Archive of Journal
Volume 78, Issue 2, Feb. 2022

SERUM PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN LEVELS IN DIABETIC MEN AND RELATIONSHIP WITH METABOLIC PARAMETERS

Volume 78, Feb 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.2.8

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: No consensus has occurred as the results of the studies regarding the association between diabetes mellitus and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. We aimed to compare PSA levels in diabetic to nondiabetic patients and to assess the factors that may affect this level. A total of 296 men (156 diabetic cases and 140 healthy controls) aged over 40 years were included. A form including age, anamnesis, medical history was filled for all cases. Diabetes duration and anti-diabetic drug usage were recorded for diabetic patients. The biochemical evaluation consists of hemoglobin A1c, total PSA, total testosterone, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and thyrotropin stimulating hormone levels. The mean age was 58.36±10.22 years, and no significant difference was found between these two groups concerning age. The PSA level was 1.14±0.81ng/mL in diabetic and 1.29±0.82 ng/mL in nondiabetic participants (p=0.048). Serum PSA levels were very similar between the ages 40-49 in both groups. The difference increased in the 50-69 age group. PSA levels were significantly lower in men whose disease duration was more than 10 years (p=0.015) and men with hemoglobin A1c value ≥8.5% (p=0.019). No correlation was found between PSA levels and total testosterone, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and thyrotropin stimulating hormone levels. The usage of anti-diabetic drugs or insulin did not influence PSA levels. Serum PSA levels were significantly lower in diabetic individuals than in healthy controls. For this reason, diabetes should be taken into consideration while interpreting PSA values for prostate cancer detection.

Author(s): Ersen Karakilic, Hande Peynirci

EXAMINING THE TOURISM IMAGE IN PANDEMIC USING STRUCTURED AND UNSTRUCTURED TECHNIQUES

Volume 78, Feb 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.2.1

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: The objective of the research is to analyze the effects caused by COVID-19 on the image of the tourist destination in Baños de Agua Santa that it is located in the province of Tungurahua. Nowadays, the current pandemic that Ecuador and all the world is going through has caused a drastic drop in the tourist activity in this city. In fact, this place has been considered one of the main destinations in the country. Consequently, the development of the study was based on a mixed methodology, which combines structured and unstructured investigative techniques in order to encompass a holistic study of the image of the destination. Furthermore, it was assessed the attributes, the common and unique characteristics, and the holistic impressions evoked by this destination; with a view to determine its image with respect to the effects caused by the current health crisis. Moreover, the results achieved show that Baños de Agua Santa, despite the pandemic, retains its image as an ideal tourist destination for the practice of ecotourism activities, adventure tourism, thermal tourism and religious tourism. In addition, it is projected as a safe destination with regarding the application of the biosafety protocols established by the competent authorities to stop the spread of the virus without stopping the activities of this important economic sector.

Author(s): Johanna Monge, Angélica María González Sánchez, Sonia Paola Armas Arias, Leonardo Gabriel Ballesteros López, Alba Paulina Hernández Freire

A REVIEW ON THE IDENTIFICATION OF CRACKING BEHAVIOR OF RC STRUCTURES USING ELASTIC WAVE AND DEEP LEARNING-BASED APPROACH

Volume 78, Feb 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.2.2

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: Structural health monitoring and crack detections in RC structures is one of the prime requirements for serviceability of civil engineering infrastructures as well as to avoid mega economic and people loss. The current article provides a detailed review of cracks detection in RC structures based on SHM techniques. Among them, different types of advance and classical techniques such as elastic waves and deep learning methods were thoroughly reviewed to analyze their applications in SHM of civil engineering infrastructures in recent research. Elastic waves have further been classified into two approaches namely acoustic emission (AE) and guided wave method. The comparison was made between the classical method of crack detections in several RC structures and the recent advanced method called the Deep Learning approach. Based on the case studies and recent literature work thorough observations were made and concluded that the Deep Learning approach is most suited in the field to detect cracks initiations in civil engineering infrastructures by using the advanced computer technology in terms of the programming language of Machine learning and hence proved up to 97% accurate and reliable method. Based on the concrete evidence of smart applications of Deep Learning tools from the literature review in the detection of cracks in RC structure, few future research directions were also recommended to enhance the scope of SHM in the field of civil engineering infrastructures.

Author(s): Majid Hassan, Shaojun Fu, Suliman Khan, Temoor Gul

SOCIAL CAPITAL AND ACCESS TO BANK FINANCE: THE CASE OF SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS IN A DEVELOPING NATION

Volume 78, Feb 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.2.6

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: In this paper, we investigate whether the components of social capital are associated with access to financial capital from gender and race perspectives in the context of South Africa. In many developing economies, Small, Micro, and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) frequently face difficulties in accessing bank finance due to the weak status of their social capital and limited financial resources in South Africa. A quantitative research design focused on 532 SMME owners in the Western Cape, South Africa. A regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationships between the factors of social capital and their association with accessing financial capital. We revealed that social capital has an influence in securing bank finance, but gender does not. From a race perspective, white business owners are more likely to be successful in applying for bank finance compared to other race groups. The findings should guide policymakers, banking institutions, and the government in addressing the inequality relating to race in bank finance.

