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Expression, purification, and characterisation of the Alpha-helical and Beta-sheet domains of Rotavirus VP6
Get PDFThe capsid protein VP6 is of paramount importance to the stability and infectivity of Rotaviruses. Through interactions of VP6s’ beta-sheet (VP6) and alpha-helical (VP6) domains with the viral particle's outer- and innermost layers, respectively, VP6 stabilises matured Rotaviruses and activates transcription of the viral genome upon cell entry. This study focused on the individual domains of Rotavirus VP6. The aim of the study was to probe the structure and stability of VP6 and VP6 when expressed independently of each other. The objectives of the study were: (1) optimise the bacterial expression of VP6 and VP6 through modulation of the expression conditions (2) solubilise and then purify the domains by immobilised metal chromatography (IMAC), (3) characterise by means of spectroscopy (mass spectroscopy, far-UV circular dichroism (CD), and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy) and gel electrophoresis (native-PAGE), the primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures of the domains, (4) characterise the conformational stability by means of spectroscopy (far-UV CD and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence) of VP6 and VP6 when thermally and chemically challenged, and (5) determine the melting temperature by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). To this end, two Escherichia coli strains BL21(DE3) and NiCo21 (DE3) were transformed with pET15a plasmids containing the codon-optimised DNA consensus sequences of VP6 and VP6. The expression of VP6 and VP6 was done at different temperatures (37°C and 20°C), inducer concentrations (1 × and 10 × IPTG), and post-induction incubation times (2 h – 7 h, and 16 h) in both E. coli strains and the outcomes were visualised by SDS-PAGE. All conditions tested produced the domains in an insoluble form and though expression levels appeared to be comparable between strains, the NiCo21 (DE3) was ultimately selected for further expression of the domains as expression could be induced with the lowest concentration of IPTG. The insoluble domains were subjected to a solubilisation study where the domains were frozen in various Tris-HCl buffers differing in pH (7 – 10) and urea concentration (0 M, 2 M, and 5 M) and thawed. The results of the solubilisation study showed that both domains could effectively be solubilized in 2 M urea, provided that the pH of the freezing buffer was at least one unit higher than the pI of the domain. The solubilised VP6 and VP6 were purified by nickel affinity chromatography in yields of 13.32 mg and 25 mg from 1 L of NiCo21 (DE3) culture, respectively and were confirmed by mass spectroscopy, far-UV CD, and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy, to have native-like sequences and structural features. The quaternary analysis revealed that VP6 existed as a single monomeric species in solution while VP6 formed different-sized structures in solution. The conformational stability of VP6 and VP6 was demonstrated as the domains had resisted structural changes up to 46°C and 50°C, respectively and the DSC analysis revealed melting points of 67.94°C for VP6 and 68.55°C for VP6. The domains were noted to aggregate extensively which prevented the recovery of their native structures upon cooling. The chemical unfolding study was done in 1 M – 5 M guanidine hydrochloride (GdCl) and 1 M – 8 M urea, and revealed the chemical stability of the domains and their respective unfolding pathways. Approximately 1.5 M and 2.25 M GdCl were needed to denature 50% of VP6 and VP6, respectively. Urea concentrations of 4.5 M (VP6) and 4 M (VP6) also resulted in a 50% loss of native structures. The observation of non-cooperative unfolding pathways that differed between the spectroscopic probes suggested a complex unfolding process involving the formation of one or more intermediates. Though native-like structures could be recovered upon denaturant removal, the refolding and unfolding pathways differed, which was indicative of irreversibility. Overall, VP6 and VP6 were easily producible and purifiable in quantities suitable for further studies. Further investigations could highlight the potential applications the domains could have in vaccine development and drug-delivery. Non-cooperative folding indicated the necessity of interactions between VP6 and VP6 in the full-length protein for cooperative folding.M. Sc. (Life Sciences)Life and Consumer Science
A Pentecostal theology of radical sharing: sam-ae and ubuntu as critical hermeneutics of engaged love.
