bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebellopontine angle ependymoma presenting as isolated hearing loss in an elderly patient: A case report and literature review
Authors: Dibs Khaled , Prasad Rahul Neal , Madan Kajal , Liu Kevin , Jiang Will , Ghose Jayeeta , Blakaj Dukagjin M. , Palmer Joshua D. , Kobalka Peter , Prevedello Daniel M. , Raval Raju R.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Ependymoma is an uncommon tumor accounting for approximately 1.9% of all adult central nervous system tumors. Ependymomas at the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are even more rare and only previously described in isolated case reports. Typically, acoustic neuromas and meningiomas represent the bulk of adult CPA tumors. Diagnosis can be challenging, as ependymomas have clinical findings and imaging characteristics that overlap with more common tumor histologies at the CPA.

Case Description:

We present the case of a 70-year-old male patient with progressive, isolated left-sided hearing loss found to have a World Health Organization (WHO) Grade II CPA ependymoma, representing one of the oldest recorded patients presenting with this primarily pediatric malignancy in this unique location. The patient presentation with isolated hearing loss was particularly unusual. When associated with neurologic deficits, CPA ependymomas more characteristically result in facial nerve impairment with fully preserved hearing, while vestibular schwannomas tend to present with isolated hearing loss. The standard of care for pediatric ependymomas is maximal safe resection with adjuvant radiotherapy, but treatment paradigms in adult CPA ependymoma are not well defined particularly for WHO Grade II disease. After resection, he received adjuvant radiation to decrease the risk of local recurrence. Twenty-nine months after resection, the patient remains free of treatment-related toxicity or disease recurrence.

Conclusion:

We review this patient’s clinical course in the context of the literature to highlight the challenges associated with timely diagnosis of this rare tumor and the controversial role of adjuvant therapy in preventing local recurrence in these patients.
Hematoma expansion unrelated to rebleeding in ruptured anterior cerebral artery aneurysms treated by early endovascular embolization
Authors: Okamura Kazuaki , Morofuji Yoichi , Horie Nobutaka , Izumo Tsuyoshi , Sato Kei , Fujimoto Takashi , Matsuo Takayuki
Published: November 2021

Background:

Whether hematoma expansion after aneurysmal rupture is always a sign of rerupture remains unclear. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of hematoma expansion unrelated to aneurysmal rerupture after endovascular embolization for ruptured cerebral aneurysms.

Methods:

We included patients who underwent endovascular embolization for ruptured cerebral aneurysms within 48 h after onset at our institution between January 2009 and February 2014. The medical records of 70 consecutive patients were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively.

Results:

Hematoma expansion unrelated to aneurysmal rerupture occurred in 7 (10%) of 70 patients. Interestingly, four of seven patients had distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysms. The interval from onset to aneurysm coiling was shorter in patients with hematoma expansion than in those without (P = 0.040).

Conclusion:

Early embolization of ruptured ACA aneurysms might increase the risk of hematoma expansion unrelated to aneurysmal rerupture because the procedures were conducted under systemic anticoagulation. It would be better to refer the patient for direct clipping if the patient has a distal ACA aneurysm with parenchymal hematoma at interhemispheric fissure. Delayed coil embolization, which means around 12–18 h delayed, might be another option for ruptured distal ACA aneurysms to prevent hematoma expansion.
Assessing the efficiency of a “buried wall” barrier in the establishment of near-surface long-term storage and disposal facilities for RW
Authors:   Nuclear Safety Institute of the Russia Academy of Sciences, Suskin V. V. , Kapyrin I. V. ,   Nuclear Safety Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Grigorev F. V. ,   Nuclear Safety Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: November 2021

