Archive of Journal
Volume 75, Issue 2, Feb. 2019

Higher education practitioners assessment literacy levels: A logical basis for its positioning in relation to critical theory, critical reflection, and professional development

Volume 75, Feb 2019
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2019.2.3

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Abstract: This theoretical enquiry was geared towards the formation and advancement of a scholarly discourse in the context of higher education practitioners levels of assessment literacy. Despite having recently gained an unprecedented level of currency among academics, assessment literacy, as a higher education professional attribute, remains largely not theorised. The related scholarly thought has mostly evolved around a particular emancipatory discourse. Such thinking is also underpinned by a certain degree of subservience to the conventional notions of professional ethics and morality that subsumes assessment literacy. The emergence of the higher education transformation discourse has also resulted in trepidations felt at individual and institutional levels, further confounding assessment-related professional attributes as a ripple effect. A conceptual consolidation of the idea of assessment as a professional literacy, together with its associated constructs, is therefore mooted here. The practice of assessment-literacy-related professional development subscribing to the notions of critical theory, critical reflection, and 21st century skills, was hence philosophically substantiated, so that such practices assume a higher degree of legitimacy and credence. Assessment, the single most dominant student experience, as this article concludes, needs significant philosophical reaffirmation. Such a reaffirmation forms the basis for the continuance of progressive discourses, and is hence vital in the context of advancement of assessment literacy as an aspect of higher education professional literacy.

Author(s): A. KRISHNANNAIR, S. KRISHNANNAIR, S.N. IMENDA


MYOCARDIAL FUNCTIONS IN OBESE CHILDREN WITH SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM

Volume 75, Feb 2019
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2019.2.11

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Abstract: Childhood obesity is an important health problem representing a major public health concern worldwide. An isolated elevation of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) with normal levels of thyroid hormones is frequently found in obese children. It has been named Isolated Hyperthyreotropinemia or Subclinical Hypothyroidism (SCH) and may be considered a consequence of obesity. SCH is related to impairment of both systolic and diastolic myocardial function in the adult population. Objective: Aim of this study is to evaluate whether SCH affects myocardial function in childhood obesity. Material and Methods: We examined 48 obese children and adolescents with SCH and 70 obese children and adolescents with normal TSH. Doppler echocardiography was performed in order to evaluate myocardial function to all cases in both groups. Results: Global systolic function was evaluated with, ejection fraction (EF) and compared between groups. Right ventricular global systolic function and pressure were significantly decreased in SCH group. LV mass index was significantly higher in SCH group (p=0.041). Global systolic function was evaluated as EF and no difference was found among the groups. RV global longitudinal function was evaluated with TAPSE measurement and a significant decrease was observed for this value in SCH group compared to the other group (p=0.0015). MAPSE lateral and MAPSE septum which are important for showing LV longitudinal function in SCH group decreased significantly (p=0.004 and p=0.002). Similarly, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and peak systolic movement were decreased in SCH group (9,6±1,8 cm/s vs 11.5±1.7 cm/sn; p=0.03). In addition, significant changes were observed in both systolic and diastolic functions in the left ventricle in SCH group. Conclusions: These results suggest the possible involvement of cardiac functions in obese children with SCH.

Author(s): Atilla Cifci, Mehmet Boyraz


Indigenous people social function and building character education (Study in Kampar Indigenous people to sacred grove in Kenagarian Rumbio, Riau Province)

Volume 75, Feb 2019
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2019.2.4

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Abstract: This paper explains the function and social in the character education building from environmental awareness value perspective in Kampar indigenous people for the sacred grove or hutan larangan in Kenagarian Rumbio, Riau Province. Data collection applied qualitative research method in form of observation, interview, and documentation. The observation research scopes are village condition, sociocultural and economic activity of the people, village elder or ninik mamak, public figure, the trader, the local society with in-depth interview, and include snowball sampling to maximize the data collection activity. The documentation activities are a report from village administration, traders report, or literature works from the expert. Data analysis applied Miles & Huberman analysis method, such as data reduction, data display, verification/conclusion and triangulation data validation, member checking, and expert opinion. There are three social functions or folklore practiced in the building of character education through informal education in indigenous people, petatah petitih or proverbs and sayings channel, pantun expression, and wise advice from ninik mamak or adat chief. Social capital existence from ninik mamak in development of character education through role model from ninik mamak as social behavior, an awareness in the indigenous people social life, and religious life of Kampar indigenous people based on true value. \\r\\nKeywords: Education, Character, Sacred Grove, Indigenous People and Kampar

Author(s): Dr. Ahmal, Nana Supriatna, Kokom Komalasari, Erlina Wiyanarti


DIET OF BARN OWL (TYTO ALBA) DETERMINATION FROM REGURGITATED PELLETS IN SOUTHEASTERN ALGERIA, COUPLING THE CLASSICAL APPROACH WITH THE EDNA ANALYSIS

