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Evaluation And Application Of Molecular And Immunological Serotyping Techniques For Selected Avian And Human E. coli Strains
Get PDFA link exists between human and animal diseases caused by E. coli. Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) causes detrimental economic losses in the poultry industry due to infections in poultry such as colibacillosis and cellulitis. In 2003, poultry producers were made aware that some avian diseases could be transmitted to humans, particularly via the faecal-oral route. For the identification of these E. coli strains, surface antigens are used. Based on surface antigens namely somatic (O), capsular (K) and flagella (H) antigens, different E. coli strains can be serotyped. The most common APEC strains are O1, O2 and O78, but serotypes O8, O15, O18, O36, O88, O109, O115 and O116 have also been reported as E. coli isolates associated with cellulitis and colibacillosis in poultry. E. coli strains O1:K1:H7, O18:K1:H7 and O15:K52:H1 have been linked to diseases in both mammals and birds. In South Africa, only enumeration is performed routinely to monitor the presence of E. coli in poultry processing plants, thus no serotyping occurs in this setting. For this reason, it is important to know which serotypes are prevalent, especially in poultry abattoirs, to prevent the possibility of such pathogens infecting humans via poultry. It was therefore the aim of this study to develop a method that can identify these pathogens at serotype level from environmental samples. To identify the three laboratory strains, both genotypic (molecular) and phenotypic (immunological) characteristics were considered. When using multiplex-PCR as a molecular serotyping technique, targeted genes (wzx-1, neuC, fliC, wzx-2 and fumC) were detected on the test strains. With the optimization of multiplex-PCR, it was possible to apply this technique to field isolates as well as to the environmental sample. One-step digestion of multiplex PCR allowed the differentiation of the O1:K1:H7, O18:K1:H7 and O15:K52:H1 APEC E. coli test strains. The method proved to be fairly simple and cost effective, yet such a method is currently not available in the poultry sector. Conversely, an array of immunological techniques was able to detect only flagellin antigens on both the O1:K1:H7 and O18:K1:H7 strains using plate agglutination on the test strains. Additionally, K1 bacteriophage was able to detect K1 antigens again on both O1:K1:H7 and O18:K1:H7 using zone of inhibition, pour plate and broth clearing assays. However, counter current immunoelectrophoresis results were inconclusive due to negative results on the targeted antigen (i.e., K52 antigen)
Developing A Marketing Model To Assist Free State Swine Producers To Maximize Profits
Get PDFSwine production in the past decades has increased tremendously. The turn of the previous millennium witnessed the agricultural product market changing from a predominantly producer dominated market approach to a demanding, well informed, consumer dominated market. Generally speaking, the agricultural industry had become more industrialized and more specialized. Swine production world over has increased due to technological advancements. Recently, the outbreak of swine fever (H5N1) in most part of the world, including South Africa has caused a lot of panic to the industry. This has led to the decline of swine consumption with a concomitant effect on swine production in most parts of the world, including the Free State Province of South Africa. In view of the aforementioned predicaments, it is then imperative that marketing professionals should come to the aid of swine producers by developing an effective marketing model that will assist them to maximize their profit.
Therefore, primary objective of this study was aimed at developing a Marketing Model to assist Free State swine producers to maximize profits. The secondary objectives were: To Formulate the stocking rate to be adopted by swine producers in Free State. To determine the effect of distance to the market/abattoir on transportation cost. To determine to what extent Production cost, affect Gross income of Swine Producers in Free State. To determine to what extent the government agricultural policy affects Gross income of swine producers in Free State. To determine the extent access to bank loan affects Gross income of Swine Producers in Free State.