The article evaluates the impact of a “buried wall” barrier on the long-term safety during the long-term storage1 or in-situ disposal of nuclear legacy facilities, in particular, industrial reservoirs, as well as during the development of near-surface disposal facilities for radioactive waste (RWDF). For assessment purposes, filtration and mass transfer processes have been numerically modelled in the GeRa code based on a case study of a reference near-surface facility. The study explores in which way the available covering screen affects the dynamics of contaminant spread. It evaluates the sensitivity of the results to the dispersion parameter commonly characterized by a high degree of uncertainty.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TERHADAP CUSTOMER LOYALTY YANG DIMEDIASI OLEH ELECTRONIC SERVICE QUALITY, TRUST DAN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PADA INDUSTRI PERBANKAN INDONESIA
Authors: Prashella Delia Anindita , Kurniawati Kurniawati , Fachri Herfin , Diandra Prita Karina , Aji Taryono
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACT This article examines the effect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs on customer loyalty that is mediated by service quality, trust and electorinic customer satisfaction. Using a sample of 207 BUKU 4 bank customers in Indonesia who have accounts for more than six months. The survey was conducted by filling out an online questionnaire. Data analysis used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results obtained from this study indicate that CSR mediated by electronic service quality, trust, and customer satisfaction overall has a positive influence on customer loyalty of banks in Indonesia. This study reveals that the bank is not only oriented towards business profit, but also carry out CSR programs in a sustainable manner. The CSR program is considered important, because it can build effective communication with customers and prospective customers. It can also increase customer awareness. In addition, currently the technology owned by the bank will be a factor that can build consumer loyalty. ABSTRAK Artikel ini menguji pengaruh program Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) terhadap loyalitas pelanggan yang dimediasi oleh kualitas layanan, kepercayaan dan kepuasan pelanggan elektronik. Menggunakan sampel 207 nasabah bank BUKU 4 di Indonesia yang memiliki rekening lebih dari enam bulan. Survei dilakukan dengan mengisi kuesioner online. Analisis data menggunakan Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Hasil yang diperoleh dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa CSR yang dimediasi oleh electronic service quality, trust, dan customer satisfaction secara keseluruhan berpengaruh positif terhadap loyalitas nasabah bank-bank di Indonesia. Studi ini mengungkapkan bahwa bank tidak hanya berorientasi pada keuntungan bisnis, tetapi juga menjalankan program CSR secara berkelanjutan. Program CSR dinilai penting, karena dapat membangun komunikasi yang efektif dengan pelanggan dan calon pelanggan. Hal ini juga dapat meningkatkan kesadaran pelanggan. Selain itu, saat ini teknologi yang dimiliki bank akan menjadi faktor yang dapat membangun loyalitas konsumen.JEL: M30, M31, M39
PENGARUH STRUKTUR MODAL DAN STRUKTUR KEPEMILIKAN TERHADAP KINERJA PERUSAHAAN DENGAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERASI
Authors: Anggreni Maretha Kris Dwi , Robiyanto Robiyanto
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACT This study aims to examine the effect of capital structure and ownership on company performance with moderation of corporate governance in trade, service and investment sector companies in 2016- 2019. The research data was obtained from the Indonesian Capital Market Directory (ICMD) and the annual financial reports listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The total sample obtained based on the purposive sampling method was 76 samples and tested using the Eviews 9 analysis tool. The analysis technique used panel data regression analysis and Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). Capital structure and corporate governance as proxied by the role of independent commissioners are proven to improve company performance. The implication of this research is to provide empirical evidence regarding the role of corporate governance in moderating capital structure and ownership structure on company performance. The use of debt in the capital structure can have a positive influence on the company's performance. So the applied implication for the company is that it can increase debt in its capital structure by taking into account the optimal point. In addition, companies can optimize the role of independent commissioners as corporate governance to improve supervision within the company so as to improve company performance. ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan menguji pengaruh struktur modal dan kepemilikan terhadap kinerja perusahaan dengan moderasi corporate governance pada perusahaan sektor perdagangan, jasa dan investasi tahun 2016-2019. Data penelitian ini diperoleh dari Indonesian Capital Market Directory (ICMD) dan laporan keuangan tahunan yang tercatat pada Bursa Efek Indonesia. Total sampel diperoleh berdasarkan metode pengumpulan data purposive sampling adalah sebanyak 76 sampel dan diuji menggunakan alat analisis Eviews 9. Teknik analisis pada penelitian ini menggunakan analisis regresi data panel dan Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). Variabel struktur modal serta variabel moderasi corporate governance yang diproksikan dengan peran komisaris independen terbukti dapat meningkatkan kinerja perusahaan. Implikasi dari penelitian ini adalah memberikan bukti secara empiris terkait peran corporate governance dalam memoderasi struktur modal dan struktur kepemilikan terhadap kinerja perusahaan. Penggunaan utang pada struktur modal mampu memberikan pengaruh positif terhadap kinerja perusahaan. Maka implikasi terapan bagi perusahaan yaitu dapat meningkatkan utang pada struktur modalnya dengan memperhatikan titik optimal. Selain itu, perusahaan dapat mengoptimalkan peran komisaris independen sebagai corporate governance untuk meningkatkan pengawasan dalam perusahaan sehingga meningkatkan kinerja perusahaan.JEL : G30, G32, G34
Impedance-based forecasting of battery performance amid uneven usage
Authors: Jones Penelope , Stimming Ulrich , Lee Alpha
Published: November 2021

