Research Publications (Applied Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/213

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Unveiling the microbial symphony of amasi : a targeted metagenomic 16S rRNA, ITS, and metabolites insights using bovine and caprine milk
(MDPI AG, 2025-01-01) Ajibade, Betty Olusola; Ajayeoba, Titilayo Adenike; Sabiu, Saheed; Moiseenko, Konstantin V.; Mbona, Sizwe Vincent; Cason, Errol D.; Fedorova, Tatyana V.; Ijabadeniyi, Oluwatosin Ademola
Amasi, a traditional fermented milk produced in Southern Africa, is associated with several health benefits, such as probiotic activities, immune system modulation, and pharmacological (antimicrobial, antitumor and antioxidant) potential. This study investigated the microbial diversity in Amasi (produced from cow’s and goat’s milk) through targeted metagenomic bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS sequencing, the metabolic functional prediction of Amasi samples using the Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) and profiled amino acids constituents using Liquid Chromatographic-Mass Spectrophotometry (LC-MS). The results obtained revealed Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria as the most prevalent bacterial phyla, with Lactococcus and Lactobacillus being the most abundant genera. On the other hand, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota were the main fungal phyla, while Aspergillus, Kazachstania, and Debaryomyces spp. dominated the fungal genera. Also, Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Clostridium spp., Cronobacter spp., Alternaria spp., Diaporthe spp., and Penicillium spp. were the probable pathogenic bacteria and fungi genera found, respectively. Atopobium, Synechococcus, and Parabacteroides were found less often as rare genera. It was found that the amino acid and drug metabolism pathway prediction values in Amasi samples were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in raw cow and goat milk, according to the inferred analysis (PICRUSt). The amino acid validation revealed glutamine and asparagine values as the most significant (p < 0.05) for Amasi cow milk (ACM) and Amasi goat milk (AGM), respectively. Comparatively, ACM showed more microbial diversity than AGM, though there were relative similarities in their microbiome composition. PICRUSt analysis revealed significant metabolites in the two Amasi samples. Overall, data from this study showed heterogeneity in microbial diversity, abundance distributions, metabolites, and amino acid balance between raw cow/goat milk and Amasi samples.
Interplay of poultry-microbiome interactions : influencing factors and microbes in poultry infections and metabolic disorders
(Informa UK Limited, 2024) Aruwa, C.E.; Sabiu, S.
1. The poultry microbiome and its stability at every point in time, either free range or reared under different farming systems, is affected by several environmental and innate factors. The interaction of the poultry birds with their microbiome, as well as several inherent and extraneous factors contribute to the microbiome dynamics. A poor understanding of this could worsen poultry heath and result in disease/metabolic disorders.2. Many diseased states associated with poultry have been linked to dysbiosis state, where the microbiome experiences some perturbation. Dysbiosis itself is too often downplayed; however, it is considered a disease which could lead to more serious conditions in poultry. The management of interconnected factors by conventional and emerging technologies (sequencing, nanotechnology, robotics, 3D mini-guts) could prove to be indispensable in ensuring poultry health and welfare.3. Findings showed that high-throughput technological advancements enhanced scientific insights into emerging trends surrounding the poultry gut microbiome and ecosystem, the dysbiotic condition, and the dynamic roles of intrinsic and exogenous factors in determining poultry health. Yet, a combination of conventional, -omics based and other techniques further enhance characterisation of key poultry microbiome actors, their mechanisms of action, and roles in maintaining gut homoeostasis and health, in a bid to avert metabolic disorders and infections.4. In conclusion, there is an important interplay of innate, environmental, abiotic and biotic factors impacting on poultry gut microbiome homoeostasis, dysbiosis, and overall health. Associated infections and metabolic disorders can result from the interconnected nature of these factors. Emerging concepts (interkingdom or network signalling and neurotransmitter), and future technologies (mini-gut models, cobots) need to include these interactions to ensure accurate control and outcomes.
