Archive of Journal
Volume 73, Issue 9, Sep. 2017

INVENTORY OF THE ALGERIAN SAHARA SOILS. SPATIAL DATABASE MANAGEMENT IN ORDER TO HELP MAKING DECISION

Volume 73, Sep 2017
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.9.32

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Abstract: This work concerns the constitution of a soil database of the Sahara areas in which 628 standard profiles are compiled. \nThe 2428 described horizons and the 1990 analysis revealed that these studies are not always undertaken according to recognized steps and standards. Thus, it proves that pedological information is not always indicated. Indeed, only approximately 20 % of the descriptive or analytic variables are indicated with more than 70 %. This result means that there would be a loss of pedological information. The confidence tests between some pedological variables pairwise revealed that their agreement varies between 26 % and 97 % according to the pair considered. This result alone shows the absence of a rigorous control of the data at the time of the realization of the soil survey. \n The statistical analysis of five pedological parameters (clay, carbonate calcium, gypsum, organic matter and EC) in three categories of horizons (H1, H2 and Hp), on the Sahara (data base), showed that the saharian regions are not or far from clayey (more than 50 % of the horizons), slightly limestone in their majority (39 % of the horizons contain less than 10 % of limestone), not gypseous (more than 50 % of the studied horizons contain less than 3 % of gypsum) and not very organic (90 %). On the other hand, they are, for the majority, very strongly salted with a preference for the surface horizon in 50 % of the case. \nLastly, calculations showed that each one of these parameters are variable somehow strongly in the space and in the profile. \n The third aspect of this work concerns the search for possible relationship between the studied parameters. \nThe principal results are: \n- Generally, when the CaCO3 rate increases in the ground, the clay rates have tendency to decrease. However, one can meet grounds which are clayey but not very calcareous, or on the contrary very calcareous and not very clayey. \n- The grounds calcarious soils are generally not very gypseous. In the same way the gypseous soils are not very calcareous.\n- The relation between the gypsum and clay rates are negative and statistically highly significant.\n- The increase in the gypsum rate is accompanied by a reduction of the electrical conductivity.\n- The increase in the carbonate calcium rates beyond 30 % is accompanied by a reduction of the EC. \n\nKey words: The Sahara, database, clay, carbonate calcium, gypsum, OM, EC, correlations.

Author(s): Ismaiel Berkal, Didier Michot, Tahar Idder, Abdelhak Idder, Kaddour Djili


THE ATTITUDE OF THE SPOUSE OF A MINISTER OF RELIGION AS ILLUSTRATED IN P. T. MTUZE'S INDLEL' ECAND' INTLANGO

Volume 73, Sep 2017
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.9.31

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Abstract: This essay explores Mtuze's illustration of the effect of the attitude of the spouse of a minister of religion on his/her work in the narrative Indlel' Ecand' Intlango (1985). It does that by analysing the attitude of Ntobeko's wife, Nontlanywa, towards members of the congregation and the public and how that impacts on he work of her husband. This paper wishes to prove whether Mtuze presents this attitude in a convincing manner in the narrative. The different part of this work are: introduction, the concept of attitude, analysis and conclusion. Under the concept of attitude will be the definition of the term within the context in which it is used in the discussion. Key concepts: P. T. Mtuze, Indlel' Ecand' Intlango, spouse, attitude, minister of religion.

Author(s): Zilibele Mtumane

ASTATIC STABILIZATION SYSTEM FOR MARINE VESSELS

Volume 73, Sep 2017
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.9.30

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Abstract: Modern marine vessels perform a wide spectrum of various tasks - from realization of passenger traffic and freight transport to implementation of research works and salvage operations in the open sea. In view of rapid development in computer technologies digital systems of automatic control, solving a lot of formalized problems, are installed on the ships. In this connection, a great number of problems that deal with construction of automatic control systems, such as searching for the optimal trajectory, minimizing the transition time, the compensation of various types of external disturbances like wind or rough sea, arises. In this situation we need to choose the parameters of the controller, which will give the best possible result under the disturbances. In case of successful solution of this problem with the use of modern computer technologies obtained control system is easily integrated into on-board computer complex structure and provides the desired dynamics of the control processes. In the article, some problems associated with computer methods of modeling and synthesis of automatic control of marine vessel at given yaw are considered. The problem of choosing of parameters of PID-controller that provide desired dynamics of closed-loop system is the basis of proposed approach. The MATLAB-Simulink system is used as the basic tool of computer support. An example is given.

Author(s): Maria A. Smirnova, Mikhail N. Smirnov, Tatyana E. Smirnova, Nikolay V. Smirnov


HISTORICAL ROLE OF COUNCIL FOR RELIGIONS AFFAIRS IN THE SOVIET RELIGIOUS POLICY (1965-1985)

Volume 73, Sep 2017
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.9.41

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Abstract: In the article the activity of Council for Religious Affairs attached to Council of Ministers of the USSR in 1965-1985 is analyzed. This public institution functioned by the principle �top secret� (�strictly confidential�) and played a special role in the Soviet religious policy. Council carried out a complex of restrictive actions and control of activity of churches, monasteries, ministers of religion, Religious Organizations of believers. But Council was also the center of information analysis work on studying of religious denominations and quality of religiosity of society. In the system of the State Machinery Council carried out not only control and supervision, information-advisory, but also human rights functions, played a noticeable role in believers� rights protection within the limits of existing Soviet legislation on religious cults.

