Archive of Journal
Volume 76, Issue 7, Jul. 2020

EFFECT OF HEALTH TRAINING ON THE OCCUPATIONAL FATIGUE OF SHIFT WORKERS

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.1

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Abstract: Abstract: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of health training which is offered to overcome the occupational fatigue of workers. The non-randomized controlled study was performed from January to July 2018 with the participation of 302 workers employed at the Sanliurfa Organized Industrial Zone situated approximately in the Sanliurfa province of Turkey. Prior to the study, ethical approval was received, and permission was also obtained from the factory where the study would be conducted. In the study, the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery (OFER) Scale was utilized for assessing occupational fatigue, whereas the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used for evaluating sleep quality. According to the assessment conducted in terms of the OFER Scale, it was found that a total of 119 workers had moderately high chronic fatigue. 30 of those workers with moderately high chronic fatigue were assigned to the training group, whereas 30 workers with low level of fatigue were appointed to the control group. The training group was provided with health training, SMS messages were sent by telephone as reminders to the training group every evening, and then, the results were evaluated once again at the end of 8 weeks. For the training group, it was ascertained that there was a decrease in the chronic fatigue and acute fatigue sub-scales, whereas, as a positive outcome, there was an increase in the recovery sub-scale scores (p<0.05). It was deduced that, in the framework of providing healthcare services in the workplace, health training to be delivered periodically is effective for alleviating occupational fatigue which influences occupational accidents, absenteeism at work and worker productivity and successful in promoting recovery from occupational fatigue.

Author(s): Suzan Havlioglu, Tulay Ortabag

THE EFFECT ON LIFE SATISFACTION OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' RISKY HEALTH BEHAVIOR

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.4

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Abstract: Abstract Objectives: Life satisfaction refers to a cognitive process and is defined.This study was carried out to determine the effects of risky health behaviors of university students on life satisfaction. Material and Methods: This study was designed as a descriptive study. The research was carried out with 336 students who were studying in 9 departments at Dokuz Eylul University in the 2019-2020 academic year. Regression analysis was used to investigate the correlation between students\' risky health behavior sub-dimension (nutrition, psychosocial, physical activity, hygiene, and substance use) scores and SWLS scores. Results: 91.1% of the participants were in the 18-21 age range, 5.4% in the 22-25 age range, and 3.6% in the 26-30 age range. 74.1% of the students were female and 25.9% were male. The total score average of the SWLS was 13.28 4.45 (53.12 %). The total score average of RHBS was 45.57 � 15.81. There was a statistically significant relationship between life satisfaction scores and nutrition and psychosocial subscale risk scores. This correlation was moderate and negative (r = -.527, r = -. 524, p <.001). Also, there was a significant relationship between risky health behavior score and life satisfaction score. This correlation was moderate and negative (r = -.632, p<.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study show that as the risky health behaviors of the students increase, their satisfaction with life decreases. It is important to determine risky health behaviors and to turn these behaviors into healthy behaviors in order to increase levels of satisfaction with life. Keywords: Public health; Life satisfaction; Risky health behavior; Psychosocial risk.

Author(s): Tugba Gultekin, Tugba Gultekin, Sinan Yenal

ADVANCED LEVEL BIOLOGY TEACHERS’ EXPERIENCES OF A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BIOTECHNOLOGY INTERVENTION IN MASVINGO, ZIMBABWE

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.19

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Abstract: The paper reports on a study that explored the creation of a professional development intervention (PDI) platform in biotechnology education in Masvingo, Zimbabwe and reports on teachers’ experiences of their engagement in the PDI. This qualitative study employed a case study design. Purposive sampling was used to select 25 practicing Advanced Level Biology teachers from schools that offered Advance Level Biology in Masvingo. Data was generated via teachers’ reflective journals and focus group discussions. Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development underpinned the study at a theoretical level. The findings reveal that professional learning communities can be an effective form of professional development for teachers during curriculum reform especially in a context where the Curriculum Development Unit does not provide support to teachers during curriculum reform. Further, the findings illuminate that Advanced Level Biology teachers’ collective agency was necessary to promote a safe nurturing space to initiate action that allowed for scrutiny of teaching practice, support from peers and resulted in self-improvement in confidence levels and pedagogical content knowledge. The findings show that sustainable teacher professional development will rely on teachers themselves, their commitment to quality and to their learners. Thus, our concluding thoughts are: How do we begin to perpetuate this kind of professional development capital amongst practicing teachers in order to rejuvenate teacher’s deep interest in teaching and learning Advanced Level Biology that focuses on the needs of their learners?