Primary Data and Secondary Data sources were used for data collection in this study, but the overall focal point was with the primary data. The primary objective of this work which was to develop a Marketing Model that will assist Free State swine producers to maximize profit was achieved through the use of Primary Data and Secondary Data sources. The result of the quantitative survey was presented in Frequency Tables, Percentages, Means, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient (PPMC), Regression analysis and t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA). For the purpose of this study, the results of the quantitative survey were presented in Frequency Tables, Percentages, Means, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient (PPMC), Regression analysis and t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Analysis showed that access to government agricultural subsidy does not significantly affect Gross income of Swine Producers in Free State. The tested hypothesis proved that access to bank loan does not significantly affect Gross income of Swine Producers in Free State. Results from this study indicated that Production cost significantly affects Gross income of Swine Producers in Free State
Microbial Profiling Of Street Vended Foods And The Assessment Of Food Handler Kaps In Maseru, Lesotho
Get PDFDissertationStreet food vending has over the years become more popular in developing countries. This is because it requires less capital to start, making it an easy business for those with low incomes. Street food vending is described as the sale of ready-to-eat food and beverages in and around public places. This study was conducted to investigate the safety of foods sold in around the taxi and bus rank areas in Maseru, Lesotho. Three aspects were surveyed in this study. The first survey was on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of food handlers and the general perspectives of consumers about street food vending in Maseru. Secondly, the microbial quality of food and the hygiene status of food contact surfaces and food handler hands were evaluated, and lastly, the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of organisms obtained was assessed. A total of 58 food handlers and 93 consumers were involved in this study, and 30 food samples were collected for microbial analysis. For the antimicrobial susceptibility test, seven bacterial isolates were evaluated.
In this study, there were more female food handlers (n=35, 60%) than male food handlers (n23, 40%) and a majority of the food handlers had not received any food safety training (60%). On average the street food vendors who participated in this study were said to have poor food safety knowledge since they scored (49%±11). However, food handlers in this study were found to have good attitude towards food safety since none of the food handlers scored below 50%. Additionally, all food handlers in this study (100%) reported that they use sanitizers when washing service utensils and a substantial amount of the food handlers (84%) said they check the shelf life of food at the time of delivery or purchase. These are some of the good practices that help ensure the safety and quality of food produced. In this study there were more male consumers (n=59, 63%) than female consumers (n=34, 37%), and police officer (24%) and taxi drivers constituted the majority of consumers.
The microbial analysis of food samples showed that there was more microbial contamination (TVC) in vegetables (10.91 Log10 cfu.ml) than in chicken samples (5.45 Log10 cfu/ml). With regards to food contact surfaces and food handler hands hygiene status (TVC), there was more contamination on the left hands (7.21 cfu/cm2) than on right hands (6.82 cfu/cm2), and tables had the lowest counts among the three sampled surfaces (6.89 cfu/cm2). The antimicrobial susceptibility test carried out in this study showed that all isolated were multidrug resistant to at least two or more of the antibiotics used. This ability of microorganisms to develop resistance to more antibiotics daily could be due to poor infection control, inappropriate food handling, and failure to prudently use antibiotics.
In conclusion the microbial analysis results collaborated those of the surveys which showed that food handlers had poor food safety knowledge and exhibited negative attitudes towards some of the concepts of food safety hygiene. Furthermore, the results of this study should provide the government of Lesotho with enough evidence to show the need for improvement of mitigation procedures and appropriate interventions for the development of the street food trade and public health
Drinking Water Quality In Towns Of Alfred Nzo District Municipality In The Eastern Cape Province
Get PDFDissertationBackground: Access to safe potable drinking water continues to be one of the most pressing challenges for rural communities in South Africa. It is estimated that 3.5 million of people in South Africa do not have access to safe drinking water. The Eastern Cape Province has been participating in Blue Drop assessments since 2009. The Blue Drop score for the Eastern Cape Province declined in 2014 with 10% from the previous assessment, from 82 to 72%. The Blue Drop results identified that municipal drinking water quality management in the Eastern Cape Province varied from excellent to unsatisfactory. Since 2009, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality was unsuccessful in obtaining Blue Drop certification. The aim of the study was thus to assess the quality of drinking water from six water distribution networks in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality over a period of three years. Methodology: Drinking water samples were collected on a monthly basis from 32 drinking water sampling points. Six drinking water samples were collected from the clean drinking water outlet of each drinking water distribution network and 26 drinking water samples from the end-user water sampling points. The drinking water samples were analysed for eight drinking water quality parameters. The parameters included turbidity, pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, free residual chlorine, Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria. The measurements were statistically analysed and also compared to the drinking water quality standards specified by SANS 241 (SABS, 2015). To ascertain the overall quality of a particular sampling site, a water quality index (WQI) was also calculated for each of the drinking water sampling points. