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Ionome mapping and amino acid metabolome profiling of Phaseolus vulgaris L. seeds imbibed with computationally informed phytoengineered copper sulphide nanoparticles
No full textAbstract
This study reports the effects of a computationally informed and avocado-seed mediated Phyto engineered CuS nanoparticles as fertilizing agent on the ionome and amino acid metabolome of Pinto bean seeds using both bench top and ion beam analytical techniques. Physico-chemical analysis of the Phyto engineered nanoparticles with scanning-electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of CuS nanoparticles. Molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interaction of some active phytocompounds in avocado seeds that act as reducing agents with the nano-digenite further showed that 4-hydroxybenzoic acid had a higher affinity for interacting with the nanoparticle’s surface than other active compounds. Seeds treated with the digenite nanoparticles exhibited a unique ionome distribution pattern as determined with external beam proton-induced X-ray emission, with hotspots of Cu and S appearing in the hilum and micropyle area that indicated a possible uptake mechanism via the seed coat. The nano-digenite also triggered a plant stress response by slightly altering seed amino acid metabolism. Ultimately, the nano-digenite may have important implications as a seed protective or nutritive agent as advised by its unique distribution pattern and effect on amino acid metabolism.
Graphical abstrac
Exploring policing strategies in response to violence against women and girls in Johannesburg
Get PDFAbstracts in English, Zulu and Northern SothoThis study aims to explore policing strategies in response to violence against women and girls in South Africa. Data was collected by conducting in-depth interviews with South African Police Service members from the Johannesburg Central Cluster in Gauteng, who attend to domestic violence complaints as first responders as well as investigators at the station level who conduct domestic violence investigations. The in-depth interviews provide a comprehensive understanding of participants’ experiences relating to policing strategies to address violence against women and girls. Moreover, a review of international best practices provides an enhanced sense of policing strategies to combat violence against women and girls.
The research findings reveal the South African Police Services experience numerous shortcomings in its strategies to address violence against women and children, various internal challenges concerning the proactive and reactive policing of violence against women and girls, and inconsistencies in the service that the police service provides to women and girls, which consequently influence its ability to address violence against women and girls effectively. Based on these findings, a procedural framework to enhance policing strategies in response to violence against women and girls is proposed, thus contributing to the current body of knowledge.Lolu cwaningo beluhlose ukuhlola amasu omsebenzi wamaphoyisa ekuphenduleni udlame olubhekiswe kwabesifazane namantombazane. Imininingwane iqoqwe ngokwenza izingxoxo ezijulile namalungu oMbutho Wamaphoyisa aseNingizimu Afrika e-Johannesburg Central cluster eGauteng, abhekana nezikhalazo zodlame lwasekhaya, njengabaphenduli bokuqala ezigamekweni ezifana nalezi, nabaphenyi ezingeni lesiteshi abenza uphenyo ngodlame lwasekhaya and Izingxoxo ezijulile zinikeza ukuqonda okuphelele kokuhlangenwe nakho kwabahlanganyeli mayelana ngamasu omsebenzi wamaphoyisa okuhloswe ngawo ukubhekana nodlame olubhekiswe kwabesifazane namantombazane. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ukuhlola izindlela ezingcono zamazwe ngamazwe kunikeza ukuqonda okujulile ngamasu omsebenzi wamaphoyisa okuhloswe ngawo ukulwa nodlame olubhekiswe kwabesifazane namantombazane.
