Thesis (M. Tech. Agriculture) -- Central University of Technology, Free state, 2012 / Frozen-thawed boar sperm has the potential to impact the future of the swine industry. The objectives of the study were to characterise semen of Kolbroek and Large White boars, find a suitable holding temperature and extender, determine the effect of breed and pregnancy rate following artificial insemination by frozen-thawed boar semen. A total of eight boars and 33 sows were used in this study. The 120 ejaculates were collected from each individual Kolbroek and Large White boars with the gloved-hand technique. Macroscopic and microscopic sperm characteristics were recorded. The bodyweight of Kolbroek (154.7 kg) was significantly lower compared to Large White (189.9 kg) boar. However, no significant differences were observed in Kolbroek and Large White boar semen volume (140 and 170 ml), sperm concentration (0.727 and 0.761 x 109 sperm/ml), and total sperm motility (95 and 91%). A positive correlation existed between bodyweight and semen volume of Kolbroek (r= 0.22) and Large White (r= 0.26). Conversely, the bodyweight of Large White was positively correlated to sperm concentration of Large White (r= 0.37) but negatively correlated to Kolbroek (r= -0.66). Storage time and temperature did not affect Large White boar sperm motility rate. However, Kolbroek sperm total motility rate (61.0%) was affected at 25°C after 24 hours. The highest total sperm motility rate was observed for semen diluted with Tris-based extender (74.1%) in Kolbroek boars at 48 hours of storage. Large White boar semen diluted with BTS (62.9%), Kobidil+ (69.3%) and Tris (65.1%) showed significantly higher sperm motility rate at 48 hours of storage, compared to Citrate (27.6%) extender. Cryopreservation significantly reduced sperm motility rate for Kolbroek (30.2%) and Large White (24.0%) boars. However, a high pregnancy rate was recorded in both sows of inseminated with raw diluted (100% vs. 81.3%) and frozen-thawed (50% vs. 50%) semen of Kolbroek and Large White boars. In conclusion, the bodyweight of Kolbroek and Large White boar was positively correlated with ejaculated semen volume. Kolbroek and Large White boar sperm stored at 18°C for 24 hours maintained the acceptable sperm motility rate. Kolbroek boar semen diluted with Tris-based extender maintained high sperm motility rate. Cryopreservation significantly reduced sperm motility rate regardless of breed; however, pregnancy rate from frozen-thawed semen was high for Kolbroek (50%) and Large White (50%) even though the frozen-thawed fertility was low.

Thesis (M. Tech. Environmental health) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2011 / In nature microorganisms do not exist alone, but in association with one another. These kinds of associations can also be found in food industries, where cells of the same or different species can attach to pipes (biofilm formation) and a variety of surfaces in food processing environments and in food product such as yoghurt which can contain both yeast and bacteria originating from the starter culture as well as fruit. To control food spoilage organisms and food-borne pathogens preventative measures such as good manufacturing processes, the use of sanitizers and preservatives as well as hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) are crucial in food industries. Sanitation of the working surface, floors, pipes, containers and equipment is a stepwise application of a detergent, acid or alkali rinse, a disinfectant treatment followed by final rinsing. If rinsing of the sanitizer is not done properly it may end up in the product in sub-lethal doses. In this study the influence of Liquid Hypochlorite (LH) and Liquid Iodophore (LI) sanitizers on organism growth and toxicity was evaluated. The organisms investigated included Escherichia coli 0113, Escherichia coli 026 and Zygosaccharomyces bailii Y-1535 in yeast malt broth, which was supplemented with LH and LI at sub-lethal concentrations 0.05% LH, 0.2% LH and 0.075% LI. Subsequently, bacterial and yeast growth responses as pure cultures and in combination (E. coli + Z. bailii) were measured as colony forming units and optical density values. Incorporation of the sanitizers in the growth media resulted in different levels of growth inhibition. Z. bailii proved more robust and the growth rate was not influence significantly by the addition of sanitizers or communal growth with either E. coli strains. The growth rate of both E. coli strains decreased where grown in combination with Z. bailii as well as in the presence of sanitizers, with the most influence exerted by LH. Changes in endotoxicity following the growth of the test samples (stressed cells) and the control (unstressed) were measured by the limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) and porcine IL-6 ELISA methods. Where E. coli strains were cultured together with Z. bailii the toxicity of tire mixture showed a decrease over time when measured with the limulus amoebocyte assay method. Interestingly the communal growth of the E. coli strains and Z bailii produced different toxicity profiles when the IL-6 porcine method was used, hi both cases, where E. coli strains were cultured together with Z. bailii the toxicity of the mixture showed an increase over tune when measured by this assay. Other than a similar toxicity profile for E. coli 0113 grown in pure culture, the comparison between results obtained using the LAL or porcine IL-6 methods yielded no correlation in determined toxicity. It was established that LH and LI sanitizers as well as communal growth had an influence in the toxicity of LPS/EPS and the method used to determine such toxicity should be carefully considered.