Get PDFThe article argues that although Pentecostal churches in Africa have the potential
to challenge and transform the reality of inequalities in Africa, instead, they
are reproducing and perpetuating these inequalities by creating an inequality gap
among themselves, especially, between the pastors and their fellow congregants.
A closer look at some of these churches reveals that some of them are propagating
social, political, and economic inequalities demonstrated in the gap that
exists between the pastors and their ordinarymembers. In response,we construct
a Pentecostal theology of radical sharing to argue for a balanced distribution of
wealth between the rich and the poor to deal with the challenges of inequalities.
It demonstrates that indigenous idioms such as sam-ae (Korea) and ubuntu
(Africa) are critical hermeneutics from the margins for interpretative translation/
contextualization of the Christian faith into a theology of radical sharing
in the fight against inequalities within African Indigenous Pentecostalism.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiolog
The impact of workplace flexibility on employee performance in a construction company in South Africa
No full textThe primary goal and objective of this research study was to establish how workplace flexibility impacted employee performance at a South African construction company. Research highlighted that workplace flexibility had grown in popularity because of its cost reduction opportunities and that remote workforces have created competitive advantage in the industries they work for. This study is important because flexible employees who work remotely and are engaged and enabled in the workplace positively affect employee performance, which ultimately positively affects organisational performance, keeping a company competitive in its sector.
The approach that was used for the research was qualitative, and the targeted population consisted of administrative workers who work remotely and participate in workplace flexibility practices in a construction company where most of the employees from this type of industry usually work on-site. Ten participants were purposively selected, and the framework used to collect data from the participants was semi-structured interviews. Before data collection, the interview framework was tested with pilot testing four participants from the construction company.
Data were analysed, interpreted, and categorised into themes using thematic analysis methods. The study findings led to the development of the three main themes, together with subthemes, as was shown in the researcher’s own compilation figure 4.3 in Chapter 4, named Sharon’s Workplace Flexibility and Performance Framework (SWFPF), which illustrates the thematic relationships of the findings.
The findings strongly supported a positive relationship between workplace flexibility and employee performance, where participants highlighted improved job satisfaction, which heightened their organisational commitment and performance. They attributed this improvement to the flexibility of their work arrangements, predominantly working-from-home or any preferred location, which improved their performance and strengthened their commitment to their job and additionally lowered their stress levels. However, challenges were noted, particularly in managing organisational conflicts that arose from the implementation of workplace flexibility and its impact on work-life balance.
Recommendations for improvement to workplace flexibility practices to optimise their effectiveness included strategies to mitigate biases in data collection, the participant pool to be expanded beyond a single company, and the ensuring of comprehensive understanding and utilisation of workplace flexibility policies amongst employees.
In addition, recommendations for resource investment to improve the effectiveness of workplace flexibility included training programs, technological infrastructure, and communication channels. Stakeholder motivation remained crucial in maintaining a positive impact of workplace flexibility on employee performance. The proposed avenues for future research were designed to explore more depth into the effects of flexibility at work in multiple construction companies, evaluating differences in performance, satisfaction, and turnover rates. Longitudinal studies were recommended to monitor the evolving impact of workplace flexibility over time, while an examination of technology's role in enabling workplace flexibility within the construction industry was also suggested.