Molecular modeling identification of key secondary metabolites from Xylopia aethiopica as promising therapeutics targeting essential measles viral proteins
(Wiley, 2023-01) Oloche, Jeremiah John; Oluremi, Bolaji Bosede; Aruwa, Christiana Eleojo; Sabiu, Saheed; Zhou, Xuezhong
This study computationally screened three key compounds (vanillin (VAN), oxophoebine (OPB), and dihydrochalcone (DHC)) derived from Xylopia aethiopica (Guinea pepper), a medicinal plant with known antiviral activity, against key druggable measles virus (MV) proteins (fusion protein (FUP), haemagglutinin protein (HMG), and phosphoprotein (PSP)). Each molecular species was subjected to a 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation following docking, and a range of postdynamic parameters including free binding energy and pharmacokinetic properties were determined. The docking scores of the resulting OPB-FUP (-5.4 kcal/mol), OPB-HMG (-8.1 kcal/mol), and OPB-PSP (-8.0 kcal/mol) complexes were consistent with their respective binding energy values (-25.37, -28.74, and -40.68 kcal/mol), and higher than that of the reference standard, ribavirin (RBV) in each case. Furthermore, all the investigated compounds were thermodynamically compact and stable, especially HMG of MV, and this observation could be attributed to the resulting intermolecular interactions in each system. Overall, OPB may possess inhibitory properties against MV glycoproteins (FUP and HMG) and PSP that play important roles in the replication of MV and measles pathogenesis. While OPB could serve as a scaffold for the development of novel MV fusion and entry inhibitors, further in vitro and in vivo evaluation is highly recommended.
Cheminformatic and in vitro bioprospection of Capsicum Annuum L. metabolites as DNA Gyrase B inhibitors
(Manuscript Technomedia LLP, 2024-09-10) Oluwabunmi, Ajayi Adebimpe; Eleojo, Aruwa Christiana; Saheed, Sabiu; Akinsola, Akinyosoye Felix
Introduction: Capsicum species are known in food and trado-medicinal uses for maladies management due their rich content of phytochemicals, but with little work done on in silico bioprospection of its volatilome. Objectives: This study targeted chemometric profiling, virtual bioprospection of potential lead metabolites in 2 Capsicum annuum L. fruit variants’ (green and red) to identify lead gyrase B inhibitors (GBIs) and provide new mechanistic insights. Methods: Metabolites were profiled using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and quantitative phytochemical assays. Extracts antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) and antibacterial (susceptibility testing) activities were also determined. In silico [docking, pharmacokinetics, DFT] analyses were used to identify and predict chemical features of potential lead GBIs key to extracts molecular mechanism of action. Results: Mass spectral analysis identified hydrocarbons, fatty acid and other derivatives. Quantitative phytochemical analysis showed flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. The green C. annuum extract had better antioxidative action, while extracts of both green and red variant showed similar antimicrobial profiles against resistant bacterial pathogens. In silico highest docking scores were observed for [1-Ethyloctyl) cyclohexane (-6.6 kcal/mol)] and dibutyl phthalate (-6.4 kcal/mol). All lead GBIs had desirable pharmacokinetics in line with the Lipinski rule of 5, and chemical reactivity properties. Conclusion: In silico and in vitro methods combination provided robust metabolomic profiling. The identified lead C. annuum-based natural GBIs contribute to the bioactivity profile and molecular mechanism of action of fractions. The study provided a first-hand report on natural GBIs derivable from Capsicum fruits which could be exploited in formulations for non-food and pharmaceutical applications.
Adipose tissue inflammation linked to obesity : a review of current understanding, therapies and relevance of phyto-therapeutics
(Elsevier BV, 2024) Aruwa, Christiana Eleojo; Sabiu, Saheed
Obesity is a current global challenge affecting all ages and is characterized by the up-regulated secretion of bioactive factors/pathways which result in adipose tissue inflammation (ATI). Current obesity therapies are mainly focused on lifestyle (diet/nutrition) changes. This is because many chemosynthetic anti-obesogenic medications cause adverse effects like diarrhoea, dyspepsia, and faecal incontinence, among others. As such, it is necessary to appraise the efficacies and mechanisms of action of safer, natural alternatives like plant-sourced compounds, extracts [extractable phenol (EP) and macromolecular antioxidant (MA) extracts], and anti-inflammatory peptides, among others, with a view to providing a unique approach to obesity care. These natural alternatives may constitute potent therapies for ATI linked to obesity. The potential of MA compounds (analysed for the first time in this review) and extracts in ATI and obesity management is elucidated upon, while also highlighting research gaps and future prospects. Furthermore, immune cells, signalling pathways, genes, and adipocyte cytokines play key roles in ATI responses and are targeted in certain therapies. As a result, this review gives an in-depth appraisal of ATI linked to obesity, its causes, mechanisms, and effects of past, present, and future therapies for reversal and alleviation of ATI. Achieving a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality rates attributed to ATI linked to obesity and related comorbidities is possible as research improves our understanding over time.