Thesis (M. Tech. Environmental health) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2011 / The threat to the world food supply and the concern for public health as a result of food-borne diseases has been established as a constant global problem. The safety of food, in particular, is of significance to consumers and producers alike. Regarding the diseases related to food-borne pathogens, the disease syndromes affecting the entire human body has become inestimable. The focus of the study was to establish the effect of sanitisers, detergents and household storage temperatures on the growth profiles and toxicity of typical food related organisms. The endotoxin, LPS of these Gram-negative organisms in communal growth as compared to pure culture was the focus of the investigation. Pure and communal samples were grown in the presence of the extrinsic stresses including storage temperature. The change in toxicity was measured using the Limulus amoebocyte lysate test and the possible change in the immune response was determined using the porcine-IL-6 test. The first obvious finding was that the overall sensitivity of organisms was similar for the same sanitiser and the same detergent. The sensitivity of the community varied slightly but in principle followed the same pattern as the individual organisms. The LD50 for all growth samples were as follows: 32 X 104 PPM for sanitiser 1 and sanitiser 2, and 16X 104 PPM for detergent 1 and detergent 2. Growth in community was found not to be the arithmetic sum of the individual growth patterns. The detergents had a marked effect on the growth of all samples throughout the growth cycle. The sub-optimum household storage temperatures inhibited the growth throughout the cycle but growth did not cease entirely. This finding may have revealed that the acceptable refrigeration temperatures still allows for pathogen growth and thus for biofilm formation. Furthermore, the response of the community to the extrinsic stresses appears to be entirely different to the pure culture and therefore needs further exploration to address the problem. Regarding the quantification by LAL, it was found that the enumeration of the food-borne pathogens isolated from households might not be indicative of acclimatisation obtained over short periods of time and the causal stress turning these organisms into more or less toxic pathogens. The sanitisers and detergents induced competition in colonial fashion and the growth varied between feast and famine. The extrinsic stresses had a more observable effect on the older biofilm as this was shown by a decrease in toxicity. The toxicity as quantified by porcine-IL-6 yielded a mixture of stimulation levels for the cytokine. The toxicity change indicated by the test showed a variation between lowering and noticeable elevation for pure cultures. A marked elevation in toxicity was detected in community at storage temperature 4°C. The study would suggest that porcine IL-6 is not an accurate biomarker for pyrogenicity since its sensitivity is questionable and its inability to indicate toxicity if there is a possible change in the LPS structure. It should be said that further elucidation is needed to support this finding. Having said all that, it is no surprise that the validation for the two tests favours the LAL procedure. The large room for pre-test stimulation in pigs’ blood also tends to cast a shadow on the IL-6 findings. The findings of the study contribute to the body of knowledge covering the effects and quantitative analysis of toxins in food. This should add to safety assurance by sensitizing the industry regarding the most suitable analytical methodologies to apply.

Thesis (D. Tech. Environmental health) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2011 / Apart from being the primary food source of many cultures around the world, fish contains notable amounts of essential fatty acids that are required by the human body, thus making fish a vital part of the human diet. In South Africa Cape hake is a well-known and highly consumed local fish species, which is transported from coastal areas countrywide where the fresh fish are displayed on ice in various retail stores. Fish is known to be highly susceptible to spoilage and, as a result, the maintenance of the cold-chain in related products is of particular importance. Additionally, recent trends showing a decline in natural fish resources have instigated growing concerns about the sustainability and optimal utilisation of fish as a food source. Against this backdrop, this study aimed at determining the influence of storage parameters on selected triglycerides and their possible metabolic pathways. Also applying prediction modelling of fatty acids and volatiles as instruments to assess exposure of Cape hake fillets to excessive microbial contamination and, in effect, be indicative of the environmental parameters (for example temperature) that may influence such contamination. Randomly selected juvenile hakes were filleted and stored under various simulated retail storage conditions, under either controlled or uncontrolled environmental conditions. For each hake filleted, one fillet was inoculated with an increased load of autochthonous microbiota, and the corresponding fillet was kept at similar temperature conditions. All fillets were monitored over a ten day period, during which fatty acid and volatile samples were collected and analysed. From the resulting triglycerides a selection of fatty acids were profiled and their possible metabolic pathways investigated. Fish maturity, the distribution of the fatty acids and the implication thereof in the nutritional value were also assessed. Conventional chemometric methods utilising mathematical expressions were subsequently utilised in order to predict contamination and whether the cold chain was sustained, while an artificial neural network (ANNs) were designed to predict excessive microbial contamination in the fillets. The results showed that the nutritional value of fish differs notably with its maturity and size. Mathematical equations were furthermore found to be effective assessment instruments to indicate the percentage differences in storage temperature, as well as consequent microbial influences. Thus, this approach may introduce mathematical prediction modelling as a promising mechanism to assess Cape hake spoilage. An artificial neural network (ANN) was successfully designed, that succeeded in distinguishing between Cape hake fillets displayed and stored on ice that have been exposed to excessive contamination and those that have not been exposed. In the latter case, the selected variable was a fatty acid, hexadecanoic acid, used as biochemical indicator. This modulating approach may provide a platform for future shelf-life studies on related muscle tissue. Ultimately, the study endeavoured to add to the body of knowledge regarding the biochemical and microbiological changes related to Cape hake storage, the prediction thereof via contemporary methods and contributing to the safety and effective utilization of this unique and declining South African nutritional resource.