Volume 75, Feb 2019
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2019.2.5

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Abstract: The current study deals with the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) diet from two Saharan localities in Ouargla, southeastern Algeria. This investigation was based on the owl regurgitated pellets contents, coupling the classical techniques, which consists of visual identification of prey specimens, and the environmental DNA metabarcoding method, applied to identify mammals and insects items. A total of 234 pellets with 456 specimens were analyzed. The identified preys belong to four classes, eight orders, 15 families and 26 species. Birds largely dominated (72.9% ≤ RA ≤ 89.6%) and the highest abundances were recorded by Streptopelia sp. (37.1 % ≤ RA ≤ 48.1%) and passer sp. (29.1% ≤ RA ≤ 33.02%). They are followed by rodents (9.4% ≤ RA ≤ 20.9%), mainly represented by Mus musculus (3.8 % ≤ RA ≤ 10.6%). Reptiles came in the third position (RA = 4.6%): among the consumed species were Gekkonidae sp. (RA= 3.7%) and Lacertidae sp. (RA = 0.8%). Insects constituted a negligible portion of the barn owl diet (0.9% ≤ RA ≤ 1.7%). The most consumed insects for each locality were Gryllotalpa sp. (RA = 0.85%) and Brachytrupes megacephalus (RA = 0.28%). The evenness index (E = 0.6) revealed that Tyto alba adopts a generalist and flexible feeding strategy. The DNA-based method allowed identifying seven prey species (one mammalian and six insects), out of which five (Pimelia sp., Lilioceris sp., Carpophilus sp., Attagenus pellio and Calliphora vicina) have not been confirmed by the classical method. Brachytrupes megacephalus and Mus musculus were identified by both techniques. Our findings provide baseline knowledge on bird diet species, using two complementary approaches. This constitutes vital elements to support ongoing studies on species management and conservation

Author(s): Amira Hadj Benamane, Samia Bissati-Bouafia, Khaled Amrani, Johan Pansu, François Pompanon, Salaheddine Doumandji, Makhlouf Sekour


SMART CPPS ARCHITECTURE INTEGRATED IN THE USE OF IEC-61499, WITH A HIGHLY ADAPTABLE FUNCTIONS BLOCK IN 4.0 INDUSTRY

Volume 75, Feb 2019
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2019.2.6

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Abstract: Currently, human beings are experiencing what has been named as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) in terms of automation and control systems of cyber-physical production environments. These systems do not only allow access to many innovative features, which are based on network connections, but also, they provide access to Internet of Things (IoT) world. It is in this context, IoT changes the way to link new technologies in order to obtain more efficient, intelligent, flexible and adaptable production systems. Thus, manufacturing systems have to be independent from the product itself that the companies wish to commercialize. Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS) have several advantages like granular communications. On the other hand, common electric bandwidth for all users regardless of data speeds. As well, compatibility in connection with free or guided space communication links and the major intensity modulation compatibility. IEC standard 61499 is generally based on a generic architecture with specific software requirements and development rules that allows portability and device configuration.

Author(s): Felix M. Murillo Calderon, Angel G. Hidalgo Onate, Edwin M. Lema Guaman


OCTENIDINE SPRAY: SIDE EFFECTS AND EFFICACY ON CLINICAL PARAMETERS AFTER PERIODONTAL FLAP SURGERY

Volume 75, Feb 2019
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2019.2.8

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Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the 0.1% OCT spray and 0.2% CHX spray on plaque and gingivitis formation and wound healing as well as to compare the both spray’s side effects following periodontal flap surgery. \r\nMaterials and Methods: Plaque index, gingival index, papilla bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and gingival recession values were collected from 27 chronic periodontitis patients. Two periodontal flap surgeries were performed in two contralateral quadrants. 0.1% OCT spray (test) and 0.2% CHX spray (control) were applied in random by the patients for 10 days. Side effects, and wound healing indices were evaluated on the 1st, 7th and 28th days following periodontal surgery.\r\nResults: There were no significant differences between the test and control sites regarding to clinical periodontal parameters. Burning sensation on day 1 and 7 were significantly higher at test sites compared to control sites (p<0.05). Four patients used OCT spray complained of bitter taste, while patients using CHX had no complaint (p<0.05). Side effects, and wound healing indices between test and control sites were not statistically different (p>0,05).\r\nConclusions: OCT spray may be recommended as an alternative antimicrobial agent for optimum oral hygiene following surgical periodontal treatment.\r\n

Author(s): Canan Onder, Cem A. Gurgan, Sivge Kurgan, Muhittin A. Serdar, Elif Unsal


THE EFFICIENCY OF A MODIFIED DOSE OF CHLORAL HYDRATE WITH SHORT TERM SLEEP DEPRIVATION IN CHILDREN UNDERGOING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