The researcher’s own compilation figure 5.1 in Chapter 5, named Sharon’s Consequences of Workplace Flexibility (SCWF), illustrates the conclusions that the researcher had drawn from the findings and from the results that were highlighted in Chapter 4.M.B.A.Graduate School of Business Leadershi
Women and food production in urban areas : a case study of urban food gardening in Johannesburg
Get PDFFood security is a challenge for many African urbanites. This study uses a qualitative
approach and examines the experiences of women practising food gardening around
the city of Johannesburg. Data was obtained through participant observation and semi structured interviews. This data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings
revealed that although food gardening is less promoted, badly managed and ill equipped, it still reduces household food insecurity. From the collected data, conclusions
can be drawn that the failure to maximise food gardening to mitigate food insecurities at
a broader scale is due to gender disparities and inequalities. Some gardens were
dominated by men and their attitudes towards women showed gender tensions and
disunity. The findings of this study indicate that food security in urban areas can be
optimised by acknowledging and involving women at all levels. Women also need to be
equipped with better knowledge of what is needed to improve their household food
security. As such, the study recommends that local governments need to be active on
the ground to support all interventions taken by women to reduce food insecurity. To
improve food gardening productivity, all stakeholders need to work together, and the
government needs to actively promote urban food gardening to help its vulnerable
citizens.Boemo ba ho kgona ho fumana dijo tsa phepo e loketseng ka mokgwa o lefellehang habobebe ke bothata Maaforikeng a phelang ditoropong. Phuputso ena e sebedisitse datha eo e seng ya dipalo ho utlwisisa maikutlo a bafuputswa, ho hlahloba diketsahalo tseo basadi ba lemang le ho jala ditshingwana tsa dijo ho potoloha toropo ya Johannesburg ba bileng le tsona. Datha e fumanwe ka ho rekota maikutlo a bankakarolo
le diinthaviu tsa dipotso tse hlokang ho arajwa ka tlhaloso e felletseng (e seng karabo ya e kapa tjhe feela) pele e ka hlophollwa ka tlhahlobo ya mokgwa wa ho hlopholla datha ya mofuta ona. Lesedi le fumanweng le bontshitse hore, le ha ho jala dijo ho sa tshehetswe le ho laolwa hampe, le hore batho ba jalang hangata ha ba be le disebediswa tse lekaneng, ketso ya ho jala e ntse e fokoletsa malapa bothata ba ho se
kgone ho fumana dijo tsa phepo e loketseng. Ho tswa datheng e bokelletsweng, mofuputsi o qetelletse ka hore ho hloleha ho tshehetsa le ho atisa ho jalwa ha dijo, ho fokotsa bothata bo namelang dibakeng tse ngata ba ho se kgone ho fumana dijo tsa phepo e loketseng, ho ka bakwa ke mabaka a etsang hore banna le basadi ba se fumantshwe menyetla ka ho lekana le ho se tshwarwe ka ho tshwana. Ditshingwana tse ding e ne e le tsa banna haholo, mme maikutlo a bona bathong ba basadi a ne a bontsha ho se utlwane ha banna le basadi. Lesedi le fumanweng le bontshitse le hore boemo ba ho kgona ho fumana dijo tsa phepo e loketseng ka mokgwa o lefellehang habobebe dibakeng tsa ditoropong bo ka matlafatswa le ho kenya basadi maemong aofela.
Basadi ba hloka ho fumantshwa tsebo e batsi ya se hlokehang ho ntlafatsa boemo ba malapa a bona a ho kgona ho fumana dijo tsa phepo e loketseng ka mokgwa o lefellehang habobebe. Ho itshetlehilwe leseding le fumanweng, mofuputsi o kgothalleditse hore mebuso ya lehae e sebetse haholo le batho ba amehang ho tshehetsa dintho tseo basadi ba di etsang ho thusa ho fokotsa boemo ba malapa a bona ba ho se kgone ho fumana dijo tsa phepo e loketseng. Ho ntlafatsa tlhahiso ya tshingwana ya dijo, bathahaselli kaofela ba hloka ho sebetsa mmoho, ha mmuso o hloka ho tshehetsa le ho ntshetsa pele ho etswa ha ditshingwana tsa dijo metseng ya ditoropong ho thusa baahi ba hlokang tshehetso.Ukuvikeleka kokudla kuyinselele kubantu abaningi basemadolobheni ase-Afrika.
Lolu cwaningo lusebenzise indlela esezingeni lokuhlola ulwazi lwabesifazane
abalima izingadi zokudla edolobheni laseGoli. Idatha itholwe ngokubhekwa
kwabahlanganyeli kanye nezingxoxo ezihlelwe kancane, ngaphambi kokuba
zihlaziywe ngokuhlaziywa kokuqukethwe kwendikimba. Okutholakele kuveze ukuthi,
nakuba ukulima ingadi yokudla kungakhuthazwa futhi kungaphethwe kabi, kanti
nabalimi bavamise ukungakuhlomeli kahle, lo mkhuba usanciphisa ukuntuleka
nokungavikeleki kokudla emakhaya. Kusukela kudatha eqoqiwe, umcwaningi
waphetha ngokuthi ukwehluleka ukukhulisa izingadi zokudla, ukunciphisa
ukungavikeleki kokudla ngezinga elibanzi, kungabangelwa ukungafani kobulili
nokungalingani. Ezinye izingadi zazigcwele abesilisa, futhi indlela ababebheka
ngayo abantu besifazane yayibonisa ukungezwani kobulili kanye nokungezwani.