Accurate forecasting of lithium-ion battery performance is important for easing consumer concerns about the safety and reliability of electric vehicles. Most research on battery health prognostics focuses on the R&D setting where cells are subjected to the same usage patterns, yet in practice there is great variability in use across cells and cycles, making forecasting much more challenging. Here, we address this challenge by combining electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), a non-invasive measurement of battery state, with probabilistic machine learning. We generated a dataset of 40 commercial lithium-ion coin cells cycled under multistage constant current charging/discharging, with currents randomly changed between cycles to emulate realistic use patterns. We show that future discharge capacities can be predicted with calibrated uncertainties, given the future cycling protocol and a single EIS measurement made just before charging, and without any knowledge of usage history. Our method is data-efficient, requiring just eight cells to achieve a test error of less than 10%, and robust to dataset shifts. Our model can forecast well into the future, attaining a test error of less than 10% when projecting 32 cycles ahead. Further, we find that model performance can be boosted by 25% by augmenting EIS with additional features derived from historical capacity-voltage curves. Our results suggest that battery health is better quantified by a multidimensional vector rather than a scalar State of Health, thus deriving informative electrochemical `biomarkers' in tandem with machine learning is key to predictive battery management and control.
Chirality and accurate structure models by exploiting dynamical effects in continuous-rotation 3D ED data
Authors: Klar Paul , Krysiak Yasar , Xu Hongyi , Steciuk Gwladys , Cho Jung , Zou Xiaodong , Palatinus Lukas
Published: November 2021

Dynamical diffraction effects are usually considered a nuisance for structure analysis from continuous-rotation 3D electron diffraction (3D ED) data like cRED and MicroED. Here we demonstrate that by accounting for these effects during the structure refinement, significantly improved models can be obtained in terms of accuracy and reliability with up to four-fold reduction of the noise level in difference Fourier maps in comparison to the standard structure determination routines that ignore dynamical diffraction. As dynamical diffraction effects break the inversion symmetry of the diffraction, they allow a quick, easy, and reliable determination of the absolute structure of chiral crystals.
MANF supports the inner hair cell synapse and the outer hair cell stereocilia bundle in the cochlea
Authors: Ikäheimo Kuu , Herranen Anni , Iivanainen Vilma , Lankinen Tuuli , Aarnisalo Antti A , Sivonen Ville , Patel Kashyap A , Demir Korcan , Saarma Mart , Lindahl Maria , Pirvola Ulla
Published: November 2021

Failure in the structural maintenance of the hair cell stereocilia bundle and ribbon synapse causes hearing loss. Here, we have studied how ER stress elicits hair cell pathology, using mouse models with inactivation of Manf (mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor), encoding an ER-homeostasis-promoting protein. From hearing onset, Manf deficiency caused disarray of the outer hair cell stereocilia bundle and reduced cochlear sound amplification capability throughout the tonotopic axis. In high-frequency outer hair cells, the pathology ended in molecular changes in the stereocilia taper region and in strong stereocilia fusion. In high-frequency inner hair cells, Manf deficiency degraded ribbon synapses. The altered phenotype strongly depended on the mouse genetic background. Altogether, the failure in the ER homeostasis maintenance induced early-onset stereociliopathy and synaptopathy and accelerated the effect of genetic causes driving age-related hearing loss. Correspondingly, MANF mutation in a human patient induced severe sensorineural hearing loss from a young age onward. Thus, we present MANF as a novel protein and ER stress as a mechanism that regulate auditory hair cell maintenance in both mice and humans.
Education for Sustainable Development, Nature and Vernacular Learning
Authors: Selby David
Published: November 2021

Mainstream education for sustainable development conceives of nature as a resource or commodity. The natural world is, for the most part, accorded only instrumental or utilitarian value. As a field it thus aligns itself with a longstanding paradigm in western thinking that sees humans as separate from and dominant over nature. The de-natured nature of education for sustainable development makes it unlikely that the learner will become motivated to care and act for nature. As an alternative, vernacular learning is proposed, i.e. place-based learning rooted in close intimacy and connection with the natural world, with nature perceived as being intrinsically valuable. The importance of fostering emotional affinity with nature is underlined, as are forms of multi-sensory learning that help the learner engage with both spirit and soul of place. Practical examples of vernacular learning activities are enumerated. The importance of nurturing a sense of wonder and joy in the young learner is put forward as vital in fostering an ethic of concern for the planet. Essentially, the argument goes, we only stir ourselves to protect what we have come to love, and thus cultivating a sense of oneness with nature is vital if we are to have any chance of transforming the global environmental condition. Passion is the harbinger of activism.
Learners between Childhood and Adulthood: Assessing Writing Competences of Teens Learning French as a Foreign Language
Authors: Lah Meta
Published: November 2021

