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Welcome to the NWU Repository, the open access Institutional Repository of the North-West University (NWU-IR). This is a digital archive that collects, preserves and distributes research material created by members of NWU. The aim of the NWU-IR is to increase the visibility, availability and impact of the research output of the North-West University through Open Access, search engine indexing and harvesting by several initiatives.

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The Knowledge Landscape of Adenylyl Cyclases in Model Plant, Arabidopsis thaliana
(Recent Advances in Strategic Model Plants, 2024) Chatukuta, Patience; Sibanda-Makuvise, Angela; Tshegofatso Dikobe,; Bobo, Enetia; Sehlabane, Katlego; Mabadahanye, Grace; Mametja, Neo; Takundwa, Mutsa; Kawadza, David; Ruzvidzo, Oziniel; 16232461
One strategy for improving responses and adaptation systems of plants to stress is to target molecules involved in signaling and transduction of the stimuli effected by stresses. One such molecule is adenylyl cyclase (AC) – an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) to the second messenger, 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). cAMP, in turn, transduces signals in response to the various biotic and abiotic stress factors. Surprisingly, as far as five decades ago, attempts to isolate ACs and/or detect cAMP from the research model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, were inconclusive or a matter of serious debates due to the absence of appropriate techniques or advanced technologies. This chapter, therefore, herein takes the reader on a journey from the 1970s to the present day, unraveling the challenges encountered, developments made, and successes realized in efforts and attempts to identify and characterize ACs in A. thaliana. The chapter covers from the early age of unsuccessful attempts to the more recent and successful advanced technologies such as the motif search approach, omics analysis and homologous cloning. Perspectives on the direction that future knowledge-building around this important group of plant proteins are also shared.
An Arabidopsis Pentatricopeptide Repeat Is a Moonlighting Protein with Cross‑talking In Vitro Adenylyl Cyclase and Kinase Activities
(Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, 2024) Dikobe, Tshegofatso; Sehlabane, Katlego; Bobo, Enetia; Sibanda‑Makuvise, Angela; Chatukuta, Patience; Kawadza, David; Ruzvidzo, Oziniel; 16232461
Downstream signalling involving adenylyl cyclases (ACs) and kinases is a key component of several processes in plants including cell division, growth, and response to stress. ACs are enzymes that generate the second messenger molecule, 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) from 5′-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) while kinases are enzymes that catalyze the addition of a phosphate group to other molecules (trans-phosphorylation) or themselves (auto-phosphorylation). Apparently, while there has been an expanded record of various ACs and kinases identified in plants, no plant molecule to date has been shown to possess both the AC and kinase activities/functions and with such activities/functions having the characteristic of cross-talking interactions. Therefore, in an endeavor to find such a molecule, we searched the amino acid sequence of a known Arabidopsis AC, pentatricopeptide repeat (AtPPR) protein, and found a kinase-specific sequence signature (KSSS), which we speculated to be working in synergy with the AC center in this protein during downstream signalling. So, in order to test if this additional center is catalytically active and perhaps also having some cross-talking interactions with the AC center, we cloned, expressed, and affinity purified a truncated version of AtPPR, harboring both the AC and KSSS centers (AtPPR-AC/K). When tested in vitro, the recombinant AtPPR-AC/K showed a Mn2+-dependent AC activity that is positively enhanced by Ca2+ and HCO3− and a trans-/auto-phosphorylation kinase activity capable of utilizing both ATP and GTP as substrates and specific to the serine, threonine, and tyrosine amino acids as target residues. In addition, the kinase activity of AtPPR-AC/K was found to be reduced by cAMP while at the same time, it was totally shut down by Ca2+. This thus qualified both cAMP and Ca2+ as molecular switches or modulators, capable of regulating AtPPR functions through cross-talking interactions between the activities of its two domains. Our work, therefore, has essentially established AtPPR as the first member of a new class of moonlighting proteins with AC and kinase activities that have cross-talking interactions between themselves, conceivably presenting this protein as an ideal candidate for further explorations to improve plants, particularly agricultural crops.
