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Open Access
Exploring food insecurity, food waste, and dietary diversity among rural and urban households of Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 2023) Molapo, Maletsie; Cronjé, Natasha; de Wit, Maryna
Lesotho is one of the sub-Saharan African countries that perpetually struggles with food insecurity. Consumers in Lesotho still waste food despite living in a low-income country. Most people live under the poverty line of US$1.00 per day and low-income households consume meals that are low in diversity, which elevates micronutrient deficiencies. Consequently, many children under five years of age experience stunting, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies due to a lack of food or insufficient intake. The study sought to explore household food insecurity, estimate the quantity of household food waste, determine household dietary diversity, and identify food preservation techniques in rural and urban areas of Lesotho. The research was conducted in four of the 10 districts of Lesotho, namely Mafeteng, Thaba-Tseka, Leribe, and Qacha’s Nek. The sample size was 440 households, and stratified random sampling was used for the selection of participating households. A mixed-methods approach was utilised and an exploratory descriptive design was adopted. Both structured questionnaires and interviews were employed, which represented quantitative and qualitative elements. The questionnaire addressed socio-demographics, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), food waste, the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), and food preservation. The consumers who participated in the study were 18 years and older. The analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and Fisher’s exact test was used to compare variables. Food insecurity was significantly higher in the rural areas than the urban areas, where four categories were measured, namely food secure, mildly food insecure, moderately food insecure, and severely food insecure. Indicators of food insecurity were to be being a female, being unemployed, and cooking with open fire. Using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity for cooking significantly were found to reduce food insecurity. Total food waste estimations were calculated at 190.9 kg (rural) and 156.2 kg (urban) per week, resulting in annual estimated food waste of 13 003.2 kg (rural) and 7 496.8 kg (urban), totalling 20, 500 kg of household food waste in Lesotho annually. The main ways that consumers discard food waste in both rural and urban areas are using compost heaps, discarding it in the garbage bin, and burying it. All these were significant predictors of food waste even though they had a weak correlation. It is also a common practice to give food waste to animals. The main reasons for food waste in both the rural and urban areas were that consumers like to eat fresh food, they are too busy to cook planned meals, food is left too long in the refrigerator/freezer, they buy too much food, they do not check the cupboard or refrigerator/freezer before going shopping, and some members of the household do not always finish eating their food. Food groups that are not wasted in large quantities in rural and urban are fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, legumes, and grains. The dietary diversity of the rural and urban areas differs significantly, with diversity in the urban areas being higher than in the rural areas. Food groups mostly consumed are cereals (soft/stiff porridge and bread) and leafy green vegetables (rape, cabbage, and spinach). Fruits are mostly consumed when they are in season because they are expensive otherwise. Factors that significantly contribute to increasing the HDDS are using electricity and LPG for cooking. Factors that significantly decrease the HDDS are being female, cooking with an open fire, and purchasing food every two weeks. More consumers preserve food in urban areas than in rural areas, and the prominent techniques for preserving food are sun drying and bottling, while fewer consumers in both rural and urban areas consider salting and freezing. Food insecurity is still high, even though diversity is promising. It is therefore recommended that the creation of awareness be established, through policies and other platforms regarding, household food waste, food security and eating patterns.
Open Access
Communication as a stakeholder relationship-building factor in contributing to the success of small businesses in townships
(University of the Free State, 2023) Ntsongelwa, Avela; Breshears, Diana
The townships in Gqeberha are characterised by crime, poverty, and unemployment. Small businesses can address these challenges by providing employment opportunities, which in turn can help alleviate poverty and crime. Despite these challenges, there are small business owners and/or managers who see opportunities for their businesses in the township, as well as the importance of stakeholder relationships for businesses. The purpose of this study was to explore owners' and/or managers' views on the importance of effective communication and the role it plays in building positive stakeholder relationships, which in turn contribute to successful small businesses. The research questions focused on who small business owners and/or managers regard as their stakeholders, how small business owners and/or managers view communication with their stakeholders, what they regard as positive stakeholder relationships, and their experiences of running a small business. Data were collected through interviews and qualitatively analysed. The results showed that engaging with stakeholders contributes to forming positive stakeholder relationships, which help the organisation achieve its end goals.
Open Access
Planning for future graveyards in urban areas: a case study of Bloemfontein
(University of the Free State, 2004) Tshabalala, Rapelang; Badenhorst, Hein
This research is premised on the fact that no sector of the society is immune from death. According to Kubler-Rose (1975: x), death is not an enemy to be conquered or a prison to be escaped. It is an integral part of our lives that gives meaning to human existence. It sets a limit on our time in this life, urging us on to do something productive with that time as long as it is ours to use. Death is in us and outside us, beside us in every room, in every street, in every field, in every car, in every plane, etc. It is what we are (Shneidman. 1984:118). Death is a principal vital event and is the disappearance of all evidence of life at any time after a live birth has taken place (Stats SA, 2002:24). In my own view, death is inevitable since it has to happen. That is, it is the final stage of growth for every human being. As a result, there is a need to plan for future burial space in Bloemfontein taking into consideration the increasing population sizes due to urbanisation, mortality rates due to HIV/AIDS, existing burial methods and existing cemetery capacity. According to Mitchell, (23 November 2000:8), the graveyards, hospitals and mortuaries are overflowing with corpses most of which are AIDS victims. Both cremation and multiple burials will have to be highly considered in the future. The question is hqw to share the available land between the dead and the living population? Contrary to needs of dead people, the above options look more reasonable and conducive.
Open Access
Biological clock measures: assessing the association between the circadian and epigenetic clock as predictors of migration phenology and biological aging in wildlife
(University of the Free State, 2024) Le Clercq, Louis Stephanus; Dalton, D. L.; Grobler, J. P.; Kotzé, A.