A novel approach to Lyapunov eventual stability of Caputo fractional dynamic equations on time scale
(SCIK Publishing Corporation, 2025) Ugboh, James Abah; Igiri, Christiana Friday; Ineh, Michael Precious; Maharaj, Adhir; Narain, Ojen Kumar
This paper introduces a novel approach to the Lyapunov eventual stability of Caputo fractional dynamic equations on time scales. By utilizing comparison principle, we develop eventual stability results that simultaneously holds for discrete and continuous domains allowing for an in-depth study of systems that exhibit both continuous and abrupt changes over time ensuring that the system behavior becomes stable after a finite time, which is particularly useful in scenarios involving transient disturbances. We also give an illustrative example to show the applicability of our method.
ESKAPE pathogens and associated quorum sensing systems : new targets for novel antimicrobials development
(Elsevier BV, 2024-06) Aruwa, Christiana E.; Chellan, Theolyn; S'thebe, Nosipho W.; Dweba, Yamkela; Sabiu, Saheed
Globally, antimicrobial (AMR) or multi-drug resistance (MDR) constitutes a current health challenge that is predicted to cause increased infections rates with adverse socioeconomic impacts through increase in healthcare costs. In addition, the group of Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. (ESKAPE) pathogens cause debilitating infections (community and nosocomial) and are classed as priority 1 AMR pathogens. This systematic report therefore aimed at providing detailed coverage of new targets for novel antimicrobials development against MDR ESKAPE pathogens to mitigate future AMR spread and improve current public health indices. The prevalent ESKAPE bacterial group show high resistance to quinolones, lactams, cephalosporins, carbapenems and other antibiotic groups, and ability to form biofilms linked to various quorum sensing systems (QSSs) that boost their virulence. These QS pathways have become viable targets in drug design efforts for new antimicrobials development. Also, since antibiotics discovery and development has waned in the past decade, the emergence of advanced computational modelling technologies in drug design, repurposing and development efforts may yet bridge the gap. As such, in this work we provided a comprehensive and systematic overview using relevant, included data and findings on ESKAPE pathogens, their QSSs to target for novel antimicrobial agents’ development, the con tributions of computational tools at the heart of novel antimicrobial advancements and their roles in bio prospecting and developing novel ‘druggable’ candidates and therapies with anti-biofilm, and anti-quorum sensing activities to mitigate AMR, biofilm and QS-related pathogenicity factors.
Practical stability of Caputo fractional dynamic equations on time scale
(SCIK Publishing Corporation, 2025) Oboyi, Joseph; Ineh, Michael Precious; Maharaj, Adhir; Jonas, Ogar Achuobi; Ojen, Kumar Narain
This paper presents a novel approach to analyzing the practical stability of Caputo fractional dynamic equations on time scales, utilizing a new generalized derivative known as the Caputo fractional delta derivative and the Caputo fractional delta Dini derivative of order (01). This generalized derivative provides a unified framework for analyzing dynamic systems across both continuous and discrete time domains, making it suitable for hybrid systems exhibiting both gradual and abrupt changes. By incorporating memory effects inherent in fractional-order systems, this derivative is particularly suited to practical stability analysis, where deviations from equilibrium are permitted within acceptable limits. The established practical stability results are demonstrated through an illustrative example.