The article introduces learners between two age groups: childhood and adulthood. The aim of the author is to analyse the writing skills of French primary school learners – mostly 14 years old – and to determine which descriptors could be used to assess them. The article begins with a presentation of the learners’ characteristics and continues with a review of the position of the French language in Slovenian primary schools, where French is taught as a second foreign language and an elective subject. Since French is a rather infrequent subject in primary schools, it is difficult to obtain comparable materials. Finally, 36 written compositions from the national French competition serve as the basis for analysis. The detailed analysis is accompanied by a presentation of the CEFR and AYLLIT descriptors for writing, as well as reflection on which descriptors are appropriate for assessing compositions and placing them on the CEFR levels. The AYLLIT descriptors seem more relevant, as they are more explicit and appropriate for the target group.
Between Teaching and Research: Challenges of the Academic Profession in Croatia
Authors: Turk Marko , Ledić Jasminka
Published: November 2021

Discussions about synergy or independence of teaching and research are present in many studies (Bilić, 2009; Brew & Boud, 1995; Enders & Teichler, 1997; Griffiths, 2004; Jakovljević, 2010; Jenkins, 2000; Ramsden & Moses, 1992). Humboldt’s model introduced synergy between teaching and research, thus highlighting the importance of originality in scientific work and of the dissemination of the knowledge stemming from it. The synergy between teaching and research is also referenced in the education policy of the European Union, with the Berlin Communique (2003) introducing a request for the promotion of better synergy between European educational and research areas. However, studies reveal a different understandingof the teaching-research relationship between those who advocate their synergy (Brew & Boud, 1995; Jenkins, 2000; Neumann, 1993) and those who advocate their mutual independence (Hattie & Marsh, 1996; Ramsden & Moses, 1992). Examining different perspectives of the teaching-research relationship, the research presented in this paper focused on understanding how academics see their dominant roles. Its objective was to examine how academics perceive their roles as teachers and researchers. A qualitative approach was used, with data being collected using a standardised semi-structured interview. A total of 60 interviewees participated in the research, all academics from Croatia. The results revealed that the research participants see themselves most frequently as teachers, then as teachers and researchers, and least frequently as predominantly researchers. Their identification is mainly determined by external factors, most frequently negatively connoted, which presents a challenge within the context of job satisfaction. Such results also point to legal, material, personnel and administrative difficulties in the Croatian higher education system.
Preschool Teaching Staff’s Opinions on the Importance of Preschool Curricular Fields of Activities, Art Genres and Visual Arts Fields
Authors: Zupančič Tomaž , Čagran Branka , Mulej Matjaž
Published: November 2021

This article presents preschool teachers’ and assistant teachers’ opinions on the importance of selected fields of educational work in kindergartens. The article first highlights the importance of activities expressingartistic creativity within modern curriculums. Then, it presents an empirical study that examines the preschool teachers’ and assistant teachers’ opinions on the importance of the educational fields, art genres, andvisual arts fields. In research hypotheses, we presumed that preschool teachers find individual educational fields, individual art genres, and individual visual arts activities to be of different importance; consequently,education in kindergarten does not achieve the requisite holism. The study is based on the descriptive and causal-non-experimental method. We have determined that the greatest importance is attributed to movementand language, followed by nature, society, art and mathematics. Within art genres, the greatest importance is attributed to visual arts and music and the least to audio-visual activities. Within visual arts, drawingand painting are considered to be the most important and sculpting the least. These findings can support future studies and deliberation on the possible effects on practice in terms of requisitely holistically plannedpreschool education.
The Use of Compliment Response Strategies among Iranian Learners of English: Researching Interlocutors' Relative Power and Gender
Authors: Tamimi Sa’d Seyyed Hatam
Published: November 2021

This article reports on a study that set out to investigate how Iranian EFL learners respond to compliments in English. The data were collected using a discourse completion task (DCT) consisting of a variety of situations that required the participants, 26 EFL learners (13 males and 13 females) to respond to compliments directed at them. The data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. To this end, the participants’ responses were coded according to a coding scheme adopted from Yu (2004) which identified six compliment response strategies (CRSs). The findings indicated that, regardless of or concerning gender and power (–P and =P), the first three most frequent CR strategies included “Acceptance”, “Combination” and “Amendment”. These findings were then analyzed in light of previous similar studies that revealed that the participants had followed their first cultural norms not only in usingthe strategies mentioned above but also in employing very infrequently such strategies as “Face Relationship”, “No acknowledgment”, and “Nonacceptance”. As regards the role of gender, a Chi-square test was run which showed that males and females differed significantly in their use of CRSs. Furthermore, males used more CR strategies compared to females.The qualitative analysis of the semantic formulas of the CR strategies also revealed that, by accepting a compliment, Iranian EFL learners sought agreement and consequently relied on positive politeness to foster rapport and solidarity.
An Interactive Approach to Learning and Teaching in Visual Arts Education
Authors: Tomljenović Zlata
Published: November 2021