Author(s): Pradeep Brijlal, Bingwen Yan

TASK SHIFTING-AN EVALUATION OF THE NURSE-INITIATED MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS ON ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT (NIMART) STRATEGY

Volume 78, Feb 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.2.3

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: The Nurse Initiated Management of Patients on Antiretroviral Treatment (NIMART) is a strategic management intervention that is intended to increase the number of HIV patients having access to treatment by task-shifting the administration of anti-retroviral drugs (ARV) from doctors to nurses. This study evaluated the efficiency of the implementation of the NIMART strategy, conducted at a primary health care clinic. The data was captured through an administered questionnaire for the patients and semi-structured interviews for the staff. The implementation of the NIMART strategy appeared to be affected by fragile leadership, lack of effective communication in the team, and poor service delivery at key points in the clinic. The common perception amongst the service providers was that the NIMART strategy was poorly formulated, marketed, managed, and evaluated. To improve the delivery of NIMART there must be a reorientation of the current ART service delivery at the primary health care clinic.

Author(s): Pradeep Brijlal, Oladeji Daramola, Prisicilla Brijlal

COULD BIRTHMARKS BE A RISK FACTOR FOR CHILD ABUSE?

Volume 78, Feb 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.2.7

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: BACKGROUND Mongolian spots, especially when seen in atypical areas, are of great importance in forensic medicine as they can be confused with the bruising and marks that are one of the most important skin findings of abuse. This confusion could cause a misdiagnosis of abuse. Several skin findings are known to resemble the marks of physical and sexual abuse. However, in child abuse, there is the question to be considered of risk factors of the child, parents, and family. CASE SUMMARY The case is here presented of an infant with retarded development and a Mongolian spot among findings mimicking physical abuse. As there were severe clinical findings on presentation which conflicted with the anamnesis taken from the mother, a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome was made first. As the medical records were incomplete, it was difficult to decide on the point of child abuse for this infant who was brought to the clinic with head trauma. CONCLUSÄ°ONS Together with retarded development, Mongolian spots, which are not given much importance by physicians, could be a risk factor leading to child abuse.

Author(s): Ahmet Sedat Dündar, Bora Özdemir, Mucahit Oruç, Selami Çağatay Önal, Atilla Çifcii

TECHNOLOGY ENHANCED LEARNING IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF ACCOUNTING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 78, Feb 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.2.4

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: Educators and students’ expectations have developed gradually in era of the last decade about how to teach, where to teach, and when to teach and study. Literature has revealed that traditional teaching methods are not the good approach to promote learning, to improve teaching, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been introduced to enhance the way the teaching process is undertaken. This study assesses the role of technological enhanced learning in the teaching and learning of Accounting in secondary schools of the Oliver Reginald (OR) Tambo Inland District in South Africa. The literature review contextualises the role of technological enhanced teaching and learning in education. The study employed a mixed method approach guided by both case study and survey designs. Simple random sampling techniques was used to select one hundred and eighteen (118) accounting learners from six secondary schools while purposive sampling techniques were used to select twenty-four (24) Accounting teachers and six (6) principals from the same six secondary schools. Data were collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews and the responses to the questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed thematically while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and with the assistance of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The findings of the study revealed that the following: (i) Technology enhanced teaching and learning improves academic performance of students in Accounting, (ii) some of the Accounting educators have inadequate knowledge in enhanced technology teaching and learning, (iii) educators have positive attitudes towards enhanced technology teaching. In addition, the study highlights some challenges experienced when using the enhancement of technology teaching and learning in Accounting which include: (i) inadequate computer facilities and resources, (ii) lack of funds and trained ICT staff, (iii) the lack of support from the Department of Education, (iv) lack of internet facilities and the high cost of internet connectivity. Therefore, the study, recommends that schools, in conjunction with the Department of Education and Non-Governmental Organisations, must instil in educators and learners the culture of enhanced technology teaching and learning in accounting and raise funds for the purchase and installation of ICT equipment with internet connectivity in all secondary schools of the OR Tambo Inland District.

Author(s): Zikhona Seleke, Balkaran Sanjay, Gobingca Zanoxolo

RE-IMAGINING THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING: A CATALYZER TO BREAK THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS IN EDUCATION

Volume 78, Feb 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.2.5

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: Technology can be a powerful tool for transforming learning and teaching inside or outside the classroom. Effective and appropriate use of technology can help sustain and advance relationships between educators and students, reinvent learning and teaching approaches and collaboration, shrink long-standing equity and adapt learning experiences to meet the needs of all learners. Universities around the globe in general and South Africa in particular, are striving to implement various educational technology tools such as e-learning, Moodle, virtual classrooms, TedEd and many others to enhance learning and teaching practice. However, to realize fully the benefits of technology in the education system, educators need to use technology effectively in their practice, be collaborators in learning, seek new knowledge, constantly acquire new skills alongside their students and build a community of practice among them. Walter Sisulu University (WSU) as an incubator of exploration and innovation has designed a ‘grassroots event’, to allow educators, academic staff, students and educational technology specialists to showcase their technology use in learning and teaching and share best practices. This paper presents the findings of a grassroots event conducted in 2018, at WSU, Queenstown Campus and report on the impact, usefulness of the event as well as the expectations on the use of technology for teaching and learning. The paper has an implication to stakeholders in higher education who include: faculty, educators, researchers, policymakers, funders, e-learning specialists and academic developers who are responsible for Professional Academic Development (PAD).

Author(s): Munienge Mbodila, Clever Ndebele