Metabolomic fingerprinting, molecular modelling and experimental bioprospection of Helianthus annuus seed cultivars as Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR modulators
(Elsevier BV, 2025-01) Raghoonanadan, Akshay; Dweba, Yamkela; Aruwa, Christiana E.; Sabiu, Saheed
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR quorum sensing system (QSS) is central to regulating the expression of several pathogenicity factors. Also, while seed- and/or plant-derived products have been investigated as QSS regulators, the impact of Helianthus annuus (Pannar sunflower seed cultivars) extracts and metabolites as LasR modulators remain underexplored. Thus, this study focused on the untargeted metabolomic profiling (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), in vitro and in silico (docking, pharmacokinetics, dynamic simulation) bioprospection of Pannar seed cultivars' extracts and metabolites as LasR modulators. The extracts showed significant QS modulating properties (motility, violacein, biofilm, cell attachment, pyocyanin inhibition) with the PAN 7102 CLP seed cultivar (74.3 %) being the most potent, compared to azithromycin (65 %) and cinnamaldehyde (62 %). Chemometric principal component analysis (PCA) analysis showed distinct metabolite signatures with 52.5 % variance across the six cultivars that was driven by aqueous and ethanolic extracts of PAN 7102, 7160, and 7156 cultivars. The presence of methoxymellein, hydroxytetradecanedioic acid, koninginin G, geoside, pinellic acid and methylpicraquassioside A were reported for the first time. The profiled metabolites were subjected to a 100-ns molecular dynamics simulation following molecular docking. Binding free energy (ΔG_bind) calculations revealed obolactone (-48.26 kcal/mol), 1,4-bis(phenylglyoxaloyl)benzene (-45.06 kcal/mol), cyclocanaliculatin (-43.41 kcal/mol), 5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-phenylchroman-4-one (-39.18 kcal/mol) and lonchocarpin (-33.78 kcal/mol) as first-time putative leads relative to azithromycin (-32.09 kcal/mol). All lead metabolites also conformed to Lipinski's rule of 5 (Ro5), and their LasR bound complexes were thermodynamically stable and compact given their strong bond interactions. Findings indicate that metabolomic profiling remain key to identifying new compounds from underexplored species. H. annuus lead metabolites and extracts may also play key roles as LasR modulators. Further structural modification of the 5 leads could aid their development into novel, oral therapeutics targeting LasR to mitigate resistant P. aeruginosa infections.
Biochemical and in silico structural properties of a thermo-acid stable β-glucosidase from Beauveria bassiana
(Elsevier BV, 2024-04) Magwaza, Buka; Amobonye, Ayodeji; Bhagwat, Prashant; Pillai, Santhosh
β-glucosidase hydrolyses the glycosidic bonds in cellobiose and cello-oligosaccharides, a critical step in the saccharification for biofuel production. Hence, the aim of this study was to gain insights into the biochemical and structural properties of a β-glucosidase from Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus. The β-glucosidase was purified to homogeneity using salt precipitation, ultrafiltration, and chromatographic techniques, attaining a specific activity of 496 U/mg. The molecular mass of the enzyme was then estimated via SDS-PAGE to be 116 kDa, while its activity pattern was confirmed by zymography using 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-d-glucopyranoside. Furthermore, the pH optima and temperature of the enzyme were found to be pH 5.0 and 60 °C respectively; its activity was significantly enhanced by Mg²⁺ and Na⁺ and was found to be relatively moderate in the presence of ethanol and dichloromethane. Molecular docking of the modelled B. bassiana β-glucosidase structure with the substrates, viz., 4-nitrophenyl β-d-glucopyranoside and cellobiose, revealed the binding affinity energies of -7.2 and -6.2 (kcal mol^-1), respectively. Furthermore, the computational study predicted Lys-657, Asp-658, and Arg-1000 as the core amino acid residues in the catalytic site of the enzyme. This is the first investigation into a purified β-glucosidase from B. bassiana, providing valuable insights into the functional properties of carbohydrases from entomopathogenic fungal endophytes.
Rethinking postgraduate studies: a critical analysis of career advancement in South Africa’s corporate sector
(Ishik University, 2024) Mavutha, Winiswa; Nyika, Farai; Mapudzi, Hatikanganwi
Pursuing full-time postgraduate studies implies delaying gaining work experience. This study examines the extent to which postgraduate studies correlate with career advancement in South Africa. We use a quantitative methodology to understand the correlation between postgraduate qualifications and senior management and executive positions at 27 of the Top 40 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). We also identify qualifications required by recruiters for jobs advertised in January and May 2023 and find that less than 1% of advertised jobs required master’s and PhD qualifications. We also find that most senior managers and executives do not hold advanced education qualifications. We concluded that these JSE firms and the labour market in general place a greater value on value work experience and expertise acquired through practice, rather than study. The study casts doubt on the importance of advanced education qualifications to acquire jobs or career advancement in South Africa.