Imiphumela yocwaningo iveza ukuthi i-SAPS ihlangabezana nezingqinamba ekubhekaneni nodlame olubhekiswe kwabesifazane nezingane, ibhekene nezinselelo ezehlukene zangaphakathi eziphathelene nokukhuthala komsebenzi wamaphoyisa asebenzayo ekulweni nodlame olubhekiswe kwabesifazane namantombazane, kanye nokungaguquguquki emsebenzini ohlinzekwa uphiko lwamaphoyisa kwabesifazane namantombazane, okuba nomthelela ekhonweni lawo lokubhekana ne-VAWG ngempumelelo. Ngokusekelwe kulokhu okutholakele, kuhlongozwa uhlaka lwenqubo lokuthuthukisa amasu okusebenza kwamaphoyisa ekuphenduleni udlame olubhekiswe kwabesifazane namantombazane; kanjalo, ukufaka isandla emgudwini wamanje wolwazi.Dinyakišišo tše di ikemišeditše go lekola mekgwa ya go šoma ga maphodisa ge go arabelwa dikgaruru kgahlanong le basadi le basetsana. Tshedimošo e kgobokeditšwe ka go diriša dipotsološo tše di tseneletšego le maloko a maphodisa a sehlopha sa Bogareng sa ka Johannesburg ka Gauteng sa Tirelo ya Maphodisa ya Afrika Borwa (SAPS) bao ba šomilego ka dingongorego tša go amana le dikgaruru tša ka malapeng bjalo ka baarabi ba mathomo go ditiragalo tšeo, lebanyakišiši ka maemong a ka seteišeneng bao ba dirago dinyakišišo tša dikgaruru tša ka malapeng. Dipotsološo tše di tseneletšego di fana ka tsebo ka bophara mabapi le maitemogelo a bakgathatema go amana le mekgwa ya go šoma ga maphodisa ye e ikemišeditšego go šoma ka dikgaruru kgahlanong le basadi le basetsana. Godimo ga fao, go lekodišiša ditiro tše kaone tša boditšhabatšhaba go fana ka tsebo ye e tseneletšego mabapi le mekgwa ya go šoma ga maphodisa ye e ikemišeditšego go lwantšha dikgaruru kgahlanong le basadi le basetsana.
Dikutollo tša dinyakišišo di utolla gore SAPS e kopana le ditlamorago tše di sego tša loka ge e šoma ka dikgaruru kgahlanong le basadi le bana. Ka gare, SAPS e lebane le ditlhohlo tše ntši tša go amana le bobedi mekgwa ya go šoma ga maphodisa ya go ithomela le go arabela seemo ya go lwantšha dikgaruru kgahlanong le basadi le basetsana. Godimo ga fao, go se swane ga ditirelo tše di abjago ke SAPS go basadi le bana go ama kudu bokgoni bja yona bja go šoma ka dikgaruru kgahlanong le basadi le basetsana gabotse. Go ya ka dikutollo tše, motheo wa tshepedišo o a šišinywa ka nepo ya go maatlafatša mekgwa ya go šoma ga maphodisa ge ba arabela dikgaruru kgahlanong le basadi le basetsana; go rago gore, go tsenya letsogo go tsebo ya bjale.Ph. D. (Criminal Justice)Police Practic
Monoclinic α-Bi2O3 nanorods by microwave-assisted synthesis: Photocatalytic and antioxidant properties
Get PDFNanotechnology has emerged as a new route for addressing most environmental and medical challenges, hence this field of research continues to generate research interest. Herein, Bi₂O₃ was synthesized by a microwave- assisted thermal process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) result confirmed that a nanocrystalline monoclinic crystal structure of the α-phase was formed, and both the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed that the synthesized α-Bi₂O₃ were rod-like in shape. The length of the nanorods was in the range of 60–160 nm, with an average dimension of 101.5 nm, while the width has an average value of 23 nm. A band gap energy value of 2.75 eV was obtained from the absorption spectroscopy, and they absorbed light in the UV to visible range, with an absorption maximum of around 345 nm. Photocatalytic activity of the nanorods under UV irradiation was investigated by assessing the degradation of Bromocresol green (BG) as a model pollutant. The degradation process of the dye molecules was studied at different concentrations (20–80 mg/L), varied photocatalyst dosage (0.025, 0.05, 0.075, and 1.0 g), and a range of solution pH (3, 6, 9, and 12). About 75 % optimum photocatalytic efficiency was achieved at pH 6 after 3 h. In addition, the results showed that an increase in catalyst dosage and concentration of dye molecules contributed to promoting the degradation effect. Moreover, the photocatalyst was found to be stable after 4 consecutive cycles, with negligible loss of efficiency. The antioxidant potency of the nanorods was assessed by evaluating their free radical scavenging capabilities across 4 different assays: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyle (DPPH), Nitric oxide (NO), Hydrogen peroxide (HP) radical inhibition, and Reducing power (RP). The results from the IC₅₀ values indicated the sample exhibited better inhibition of HP (25.22 µg/mL), followed by RP (28.22 µg/mL), NO (29.37 µg/mL), and DPPH (32.72 µg/mL) respectively. However, the standard Ascorbic acid exhibited IC₅₀ values of 16.25,.07, and 28.40 µg/mL for DPPH, RP, HP, and NO, respectively. These unique properties of the nanorods owed that they have good antioxidant potential that is comparable with that of Ascorbic acid used as the standard
Impact of infill density on morphology and mechanical properties of 3D printed ABS/CF-ABS composites using design of experiments
