Archive of Journal
Volume 78, Issue 11, Nov. 2022

ARE SOME INFLAMMATORY MARKERS BETTER THAN OTHERS AT DETERMINING GASTRIC CANCER PROGNOSIS?

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.15

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Abstract: Purpose: In patients with stomach cancer, the inflammatory response of the host, and tumor markers, play essential roles in determining the prognosis. This study aimed to predict prognosis in previously untreated gastric cancer patients using inflammatory markers. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 100 patients with stomach cancer, treated between 2015 and 2018. Pre-and postoperative blood samples were analyzed for the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the systemic inflammatory index (SII), and other immune markers. Results: The survival rate was significantly higher in patients with an SII level < 1190.4 compared to patients with an SII level > 1190.4 (p < 0.05). The disease-free survival was 47.7 months in the group with a low SII (84.4%) and 37 months in the group with a high SII (80%). In the ROC analysis, the AUC for NLR, PLR, and SII was 0.611, 0.65, and 0.64, respectively (p-values: 0.058, 0.010, and 0.011). The preoperative values were not significant; however, the postoperative values were significant for prognosis. Conclusion: During the pre-and postoperative periods, analysis of the inflammatory markers (NLR, PLR, and SII) guides the treatment and follow-up as much as the histopathological features of the tumor. High NLR and SII levels shortened overall survival during the 4-year follow-up.

Author(s): Nilufer Bulut, Berrak Sahtiyanci

COVID 19 AS CATALYST TO ONLINE TEACHING AND LEARNING: REFLECTIONS AND EXPERIENCES FROM SELECTED PRIVATE HIGHER INSTITUTION IN THE EASTERN CAPE

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.7

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Abstract: After the outbreak of coronavirus, most higher institutions were forced to shut-down the traditional method of teaching and learning which is face-to-face to online learning. This change had to be implemented within a very short of time to save the academic calendar. The pandemic was a clear manifestation that higher institutions need to be flexible in systems of teaching and learning beyond the catastrophe. This research aims at examining the preparedness of higher Institutions to implement online teaching and learning during the pandemic. Qualitative method approach was adopted, and unstructured interviews was used, and data was collected from 20 participants, through purposive sample strategy, and the data was analysed using thematic approach. Findings revealed that some higher institutions were minimally prepared to implement online learning, and even though there are advantages with the new normal, many looming challenges need to be assessed and resolved. There are hierarchy problems related to online learning which manifest in different forms. There are technical challenges, adaptability in teaching style, and lack of technical skills in teachers. The findings revealed that there was deficient communication and lack of adequate interaction between students and their lecturers due to online learning issues such as connectivity. In this regard, the study recommends that universities create plans to address these challenges because, they persist, students’ motivation to learn will diminish and the entire culture of teaching and learning will deteriorate in the higher education fraternity.

Author(s): Maxhobandile Ndamase, Yusuf Lukman and Beauty Makiwane

ANALYSING CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH YOUNG DRIVERS IN ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.6

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Abstract: Every year the lives of approximately 1.3 million people are cut short as a result of a road traffic crash, between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury (World Health Organisation, 2022). Young drivers pose a high risk on the road globally even in South Africa is prevalent. Reckless and negligent driving is common among young drivers which put other road users at risk of being involved in road traffic accidents. Road traffic accidents is a burning issue for road traffic authorities in South Africa as more people are dying on the roads. The inability of young drivers to adhere to the rules of the road contribute immensely to the high rate of road traffic accidents in South Africa. This article focused on the challenges associated with young drivers in road traffic accidents. The article is based on a qualitatively rooted methodology including a wide range of primary and secondary sources. The article further draws on the findings from the world to counteract challenges associated with young drivers in road traffic accidents. The research based key steps leading to the prevention of road traffic accidents amongst young drivers. The first step related to the process of intensifying law enforcement on the road; strengthening road safety awareness campaigns; counteracting corruption at driving license testing centres (DLTC) to ensure that drivers are competent to drive on the public road.

Author(s): Modipa Mmakwena

STUDENTS’ DIFFICULTIES IN SOLVING PROBLEMS USING MATRICES: A CASE STUDY

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.5

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Abstract: Linear algebra is an important focus in the study of university mathematics. It is also used in other fields such as engineering, physics, and economics. Utilizing responses from online diagnostic quizzes, this study investigated the difficulties first-year mathematics students at a university encountered when solving problems using matrices. This paper reports on the analysis of students’ responses to four types of questions on matrices and their applications. To understand those students’ difficulties, this study focused on online items that tested: matrix multiplication; transpose of a matrix in the context of matrix multiplication; the inverse of a matrix, and the application of matrices. However, participating students had a high ability to multiply two matrices. This was supported by the interviewed student, who described matrix multiplication as very basic.

