CHARACTERISTICS AND ENLIGHTENMENT OF THE TRANSLATION AND INTRODUCTION OF ZHOUYI IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICA

Volume 81, Mar 2025
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2025.3.1
View Abstract Hide Abstract   |   Download PDF
Abstract: Zhouyi is the origin of Chinese culture and also an important part of world culture. At present, Zhouyi has been widely translated and introduced in the Western academic circle led by America, thus appearing many unique translations, including Edward L. Shaughnessy's translation with unearthed cultural relics, Richard Alan Kunst's translation with emphasis on original scriptures, Richard John Lynn's translation with Wang Bi’s annotated manuscript, Richard J. Smith's translation combining multiple disciplines, and Margaret J. Pearson's translation combined with the trend of the time. These translations have both advantages and disadvantages that can give enlightenment to the Chinese academic circle, which is the origin of Zhouyi studies. On the one hand, American translators have profound knowledge of sinology, an open attitude toward translation, and advanced research methods; on the other hand, their translations have problems, such as obscuring the original meaning, becoming subservient to the market, and their writings not being standardized. Given this, the translation and introduction of Zhouyi in China should pay more attention to the original documents and their meaning, strengthen the mutual interpretation of Chinese and Western civilization, learn from classics and integrate into overseas academic circles, break the boundaries of disciplines and realize diversified development, and go deep into public life and bring about economic benefits if possible.

Author(s): Kaige Fang

RESEARCHING THE ATTITUDES OF WRESTLERS STUDYING AT THE FACULTY OF SPORTS SCIENCES OF KUTAHYA DUMLUPÄ°NAR UNÄ°VERSÄ°TY TOWARDS HEALTHY NUTRITION

Volume 81, Mar 2025
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2025.3.2
View Abstract Hide Abstract   |   Download PDF
Abstract: Nutrition is an important factor in protecting and improving human health and maximizing athletes' performance. Therefore, it is important to improve athletes' nutritional knowledge levels. The aim of this study is to investigate the attitudes of wrestlers studying at Kutahya Dumlupinar University Faculty of Sports Sciences, about healthy nutrition. 90% of the wrestlers studying at the faculty participated. 102 male wrestlers participated in the study voluntarily. The ‘Attitude Scale Towards Healthy Nutrition’ developed by Tekkurşun Demir and Cicioğlu (2019) was used as the data collection tool. While a statistically significant difference was observed in the emotion dimension towards nutrition in the healthy nutrition sub-dimensions according to the age of the wrestlers participating in the study, a statistically significant difference wasn’t observed in the other sub-dimensions. Statistically significant difference wasn’t found in the healthy nutrition sub-dimensions according to the residence, monthly personal income status, years of regular training, leisure time activities and smoking status of the wrestlers participating in the study (p>0.05). In the evaluation of the data, it was observed that the data were normally distributed by looking at the Skewness and Kurtosis values, as they were in the range of -1.0±1.0, to see whether the prerequisites of the parametric tests were obtained. Since the data showed normal distribution, Independent Sample T-Test and one-way one-way Anova analysis tests were applied to the data as statistical analysis.

Author(s): Kübra KAYA, Erdal Demir, İsmail KAYA


THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISEASE DIAGNOSIS AND SEVERITY AND SERUM ADMA, SDMA AND L-NMMA IN PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA SYNDROME

Volume 81, Mar 2025
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2025.3.3
View Abstract Hide Abstract   |   Download PDF
Abstract: Repetitive hypoxaemia and reoxygenation may trigger oxidative stress mechanisms in patients with OSAS. Oxidative stress alters the activities of enzymes involved in the production of arginine metabolites (ADMA, SDMA, L-NMMA) and leads to changes in their amounts. In previous studies, intermittent hypoxia and hypoxia-reoxygenation events have been observed to increase NO synthesis in OSAS patients. We examined how the balance between nitric oxide and methylated arginine metabolites changes in newly diagnosed OSAS patients. At the end of our study, we aimed to examine the effect of increased metabolites on the prediction of complications that may develop in the future due to OSAS. Voluntary patients over the age of 18 years who were diagnosed with OSAS were included in the study. Patients with central apnoea, laboratory abnormalities and additional comorbidities were excluded. The study included 121 patients, including 31 healthy, 30 mild, 30 moderate and 31 severe osas. As a result of our study, we found that arginine metabolites (ADMA and L-NMMA) levels were lower in patients with OSAS compared to the healthy group. SDMA values of healthy controls and OSAS patient groups were similar. The patients included in the study were newly diagnosed patients with no complications. Therefore, we did not observe an increase in arginine metabolites (ADMA, L-NMMA) due to the fact that the l-arginine pathway was registered to nitric oxide synthesis for compensation and therefore the methylated arginine pathway was not yet activated.

Author(s): Emrah BOLCA, Dilek Ergün, Recai Ergün, Fikret Kanat, Ali Ünlü, Duygu Eryavuz Onmaz, Muslu Kazım Körez


UNDERSTANDING STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF KEY DETERMINANTS INFLUENCING ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN E-LEARNING: INSIGHTS FROM A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

Volume 81, Jan 2025
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2025.1.1
View Abstract Hide Abstract   |   Download PDF
Abstract: Presently, numerous issues plague Nigeria's educational system. None is more accurate and persistent than the low academic performance of students at every level of education, which is one of the biggest, most significant disadvantages of educational progress. The present study sought to investigate students' views on the determinants of e-learners' academic success. All National Open University students in the South West geopolitical zone, ranging from second to fourth year, comprised the population. The study was conducted using a qualitative study design. Purposive sampling was employed to select 48 university participants from the study's sample. A thematic analysis was used to examine the data gathered through focus group interviews, which were audio recorded and transcribed. The study's findings demonstrated how students perceived various factors as determinants of their academic success, namely, computer dependence and knowledge, the benefits of the Internet, previous ICT experience, collaborative learning, parental ICT literacy influence, self-efficacy and motivation, and progressive computer use and benefits. Recommendations for practice are presented.

Author(s): Desmond Wesley Govender, Olukayode Solomon Aboderin, Irene Govender


THE EFFECT OF FLIPPED CLASSROOM ON ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF SEVENTH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENTS ABOUT LIVING DEMOCRACY UNIT

Volume 80, Dec 2024
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2024.12.1
View Abstract Hide Abstract   |   Download PDF
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the flipped classroom model on the academic achievement of 7th grade students in the Living Democracy unit of the Social Studies course according to the activity-based constructivist approach. The research was conducted in two different secondary schools in Erzurum province (east part of Turkey), located in the east of Türkiye, during the second semester of 2015-2016 academic year. A quasi-experimental design was used in the study. The experimental and control groups were matched by analyzing the 5th and 6th grade point averages and pre-test results of the students. The "Social Studies Academic Achievement Test" was applied to the experimental and control groups as a pre-test and post-test. During the research, the data obtained from the achievement test were analyzed using t-tests and one-way ANOVA tests. Additionally, it was determined whether there were significant differences in the academic achievement of the students in the experimental and control groups according to the educational status of their parents. The results indicate that the flipped classroom model has a more significant effect on students' academic achievement than the activity-based constructivist approach.

Author(s): Selçuk Ilgaz, Ersin Dursunlar


EXPLORING STUDENT PERSPECTIVES ON USING SPORTS AS A HOLISTIC TOOL FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Volume 80, Dec 2024
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2024.12.4
View Abstract Hide Abstract   |   Download PDF
Abstract: All higher education institutions worldwide provide sports opportunities for their students. These activities serve various purposes, all aimed at enhancing social cohesion and promoting the health and wellness of students. Lack of skill development can hinder a student’s personal and professional growth, making it difficult for them to adapt to changing environment and in the pursuing of new opportunities. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effectiveness of using sport as a holistic tool to enhance students’ skills development. A quantitative methodology was adopted. Participants were selected using the Stratified random sampling method from eight departments within the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Durban University of Technology. Data was collected through the distribution of surveys to students and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. Based on the findings it can be noted that an interrelationship that exits between physical activity, mental health, and social relationships, whereby universities need to change the mindset of policy makers to ensure that the physical activity programs are presented to first year students to ensure that skills development is prioritized, which will lead to students experiencing a better quality of life.

Author(s): Colleen Lotz, Sameera Banu Hussain


BEYOND LEISURE INVOLVEMENT: UNDERSTANDING PATHWAYS TO WOMEN’S PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING THROUGH THE MULTI-MEDIATING EFFECT OF LEISURE FACILITATORS