The Experiences of Male Nursing Students at North-West University: Insights from Mafikeng Campus
(Journal of Ecohumanism, 2024) Mohulatsi, Makgake Ziphorah; Garutsa, Tendayi Clotilda; Motswaledi, Thabang Richard; 30084253
Men in nursing are still seen as unusual for being in a profession that the society perceives as suitable only for females. There is also the notion that men have difficulty caring, traditionally, men are resilient and often are told "men do not cry", they are not supposed to show emotion, if they do, they tend to be considered weak. Men who choose nursing as a career not only risk challenging gender-based stereotypes but gender roles defined traditionally as well. The purpose of this paper was to explore the experiences of male nursing students at NWU (MC) and the empirical evidence suggests that there is still much to be done in institutions of higher learning to enable male nursing students to also feel a sense of belonging in their respective nursing programs. The study utilized qualitative research method in exploring the issues of gender with a particular focus on masculinity and it has uncovered the concept of hegemonic masculinity. Structured interviews were employed, and the data was transcribed and analysed through content analysis. A comprehensive search of the literature from different disciplines reveals deeper issues than just the commonly held assumption that nursing is not masculine. The findings of the study suggest that Connell’s theory of masculinity should not attempt to balance supposedly masculine and feminine qualities, but to challenge the assumption that masculinities are predominantly masculine or feminine. Recommendations include institutions creating campaigns that will ensure that only students that are passionate about nursing are recruited and implement strategies that will improve the experiences of male nursing students in institutions of higher learning.
GENDER PAY-GAP: UTILISING MULTIVARIATE APPROACH TO UNDERSTAND THE CAUSES OF UNEQUAL PAY BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA
(International Journal of Professional Business Review, 2024) Madingwaneng, Mosehlane Johannes; Motswaledi, Thabang Richard; Garutsa, Tendayi Clotilda; Mpahlele, Katlego Mmamochabo Annah; 30084253
ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Purpose: The gender pay gap in South Africa has greatly reduced since the implementation of the Employment Equity Act in 1998. However, there is still a pay gap that cannot be sufficiently explained and addressed by government leaders and scholars. Scholars, policymakers, the radical left, and feminists have carefully highlighted and addressed what is considered to be the major causes, such as segregation of women, women's stereotypes, marginalization of women, wage penalties due to time away from work, child nurturing responsibilities given to women, and inequality in salaries and remunerations. However, the World Bank reported that from 2007 on, the gender pay gap in South Africa was no longer showing any sign of reduction. It was stagnant and thereafter oscillating. As such the purpose of this research is to investigate the causes of the stagnation and the oscillation, and to provide recommendations. Theoretical Framework: This research used multivariate analysis theory to make further contributions on the causes of gender pay inequality in South Africa in order to address the stagnation and oscillation of the existing pay gap. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research method used is qualitative approach. The research design comprises men and women who are already in the work industry in both private and public sector. Findings: This research found that gender pay gap in South Africa is caused by women's family-career crisis as a main contributor, followed by interests and personality traits, equality of opportunity and career selection. Research Implications: This research paper gives light to further research in Women's family-career crisis as it seems to be the major contributor to gender pay gap in South Africa. The assessment of how impactful family-career crisis is on gender pay gap is also essential in order to understand the magnitude of it on gender pay gap in South Africa. Originality/Value: This research paper found significant causes of gender pay gap such as 'family career-crisis' that shows to heavily contribute to the gender pay in South Africa. This might further give clarity to the governments on the existence of gender pay gap. Moreover this research may help in redefining the government policies on the approach of gender pay gap. RESUMO Objetivo: A disparidade salarial entre homens e mulheres na África do Sul diminuiu consideravelmente desde a implementação da Lei da Equidade no Emprego, em 1998. No entanto, ainda há uma diferença salarial que não pode ser suficientemente explicada e abordada por líderes governamentais e acadêmicos. Estudiosos, formuladores de políticas, a esquerda radical e feministas têm destacado cuidadosamente e abordado o que é considerado como as principais causas, como a segregação das mulheres, estereótipos femininos, marginalização das mulheres, multas salariais devido ao tempo de afastamento do trabalho, responsabilidades de educação infantil dadas às mulheres, e desigualdade em salários e remunerações. No entanto, o Banco Mundial informou que, a partir de 2007, as disparidades salariais entre homens e mulheres na África do Sul já não mostravam sinais de redução. Ele estava estagnado e, em seguida, oscilando. Como tal, o objetivo desta pesquisa é investigar as