Author(s): Aneshkumar Maharaj, Mthobisi Ntuli

EXPLORING THE PERCEPTIONS OF STAFF ON THE DECOLONISATION OF THE CURRICULUM AT ONE SELECTED SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.13

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Abstract: The curriculum is still colonised as students cannot relate to the curriculum. The call for decolonisation was based on recognition of student struggles in higher education with regards to racism created by the political education they were exposed to. This paper aims at exploring the perceptions of staff on decolonising the curriculum in higher education. A qualitative research approach using the interview method was adopted for this study. 5 selected participants form the sample size of this study. The collected data was analysed through thematic analysis. The general finding, however, indicate that the respondents share the same sentiments that a decolonized curriculum gives students a chance to embrace their embedded indigenous knowledge. Other findings emanating from the study are that culture and the use of different languages play a vital role in ensuring that decolonisation is implemented in higher education. One of the recommendations is that higher education institutions must ensure meaningful engagements and debates continue to take place within universities on the decolonisation of the curriculum. Added to this, it is recommended that universities must provide resources that allow and support such engagements. In order to decolonise teaching and learning practices, it is also recommended that universities consider embedding African experiences at the centre of pedagogy and rethink the manner in which teaching is conducted, which might have a positive impact on student learning experiences.

Author(s): Jeremiah Madzimure, Muntuwenkosi Chili

UNPACKING VAST EXPERIENCES OF HOMOPHOBIA IN THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AND THE COPING MECHANISMS EMPLOYED BY THE LGBTQIA+ STUDENTS

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.12

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Abstract: One of the most misinterpreted and misunderstood social concepts is sexuality. Some misconceptions have arisen because of the identification and acceptance of heterosexuality as the "only" sexual practice. This paper examines the homophobic experiences of LGBTQIA students from various institutions of higher learning in the OR Tambo municipality. The frameworks used in the paper were social constructionism and the five faces of oppression. This paper is descriptive and exploratory, with a qualitative research design. It discovered that homophobia is prevalent in higher education institutions and that students demonstrated academic resilience and consistency.

Author(s): Kasa Luvo

THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER SOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL VARIATIONS ON DRYBEAN GRAIN YIELD AND QUALITY

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.4

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Abstract: Drybean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a popular staple food crop in many households around the world. This study was carried out at three ecologically distinct locations in North-West, South Africa to assess the effect of phosphorus fertilizer source, cultivar and location on drybean grain yields and quality. The experiment was a 3×4×2 factorial experiments fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with four replications. The three eexperimental sites were Mafikeng, Kraaipan and Taung. The four phosphorus fertilizer sources were the control, single superphosphate (SSP), mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) and maxi phos. The two drybean cultivars used in this study were PAN 9292 and PAN 148. The yield and quality parameters that were measured included 100-grain mass, grain yield, field biomass yield, crude fiber, protein and starch content. Drybean field biomass was affected by the sources of phosphorus fertilizer (p ≤ 0.05). Drybean treated with MAP had a significantly higher field biomass. Sources of phosphorus fertilizer had a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on crude fiber content. The crude fiber content of drybean treated with SSP was significantly higher. Cultivar had a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on drybean field biomass. Cultivar PAN 148 had a significantly higher field biomass than cultivar PAN 9292. The protein content of PAN 9292 cultivar was significantly higher than of PAN 148. Phosphorus fertilizer source, mono-ammonium phosphate showed a positive respond on drybean field biomass yield. Drybean yield and grain quality are affected by different climatic and environmental factors of locations.

Author(s): Sebetha E.T., Mfanta A.

PROPERTIES OF THE EMDEN-FOWLER SEQUENCE

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.10

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Abstract: A recursion operator for the Kummer-Schwarz equation is determined according to the standard definition introduced by Olver (J Math Phys 18 1212-1215). Using this recursion operator and the relevent transforms we obtain the operator for the Emden-Fowler equation. The resulting sequence has interesting and excellent properties (Andriopoulos et al arXiv: 0704.3243). We examine the elements of this sequence in terms of the usual properties to be investigated – symmetries, singularity properties, integrability – and provide an explanation of the curious relationship between the results of the singularity analysis and a consideration of the solution of each element obtained by quadratures

Author(s): Dr. A. Maharaj

A THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EDUCATIONAL APPROACH TO ‘INNOVATION AND INDUSTRIALISATION’ THROUGH STEM EDUCATION: A CASE OF ZIMBABWE