This thesis explores the use of biological clocks, studied at the molecular level, in understanding and predicting animal traits that change over time. In particular, the thesis focuses on two biological clocks: the circadian clock and the epigenetic clock. The study aimed to shed light on how these clocks, along with specific genes associated with them, influence traits such as migration patterns in birds and age in animals. In the investigation of circadian clock genes, this thesis presents a detailed review of existing literature, presenting both supporting and conflicting results on the association between clock gene polymorphisms and migration patterns. This review summarized the central hypotheses tested in these studies, identified several candidate genes that have been used, revealed distinct patterns in terms of the taxonomy and phylogeny of studied species, and present new insights into why conflicting results happen as well as what future research is needed. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the importance of considering molecular clock differences between lineages when studying multiple species. The two most studied candidate genes were then tested for associations to phenology in an intra-African migrant, the Diederik cuckoo, and provides the first evidence that phenotypic correlates identified in Eurasian passerine species is conserved for these species. The second part of the thesis delves into epigenetic clocks, examining two widely used methods: methylation and telomere length. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the performance of these methods across vertebrate classes. Methylation was found to outperform telomere length in predictive power, with both methods showing promise as biomarkers for age determination in animals. To demonstrate the practical application of epigenetic clocks, the study included the development of a new age determination model on the African cheetah. Six candidate genes were identified, and a model using CpG methylation levels was created using machine learning techniques to refine the model, resulting in accurate age predictions. This approach offers a less invasive means of age estimation for population monitoring. The research also introduces two new PYTHON tools, PAReTT, to incorporate phylogenetic and molecular clock data into ecological and evolutionary reviews, and ABCal, to address potential biases in systematic reviews in evolution and ecology. The thesis concludes by highlighting the broader implications of the study, emphasizing the utility of biological clocks in understanding temporal traits, from annual life events in birds to lifelong aging in mammals. The generated datasets and tools contribute to ecological systematic reviews and individual studies, expanding our knowledge of biological clocks and guiding future research endeavours.
Open Access
Die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk in die Oranje-Vrystaat tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog 1899 - 1902
(Universiteit van die Oranje-Vrystaat, 1988) Van Der Merwe, Gert Andries; Kleynhans, E. P. J.
Die Anglo-Boereoorlog (1899 tot 1902) was sander twyfel een van die ingrypendste gebeurtenisse wat die Afrikanervolk beleef het. Met name is die twee Boererepubl ieke in die Transvaal en die Oranje-Vrystaat ten diepste daardeur geraak. Kragtens sy innige verweefdheid met die Afri kanervol k kon die Nederdu i tse Gereformeerde Kerk in die Oranje-Vrystaat nie aan die geweld van die aanslag ontkom nie. "Toe die voortbestaan van die volk in gedrang kom, moes die Ned. Geref. Kerk noodwendig baie nou daarby betrokke raak."¹ Die betrokkenheid blyk baie duidelik uit artikels wat in die tyd in De Fakkel, amptelike kerkbl ad van die Vrystaa tse kerk, verskyn het. TeIkens word die volk, en veral oak die burgers te velde, opgeroep om op God te vertrou in die verdediging van goed en bloed: "Blijf alzoo geduldig strijden, op Gods t1jd is de overwinning de onze."² 'n Studie van die Ned. Ge ref. Kerk in die Oranje-Vrystaat tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog is derhalwe van aktuele aard en betekenis. Di t is verbIydend dat daar in die afgelope twee dekades 'n merkbare oplewing in die bestudering en optekening van die kontemporêre kerkgeskiedenis was. Die intreerede van prof. dr. P. B. van der Watt by die aanvaarding van die professoraat in, en die hoofskap van die Departement Kerkgeskiedenis aan die Universiteit van Pretoria op 17 Februarie 1975, het hieraan sonder twyfel 'n groat stoot gegee. Sy rede Gedagtes random 'n kontemporêre kerkgeskiedenis - met besondere verwysings na die Ned. Geref. Kerk, wil, soos die titel aandui en soos hyself dit stel, "dat hierdie nuwe terrein, dié van die eietydse, betree moet word" omdat dit vir 'n sinvolle en volledige blik op die Vaderlandse Kerkgeskiedenis noodsaaklik is.³ Die geagte hoogleraar het inderdaad self die daad by die woord gevoeg. Sy vrugbare pen bring die een na die ander boek op die mark - soveel so dat hy in 1988 die Totiusprys van die Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns vir sy bydrae tot die kerkgeskiedskrywing ontvang. Sy vierdelige werk oor Die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk bied 'n oorsigtelike beeld van dié kerk se geskiedenis van die begin tot die resente tyd. Die houding en optrede van die kerk teenoor krygsoperasies word daarin ook aangesny en dit prikkel die leser tot verdere besinning en navorsing. 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗪𝗬𝗦 𝗡𝗔 𝗗𝗜𝗘 𝗔𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗛𝗘𝗚𝗧𝗘 𝗗𝗢𝗞𝗨𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗩𝗜𝗥 '𝗡 𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚
Open Access
Die gebruikmaking van praktykskolingseenhede vir die opleiding van maatskaplike werkers met spesifieke verwysing na die U.O.V.S.
(University of the Free State, 1974) Wasserfall, Annie Elizabeth; Botha, D.
Met die konferensie oor Praktykopleiding van Studente in Maatskaplike Werk in Junie 1971 te Pretoria, het o.a. die vraag, wie verantwoordelik moet wees vir die praktykopleiding van studente, na vore gekom. Op die gemelde konferensie is voorgestel dat meer duidelikheid oor die aspek verkry moet word nl. of die dosente, spesiale persone op die personeel van die opleidingsentrum, of personeel by 'n werkgewende instansie, die verantwoordelikheid van die opleiding van studente moet behartig. (Vgl. 46, po52.) Op daardie stadium was daar reeds 'n paar instansies wat van persone in die praktyk gebruik gemaak het met die opleiding van studente, o.a. die Universiteit van die Witwatersrand, in samewerking met verskillende instansies, asook die Universiteit van Pretoria, in samewerking met o.a. die Suid-Afrikaanse Vroue Federasie. Ondersoekster was gedurende 1970 studente-supervisor van die S.A.V.F. Hierdie pos was nog in die beginstadium, maar het reeds getoon dat so 'n gesamentlike paging tussen die universiteit en welsynsorganisasie 'n positiewe bydrae tot die opleiding van studente kan lewer. Verdere ondersoek en uitbreiding met betrekking tot die implimentering daarvan was nog nodig. Een van die taakopdragte verbonde aan die spesifieke pos was juis dat die praktykskoler, destyds genoem studentesupervisor, 'n formele studie moet maak van die doeltreffendheid van die praktykskolingseenheid. Laasgenoemde opdrag is, saver bekend, nog nie ten uitvoer gebring nie. Met ondersoekster se honneursprojek wat by die Universiteit van die Oranje-Vrystaat in 1972 ingehandig is, is die beroepsgroei van 'n groep maatskaplike werkers ondersoek en daarin is gebrekkige, doelgerigte praktykonderrig onder anders as 'n leemte deur die maatskaplike werkers uitgewys, wat weer die noodsaaklikheid van 'n ondersoek in die verband na vore gebring het. Gedurende dieselfde tydperk het die doserende personeel van die departement Maatskaplike Werk van die Universiteit van die O.V.S., die behoefte aan nouer samewerking met welsynsorganisasies en meer doelgerigte praktykonderrig raakgesien, wat gelei het tot die instelling van 'n praktykskolingseenheid by die Oranje-Vrouevereniging Hoofbestuur, Bloemfontein, aan die begin van 1973. Ondersoekster het die pos as praktykskoler van die praktykskolingseenheid begin. Aangesien hierdie praktykskolingseenheid nog nuut was, was daar heelwat vraagstukke verbonde aan die wyse van implimentering van die stelsel. Daar was egter ook heelwat positiewe ervaringe met die praktykskolingseenheid, wat getoon het dat laasgen□emde 'n besliste bydrae tot die opleiding van maatskaplike werkstudente kan lewer. Bogenoemde bevindinge.en gebeurtenisse het aanleiding gegee tot ondersoekster se besluit om 'n wetenskaplike ondersoek te doen na die gebruikmaking van praktykskolingseenhede by die Universiteit van die O.V.S. ten einde die nut van die stelsel te ondersoek esook moontlike riglyne neer te lê vir die implimentering van praktykskolingseenhede as deel van die opleiding van maatskaplike werkstudente aan die Maatskaplike Werk departement van die Universiteit van die O.V.S.
