Studies of the population structure and generic diversity of domesticated and "wild" ostriches (Struthio camelus)

DNA sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP) of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified mitochondrial DNA fragments, and random amplified polymorphic DNA sequence (RAPD) analysis were techniques evaluated in this study for applicability in the investigation various aspects of genetic diversity within the ostrich (Struthio camelus). The genetic aspects that were investigated were (i) relationships between ostrich subspecies, (ii) genetic variability between and within domesticated populations of southern African ostriches (Struthio camelus australis), (iii) linking egg production in domesticated ostriches to RAPD profiles, and (iv) determining the zygosity of twin ostriches. In the first part of this study DNA sequencing and the polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods were evaluated for resolving genetic differences in the small mtDNA fragments ofthe ostrich. DNA sequencing ofPCR amplified 450 bp 12S rRNA gene fragments of representatives from the southern African population ostrich (S.c. australis) did not reveal any differences between the populatiohs from different geographical areas, representing ostrich lineages with different breeding histories. The PCRRFLP analysis ofmtDNA fragments (450 bp 12S rRNA gene fragment and 550 bp D-loop region) also did not reveal any genetic variability between the domesticated s.,c. australis populations included in this study. PCR-RFLP analysis of a 450 bp 12S rRNA gene fragment, however, showed differences between the subspecies s.c. australis and s.c. molybdophanes. The proportion of shared fragments (F) between these two subspecies was 0.286 and nucleotide sequence divergence estimated at 8.9 %. Divergence time between these two subspecies was estimated at 4.5 million years ago. The data presented from this study are comparable to the data from a previous study in which the entire mitochondrial genome and a larger number of restriction enzymes were used. The PCR-RFLP method thus demonstrated its usefulness for genetic studies of ostriches at thesubspecies level. The sequences used in this study could not reveal any markers that were useful for genetic studies of ostriches at the population level. In the second part of the study the RAPD method was evaluated for application in the genetic studies of ostriches. RAPD profiles, based on three RAPD primers, revealed differences between three subspecies of ostriches and indicated relationships between these subspecies that are consistent with observations from other studies. The numerical analysis of pooled and individual primer data demonstrated that the subspecies s.c. australis is more closely related to s.c. massaicus than to s.c. molybdophanes. RAPD marker differences between s.c. molybdophanes on the one hand, and s.c. massaicus and s.c. australis on the other is also consistent with observations from studies that proposed separate specie~ status for s.c. molybdophanes. RAPD analysis by five primers revealed geographic variation between s.c. australis populations. The clustering patterns observed in the dendrograms and Neighbour Joining Trees generated by computer programs showed trends of separating ostric1;t populations into geographical groups, possibly reflecting their different breeding histories. In the RAPD profiles of the inbred population, band-sharing was generally greater than in the outbreeding group. RAPD analysis thus showed that it may be a useful method in the population studies of domesticated S. c. australis. RAPDs also generated data that grouped ostriches according to trends in egg production capabilities. Analysis ofRAPD profiles by computer software showed a Neighbour Joining Tree and a dendrogram that predominantly grouped ostriches into clusters associated with either good or poor egg production. Evidence supporting the suitability of RAPDs as a tool in breeding programmes of ostriches was thus provided by this study. RAPDs also provided data, demonstrating that two sets of ostrich twins were non-identical twins. It was demonstrated by this study that RAPDs analysis may be a useful technique for applying to (1) systematic (2) population (3) breeding and (4) twin studies of ostriches (Struthio camelus)