causas da estagnação e da oscilação e fornecer recomendações. Estrutura Teórica: Esta pesquisa usou a teoria da análise multivariada para fazer mais contribuições sobre as causas da desigualdade salarial de gênero na África do Sul, a fim de abordar a estagnação e oscilação da diferença salarial existente. Design/Metodologia/Abordagem: O método de pesquisa utilizado é a abordagem qualitativa. O desenho da pesquisa compreende homens e mulheres que já estão na indústria do trabalho, tanto no setor privado como no setor público. Constatações: Esta pesquisa descobriu que as disparidades salariais entre homens e mulheres na África do Sul são causadas pela crise de carreira familiar das mulheres como principal contribuinte, seguidas de interesses e traços de personalidade, igualdade de oportunidades e seleção de carreira. Implicações da Investigação: Este documento de investigação dá luz a uma maior investigação sobre a crise da carreira familiar das mulheres, uma vez que parece ser o principal contribuinte para as disparidades salariais entre homens e mulheres na África do Sul. A avaliação do impacto da crise das carreiras familiares nas disparidades salariais entre homens e mulheres é também essencial para compreender a sua magnitude nas disparidades salariais entre homens e mulheres na África do Sul. Originalidade/Valor: Este documento de investigação encontrou causas significativas de disparidades salariais entre homens e mulheres, como a "crise de carreira familiar", que mostra que contribui fortemente para a remuneração entre homens e mulheres na África do Sul. Esta situação poderá contribuir para esclarecer os governos sobre a existência de disparidades salariais entre homens e mulheres. Além disso, esta investigação pode ajudar a redefinir as políticas governamentais sobre a abordagem das disparidades salariais entre homens e mulheres. Palavras-chave: Diferença Salarial de Gênero, Mulheres, Homens, África do Sul, Análise Multivariada. BRECHA SALARIAL DE GÉNERO: UTILIZANDO UN ENFOQUE MULTIVARIADO PARA ENTENDER LAS CAUSAS DE LA DESIGUALDAD SALARIAL ENTRE HOMBRES Y MUJERES EN SUDÁFRICA RESUMEN Propósito: La brecha salarial entre hombres y mujeres en Sudáfrica se ha reducido considerablemente desde la aplicación de la Ley de equidad en el empleo en 1998. Sin embargo, todavía existe una brecha salarial que los líderes gubernamentales y los académicos no pueden explicar ni abordar de manera suficiente. Académicas, responsables de políticas, la izquierda radical y feministas han destacado y abordado cuidadosamente lo que se considera que son las causas principales, como la segregación de las mujeres, los estereotipos de las mujeres, la marginación de las mujeres, las sanciones salariales por ausentarse del trabajo, las responsabilidades de crianza de los hijos dadas a las mujeres y la desigualdad en los salarios y remuneraciones. Sin embargo, el Banco Mundial informó de que, a partir de 2007, la diferencia salarial entre hombres y mujeres en Sudáfrica ya no mostraba ningún signo de reducción. Estaba estancada y luego oscilaba. Como tal, el propósito de esta investigación es investigar las causas del estancamiento y la oscilación, y ofrecer recomendaciones. Marco Teórico: Esta investigación utilizó la teoría del análisis multivariado para hacer nuevas contribuciones sobre las causas de la desigualdad salarial de género en Sudáfrica con el fin de abordar el estancamiento y la oscilación de la brecha salarial existente. Diseño/Metodología/Enfoque: El método de investigación utilizado es el enfoque cualitativo. El diseño de la investigación incluye a hombres y mujeres que ya están en la industria del trabajo, tanto en el sector privado como en el público.
A digital procurement framework for South African public sector: A content analysis approach
(South African Journal of Information Management, 2024) Mojaki, Lawrence M; Tuyikeze, Tite; Ndlovu, Nkanyiso K; 44715242
Background Public procurement plays a pivotal role in the South African economy and accounts for a significant portion of public expenditure. The effective management of procurement processes is crucial for ensuring that money is spent wisely and there is an efficient service delivery. However, the paper-based procurement systems have been plagued by inefficiencies. Objectives To address the challenges of paper-based procurement systems, the study developed a digital procurement framework. The development of a digital procurement framework for the South African public sector represents a strategic response to these challenges and aims to leverage cutting-edge digital technologies to revolutionise the way that the government procures goods and services. Method The study followed a qualitative research methodology in which content analysis was used to identify themes. Subsequently, a thematic analysis was conducted to formulate the components of the proposed framework. The study facilitated an understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing. Results The literature revealed that Industry 4.0 technologies are crucial as they present opportunities which are consistent with legislation like scalability, cost efficiency, collaboration, transparency, accountability and process efficiency. Conclusion Implementing procurement reforms effectively will result in a public sector procurement system that is responsible, offers value for money and ensures high-quality service delivery. Contribution The study contributed to the body of knowledge by providing a guide for a digital procurement of South Africa’s public sector and impact of technology on public procurement.