Okutholakele kuphinde kwaveza ukuthi ukutholakala kokudla ezindaweni
zasemadolobheni kungathuthukiswa ngokuvuma nokubandakanya abesifazane
kuwo wonke amazinga. Abesifazane badinga ukuhlonyiswa ngolwazi olungcono
lwalokho okudingekayo ukuze kuthuthukiswe ukutholakala kokudla emakhaya abo.
Ngokusekelwe kulokho okutholiwe, umcwaningi uncome ukuthi ohulumeni
basemakhaya basebenze kakhulu phansi, ekusekeleni ukungenelela okuthathwa
ngabesifazane ukunciphisa ukungavikeleki kokudla. Ukwenza ngcono izinga
lokukhiqiza ukudla bonke ababambiqhaza kudingeka basebenzisane, kuyilapho
uhulumeni edinga ukugqugquzela ukulinywa kwezingadi zokudla emadolobheni
ukusiza izakhamuzi ezisengozini.M.A. (Geography)Geograph
A model for information security culture with creativity and innovation as enablers – refined with an expert panel
No full textN/Ainformation security culture. A model is proposed to encourage creativity and innovation as part of the information security culture. Design/methodology/approach – The study first applied a theoretical approach with a scoping literature review using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses method to propose a conceptual model for engendering employee creativity and innovation as part of the information security culture. A qualitative research method was further applied with expert interviews and qualitative data analysis in Atlas.ti to validate and refine the conceptual model. Findings – A refined and validated information security culture model enabled through creativity and innovation is presented. The input from the expert panel was used to extend the model by 18 elements highlighting that the risk appetite of an organisation defines how much creativity and innovation can be tolerated to reach a balance with the potential risks it might introduce. Embedding creativity and innovation as part of the organisational culture to facilitate it further as part of the information security culture can aid in combating cyber threats and incidents; however, it should be managed through a decision-making process while governed within policies that define the boundaries of creativity and innovation in information security. Research limitations/implications – The research serves as a point of reference for further research about the influence of creativity and innovation in information security culture which can be investigated
through structural equation modelling. Practical implications – This study offers novel insights for managerial practice to encourage creativity and innovation as part of information security. Originality/value – The research proposes a novel concept of introducing creativity and innovation as part of the information security culture and presents a novel model to facilitate this.School of ComputingN/
Assessment of sustainable water security in the Bojanala region in the Northwest Province in South Africa
No full textSustainable water security is essential for human well-being, environmental preservation, economic
prosperity, and social stability. Pursuing sustainable water security is instrumental in guiding
policymakers, planners, and stakeholders to implement effective and equitable water management
practices that can create a resilient and sustainable water future for both current and future generations.
The Bojanala District, like many other regions, faces significant challenges regarding water security.
Understanding the challenges faced by the Bojanala District in terms of water security is vital to secure a
sustainable water future and supporting socio-economic development. The purpose of this research was
to assess sustainable water security among households and develop a descriptive model capable of guiding
for implementation of reliable interventions regarding water security and supply in the Bojanala District,
in the Northwest Province of South Africa. The specific objectives of the study were to identify and
analyze the demographic and socio-economic features associated with water security in the study area;
assess the water security status among households in terms of availability and access to water, and identify
and analyze the factors influencing sustainable water security in the area. In this endeavor, the study
employed an explanatory sequential mixed-method design to explore the concept of sustainable water
security among households in the Bojanala District. A sample size of 384 participants was selected,
allowing for the generalizability of findings to the target population. The combination of stratified random
sampling and simple random sampling ensured the representation of diverse perspectives. Data collection
at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic necessitated non-contact interviews. The survey was disseminated
online to respondents residing across the Bojanala District. The study employed a semi-structured
questionnaire divided into sections informed by the specific objectives of the study. The quantitative data
was collected through household questionnaire surveys, focusing on water security indicators such as
water availability, access, and quality, as well as their impacts on livelihoods, health, and education.