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME–WQI) was selected and used, taking into account of the WQI that allowed for multiple rounds of measurements. Results: The drinking water quality measurement for pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and free residual chlorine were within acceptable limits in all three years according to SANS 241 (SABS, 2015). Although free residual chlorine was within prescribed limits, the measured values were at very low levels. The turbidity measurements of drinking water quality measured in all water distribution networks indicated that results were variable; from acceptable to unacceptable levels. The measurements of the two microbiological parameters, total number of Escherichia coli and total number of coliform bacteria exceeded the limits specified by SANS 241 (SABS, 2015). For the total number of coliform bacteria, 90% were non-compliant, while 94% of the measurements of total number of Escherichia coli were non-compliant. The CCME–WQI calculations supported statistically outcome. The CCME–WQI values of all water sampling points ranged from 68 to 80. These findings revealed that the drinking water quality of all water sampling points were of poor quality. Conclusions: The high turbidity may lead mostly to ineffective or poor disinfection. The presence of Escherichia coli indicates faecal pollution, possible presence of pathogens and ineffectiveness of the disinfection processes. Polluted drinking water may cause waterborne illnesses such as diarrhoea, which is one of the major causes of child mortality globally. The high levels of coliform bacteria in the drinking water are indicative that the treatment on the drinking water was incomplete
An Investigation Into The Phytochemistry And Biological Activity Of Pappea Capensis Used Against Cancer
Get PDFDissertationascertain the medical benefits and safety of the woody part of this plant.
The sensitivity testing of the plants plays a critical role in ascertaining the safety use of the plant extracts. In this study, antimicrobial screening showed that different extraction methods isolated the active compound which the solvent type depended on. The ethanoic and methanolic extracts were showed to have active compounds against Gram positive and Gram-negative organisms. Both extracts (ethanoic and methanolic) indicated that potential antimicrobial compounds were in the high polarity fraction. Water was found to be the only solvent mostly used by Sangomas and traditional healers to make medicinal mixtures for their patients. Then antimicrobial activity was extended by including other organisms. The Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were found to be susceptible to ethanoic and methanolic extracts. However, in chapter 5 methanolic extract showed broad antimicrobial activity against two organisms known as part of the normal flora (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis) which are both Gram positives. The water extract showed antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, although no antimicrobial activity was observed against all Gram-positive organism. The Pappea capensis plants extract were screened for cytotoxity against the three cell lines (vero cells, MCF7 and PC). Upon comparing the used control and the only extract showing slight toxicity, it’s conclusive to say the high dose of methanolic extract is physiologically inappropriate. All extracts that are not active (cytotoxic) enough to suggest Pappea capensis can be taken into further anticancer testing. The extracts were further screened for genotoxicity. Two extracts were considered none genotoxic and the ethanoic extract could be considered genotoxic. The micronucleated cells of 30% were determined at the high concentration (200ug/ml) of ethanoic extract. A further test should be done to predict what mechanism is affected by compounds in ethanoic extract. The results indicate the potential use of this plant against cancer, despite the moderate genotoxicity at 200ug/ml.
The in vitro screening results for anti- and pro-inflammatory assays are shown in fig 8.1 (A and B) for the analysis of NO production and the cell viability analysis on LPS-activated macrophages treated with the different extracts concentrations. There was an increased NO production which correlated with each extract cytotoxicity in LPS- activated macrophages (fig 8.1 B). Resveratrol, a known inhibitor of iNOS expression served as a positive control to the regime. In fig 8.2 there was macrophage activation observed which was extracts concentrations depended. This response to treatment with different concentrations of Pappea capensis extracts corresponded with NO production in fig 8.2 and a similar trend was observed with the analysis of cell viability (fig 8.2 A and B) which predicts the corresponding cytotoxicity of all extracts. However, there was a high NO production and observable macrophage activation in the presence of water extract no. 7 (fig 8.2). A confirmatory test was done to ascertain if this effect is owed to plant constituents or due to endotoxin contamination. Then, NO production was analysed in the presence and absence of polymyxin B (PMB) as shown in fig 8.3. It can be concluded that PMB counteracts the pro-inflammatory effect suggesting that this activity is possibly a result of endotoxins in this part of the plant. The determination of endotoxin as a cofactor perpetrating pro-inflammatory activity tested with polymyxin B was used and indicated the presence of a toxin in water extract. The low anti-inflammatory effect seen in the three extracts at 200ug/ml are not physiologically active.