Identifying obstacles to evaluating business intelligence in micro-small apparel enterprises : a case study in Durban, South Africa
(Center for Strategic Studies in Business and Finance SSBFNET, 2024-07) Mavutha, Winiswa
The escalating financial burdens faced by the Small Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) sector necessitate a perpetual pursuit of enhanced managerial efficacy. For enhanced financial management, client relationship management and inventory control, it is necessary for businesses to utilise various technologies and methodologies. One approach involves the utilisation of business analytical technologies, such as Business Intelligence (BI). Business Intelligence (BI) serves as a valuable tool for enterprises, aiding in the examination and interpretation of data to facilitate informed decision-making processes aimed at enhancing overall business efficacy. The eThekwini region encompasses a significant presence of micro-small enterprises within the apparel manufacturing and retail sector. The primary aim of this research was to identify and analyse the many issues that hinder the evaluation of business intelligence (BI) in micro-small apparel enterprises located in Durban, a city in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. A cross-sectional quantitative study was undertaken to examine a cohort of 161 small apparel business owners. The participants were chosen through the utilisation of a judgemental sampling technique. The data was gathered through the utilisation of anonymous questionnaires. The data was analysed by utilising multiple linear regression analysis to determine the characteristics that hinder the evaluation of business intelligence (BI) in the small apparel industry. The study employs the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework as its conceptual framework. The researcher identified several obstacles that hinder the evaluation of business intelligence in micro-small textile enterprises in South Africa. These factors include perceived relative advantage, cost, organisational data environment, organizational decision-making culture, and external support. However, there are numerous governmental institutions that are intended to provide support for micro-small companies. Therefore, it is recommended that these institutions establish training initiatives aimed at educating apparel SMMEs on BI. The implementation of target-driven training has the potential to significantly contribute to the achievement of vision 2030 for fostering the growth of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to enhance the South African economy.
Exploring the effectiveness of employee engagement strategies in the manufacturing industry : a South African perspective
(Center for Strategic Studies in Business and Finance SSBFNET, 2024-07) Mabotja, Tshepo; Cele, Cyprian; Mavutha, Winiswa
The paint manufacturing sector has not received sufficient attention, having its unique challenges with employee engagement, despite numerous investigations on employee engagement in several industries. This study seeks to address this deficiency by performing a targeted investigation on the levels of employee involvement within the paint manufacturing sector. This study aims to assess the level of employee involvement in the paint manufacturing industry in South Africa. This study systematically assesses the strategies and practices of employee engagement implemented by paint manufacturing companies operating in the region. This study utilises a mixed methods approach and follows an exploratory research design to accomplish its objectives. This methodology utilises many research techniques to provide a thorough understanding of the complex employee engagement processes in the paint manufacturing industry. The survey instrument, comprising of 320 questionnaires, was distributed to managerial professionals, human resource practitioners, and general employees working at paint production plants in South Africa. In addition to collecting quantitative data, interviews were undertaken to further enrich the depth of insights. The findings reveal a beneficial and interconnected link between the factors studied, suggesting a reciprocal strengthening that enhances employee engagement. Moreover, the study highlights the complex interconnection between the six aspects of employee involvement in the company environment. These characteristics jointly contribute to the fundamental aspects of employee engagement within paint manufacturing firms. Industry stakeholders should work together to develop an organisational culture that is deeply ingrained in the industry's identity and resonates with all personnel. One key remedy suggested is to conduct an employee engagement survey across the entire organisation, which will help gain a thorough understanding of engagement dynamics. This study highlights a strong association between employee engagement, departmental affiliation, racial demographics, and age groups. Therefore, organisations can improve workplace engagement by carefully taking into account the impact of departmental divisions, racial origins, and age cohorts on the overall engagement picture. The study's findings shed light on the significant influence of these factors in determining the dynamics of employee engagement.
