Thesis (M.Sc.). / Written for the Dept. of Geography. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2008/01/16). Includes bibliographical references.

<p dir="ltr">Existing literature suggests that having gardens and trees in schoolyards has proven to be positive for student health. Tree canopies in schoolyards provide shade, mitigate urban heat island effects, reduce air, and noise pollution, and even improve mental well-being. Edible schoolyards can enhance children’s hands-on learning experience, foster stronger environmental stewardship, offer fresh food opportunities, and help develop healthier eating habits. However, the implementation of green and edible schoolyards in Indiana remains relatively low. This thesis aims to explore the current tree canopy and garden coverage within the school grounds to understand how these green spaces correlate with demographic factors such as race, income, and population density, aiming to identify potential inequities in the school environment creation. Moreover, it gathers green feature coverage data and staff perspectives to further investigate the potential of expanding different edible green features in schoolyards of the Indianapolis region.</p><p dir="ltr">This study included 167 public schoolyards in the research process. Geospatial data analytic and social science methods were utilized in this research. First, ArcGIS was used to analyze the spatial distribution pattern of school Tree Canopy Coverage (TCC) and garden existence. We also examined the relationships between TCC and garden existences to other demographic factors using R language to understand impact criteria and summarize future hurdles and opportunities. In the second method, online surveys were distributed to the same schools to understand the attitudes of school staff towards edible schoolyards. Some preliminary challenges were identified with the 35 responses collected, including funding mechanisms, collaboration limitations, and lack of integration into curriculums to allow valuable education. This research concludes with 2 case studies to represent two common typologies of schoolyards in Indianapolis, using interviews to gain a deeper understanding of further concerns and future working directions for green schoolyard advocates.</p>

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1978 A44 / Master of Science

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1985 C64 / Master of Science

Submitted in fulfilment for the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Technology: Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / South African edible oil processing plants produce approximately 3 x 105 tonnes of oil annually with up to 3 tonnes of water for every tonne of oil produced. Wastewater that contains oil extracts varies in organic loading from 30,000 to 60,000 mg.l-1 COD. This wastewater can be used to grow oleophilic fungi to produce valuable industrial products. The global vitamin B market is approximately R25.5 billion with 4500 metric tonnes being produced. A large proportion of this is produced using the fungus Eremothecium gossypii using oil substrates. The aim of this study was to to develop a novel method to produce riboflavin with the aid of fungi, using edible oil effluent (EOE) as substrate, and to optimize the production thereof by statistical experimental design. Four fungi were surveyed for their growth potential on EOE and two, E. gossypii (CBS109.51) and C. famata (ATCC 208.50) were found to produce sufficient riboflavin for further study. Mutation of these organisms using ethylmethane sulphonate (EMS) increased riboflavin production from 3.52 mg.l-1 to 38.98 mg.l-1, an 11-fold increase. An enzyme pathway responsible for this was found to involve isocitrate lyase and comparison of this enzyme’s activity in the mutant against the wild-type using Michaelis-Menten kinetics showed a higher reaction velocity (Vmax) with a reduced substrate affinity (Km) indicating that the mutation was associated with this enzyme. Biomass comparisons were fitted to the sigmoid Gompertz model which was used to compare the wild-type to the mutant and increased specific growth rates and doubling times were observed in mutated cultures of E. gossypi. A strategy of statistical experimental design was pursued to optimize media components and iterative fractional factorial experiments culminating in a central composite optimization experiment were conducted. Statistically verified mathematical models were developed at each stage to identify important media components, predict media interactions, show directions for improvement and finally, predict maximum riboflavin production. An eight-factor resolution IV fractional factorial increased riboflavin production to 112 mg.l-1 followed by a four-factor resolution V experimental design which increased riboflavin production to 123 mg.l-1. A two-factor (yeast extract and NaCl) central composite experimental design predicted a maximum riboflavin production of 136 mg.l-1 which was a 3.5-fold increase from the mutant, and 38.6-fold higher than the E. gossypii wild-type. The optimized value was achieved within predicted confidence intervals in confirmatory experiments. Cost implications for production of riboflavin on EOE were calculated and a 10% technology uptake by the edible oil industry could yield a riboflavin industry with a 63.65 million rand turnover and a potential 24.96 million rand gross profit margin. / National Research Fund.