Author(s): Elias Rurinda, Asheena Singh-Pillay

THE EFFECT OF RUTA GRAVEOLENS BIOPESTICIDE ON PARLATORIA BLANCHARDI TARG ON THE PALM DATE OF BISKRA (ALGERIAN SAHARA)

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.12

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Abstract: Our study was carried out on the private farm of Mr Chebaani in Sidi Okba in the wilaya of Biskra (Algeria), to test the toxicity of a bio-pesticide of the aqueous extract of Ruta graveolens (Rutaceae), on the larvae and adults of the white scale (Parlatoria blanchardi Targ., 1868, Homoptera, Diaspididae) of the date palm. We sprayed three different concentrations (10, 30 and 50 g / l) of the aqueous extract of the bio-pesticide on the feet of date palm, and to determine the different chemical constituents of the bio-pesticide we carried out a Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). The study of the effect of the aqueous extract showed that the concentration 50 g/l, gave good results on the larvae and the adults of the white scale, with mortality rates of 85.33% and 64.33 %, respectively. The results also showed that the lethal concentration (LC50%) after 24 hours in the larvae is 3.91 g/l and in adults is 214.2 g/l. LC-MS analysis allowed the identification of 30 components, the main ones are: anethole (15.77 ppm), gardenin B (5.58 ppm), p-coumaroyl glycolic acid (5.17 ppm), 2,3-dihydroxy-1- guaiacylpropanone (5.12 ppm), hesperidin (4.8 ppm), and 3-sinapoyl quinic acid (4.49 ppm).

Author(s): Chebaani Hana, Tarai Nacer, Touiker Samira, Souilah Nabila, Raul Bonal

IMPACT OF POSITIVE PARENTING DIMENSIONS ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING OF ADOLESCENTS: MEDIATING ROLE OF BASIC PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.14

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Abstract: The present study aimed to see the impact of positive parenting dimensions (i.e., affection and communication, promotion of autonomy, behavioral control, revelation and humor) on adolescent’s psychological well-being in the context of Self Determination Theory. The mediating role of basic psychological needs i.e., autonomy, competence and relatedness is also explored. A total of 200 adolescents age ranged 13-19 years (M = 16.35, SD = 1.72) including 50% boys and 50% girls from different educational institutes of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, completed the questionnaires. To measure the study variables Parenting Style Scale (Oliva et al., 2007), Ryff Scale of Psychological Wellbeing (Ansari, 2010) and Basic Psychological Need Scale (Deci & Ryan, 2000) were used. The findings showed positive parenting dimensions have significant positive relationship with psychological wellbeing of the adolescents. Furthermore, mediation analysis was conducted to see the indirect effects of basic psychological needs on adolescent’s psychological wellbeing. This analysis was performed by Process Macro revealing that significant mediating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction in the relationship of positive parenting dimensions and psychological wellbeing of adolescents. The sobel test further strengthens the findings. The results of the present study are discussed in the parenting practices in Pakistan.