Open Access
Acceptance, attitudes and nutritional content of novel nixtamalized maize products developed for the South African consumer
(University of the Free State, 2023) Colbert, Taylon Anthony; Du Toit, Alba; Bothma, Carina; van Niekerk, Johan; Swanepoel, Jan Willem
South Africa is well-known for its good quality maize that serves as a staple crop for over 80% of the country’s population. Additionally, South Africa is also Africa’s top maize producer. However, maize provides an unbalanced supply of essential nutrients, such as the essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan. Moreover, the water-soluble vitamin B₃ is biologically unavailable to humans. Therefore, long-term consumption of maize-based diets, deficient in these nutrients, can result in pellagra, a disease manifested by the characteristic symptom dermatitis, on sun-exposed skin. The process of nixtamalization improves the nutritional, textural and sensory quality, and the physicochemical properties of maize products. Nixtamalization is the traditional process of preparing maize in Mexico. It involves cooking and soaking maize kernels in an alkaline solution, typically calcium hydroxide or slaked lime. The process allows bound nutrients to be more readily available for absorption, improves flavour and texture, as well as digestion. This study was divided into three essential phases: (I) the development of consumer-acceptable novel nixtamalized maize products; (II) the determination of consumer attitudes, knowledge and awareness towards nixtamalization and nixtamalized maize products, through the administration of a questionnaire; and (III) the analysis of the nutritional content of a novel consumer accepted nixtamalized maize product. The first phase aimed to explore South African consumers' acceptance of nixtamalization and novel nixtamalized maize products. Three nixtamalized maize products were developed: a vegetarian patty; a vegetarian nugget; and a maize chip. To evaluate the consumers' sensory acceptance of various attributes, including taste, aroma, texture, and appearance, the study employed the Just-About-Right (JAR) scales and a 9-point hedonic scale. Among the three products evaluated, the maize chip received the most acceptable JAR results, although improvements were required for its appearance attribute. Furthermore, correlation and penalty analysis revealed that appearance and taste played significant roles in the acceptance of nixtamalized maize products, among South African consumers. Consequently, the chips were flavoured with seasonings to improve taste and appearance, with different flavours, such as chutney and tomato. Notably, the chutney-flavoured maize chip achieved an acceptance rate of >70.0% for all four attributes, rendering it “just-about-right”. The study's second phase involved determining consumers’ attitudes toward nixtamalization and nixtamalized maize products. The data was collected online, using an Evasys© questionnaire, which was anonymously completed by respondents, during the sensory tasting of the maize chips. Quantitative analysis concluded that most respondents were open to nixtamalization as a new processing technique and to newly developed maize products produced, through nixtamalization. Specifically, respondents indicated that the safety aspect of nixtamalization played a crucial role in their willingness to consume nixtamalized maize, in the future. Moreover, the results indicated that the respondents were willing to incorporate nixtamalized products into their future consumption, and recommend them to friends and family. After achieving consumer acceptance, the third phase of the study focused on conducting nutritional analysis of the novel nixtamalized maize chip. The analysis revealed several noteworthy findings. The chips exhibited a high energy content of 2303 kJ/100 g and protein content of 6.64 g/100 g. Compared to two commercial chips, the nixtamalized maize chip displayed a higher insoluble fibre content of 15.87 g/100 g of NDF and 1.32 g/100 g of ADF. Additionally, the sodium content of the maize chip (706.67 mg/100 g), fell within the permissible limit set out by South African salt legislation (<800 mg/100 g), for savoury snack foods. Moreover, the chips demonstrated favourable potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels. The higher fat content of 23.72 g/100 g in the chips was attributed to the deep-frying process, used during preparation.
Open Access
Evaluation of rejected wet carcass syndrome lamb meat for human or animal consumption
(University of the Free State, 2023) Hatting, Melissa; Hugo, A.; Hugo, C. J.
Wet carcass syndrome (WCS) is a condition found among sheep and is characterised by a ‘wet’ appearance of the subsurface meat at slaughtering. These carcasses are considered unfit for further use, resulting in financial loss to farmers and the industry as a whole. No preventions or cause have been determined for this syndrome, although WCS seems to be associated with winter/drought conditions. The current study compared twenty WCS carcasses to twenty unaffected normal carcasses to determine the quality and safety of the affected meat. Parameters tested included fat thickness, water holding capacity, colour, proximate analysis, fatty acid composition, water activity, pH and microbial load. A shelf-life study was performed on two products, i.e., lamb chops for human consumption and pet mince for the pet food industry. From morpho-physical examinations, WCS carcasses had measurements with significantly higher cold mass, external length, shoulder and buttock circumference than the normal carcasses. No significant differences were, however, found in the fatness and conformation code, showing that WCS-affected carcasses were physically larger, but retained the same level of fat around the outside of the carcass. Measurements taken between the 12ᵗʰ and 13ᵗʰ rib, showed normal carcasses had significantly higher fat thickness (45 mm and 110 mm), while WCS carcasses had significantly higher eye muscle width, depth, area and perimeter. The pH, temperature, water activity and water holding capacity had no significant differences. Proximate analysis included dry matter, moisture, protein, fat, organic matter and ash. All of these parameters showed higher levels in the normal vs WCS carcasses, except for moisture content which was higher in WCS vs normal carcasses. Nine of the fatty acids showed significant differences, where all but one, arachidic acid, had higher levels in the WCS, than in normal carcasses. From surface swabs, there were no differences in the number of microbes recovered from the surface of the WCS carcasses versus normal carcasses. Two products were formulated, lamb chops for human consumption and pet mince for the pet food industry. A shelf-life study (microbial load, colour and pH) determined the quality over a period of six days for lamb chops and 10 days for pet mince. The microbial load and pH on both products showed no significant differences between the WCS and normal carcasses, suggesting that WCS meat had the same microbial quality and was just as safe as that from a normal carcass. The colour analysis of the lamb chops showed no differences in the lightness nor the redness, although there was a difference in the blue/yellow colour on day 0, implying a greenish tint involved with WCS. This phenomenon, however, was only seen on day 0 and not throughout the 6-day experimental period. The study confirmed the safety of WCS meat for both human and animal consumption, although the wet surface appearance, soft texture and loose subcutaneous fat, is expected to still deter consumers from purchasing such meat. Processing of WCS meat into products like pet mince, will support new commercial ventures and lessen the financial impact of the condition on the livestock industry.