Submitted in complete fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology: Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / Immunomodulation using plants is of primary interest in scientific communities because it provides an alternative to conventional chemotherapy for a wide range of diseases. It is based on the ability of the plants to effectively modulate immune functions, thus being able to promote positive health and maintain the body’s resistance to infection. This research is aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of fourteen traditional leafy vegetables from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In this study the methanolic and aqueous extracts were screened for lymphocyte proliferation using the MTT assay. The cytokine response was evaluated by measuring the secretion of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) using the ELISA assay. The subpopulation of T cells viz., CD4+, CD8+, NK and B cells were measured by flow cytometry. Most of the methanolic extracts stimulated PBMC’s whilst a few suppressed lymphocyte proliferation. Most of the aqueous extracts were inactive. The methanolic extracts of Amaranthus hybridus and Centella asiatica stimulated PBMC’s and showed an increase in IFN-γ secretion and the CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and B cells. Thus, they induced the Tc-1 immune response and stimulated cell mediated immunity. The methanolic extracts of Asystasia gangetica, Bidens pilosa, Emex australis, Justicia flava Momordica balsamina, Oxygonum sinuatum, Senna occidentalis and Sonchus oleraceous and the aqueous extracts of Amaranthus spinosus and Asystasia gangetica, Ceratotheca triloba, Oxygonum sinuatum, Physalis viscosa and Sonchus oleaceous stimulated PBMC’s and showed an increase in IL-10 secretion and the CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and B cells. Thus, they induced the Tc-2 immune response and stimulated humoral immunity. Also, the methanolic extracts of Amaranthus spinosus and Ceratotheca triloba and the aqueous extracts of Bidens pilosa and Justicia flava increased both IL-10 and IFN-γ secretion and the CD8+ vii cytotoxic T cells indicating the stimulation of both the Tc1 and Tc2 cytokine profiles. The elevated secretion of IFN-γ and IL-10 caused by the extracts can be attributed to the CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and B cells. The findings of this study show that leafy vegetables hold promise as immunomodulatory candidates. They may enhance cell-mediated immune functions by a pro-inflammatory response whilst some can promote humoral immune functions by means of an anti-inflammatory response. Further investigation should be considered on the effect of the extracts on other immune parameters. / National Research Foundation

Doctoral thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Department of Development Studies, Faculty of Humanities at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2016. / Abstract This study examines the dynamics of power and the significance of local environmental knowledge in natural resource management in Zimbabwe’s communal areas. It uses a case study of Bulilima District, broken down into into 3 components (Wards) for manageability of the study, to analyse the power configurations and the role played by local environmental knowledge in influencing decision-making processes among actors in the district with regard to mopane worms (Imbrasis beilina is the scientific name while icimbi is the vernacular name) and mopane woodlands (Colophospermum mopane is the scientific name while iphane is the vernacular name). It examines the significance of local environmental knowledge, i.e. indigenous knowledge and knowledge that developed as a result of a combination of knowledges from different ethnic groups and modern science. The study further examines the dynamics of the gendered nature of mopane worms and woodlands tenure regimes by putting under the spotlight the spaces and places where men and women interact, use and exert control over mopane worms and woodlands. It places history at the centre of our understanding of contemporary power dynamics and helps us to appreciate the importance of how local environmental knowledge has changed over time. To this end, the study argues that some of the contemporary conflicts over resources have their roots in the colonial era when the colonial government appropriated land from the locals and introduced discourses and practices such as conservation. Furthermore, it argues and demonstrates that the state is a critical player in determining access, use and control of natural resources. Based on rich ethnographic data collected by means of critical observations, in-depth interviews, narratives, and archival data, as well as aided by a brief survey, the study concluded that natural resource governance is a complex phenomenon in developing states. Power and knowledge play significant roles in influencing access, use and control of mopane worms and woodlands. Furthermore, while some locals still possess indigenous knowledge, practices and belief systems related to natural resource management, these are now less significant in influencing decisions on natural resource management. Indeed, the interplay of knowledge and power in resource management sees scientific culture and outside knowledge taking precedence over local forms of knowledge in the management of natural resources in the district. Key words: power, local environmental knowledge, indigenous knowledge, ZANU PF, natural resource management, access, mopane worms and woodlands, Bulilima, Zimbabwe / GR2017