Get PDFMetal Extrusion (MEX) is a leading 3D printing technology for polymers, enabling intricate designs and personalized products in various applications. The current study evaluate how infill density affects the tensile, flexural, compressive, Izod impact and fracture behaviour of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Carbon Fiber Reinforced-Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (CFABS) specimens manufactured using the MEX method. Different infill densities of 20, 40, 60 and 80 % are used in the production of honeycomb infill pattern samples for investigating the mechanical as well as fracture behaviour of MEX ABS/CF-ABS components. The experimental runs of fabricated composites were tested using a digital Izod impact tester and servo-controlled hydraulic universal testing machine, following ASTM standard procedures. The experimental findings show that CF-ABS specimens with an 80 % infill density and honeycomb fill pattern showed significant improvements in tensile strength, modulus, yield strength and elongation. The flexural strength (64.74 %), flexural modulus (209.15 %), compressive strength (125.21 %), compressive modulus (108.34 %) and impact strength (38.91 %) of these specimens are comparable to those of 3D printed ABS specimens and other infill densities. The research shows that precise management of processing variables can greatly improve the mechanical properties of 3D-printed ABS samples,providing valuable insights for a range of applications
Climate change impact, vulnerability and adoption of climate smart agricultural practices among small-scale farmers in Oromia Region of Ethiopia
No full textIn Ethiopia, agricultural livelihoods are susceptible to environmental degradation and climate variability. Several interventions have been
launched and implemented to promote utilization of environmentally sustainable farm practices. This thesis examined the weather variability
and prevailing seasonal trends in the study communities; described farmers’ responses to perceived climate change across some selected
demographic characteristics; described the impacts of extreme weather events on farming households’ livelihoods and farming practices;
computed indicator of the households’ vulnerability to climate change and analyze the factors influencing it; analyzed the factors influencing
adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices; analyzed the factors influencing adoption intensity of Climate Smart Agricultural
(CSA) practices; analyzed the factors influencing farmers’ perceptions on sustainability of Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices;
analyzed the institutional adaptive capacity to implement the adopted Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices; and determined the effect of
extreme weather exposure, coping and adaptation strategies on households’ welfare using per capita income and food self-sufficiency
indicators. Given the agro-ecological differences within each districts, the stratified random sampling method was employed to draw sample
community from highland and lowland representing agro-ecology. More specifically, simple random sampling producer was used to select
sample respondents from each selected community. Two districts were selected from each zone using random sampling methods. The Selected
districts were sub-divided into three sub-categories emphasizing on farming practices and agro-ecologies. Accordingly, a total of twelve PAs
(three PAs from each four Districts) were selected for structured interviews to generate primary data. Based on the sampling methods,
Primary data were collected from 210 upland and 200 lowland farming households and 140 extension field staffs using scheduled interviews
with structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, binary logistic model, Ordinary Least Square (OLS)
regression and Tobit regression models. The results showed that 88.5 percent and 70 percent of the highland and lowland farmers felt high
and very high negative influences of changes in climate parameters, respectively. Moderate vulnerability to climate change was indicated by
63.5 percent of highland farmers, compared to 59 percent by lowland farmers. Among the CSA practices introduced to communities, crop
rotation was most adopted by 82 percent and 89 percent of the highland and lowland farmers, respectively, where however overall aggregated
adoption found to be about 35.6 percent for highlands and 34.8 percent for lowland community context. The perceived adoption sustainability
of crops rotation was found highest (86 percent) which followed by planting time adjustment (64 percent) under lowland community situation,
while crops rotation sustainability found 72.4 percent, followed by crops variety diversification (62.35 percent) in the context of highland
community. The livelihoods’ vulnerability of highland agro-ecology was observed 49 percent which is relatively lower as compared to highest