The present research focuses on modernising the approach to learning and teaching the visual arts in teaching practice, as well as examining the performance of an interactive approach to learning and teaching in visual arts classes with the use of a combination of general and specific (visual arts) teaching methods. The study uses quantitative analysis of data on the basis of results obtained from a pedagogical experiment. The subjects of the research were 285 second- and fourth-grade students from four primary schools in the city of Rijeka, Croatia. Paintings made by the students in the initial and final stage of the pedagogical experiment were evaluated. The research results confirmed the hypotheses about the positive effect of interactive approaches to learning and teaching on the following variables: (1) knowledge and understanding of visual arts terms, (2) abilities and skills in the use of art materials and techniques within the framework of planned painting tasks, and (3) creativity in solving visual arts problems. The research results can help shape an optimised model for the planning and performance of visual arts education, and provide guidelines for planning professional development and the further professional education of teachers, with the aim of establishing more efficient learning and teaching of the visual arts in primary school.
Forms of Cooperative Learning in Language Teaching in Slovenian Language Classes at the Primary School Level
Authors: Rot Vrhovec Alenka
Published: November 2021

In the Slovenian language syllabus, teachers are recommended to provide a greater share of group work during class. During types of learning such as cooperative learning in smaller groups or pairs, students actively develop communicative competence. The present article presents a survey that attempted to determine whether teachers from the first to the fifth grade execute cooperative learning in language classes. The purpose of the article is to raise teachers’ awareness and encourage them to design and execute cooperative learning more frequently.
Theory, Practice and Competences in the Study of Pedagogy – Views of Ljubljana and Belgrade University Teachers
Authors: Skubic Ermenc Klara , Živković Vujisić Nataša , Spasenović Vera
Published: November 2021

Over the previous decade, higher education in Slovenia and Serbia has undergone considerable reforms, influenced by the Bologna process and its agenda of competence and learning outcomes. In the context of these reforms, the aim of this research is to consider the question of the relationship between the theoretical and the practical education of pedagoguesat the university level. Eleven university professors from departments of pedagogy and andragogy at the universities of Ljubljana and Belgrade were interviewed. The semi-structured interviews focused on two main research questions: 1) how they understand the relationship between pedagogical theory and practice, and the identity of pedagogy as a science in that context, and 2) their opinion about the competence-based  approach in the context of the study of pedagogy. The findings show that the majority of the interviewed university teachers hold an opinion that pedagogy is primarily a theoretical (reflective) science and, accordingly, that the mastery of theory is crucial for the development of pedagogues’ competences. Furthermore, most of them are rather reserved and critical of the competence approach as well as of the practical skills development. Although there are some differences in opinions between the professors from Ljubljana and Belgrade, this study shows that similar discourses prevail. The gap between pedagogical theory and practice is one of the major issues that have been current in pedagogical science in the recent decades. The findings of our research indicate that there is dissatisfaction with the relationship between modern pedagogical theory and practice, accompanied by the need for its reconceptualization.
An Appraisal of the Internationalisation of Higher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Alemu Sintayehu Kassaye
Published: November 2021

Over the past decades, the development of the internationalisation of higher education has revised the conceptual framework of higher education, enhanced its scope, scale and importance, and transformed its world, as well as reshaping relationships between countries. More powerful universities play a central role and are suppliers of knowledge, whereas weaker institutions and systems with fewer resources and lower academic standards occupy a peripheral position and are consumers. The centre-periphery dichotomy in the internationalisation of higher education undoubtedly presents considerable challenges to the higher education institutions of the peripheries. For developing regions like Africa, higher education is an important instrument for socioeconomic development, and one of the strategies to improve and qualify higher education is internationalisation. In spite of various attempts to enhance the benefits of internationalisation, African higher education has continued to be peripheral, with relationships remaining asymmetrical, unethical and unequal. Along with some positive benefits, internationalisation has brought complicated implications and new challenges, such as the brain drain, cultural values, the commodification of higher education, the persistence of inequality between global north-south universities, and so on. The purpose of the present paper is to highlight the challenges and unintended consequences of the internationalisation of higher education, with a particular focus on Africa.
Reclaiming the Idea of the University as a Possible Solution to Today’s Crisis
Authors: Pavlenko Sonia , Bojan Cristina
Published: November 2021