Author(s): Ayesha Saeed, Rubina Hanif

PAKISTAN AS A NEWCOMER IN SHANGHAI COOPERATION\r\nORGANIZATION: A STUDY ON SECURITY AND ECONOMIC\r\nPERSPECTIVE

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.6

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Abstract: Abstract This article seeks to analyze future opportunities for Pakistan under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) through the lens of security and economic cooperation with member countries. During the last two decades, policies on 'War on Terror' of Pakistan has caused much turmoil particularly in the security and economic sector of the country. This situation lessened the reputation of the country internationally and created a huge misunderstanding with its neighbor countries. However, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's 17th Astana summit opened new avenues for Pakistan in term of its changing status from an observer state to a full member state that will lead to have a more active and strong foreign policy. We argue that the forum of SCO would be a work as the vital ladder in encouraging security and economic cooperation, expanding markets accessibility and help in having much needed development in Pakistan. In addition, Pakistan has a huge benefit to strengthen its military cooperation among SCO member countries in general and with Russia and China in particular. Pakistan's recent entry into the SCO as a permanent member can boost the security cooperation mechanism particularly combating terrorism through internal cooperation mechanisms and restrain the cross-border terrorist infiltration. The SCO platform also provides a great opportunity to Pakistan to broaden the energy corridor concept among SCO member states. Suggesting that under the banner of SCO, Pakistan has an ample opportunity to utilize its unexplored natural resources by inviting Russian and Chinese companies for investments to improve country's energy sector and fulfill its energy needs and beef up the economy of the country.

Author(s): Abdul Rab, Niamatullah, Amir Jan, Zaffar Jattak, Gulshan Munir, Mir Dosteen Hoth

SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES AND ECONOMIC GROWTH:\r\nEVIDENCE FROM PAKISTAN

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.9

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Abstract: Currently, instead of large enterprises, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have gained prominence in developing nations; because of the higher labor-intensity and working with less capital and low management cost. SMEs are a major driver of employment growth and poverty alleviation in the least developed countries (LDCs). The refining process of economic growth in developing nations requires development in SMEs. As an objective, this paper attempts to assess the role of SMEs in the economic growth of Pakistan. The analyses are based on the annual time-series data and the sample period was 1990 to 2018. Real Gross Domestic Product growth has been used as a proxy for economic growth in Pakistan, and part of SMEs in economic growth has been measured through a total output of SMEs in GDP. Unit root tests are employed to verify whether the variables are stationary. The Ordinary least square (OLS) regression equation technique has been used to evaluate the study data. The main outcomes of the study exposed that SMEs have a significant effect on economic progress and work more efficiently for the economy. Moreover, study suggestions, limitations, and further research directions are presented.

Author(s): Faiza Manzoor, Longbao Wei

POSTMODERN IN HUMANITARIAN PARADIGM AND CULTURAL PRACTICE (ON THE EXAMPLE MEDIALOGICAL TRANSLATION)

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.11

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Abstract: The article represents modern culturological concepts in their application to current Kazakhstani discourse. A special place in the article is occupied by the newest European studies of the medial space. In addition, the article considers methodological aspects of the study of cultural codes in modern philological research. The interpretation of a cultural code as a matrix, through which a person perceives and evaluates the world. It allows to see its key constant, the meaning. In this paper, the deconstruction method is designated as the basic principle of text analysis, revealing the internal inconsistency of any text. Text is not only the traditional print and literary examples, but also the form of speech which is represented in theater, cinema, performance, discourse of school textbooks, repertoire policy of the theaters. Moreover, text is a form of language existence. The authors conducted a brief analysis of some trends in the post-Soviet Kazakhstani sociocultural space. Perspective methods of analysis were also identified. A special attention in the article was paid to the practice of critical discourse analysis applied to specific material. The authors’ elaboration of current Kazakhstani media practice is presented. In the interpretation of the authors of the article, the study of cultural codes is possible both in “horizontal representativeness” (all types of media) and in “vertical representativeness” (types of texts, parascientific works).

Author(s): Aldabergenova Aiym Aldabergenovna, Gizdatov Gazinur Gabdullavich

EXAMINING RAPID LAND-USE VARIATION USING MULTICRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS (MCDA) METHOD

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.7

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Abstract: The accelerating rate of urbanization is causing improper urban development that takes place\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\nchanges in various urban land-use patterns. This paper aims to explore the trend and\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\nfundamental factors of urban sprawl as resulting land-use changes in the most urbanized\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\nKarachi city of Pakistan. Experts’ opinions are taken and gathered the information related to\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\nthe causes of urban sprawl and land use transformation. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\nconsidering the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) technique is applied to analyze the\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\ncollected data. This Study identified results that mainly land mafia, housing demand, and\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\ntransportation convenience factors are gearing up the urban sprawl that makes a variation in\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\nKarachi land-use patterns. Research findings can direct the urban planners, decision-makers, and city administrators, to curb urban sprawl causing improper uses of land and manage existing\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\nas well as future urban development by formulating sustainable development strategies.

