https://openscholar.ump.ac.za:443 The UMP Scholarship digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. 2026-04-10T19:29:37Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1044 Title: Nutritional and mineral composition, metal bioaccumulation, and health risk assessment of Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. Ex A.DC., Ficus thonningii Blume, and Strychnos spinosa Lam : implications for food security and public health. Authors: Chauke, Sinorita.; Matlala, Maropeng Erica.; Otang-Mbeng, Wilfred.; Shelembe, Bongisiwe Gladys.; Ndhlovu, Peter Tshepiso. Abstract: Food insecurity continues to pose a significant challenge in developed and developing nations, prompting the need to identify alternative, nutrient-dense food sources. This study examines the nutritional profile of the fruits of Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. Ex A.DC., Ficus thonningii Blume, and Strychnos spinosa Lam., emphasising their potential as underutilised yet valuable food resources. In addition, the mineral composition of both leaves and fruits was assessed, alongside bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), to evaluate the extent of mineral uptake from the soil. A health risk assessment was also conducted to determine the safety for human consumption. Nutritional analysis revealed that F. thonningii had the highest moisture (82.07%) and crude fat (3.92%), while S. spinosa seeds were notably rich in crude protein (31.20%). Fibre content was higher in the peels across all species, with S. spinosa peel containing 44.21%. The pulp of D. mespiliformis had the highest carbohydrate content (86.02%) and energy value (391.38 Kcal/100 g). Elemental analysis demonstrated significant levels of essential minerals, including calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg), with S. spinosa leaves particularly high in manganese (Mn) content (1728 mg/Kg). Leaves of D. mespiliformis and F. thonningii showed efficient zinc (Zn) accumulation with BAFs of 1.25 and 1.58, respectively. S. spinosa exhibited a notably high BAF of 25.08 for Mn. The carcinogenic risk factors for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in all the fruit samples exceeded the established safety thresholds. The highest risk was associated with F. thonningii fruit, presenting a carcinogenic risk factor of 0.008 for Cr. While these fruits offer promising nutritional benefits, their potential toxicological risks underscore the need for further safety assessments. Description: Published version 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1043 Title: Influence of bird behavioural traits and habitat in predicting haemoparasite Infection. Authors: Nyathi, Grace.; Ndlovu, Mduduzi.; Nangammbi, Tshifhiwa C. Abstract: Host-vector contact rates influence the spread of several vector-borne infections, including avian haemoparasites. To investigate the ecological mechanisms underlying avian disease dynamics, we examined haemoparasite prevalences in relation to bird life-history attributes. Using previously collected data of 1003 birds sampled from an Afrotropical region, we tested the hypothesis that a bird’s behavioural traits and habitat do not influence the chances of infection. Overall, infection prevalence did not differ significantly between gregarious and solitary birds, nor across association categories (wild, mixed, anthropogenic). However, significant differences in infection were detected across haemoparasite genera. Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon showed distinct infection patterns in relation to host behavioural traits and habitats. Moreover, there were significant differences in infection prevalence based on movement patterns (resident, nomadic, migratory) and foraging strata (ground, mixed, aerial). These results enhance our avian parasitology theories, indicating that behavioural traits and habitat also have parasite-genus-dependent impacts on infection prevalence. Our research demonstrates that behavioural characteristics have an unequal impact on haemoparasite prevalence, indicating that no single factor can accurately predict the probability of infection at an Afrotropical setting. Description: Published version 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1042 Title: The implications of language when teaching geomorphological concept and maps: addressing learner-teacher aerticulation gap in secondary schools of South Africa. Authors: Molapo, Karabo.; Malatji, Khashane Stephen. Abstract: Teaching and learning geography in many countries requires qualified teachers who are prepared to teach any geography curriculum prescribed for Secondary schools. However, most of the geography teachers who have undergone all the administrative, academic, and training to become experts in teaching geography are still finding it difficult to comprehend the language of teaching and learning when teaching geomorphology and map work. The purpose of this study was to explore the implications of language teaching and learn geomorphological maps. The study followed a qualitative approach with a case study design. An interpretive paradigm was used to look at the knowledge and practice of teachers on language towards the teaching of geomorphological maps. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 geography teachers who underperformed on geomorphology and map work during academic years 2022 and 2023. Focused group and document analysis were used to collect data. Social Constructivism theory was used to give theoretical grounding to this study. The results of this study revealed that most geography teachers lack language foundational competencies of teaching and learning language to provide a proper linkage of geomorphology and maps. The study concluded that support of language enrichment in teaching and learning geography and local maps to schools as instructional digital materials is needed to promote quality teaching of geography. The study further recommends that geography needs to be paired with English in the university as a specialized subject to enhance pre-service language proficiency and pedagogical skills. 2025-11-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1041 Title: Plants utilization and perceptions in the context of novel indigenous food spicing and flavoring among the Vhavenḓa people in the Vhembe biosphere reserve, South Africa. Authors: Manyaga, Mueletshedzi.; Mhlongo, Ncobile Pretty.; Matlala, Maropeng Erica.; Lubisi, Nonhlanhla Prudence.; Gelebe, Vhuhwavho.; Mkhonto, Christeldah.; Kola, Elizabeth.; Mbeng, Wilfred Otang.; Ndhlovu, Peter Tshepiso.; Mokgehle, Salmina Ngoakoana.; Matlanyane, Maakanye Millicent .; Liuvha, Ndivhuwo.; Dlamini, Nomusa Rhoda.; Ramarumo, Luambo Jeffrey. Abstract: Local innovations regarding plant-derived spice and flavorant formulations and preparation techniques are mostly recorded nowhere and usually passed on generationally through word of mouth. This study aimed to inventory the utilization of plants and perceptions of novel indigenous food spicing and flavoring among the Vhavenḓa people in South Africa. This study adopted face-to-face interviews with 360 participants using semi-structured questionnaires. This study investigated a total of twenty-seven plant species used to spiceflavor novel indigenous Venḓa foods, including mukokoroshi meat stew, mopane worms, vegetables, homemade achar, eggs, samp meal, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Based on the perceptions by participants from different age groups, indigenous foods spicing and favoring significantly improved food taste and nutrition (43.1%), providing medicinal benefits (33.3%) and cultural identity (23.6%). No study had ever reported the uses of Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl., Mangifera indica L., Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Warburgia salutaris (G.Bertol.) Chiov., Plectranthus fruticosus L′Hér., Hibiscus sabdariffa subsp. Cannabinus L., Oxalis semiloba subsp. semiloba, and Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata and their preparational techniques for novel indigenous foods, spicing, and flavoring before, in South Africa, or elsewhere. The current study provided insights about spice and flavoring plants that could be used to develop alternative marketable commercial products. The findings of this study provide necessary baseline information for evaluating and profiling the nutritional content of spice-making and flavoring plants in the Vhembe Region. Description: Published Version 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z