Author(s): Irina Ivanovna Maslova, Metropolitan Serafim Domnin, Kira Georgievna Aristova, Margarita Yuryevna Sadyrova, Svetlana Viktorovna Sbotova


REVIEW OF SCOPUS DATABASES PUBLISHED DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS' TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES: A CONTENT ANALYSIS

Volume 73, Sep 2017
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.9.40

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Abstract: Technology is becoming increasingly important in reaching its educational goals. The person who takes the managerial role in the school must carry and exhibit the leadership qualities. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have been moving at a dizzying pace in recent years. This change affects the field of education as it is in every field and it is necessary to acquire new knowledge and skills. Purpose of the research; It examines school administrators in terms of technology leadership by addressing what school managers have about technology leadership strategies and the key concepts associated with them. For this purpose The themes determined were scanned in the relevant area and the data base was systematically accessed. The research was conducted using qualitative research methods using document analysis and related content analysis techniques. In order to identify the articles to be described in the study, the documents in the Scopus database were searched for studies involving the Evaluation of Opinions of School Administrators on Technology Leadership topics and similar topics. Articles identified in the database as a result of the search based on the years 2012-2016 are applied; Sources, years publications (in cooperation), names of authors, distribution of countries, types of documents, subject areas, methods used and target group. These findings show that school leaders are influenced by technology leadership in the development of teaching and learning skills and that their individual and professional development can also develop in a positive way with planned in-service courses during the education and training process. It is evaluated that it is important for the universities aiming at training managers to examine theses in terms of content. Key words: School Administrator, Education and Technology, Leadership, Technology Leadership

Author(s): Timucin Ozkan, Huseyin Uzunboylu


HIGH PERFORMANCE PRACTICES IN HIGHER EDUCATION: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF AMBATO CASE OF STUDY

Volume 73, Sep 2017
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.9.38

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Abstract: The problem of study addressed in the Ecuadorian Higher Education Institutions was the poor use of High Performance Practices framed by the traditional management without innovation at work place. The investigation allowed to determine the impact of using High Performance Practices according to the satisfaction level of the operational staff. The methodology used is detailed as follow: The approach was quantitative because statistical models were used to test hypotheses. The research modalities were emphasized in bibliographical and field with levels of correlational and explanatory research. The population was 49 collaborators. The results obtained when checking the hypotheses of study allowed to know the correlation that existed between the two variables, so that the calculated values R (Pearson\'s ratio coefficient) were: 0.286 in the relation between Justice [1] - Quality of working life [1], 0,502 Talent Management [1] - Labor Security [2] and 0.483 Communication [1] - Quality of working life [1] shows a positive correlation between the factors of both the independent and dependent variable. Therefore, it was considered to develop a Human Talent Integral Plan.

Author(s): Hector F. Gomez A., Cordova Aldas Victor Hugo, Navarrete Fonseca Mario Fernando, Barona Onate Ruth Viviana, Mocha-Bonilla J.A., Curay Quispe Segundo


DETERMINATION OF ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF SELF-EFFICACY OF TEACHERS USING LCD PANEL INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS

Volume 73, Sep 2017
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.9.37

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Abstract: The aim of this research is to determine the attitudes and Perceptions of Self-Efficacy of teachers working with LCD Interaction Whiteboard technologies in the regular Secondary Schools and Vocational Technical Schools in Northern Cyprus. The research is a descriptive survey. A total of 371 teachers participated from 38 schools during the 2015-2016 academic year in North Cyprus. Two different scales were used to measure teachers' attitudes and self-efficacy perception levels. T-test, Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test, mean and correlation analysis were applied during the analysis of the research data. The result of the research found that the teachers' attitudes toward interactive Whiteboard usage and Perceptions of Self-Efficacy were high. It was determined that there were statistically significant correlations between the score of teachers' attitude toward LCD interactive whiteboard usage scale and scores of interactive Whiteboard usage and self-efficacy scale. Similarly, there were statistically significant, strong and positive correlations between all of the sub-dimensions in teachers' self-efficacy scale for interactive Whiteboard usage. Key words: Interactive Whiteboard, North Cyprus, Teacher, Attitude, Self-efficacy

Author(s): Erinc Ercag, Olkan Betoncu


KEY ISSUES IN DECISION MAKING IN SCHOOLS

Volume 73, Sep 2017
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.9.36

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Abstract: From the end of 1970s onwards, there had been a move towards democracy in many developing countries, particularly on the African continent. Although the move is partly attributed to outside pressure, particularly from donor countries and international organizations, it is also credited to governments own initiatives to enhance participatory democracy in their countries. Among the main objective of the move towards democracy was to ensure effective participation and involvement of citizens in decisions regarding their social, economic and political development. There had been emphasis towards decentralization and devolution of power to lower levels with the intention of empowering people to make decisions on their own development. The assumption was that, the involvement of people in decisions regarding their own development will motivate them to ensure the successful implementation of programs and polices intended to benefit them. This study reviewed literature that advocates for participatory decision making at workplaces and the results showed that if subordinates are involved in decision making, they morale is increased and they perform effectively.

