53 research outputs found
Language learning in Northern Ireland: teachers have their say
No full textLanguage Trends Northern Ireland surveys language teachers in Northern Ireland every two years. Its author, Dr Ian Collen, explains some of the findings
Language learning in Northern Ireland: teachers have their say
No full textLanguage Trends Northern Ireland surveys language teachers in Northern Ireland every two years. Its author, Dr Ian Collen, explains some of the findings
Studies on South African and New Zealand species of bulbinella using nuclear and chloroplast sequence data
No full textThe genus Bulbinella Kunth consists of geophytes occurring in South Africa and New Zealand and includes a number of beautiful, conspicuous, mostly threatened flowering species. The genus is composed of about 23 species and is taxonomically related to Bulbine Wolf and Kniphofia Moench. There are six species in New Zealand and 17 species in South Africa. The genus represents one of the most understudied genera in South Africa. The species relationships and complexes are poorly understood due to morphological homogeneity and it has been flagged as a priority to study due to its ethnomedicinal value. The aim of this thesis was to establish the first set of DNA sequence data for phylogenetic studies complimenting previous morphological and taxonomic studies because molecular techniques offers increased precision by permitting assessment of additional characters. This was done using a number of conventional phylogenetic genes for plants, as well as following a phylogenomic approach of the chloroplast. In the thesis the taxonomy, morphology and importance of species in Bulbinella were reviewed. The 94 specimens were sampled, of which 86 specimens were in-group and eight outgroup sequences, using either sequences obtained from GenBank or those generated in this study. DNA sequencing of four gene regions (ITS, rbcL, matK and psbA-trnH) was conducted to resolve some of the major questions in the phylogeny of Bulbinella in South Africa and New Zealand. Due to the fact that South African species relationships needed more definition, a subsequent phylogenetic analysis based on 34 protein-coding genes from 16 taxa was done in a phylogenomic approach to improve resolution and give a better understanding of the evolutionary process of Bulbinella. Phylogenies were constructed using Maximum Likelihood (ML) conducted in Garli v2 and Bayesian Inference (BI) using Mr Bayes v3.2, with consensus topologies generated using PHYLIP v3.695. For chloroplast draft genome assembly, the filter reads were processed in a bioinformatics pipeline, annotated and used in phylogenetic analyses. In each of the gene analyses (separate and combined) New Zealand species always grouped on their own but in the overall group of Bulbinella. New Zealand and South African species included distinct, polyphyletic or possible synonymous species. The standard DNA barcode region matK (but not rbcL), were able to distinguish most South African and New Zealand species, but not others. The psbA-trnH spacer and ITS could be used as a supplementary barcode. Based on the genome data, phylogenetic trees confirmed the gene tree results and conclusions but provided greater statistical support and could distinguish between previously indistinguishable species. The results suggested that the following genes can be used or recognized as barcode genes to distinguish Bulbinella species and these are atpA, atpF, atpI, rbcL, ndhI, ndhH, ndhF, rpl2, rpoC, rpoC2, rps15, orf188, rps2, matK, ndhE, ndhG, ccsA, psaC, ycf2, psbA, rpoB and ndhD. The study has established multigene phylogenies for the genus for the first time which will strengthen the taxonomy of the genus, aid identifications for users of the plants for medical applications, the ornamental industry, as well as facilitate biodiversity and conservation efforts to protect the diversity of this genus. However, our results showed that there is a great need for increased sampling and morphological supported studies for these species, while the genes identified in the whole genome sequencing approach will be helpful to support the phylogeny of this genus.National Research Foundatio
Botany, Ethnobotanical Uses, Biological and Chemical Properties of Gethyllis afra L. (Amaryllidaceae)
No full textGethyllis afra is an important medicinal plant species in South Africa. The current study critically reviewed the botany, ethnobotanical uses, biological and chemical properties of G. afra. Information on the botany, ethnobotanical uses, biological and chemical properties of G. afra was collected from multiple internet sources which included Scopus, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Science Direct, Web of Science, Pubmed, SciFinder and BMC. Additional information was gathered from pre-electronic sources such as journal articles, scientific reports, books and book chapters obtained from the University library. This study showed that G. afra is mainly used as food, aphrodisiac, and herbal medicine for colic, indigestion, stomach-ache, boils, bruises, insect bites, toothache, convulsions, heart problems and sleeplessness. Major compounds isolated from the fruits of G. afra include ?-pinene, n-butyl n-butyrate, isoamyl acetate, ?-pinene and 2-methylbutyl butyrate. There is need to validate the documented ethnomedicinal uses of G. afra through phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Therefore, future studies should focus on these knowledge gaps particularly evaluating the chemical and biological activities of G. afra crude extracts and compounds isolated from the species
Acaciella angustissima (Mill.) Brit. & Rose: Botanical Features, Distribution, Medicinal and Pharmacological Properties
No full textAcaciella angustissima (Mill.) Brit. & Rose is a multipurpose deciduous thornless shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae and subfamily Mimosoideae. This study aimed to explore A. angustissima, a leguminous shrub with medicinal, ecological and industrial potential. A mixed-method approach, which included consolidating quantitative and qualitative research, was utilized to put together the review with the main focus being on sub-Saharan Africa. However, case studies and literature from South Africa were also utilized. A. angustissima is a good source of phenolic compounds. It is used to relieve painful toothache, rheumatism, skin lesions, bloody diarrhea and mucoid diarrhea. It also displays a mild antimicrobial effect and has the ability to inhibit growth in malignant tumors. The study acknowledged Acaciella angustissima as an important agroforestry tree species that improve the quality of life of resource-poor farmers, reducing poverty and promoting sustainability of the natural resources base and economic growt
Typha capensis (Rohrb.) N.E.Br. (Typhaceae): morphology, medicinal uses, biological and chemical properties