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.9

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Abstract: Innovation and industrialisation through the education system have become the new normal of economic development of any country. Innovative skills have been found to be the main drivers of economic growth as well as boosters of productivity. This is because capacity to be innovative can harness novel ideas that can translate to high quality goods and services, i.e., industrialisation. However, literature has established that, despite the importance of innovation, developing countries have remained underdeveloped due to various impediments. These hurdles derive from incompetent governance and inappropriate or irrelevant education. This study therefore sought to make a theoretical analysis of the educational approach to innovation and industrialisation through teaching and learning STEM subjects. A narrative review of literature was done to explore the role played by education to address the issue of innovation and industrialisation in developing countries, with particular focus on Zimbabwe. This study found that the major obstruction to innovation and industrialisation is poor implementation of the STEM curriculum which is exacerbated by a lack of technological capacity and insufficient educational skills to sustain innovation.

Author(s): Chipo Makamure, Zingiswa MM Jojo

CHALLENGES OF WATER, REVENUE COLLECTION AND HOMELESS PEOPLE FACING LOCAL GOVERNMENT DURING THE COVID-19 ERA: AN EXPERIENCE OF NYANDENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.11

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Abstract: As a developing country, South Africa is facing many challenges, which include poverty, unemployment, political, social, and cultural conflict. Besides the existing challenges that are faced by South African local government, the global pandemic COVID-19 has disrupted and devastated the local government. The study aims to provide a detailed description of the situation that the local government faced during the COVID-19 era. The qualitative research approach was employed by the researchers, to better comprehend the extent to which COVID-19 has adversely affected the local government’s capacity to provide services to the people. The purposive sampling technique was embraced, and data was collected through scheduled interviews with fifteen (15) participants. The findings indicate that the pandemic has added new challenges and restricted the delivery of services (water services) that are essential to society. Additionally, the lack of funding and the appropriate equipment has been noted as one of the difficulties local governments would encounter in dealing with this pandemic. Finally, the study recommends that the National government needs to allocate enough budget to local governments to improve at least the basic services delivery.

Author(s): Maxhobandile Ndamase, Beauty Makiwane, Yusuf Lukman, Luvo Mavula, Ayabulela Qwalela, Mlondolozi Nozibele

PERCEPTIONS OF LECTURERS TOWARDS THE NATIONAL CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL CURRICULUM AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.8

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Abstract: This study sought to establish lecturers’ perceptions towards the NCV curriculum and its implementation in South Africa. A mixed-method approach which utilised a convergent parallel research design was adopted. The data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. 25 lecturers from one TVET college were randomly sampled to respond to a questionnaire, out of which five lecturers were purposefully selected for the semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistics generated from SPSS Version 24, while qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The study adhered to all ethical considerations. The study established that lecturers had different understanding of NV(C) curriculum, as some appeared not to be well-versed with the NCV policy documents. It also emerged that the practical component of the vocational subjects in the NCV curriculum seemed not to be given the attention it deserves. Issues such as lack of resources for practical training and lack of support from management were identified as problematic and had negative impact on the implementation of NCV curriculum. The study concludes that the general perception of participants about the NCV curriculum is positive. However, there were different opinions regarding the understanding and interpretation of the NCV curriculum exacerbated by the little guidance and support given to lecturers. It was also concluded lecturers experienced lack of infrastructure and material resources to enhance the implementation of the NCV curriculum. The study recommends that DHET and College management teams should provide continuous professional development for lecturers to ensure that lecturers develop appropriate understanding of the NCV policy. Furthermore, DHET and College management should also provide support structures, monitoring and evaluation of the curriculum implementation process.

Author(s): Mr Solomon Pharamela, Dr Israel Kariyana

ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY TEACHERS’ UNDERSTANDING AND PERCEPTIONS ON REVISED CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION IN ...

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.14

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Abstract: Educational restructuring and curriculum revision have been taken as an ongoing feature in \nSouth African education structures in recent years. The goal was to restore and equalize \nprevious racial gaps while sustaining transitions by combating skill shortages in subjects such \nas Electrical Technology. The study examined the perceptions of teachers and how they \nunderstand the revised Electrical Technology curriculum. A narrative review was included in \nthis qualitative case study and data were gathered through interviews that were semi-structured. \nFour Electrical Technology subject teachers from four geographically related case study \nschools were chosen as a practical sample. The interview sessions, which were conducted with \nthe study goals, were analyzed using thematic analysis. Among the findings are the \nunderstanding and conceptualizing of the revised curriculum by the teachers, insufficient \nteacher training towards implementing the revised curriculum and a lack of relevant teaching \nand learning support material. The study then recommended that teachers be provided with \nopportunities for curriculum professional development as well as the opportunity to further \ntheir education studies in order to improve their pedagogical content knowledge. Sufficient \nteaching and learning support materials, as well as well-equipped workshops, will be important \nfor the effective teaching of Electrical Technology subject.