Volume 80, Dec 2024
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2024.12.3
View Abstract Hide Abstract   |   Download PDF
Abstract: For Turkish women, participation in leisure activities plays a crucial role in reducing daily life and pressures while providing a sense of autonomy, competence, and commitment, which are essential components of psychological health. This study investigates the impact of leisure involvement on psychological well-being and explores the mediating effect of leisure facilitators on this relationship. In this study, employed a purposive sample consisting of individuals who were members of fitness centers and who participated in mat Pilates program. A total of 277 women, aged 20–55 years, participated in eight weeks of mat Pilates program, selected using criterion sampling. Data collection tools included the Leisure Involvement Scale, Psychological Well-Being Scale, and Leisure Facilitators Scale. The findings indicate that leisure activities significantly enhance mental health and well-being. Additionally, the results emphasize the crucial role of facilitators in optimizing the benefits of leisure involvement. By highlighting the importance of leisure and recreational pursuits, the study suggests that increasing and supporting leisure participation across various contexts can substantially improve psychological well-being. These findings advocate for more comprehensive strategies that integrate leisure activities into mental health promotion and well-being programs. According to these findings, creating policies and programs that promote women's participation in leisure activities within various cultural settings are essential.

Author(s): Rıfat Kerem Gürkan, Feyza Meryem Kara, Merve Turan


PET ATTACHMENT, STRESS COPING, AND LEISURE IN TÃœRKÄ°YE: MULTI-MEDIATING EFFECT OF SERIOUS LEISURE

Volume 81, Mar 2025
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2025.2.2
View Abstract Hide Abstract   |   Download PDF
Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the multi-mediating role of serious leisure in the relationship between pet attachment and coping with stress through leisure. The study group of the research consists of 243 pet owners, 180 women and 63 men living in different provinces of Türkiye, selected by convenience sampling method. Lexington Pet Attachment Scale, Leisure Stress Coping Strategies Scale, and Serious Leisure Inventory-Short Form were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed using Preacher and Hayes (2008) Process Macro Bootstrapping procedure and Sobel Z test. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis revealed statistically significant positive relationships between attachment to pets, coping with stress through leisure and serious leisure. Regression analyses revealed that attachment to pets was a significant predictor of coping with stress through leisure and serious leisure was a significant predictor of coping with stress through leisure. In the analyses conducted in line with the purpose of the study, it was concluded that serious leisure had a multi-mediating effect on the relationship between pet attachment and coping strategies with stress. As a result, pet attachment can be said to be a significant indicator of coping with stress through leisure. In addition, it was found that spending significant time and effort on leisure contributed significantly to this relationship.

Author(s): feyza meryem kara, gizem karaca


ENHANCING THE RETENTION OF PROFESSIONAL NURSES IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN HEALTHCARE SECTOR

Volume 81, Mar 2025
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2025.2.1
View Abstract Hide Abstract   |   Download PDF
Abstract: This research study investigates the current migration situation amongst professional nurses within the South African healthcare sector, with the aim of enhancing the retention of these workers. Secondary data collection was utilized to assess the attrition rate of healthcare nursing professionals in South Africa which is described and, the factors influencing the internal and external movements of nursing professionals in South Africa is evaluated. Non-probability sampling was adopted to draw the study sample to collect data in the original study from nurses registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) employing a mixed method approach to data collection and analysis. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are presented to enhance the retention of these professional nurses. Although it is not known where South African nurses are lost to, the country is experiencing a critical shortage of nurses. This is negatively impacting its healthcare organizations, which calls for more diligent and strategic governance. The attrition of nurses within the country and the emigration of healthcare workers cannot be confirmed as South Africa does not have good governance of record keeping in this respect. Nurses are being lost to attrition due to poor compensation, poor working environments, insufficient development and growth opportunities in the workplace. The majority of nurses emigrate for financial reasons and for the international experience. Recommendations are presented to enhance retention and control the retention of nursing professionals, thereby affording the country an opportunity to timeously enhance healthcare service delivery in South Africa.

Author(s): Fatima Abrahams, Sanjana Brijball Parumasur


THE IMPACT OF E-COMMERCE ON THE FEMINIZATION OF POVERTY: EVIDENCE FROM MINORITY WOMEN IN GUIZHOU

Volume 80, Dec 2024
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2024.11.5
View Abstract Hide Abstract   |   Download PDF
Abstract: This paper investigates the potential of e-commerce to alleviate poverty among ethnic minority women in Guizhou, China, through a case study of Miao embroidery. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this study combines quantitative data from questionnaires with qualitative insights from interviews to explore the impact of e-commerce on economic conditions and social status. Findings reveal that e-commerce facilitates the commercialization of Miao embroidery, providing women with new income opportunities and promoting economic independence. This research contributes to the discourse on poverty alleviation, gender equality, and the commercialization of intangible cultural heritage in the digital era.

Author(s): Yi Yang, Jameson Chou, Xunqian Liu