66.7 percent revealed by the lowland agro-ecology community which as a result only 37.5 percent and 22.9 percent of highland and lowland
community respectively identified food sufficient covering the seasonal food demand from households’ seasonal agricultural production, while
the remaining majority are food insufficient for several months during each season. Notably, the impact of climate change coping mechanism
on households’ seasonal income was rated 39.3 percent in highland community, while was found 51.7 percent for lowland community,
whereas the adaptation strategies impacts on households’ income rated 59.3 percent in the highland community, while identified 44 percent in
context of lowland community. On the other hand, Tobit regression model analysis were conducted where the results indicate that, a unit
increase in mean rainfall tends to reduce the level of livelihoods vulnerability to climate change by a factor of 0.018 in the scale of livelihoods vulnerability which is statistically significant at 10 percent significance level. In similar manner, the effect of drought frequency was found
positive to livelihoods vulnerability, in which an increase in the frequency of drought, increase the level of livelihoods vulnerability by a factor
of about 0.42 point indicating the significant impact of drought on community livelihoods vulnerability, where the effect is significant at 1
percent significance level. Consequently, all pitfall observed in survey results are majorly identified to be the result of policy limitation in the
course of adaptation options promotion and publicity. Therefore, based on the study findings, it is suggested that the policy level leaders and
functional managers ought to readdress the designed policies as well as strategies related to service provision and extension service delivery
system need to be revised in the manner that will take into consideration the small-scale farming system situation to ensure environmentally sustainable rural developmentPhD. (Agriculture and Animal Health)Agriculture and Animal Healt
A chronological analysis of inflation dynamics in Kenya
No full textThis paper undertakes an exploratory examination of inflation dynamics in Kenya between 1970 and 2021, employing a descriptive research design and secondary data from various sources, coupled with qualitative analysis of the literature. The paper comprehensively analyzes the impact of diverse policy changes, including monetary and fiscal policies. Overall, this paper provides a beneficial resource for anyone interested in comprehending the intricacies of inflation dynamics in Kenya and the relevant measures employed to manage rising prices. The government implemented various measures to fight inflation over the years, including tight monetary policy and fiscal policy measures. The Central Bank of Kenya implemented various monetary policies to control inflation, such as increasing interest rates and tightening credit. Factors such as rising food and fuel prices, droughts, and political instability have driven inflation in Kenya over the years. Despite Kenya's implementation of several reforms aiming to promote stable inflation over time, challenges regarding inflation persist. To achieve long-term economic growth and stability, it may be wise for the government to consider implementing policies that promote fiscal discipline, strengthen institutional frameworks, and encourage private sector development. By doing so, the government can ensure sustainable economic growth and stability.Economic
Adoption and use of library services platforms by Librarians at the National University of Lesotho library
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to understand the factors that influenced the adoption and use of library services platforms (LSPs) at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) library named Thomas Mofolo (TM), using the conceptual framework developed from the three models of Davis (1989), Tripathi (2017) and Ajibade (2018). This combination of models formed the Integrated Technology Acceptance and Use Model (ITAUM), which underpinned this study. The findings revealed that IT skills and experience, supervisors support, IT use policy, rules and guidelines, perceived usefulness, vendor support and loyalty, cost, perceived ease of use, and perceived ubiquity were the factors that influenced TM librarians attitudes to actually adopt and use Sierra/FOLIO. This study used an interpretive paradigm and qualitative methods. The population sample used in this study had to adhere to the following criteria: main campus librarians of NUL, utilisation of Sierra/FOLIO, availability and willingness to participate in this study.M. Inf. Sc.Information Scienc
Inclusive and differential cross-section measurements of t t ¯ Z production in pp collisions at s = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector, including EFT and spin-correlation interpretations