Author(s): Jojokazi Mgetyana

GROWTH AND YIELD INDICES OF WATER EFFICIENT MAIZE (WEMA) IN RESPONSE TO NITROGEN FERTILIZER AND PLANT DENSITY IN DRYLAND OF SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.3

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Abstract: For many years, the major research question of agronomists has been how to increase maize yield, while the predominant agronomic practices that affect maize yield are cultivar selection, nitrogen fertilization and plant density. This study aimed to assess the response of growth and yield indices of WEMA to nitrogen fertilizerrates and plant density in the dryland of South Africa. A field study was conducted over two planting seasons (2015/16 and 2016/17) in two localities (Taung and Molelwane) of North-West Province, South Africa. The trials comprised three plant densities: 33,333, 44,444 and 55,555 plants/ha and five nitrogen fertilizer rates: 0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg N/ ha as main and subplots, respectively. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot fitted into a randomized complete block design with four replicates in each site. The parameters measured were leaf area index, specific leaf area, number of ear/plant, grain yield and yield components. At the vegetative stage, maize sown at 44,444 plants/ha had the highest leaf area index and leaf area ratio (2.81 and 7.00 cm2/g). The 44,444 plants/ha had the highest stover yield (3,122 kg/ha) and shelling percentage (80.21%). In addition, the highest and most significant grain yield (5,334 kg/ha) and harvest index (0.64) were obtained in the plots supplied with 180 kg N/ha. Therefore, WEMA maize should be cultivated with 44,444 plants/ha and the application of 180 kg N/ha for high grain yield in the dryland of South Africa.

Author(s): A.R Adebayo, E. T Sebetha

SEMANTIC AND ANTITHETIC PARALLELISM AS POETIC DEVICES FOUND IN HYMNS OF THE METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA AND SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.2

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Abstract: Stylistics is significant in literary works because each artist has a unique style of writing and it is concerned with the use of linguistic methods to study the concepts of style in a language. This study aimed at examining the use of semantics parallelism and antithetic parallelism in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa’s hymn book titled Incwadi Yenkonzo Nezingoma and the Seventh-day Adventist Church hymn book titled UKrestu EsiHlabelelweni. Aspects of poetry such as semantic parallelism and antithetic parallelism have been discussed by many in different poems, while they seem to be not recognised, particularly, in the isiZulu hymns of the two churches. The key poetic aspect that is examined is parallelism. Findings reveal that poetry and music are more related than one thinks, as much as poetry is about rhythm, flow, deeper emotions and meanings, and expressions, as is music. Attesting to this is Crosson (2008: 17) who suggests that “music and poetry have often been viewed together as both are considered “auditory, temporal and dynamic art forms”. It has also been discovered that the composers of the hymns of the above two churches mostly used parallelism in their hymns as their style to convey the message to the people of God. This paper hopes to contribute to the knowledge of how music and poetry are related and serves as a point of reference to scholars who intend to research more about hymns and poetry.

Author(s): Miss Gcinile Beuty Thwala

THE IMPACT OF COVID19 ON LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 78, Nov 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.1

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Abstract: Abstract Local Economic Development is an approach towards economic development which allows and encourages local people to work together to achieve sustainable economic growth and development thereby bringing economic benefits and improved quality of life for all residents in a local municipal area. As a programme, LED is intended to maximize the economic potential of all municipal localities throughout the country and, to enhance the resilience of the macro-economic growth through increased local economic growth, employment creation and development initiatives within the context of sustainable development (Bibri, S.E., 2021). LED is globally, but especially in developing countries, seen as the solution to improved quality of life, unemployment, poverty, and inequality. Development economics is focused on the economic, cultural, and political requirements to effect fast institutional reform so as to distribute the benefits of economic progress to the broadest section of the population, thereby ensuring that the poverty trap is broken (Eldridge, E., Rancourt, M.E., Langley, A. and Héroux, D., 2022). In order to achieve this, government intervention by means of policy formulation is needed as a component of development economics. With this background this paper will look into the impact of covid 19 on Local economic development and innovation in the Eastern Cape Municipalities, as this pandemic is threatening the stability of local government economy. In this study of the impact of covid19 on local economic development policy, evaluation theory was considered in the conversion of inputs that pertain to community needs.

Author(s): Sentiwe Maxwell, lukman Yosuf, Makiwane Beauty