Archive of Journal
Volume 79, Issue 2, Feb. 2023

USING ACADEMC LITERACY LEVEL AS A MEASURE FOR ACADEMIC PREPAREDNESS: A UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY CASE STUDY

Volume 79, Feb 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.2.5

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Abstract: National statistics suggest that drop-out rates for first year students entering science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) programmes are disproportionately higher across all universities in South Africa. Predicting first-year student success in these programmes has thus become a priority area for researchers in the student academic support and development centres. This paper reports on the results of a pilot study that sought to draw inferences about the predictive value of the Test of Academic Literacy Levels (TALL) at one university of technology in South Africa. The purpose of this test is to inform academic staff of entry profiles of students and to assign students to tutorial groups and other academic support programmes. TALL was meant to be written by all new students taking mathematics and science courses in the years 2015 (n = 1240) and 2016 (n = 2133). The findings indicate poor performance for most students who took the test. The findings indicate that the test is not adequate for predicting future academic performance of first year students at tertiary institutions. The results of the current study have informed the University about the diagnostic value of the tool and the academic profile of students which subsequently lead to improved student academic support initiatives.

Author(s): Jeremiah Madzimure, Muntuwenkosi Chili

DIVA SCORE AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE LITERATURE

Volume 79, Feb 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.2.6

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Abstract: The aims of this research were to analyse the DIVA score publications in pediatric patients and to guide future research. Web of Science (WoS) All Databases collection was searched for publications related to DIVA score and pediatric patients. The keywords used during this search were; DIVA score, difficult intravenous access score, DIVA, difficult venous access, and/or paediatric, pediatric, children, child. Publications were scanned one by one to determine whether they were suitable for the present study. The authors, countries, journals, document types, publications dates, most used keywords were obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) All Databases collection. In total, 15 publications related to DIVA score and pediatric patients were identified. These publications were published in 12 different journals and the most publications on this subject were published in the "PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE" journal. The country with the highest number of publications on this subject was the USA. The most preferred 5 key words in publications related to DIVA score in pediatric patients were as follows: 1-Difficult intravenous access / DIVA / difficult venous access (n=10), 2-Paediatric / pediatric / children / child (n=9), 3 -Peripheral intravenous access (n=5), 4-DIVA score (n=4), 5- Peripheral catheterization (n=3). We analyzed all articles about DIVA score in pediatric patients published to date in the WoS All Databases collection. Most publications on this subject were made in pediatric emergency departments. It is expected that there will be developments regarding both the number and content of studies in pediatric patients.

Author(s): Fatma Sargin

DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND RADIOLOGICAL FINDINGS OF PATIENTS WITH BREAST MICRO CALCIFICATIONS

Volume 79, Feb 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.2.2

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Abstract: Background : Almost 3–21% of breast lesions have uncertain malignant potential (B3 lesions). Despite the low malignant potential of B3 lesions (0.2–5%), biopsy is performed to rule out invasive carcinoma. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the mammography, ultrasonography, and pathological data of 109 patients with breast microcalcifications between January 2018 and March 2021. We also recorded the microcalcification size and histological type. Results: The patients had a mean age of 46.86 ± 9.65 years and mean microcalcification size of 13.78 ± 6.51 mm. Among B3 lesions, 74% and 25.9% had histopathological findings consistent and inconsistent with malignancy, respectively. Approximately 11.1% of the lesions were upgraded. The malignant potential was higher in postmenopausal patients older than 47 years with atypical ductal hyperplasia (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Breast microcalcifications require excisional biopsy in older and postmenopausal patients because of the upgrade risk; however, benign lesions can be followed with imaging and fine needle biopsy.

Author(s): Nilufer Bulut, Sevinc Dagıstanli, Suleyman Sonmez

STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION SUBJECTED TO LGBTQIA INDIVIDUALS IN A SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Volume 79, Feb 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.2.4

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Abstract: Despite the legal strides and commitment that have been made in South Africa, homophobia is still ripe. This article has reviewed numerous sources of literature, mainly from journals. It has been found that LGBTQIA suffers an immense violation of their rights; experience physical and mental health deficits; are subjected to stigma and discrimination, and suffer exclusion from cultural dispensation, especially in traditional male circumcision. It further established that social work has a huge role to play in ensuring that LGBTQIA individuals have access to all kinds of rights; spread education to communities, and advocate for severe penalties for perpetrators of homophobia.