No full textAbstract
Measurements of both the inclusive and differential production cross sections of a top-quark-top-antiquark pair in association with a Z boson (
t
t
¯
Z
) are presented. Final states with two, three or four isolated leptons (electrons or muons) are targeted. The measurements use the data recorded by the ATLAS detector in pp collisions at
s
= 13 TeV at the Large Hadron Collider during the years 2015–2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140 fb−1. The inclusive cross section is measured to be
σ
t
t
¯
Z
= 0.86 ± 0.04 (stat.) ± 0.04 (syst.) pb and found to be in agreement with the most advanced Standard Model predictions. The differential measurements are presented as a function of a number of observables that probe the kinematics of the
t
t
¯
Z
system. Both the absolute and normalised differential cross-section measurements are performed at particle level and parton level for specific fiducial volumes, and are compared with NLO+NNLL theoretical predictions. The results are interpreted in the framework of Standard Model effective field theory and used to set limits on a large number of dimension-6 operators involving the top quark. The first measurement of spin correlations in
t
t
¯
Z
events is presented: the results are in agreement with the Standard Model expectations, and the null hypothesis of no spin correlations is disfavoured with a significance of 1.8 standard deviations
The resilience of women living with HIV at Winnie Mandela Informal settlement within Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
No full textGlobally, it was estimated that over 37 million individuals were infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), with women being more affected by the virus compared to men. This can be attributed to various factors, such as women's low economic status and the violation of their sexual rights. Despite the availability of Antiretrovirals (ARVs) to mitigate the effects of HIV, Women Living with HIV (WLWHIV) still need certain traits to cope with the challenges. The study aimed to explore and develop a thorough understanding of the resilience strategies used by WLWHIV to cope with their HIV diagnosis.
A qualitative, phenomenological design was utilized, and participants were purposefully selected. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with fifteen WLWHIV who are part of the Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution Programme (CCMDD) at Winnie Mandela Clinic, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province in South Africa. Data was analysed using Tesch’s approach and four themes and fifteen sub-themes emerged. Trustworthiness was applied as a means of verifying the accuracy and reliability of the data. Ethical considerations were strictly adhered to, including obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality and anonymity, ensuring beneficence, debriefing participants, and avoiding harm.
Study findings have established that WLWHIV go through different experiences brought on by the virus. Some succumb to these negative experiences, while others are able to rise above them and become resilient to the virus. The study found several strategies are used for one to be resilient to HIV, such as disclosing their HIV status, attending HIV support groups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, social workers and family members were found to play a vital role in building resilience among WLWHIV. These findings will help social workers develop interventions to assist newly diagnosed women, will make significant contributions to the academic field and aid policymakers in crafting policies that foster resilience among WLWHIV.M. S. W.Social Wor
Racism and the Development of Pentecostalism in South Africa: A Socio-Historical Analysis.
Get PDFThe historical role of the church in South Africa regarding the development of colonial racism and apartheid is well documented. South African Christianity and the concomitant ecclesiastical developments and counter-developments were directly influenced by the changing socio-political circumstances. The mainline or historical churches, including Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians, were members of the South African Council of Churches that rejected and opposed apartheid. Some Pentecostal denominations were fundamentalists who believed personal salvation and private prayer would save the country. In practice, these Pentecostal churches were either largely silent or apolitical about the apartheid situation, or they isolated and segregated themselves. In reality, whether they acknowledged it or not, they were part and parcel of the system of white benefit and black oppression. This paper, therefore, attempts to investigate this phenomenon and also to put forward a theological praxis in the context of diversity.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiolog