures for the formulation and implementation of effective social entrepreneurship initiatives for the sustainability of LED through encapsulating the Participatory Democracy Theory and the Social Entrepreneurship Theory and Sustainable Social Impact. Using the qualitative research approach, the study concluded that social entrepreneurship can be used as a strategic tool to implement and sustain local economic development
A comparative study between Fe@Cu core-shell nanoparticles with iron and copper nanoparticles synthesized using a bioflocculant: characterization, industrial application and biosafety
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, 2020.Nanotechnology addresses numerous environmental problems such as wastewater treatment. Ground water, surface water and wastewater that is contaminated by toxic organic, inorganic solutes and pathogenic microorganisms can now be treated through the application of nanotechnology. This thesis focuses mainly on the synthesis of single metallic and core-shell metallic nanoparticles using a greener approach and application of these materials in the wastewater treatment. Characterization of the as-synthesised materials (FeNPs, CuNPs and Fe@Cu core-shell) was achieved with the analytical techniques such as Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis).
The as-synthesised iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) revealed a spherical morphology and elements such as oxygen and iron contributed 65.25 % Wt% with oxygen having 47.94 followed by iron with 17.31% through TEM and SEM-EDX analysis. The X-ray diffractograms reveals the broad peaks that are observed between 2θ ~ 24°, 29°, 30° and 35°. The presence of hydroxyl (–OH) and amine (–NH2) groups were shown by FT-IR spectroscopy studies. The highest flocculation activity (FA) was achieved at a dosage of 0.4 mg/mL. The iron nanoparticles were found as pH stable as their flocculation activity was 77 and 93 % at pH 3 and 11 respectively. These nanoparticles flocculate best in the presence of cations and are thermostable as the flocculation activity was above 88% at 100 °C. Moreover, the as-synthesized FeNPs showed to possess no antimicrobial activity and the removal efficiency of dyes was very poor in the absence of cation. With the addition of 2mL, 1% Mg2+, the removal of methylene orange improved from 45% to 58% in 5 minutes.
The transmission electron microscopy analysis of as-synthesised copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) showed close to spherical shapes with an average particle size of ∼53 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of the Cu nanoparticles and also the other elements such as O, C, P, Ca, Cl, Na, K, Mg, and S originated from the bioflocculant. FT-IR results showed the presence of the –OH and –NH2 functional groups. The highest flocculation activity (96%) was achieved with the lowest concentration (0.2 mg/mL) of copper nanoparticles and the least 80% was attained at 1 mg/mL. The CuNPs showed a maximum flocculation activity of 96% without the addition of the cation and worked best at all pH ranges of acidic, neutral, and alkaline regions with an optimal FA at pH 7 (96%). Furthermore, the as-
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synthesised copper nanoparticles were found to be thermostable with 91% FA at 100 °C. The synthesized copper nanoparticles are also high in removal efficiency of staining dyes, such as safranin (92%), carbol fuchsine (94%), malachite green (97%), and methylene blue (85%). The high removal efficiency of nutrients such as phosphate and total nitrogen in both domestic wastewater and Mzingazi river water was observed. In comparison to ciprofloxacin, CuNPs revealed some remarkable properties, as they are able to kill both the Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms.
In the optimization of Fe@Cu core-shell nanoparticles; to enhance best concentration for core-shell formation, different ratios of iron to copper were prepared. Sample 1 (S1) contained 1:3 iron to copper (Fe 25% - Cu 75%), sample 2 (S2) contained 1:1 iron to copper (Fe 50% - Cu 50%) and third sample (S3) contained 3:1 iron to copper (Fe 75% - Cu 25%). The flocculation activity was above 98% at a dosage of 0.2 mg/mL for all the samples and flocculate well at acidic, alkaline and neutral pH conditions. Sample 3 showed to be thermostable with flocculation activity above 90% and both sample 2 and 1 were also thermostable, but the flocculation decreased to 87 at 100 ℃. All three samples revealed some remarkable properties for staining dye removal as the removal efficiency was above 89% for all dyes tested. The synthesized core-shell nanoparticles could remove nutrients such as total nitrogen and phosphate in both domestic wastewater and Mzingazi river water. Furthermore, high removal efficiency for COD and BOD was also observed.
The Fe@Cu core-shell nanoparticles possess antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Bactericidal Minimal Concentration (MBC) was observed at a lower concentration of 1.563 mg/mL. Cell viability against HEK 293 and MCF7 was high at the lower concentration with the increase in concentration the decrease in cell viability was observed. The high removal efficiency (RE) of COD, BOD, total nitrogen and phosphate was observed in all wastewater samples examined. The removal efficiency of the dyes was found to be above 93% for all dye samples.Council for Scientific and Industrial Researc
Erectogenic activity of the Maytenus procumbens roots extract in type 2 diabetic rats
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Mathematical Science in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, 2020.Erectile dysfunction (ED), one of the common complications of type 2 diabetes in males, is the global health problem that markedly affects the quality of sexually active men. Since the current hypoglycemic and erectogenic drugs, lack the dual effect to ameliorate both hyperglycemia and ED respectively, the multi-target nature of medicinal plants could prove vital in the treatment of diabetes induced ED. This study investigated the erectogenic effect of the roots extracts of Maytenus procumbens in type 2 diabetic rats.
The plant material was separately extracted with methanol and dichloromethane. The extracts were screened for their potential antioxidant, antiprotein glycation, antidiabetic and erectogenic activities in vitro. The in vivo erectogenic effect of the methanolic extract of M. procumbens roots was investigated using type 2 diabetes induced erectile dysfunction in rat model. The fructose-streptozotocin model was used to induce type 2 diabetes-linked ED in sexually active male Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into normal group (normal diet and drinking tap water) and high fructose fed group (normal diet and 25% of fructose in drinking water) for 120 days. The high fructose fed group rats were then given a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin solution (30 mg/kg). The diabetic ED rats were orally administered with the extract at 250 mg/kg, daily for a further 28 days. The animals were then sacrificed, and the serum, brain and penile tissues were removed for biochemical analysis and protein expression.
The in vitro studies revealed that methanolic extract exhibited strong antioxidant activities as they efficiently scavenged most of free radicals tested. Both methanolic and dichloromethane extracts displayed inhibitory effects on protein glycation and antidiabetic properties. Furthermore, both extracts inhibited PDE-5 (IC50 values ranging from 0.02 and 0.1 mg/ml), arginase (IC50 = 0.1 mg/ml), AChE, and ACE activities. The in vivo study further confirmed the erectogenic potential of the methanolic extract as it effectively lowered the activities of arginase, AChE and ACE along with increased serum testosterone levels in the extract treated diabetic group. While a relatively higher expression of PDE-5 and RhoA with decrease in the expression of eNOS were observed in the untreated diabetic control group, a reverse pattern in the expression of these proteins was observed in the diabetic group treated
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with the extract. Both in vitro and in vivo studies further revealed the antioxidant and antiprotein glycation activities of the methanol extract.
These results support the use of M. procumbens roots in the treatment and management of erectile dysfunction.National Research Foundation (NRF