Author(s): Kasa Luvo, Simon Murote Kangethe

POVERTY AND THE JUSTIFICATION OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR IN SOUTH AFRICA: A SEX PERSPECTIVE

Volume 79, Feb 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.2.1

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Abstract: Introduction: With poverty and crime in South Africa increasing steadily, the assumption is often made that poverty is associated with exacerbated crime. However, this conclusion is regularly drawn using national poverty and crime statistics. It is also important to note that statistics linking poverty and crime are not presented per sex, as the prison population is biased towards men. Aim: The aim of this research was to test the assumption that poverty and crime are related when considering individual circumstances, and also to examine whether this relationship is influenced by sex. Context: Data was collected in South Africa, from all levels of society, and weighted to be representative of all parts of the population. Methodology: The cross-sectional data collected via the World Value Survey (N=3 531) was analysed by focusing on items describing poverty and respondents’ attitudes towards crime, specifically its justification. Analyses included descriptive statistics, tests of mean differences, correlations, as well as tests for moderated relationships. Results: The mean scores on poverty as well as the justification of crime were similar; more so for women than men. It was found that poverty, particularly food insecurity, more than income insecurity, was related to the justification of crime. At a practical level, sex did not significantly influence the relationship between poverty and crime. Conclusions: The assumption that poverty is associated with crime was affirmed; the practical effect was small, though. Sex did not affect this relationship in a practically significant manner. It may be assumed that poverty alleviation can influence criminal behaviour, although this hypothesis needs to be tested.

Author(s): Renier Steyn

IMPLEMENTING SYSTEM DYNAMICS AND PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH AT THE NEXUS OF PATIENT CARE FACTORS

Volume 79, Feb 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.2.7

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Abstract: Purpose: Factors influencing patient care were analyzed in a public health setting in a bid to enhance patient experience and identify areas of health care delivery which could be improved upon. Methods: Patients and members of health care staff were interviewed by means of purposeful sampling. Causal loop diagrams and stock flow diagrams were merged with the use of Systems archetypes under the broad purview of System Dynamics and Participatory Action Research. Results and Conclusion: System Dynamics heuristics unmasked flaws in the system which were then acted upon utilizing Participatory Action Research interventions. Overall there has been a homogenous improvement in understanding the factors which contribute to patient care.

Author(s): Maseeha Mahomed Farouk Ansermeah, Cecile Gerwel Proches

ENTRY-LEVEL STUDENT’S READINESS TO USE E-LEARNING IN A SOUTH AFRICAN RURAL UNIVERSITY

Volume 79, Feb 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.2.3

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Abstract: E-learning receives great attention among educational practitioners in recent times. Many institutions of higher learning are using E-learning as a supplementary tool to the traditional ways of teaching and learning. Though many African universities, like their counterparts globally, have adopted E-learning as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the success of it, among the institutions located in rural settings depends heavily on the e-readiness of the students these institutions enroll at undergraduate levels. Walter Sisulu University (WSU), situated in one of the most disadvantaged areas in South Africa, predominantly enrolls students who are hailing from the rural and townships population. This study investigated the readiness of entry-level students enrolled at (WSU) undergraduate programmes to use E-learning as a tool to enhance their learning. A quantitative approach in a case study design was used in this study. Data were collected from a sample of 240 students using a questionnaire. There is a growing concern about the readiness of matriculant’s from previously disadvantaged black high schools for higher education learning environment. This study makes its contribution by assessing how ready in terms of technological skills of first entry university students predominately from previously disadvantaged former black high schools to engage in e-learning. The study found that only 32% of the students owned a computer device but most of them owned a smartphone. Their major means of access to the Internet were Wi-Fi/Internet ports. The study further found that the students entering university seriously lacked in essential computer skills.

Author(s): Jose Manappattukunnel Lukose, Adelin Kantore, Agyei Fosu