Subsequently, qualitative data was gathered through interviews, focus groups, and observations to provide
further explanation and context for the quantitative finding. The quantitative data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics of SPSS Windows Version 25. The qualitative data obtained from interviews were
analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. Triangulation, using multiple data sources and methods,
strengthened the validity and reliability of the research
The study comprised a predominantly female population, constituting 63.8% of the participants, while
62.5% of the respondents were single. Furthermore, a substantial proportion, 32.6%, fell within the age
bracket of 30 to 40 years. The study findings indicate that a significant majority (51.3%) of the
respondents hold the perception that the condition of the water supply infrastructure is poor; a
considerable proportion (63.9%) revealed that there have been disputes or disagreements about water
shortages, and standing in long queues when fetching water. The majority (49.7%) of participants
indicated boreholes as their main source of water supply. The participants, comprising 41.7% of the
sample population, hold the view that the diseases observed within their households have a direct association with water-related factors due to the perceived poor quality of water. Moreover, the findings
indicate that a significant proportion of the participants, 93.8%, reported not obtaining water from an in house tap connected to a private borehole. Additionally, a majority of the respondents, 89.6%, expressed
dissatisfaction with the public water source, as it fails to adequately meet the water demands of the current
population. The results of logit regression show that when independent variables are added, the model
correctly classifies 82.9% of overall cases. The results also revealed that 78.1% of the participants who
are water-secured were predicted by the model to be water-secured. Furthermore, the results revealed that
86.4% of the participants who were not water-secured were predicted by the model to be not water secured. It is also noted from the results that the positive predicted value of 80.6% of all the cases
predicted to be water-secured was correctly predicted. The negative predicted value of 84.4% of all the
cases predicted to be not water-secured was correctly predicted.
The insights gained from our logit
regression analysis offer valuable contributions to the field of water security. The model's predictive
accuracy and identification of key predictors can significantly enhance water security outcomes by
guiding targeted interventions. To address the concerns, the study recommends the following: enhancing
the management and maintenance of water sources and infrastructure to ensure a consistent and reliable
water supply; Regularly assessing the effectiveness of implemented measures in addressing water
shortages and resolving disputes; Implementing appropriate water treatment and purification methods to
improve the quality of water supplied to the participants' households. Exploring strategies to optimize
water distribution systems and minimize long queues; Implementing a comprehensive water quality
monitoring program to assess the safety of the water supply. In other words, addressing these concerns
through targeted strategies can lead to improved water security outcomes for the District. Finally, this
research makes a significant academic contribution by pioneering an innovative analytical framework in
the study area, effectively addressing an existing research gap. It represents the first comprehensive study
of its kind in this geographical region, thereby offering valuable insights and relevance to the field.D. Phil. (Development Studies)Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theolog
Determination of household solid waste generation rate, characterisation and management system analysis: the case of Hawassa City, Ethiopia
No full textScientific data on both the quantity and composition of household solid waste (HSW)
is imperative for an effective management process. This study was intended to
determine the HSW generation rate and analyze the determinant factors of the HSW
management system of Hawassa City. Qualitative and quantitative methods were
employed to collect data. Semi-structured questionnaire and collection of SW samples
were carried out in selected households from representative Kebeles1 . According to
the findings of the study, the average HSW generation rate of the city was 0.26 kg/day
with a bulk density of 416 kg/m3. HSW in Hawassa City is largely composed of ash
(37.6%), food waste (20.2%), fine sand and dust (17.4%). Organic waste (food waste,
ash, leave and grass, paper and wood) accounts for 72.6% of HSW. In order to ensure
sustainable and effective waste management, the city administration needs to
encourage the participation of private entities in the collection, disposal, and recycling
of solid wastes.M. Sc. (Environmental Management)Environmental Science
The influence of nurse educator-student interpersonal relationships on employability and readiness to practice in South Africa
Get PDFBackground: South Africa is in a crisis with a shortage of qualified nurses, yet the
unemployment rate is high. Nurses are a critical part of the healthcare delivery system. A
measurable number of nursing graduates are unemployed due to diverse reasons. This
has led to an increase in professional misconduct cases, resulting in poor quality
healthcare services. A key and overlooked aspect is the educator-student interpersonal
relationship impact on competency. The situation is exacerbated by nurse learners' lack
of or inadequate professional socialisation. Guided by this, the researcher was compelled
to conduct a study aiming to bring about a model for interpersonal relationships for student
nurses’ employability and readiness to practice.
