UWCScholar

This repository serves as a digital archive for the preservation of research outputs from the University of the Western Cape

Communities in UWCScholar

Select a community to browse its collections.

Now showing 1 - 5 of 11

Recent Submissions

Biogenic red wine silver nanoparticles as an antimicrobial in non-sterile industrial fermentations
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2026) Simons, Taskeen; Erasmus, Alexandria; Madiehe, Abram; Meyer, Mervin; den Haan, Riaan
Bacterial contamination within the biofuels industry is a major challenge, with Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), wild yeasts, and fungi among the main contaminants found during yeast fermentations, reducing ethanol yields and thereby decreasing production efficiency. The predominant antimicrobial control strategy is the use of antibiotics which significantly contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Recently, green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have demonstrated strong antibacterial activities; suggesting that they could have applications in controlling biological contamination in the biofuels industry. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of AgNPs that were green-synthesized using red wine (RW) extract as an antibacterial control strategy in non-sterile fermentations. RESULTS: RW-AgNPs were synthesized under optimized green synthesis conditions. The antibacterial activity of RW-AgNPs to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and potential toxicity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae were evaluated using microbiological assays, growth curve analysis, and anaerobic non-sterile fermentations. The RW-AgNPs exhibited broad-spectrum, concentration dependent antibacterial activity against S. cerevisiae, L. plantarum ATCC 8014, and E. coli, with a greater susceptibility observed in L. plantarum (MIC 6.25 μg/mL; MBC 25 μg/mL). Growth curve and fermentation analyses of high-gravity fermentations showed minimal inhibitory effects of RW-AgNPs on S. cerevisiae, but significant inhibition of L. plantarum, resulting in reduced lactic acid production and significantly improved ethanol yields and overall fermentation efficiency in treated samples compared to untreated controls. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed reduced bacterial cell presence following treatment with the RW-AgNPs. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate the potential application of RW-AgNPs as an alternative antibacterial strategy for controlling bacterial contamination in industrial biofuel fermentations.
Dynamic capabilities under constraint: extending teece's framework through contextualized micro foundations and capability elasticity
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2026) Sibindi, Ntandoyenkosi; Chiruka, Fungai
Dynamic capabilities research has made significant progress in explaining firm adaptation under environmental change, yet existing frameworks largely assume conditions of resource abundance and institutional stability. This paper develops a theory-extending framework that explains how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating under resource scarcity and institutional constraint build and deploy dynamic capabilities. Drawing on a structured evidence synthesis of 52 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024, informed by PRISMA-guided reporting procedures, the study identifies recurring mechanisms through which constrained firms enact sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring activities. Building on these insights, the paper introduces the concept of capability elasticity to explain how firms transform limited resource inputs into disproportionate adaptive outcomes. The resulting Dynamic Capabilities under Constraint (DCuC) framework clarifies boundary conditions of existing theory and offers a mechanism-based explanation of innovation, performance, and resilience among SMEs. The study contributes to business research by extending dynamic capabilities theory to constrained environments and providing a foundation for future empirical research on strategic adaptation in resource-limited contexts.
Integrating mathematical modelling and critical theory to address water consumption challenges
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Van Wyk , Delon; Simons , Marius
Water consumption is a critical global issue influenced by a complex interaction of environmental, economic and social factors. In education, tackling these challenges necessitates teaching methods that go beyond mere technical problem-solving to encompass critical engagement with real-world situations. This study examines the integration of mathematical modelling and critical theory by instructors in South Africa to improve mathematics instruction, fostering critical thinking and engaging students with real-world social issues including water usage and distribution. Although mathematical modelling provides significant quantitative insights, it often overlooks the social dynamics, power relations, and lived experiences that shape water utilisation. Critical theory offers a complementary qualitative framework that enables learners and teachers to examine social factors and address environmental challenges with greater scrutiny. By integrating these two methodologies, this study aims to develop a holistic framework for mathematics education that captures both structural patterns identified through modelling and context-specific insights revealed through critical reflection. The analyses demonstrate how critical theory informs pedagogical strategies for teaching water-related environmental issues and how teachers can use mathematical modelling to support students’ understanding of water consumption challenges. In addition, the study identifies the tools, professional support, and training that teachers need to successfully integrate these approaches. Through qualitative analysis, the study shows how integrating critical theory and mathematical modelling can enhance students' engagement with real-world issues and foster the development of community-focused, socially responsive mathematics education methods.
Assessing the effect of Covid-19 on routine childhood immunization for children under 17 in Ontario, Canada
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Maduku , Mavis; Tabana , Hanani
Routine childhood immunization is a cornerstone of public health, protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases and contributing to community immunity. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health systems globally, affecting access to routine services, including immunizations. This research aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 on routine childhood immunization for children aged 7, 12 and 17 years in Ontario, Canada using aggregated data from 2016/2017 to 2023/2024 school years. A population-based retrospective observational study design was used. Data were obtained from publicly available sources tracking immunization coverage across Ontario from the 2016/2017 to 2023/2024 school years. Children aged 7, 12 and 17 years who received immunizations during this period were included. Data were extracted by antigen, year, and Public Health Unit (PHU) using a structured tool, and analyzed in Stata 16.
A study of the factors that influence the retention of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) students at a South African university.
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Brink, Megan; Hendricks, Mohammed Natheem
The issue of student retention is critical for higher education institutions as annually thousands of students drop out of university before completing their degrees. It is particularly prominent among non-traditional students and those who gain access to university through alternate pathways such as the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). In South Africa, RPL is a vital tool for widening access to higher education for those who do not meet traditional academic requirements but possess valuable experiential knowledge and skills. The RPL programmes are thus vital for addressing past issues of exclusion and marginalisation. However, these programmes may not resolve all social and situational difficulties that affect RPL students’ academic performance and ultimately their retention. Factors influencing the retention and throughput of undergraduate students who gained access to the University of the Western Cape through the RPL programme are explored in this qualitative study. The study aims to identify the influence of motivational factors, academic and personal responsibilities on the resilience of students within their chosen course of study. The main research objectives of this study are, namely, to identify factors that contribute to RPL student retention; learn more about the motivational factors that affect student academic performance; students readiness profiles for tertiary study; and to unpack the situational, institutional and dispositional barriers that negatively impact their academic success. This study is underpinned by Vincent Tinto’s Student Integration Theory which examines how students integrate academically and socially into university, and how this integration affects their decision to stay or depart from their studies. This study followed a qualitative research design and made use of semi-structured interviews to collect relevant information from students who gained alternative access into university courses.