ResearchSpace
ResearchSpace is the institutional repository of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, unlocking knowledge, empowering impact, and preserving UKZN's research legacy.
Recent Submissions
Shelf-life studies on sulphated polysaccharides from some south african seaweeds and their protective effect against diabetic hepatopathy in rats with type-2 diabetes.
(2025) Mpungose, Lethiwe Bashadile.; Olaniran, Ademola Olufolahan.; Olasehinde, Oluwatosin Tosin.
Diabetic hepatopathy is among the major contributors to mortality and morbidities associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Sulphated polysaccharides (SPs) from seaweeds have antidiabetic potential, however, their effects on diabetic hepatopathy, a major diabetic complication is yet to be investigated. This study sought to investigate the protective potential of SPs from Ecklonia maxima and Gracilaria gracilis on diabetic hepatopathy of rats with T2D. Two groups of T2D rats were administered 150 and 300 mg/Kg bodyweight (bw) of E. maxima SPs, respectively. Another two groups administered similar doses for G. gracilis SPs. Water was administered to the T2D and negative control groups, while metformin served as the standard antidiabetic drug. Normal rats administered 300 mg/Kg bw SPs served as the toxicology group. The effect of storage temperature and time on the stability and antidiabetic properties of both SPs were investigated, by storing them at 4, 25 and 37 °C for 6 months. There was significant depletion in glutathione level, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, while concomitantly exacerbating malondialdehyde level, fructose-1.6biphosphatase, glucose 6- phosphatase, glycogen phosphorylase, and acetylcholinesterase activities in hepatic tissues, on induction of T2D. Furthermore, T2D dysregulated glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolic pathways, and their metabolites. Treatment with SPs from E. maxima and G. gracilis significantly reversed the glutathione and malondialdehyde levels, and enzymes activities, while concomitantly upregulating metabolic pathways and their metabolites. In the stability study, there were no significant changes in the glucose and sulphate levels of SPs stored at 4 and 25 °C. However, these levels were significantly reduced in SPs stored at 37 °C at the 5th and 6th month. Storage at 4 and 25 °C, had no significant effect on the α-glucosidase and αamylase inhibitory activities of the SPs throughout the storage period. However, there was a time dependent decline in the inhibitory activities of these enzymes at 37 °C. These results indicate the hepatoprotective effect of SPs from E. maxima and G. gracilis against diabetic hepatopathy in T2D rats. This is depicted by their ability to mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation and lipotoxicity, while improving glucose and amino acid metabolisms. Furthermore, the stability of the SPs and
their antidiabetic activities may be temperature dependent, influenced by storage time.
Biodegradation of fluoranthene and anthracene by indigenous fungi isolated from wastewater activated sludge.
(2024) Egbewale, Olufemi Samson.; Olaniran , Ademola Olufolahan.
Environmental pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) poses a significant threatowing to their persistence and toxicity. This thesis investigates the potential of indigenous fungi isolated from wastewater-activated sludge to biodegrade PAHs fluoranthene and anthracene. This study also advances the understanding of the degradation mechanisms, enzymatic pathways, optimization strategies, and catalytic efficiency of purified Laccases as the predominant enzymes utilized by these fungi. Empirical information regarding the characterization, structures, catalytic efficiency, and biological process functions of the purified Laccases is also presented. Two indigenous ascomycete fungi, Trichoderma lixii strain FLU1 (TlFLU1) and Talaromyces pinophilus strain FLU12 (TpFLU12), were isolated from benzo(b)fluoranthene-enriched activated sludge and tested for their ability to degrade fluoranthene and anthracene as sole carbon sources. TlFLU1 and TpFLU12 degraded 98% and 99% of 400 mg/L fluoranthene, respectively, after 16 and 12 d of incubation. This degradation was associated with the upregulation of ligninolytic enzymes (Laccase, Lignin peroxidase, and Manganese peroxidase). GC-MS and FTIR analyses of the degradation products indicated that degradation was initiated at the C1-C2 position via oxygenation and ring cleavage to form 9-oxo-9H-fluorene-1-carboxylic acid before progressing through the β-ketoadipate pathway via benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid. The degradation kinetics followed first order and zero-order models for TlFLU1 and TpFLU12. Metabolites from TlFLU1 degradation media showed toxicity to Vibrio parahaemolyticus after 6 h of exposure, with effective concentration (EC50) and toxicity unit (TU) values of 14.25 mg/L and 7.018%, respectively. In contrast, TpFLU12 degradation media was non-toxic, with EC50 and TU values of 197.1 mg/L and 0.507% respectively. For anthracene, both isolates tolerated exposure of up to 1000 mg/L, with increased ligninolytic enzyme expression (Laccase, Lignin peroxidase, and Manganese peroxidase).