Open Access
The effect of microbial and plant extract preservatives on the chemical, microbial and sensory quality of a traditional fresh South African sausage
(University of the Free State, 2023) Freitag, Alicia; Hugo, C. J.; Hugo, A.; van der Merwe, S.; Cluff, M.
The purpose of this study was to determine if natural preservatives in Boerewors had an effect on the aᵥᵥ, pH, and moisture content; lipid oxidative, microbial and colour stability; and sensory quality. Sulphur dioxide inclusion at 0.035% (positive control), formulation with no preservatives (negative control), protective cultures; Pediococcus acidilactici (PrC1) and Lactobacillus curvatus (PrC2), and plant extract blends; rosemary extract and acerola oil (KD1) and rosemary extract, buffered vinegar, and acerola powder (KD2), were evaluated. The goal was to best match the quality characteristics of the positive control, while complying to the consumer demands for natural ingredients. The use of KD2 increased the pH on days 0 and 6, while the aᵥᵥ of were only affected on day 0, with PrC1 having the highest aᵥᵥ and KD1 the lowest. Both plant extract preservatives increased the lipid oxidative stability more than any other treatment, including the positive control. The microbial stability results were inconclusive due to the protective cultures which increased the total bacteria count. The pathogens, coliform and Enterobacteriaceae counts were analysed, but there were no significant differences between the treatments. KD1 maintained the highest lightness colour score and lowest TBC at the same level as the positive control but increased the yellowness score. The treatments had no effect on the sensory evaluation. The use of plant preservatives as the best candidates for SO₂ replacement were confirmed for use in Boerewors. The replacement of SO₂, with natural preservatives, can affect the product safety and shelflife of fresh meat products, such as Boerewors. The effect of the replacement on the microbial communities of Boerewors have not yet been investigated. Biolog™ Ecoplate™ have been used to physiologically profile bacterial communities from different preservative treated Boerewors samples. The Boerewors were sampled on day 0 and incubated at 25 °C, in an OmniLog® system, for 72.5 h. The growth and reaction of the microbial communities to the 31 carbon compounds were measured, based on the production of formazan. The results were statistically analysed, using two methods: 1) AWCD and Shannon indices, and 2) applying the Gompertz function to analyse growth parameters. The results of the first approach showed that KD1 had the lowest growth rate and a similar microbial diversity as the PC, while the NC had the highest overall growth and diversity. The results of the second approach showed that PrC1 had a much later midpoint of growth than the other treatments, while the microbial community in KD2 had the least explosive growth of all the treatments. Overall, a reduction in microbial functional diversity and explosiveness of growth was noted in Boerewors with added preservatives. In terms of community-level physiological profiling, SO₂ replacement can, therefore, affect the microbial quality and safety of Boerewors in mostly positive ways. In this study, SO₂ replacement with plant extract preservatives containing rosemary and acerola extract (KD1) and rosemary and acerola extract with buffered vinegar (KD2), were evaluated for effects on the growth and survival of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) reference strains. The bacterial strains were inoculated separately into Boerewors batters that were stored at 4 °C for up to 6 days. The purpose of this study was to determine if these potential pathogens could use natural preservatives to their advantage in Boerewors. The inoculated E. coli struggled to survive both of the natural preservatives, especially KD1, without a significant difference to the PC. Survival decreased substantially from day 0 to 6, with the low storage temperature having a big influence on the counts. The inoculated S. aureus decreased from day 0 to 6, but the natural preservatives did not affect the counts as much as the SO₂, except on the last day of storage. For the most part, natural preservatives and an ideal storage temperature exhibited antimicrobial potential.
Open Access
Food and nutrition security among farming households in Lesotho: the role of commercial agriculture
(University of the Free State, 2023) Nkoko, Nthabeleng; Cronje, Cronje; Swanepoel, Jan Willem
Food insecurity and malnutrition are persistent challenges to the global community. The COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, climate change and the Russian-Ukraine war have exacerbated hunger and poverty rates. However, agriculture continues to be regarded as a critical pathway towards tackling food insecurity and malnutrition. In Africa, investments in agricultural development have increased in the recent past, aiming to fight food insecurity and poverty. The transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture has received increased attention from significant investors. Lesotho is one of the least developed countries in the world that is also faced with persistent and high poverty rates that spread throughout the country. In the past decade, the government of Lesotho and its partners have invested in supporting farming households by commercialising agriculture and increasing market participation. However, agriculture in Lesotho is constrained by limited access to production resources and erratic climatic events, among others. As a result, agriculture suffers from low productivity and its contribution to food insecurity and nutrition security is challenged. Despite the challenges, there is a continual investment in commercial agriculture as a development approach. However, the role of agriculture in yielding food and nutrition security outcomes is unclear, and empirical evidence is limited. In light of these, the study sought to assess the contribution of commercial agriculture on household food and nutrition security. The specific objectives to address the research aim were: • To determine the food and nutrition security status of commercial and subsistence farming households in Lesotho. • To determine the factors that affect the food and nutritional security of the farming households in Lesotho. • To assess the contribution of commercial agriculture on the food and nutrition security of the farming households in Lesotho. • To assess the characteristics of the food and nutrition security clusters. • To make policy recommendations on household food and nutrition security in Lesotho. The study adopted an exploratory research approach with a cross-sectional nature. Data were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interview schedules. The findings indicated that farming households experienced food and nutrition insecurity differently. The household food insecurity access scale indicated the prevalence of varied levels of food insecurity among 60% of the surveyed households. Individual dietary diversity scores showed low dietary diversity among the majority of women of reproductive age (79.4%), under-five children (72%) and male adults (65.4%). Significant differences in food and nutrition security status were observed between the four districts that represent the agro-ecological zones. The household dietary diversity score reflected that farming households could afford diverse diets weekly, and not daily. There were significant differences in food and nutrition security between commercial and subsistence farming households. Household income was a determinant for all household food and nutrition security indicators. After grouping the surveyed households, the findings also indicated that the food and nutrition secure cluster was characterised by small household size, higher monthly household income, farming for commercial purposes, as well as respondents who are married and have higher education status. Food secure farming households also have access to extension services and credit to purchase agricultural inputs. In assessing commercial agriculture's contribution to food and nutrition security, qualitative and quantitative findings reflected a positive contribution to most indicators. Involvement in commercial agriculture is a pathway to enhancing food and nutrition security hence a nutrition-sensitive approach to commercial agricultural interventions is recommended for better food and nutrition outcomes. The findings also demonstrate that involvement in agriculture alone is inadequate for enhancing food and nutrition security. Since household income is a significant determinant for achieving food and nutrition security, there is a need to stimulate the economy to create income-generating activities. Farming households must also be capacitated with nutrition knowledge in combination with proper allocation of agricultural produce and farm income to meet the dietary requirements for all members of the households.