Aim: The purpose of the study was to critically explore and describe the influences of soft
interpersonal skills acquired from nursing education institutions on student nurses’
readiness to practice, and its effects on employability for quality healthcare services.
Methodology: The study utilised a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive phenomenological
approach. Thirty-two participants were purposively sampled and engaged in in-depth
individual and focus group interviews, generating data on training from nurse educators
and student nurses in the selected nursing education institutions. Thematic data analysis
was conducted.
Study Findings: The three concepts that stood out from the results to influence program
contents are Attitudes and behaviours, Emotional intelligence, and intellectual humility.
The current curriculum inculcates these concepts within the different aspects of the
curriculum without deliberation on each of them as stand-alone key element
characteristics. The two stages were combined to identify and define the main concepts.
Contribution to knowledge: A description of the model entailed a visual portrayal, a
description of the structure and process of the model. Guidelines for operationalising the
model were developed. Model evaluation was done.
Implications for practice and conclusion: It is anticipated that the knowledge obtained
from the results of this research will be implemented to improve the development of
employability and readiness to practice competency.D. Phil. (Health Studies)Health Studie
Lived experiences of teenage mothers regarding youth-friendly support-services in primary healthcare facilities in the Eastern Cape
No full textText in EnglishTeenage mothers are teenagers who give birth at ages 10-19 years. Teenage mothers face many challenges socially and health-wise. Healthcare services ought to respond to the distinctive and changing healthcare needs of teenage mothers by offering patient centred, respectful, high quality and coordinated care for teenage mothers. The purpose of this study was to explore teenage mothers lived experiences regarding youth-friendly support services in primary healthcare facilities in Enoch Mgijima district, Eastern Cape. The researcher opted for an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design to conduct the study. Ten participants were recruited through non-probability convenience and snowball sampling. Data was collected using in-depth interviews. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyse the data. Findings indicate that support services in primary healthcare facilities are not guided towards the needs of teenage mothers. The adolescent youth-friendly service policy is poorly implemented in rural settings because of barriers too these services compared to other regions. There is lack of support from partners and healthcare providers. Limited knowledge of support services needed for teenage mothers in primary healthcare facilities prevents teenage mothers from accessing these facilities. Healthcare providers’ attitudes prevent teenage mothers from accessing primary healthcare facilities. Care-centred for teenage mothers, support groups and improving the work ethic of the staff through training and teaching teenage mothers about sexual and reproductive health, were identified as critical in order to improve support services for teenage mother in healthcare facilities.M.A. (Health Studies)Health Studie
Intersectional masculinities in heteronormative spaces: exploring power and privilege amongst gay men in South Africa
No full textThis paper discusses the power differentials between various gay men that shape the construction of multiple unequal gay masculinities in South Africa. I argue that there is no single homogenous gay masculinity but multiple gay masculinities informed by various intersections that privilege some gay men while disadvantaging others. Considering the historical and continuing unequal racial divisions, class differences, power differentials, and gender normativity, this paper presents an intersectional analysis of three gay masculinities: White gay masculinity, Black middle-class gay masculinity, and Black working-class township gay masculinities. Intersections of race, gender, sexuality, class, and space shape power differentials amongst gay men in the same manner as heterosexual men, and through a review of literature, the paper demonstrates how intersectionality can help develop nuanced understandings of gay masculinities in South Africa. The paper highlights the need to interrogate the multifaceted nature of South African gay masculinities through an intersectional lens.Sociolog