A management control systems approach to integrated reporting

Integrated reporting is a process based on integrated thinking which results in the periodic publication of an integrated report by an organisation. An integrated report is a report to stakeholders on the strategy, performance and activities of an organisation presented in a manner that allows stakeholders to assess the ability of the organisation to create and sustain value over time. According to prior literature, a good quality integrated report has various benefits, although the preparation of the report can be challenging. Management Control Systems (MCSs) could enhance the organisation’s ability to prepare a good quality integrated report, however, it is unclear how MCSs support the processes required to prepare an integrated report. This research is motivated by literature which encourages further investigation into the interaction between MCSs and integrated reporting. This research provides case study evidence from a single case study of a South African telecommunications company, to gain a better understanding of how MCSs facilitate the preparation of an integrated report. This study uses a theoretical framework on MCSs that separates managerial intentions for controls from employee perceptions of controls. The study is embedded in the interpretive paradigm, acknowledging that a manager’s reality is socially constructed, and therefore explores how those who work with integrated reporting understand and interpret the role of MCSs in the integrated reporting process. The empirical data for the study comprises in-depth semi-structured interviews with employees and documentary evidence available from the case site. The findings of this research reveal that strategy is used as a MCS in the integrated reporting process. Strategic boundary controls, such as open-plan offices, and operational boundary controls, such as organisational culture, facilitate the preparation process of the integrated report. Operational performance controls, such as the performance management system, and strategic performance controls, such as the strategy planning process, further facilitate the preparation process of the integrated report. The significance of this qualitative study is that it provides an understanding of how strategy and the MCSs associated with strategy, support the integrated reporting process. This study gains an understanding of the role of MCSs in the preparation process of an integrated report. Furthermore, this study contributes to existing literature regarding the use of MCSs in the preparation of the integrated report. This research also enables companies to have a better understanding of the whole concept of integrated reporting through the investigation of the underlying relationships with MCSs.Thesis (PhD (Accounting Science))--University of Pretoria, 2021.AccountingPhD (Accounting Science)Unrestricte

Genetic diversity in four populations of Nguni (Zulu) sheep assessed by microsatellite analysis

Zulu sheep are found mainly in the rural KwaZulu-Natal province and the numbers are declining due to indiscriminate inbreeding. There is thus a need for phenotypic and genetic characterisation as a first phase for planning conservation strategies. Zulu sheep populations sampled were from Makhathini research station (MS) (n=33), University of Zululand (UZ) (n=21), a community at KwaMthethwa (KM) (n=32) and from Msinga (EM) (n=33). One European breed Appen - ninica (AP) was used as out group. Microsatellite analysis using 29 microsatellite loci was used in this study. Among the Zulu sheep, the mean number of alleles per locus was the lowest (3.86) in UZ and the highest (6.24) was realised in EM. The mean values of observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.57 and 0.61, respectively. Neighbour-joining tree showed two main Zulu sheep clusters: the UZ, KM and MS sheep populations clustered together and the second cluster included only representatives from the EM population. The STRUCTURE analysis showed that KM, AP and EM were founded in separate clusters, whereas UZ and MS clustered together. The study demonstrated that there was a common origin of the population from the research stations (MS and UZ populations). It also demonstrated that the EM had a different history for the other three populations. This work suggests that exchange of rams could be useful in reducing inbreeding when considering conservation breeding programmes

How management control systems can enable, constrain, and embed integrated reporting

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : Data is available from the authors upon request.This study examines how management control systems (MCSs) may enable, constrain and embed the integrated reporting process within organisations. We analyse in-depth, semi-structured interview evidence using Tessier and Otley's MCS framework and institutional work. We find that organisational culture, clear responsibilities and ongoing stakeholder dialogue support the development of an integrated reporting process. In addition, an ongoing multi-stage process with regular stakeholder interaction helps to embed the integrated reporting process. Our paper provides comprehensive detail about the MCS associated with the process for preparing an integrated report that will be of interest to current integrated reporting (IR) practitioners and organisations considering adopting IR.Open access publishing facilitated by The University of Auckland, as part of the Wiley - The University of Auckland agreement via the Council of Australian University Librarians.https://wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/acfiAccountin

A critical analysis of the success of small businesses before and after B-BBEE intervention in Gauteng Province

No abstractThesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2018.Business ManagementPh

’n PKR genereringsmetode vir proteïen-reseptorgene vanaf <i>Busseola fusca</i>-ingewande, moontlik betrokke by Bt-weerstandigheid

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Characterisation of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris isolates from South Africa using genomic DNA fingerprinting and pathogenicity tests