On a class of piecewise continuous Lyapunov functions and uniform eventual stability of nonlinear impulsive Caputo fractional differential equations via new generalized dini derivative
(Asia Pacific Academic, 2024-11-01) Ante, Jackson Efiong; Atsu, Jeremiah Ugeh; Maharaj, Adhir; Narain, Ojen Kumar; Etimbuk, Emmanuel Abraham
In this paper, the uniform eventual stability of nonlinear impulsive Caputo fractional differential equations with fixed moments of impulse is examined using the vector Lyapunov functions which is generalized by a class of piecewise continuous Lyapunov functions. Together with comparison results, sufficient conditions for the uniform eventual stability of impulsive Caputo fractional differential equations are presented. An illustrative example is given to confirm the suitability of the obtained results.
Non-edible oil cakes as a novel substrate for DPA production and augmenting biocontrol activity of Paecilomyces variotii
(Frontiers Media SA, 2017-05-02) Arora, Kalpana; Sharma, Satyawati; Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu; Adam, Jamila K.; Kumar, Ashwani
The present study investigated the use of waste non-edible oil cakes (Jatropha, Karanja, Neem, and Mahua) as a substrate for the growth of Paecilomyces variotii and dipicolinic acid (DPA) production. Previous researches proved the efficacy of DPA in suppressing certain pathogens that are deleterious to the plants in the rhizosphere. DPA production was statistical optimized by amending non-edible oil cakes in growing media as nitrogen and sugars (Dextrose, Glucose, and Lactose) as carbon source. Plackett-Burman design (PBD), indicated that Jatropha cake, Karanja cake, and Dextrose were the most significant components (p < 0.05) of the media and were further optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Jatropha cake, Karanja cake, and Dextrose at the concentration of 12.5, 4.5, and 10 g/l, respectively, yielded 250 mg/l of DPA, which was 2.5 fold more than that obtained from basal medium. HPLC analysis of the optimized medium (peak at retention time of 30 min) confirmed the enhanced DPA production by P. variotii. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that optimized medium impose a stress like condition (due to less C:N ratio) for the fungus and generated more spores as compared to the basal medium in which carbon source is easily available for the mycelial growth. The antimicrobial activity of the fungal extract was tested and found to be effective even at 10^-2 dilution after 72 h against two plant pathogens, Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium dahlia. Statistical experimental design of this study and the use of non-edible oil cakes as a substrate offer an efficient and viable approach for DPA production by P. variotii.
Bayesian network applications for sustainable holistic water resources management : modeling opportunities for South Africa
(Wiley, 2022-06) Govender, Indrani Hazel; Sahlin, Ullrika; O'Brien, Gordon C.
Anthropogenic transformation of land globally is threatening water resources in terms of quality and availability. Managing water resources to ensure sustainable utilization is important for a semiarid country such as South Africa. Bayesian networks (BNs) are probabilistic graphical models that have been applied globally to a range of water resources management studies; however, there has been very limited application of BNs to similar studies in South Africa. This article explores the benefits and challenges of BN application in the context of water resources management, specifically in relation to South Africa. A brief overview describes BNs, followed by details of some of the possible opportunities for BNs to benefit water resources management. These include the ability to use quantitative and qualitative information, data, and expert knowledge. BN models can be integrated into geographic information systems and predict impact of ecosystem services and sustainability indicators. With additional data and information, BNs can be updated, allowing for integration into an adaptive management process. Challenges in the application of BNs include oversimplification of complex systems, constraints of BNs with categorical nodes for continuous variables, unclear use of expert knowledge, and treatment of uncertainty. BNs have tremendous potential to guide decision making by providing a holistic approach to water resources management.