Author(s): Newman Wadesango

THE USE OF DISTANCE LEARNING BY STUDENTS: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Volume 73, Sep 2017
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.9.35

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Abstract: The use of distance technologies is measured by the degree of the satisfaction with educational activities at the University. The article presents the results of a survey aimed at studying the degree of students� satisfaction with educational events. The survey included students enrolled in traditional, mixed and distance training models. Analysis of the study results revealed from the students� point of view both advantages and disadvantages of using individual components of the educational process. Most students (more than 70%) who participated in the research completely satisfied with the quality of teaching materials in electronic courses, agility test works by students and teacher�s quality of reviews and website functioning as well. At the same time, students noted that they haven�t got the opportunity to perform virtual laboratory work in all subjects. As a significant disadvantage, the students note a small number of lectures on special subjects and the inability, in some cases, to download them. Presented observations and recommendations about improving the use of distance technologies from the point of view of students.

Author(s): Inna V. Plotnikova, Oksana N. Efremova, Igor A. Plotnikov, Natality V. Chicherina, Olga N. Tchaikovskaya, Josefa Bastida


EXPLORING POSSIBLE CAUSES OF POOR PERFORMANCE BY ENGINEERING STUDENTS IN FOURIER TRANSFORMS: AN APOS ANALYSIS

Volume 73, Sep 2017
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.9.39

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Abstract: Constant periodic functions have very limited use for engineering applications. The transformation of such functions into periodic trigonometric functions has greater applicability. This paper reports on a qualitative case study which explored possible causes of poor performance by engineering students (n=101) when transforming constant periodic functions using Fourier Transforms. They were provided two tasks and their written responses were used to detect possible causes for their incorrect solutions. The study was carried out at a University of Technology in South Africa. The data, which was collected from written responses of students to two tasks, were analysed using APOS theory. Findings emanating from the data analysis indicated that the causes of poor performance emanates from a variety of challenges. These include lack of integration skills and conceptual knowledge of functions. Furthermore, I found that that different APOS levels of understanding were required for different tasks and at different stages of the tasks.

Author(s): Deonarain Brijlall

THE COLLABORATION OF ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION COURSES IN ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM

Volume 73, Sep 2017
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.9.34

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Abstract: Nowadays interdisciplinary teaching methods maintain their importance in architectural education. Construction courses are among the main components of architectural curriculum having theoretical and practical aspects. In these series of prerequisite courses, students learn the types of constructional systems and materials. On the other hand, Architectural History courses are theoretical and the students are introduced to the variety of structural systems and elements throughout history concerning the architectural styles in these courses. In this paper, the collaboration of building construction and architectural history courses in the architectural curriculum was discussed. In addition, learning outcomes of the students who attend both courses were compared and common aspects were examined. At the end of the study it is found out that interdisciplinary teaching methods increase student’s permanent learning and provide more efficient teaching in architectural education. Keywords: Interdisciplinary teaching; architectural education; construction courses; architectural history courses; North Cyprus

Author(s): Havva Arslangazi Uzunahmet, Semra Sema Uzunoglu, Selda Inancoglu


CONTINUOUS MONITORING OF THE SOUND IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Volume 73, Sep 2017
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.9.33

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Abstract: Objective: Newborns in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are exposed to noise that has been reported to have detrimental effects on the newborn. We aimed to examine noise levels and its contributing factors in NICU, and its effect on the vital signs of babies. \r\nStudy design: This is a prospective observational study. Sound levels in the each incubators were continuously recorded for the hospitalized infants during the whole NICU stay. Noisy periods over 45 and 65 dBA, hourly equivalent sound levels and percantage of the babies exposed to noise were calculated. \r\nResults: It was found that ratio of noise periods (RNP) > 45 dB was 35.26 % of total sound recording time (TSRT) for 57 babies. RNP levels with 45-65 and RNP > 65 were significantly increased in subjects staying 3 days or longer in NICU. Noise between 45-65 dBA appeared to be primarily related with staff activity between 6:00 am-18:00 pm. However, noise over 65 dBA was mostly recorded during hours of external staff visits and interventions. \r\nConclusion: We observed significantly higher heart rates and systolic and diastolic blood pressures and lower oxygen saturation levels during maximum noise periods.

Author(s): Ufuk Cakir, Serdar Beken, Esra Onal, Irfan Karagoz, Yusuf Kemal Kemaloglu