Higher education has always been associated in one way or another with crisis. One could even argue that the university has always faced one type of crisis or another. The one debated the most is the economic crisis; however, there are many debates focusing on other types of crisis. Furthermore, all major reforms in the history of higher education (from Humboldt’s reform in 19th century Prussia to the views promoted by Y Gasset against the background of the Spanish revolution, or even the Bologna Process) have arisen as a result of a crisis. Today, the global economic crisis has yet again highlighted the fact that the idea of the university, the very foundation on which it was built, is no longer present when addressing contemporary issues in higher education. Our paper argues that there is an imperative need to reclaim and reconsider the idea of the university, as this could provide a possible solution to today’s crisis in higher education. Furthermore, we will attempt to show the reasons why this should occur, as well as the manner in which it could be achieved. The focus today is on too many minute, detailed aspects of higher education institutions, which are managed, evaluated, quality assured, ranked, assessed and so forth, while the global perspective on the university has been lost/ignored. Today’s crisis could be used as an opportunity to reassess and re-establish a relevant idea for today’s university.
Child Participation in Family-School Cooperation
Authors: Maleš Dubravka , Kušević Barbara , Širanović Ana
Published: November 2021

This paper discusses the cooperation between families and schools from the perspective of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). Given that the principal purpose of the cooperation between families and schools is children’s well-being, it is reasonable to expect the child’s participation in situations of direct parent-teacher cooperation. The theoretical part of this paper is grounded on contemporary scientific findings in family-school cooperation and the role of the child in the process, while the empirical part seeks to determine whether the requirement for child participation is being fulfilled in family-school cooperation in Croatia. As a theoretical basis for the research, Hart’s (1995) ‘Ladder of Participation’ model has been used; the results can serve as guidelines for improving the existing school practices and introduce changes in school legislation relating to cooperation with parents.
The Establishment of School Social Work in Austria – From a Project to a Regular Offer
Authors: Heimgartner Arno , Sting Stephan
Published: November 2021

The contribution introduces the present situation and the basic challenges of school social work in Austria. Starting with the perception of a developing “knowledge society” (Höhne, 2004), school is seen as a life place at which social subjects and problems occur and are made manifest. The analyses are based in particular on empirical studies by the University of Klagenfurt (Sting & Leitner, 2011) and the University of Graz (Gspurning, Heimgartner, Pieber, & Sing, 2011), which were carried out in school social work facilities of Carinthia and Styria, but theyalso include Austrian-wide research projects. A methodical view is presented along the main target groups “pupils”, “teachers” and “parents”, and the basic orientations are discussed. The thematic analysis characterises school social work as a multi-thematic service (e.g., conflicts,  love, problems at school, problems of the family) that needs to oppose the reduction to single problem areas such as drug abuse or violence. The structural analyses render visible the meaning of spatial conditions, personnel competence and the social-spatial network. Finally, the possibilities of a lasting implementation of empirical research in school social work are discussed.
Towards a Concept of Parental Authority in Adolescence
Authors: Kuhar Metka , Reiter Herwig
Published: November 2021

The notion of authority is common in the literature on parent-child relationships. However, the notion of ‘parental authority’ remains largely unspecified. The present article first critically reviews conceptualisations of parental authority in selected developmental-psychological approaches. We find the absence of an explicit and integrated theoretical and empirical conceptualisation of parental authority, as well as a certain lack of consistency in the application of the concept. Against the background of this review, we suggest initial steps towards a concept of parental authority as relational, dynamic and co-constituted in the sense of a joint product and outcome of family relationships.
Teacher Education Reforms between Higher Education and General Education Transformations in South- Eastern Europe: Reviewing the Evidence and Scoping the Issues
Authors: Pantić Nataša
Published: November 2021

The present paper considers reforms and developments in teacher education in South-Eastern European countries as part of overall reforms in higher education, and in light of changes in general education that impact teachers and their preparation. The paper reviews the literature and reports from the region that offer some evidence of and insights into the issues surrounding teacher education reforms in the contexts of postsocialist education transformations in South-Eastern Europe. It scopes the issues relating to: structural and curricular changes in teacher preparation; coordination of reforms across different levels; development of a common vision of good teaching in cooperation between teacher educationinstitutions, schools and communities; and quality assurance of teacher preparation. The identified issues include: the superficial nature of structural reforms and the neglect of substantial curricular changes; the dearth of opportunities for reflection linking theory and practice; insufficiently developed cross-curricular approaches to teacher educationreforms; the fragmentation of teacher education along a number of lines; the absence of a common vision of quality teaching, and of formative links between quality assurance systems for teachers, schools and teacher education providers. Finally, the paper outlines potentialavenues for future developments and implications for teacher education policies and practices.
Attitudes and Motivation in Early Foreign Language Learning
Authors: Mihaljević Djigunović Jelena
Published: November 2021

This paper focuses on young foreign language learners’ attitudes and motivations. An overview is given of the main issues in this research area, based on key European studies. Approaches to studying these af-fective learner characteristics are described. Some attention is devoted to data elicitation techniques and the importance of triangulation. Research findings are presented through overviews of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies carried out in different European settings. The latter are presented in more detail, because their findings seem to be more revealing of the early foreign language learning process. The overall conclusion of this review paper is that young foreign language learners’ attitudes and motivations are not stable learner characteristics but change over time, creating layers of  complexity that warrant further research.