No full textTypha capensis (Rohrb.) N.E.Br. is a robust, monoecious, perennial marshy herb that belongs to the family Typhaceae. The current research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the biological and chemical properties, botany and medicinal uses of T. capensis. Comparative analysis of literature showed that T. capensis is a medicinal plant that has multiple benefits such as food for humans, feeds for animals and medicines to treat various diseases. All the parts including the leaves, seeds, rhizomes and pollen can be used in making decoction to improve male potency and libido, cures genital problems, boosts circulation, enhance female fertility, strengthens uterine contraction in childbirth and facilitates placenta removal. It is also used for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, diarrhoea and dysentery venereal diseases. The plant contains several flavones and phenolic compounds which have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. Scientific studies have shown that T. capensis has a broad range of biological activities such as antibacterial, antioxidants, fertility-promoting effect and apoptosis effect. T. capensis should be subjected to comprehensive phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological assessments projected at assessing its efficacy and safety as herbal medicine
Kniphofia foliosa Hochst, (Asphodelaceae): Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties
No full textThis review gives the first comprehensive appraisal of Kniphofia foliosa Hochst, from the plant family Asphodelaceae: its botany, ethnomedicinal (with particular emphasis on the African communities), phytochemistry, and pharmacological potential. Particular emphasis is given to the biological and chemical properties. Peer review and literature search were done by conducting a logical and inclusive review. Indigenous cultures have used the plant among different ethnic groups in tropical Africa for medicinal and other purposes. The chemical compounds that have been isolated from K. foliosa include monomeric anthraquinones such as chrysophanol, islandicin, laccaic acid, aloe-emodin, and aloe-emodin acetate, which contain antileukaemic properties; dimeric anthraquinones such as asphodelin, knipholone, and chryslandicin; phenyl anthraquinones and anthrones, including knipholone anthrone, isoknipholone anthrone, knipholone, phenylanthrone knipholone anthrone and anthraquinone isoknipholone; oxanthrones such as isofoliosone and foliosone; and rare dimeric phenylanthraqunones joziknipholones A and B. The pharmacological studies on K. foliosa exhibited antimalarial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-HIV-1, and anti-leukotriene activities. From the above, it can be deduced that K. foliosa contains chemical constituents of pharmacological importance, contributing significantly to the development of new medicines
Pharmacological Potential, Botany, Biological and Chemical Properties of Albuca setosa (Asparagaceae) Endemic to Southern Africa
No full textAlbuca setosa is a flowering bulb in the Asparagaceae family, endemic to southern Africa, thrives well on rocky ground, flats and mountain slopes. This review is an appraisal of the current information on A. setosa and a systematic and comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic scientific journal articles, books and theses. The bulbous plant is extensively used for medicinal purposes, cultural purposes and to end quarrels between enemies. In the framework of the taxonomic revision of Albuca, a complete description of A. setosa and data on cytology, morphology, ecology and distribution and economic importance are discussed. Pharmacological screening showed that A. setosa possesses some anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The bulbous plant is used for the treatment of wounds, articulation problems, rheumatoid arthritis, digestive disorder and venereal diseases
Resolving hiatus in (isi)Ndebele: An optimality theoretic account
No full textAbstractVowel hiatus is a dispreferred phenomenon in many languages. When vowel sequences arise through morphophonological concatenations in (isi)Ndebele, hiatus may be resolved in one of three processes: (i) one of the two vowels undergoes elision; (ii) one of the vowels (mostly the first vowel in the sequence) undergoes glide formation; and (iii) the two vowels undergo vowel coalescence – the merging of the two vowels into a neutral vowel that has the qualities of both the two initial vowels straddling a word boundary. This article examines these vowel hiatus resolution strategies in (isi)Ndebele, through the theoretical explications of Optimality Theory (OT) and CV Phonology. In (isi)Ndebele, the featural qualities of the two vowels straddling a word boundary and the morphological contexts at which the hiatal configurations occur determine what process repairs vowel hiatus. Hiatus resolution is also invariably ONSET and feature driven: driven by Preferred Syllable Structure Rules(PSSRs) and constraints
Divorce in post-apartheid South Africa : a pastoral challenge
No full textDissertation (MA (Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2016.The purpose of this study is to investigate the rate of divorce since the onset of democracy (1994). The author intends to examine the causes of divorce as well as the impact of divorce on the parties involved. The author believes that gender equality and women rights are possible contributing factors to the problem of the high rate of divorce South Africa is witnessing today (this will serve as our research gap). Qualitative method will be employed in this study. Interviews will be conducted with the divorcees. The participants (the divorcees) will be our source of knowledge. Interviews will be recorded and subsequently transcribed.
Now that divorce is rampant, it is the duty of the clergy to pastorally care for the divorcee. The author will propose a pastoral care model to help the divorcee cope with their situation. The author will as well analyse some biblical passages that are sometimes misinterpreted by theologically untrained pastors to reject the divorcee. Since our study is in the area of practical theology, the author will focus on the practical application of the biblical passages addressing the issue of divorce that are often misunderstood, and therefore, misapplied. Stigma associated with divorce, especially in African culture and context will be discussed.
The findings from this study will be evaluated and analysed. Thematic analysis will be employed. And from the analysis of the findings, the author will then be able to give recommendations. Recommendations will be made with regard to caring for the divorcee within the church (the body of Christ).Practical TheologyMA (Theology)Unrestricte
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