Author(s): Noman Sahito, Saima Kalwar, Irfan Ahmed Memon, Zulfiqar Ali Lashari, Muhammad Yousif Mangi, Abid Hussain

BEING A WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR IN SPORT SECTOR

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.3

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Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the problemsof women entrepreneurs in sport sector in terms of demographic features. The sample of the study consists of 94 volunteering women entrepreneurs operating sport centres in the cities of Adana, Mersin, Osmaniye and Hatay in cukurova region. The data in the study were collected by using an online questionnaire consisting of 2 parts. The first part includes 6 questions to find out the demographic features of women entrepreneurs in sport sector. In the second part, a questionnaire with 7 sub-dimensions and 27 items to find out the problems of women entrepreneurs was used which was adapted by Cici (2013) from another study and the factor analysis of which was made again by Ye?il (2018). \\r\\nThe problems of women entrepreneurs in sport sector were examined in seven sub-dimensions and it was found that there were significant differences in micro environment sub-dimension in terms of the variable of marital status; in organization sub-dimension in terms of the variable of the presence of entrepreneurs in the family; in financial environment, education and organization sub-dimensions in terms of the variable of women entrepreneurs professional experience; in bureaucratic environment sub-dimension in terms of the variable of the city the enterprise was located in. When the average scores of the sub-dimensions in the problems experienced in women entrepreneurship were examined, it was found that the education sub-dimension was in the first place in terms of priority because its average score was 4,039, while financial environment sub-dimension was in the last place because its average score was 2,97. In this context, it is thought that the variables of marital status, having entrepreneurs in the family, professional experience and the city in which the enterprise was located in can be important in terms of the problems women entrepreneurs experienced.

Author(s): Yeliz Erath Sirin, Fatma Pervin Bilir, Saadet Gonen Yildiz, Ozge Aydin, Billur Yildirim

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARANORMAL BELIEF AND PERSONALITY TRAITS AMONGUNIVERSITY STUDENT IN PAKISTAN

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.10

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Abstract: Background: Beliefs are the states of mind that individuals have about the world and their lives. Mutually supportive beliefs may develop into belief systems, such as religious, ideological, and paranormal beliefs. Objectives: The current study aimed to explore the relationship between the paranormal belief and personality traits among university graduate students in Pakistan. Sample: A total of 200 university students (100 males and 100 females) enrolled in different Bachelor and Master degree programs participated in this study. Method: The Paranormal Belief Scale and NEO-PI-R personality inventory were administered to measure the study variables, and t-test, ANOVA, and correlation values were calculated to verify the hypotheses. Results: Traditional religious belief, precognition, neuroticism, and conscientiousness were positively correlated. A significant mean ifference was seen between genders. Conclusion: Paranormal belief and conscientiousness were positively correlated. Female students have higher scores on the Paranormal Belief Scale than the male students. Moreover, a significant mean difference was seen between social, physical, and biological science students.

Author(s): Sabir Zaman, Shazia Khalid, Shahid Irfan, Alamzeb Khattak, Muhammad Tahir Nawaz

IMPACT OF RAINFALL CHANGE ON CEREAL PRODUCTION IN THE SEMI-ARID ZONES OF WESTERN ALGERIA: THE CASE OF THE WILAYA OF MASCARA

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.5

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Abstract: Water has become less and less accessible in many parts of the world. Such a water shortage is linked to change in the Earths climates. According to climate experts, the ‘greenhouse’ effect due to the increased input of carbon dioxide and other ‘greenhouse’ gases in the atmosphere, should lead to a change in Earth’s average temperature, subsequently in its climates, and should be accompanied by a change in the precipitation regime (change in rainfall). The present work aims to evidence the influence of rainfall changes on cereal production in the Mascara area. In order to estimate the plant water need, we analysed the respective parameters: ‘rainfall’, ‘evapotranspiration’ and ‘available soil water storage’. Calculation of rainfall and agricultural deficits evidenced that rainfall is the most determining factor for the development of agriculture. During the dry season, the cereal production in the Mascara region, in the semi-arid zone, is equal to 247,000 qx, i.e. a yield of 5.87 qx/ha. On the other hand, during the rainy season, this production can reach 1,308,870 qx, that is a yield of 10.28 qx/ha, hence an increase rate of 57.10%. The ANOVA test is significant with a probability of 0.05, evidencing a direct correlation between cereal production and rainfall, while the mathematical square power model gives us a good correlation with a coefficient of determination R2= 0.578.