Suggestions about possible future directions in researching young foreign language learner attitudes and motivations, and the application of its findings are also made.
Foreign Language Learning and Identity Reconstruction: Learners’ Understanding of the Intersections of the Self, the Other and Power
Authors: Tamimi Sa’d Seyyed Hatam
Published: November 2021

The present qualitative study sought to explore the relationship between English language learning and identity reconstruction from the viewpoints of Iranian language learners. The data were collected by means of focus-group interviews with forty-five male intermediate learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). To define the concept of identity, the participants were found to draw upon notions as diverse as personal and social characteristics, ethnic origins, geographical locations, religious affiliations, national customs and rituals and values, amongst others. Furthermore, the vast majority of the learners held that learningEnglish had a profound impact on how they perceive their identity. Of these, nearly all the interviewees regarded the above impact as highly positive and beneficial to the course of language learning. The interviewees also expressed strong inclination to integrate and, therefore, to dentify with the target linguistic and cultural norms. Notwithstanding, a number of opposing voices were raised by some learners who resisted identity reconstruction through language learning, claiming that they learned English simply for the sake of instrumental, as opposed to integrative, purposes. These participants also levelled criticisms at what theyviewed as ‘the imposition of Western values on an Islamic country’. The results highlight the vital role of motivation and the status of English as an international language in viewing, redefining and reconstructing identity. In conclusion, the findings confirm the role of discursive practices, power relations, solidarity and otherising with regard to identityreconstruction in the course of second language (L2) learning.
Participation in Decision-making in Class: Opportunities and Student Attitudes in Austria and Slovenia
Authors: Mithans Monika , Ivanuš Grmek Milena , Čagran Branka
Published: November 2021

This article focuses on the issue of student involvement in the education process. The study comprised pupils aged 10-11, 13-14 and 16-17; 322 students were attending school in Austria, and 458 students were in Slovenia. The data were collected through a questionnaire and processed on the level of descriptive and inferential statistics. The right to participationis among the four main principles set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child from 1989. However, a study that aimed to identify the areas in which students already have the opportunity to participate in decision-making and areas in which they want more participationshowed that they remain insufficiently aware of the right to participation in school. In addition, the study showed that students from Austrian schools have more decision-making opportunities than their peers in Slovenia do. The results also indicate that, despite its proven advantages, legal basis, and the repeated demands for its implementation, participationin the class environment has yet to become common practice.
Policy Reform Efforts and Equal Opportunity – An Evidence-Based Link?
Authors: Geppert Corinna , Bauer-Hofmann Sonja , Hopmann Stefan Thomas
Published: November 2021

The main focus of the present paper is to answer two different questions: From the perspective of Austrian education policy, which core areas of schooling are linked to the demand for equal opportunity? Can these reform efforts sustain the current state of research, and what are the consequences for schooling? The paper draws on an analysis by Hopmann,Geppert & Bauer (2010). Fifteen official self-presentations (political programmes) of Austrian political parties were analysed for statements concerning the improvement of the education system. This resulted in about seventy different statements, which were aggregated into eight core areas. We conducted a systematic analysis of four of these core areas, dealing withthe topics of equal opportunity: comprehensive school, all-day schooling, school autonomy and standardisation of students’ achievements. The aim was not to judge the legitimacy or the political content of the claims made. In line with evaluative discourse, we asked whether the combination of political demands and their associated expectations met the current stateof research. In many policy programmes, it is assumed that comprehensive schooling, all-day schooling, education standards, standardised general certification for university attendance, school autonomy or language surveys go hand in hand with more equality of opportunity, justice and quality in education, but an analysis of the current state of research couldnot confirm this. The analysis showed that, with regard to education policy demands, statements having empirically little or nothing to do with each other are often linked.
In-Service Science Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge Confidences and Views about Technology-Rich Environments
Authors: Timur Betül , Fatih Taşar Mehmet
Published: November 2021

Today’s computers and related technologies have an important role in enabling visualisations of the workings of various scientific concepts, natural phenomena and mechanisms by creating technology-rich environments (TRE). TRE offer opportunities to science teachers in cases of natural phenomena that might be difficult or impossible to view, dangerous to conduct experiments about, impractical or too expensive to bring into the classroom, or too messy or time consuming to prepare in a school laboratory. However, science teaching cannot and should not be undertaken entirely by TRE. Science teachers need to know how tointegrate technology into science classrooms. Measuring science teachers’ confidence in technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK) and identifying their views about using TRE in science instruction is an important issue. The present study aims to address challenges faced by in-service science teachers when creating TRE and gives suggestions forsuccessful technology integration into science teaching. The data were gathered through a TPCK confidence survey and subsequent interviews. The results show that in-service science teachers have a low level of confidence in using technology during science teaching. The teachers surveyed stressed their need for professional development activities regardingthe effective and meaningful use of TRE in science teaching.
Social Capital and Educational Achievements: Coleman vs. Bourdieu
Authors: Rogošić Silvia , Baranović Branislava
Published: November 2021