Open Access
Sustainability of vegetable production systems by small-scale farmers of Limpopo Province in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2023) Mathobo, David Nndineni; Nthakheni, N. D.; Zwane, M. E.
The study was conducted in 23 villages of Limpopo Province through an article-based format. The study in area A, was conducted in six villages, four in Makhado Municipality of Vhembe District, and two villages in Greater Letaba Municipality in Mopani District. The objective of the study was to characterise vegetable production systems of small-scale farmers in the study area. Data was collected using a questionnaire and some information was gathered through direct observation. Fifty-two farmers were sampled using a multi-stage random sampling technique and were interviewed. The sample size was calculated using Lovin’s formula. Data was analysed using a SPSS. The results of the study showed that 59.62% of the farmers were males, 57.69% were above 61 years of age. The education status of women was lower than that of men and more women had no formal qualification. The 92.31% owned land and 80% of the plots ranged between 0.5 and two hectares. The 84.62% had vegetable farming experience ranging between 5 and 16 years. Water management system was characterised by some farmers (50%) who adapted to water shortage by planting drought tolerant vegetables, some19.23% used drip irrigation system and others (13.46%) used conservation tillage. The majority (71.15%) of these farmers used furrow irrigation and gravitational canal, and their main source of water was the river. They drew water using gravitation and pipes as well as gravitation and canals. Water availability ranged from daily to monthly. Human resource management was characterised by 48.08% of the vegetable farmers who employed a mixture of youth, male and female workers and 60% of the farmers hired workers on seasonal basis. Soil sampling did not exist because 65.54% did not take soil samples and 67.31% did not know when last they took soil samples, 65.38% used both organic and inorganic fertilisers. About 81% applied between 10-200kg fertiliser per hectare using band placing method. Other vegetable production practices identified include chemical pest control (100%); soil resource management was done through conventional tillage (86.64%); contours to control erosion (71.18%). Weed control was mainly manual (73.08%). Income generated from sale of vegetables was mainly used for labour, production inputs and mechanisation. Farmers in the study area kept records for finance, input, planting dates and yields. Most farmers used 0-10% of vegetables they produce for home consumption. The results of the study showed that vegetable production can be sustainable if water, soil, pests and disease are managed appropriately. The study in area B, was conducted in six villages situated in the four municipalities within the two districts of the Limpopo Province in South Africa. The study investigated vegetable production systems and consumption patterns as determinants of food security amongst small-scale vegetable farmers. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 52 respondents for this study. The sample size was calculated using Slovin’s formula. Data was collected through a questionnaire and other information through direct observation. Data was analysed using the statistical package for social sciences. The study revealed that 65.38% of the participants were males 42.31% had an average age of 51-61 years and had 5-10 years farming experience. The study shows that male respondents 63.46% had secondary education and are more than females, and 71.16% had dependants ranging from five to above nine per household. The majority 92.31% own land for vegetable cultivation and more respondents who own land are males while 65.38% cultivating vegetables on land size ranging from 1-2 hectares. Most farmers (71.15%) cultivated a variety of vegetables; 90.38% grew vegetables in order to generate income; 38.46% grow vegetables because the market for vegetables is available. The study also revealed that 44.23% used drying method to preserve vegetable seeds; 90.38% used single cropping system for vegetables, and they practiced intensive vegetable production system. Vegetable preparation for food is characterised by 71% who use boiling as a cooking method while 55.77% used tomato and onion to enhance vegetable flavour and used salt to enhance vegetable taste. The study noted that 48.07% experienced pest infestation and high inputs costs as the main constraints in vegetable production. Vegetable consumption is characterised by 40.38% who consumed vegetables once per week; the 51.92% preferred to eat leafy vegetables than other vegetables. Most of the respondents (55.77%) were encouraged to eat vegetables that were appropriately cooked. The study also noted that adult women (38.46%) consume vegetable in the family, and they consumed 50-100g of vegetable per day. The study shows that 57.69% preserved vegetables by drying, because it is the cheapest method. The results of the study show that a variety of vegetables produced, and preservation are the main determinants of food security in the study area. The study in area C, was conducted in four villages, three from Thulamela municipality and one in Maruleng municipality. The objective of the study was to analyse climate change mitigation strategies adopted by small-scale farmers towards a sustainable vegetable production and resilient from food shortages in Limpopo Province. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 52 respondents for this study. The size of the sample was calculated using Lovin’s formula. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire and direct observations. Data was analysed using the statistical package for social sciences. Results of the study revealed that more (53.85%) women participate in vegetable production. The study also shows that 59.62% had an average of 51-61 and above 61years of age. The 61.54% had secondary education. The 90.38% had no qualification in agriculture. The majority (67.31%) cultivate their crops on 1-2ha. The 81.76% have moderate ability to high ability to adapt to climate change. The majority of the respondents (88.46%) rate decrease in quality of irrigation water, decrease in soil fertility and increased soil erosion as factors that lead to land degradation due to climate change. The 86.54% view drought, high temperatures and more pests as rare events as a result of climate change. The 61.54% experienced a slight decrease in summer rainfall patterns. The adaptation to change in summer rainfall is mitigated by planting drought resistance vegetable crops and irrigating frequently to adapt to that change. The 61.54% experienced increased pest infestation due to climate change and they noticed an increase in the use of pesticides to adapt. An increase in winter temperature was noticed by 80.77% of farmers and 67.32% adapt by growing cool season vegetables. Changes in summer temperatures was noticed by 90.30% who experienced an increase in summer temperatures due to climate change. The respondents are aware that local authorities are concerned about climate change and other activities such as soil mining, veld fires and tree cutting that may be contributing to climate change. Strategies in response to climate changes include knowing about the importance of weather and climate change forecasts. The 57.69% say forecasting helps them to plan planting dates, others say it helps them to make a choice of vegetable varieties and to project rainfall distribution. The majority (84.62%) use Radio and TV as their main source of information about weather and climate. Farmers in the study area apply Climate-smart agriculture technologies including crop rotation by 71.15%, others use mixed cropping, mulching, no till, crop residue, contours to counter the impact of climate change. They also use climate smart agriculture for increased productivity, 51.92% use hybrid