Thesis (M. Tech. ( Education)) -- Central University of Technology, Free state, 2012 / In Xhariep District, promoted school managers are left alone to find their way out. This exposes the school managers to stressful working conditions such as being unaware of the school policies and procedures. The overall aim of this study is to explore challenges faced by promoted school managers in Xhariep secondary schools and identify the type of training they would require. The objectives of the study were to identify challenges that promoted school managers in Xhariep secondary schools face and also identify the type of training needs that promoted school managers require. This descriptive study is quantitative in nature because it collects mostly numeric data and employs mainly quantitative techniques in analysing the data. The population under investigation consists of secondary, and high school principals, deputy principals, and heads of departments in Xhariep District in FSDoe in South Africa. The FSDoe Xhariep district office keep a database of schools under their jurisdiction . From this database, a purposeful sampling method was used to select 80 promoted school managers from the 23 listed schools in Xhariep District. Purposeful sampling method was used in order to prevent under or non-representation of parts of the population (Brynard & Hanekom, 2006:56; Scheaffer, Mendenhall & Ott, 2006). A structured, Likert-scaled questionnaire with closed ended questions was used to collect information from the respondents. Part one of the questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, part two focused on induction, part three questioned about the role of the mentor and part four zoomed in on nature of support offered by FSDoe. The results of the study showed that the majority of the respondents (97%) urgently needed induction. There was also a feeling that induction instilled a feeling of belonging by 67% of the respondents. The study also revealed that promoted school managers are offered very little support.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Environmental health: Food safety )) - Central university of Technology, Free State, 2013 / Food processing plants and agricultural environments have a long-standing history of being known to provide a conducive environment for the prevalence and distribution of microorganisms which emanate as a consequence of activities undertaken in such premises. Microorganisms in the aforementioned environments may be found in the atmosphere (airborne), and/or on food contact surfaces. Airborne microorganisms from food handlers and in food products and raw materials (as part of bioaerosols) have in the past been implicated as having a potential to cause adverse health effects (especially in indoor environments) and therefore also to have economic implications. Recently their effect on food safety has received increased interest. The recent international interest in bioaerosols in the food industry has played a role in rapidly providing increased understanding of bioaerosols and their effects in different food processing environments. However, there is still a lack of research on the actual impact of bioaerosols over time in most of the food premises especially in Southern Africa and other developing countries. The overall purpose of this dissertation was to assess possible microbial contaminants and the role of selected environmental parameters on these microbes at a dairy farm plant in central South Africa. In relation to the purpose of the study, the objectives of this dissertation were to investigate and establish the food handler’s food safety knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practices. The sub-objective was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of microbial contaminants (both airborne and food contact surface populations), and concomitant environmental parameters. The microbe isolates from both investigations (i.e. air samples and food contact surfaces) were identified to strain level using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization – time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The findings of this study in relation to food handlers’ food safety knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practices indicated a dire need for training of employees as well as improved health and hygiene measures as emphasised by some of the identified strains. The environmental parameters (both indoor and outdoor) were similar, with no relationship established between airborne microbes’ prevalence and environmental parameters. The samples of the airborne microbial populations in both indoor and outdoor environments were similar. Airborne microbial counts at the dairy farm plant over the entire duration of the study ranged between 1.50 x 101cfu.m-3and 1.62 x 102cfu.m-3. Microbial counts on food contact surfaces ranged between 2.50 x 102 cfu.cm-2 and 1.10 x 105 cfu.cm-2 over the entire duration of the study. A wide variety of microorganisms (from air and food contact surfaces) such as the Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi were present at the dairy farm plant. A number of the isolated genera have previously been associated with agricultural environments whilst others are associated with hospital environments. The positively