Archive of Journal
Volume 77, Issue 2, Feb. 2021

PUBLIC EXPENDITURE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK IN NIGERIA: RETHINKING THE CONCEPT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Volume 77, Feb 2021
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.2.11

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Abstract: Nigeria has made remarkable advancement within the last 10 years by setting the rudiments of a contemporary public expenditure management system. However, lack of coordination in its budget management before 2000 culminated in wide government deficits, higher external debt that resulted in declining manufacturing capacity utilization. The existing expenditure framework in Nigeria is encumbered with absurdities that derail it from positive outcomes. Furthermore, the negative externality effects, affect other macro aggregates. This article reviews conceptual issues in public expenditure, principles and approaches of national budgeting, policy and institutional frameworks for national expenditure management. Using a desktop approach, the article x-rays issues surrounding the uses and abuses of national expenditures and financial management system amongst other dynamics in Nigeria. Based on the synopsis, we recommend a rethinking of the conceptual frameworks of public expenditure management in Nigeria. This will improve the current budget system outcomes in the country.

Author(s): Kanayo Ogujiuba

MODEL OF VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ADOPTION AMONG THE MALAY LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN MALAYSIAN NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Volume 77, Feb 2021
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.2.4

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Abstract: There are too few studies that examine the adoption of the Virtual Learning Environment among secondary school teachers specifically among the Malay language teachers. Therefore, the study attempts to elaborate the issue of using the Virtual Learning Environment by applying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the concept of teacher's faith in teaching and Elys’ Condition of Change Model. This study is a survey research using a questionnaire as the instrument of study. A total of 400 Malay Language teachers at national secondary schools in Selangor were randomly selected as respondents. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) has been used to identify the validity, reliability and analysis of structural data. The findings show that the Virtual Learning Environment is influenced by variables such as administrative support, perceived ease-of-use, technological skill, facility condition, teachers' belief towards teaching, attitude and adoption intention. A coefficient of determination (R2) of 81.6% in this study indicating that this model is a strong model to explain the variables include administrative support, facility condition, perceived usefulness, technological skill, teacher's beliefs towards teaching, attitude and behavioural perceived usefulness to adopt, will influence the adoption of the Virtual Learning Environment. In conclusion, the adoption model of the Virtual Learning Environment among Malay Language teachers is expected to contribute to the successful use of the Virtual Learning Environment in teaching the Malay language.

Author(s): Fong Peng Chew, Zanariah Hamid, Mohd Shahril Nizam Shaharom, Fonny Hutagalung

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACE GENE POLYMORPHISM AND CEREBRAL ISCHEMIC STROKE

Volume 77, Feb 2021
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.2.9

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Abstract: Background: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of vascular remodeling, atherosklerosis and hypertention. ACE Gene insertion/Deletion (I/D) Polymorphism has commonly been studied to illuminate the cerebral ischemic stroke as it has been in several other illnesses in recent years. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ACE gene I/D Polymorphism and cerebral ischemic stroke. Materials and methods: 54 patients with clinically and radiologically accepted to be cerebrovascular infarct but have no cerebrovascular disease in their background and 25 healthy people as control group accepted in Neurology Major Discipline of the Faculty of Medicine of Dicle University were included in our study. Full blood and biochemical values, stroke risk factors and ACE gene I/D polymorphisms were compared. Results: ACE D/D Ploymorphism was statistically found meaningfull in the patient group. Although lacunar infarcts frequency was elevated in ACE D/D Positivity, it was not concidered statistically meaningful. Hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy in ACE D/D Patients was found statistically meaningfull, yet no significant correlation with ischemic heart story has been identified. Furthermore negative correlation was identified between carotid artery stenosis and the ACE D/D Gene polymorphism.

Author(s): Suleyman Guler, Sukran Guler Sanlıurfa training and research hospital radiology department,Mehmet ufuk aluçlu Dicle university neurology department

CINEMATIC AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS STUDY OF HYDRAULIC JUMP B TYPE IN SLOPPING RECTANGULAR CHANNEL WITH NEGATIVE STEP

Volume 77, Feb 2021
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.2.5

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Abstract: The hydraulic jump, B type with negative step in sloping rectangular channel is investigated theoretically and experimentally. A function relationship is defined linking the various parameters which influence the phenomenon. The cinematic and physical characteristics of the jump as its velocities, sequent depths, length, water surfaces and efficiency are analysed. At the negative step start, an undisturbed jet is fully developed caused near the fall of the negative step at very high speeds, which can exceed 150cm/s. In the vortex area, negative speeds are obtained for different cases of slopes studied. The results also show an exponential increase in sequent depth with the increase in the Froude number (F1). The roller relative length (Lr / h1) increases proportionally in a linear fashion with the channel slop increase (θ) and the step height (S). The yield obtained from the jump studied for the entire study range justifies the effectiveness of the forced hydraulic jump B type with negative step in energy dissipation.