The genetic diversity of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris isolates from South Africa was evaluated using 28 isolates obtained from the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market. Samples were collected from cabbage supplies from farms in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West Provinces. Strains were isolated from small sections of infected cabbage leaf samples and cultured on Yeast Dextrose Agar. Isolates identity was confirmed by ELISA and Pathogenicity test. Pathogenicity tests were performed by inoculating leaves of known susceptible cabbage seedlings. Infection symptoms induced could be categorized into three groups, ranging from typical to non-typical black rot symptoms. Four differential Brassica cultivars with known avirulence genes were used for race typing done by spray inoculation. Four races, namely 1, 3, 4 and 6, were identified. Of the 28 isolates, four were identified as race 1, two as race 3, 19 as race 4 and three as race 6. Repetitive DNA polymerase chain reaction-based fingerprinting using Eric- and Box-primers was used to assess the genetic diversity. Generated fingerprints of X. c pv. campestris were relatively similar. Cluster analysis could not strictly group isolates by their geographical origin, suggesting limited diversity of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris strains within cabbage producing regions in South Africa.http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10658-012-0002-

The impact of physico–chemical water quality parameters on bacterial diversity in the Vaal River, South Africa

This study aimed to identify bacterial community structures in the Vaal River using PCR-DGGE (polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) and high-throughput sequencing. The impact of physico-chemical characteristics on bacterial structures was investigated through multivariate analysis. Samples were collected from 4 sampling stations along the Upper Vaal River during winter (June 2009) and summer (December 2010). Physico-chemical analysis was conducted on-site. Additional physico-chemical data were obtained from statutory bodies. DNA was directly isolated from water samples and PCR amplified using universal bacterial primer pairs. PCR products were subjected to DGGE fingerprinting and high-throughput sequencing, followed by Shannon-Weaver diversity calculations, cluster analysis and multivariate analysis. Physico-chemical parameters did not exceed the prescribed South African water quality standards for domestic use, aquatic ecosystems, livestock watering and irrigation. DGGE banding patterns revealed similar bacterial community structures for 3 of the 4 sampling stations. PCA and RDA indicated that pH, water temperature and inorganic nutrient concentrations could be used to explain changes in bacterial community structures. High-throughput sequencing data showed that bacterial assemblages were dominated by common freshwater groups: Cyanobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Other freshwater phyla such as Deltaproteobacteria, Epsilonbacteria, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Flavobacteria and Fibrobacteres were found in low proportions. This study provides an overview of the dominant bacterial groups in the Upper Vaal River and the impact of environmental changes on bacterial diversityWater Research Commission (WRC) and North-West Universityhttp://www.wrc.org.za/Pages/KH_WaterSA.aspx?dt=5&L0=1&L1=4http://www.wrc.org.za/Pages/DisplayItem.aspx?ItemID=10288&FromURL=%2fPages%2fKH_WaterSA.aspx%3fdt%3d5%26ms%3d%26d%3dVolume%26e%3d39+No.+3%2c+WISA+2012+Special+Edition+2013%26start%3d1http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v39i3.

Characterisation of Escherichia coli O157 strains from humans, cattle and pigs in the North-West Province, South Africa

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2008.08.01

DNA-based identification of aquatic invertebrates useful in the South African context?

The concept of using specific regions of DNA to identify organisms – processes such as DNA barcoding – is not new to South African biologists. The African Centre for DNA Barcoding reports that 12 548 plant species and 1493 animal species had been barcoded in South Africa by July 2013, while the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) contains 62 926 records for South Africa, 11 392 of which had species names (representing 4541 species). In light of this, it is surprising that aquatic macroinvertebrates of South Africa have not received much attention as potential barcoding projects thus far – barcoding of aquatic species has tended to focus on invasive species and fishes. Perusal of the BOLD records for South Africa indicates a noticeable absence of aquatic macroinvertebrates, including families used for biomonitoring strategies such as the South African Scoring System. Meanwhile, the approach of collecting specimens and isolating their DNA individually in order to identify them (as in the case of DNA barcoding), has been shifting towards making use of the DNA which organisms naturally shed into their environments (eDNA). Coupling environmental and bulk sample DNA with high-throughput sequencing technology has given rise to metabarcoding, which has the potential to characterise the whole community of organisms present in an environment. Harnessing barcoding and metabarcoding approaches with environmental DNA (eDNA) potentially offers a non-invasive means of measuring the biodiversity in an environment and has great potential for biomonitoring. Aquatic ecosystems are well suited to these approaches – but could they be useful in a South African context