The degradation of anthracene was growth-linked and mediated by ligninolytic and intracellular enzymes, resulting in 56% and 38% degradation of 400 mg/L by TlFLU1 and TpFLU12, respectively, after a 24 d incubation period, with pH changes from 5 to 4 (TlFLU1) and 6.2 (TpFLU12). GC-MS and FTIR analyses indicated the formation of 9,10- anthracenedione and benzoic acid as the metabolic products in the TlFLU1 medium and anthrone and 9,10-anthracenedione in the TpFLU12 medium. The degradation by TlFLU1 and TpFLU12 followed a first order kinetic model, with both degradation media metabolites showing no toxicity to V. parahaemolyticus after 6 h of exposure, with EC50 and TU values of 266.1 mg/L and 0.4% respectively, for TlFLU1 and 262.3 mg/L and 0.4% for TpFLU12. Under optimized conditions using response surface methodology (RSM) for anthracene degradation, 100% degradation efficiency was achieved for TlFLU1 and TpFLU12 on days 8 and 12, respectively, at pH 4 and 5 and temperatures of 30°C and 25°C, with 20 mm biomass and 200 mg/L anthracene. Acute toxicity tests revealed reduced media toxicity, as evidenced by the increased survival rate (log CFU/mL) of V. parahaemolyticus after 6 h of exposure. Despite reduced toxicity, both strains degradation media were classified as harmful based on EC50 and TU values of 20.92 ± 1.32 mg/L and 4.78% or TlFLU1, and 35.29 ± 1.55 mg/L and 2.83% for TpFLU12. However, the biocatalytic potential of purified laccases from TlFLU1 and TpFLU12 revealed a reduction in residual fluoranthene concentrations by 46.1% and 38.6% respectively, at 3 U/mL after 96 h. Higher enzyme concentrations (8 U/mL) further reduced the fluoranthene levels to 33.1% and 37.4%, with complete degradation observed at 10 U/mL of either enzyme. The addition of a mediator ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) significantly enhanced the degradation with a degradation kinetics of vmax values, 7.73 ± 0.23 mg/L/h and 7.97 ± 0.18 mg/L/h and Km value of 54.8 ± 0.27 mg/L and 26.6 ± 0.21 mg/L for TlFLU1 and TpFLU12 respectively. Without ABTS, vmax values of 1.35 ± 0.02 mg/L/h and 1.29 ± 0.02 mg/L/h with higher Km values of 119.2 ± 0.02 mg/L and 170.8 ± 0.03 mg/L for TlFLU-1 and TpFLU-12. GC-MS analysis of the degradation products identified a distinct degradation pathway different from that of whole fungal cell with TlFLU1 generated products such as 9-oxo-fluorene-1-carboxylic acid, 9H-fluoren-9-one, and phthalic acid through dioxygenation at the C1-C2 bond. In contrast, TpFLU12 produces 9,10- phenanthrenedione and benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid via C2-C3 bond cleavage. Ecotoxicity assessments of the degradation products using V. parahaemolyticus and cytotoxicity using the HT- 22 cell line indicated potential toxicity of TlFLU1 products to V. parahaemolyticus, whereas TpFLU12 products were primarily non-toxic. However, complete detoxification was achieved with the degradation products containing ABTS. Also, for anthracene, purified Laccases from TlFLU1 and TpFLU12 degrade anthracene with vmax values of 3.51 ± 0.06 mg/L/h and 3.44 ± 0.06 mg/L/h respectively, and Km values of 173.2 ± 0.06 mg/L and 73.3 ± 0.07 mg/L respectively.