Author(s): Marouf Nadir, Bemamar Saadia Benmamar, Remini Boualem

EFFECT OF BIOCHEMICAL METABOLITES OF DATES ON NUTRITIONAL PERFORMANCES OF CAROB MOTH, (ECTOMYELOIS CERATONIAE ZELLER (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE))

Volume 77, Feb 2021
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.2.2

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Abstract: The carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is considered as one of the most redoubtable pests threatening the production of date fruit, (Phoenix dactylifera L.), in Algeria. . In this research, nutritional indices and energy reserves of E. ceratoniae in response to feeding on three date varieties (Deglet Noor, Mech Degla and Ghars) were studied at 28 ± 1°C, relative humidity of 65 ± 5% and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) hours. Biochemical and physical characteristics date varieties of were determined, and a correlation was made with nutritional responses of E. ceratoniae. Significant differences were observed in nutritional yield and energy contents of E. ceratoniae across various date varieties. The relative intake rate (TRI) of the larvae of E. ceratoniae showed a very highly significant difference between the three varieties studied. The highest relative intake rate was observed in larvae fed by the Deglet Nour variety, while the lowest TRI was recorded in the Ghars variety.

Author(s): Ayoub Hadjeb, Mehaoua M. Seghir, Adjami Yasmine, Lebbouz Ismahane, Ouakid M. Laid

EFFECT OF FREE CORTISOL LEVELS ON HEMODYNAMICS AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES

Volume 77, Feb 2021
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.2.6

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Abstract: Objective and Aim: There are conflicting results regarding the relationship between free cortisol levels and septic shock and mortality during sepsis. This study aims to determine the effect of free cortisol levels in septic shock and threshold free cortisol levels to predict mortality and septic shock in sepsis. Material and Methods: This study was conducted between January 2018 and January 2019 including patients with sepsis hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU). Free cortisol levels, demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded at the time of hospitalization. Cortisol levels, demographic and clinical characteristics were compared in non-survivor and survivor patients, patients with sepsis / severe sepsis and septic shock. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to examine the performance of variables in predicting sepsis mortality and septic shock. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated from the ROC curve and cut-off values were noted. Results: During the study period, a total of 207 patients were diagnosed with sepsis and were enrolled into the study. Eighty-four (40.6%) of the patients died, 123 (59.4%) of them were discharged alive. Free cortisol levels (39.2 ± 16.8 µg / dL) in the non-survivor group were found to be significantly higher than the survivor group (28.7 ± 18.2 µg / dL) (p <0.001). The cortisol levels (32.1 ± 18.3 ug / dL) in patients with septic shock was found to be significantly higher than the cortisol level (21.8 ± 15.6 µg / dL) in patients with sepsis / severe sepsis (p <0.001). The AUC value of free cortisol for mortality predictivity in sepsis was 0.883 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.832-0.924; p <0.0001), and the cutoff value was> 21.4 µg / dL. The AUC value of free cortisol for septic shock predictivity was 0.702 (95% CI: 0.638-0.768; p <0.0001) and the cutoff value of free cortisol was> 17.2 µg / dL. Conclusion: There was significant association between increased free cortisol levels and septic shock and mortality in patients hospitalized in ICU due to sepsis.

Author(s): Esra Cakir, Isil Ozkocak Turan

ANALYSIS OF THE TERRAIN AND SOIL PARTICLES ON THE PLAINS OF DU AND ANAMBRA RIVER BASINS IN UZO UWANI AND AYAMELUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN ENUGU AND ANAMBRA STATES, SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

Volume 77, Feb 2021
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.2.1

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Abstract: The study, Analysis of the Terrain and Soil Particles on the Plains of Du and Anambra River Basins in Uzo Uwani and Ayamdum Local Government Areas in Enugu and Anambra states in Southeastern Nigeria was done to ascertain the agricultural and engineering classification of the terrain of the area. The data used for the study were obtained from the Google satellite imagery of the study area which was used for preliminary mapping of the area. The cluster analysis was done using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) and geographic information system (GIS) Arcgis software. The analysis identified four sub-units and three major soil types in the study area. In terms of agriculture, Land Class I was not found in the study area. The soil on the toe slope is Class II, the soils supporting the cultivation of a great variety of crops like yams, maize, vegetables, sugar cane etc. The engineering classification yielded five classes. Classes I and II, the best terrain tracts for emplacement of engineering structures were found on the top slopes. Classes III and IV are marginal and Class V is not suitable for infrastructural development. This paper concludes on the note that the area held out great promises for the future development of the study area and constituted a support for the execution of pre-development surveys for regional development on a geomorphological basis.