seeds, pesticides and fertilisers. The CSA soil fertility technologies are the use of manure (52%), others use crop residue and mulching. Types of fertilisers used, 63.46% use both organic and inorganic fertilisers. Water saving technologies feature 50% who use water harvesting technology as a way of saving water, few use mulching for soils to retain moisture longer. The results of the study show that 59.62% of the respondents use ridges/terraces to control soil erosion, and others use contour planting, other use grass strips. Risks posed by climate change are identified amongst others as reduced crop yield reduced, amount of rain, floods and rise in temperatures. The 63.46% minimise risks by using crop diversification and use hybrid seeds. The study shows that farmers in the study area are aware of the climate change and the related factors. They are also applying CSA technologies as mitigation strategies to ensure sustainable food supply. However, there is a need to support small-scale farmers with improved technologies for them to be able to mitigate and cope with climate change challenges. The study in area D, was conducted in five villages, the three villages in Vhembe District, and two villages in Mopani District. The objective of the study was to assess the potential of African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) towards the formation of a commercial, nutritional and sustainable production system. A total of 53 small-scale vegetable farmers were randomly sampled using a multi-stage cluster sampling procedure. Sample size was calculated using Slovin’s formula. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that more women (64.15%) participated in the production of AIVs. The 54.72% of the respondents supplied AIVs all-year round. Some respondents (49.06%) grow AIVs for home consumption, while 64.15% are encouraged to grow AIVs because they are well adapted to the area, easy to grow and have short growing period. About 60% of the respondents indicated that AIVs are highly consumed by adults and pregnant women in the families. The study revealed that 90.57% of the respondents could harvest and sell 1-2 tons of AIVs per season. About 57% of the respondents benefited from all types of markets, local, farm stalls and high value markets. The study showed that 86.79% of the farmers in the study area received support from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the form of advice, and production inputs. The results of the study confirm that there is a potential for the formation of a nutritional and a commercial production system from AIVs in the study area because the market of AIVs is growing. The study in area E, was conducted in the eight villages, three of Vhembe District, and five villages of Mopani District. The objective of the study was to identify and analyse the opportunities and constraints of a wide adaptation to organic vegetable production systems by small-scale farmers. A total of 52 small-scale vegetable farmers were randomly sampled using a multi-stage cluster sampling procedures. Sample size was calculated using Slovin’s formula. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analysed using the SPSS. The female respondents (55.77%) participated in vegetable production. The study shows that 21.15% of women attended secondary-level education. The study shows that farmers in the study area have experience ranging from 11-21 yeas. The study also revealed that 61.54% of the respondents have access to land they own, lease and communal use. The study also showed that the respondents have dependents ranging from 1-above 9 in number. The study shows that farmers use fertilisers, crop rotation and practicing intercropping in order to promote soil fertility. The study shows that the respondents apply livestock manure, poultry manure and other types to boost their vegetables. It was also revealed that farmers are aware that pesticides are not healthy, and they use protective clothing, and wash their hands with soap after use. Weed is controlled manually. The respondents agreed that organic market has a potential of growth, while others say there is shortage of local organic markets. The study revealed that 80.77% of the respondents considered organic farming (OF) as more profitable, and 78.85% say that it saves on production costs. The study showed that 75.00% of the respondents believed that organic products fetch higher prices. About 53.85% had moderate knowledge of organic farming, while 65.38% were ready to receive technical skills on organic farming (OF). The study captured that 75% viewed conversion to organics as expensive while 44.23% were willing to convert to organic farming in the near future. The results of this study show that there are opportunities in farming on organic vegetables if the constraints and difficulties identified in the study area are dealt with. It is concluded that vegetable production in the study area is sustainable but can improve further by exploiting the opportunities presented by this sector, however, needs support where the needs and necessities are identified, so that it continues contributing in feeding the nation and generating income for the livelihoods of the small-scale farmers.
Open Access
Perceptions and experiences of life sciences teachers on the integration of a virtual laboratory for rural teaching
(University of the Free State, 2023) Shambare, Brian; Jita, Thuthukile
In line with South Africa’s National Development Plan Agenda 2030, the current educational objective is to provide technology to schools. However, effective integration of these technologies in teaching hinges on teachers’ acceptance to use them. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate issues of technology acceptance, particularly teachers’ perceptions and experiences, before introducing such technologies. Neglecting this step risks the technology tools being underutilised or abandoned once deployed in schools, especially innovative ones like Virtual Lab. This study investigated Life Sciences teachers’ perceptions and experiences regarding integrating Virtual Lab for rural teaching. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Davis, 1989) and the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge framework (TPACK) (Koehler & Mishra, 2006) guided this research. The study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach with two phases: a quantitative survey involving 200 Life Science teachers in Eastern Cape province and qualitative interviews with four teachers from rural secondary schools in the Joe Gqabi District. Findings were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Phase One and thematic analysis in Phase Two, and the integrated results matrix facilitated meta-inferences. The study found that Life Sciences teachers perceive integrating Virtual Labs into teaching positively, primarily driven by its ease of use and usefulness. Notably, they emphasise the benefits over the ease of use, indicating a solid understanding of Virtual Lab’s potential advantages. Furthermore, teachers with higher technological pedagogical content knowledge hold more positive perceptions of Virtual Lab. Interestingly, this study found that perceived usefulness and technological knowledge significantly influence teachers’ intention to use Virtual Lab. This finding affirms that combining TAM and TPACK theories can offer a comprehensive framework for analysing teacher perceptions and acceptance of novel technologies in rural schools. However, challenges exist. Many teachers lack the knowledge to use Virtual Lab effectively. Limited electricity supply, insufficient school support, and a lack of professional development hinder Virtual Lab adoption. To overcome these, the study recommends tailored professional development and school support. Looking ahead, future research should shift its focus towards exploring learners’ perceptions and experiences regarding the integration of Virtual Lab to gain a holistic understanding of its uptake in education.