identified strains were from genera such as Aeromonas, Arthrobacter, Candida, Pseudomonas, Pantoea, Citrobacter, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Escherichia, Rhodococcus and Rhodotorula, amongst others. The isolation of microorganisms associated with food spoilage and foodborne disease outbreaks, which are known as indicator organisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus and Bacillus from both air and surface samples, signified possible faecal contamination and could be attributed to poor health and hygiene practices at the dairy farm plant. Despite the isolation of microorganisms associated with food spoilage and foodborne disease outbreaks, the isolation of microorganisms not usually associated with the food processing industry (usually associated with hospital environments) was an enormous and serious concern which suggested a need for further investigations at dairy farm plants as the implications of these pathogenic microorganisms in food is not known. The isolation of similar microorganisms from both the air samples and surface swabs suggests that airborne microbes have a potential of settling on food contact surfaces, therefore having a potential to contaminate dairy products which are known to be more prone to contamination and which, because of their nutritional status, serve as a good substrate for the growth of microorganisms.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Clinical technology)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2012 / The objective of this study was to investigate whether intra-operative regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (NIRS) and hemodynamic monitoring in patients with Acute Coronary syndrome (ACS) during coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG on-pump vs. off-pump) can predict clinical outcomes and complications. Data from 60 CABG patients (30 on-pump and 30 off-pump) were analyzed. The regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation was monitored by using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The sensors were positioned in the middle of the patient's forehead and the cables were connected to the sensors and to the INVOS 5100C® Oximeter. According to NIRS values obtained, patients were subdivided into two groups. Patients in Group 1 had absolute NIRS values more than 50 or less than a 20% drop from the baseline value. Patients in Group 2 had absolute NIRS values of less than 50 or a drop of more than 20% from the baseline value. The lowest value recorded during the procedure was recorded for this purpose, irrespective of the time this value was obtained. Intra-operative hemodynamic monitoring was captured by a computer software program (Supplier Datex Ohmeda, South Africa). In order to describe surgical outcomes several parameters were analysed and compared. This included a Pre- and Post-operative Mini-Mental state examination that was performed to identify neurological outcomes or impairment. The NIRS values and trends in relation to renal function (U&E and creatinine, urine output, and urine electrolytes), as well as clinical outcomes were analyzed post-operatively for the different groups. Clinical outcomes were described using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database (STS database) data fields, and specifically the recording of complications. The overall clinical outcomes were analysed between the on-pump and off-pump groups as well as the NIRS results between the two groups. In order to elucidate the predictive role of NIRS the patients were divided into groups with either impaired /reduced NIRS values or acceptable NIRS values according to published results where a reduction of more than 20% from baseline or absolute values of less than 50 were associated with inferior outcomes. Finally, the predictive value of NIRS was evaluated within the on- and then the off-pump groups. In this analysis the outcomes of patients with reduced NIRS values was compared to those of patients with acceptable NIRS values. The study demonstrated that by far the majority of patients with reduced cerebral flow/oxygen delivery as reflected in cerebral NIRS, had on-pump CABG procedures (84% fell in risk group 2). It also showed that a NIRS reduction of more than 20 % from baseline and values of less than 50, has an impact on post–operative renal function. Monitoring of cerebral oximetry intra-operatively by using near-infrared spectroscopy during cardiac surgery (especially in on-pump cardiac surgery patients) allows the perfusionist and anaesthesiologist to detect cerebral desaturation and to intervene as necessary. This study also showed a tendency towards less renal function impairment in patients with absolute NIRS values > 50 or where there was < 20% drop from baseline. It is probably important to consider studying the time spend below 50 or a drop of more than 20% from baseline NIRS values, or the “area under the curve” as a specific factor contributing to the increased risk for post-operative complications applied on an increased study population. The study supports the routine use of NIRS as a non-invasive trend monitor of cerebral saturation and certainly initiated interventions by both anaesthetic and perfusion staff which contributed to excellent clinical outcomes in this research study.