The influence of social capital on an individual’s educational achievements is the subject of numerous scientific papers. Research on social capital is most frequently based on Coleman’s (1988) or Bourdieu’s (1986) theories of capital, which are related to different paradigms of social theory: whereas Coleman’s approach has its roots in structural functionalism, Bourdieu’s approach contains elements of conflict theory. A number of authors, starting with Bourdieu, attempt to explain and prove that, when connected with the education of individuals, the activity of social capital facilitates social reproduction. Other authors support the notion that social capital is, in fact, a powerful weapon that encourages social mobility. A third group of researchers emphasise that neither of these approaches in isolation can entirety explain the influences of social capital on an individual’s education (Ho, 2003). The present paper offers a review of research focusing on the influences of social capital on educational achievements, while outlining the fundamental differences between the two theoretical approaches that are most frequently used for research of this topic. The aim of the paper is to explain the influence of social capital on an individual’s educational achievements under Bourdieu’s and Coleman’s theoretical concepts, and to establish whether combining the approaches is possible. The conclusion and arguments show that it is legitimate to use all three theoretical approaches.
The Sources of Inequity in the Education System of Serbia and How to Combat Them
Authors: Pešikan Ana , Ivić Ivan
Published: November 2021

The concept of equal opportunity for all students is deeply embedded in the Serbian constitution and in education laws. On that level, there is no doubt that everyone is ensured an opportunity to receive quality education. Many measures in education policy have been created specifically to achieve this objective and make the system fair and inclusive. The ColemanReport was linked to a wave of optimism that certain educational measures would help in achieving these noble goals. This aim is a high priority in education in a democratic country, and due to its importance needs to be re-examined. Thus, the present research examines the equity of students in the Serbian education system, detecting areas on all educationallevels that could be (or already are) systemic sources of inequity (e.g., criteria for preschool institution enrolment, the system of student awards, rationalisation of the school network, the concept of entrance exams to secondary school or university, etc.). A number of measures have already been taken in the system specifically to deal with inequity (e.g., the Preschool Preparatory Programme, dropout measures, inclusion, scholarships, etc.). The effects of these measures in particular are analysed in the present work. In addition to an analysis of the systemic sources of inequity in the Serbian education system, the article also makes recommendations for their overcoming.
Developing Efficient Workflows for Contemporary Design Processes and Robotics
Authors:   , Smith Cameron
Published: November 2021

This Master’s thesis forms a section of a team based research project with the aim to understand how contemporary tools can inform a contemporary design workflow. This workflow is primarily focused on utilizing a robotic arm to incrementally form sheet aluminium into architectural components. Specifically, my role within this team is from the Project Management point of view trying to understand how Project Management can improve team focused contemporary design. The goal of the thesis is to establish a workflow outlining an efficient process for designing and fabricating prototype architectural systems.  Research Questions:  Team: How can contemporary tools inform a contemporary digital workflow?  Individual: How can Project Management improve the performance and efficiency of team focused contemporary design workflows?  The aims of the research are to first establish an understanding of the digital fabrication workflow and establish what management tools best fit within the workflow. This aligns with the team goal to create and establish how digital fabrication and robotics could be applied to New Zealand construction practice. The goal is not to suggest a replacement for current methods, but to understand and integrate a methodology using a parametric design process and, to aid the introduction of complexity in design not currently available through traditional construction and joinery methods. Understanding the function Project Management has for workflow management and development is a primary research goal which can be broken down into parts.  - How can activities be efficiently designed? - What procedures need to be implemented?  - What are the best process management techniques?  The knowledge gained through an iterative work study shows that project managers have a unique perspective within the development of digital fabrication workflows. A project manager integrated into this process is able to influence and define the key performance indicators of projects undertaken within this contemporary environment. The method used to establish and develop a workflow for digital fabrication processes, is a work study. This involves developing a workflow based on similar cases and then redevelop it based on performance indicators from literature. Identifying key areas of failure is a part of this process and is a common method within industry for improving organisation efficiency and productivity. A limiting factor of this research is the fact the team was learning the process overtime. Therefore, people are subject to unequal levels of understanding of what needs to be considered as part of workflow development gaining new perspective with hindsight. This is not, and cannot be accounted for, however is noted as part of lessons learnt during the reflection process of the work-study.