Open Access
Art gallery: questioning topographic and institutional edges by sculpting inhabitable thresholds
(University of the Free State, 2016) Bramley, Lana; Smit, J. D.; Pretorius, H.B.; Olivier, J. I.; Raubenheimer, H.
The University of the Free State boasts with a collection of 1500 artworks which are rotated between the Main Building, the Eeufees Building and storage space. In a personal interview with Mrs De Jesus, the curator at the Johannes Stegmann Art Gallery on campus, it became evident that the University is in need of an art gallery which should entice a dialogue between the art and the visitor. She stated that the gallery should not be a destination building but rather an interactive proposal. The concept of an art gallery as a transient space comes from investigating the campus as a large site. The campus used to be an open part of town where the exact boundary between the campus and the city was unclear. Families could enjoy the gardens on weekends and pedestrians were able to take a shortcut through campus and interact with students in the passing. Due to security reasons, the campus was closed off and boundaries reinforced. This enforced a threshold between students and the public. The proposed project aims to embody the boundary of campus in order to develop the harsh edge into a perforated entrance through the art gallery. The design of an art gallery intrigued me, as the main denominator of its morphology is light. “𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗯𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.” (𝗠𝗲𝗶𝗲𝗿, 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟲) I have always been fascinated by the way architectural elements can be manipulated in order to create a shadow line or light shaft which allows for the replacement of a typical window punched into a wall. Light is the main denominator of form in this project through the way the archetypes are sculpting away the sky and embedding itself into the earth. This investigation focuses on the way that an art gallery, as a transient space rather than a destination building, can allow the public a glimpse into the world of art. This is done by intriguing people during their ordinary path. The need for the project was raised by the curator of the University of the Free State because of a lack of exhibition and storage space on campus. Therefore, the project will focus on the design of a gallery space and archive on the campus of the UFS.
Open Access
Investigating the potential antiproliferative effect of 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢 aqueous leaf extract in MCF-7 breast cancer cells
(University of the Free State, 2023) Moremane, Malebogo M.; Tiloke, Charlette; Abrahams, Beynon
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱: Breast cancer is associated with elevated mortality and morbidity rates in women across the world. Current chemotherapeutic drugs such as Doxorubicin (Dox) display contra-indications, thus expressing the need for alternative treatment methods. Therefore, to reduce the cancer burden, the study’s objective was to investigate whether an aqueous leaf extract of 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢 (MO), a medicinal tree native to India and indigenous to Africa, possesses antiproliferative potential against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: In order to suppress cell growth, MCF-7 cells were treated with MO (2600 μg/ml) for 72 hours. Cells were also co-exposed with Dox (0.978 μM), modelled as a positive control. The unexposed cells served as the control. Biochemical analysis was conducted after 72 hours (MTT, GSH, DCFH-DA, ATP, Caspase 3/7, 8/9, qPCR and western blot assays) to assess the efficacy of MO and Dox. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢 aqueous leaf extract significantly reduced the proliferation of breast cancer cells by inducing oxidative stress through increasing ROS whilst decreasing glutathione content and Nrf2 protein expression. Additionally, MO induced apoptosis by increasing caspases -3/7, -8, -9, metabolic activity and upregulating p53. Similar results were observed in Dox-exposed cells. Furthermore, cell death due to MO was activated with downregulation of Bcl-2, PARP-1 and Bax. Dox decreased the growth of breast cancer cells by increasing ROS. In contrast, Dox induced chemoresistance through increased GSH content and downregulated apoptotic protein Bax and p53 gene. However, the MO + Dox combination induced antiproliferative potential similarly to MO, suggesting a possible synergistic effect. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: MO aqueous leaf extract displayed antiproliferative potential by inducing apoptosis and oxidative damage to the MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Open Access
Weaving temporal threads: a wool processing at Houtkraal Railway Station in the Karoo, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2023) Adendorff, Maliza; Smit, J.; Noble, J. A.; Jooste-Smit, P.; Bitzer, M.
Many unused and abandoned railway stations are scattered throughout the Karoo, the site of Houtkraal Railway Station being one of them. The remaining buildings verge on ruin, and slow and deliberate decay has set in, mediating between present, future and past. The main question is: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗽 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮? Though the wool industry in South Africa is largely unstable due to outbreaks of cattle diseases, which limits the export of wool to other countries, the local processing of wool has yet to be established. Much research has been done on wool processing and its social, economic and environmental impact, though past research and precedent studies fail to address the possible architecture that may accommodate and balance both the hand-driven processes of wool processing and the industrial nature of a railway line in South Africa. Furthermore, the interpretation of patinas in architecture relies heavily on time, temporality and ruin theories. Along with the theory, investigations are done regarding materiality and promenades, which will attempt to make sense of the experience of passing time. The successful and realistic design and development of a wool-processing facility in the Karoo, next to a railway, may revitalise the railway and the local economy and may change onlookers’ perspectives on buildings laid waste over time.
Open Access
Between Ville and Cité: a layered mixed-use creative commons in Woodstock, Cape Town
(University of the Free State, 2023) Maree, Bernard; Bitzer, M.; Smit, J. D.; Smit, P.; Bosman, G.
Urban users can be disconnected from space if place is disconnected from the urban landscape. The main research question considered is how can an investigation of the layers that constitute the urban palimpsest, through adaptive reuse inform a neo-industrial sensory and spatial experience between the ’Ville’ and the ‘Cité’, to preserve history and enhance identity in lower Woodstock, Cape Town? Other designers have attempted to address the problem of reusing previous industrial areas and buildings yet struggle with accommodating current users of the site and context. The proposed design focuses on finding the place between the larger urban landscape, ’Ville’, and a specific place in the urban landscape, ‘Cité’, through the means of investigating the urban palimpsest. Investigating precedent buildings with a focus on creative community engagement informs the composition of newly proposed structures between existing buildings. The proposal’s aim is to merge commercial economic success with aspects of community engagement to mitigate negative effects that urban renewal may bring, such as gentrification. The proposal aids designers to approach projects of an urban nature to create space of community and commerce as the between of ’Ville’ and ‘Cité’.