Stakeholder perspectives on the school food environment : insights from South African learners-a pilot study
(MDPI AG, 2024-10) Pal, Imana; Naicker, Ashika; Tshitaudzi, Gilbert; Singh, Evonne Shanita; Grobbelaar, Heleen; Vilakazi, Nokuthula
Leveraging learner-driven insights to enhance the SFE can significantly influence food choices by decreasing the consumption of unhealthy foods and increasing access to healthier options. Using learners' voices as important stakeholders in the school food environment (SFE), this qualitative research study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives, identify barriers and enablers to fostering a healthy SFE in South African public schools, and explore the link between the SFE and learners' food choices. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) with 4-6 participants were held in six schools, including three primary and three secondary schools in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education's iLembe district, SA, with learners aged 12-14 and 15-18 years, respectively. Learners were asked how schools could help them eat healthier and how their SFE benefitted them. The data were analysed using thematic data analysis methods. The FGDs generated 14 themes and subthemes. Emerging information suggests a lack of control over the sale of unhealthy food despite the existence of guidelines. This is further exacerbated by the marketing of unhealthy foods, which prevents learners from selecting healthier options. Furthermore, they stated that promoting the school food programme (SFP) and changing attitudes towards healthy food intake through comprehensive nutrition education are useful ways to enhance the SFE. The findings of this study underscore the critical role of learner insights in shaping effective strategies to improve the SFE.
Student Voices : a critical reflective exploration of an online groupwork video analysis task during the COVID-19 pandemic
(ACCB Publishing, 2023-01-01) Pillay, Rajendran Perumal; Govender, Indrani Hazel
The shift to online learning in universities prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic impacted field learning, an important component in nature conservation qualifications. Academics used video resources as an alternative approach to mitigate related challenges. This case study critically reflects on students’ experiences and views on the use of an internet video and WhatsApp text messaging to complete a groupwork task in a conservation module offered at a university in South Africa. The video content focused on threats to rare indigenous plant species in South Africa. Data were collected using an online electronic questionnaire (n=26) and through the analysis of five group-discussion text-messaging transcripts. Mixed-method analysis was used to analyse the data. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse the closed questions in the questionnaire, and qualitative analysis was used for the open questions and transcripts. Ethical protocols were followed, with anonymity and confidentiality maintained. The findings, amongst others, indicate that overall, students agreed that the video promoted their understanding of threats to rare indigenous plants (76.9%); most students watched the video more than three times (84.6%); students had a positive response to the use of text messaging for group discussions (91.6%); and evident in the transcripts was active group engagement. Overall, WhatsApp text messaging facilitated student discussions in the asynchronous group work video analysis task. This reinforces underlying social constructivist pedagogy, which facilitates the integration of course content with group interaction and promotes critical thinking and problem-solving in a post-COVID-19 society.
Development of the RCUSP model for the purpose of improving the curriculum evaluation
(Green Publication, 2024) Mazibuko, Godfrey Nkululeko; Maharaj, Aneshkumar
The current study presents the development of the new curriculum evaluation model, that resulted from improving the previously developed model called Susceptible-vaccinated-healthy-infected-recovered (SVHIR) model. The previous model was presented as an exploratory study, which means it was a study open for improvement. In the new model the compartments categorization would more relevant to the context of teaching and learning than of the previous model, since it does not categorize students who lack High order thinking skilled (HOTS) as being sick. Also, the basic mathematical details that were omitted in the previous model, are now included to enable a better model understanding by a reader. Further on, the current study elaborates the importance of the evaluation model and some parameters such as reproductive ratio. It is also discovered that the newly developed model is not limited only to HOTS, but is open a wider range of curriculums and skills. Lastly, the new model is found to be simpler than the previous model, given it has less compartments to be predicted. Hence, it is more accessible to any reader for better understanding and application.
On AI-iteration process for finding fixed points of enriched contraction and enriched nonexpansive mappings with application to fractional BVPs
(SCIK Publishing Corporation, 2024) Oboyi, J.; Orim, R. E.; Ofem, A. E.; Maharaj, A.; Narain, O. K.
In this article, we consider the AI-iteration process for approximating the fixed points of enriched contraction and enriched nonexpansive mappings. Firstly, we prove the strong convergence of the AI-iteration process to the fixed points of enriched contraction mappings. Furthermore, we present a numerical experiment to demonstrate the efficiency of the AI-iterative method over some existing methods. Secondly, we establish the weak and strong convergence results of AI-iteration method for enriched nonexpansive mappings in uniformly convex Banach spaces. Thirdly, the stability analysis results of the considered method is presented. Finally, we apply our results to the solution of fractional boundary value problems in Banach spaces

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