All these results advance our understanding on how stimulatory agents can be used to increase the production of useful metabolites by submerged fermentation of mushroom mycelium and indicate its potential biotechnological applications. / By use of one- and two-dimensional gels in proteomic analysis, some functional mycelial proteins that were differentially expressed by the addition of Tween 80 were identified. The up-regulation of heat shock proteins might help to maintain cellular viability under environmental stress. A down-regulation of YALI0E34793p and an up-regulation of ATP citrate lyase isoform 2 might suppress the activity of TCA cycle and subsequently stimulated the EPS production. Up-regulation of fatty acid synthase alpha subunit FasA might promote the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids and their incorporation into the mycelial cell membranes. Up-regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase might facilitate the signal transduction in these processes. / The BPS, a highly branched glucomannan produced by the addition of Tween 80 in the fermentation broth of PTR mycelium had similar carbohydrate and protein content, monosaccharide composition and glycosidic linkages except by having a significantly lower molecular weight when compared to those of the control. Both BPS, with and without addition of Tween 80, could significantly inhibit (p &lt; 0.05) the in vitro growth of a chronic myelogenous leukemia cells K562 in a dose dependent manner, with an estimated IC50 value of 43.7 and 47.6 microg/mL, respectively. / The effects of different kinds of stimulatory agents including fatty acids, surfactants and organic solvents were compared. The optimum results were achieved when 3.0 g/L Tween 80 was added to the fermentation broth on the 5th day of the fermentation, to give a maximum increase of 51.3 and 41.8% (p &lt; 0.05) in the yield of mycelial biomass and BPS production, respectively. / The underlying mechanisms by which Tween 80 could increase the mycelial growth and EPS production in PTR were investigated by three novel approaches including changes in the nutrient uptake by mycelium, the morphology of mycelial pellets, and the fatty acid composition in the mycelial cell membrane. Firstly, the addition of Tween 80 significantly increased the glucose consumption rate by the mycelium, implying that the efficiency of nutrient uptake from the fermentation broth was enhanced. Secondly the addition of Tween 80 could extend the growth period of the mycelium possibly by maintaining the intact structure of the mycelial pellets and preventing its disintegration caused by shear stress in the fermentation system. Thirdly, the addition of Tween 80 could increase the incorporation of oleic acid which was a constituent of Tween 80 itself into the mycelial cell membrane of PTR, altering its fatty acid composition and increase the cell membrane permeability. The first two results explained the enhancement in the mycelial growth and EPS production while the last one was related to the extracellular transport of EPS to the fermentation broth. / This study aimed at comparing the effectiveness in the use of stimulatory agents with different chemical structures for enhancing the production of mycelial biomass and exopolysaccharide (BPS) by submerged fermentation of an edible mushroom Pleurotus tuber-regium (PTR). The chemical characteristics and antitumor activity of the BPS produced with and without the addition of the most effective stimulatory agent (Tween 80 which is a permitted food additive) were also compared. The underlying mechanisms by which Tween 80 could exert its effect on the mushroom mycelium were investigated by using chemical methods and microscopic techniques as well as proteomic analysis. / Zhang, Bobo. / Adviser: Chi Keung Peter Cheung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-08, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-156). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Lo Kit Man. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 193-208). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / THESIS COMMITTEE --- p.i / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.ii / ABSTRACT --- p.iii / ABSTRACT (Chinese version) --- p.v / CONTENT --- p.vii / LIST OF TABLES --- p.xiii / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.xviii / LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS --- p.xx / Chapter CHAPTER 1: --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- An introduction of natural antioxidants --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Definition of antioxidants --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Application of natural antioxidants in foods --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.2.1 --- Oxidation of foods --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.2.1.1 --- Autoxidation of food --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.2.1.2 --- Photo-oxidation of food --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Free radicals and antioxidants --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.3.1 --- Free radicals and reactive oxygen species --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.3.1.1 --- Superoxide anion radical --- p.8 / Chapter 1.1.3.1.2 --- Hydrogen peroxide --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.3.1.3 --- Hydroxyl radical --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1.3.1.4 --- Peroxyl radical --- p.12 / Chapter 1.1.3.1.5 --- Lipid peroxidation of cell membranes --- p.13 / Chapter 1.1.3.1.6 --- Oxidation of LDL and atherosclerosis --- p.16 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Natural antioxidants and their mechanisms --- p.18 / Chapter 1.1.4.1 --- Carotenoids --- p.18 / Chapter 1.1.4.2 --- Phenolic compounds --- p.20 / Chapter 1.1.4.2.1 --- Flavonoids --- p.21 / Chapter 1.1.4.2.2 --- Phenolic acids --- p.22 / Chapter 1.1.4.3 --- Sterols --- p.24 / Chapter 1.1.4.4 --- Vitamins --- p.25 / Chapter 1.2 --- Antioxidant in mushrooms --- p.27 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Antioxidant properties of mushrooms --- p.27 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Characterization of mushroom phenolic antioxidants --- p.30 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Biosynthesis of phenolic compounds in mushrooms or fungi --- p.33 / Chapter 1.3 --- Assays for evaluation of antioxidants --- p.35 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Beta-carotene bleaching method --- p.35 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Scavenging activity of DPPH radical --- p.36 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Erythrocyte hemolysis --- p.36 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Scavenging activity of ABTS ´Ø + radical cation --- p.37 / Chapter 1.3.5 --- Scavenging activity of hydroxyl radical --- p.37 / Chapter 1.3.6 --- Assay for lipid peroxidation of rat brain homogenate --- p.38 / Chapter 1.3.7 --- Inhibition of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) oxidation --- p.39 / Chapter 1.4 --- Analysis of phenolic antioxidants --- p.41 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Extraction of phenolic compounds --- p.41 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Determination of total phenolic content --- p.43 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Chromatographic fractionation of phenolic compounds --- p.44 / Chapter 1.4.4 --- Characterization of phenolic compounds --- p.45 / Chapter 1.4.4.1 --- Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) --- p.45 / Chapter 1.4.4.2 --- High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) --- p.46 / Chapter 1.4.4.3 --- Liquid chromatography-Mass spectrometry (LC-MS) --- p.47 / Chapter 1.5 --- Objectives --- p.49 / Chapter CHAPTER 2: --- MATERIALS AND METHODS --- p.50 / Chapter 2.1 --- Sample preparation --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2 --- Sample extraction. --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Small-scale methanol and water extraction --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Large-scale methanol and water extraction and fractionation --- p.54 / Chapter 2.2.2.1 --- Large-scale methanol and water extraction --- p.54 / Chapter 2.2.2.2 --- Fractionation of crude extracts --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.2.2.1 --- Fractionation of methanol crude extract --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.2.2.2 --- Fractionation of water crude extract --- p.55 / Chapter 2.3 --- Fractionation by column chromatography --- p.58 / Chapter 2.4 --- Assays for measuring antioxidant activity --- p.60 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Beta-carotene bleaching method --- p.60 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Scavenging activity of DPPH radical --- p.62 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Erythrocyte hemolysis --- p.63 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Scavenging activity of ABTS ´Ø + radical cation --- p.64 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- Scavenging activity of hydroxyl radical --- p.65 / Chapter 2.4.6 --- Assay for lipid peroxidation of rat brain homogenate --- p.66 / Chapter 2.4.7 --- Inhibition of human