The addition of ABTS as a mediator increased degradation by up to 2.9-fold in vmax values and reduced Km values by up to threefold. GC-MS analysis suggested a unique pathway involving hydroxylation and carboxylation at C-1 and C-2 to form 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, leading to the formation of chromone and subsequent benzoic acid and CO2. This pathway is in contrast with the dioxygenation route observed in whole fungal cells. Furthermore, toxicity tests using V. parahaemolyticus and HT-22 cells demonstrated the nontoxic nature of laccase-ABTS-mediated metabolites. Intriguingly, analysis of the expression level of Alzheimer’s-related genes in HT-22 cells exposed to degradation products revealed no induction of neurotoxicity, unlike untreated cells. Furthermore, characterization of TlFLU1 and TpFLU12 laccases revealed that they have molecular masses of 44 kDa and 68.7 kDa, respectively. These enzymes differ in their optimum pH and temperature, with one laccase being more active at a lower pH (TlFLU1) and the other being more active at a higher pH (TpFLU12). Their activity was enhanced by a broad range of metal ions and organic solvents, and sodium azide was a potent inhibitor of its activity. Both laccases have similar kinetic properties, with a better affinity for ABTS as a substrate compared to other phenolic substrates. Based on structural predictions, the difference in the optimum pH is likely due to the different arrangements of copper atoms in the active site. In addition, oxidation reduction, lignin metabolism, phenylpropanoid catabolism, biological adhesion, cellular metabolism, cellular metal ion homeostasis, aromatic compound metabolism, and cellulose metabolism have been linked to laccase biological functions. The catalytic efficiency of laccases has been observed to depend primarily on their structural conformation and stability. The Laccaseamino acid conjugates were predicted to be stable, with an instability index ranging from 33.43 to 39.45, thermophilic, with an aliphatic index of 76.58 to 77.50, and hydrophilic, with a grand average of hydropathicity between -0.508 and -0.578. The predicted biological functions of the protein include oxidation-reduction, lignin metabolism, cellular metal ion homeostasis, phenylpropanoid catabolism, aromatic compound metabolism, cellulose metabolism, and biological adhesion. These insights into the enzyme structure-function relationship enhance our understanding of its catalytic mechanism, paving the way for improved bioremediation strategies.
A resource-based model for combating rural and urban crime in specific areas of KwaZulu-Natal: the initiatives of the South African Police Service.
(2025) Shabane, Sanele Errol.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
Policing is undergoing a significant transformation, focusing on crime reduction, community safety, and increasing community trust. The South African Police Service (SAPS) works to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans. The SAPS has implemented a professional knowledge-based approach to policing in line with its constitutional objectives. This study fo-cuses on combating rural and urban crimes in collaboration with other stakeholders in selected areas of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and explores the role of communities in reducing crime levels. Policing involves constant interaction with individuals, communities, and institutions, and col-laboration with civil society is important for preventing and reducing crime and violence. Po-licing continues to evolve in response to new knowledge, technology, demographic change, and diversifying societal demands. For the data collection process, this study used the in-depth interview method. In-depth interviews are very effective in answering research questions fo-cusing on human understanding. In-depth interviews are advantageous to both the participants and the interviewer as they allow the participants to express themselves in unstructured ac-counts of their understanding.
The target population was the SAPS personnel on the ground, including the Commanders of Crime Prevention Units and SAPS members attached to the Crime Prevention Unit because they are the ones who deal with the crimes highlighted in the study and have a clear under-standing of what challenges they are facing in dealing with crimes in the areas where the study was conducted. The study was qualitative in nature; its aim was to explore the possibility of developing a resource-based model for combating rural and urban crime in specific areas of KZN Province looking at the initiatives of the SAPS. For the purpose of analysing the data, the steps of Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) were taken.