Thesis (M. Tech.(Agriculture: Animal Production)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2012 / A 42-day feeding trial involving 180 day old broiler chicks was carried out at Glen Agric Institute ARC poultry section to study the effects of whole hatchery waste meal (WHWM) as an alternative in broiler diets. In this study whole hatchery waste meal (WHHW) replaced fish meal (FM), protein for protein, in broiler diets at 0, 10, 20, and 30% levels. One hundred and eighty broiler chickens were grouped, 45 birds per treatment which were further replicated 3 times (15 birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design. Feed and water supply were offered to birds ad libitum while standard management practices were meticulously adopted. Samples of the two test ingredients were sent to a lab for chemical analysis and the results indicated that FM had higher content of crude protein (73.18%) while that of WHWM was 4226. The calcium phosphorus ratio was 16.6:1 for WHWM as against 1.5:1 in the FM. The results also indicated a higher content of Ash% and Ether extract for WHWM (18.12) and (23.94) respectively. The higher ash content could be due to the high content of eggshell at the time of processing. At the end of the feeding trial broiler performance, blood, carcass characteristics and the economic benefit of using WHWM in broiler diets were determined. Blood and meat samples were collected and sent to the pathology laboratory at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein for hematological and meat characteristics analysis. Results for broiler performance showed that broilers fed diet 2 had highest values for feed intake (118.25g/bird/day), weight gain (50.16g/bird/day) and daily protein intake (29.08g/bird/day) while those fed with diet 3 were superior in the efficiency of feed conversion (2.31). The highest value of abdominal fat 1.12% was observed in birds fed diet 2. The highest live mass was observed in birds fed diets containing no WHWM (2.83), while non significant difference were observed in live mass of birds fed diet 1, 3 and 4. Broilers fed control diet had highest mean values for eviscerated weight (2.20kg) and dressing percentage (77.86%). Blood samples were sent for analysis of White blood cells (WBC), Red blood cells (RBC) and Haemoglobin (HGB), Hematogrit (HCT), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The results showed marginal variations in blood parameters. White blood cell counts were higher for birds fed control diet (519.59 x 103/1) than those fed WHWM (484.93 X 103/1). Non significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed on the HGB of all treatment groups including the control group. RBC counts of T1-T3 were not significantly different from each other but statistically significantly different from T4 (30% WHWM). The highest value of 2.67 106/ mm3 was observed in birds fed a higher level of WHWM. High RBC and HGB counts in the birds fed WHWM are an indicative of higher oxygen carrying capacity. The HCT and MCH results showed nonsignificant differences between T1, T3 and T4, except T2 which was significantly different from the other treatment groups. The MCV values for T1-T4 were 132.58, 126.47, 129.15 and 128.15 10'15L respectively. The highest and lowest values were recorded on T1 and T2 respectively. The feed costs decreased with an increase in the level of WHWM in broiler diets. The lowest feed cost/kg weight gain of R8.69 recorded for broilers fed on diet three. This agrees with several studies which documented the use of hatching waste in poultry diet as means of reducing feed cost (Babiker et al 1991; Abiola, 1999; Abiola, 2000; Abiola and Onunkwor 2004). It can be concluded that 10% of FM can be replaced with WHWM in broiler diets without adverse effects on growth, hematological and carcass traits.

Thesis (M. Tech.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2011

Thesis ( M. Ed.(Educational Management)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2011 / The purpose of this study is to investigate teaching strategies that ensure the inclusivity of learners with physical and/or mental impairments in the mainstream schools in Lesotho. The intention being to equip educators with strategies that can be employed in order to address this didactical challenge at mainstream schools. The inclusion of impaired learners can be achieved only if teachers understand the purpose of inclusive education as defined by Van Rooyen and De Beer (2006) that inclusive education is an education system that ensures that all children learn and participate regardless of their disabilities. The study followed a mixed method approach, in the form of a survey, that is semi-structured questionnaire for teacher respondents while an observation coupled with informal discussion was utilized for the learner respondents. Population and sampling consisted of 211 teachers randomly drawn from 23 primary schools found in Berea and Maseru districts of Lesotho. The completed questionnaires were collected and analysed. The study found that there are challenges experienced by physically and/or mentally impaired learners with their teachers and peers. According to the findings of the research, Lesotho teachers in mainstream classes do not have enough training to work with impaired learners. Given this situation, it is not only recommended that the current group of teachers are re-skilled and re-trained through short courses and workshops, but also that teacher training colleges and university in Lesotho are encouraged to constantly review and update their programmes so that they are responsive to the professional needs of educators. Appropriate inclusive teaching strategies are also recommended to assist in addressing this challenge. Educators should be sufficiently supported by the para-professionals in order to make inclusive education successful. Government experts should work collaboratively with the Lesotho College of Education and the National University of Lesotho with regard to the attainment of these skills and competencies, in order to improve the work of the educators at schools. At school level, special educators should be hired in order to identify learners with impairments.