Author(s): Boukhari Yahia, Harizia Abdelkader, Benguerai Abdelkader, Benaboura Abdelmalek

VISCOSITY INDEX FOR COCONUT OIL USED AS BIODEGRADABLE LUBRICANT

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.17

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Abstract: In this paper viscosity index of coconut oil was determined using three methods. Viscosity index was calculated from the measured viscosity at 40°C and 100°C using ASTM Method D 2270 and was graphically determined using ASTM D 341. Viscosity index calculation was performed with a computer program using kinematics viscosity at 40°C and 100°C. The viscosity-temperature coefficient was calculated from the measured viscosity at 40°C and 100°C. Viscosity index of a coconut oil was determined using a set of Schott Ubbelohde-type viscometers selected according to the values of their constants, so that the margins of the uncertainty, inherent in the Hagebach-Couette correction, does not exceed the error allowed for the measurements. The measurements were carried out at 40± 0.1 and 100± 0.1°C, according to the recommendation of ASTM D2270. Viscosity index obtained with the calculator program is 99,39% lower than that obtained by equation (1). The viscosity index obtained by the graphical method is much higher than that obtained by the other methods. The viscosity-temperature coefficient for coconut oil can vary by a factor of 10 depending on the temperature. The viscosity of coconut oil is dependent upon temperature. Viscosity decreases as temperature increases because the molecules vibrate more, and interact less.

Author(s): Ioana Stanciu

THEORY AND PRACTICE OF THE RELIGIOUS TOURISM IN DAGESTAN

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.13

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Abstract: The article is devoted to a theoretical analysis of the problems and prospects of the development of religious tourism as a component of the territorial recreational system. The features of pilgrimage migrations of the Dagestan population are revealed. Special attention is given to the spatiotemporal typology of religious tourism. The problems of the development of religious tourism are analyzed in the context of both theoretical concepts of modern recreational and geographical science and the practice of conducting tourism business in the region. It is emphasized that the business tasks of religious tours, as an independent direction for the development of the tourism industry, should not be solved without a strategic analysis of the diverse, including negative, consequences of this type of recreational activity of people for the nature and society of the region in question. Of particular importance is the task of harmonizing the interests of the development of secular and religious foundations of Dagestan tourism.

Author(s): Eldar M. Eldarov, Makhach M. Vagabov, Muslim A. Gindiev, Garun S. Sultanov

POLYGON PIECES: TOOLS TO ADDRESS STUDENTS’ ALTERNATIVE CONCEPTIONS AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS WHEN LEARNING OF GEOMETRY

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.15

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Abstract: Geometry strand receives limited attention in teaching of mathematics generally. One of the factors for this practice is that many mathematics teachers lack confidence in the teaching of geometry, as a result, they ignore teaching it. The problems students face in learning geometry emanate from how it is taught by most mathematics teachers. This paper investigated students’ alternative conceptions and misunderstandings regarding triangles in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and conducted an intervention using polygon pieces in teaching triangles. A diagnostic test was administered to assess 58 Grade 8 students’ levels of understanding of triangles with more emphasis on their properties, and a post-test was administered to evaluate the intervention. Descriptive analysis was employed for both tests. The qualitative analysis focused on aligning the students’ responses with the Van Hiele levels of geometric thinking. The findings indicated students’ alternative conceptions and lack of understanding of the properties of triangles. Also, the intervention enhanced the students’ performance from a 16% average in the diagnostic test to 82% performance in the post-test. We, therefore, recommend the use of polygon pieces to enhance students’ conceptual understanding of geometry.