The findings show that SAPS officials in rural (Hibberdene; Inanda; and Pinetown) and urban (Berea; Durban Central; and Margate) policing precincts have similar problems, including a lack of adequate resources, a shortage of police officers, and inconsiderate planning for demo-graphic change. Findings show that urban areas in KZN Province have a higher crime rate than rural areas. The study recommends that, in order to provide adequate resources and training for exchange methods suited to the selected geographical areas, more SAPS officials should be hired urgently. This would accommodate the current South African standard of living as well as social disorganisation and exchange strategies.
Factors affecting the educational outcomes of youth in foster care: a collective case study design.
(2025) Perumal, Jothie Rani.; Sewpaul, Vishanthie.; Seepamore, Boitumelo Khothatso.
Foster care is an vital compenent in South Africa’s child protection system and remains the preferred option for children unable to reside with their biological parents. This study sought to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing successful educational outcomes for foster youth by listening to the voices of those who progressed to tertiary education, those who dropped out of school, as well as their foster parents and social workers.
Using a qualitative approach, the study utilised a comparative collective case study design, allowing for the selection of multiple cases to capture diverse perspectives. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with foster youth and foster parents, as well as semi-structured interviews and focus groups with social workers. This was further complemented by an in-depth analysis of case files. A total of 15 foster youth who advanced to tertiary education, 15 who dropped out of school, 15 foster parents, and 16 social workers participated in the study. Thematic analysis served as the foundation for data analysis, guided by the capability approach and critical theory as theoretical frameworks to provide deeper insights into the educational experiences of foster youth.
The study provided unique insights into the experiences of foster youth that progressed to tertiary education and found that social support played a vital role in fostering positive educational outcomes for youth in care. Foster parents, educators, peers, and friends all played an important role in encouraging and assisting foster youth in their academic journeys. Additionally, many foster youth who progressed to tertiary education demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming adversity and remaining highly motivated to build a better future for themselves.
Despite government efforts to improve educational access for disadvantaged communities, particularly through the quintile system, the study found that the education system continues to fail the majority of the population. This points to the need for a comprehensive review and restructuring of the quintile system to ensure equitable access to quality education. The study also revealed that while social workers have a pivotal role in supporting foster youth, they are often overwhelmed by administrative and bureaucratic demands, leading them to neglect the core ethical principles of their profession. This reduces their capacity to provide meaningful support to foster youth and their families.
Based on these findings, recommendations are made to address systemic inequalities and poverty, re-evaluate the quintile system, and strengthen the partnership between Designated Child Protection Organisations and the Department of Social Development. At the practice level, improvements in services for foster youth and their families are recommended, and further research is proposed to explore effective strategies for enhancing educational outcomes for foster youth.
A study of customer value management technology adoption by mobile operators in eSwatini.
(2026) Dlamini , Nathi Emmanuel Hudson.; Govender, Irene.
Customer Value Management (CVM) technology has emerged as a significant revenue stream in the mobile telecommunications industry. CVM technology contributes substantially to revenue growth in the mobile sector. CVM technology plays a crucial role in revenue growth within the mobile industry. In developed countries, major mobile operators have made considerable efforts to adopt CVM technology. It appears that mobile operators in developed countries are adopting CVM technology as a means to gain a competitive advantage. The study aims to examine the factors that influence the adoption and use of CVM by mobile operators in Eswatini.
A quantitative survey methodology was implemented in the investigation. A total of 254 Eswatini MTN employees completed a closed-ended questionnaire. This study used the Technology, Organisational, and Environmental (TOE) Framework as a theoretical lens. The TOE framework is mainly utilised to study the adoption of technology at an organisational level.
The findings revealed that the three constructs — technological, organisational, and environmental —are the main variables that impact the decision to adopt customer value management technology within the TOE model. However, the most significant determinants were technology, followed by organisational and environmental factors, which were the least important.
The research contributes to the body of knowledge on the factors influencing mobile operators' adoption of customer value management technologies in Eswatini. The study's findings have the potential to inform mobile operators' strategies for implementing new technology. Additionally, mobile operators interested in investing in CVM technology should consider the factors highlighted in the study before adopting customer value management technologies.