Open Access
A visitor city on the Moon: giving identity to Lunar Architecture
(University of the Free State, 2023) van Rhijn, Ronel
In an era when commercial space travel has become a reality and Lunar habitation is no longer fiction, the future Lunar visitors’ city emerges. With world-renowned architecture firms collaborating with space agencies on space architecture and the ongoing developments of NASA and SpaceX, the possible identity of Lunar architecture is explored. How can biomimicry with architecture be applied to create an immersive future visitors’ city on the Moon and contribute towards a Lunar architectural identity? This explorative thesis transcends the boundaries of traditional design, embracing the challenge of replicating Earth’s comforts and familiarity on the Moon. It invites visitors on an extraordinary journey to a world where technology sustains life, the Earth hangs in the distant sky, and the Moon’s reduced gravity offers unique opportunities for exploration. The book, “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺”, by Kevin Lynch, was thoroughly studied. The concept of biomimicry and relevant precedent studies were examined and applied. This was done to gain a thorough understanding of how humans perceive a new environment and how to design comfortable and relatable architecture. Furthermore, inspired by Le Corbusier’s notion of architecture as a machine, this thesis conceives the Lunar centre as a self-sustaining life-support system. It delves into the intricate details of providing essential services such as food, water, oxygen, sewage management, and power within the context of the Moon. Through science and architecture, the vision harmoniously combines functionality with an immersive visitor experience, catering to both scientific researchers and adventure-seeking tourists.
Open Access
Perceived social support, aggression, age and repeat offending as predictors of coping amongst male maximum-security offenders
(University of the Free State, 2022) Gwambe, Snethemba; Jordaan, J.; Cronjé, M.
This dissertation consists of five chapters. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗲 introduces and orientates the reader to coping amongst incarcerated maximum-security offenders and emphasises the study’s problem statement, rationale/background, research aim, research questions, ethical considerations, and clarification of numerous concepts. Lastly, the value of the study is discussed. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝘄𝗼 provides the reader with an extensive literature review of coping amongst male maximum-security offenders and its related topics. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 provides the reader with an outline of the study’s research methodology used to meet the research aim and answer the research questions. The research approach, research design, sampling procedure and data collection procedures will be discussed in this chapter. There will further be a discussion on the measuring instruments, data analysis procedures and ethical considerations of the study. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 presents all the study’s research findings. Lastly, 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 encompasses a summary of the study’s findings. The value and contribution of the study will also be discussed, and chapter five will conclude with the limitations and recommendations for future research studies.
Open Access
The role of perceived social support in the relationships between self-esteem and posttraumatic growth in participants living with psychophysiological skin disorders
(University of the Free State, 2022) Hawker, Shannon Jaimie; Tadi, N. F.; Makhakhe, L.
Psychophysiological skin disorders affect a large number of people and are associated with a heavy burden of disease worldwide. It was reported that at least 30% of patients with skin disorders have significant psychological co-morbidities. Many studies only focus on the pathological aspects of these skin ailments, as well as the impact of psychological distress and poor mental health. However, it remains imperative to establish factors that enable these patients to develop their personal strength, to increase their self-esteem, and to receive adequate support. Thus, the aim of this study was to expand on this body of research by investigating the relationship between self-esteem and posttraumatic growth, as well as whether perceived social support moderates or mediates the relationship between self-esteem and posttraumatic growth in participants living with psychophysiological skin disorders. A sample of 100 participants aged between 18 and 60 years, who met one of the four types of psychophysiological skin disorders that this study included namely, Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Pruritus, and Alopecia were obtained from a hospital in Bloemfontein, Free State. Participants were selected using a non-probability, convenience sampling method. For the purpose of this study, a quantitative, non-experimental and correlational research design was utilised. The Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 was employed to analyse the results of the study. In particular, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients and multiple hierarchical regression analyses were performed to investigate the research objectives respectively. Results indicated that there is indeed a significant positive relationship between self-esteem and posttraumatic growth, with coefficients indicating a moderate to large effect size. Emotional-informational support, as an aspect of perceived social support, acts as a moderator between self-esteem and posttraumatic growth. Further, tangible support as an aspect of perceived social support did not moderate/mediate the relationship between self-esteem and posttraumatic growth. The current study’s findings emphasise the implication of distinguishing between the emotional-informational and tangible dimensions of perceived social support in aiding increased self-esteem and posttraumatic growth amongst participants living with psychophysiological skin disorders.
Open Access
𝘐𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 evaluation of expression levels of ABC-transporter genes on needle biopsies of prostate cancer patients treated with chemotherapy
(University of the Free State, 2023) Ngesi, Nandi; Sekhoacha, M. P.; Abrahams, B. R.
𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second-most diagnosed cancer among men worldwide, and the foremost male malignancy in South Africa. Various therapies are used in the treatment of PCa patients. However, despite advances in cancer therapy, treatment failures still lead to the advancement of the disease, relapse, and ultimately mortality. Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for metastatic PCa, but it is challenged by multidrug resistance (MDR) of cancer cells. Various mechanisms participate in the MDR of cancer cells, including an increase in drug efflux facilitated by members of the ATPbinding cassette (ABC) transporters such as ATP-binding cassette sub-family C (ABCC1) / multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1), ABCC2/MRP2, and ABCC10/MRP7. Therefore, discovering drug resistance biomarkers and mechanisms is essential in both understanding and combating chemoresistance. This study identifies cellular drug transporter genes (ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC10) as possible targets for the prediction of docetaxel treatment outcomes in PCa patients. 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a correlation exists between the expression levels of ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC10 transporter genes and good versus (vs) poor responses to chemotherapy. Methods: A total of nine Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue biopsies of PCa patients were obtained from National Health Laboratory Service, Universitas academic hospital, and divided into two categories, good and poor responders. RNA and proteins were extracted from the FFPE tissues, quantified, and evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR and western blot. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: quantitative RT-PCR shows that ABCC1/MRP1, ABCC2/MRP2, and ABCC10/MRP7 were expressed in the good and poor responder categories of PCa patients. In the good responder category, 50 % of the patients showed elevated expression levels of ABCC1/MRP1 and ABCC10/MRP7 in the normal sections compared to their tumour sections. The expression level of ABCC2/MRP2 was elevated in 75 % of the patients’ normal sections in comparison to their tumour sections. Moreover, in the poor responder category, 80 % of the patients showed elevated expression of ABCC1 in the tumour sections compared to the normal sections, and 60 % of patients showed elevated expression levels of ABCC10 in the tumour sections compared to their normal sections. The expression levels of ABCC2 in the tumour and normal sections of patients in this category of poor responders, could not be compared because the expression levels of ABCC2 could not be determined in 50 % of the patient samples. The average expression levels of ABCC1 and ABCC10 were upregulated in the tumour sections of patients in the poor responder category but were deregulated in the tumour sections of patients in the good responder category. Additionally, ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC10’s average expression levels were upregulated in the normal sections of patients in the good responder category and deregulated in the normal sections of patients in the poor responder category. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: The results suggest that a correlation exists between the expression levels of ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC10 and drug resistance reported in the poor responder category. Also, the detection of these transporter genes could potentially be used as indicators of possible docetaxel treatment outcomes.