Author(s): Shakespear M Chiphambo, Nosisi N Feza

ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY USED FOR\\r\\nIRRIGATION IN THE REGION OF ZEGOUM, OUED SOUF, ALGERIA

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.8

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Abstract: The objective of this study is to determine the groundwater quality and evaluate its suitability\\r\\nfor irrigation. 20 waters samples were collected from the region of Zegoum (Oued Souf) from\\r\\ndifferent locations of forages. Various water quality parameters like temperature, pH, EC, cations (Ca++, Mg++, Na+ , K+ ) and anions (Cl- , SO4 -2, HCO3 -, CO3 -2) have been calculated for each water sample. The groundwater samples are classified in two classes; C4S1 and C5S2.\\r\\nThe Calcium and sulfates concentrations of 50% of samples are more than the safe\\r\\npermissible limits proposed by FAO. The majority of samples do not exceed the permissible limits according to FAO (1996), for Cl- , Na+ and K+ .\\r\\nThe present study implies that the assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation is\\r\\nmediocre to bad quality

Author(s): Hiouani Fatima, Bouzidi Yacine, Aissaoui Soufiane, Rechachi Zohra Miled

SMALLHOLDERS FARMERS AWARENESS OF SERVICE QUALITY IN COMMERCIAL BANKING: A CASE OF AMATHOLE DISTRICT

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.2

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Abstract: The determination of service quality and satisfaction outcome derived by smallholder farmers has been diverse and still remain an issue in the public domain. The study investigated awareness of service quality and satisfaction of smallholder farmers with the commercial banking sector in Amathole district. The paper used a structured questionnaire which consist of a prepared question-items with fixed answers and alternatives in line with the stated objectives of the study. In assessing smallholder farmers expectation, perception and satisfaction of service quality; the paper adapted the psychometrically tested SERVQUAL model: Tangibles, Empathy, Responsiveness, Reliability and Assurance to assess the level of service quality and satisfaction. Finding reveal that the closer the perception score to expectation score, the higher the perceived level of quality service. However, the overall assessment of smallholder farmers expectation exceeds the perceived service that was given by selected commercial banks. Furthermore, results reveals that there are significant relationship between the two items: Tangibility and Reliability, and smallholder farmers satisfaction. The paper recommended that rendering of quality services requires a rational approach and training of bank staff to enhance improvement that will contribute to encouraging smallholder farmers to stay loyal and avoid switching banks.\\r\\nKeywords: Smallholder-farmers, Awareness, Quality, Service.

Author(s): Agholor A Isaac

TILLAGE MANAGEMENT AS A METHOD OF WEED CONTROL IN MANGWENI, NKOMAZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.16

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Abstract: The objective of the study was to determine the influence of tillage management strategies on weed\r\ncontrol, assess the impact of weed in crop production; and examine farmers’ adoption behaviour\r\nin the use of modern weed control methods. The study employed a survey of a randomized sample\r\nof 160 farmers in Mangweni in Mpumalanga Province. Logistic regression model was adopted to\r\nanalyse data collected from farmers. The results show that farmers are aware of the menace of\r\nweeds in terms of cost. Results also reveal that farmers who had lesser weed count in their crop\r\nfield were involved in practicing zero tillage. Furthermore, some socio-economic predictor\r\nvariables were found to have influence on the adoption of modern weed control methods.\r\nSignificant variables were age (P-value =.008), education (P-value = .056), household size (Pvalue = .005), income (P-value = 047) and number of children (P-value = .016). The paper\r\nrecommend that, for farmers with low resources, zero tillage remains a viable option and needs to\r\nbe evaluated further for weed control purposes. A good understanding of decision making process\r\nwill assist to intensify adoption of new methods of weed control. Farmers’ capacity building\r\nshould be enhanced through training as this will allow for well-informed decision making.

Author(s): Isaac Azikiwe Agholor, Moses Zakhele Sithole

ON EFFICIENT SIMULTANEOUS METHOD FOR DETERMINING DISTINCT AS WELL AS MULTIPLE ROOTS OF NON-LINEAR EQUATION

Volume 76, Jul 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.7.18

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Abstract: An efficient simultaneous method for approximating all the distinct roots of non-linear equation is constructed here. This method is then generalized for determining multiple roots of non-linear equation. It is proved that the simultaneous method is of convergence order twelve and has better computational efficiency as compared to some other simultaneous methods in the literature. At the end, numerical test examples are provided to demonstrate the performance and efficiency of the newly constructed simultaneous iterative methods.

Author(s): Nazir Ahmad Mir, Iqra Qasim, Shar Naseem, Muhammad Rizwan, Saima Akram, Mudassar Shams