http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1492 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:58:34 GMT 2026-04-07T08:58:34Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/4977 Green synthesis of Zinc sulphide (ZnS) nanostructures using S. frutescences plant extract for photocatalytic degradation of dyes and antibiotics Munyai, Shonisani; Mahlaule-Glory, Louisa M; Hintsho-Mbita, Nomso Charmaine Pollutants such as dyes and pharmaceuticals have become a problem in the environment, thus there is a need to find multifunctional materials that are safe and can be used for the removal of various pollutants. In this study, we report on the synthesis of Zinc sulphide (ZnS) nanostructures and their use as photocatalysts for the degradation of dyes and various antibiotics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the functional groups found in plants and these were linked to the biomolecules identified through Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). Ultravioletvisible spectroscopy (UV–vis) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of the ZnS nanostructures. Thermal Gravimetric Analysis(TGA) and Brunner Emmet Teller(BET) confirmed the material was thermally stable up until 480 °C and mesoporous in nature, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM)showed that the material is spherical in shape and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)further corroborated their formation. From the degradation analysis, 90% of the malachite green (MG) dye could be degraded in 60 min at optimum conditions(pH 6, 25 mg and 10 mg l−1) and the holes were responsible for the degradation. Lastly, when tested against antibiotics, the ZnS material managed to degrade both the sulfisoxazole (SSX) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX). These results showed that the ZnS nanoparticles could be used as a multifunctional material for the degradation of various pollutants. Journal article published in Materials Research Express, Volume 9, Number 1 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/4977 2022-01-06T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/4976 Pleiotropic effects of recombinant protease inhibitors in plants Mangena, Phetole Recombinant gene encoded protease inhibitors have been identified as some of the most effective antidigestive molecules to guard against proteolysis of essential proteins and plant attacking proteases from herbivorous pests and pathogenic microorganisms. Protease inhibitors (PIs) can be over expressed in transgenic plants to complement internal host defense systems, Bt toxins in genetically modified pest resistance and abiotic stress tolerance achieved through cystatins expression. Although the understanding of the role of proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors encoded by both endogenous and transgenes expressed in crop plants has significantly advanced, their implication in biological systems still requires further elucidations. This paper, therefore, succinctly reviewed most recently published literature on recombinant proteases inhibitors (RPIs), focusing mainly on their unintended consequences in plants, other living organisms, and the environment. The review discusses major negative and unintended effects of RPIs involving the inhibitors’ non-specificity on protease enzymes, non-target organisms and ubiquitous versatility in their mechanism of inhibition. The paper also discusses some direct and indirect effects of RPIs such as degradation by distinct classes of proteases, reduced functionality due to plant exposure to severe environmental stress and any other potential negative influences exerted on both the host plant as well as the environment. These pleiotropic effects must be decisively monitored to eliminate and prevent any potential adverse effects that transgenic plants carrying recombinant inhibitor genes may have on non-target organisms and biodiversity. Journal article published in Journal of Frontiers in Plant Science Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/4976 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/4975 Navigating barriers to academic professional development in Zimbabwe: a qualitative analysis of academics’ experiences Chabaya, Owence; Chabaya, Raphinos Alexander In Zimbabwe, universities have established Teaching and Learning Centres to address issues of teaching quality which have become a source of concern. However, programmes designed and developed in these centres have experienced limited uptake from members of faculty thereby threatening the quality of teaching and learning. This study aims to explore the reasons for this low uptake of academic professional developed programmes from the lived experiences of lecturers. The study was framed by two theories, namely constructivism and adult learning theory. In terms of methodology, the qualitative case research approaches were used to collect data through open-ended semi-structured interviews. The population of the study was lecturers in institutions of higher learning from which 20 lecturers were purposely sampled from two conveniently sampled case study institutions. For data analysis, identification of themes was done through transcription and thematical analysis of data. The study revealed that departmental workloads, time, and pressure to do research made lecturers not to prioritize training in academic professional development. It also came out that lecturers were not consulted in the development of training programmes and that workshops clashed with scheduled academic commitments of lecturers. It was recommended that needs analysis of lecturers should be conducted to inform the workshop programmes as well as having policies that are clear on workload balance and time for support staff development. Journal article published African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal Issue 4, Volume 8, 2024 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/4975 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/4973 Gender gap in Youth participation empirical evidence from Nigeria Ayomipo, Oluwaseun; Ramoroka, Tlou Electoral participation continues to be an issue of critical importance in Africa. Huntington’s third wave of democracy is mostly made up of African countries that had achieved their independence and were ready to foster a new beginning. Worrying, however, is the backsliding of democracy on the continent. Many nations have experienced coups and the overthrow of governments, such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea. In addition, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, and Sao Tome and Principe have all witnessed failed coup attempts. However, countries like Nigeria, Zambia, and South Africa have been able to conduct elections that have largely been free and fair. Recent developments with democracy and participation on the continent necessitate scholarly contributions that can shed light on the performance of democracy in Africa, emerging trends, and possible democratic reforms, in order to further consolidate democracy on the continent. Based on these contextual factors, this article addresses an extremely important issue of political participation for both Nigeria and other African democracies, i.e. political participation. Despite its significance to the stability and sustainable development of Nigeria, with over 75 per cent of the population being youth, studies on the gender gap in political participation by the Nigerian youth are rare in the literature. This study was conducted among Nigerian university students a few days before the 2023 presidential election, to assess the level of political participation and the gender gap in terms of participation. The study adopted a quantitative research design using the survey method. Four hundred and fifty-seven students (45.3 per cent females) participated in the survey. The study results showed that a gender gap exists in terms of traditional political participation by students, social media political engagement, and willingness to vote. However, there is no gender gap in terms of interpersonal political talk and online information-seeking. The study concludes that a gender gap exists in terms of some types of political participation by Nigerian youth, although not in terms of all forms of participation Journal article published in Africa Insight Journal Vol 53(4) – March 2024 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/4973 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z