low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) oxidation --- p.67 / Chapter 2.4.7.1 --- Isolation of human LDLs --- p.67 / Chapter 2.4.7.2 --- Calculation of density --- p.68 / Chapter 2.4.7.3 --- Lowry's method for determination of protein content --- p.69 / Chapter 2.4.7.4 --- Preparation of reagents --- p.69 / Chapter 2.4.7.5 --- Determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) --- p.70 / Chapter 2.5 --- Total phenolic content --- p.70 / Chapter 2.6 --- Total carbohydrate content --- p.71 / Chapter 2.7 --- Determination of protein content- the Biuret method --- p.71 / Chapter 2.8 --- Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) --- p.72 / Chapter 2.9 --- High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) --- p.73 / Chapter 2.9.1 --- Analysis of subfractions of methanol crude extract --- p.73 / Chapter 2.9.2 --- Analysis of fractionated subfractions and subfractions of Pevf and Aa mushrooms --- p.74 / Chapter 2.10 --- Liquid chromatography- Mass spectrometry (LC-MS) --- p.74 / Chapter 2.10.1 --- Liquid chromatography --- p.74 / Chapter 2.10.2 --- Mass spectrometry --- p.75 / Chapter 2.11 --- Data analysis --- p.75 / Chapter CHAPTER 3: --- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION --- p.77 / Chapter 3.1 --- Small-scale extraction scheme --- p.77 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Extraction yield --- p.77 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Assays for measuring antioxidant activity --- p.80 / Chapter 3.1.2.1 --- Beta-carotene bleaching method --- p.80 / Chapter 3.1.2.2 --- Scavenging activity of DPPH radical --- p.91 / Chapter 3.1.2.3 --- Erythrocyte hemolysis --- p.98 / Chapter 3.1.2.4 --- Summary for small-scale extraction --- p.105 / Chapter 3.2 --- Large-scale extraction and fractionation scheme --- p.107 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Extraction yield for crude extracts and subfractions --- p.107 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Antioxidant activity of subfractions and crude extracts of Aa and Pevf mushrooms --- p.111 / Chapter 3.2.2.1 --- Scavenging activity of ABTS ´Ø + radical cation --- p.111 / Chapter 3.2.2.2 --- Scavenging activity of hydroxyl radical --- p.114 / Chapter 3.2.2.3 --- Assay for lipid peroxidation of rat brain homogenate --- p.125 / Chapter 3.2.2.4 --- Summary for large-scale extraction --- p.135 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Chemical characterization of the crude extracts and their sub fractions of Aa and Pevf mushrooms --- p.13 8 / Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- Total phenolic content --- p.139 / Chapter 3.2.3.1.1 --- Total phenolic content of crude extract and their sub fractions of Aa and Pevf mushrooms --- p.139 / Chapter 3.2.3.1.2 --- Correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity --- p.140 / Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- Total carbohydrate content --- p.144 / Chapter 3.2.3.2.1 --- Total carbohydrate content of water crude extract and their sub fractions of Aa and Pevf mushrooms --- p.144 / Chapter 3.2.3.2.2 --- Correlation between total carbohydrate content and antioxidant activity --- p.144 / Chapter 3.2.3.3 --- Determination of protein content- the Biuret method --- p.146 / Chapter 3.2.3.3.1 --- Protein content of water crude extract and their sub fractions of Aa and Pevf mushrooms --- p.146 / Chapter 3.2.3.3.2 --- Correlation between protein content and antioxidant activity --- p.147 / Chapter 3.2.3.4 --- Summary of correlation between chemical components and antioxidant activity --- p.148 / Chapter 3.3 --- Column fractionation of ethyl acetate and butanol subfractions of Aa mushroom --- p.151 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Rf value in TLC and yield of fractionated subfractions --- p.151 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Total phenolic content of fractionated subfractions --- p.153 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Antioxidant activity of fractionated subfractions --- p.155 / Chapter 3.3.3.1 --- Scavenging activity of ABTS ´Ø + radical cation --- p.155 / Chapter 3.3.3.2 --- Scavenging activity of DPPH radical --- p.158 / Chapter 3.3.3.3 --- Inhibition of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation --- p.163 / Chapter 3.4 --- Chromatographic characterization of the subfractions of methanol crude extract of Aa and Pevf mushrooms --- p.167 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) --- p.167 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) --- p.172 / Chapter 3.5 --- Chromatographic and spectrometric characterization of the fractionated subfractions of the ethyl acetate and butanol subfractions of Aa --- p.177 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) --- p.177 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Liquid chromatography- Mass spectrometry (LC-MS) --- p.186 / Chapter CHAPTER 4: --- CONCLUSION --- p.189 / REFERENCES --- p.193 / RELATED PUBLICATION --- p.209