The GC-MS revealed the presence of 41 compounds which included 4-ethylbenzaldehyde, 2, 4-di-ter-butyl phenol, acetic acid and butanoic acid have the role in antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, antifungal effects. The identified alkanes and aldehydes are possible poisonous compounds identified in fig 8.2A. Then it can be concluded the pro-inflammatory activity was indeed caused by toxin or poisonous compounds from the plant itself. Furthermore, seven (7) unknown bioactive chemical compounds were revealed regardless of their amounts, their existence could be having a positive impact on therapeutic agents and a source of the biological activities claimed for between traditional healers. Furthermore, many diverse chemical compounds identified and some quantified make it a holistic plant for use in traditional medicine and for aesthetic value between the local communities in Limpopo. More scientific tests are needed to carry out bioassay guided fractionation of the three extracts to determine the purified compounds and identify the ones that are biologically active.
Medicinal plants, being the only sources that healers and Sangomas rely on for treatment of their patients have received tremendous attention in drug therapy, discovery and development. In conclusion, this study has shown that the Pappea capensis may serve as a new possible source of remedies due to the presence of these phytochemicals, bioactive compounds and antimicrobial activities
The Influence of Selected Demographic Factors on the Choice of Marketing Communication Tools: Comparison of Foreign and Local Spaza Shop Owners in South Africa
Get PDFPublished ArticleOrientation: The continued proliferation of foreign-owned spaza shops in South African
townships presents intense competition between local and foreign owners, with evidence that
foreign spaza shop owners are more likely to use marketing communication tools than local
spaza shop owners.
Research purpose: The main purpose of this study was to compare the influence of selected
demographic variables (education, age of business and owner’s experience) on the choice
of marketing communication tools between foreigners and locals who own spaza shops in
South Africa.
Motivation for the study: This study was motivated by a lack of insight in comparing the use
of marketing communication tools between foreigners and local spaza shop owners.
Research design, approach and method: A descriptive, cross-sectional comparative research
design was adopted, where a convenience non-random sample of 236 spaza shops owners,
both foreign and local ones in the Free State Province, was analysed using four-way analysis
of variance.
Main findings: The results of the study revealed that foreign spaza shop owners are
more influenced by selected demographic factors to use marketing communication tools than
South African spaza shop owners.
Practical/managerial implications: Given that foreign owners are more influenced by
demographic factors to use marketing communication tools to outperform their counterparts,
the study highlights the need to support local spaza shop owners for continued sustainability.
Contribution/value-add: This study added knowledge by exploring untested comparison of
demographic variables influencing the use of marketing communication tools in spaza shop
businesses
Application of the Force-Field Technique to Drought Vulnerability Analysis: A Phenomenological Approach
Get PDFPublished ArticleDrought events are integral parts of climate variability. Over 80% of the Basotho population’s
livelihood is dependent on rain-fed agriculture. This current study used force-field project
management technique for drought vulnerability analysis. The study was approached from a
phenomenological viewpoint conceptualised using a force-field analysis technique. The study
used a qualitative research approach and a phenomenological research design. The main findings
of this study were high unemployment rate, environmental degradation and poverty. The study
proposes that post- education outreaches and community capacity-building projects should be
effected. This can take several forms, such as learnerships, where everyone is certificated for the
job trained for. The study proposes that all registered institutions in country, be it catering, Basotho
Enterprises Development Corporation (BEDCO), construction companies, driving schools, nongovernmental
organisations (NGOs), private companies, driving schools, NGO’s, private
companies and so on, can take part in the training of members of the community in partnership
with well-known institutions such as the National University of Lesotho, St, Elizabeth, Lerotholi
Polytechnic and Limkonkwin Creative University for accredited informal certification. This
skilled labour force can then be trained on how to create and form cooperatives to assist the
government with the task of employment. Ha Masupha and Ha Thakanyane are places that are
less advantaged with poor transport and road infrastructure and high migration rates and
poverty levels. If all or a majority of the proposed actions for change are effected, there will be
fewer new HIV/AIDS infections, improved quality of life, less deforestation caused by poor
socio-economic status and less graduate unemployment for all Thabana Morena communities
Effects of Emotions on the Entrepreneurial Attitudes, Self-Efficacy and Intentions of University Students
Get PDFPublished ArticleEntrepreneurship has been considered a solution to the unemployment challenges in many economies in the
world. Earlier models for predicting entrepreneurial intentions (EI) focused on environmental factors that
influence the decision of an individual to start a new business, but overlooked the role played by background
such as emotions. To fill this void, we examined how emotions of students would influence their attitudes,
self-efficacy and EI. Data collected from 211 university students were analysed using a step-wise regression
and PROCESS macro-based on SPSS. Smart PLS software was used to construct a path analysis model.