Author(s): Romanus Udegbunam Ayadiuno, Chukwuka Dominic Ndulue, Arinze Tagbo Mozie

EXPLORING RURAL TEACHER’S CHALLENGES WITH COMPULSORY TECHNOLOGY-BASED PEDAGOGY: INTRODUCTION OF COVI-19 RELATED EDUCATIONAL PARADIGM

Volume 77, Feb 2021
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.2.3

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Abstract: This pandemic caused fear and anxiety as it brought the world to uncharted waters. In South Africa Covid-19 regulations resulted in a temporary closure of schools responding to social distancing. Schools had to resort to blended learning which combines face-to-face teaching and online teaching. To avoid loss of learning time that meant total cancellation of an academic year, schools had to turn to the technology-based system that could be effective in a digitally developed environment. This paper sought to explore the challenges rural teachers are facing within this new arrangement for teaching and learning as some lack basic computer skills and facilities to handle the Covid-19 aftermath. The main objective of the study was to find out how rural teachers were able to handle the online teaching and learning situation. A mixed-method approach was employed to be able to conduct telephonic interviews (to avoid face to face) as they are typically more probing and open-ended and a short standard telephonic questionnaire, with responses, recorded. Purposive sampling was employed to select fifteen teachers from fifteen different rural high schools of the district to respond to a telephonic interview and five teachers to respond to a short telephonic questionnaire. Content analysis was employed to analyse audio recordings and field notes. The findings indicated that due to the lack of computer skills, most teachers worked under a stressful environment in the Covid-19 period. Therefore, the study recommends the training of in-service teachers on how to use blended learning methods of teaching and learning. Another recommendation is that curriculum planners should include a compulsory module for pre-service teachers on all forms of technology-based pedagogies.

Author(s): Mabel-wendy Mashologu, Nomxolisi Mtsi, Shakespear M. Chiphambo

THE IRON GRIP OF GLOBAL NEO-LIBERALISM OVER POST-INDEPENDENT ZIMBABWE’S POLITICAL ECONOMY. A CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE

Volume 77, Feb 2021
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.2.10

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Abstract: The wave of political self-determination in post-colonial African states from late 1960’s and, for Zimbabwe after 1980, was believed to be the turning point wherein post-colonial African states were to be fully independent from Western colonial powers. However, since then the influences, contestations and contradictions in the global political system in specific the collapse of the Cold War in 1989, has had marked the triumphant of global neo-liberalism. In light of this, the purpose of the paper was to offer an illustration of the Critical Theory on post-independent Zimbabwe’s political and economic trajectory. The results showed that, Zimbabwe’s continued subjugation did not only resonate from Western industrialized nations but from China, which has in the 21st century been competing against the hitherto global financial hegemony of the United States of America (USA) and expanding its neo-liberal power through giving interest-bearing loans to Zimbabwe from 2003 onwards. The paper concludes that, Zimbabwe’s political and economic trajectory like that of any other post-colonial African state can be attributed to the country’s on-going incorporation into the global political and economic system in a dominated and very extractive manner.

Author(s): Addmore T. Muruviwa, NG Tshabalala, TG Muruviwa

TEACHING READING IN HOME LANGUAGE AT FOUNDATION PHASE: AN ANALYSIS OF CONTEXTUAL ISSUES

Volume 77, Feb 2021
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.2.8

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Abstract: This study analysed the contextual issues that are an integral part in the teaching of reading in Sepedi (HL) in Mpumalanga Province. Bronfenbrenner’s social ecological systems theory underpinned this study. An ethnographic case study design that is an interpretive paradigm was used. Four schools (A, B, C & D) were sampled in the study and in each of these; two teachers were purposively selected as participants. Individual interviews, classroom observations and document analysis, were used to collect relevant data. This was analysed thematically. The process involved data organisation, coding and categorising it into different themes as directed by the study. The major findings were that there is lack of clear policies on the teaching of reading in home languages like Sepedi. Furthermore, there is an indisputable shortage of Sepedi reading materials in schools and this affects the development of a reading culture in learners amongst other issues. Poor parental involvement also seemed to be another impediment to anticipated learning outcomes. This article therefore argues that the development of policies, which are specific on the teaching of home languages like Sepedi, should be prioritised. In addition, the government and other relevant stakeholders must continuously thrive to ensure the provision of adequate reading materials in schools. Above all, schools must create leastrestrictive environments that encourage active participation of parents in the entire teaching and learning process.

Author(s): Mettse Juliet Masalesa, Duduzile Nkomo, Buyisani Dube

THE EFFECT OF DISTANCE ON SUCCESS OF NEW TOWNS PROJECTS AS A PLANNING INSTRUMENT, RESTRUCTURING AND TERRITORIAL BALANCING OF ALGIERS ASPHYXIATION FACE

Volume 77, Feb 2021
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.2.7

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Abstract: New towns are considered to be a structuring element of spatial planning and development. Algeria has opted for planning of 15 new towns spread over its territory as a solution to a major problem of imbalance expressed by the poor spatial distribution of population (90% of population reside in 10% of total surface area of the country). The statistical analysis of demographic parameters clearly shows that the Coastal part is overpopulated, while southern part is almost deserted. The metropolis of Algiers is suffocated despite installation of new cities within its first ring because of their close distance, unlike new tons installed on a farther distance (High Plateaux and South) have shown promising results in terms of attracting population and territorial re-balancing.

Author(s): Tenah Ben Daoud, Mohamed Chadli