Volume 75, Feb 2019
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2019.2.7

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Abstract: Objective: Young pediatric patients may require sedation for successful magnetic resonance imaging. We aimed to investigate the impact of a reduced dose of chloral hydrate with short term sleep deprivation on the achievement of magnetic resonance imaging. \\r\\nMaterials and Methods: Children included in the study were younger than 6 years sleep deprived for at least four hours. Chloral hydrate was given as a single dose of 25 mg/kg, All patients were monitored before, during and after the radiological procedure, \\r\\nResults: We included one hundred eighty-five patients in the study. The mean±SD of sleep deprivation before the radiological procedure was 8.48±2.9 hours. The radiological imaging \\r\\nwas successful in 155 (84.24%) patients. Minor side effects of chloral hydrate like nausea and vomiting were reported in our study \\r\\nConclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging was achieved with chloral hydrate dose of 25 mg/kg in conjugation with short term sleep deprivation in 84.23 per cent of our study population

Author(s): Halit Halil, Candemir Karacan


APPLIED HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: SELECTION PROCESS USING KSA AND ELECTRE I IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Volume 75, Feb 2019
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2019.2.1

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Abstract: The purpose of the study is to propose a scientific method for selecting project managers in civil engineering by combining KSA and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (Electre I). The author used the literature review and a case study to collect information and validate three hypotheses: (1) KSA may represent a tool for ranking the candidates` competencies for project managers; (2) interviews may provide false results if they are not supported by other selection methods; (3) Electre I may be used for choosing the most suitable candidate. By applying KSA, criteria were grouped in three categories: knowledge (31%), skills (35%), and abilities (34%). The most important competencies for the ideal profile were: leadership (18%), planning (16%), teamwork (14%), and communication (13%). The candidates went through two interviews (structural and situational) and an assessment center. They received scores for each criterion, which were computed using Electre I, by outranking the candidates according to the rates given to criteria. By comparing the data, it was found that interviews provided distorted ranking, due to the subjectivity of the assessors. The results validated the hypotheses, and, based on outcomes of the literature, the combined methods may be applied in civil engineering or in other manufacturer industries.

Author(s): Livia Anastasiu

Learning Management courses based Soft Skills in Tegal City, Central Java Indonesia

Volume 75, Feb 2019
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2019.2.2

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Abstract: The study analyzed the learning management in SKI \'Com Tegal, Central Java, Indonesia. Methods This study used a qualitative approach. The results of this study learning management in SKI Com has been based soft skills, so as to print a graduate of reliable, resilient, responsible, consistent and committed to the job. Based learning management soft skills in non-formal learning be targeted in the future, despite the public perception still lay on the course, but in fact it is precisely that the course helped in the implementation of human resource development, particularly in Tegal.\r\nKeywords: course management, SKI Com, soft skills, human resources development

Author(s): sidik puryanto, Dewi Apriani Fristianingroem


DIET-INDUCED PREDIABETES: EFFECTS ON OXIDATIVE STRESS AND INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKERS AS AGENTS FOR VASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN RENAL FUNCTION

Volume 75, Feb 2019
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2019.2.9

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Abstract: Studies in our laboratory have shown that prolonged ingestion of a high fat high carbohydrate diet (HFHC) results in the development of pre-diabetes that is characterized by moderate hyperglycaemia. However, the effects of moderate hyperglycaemia, as seen in a HFHC-diet induced pre-diabetes rat model on renal function have not fully been characterized. Therefore, we investigated the changes in renal function on a HFHC diet-induced prediabetes rat model through the evaluation of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Animals were randomly assigned to the following diets ad libitum during experimentation: standard rat chow (ND+H2O) and high-fat high-carbohydrate supplemented with fructose (HFHC+Fructose). We measured glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interlukin-6 (IL-6), aldosterone concentration and mean arterial pressure. An increase in HbA1c, triglyceride (TG) and LDL-cholesterol concentration in the HFHC+Fructose diet group that occurred in parallel to an increase in MDA concentration and a decrease in SOD and GPx1 concentration was observed. This change was accompanied by an increase in TNF-α, IL-6, aldosterone concentration and mean arterial pressure. Therefore, the presence of high HbA1c, TG and LDL-cholesterol concentration that co-exists with elevated MDA concentration and lower anti-oxidant concentration suggests potential damage in renal tissue due to oxidative stress. High TNF-α and IL-6 concentration increases the risk for inflammation and development of vascular complications as evidenced by the increase in mean arterial pressure and aldosterone concentration. Altogether, chronic ingestion of the HFHC+Fructose diet increase apoptotic markers that induce glycation of proteins, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammatory condition and high blood pressure. Therefore, early management of these markers during prediabetes may prevent the onset of kidney dysfunction and circumvent development of vascular complications.

Author(s): Andile Khathi, Mluleki Luvuno, Musa Mabandla