The results revealed that activated unpleasant emotion (AUE) negatively and significantly influenced
students’ attitudes (β = 0.41, p 0.01) and self-efficacy (β = 0.36, p 0.01), both of which significantly
influenced their EIs. The relationship between the AUE and EI were significantly mediated by both attitude
and self-efficacy. The results from correlational analysis showed that the relationship between subjective
norm (SN) and EI was not significant. The results of path analysis showed that AUE was negatively related
to both attitude (β = -0.217, p 0.01) and self-efficacy (β = -0.191, p 0.01). The practical implication of
these findings is that, advocates of entrepreneurship initiatives should critically consider regulating the
emotions of students to ensure they have a positive influence on the attitudes and self-efficacy of students’
entrepreneurship initiatives. By incorporating emotions in the prediction of EI, the study also extend the
power of the TPB model as a predictor of EI
Demographic Predictors of Work Ethics in a South African Sample
Get PDFPublished ArticleEthical behavior in South Africa, and consequently in the workplace, is currently a
highly topical issue. Hence it was decided to investigate whether demographic differences
exist regarding work ethics, in order to guide organizational decision-making and
to understand work behavior in a South African sample. The sample consisted of 301
respondents, and data was collected using the Multidimensional Work Ethics Profile
(MWEP), which was developed to measure seven facets of work ethics. Inferential statistical
analysis was performed to analyze the dataset. The results indicate that male
respondents scored higher on delay of gratification in comparison to their female
counterparts. Test results for tenure found that increased years of service influenced
respondents’ scores positively in hard work and delay of gratification
Evaluation of the Nutritional Composition of Myrothamnus Flabellifolius (Welw.) Herbal Tea and its Protective Effect Against Oxidative Hepatic Cell Injury
Get PDFPublished ArticleThe nutrient composition of Myrothamnus flabellifolius leaf tea extract (MLTE) and
its protective effect against oxidative hepatic cell injury were evaluated. Gallic acid,
caffeic acid, ferulic acid, methyl gallate, and epicatechin were identified in MLTE by
high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The tea extract showed an appreciable
nutritional content of proximate, sugar, vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty
acids, omega 6 and 9 unsaturated fatty acids, as well as considerable amounts of
various mineral elements. Nineteen amino acids were found. Moreover, MLTE exhibited
potent in vitro antioxidant activities, presumably because of its richness in polyphenols
(gallic acid and ferulic acid) and vitamin E. In Chang liver cells, pretreatment
with MLTE suppressed oxidative lipid peroxidation (IC50 = 113.11 μg/ml) and GSH
depletion (IC50 = 70.49 μg/ml) without causing cytotoxicity. These data support the
local consumption of M. flabellifolius herbal tea, which may be used against oxidative
stress‐induced diseases while providing the body with necessary nutrients.
Practical application
Herbal teas are one of the most consumed beverages in the world today, due to
their refreshing taste and additional health benefits. Myrothamnus flabellifolius
herbal tea is a widely used traditional herbal tea in Southern Africa with potentials
for commercialization due to its pleasant flavor. This study, for the first time, reported
the nutritional composition of the leaf decoction of M. flabellifolius and its
protective effect on hepatic oxidative insults. These results can inform the dietary
and nutritional use of the tea for optimum benefits, as well as provide preliminary
scientific validation of the use of the herbal tea as an antioxidant beverage with
good nutritional value