bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF THE INDUSTRY 4.0 CONCEPT IN SELECTED COUNTRIES IN THE PERIOD OF GLOBALIZATION
Authors: Kováčiková Martina , Štofková Katarína Repková
Published: November 2018

Our society goes beyond the threshold of a new technological revolution, which will obviously affect the world economy, affect the life, work, communication of people and facilities. Significant features of the economy include the growth of market variability, the shortening of product lifecycles, the growth of global chain influences, but also the fact that current consumers demand products with individual solutions. Intelligent items, products, machines and devices will allow manufacturers to produce original products without increasing costs. Industry 4.0 or the fourth industrial revolution is the name for dramatic changes and their current entry into the industry. The bearer of these changes is product digitization, digitization and optimization of all business processes, including services. The period of globalization brings new challenges for businesses.This contribution is focused on the characteristics of Industry 4.0, the tools used for the area in question, the advantages and disadvantages of Industry 4.0 and the Industry 4.0 initiative concept and the comparison of the concept with the Czech Republic and Germany. The Czech Republic is geographically and culturally close to Slovakia, while Germany is the leader in this area within the EU.
WORK RELATED VALUES AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT RELATIVE TO GENDER AND AGE
Authors: Leszczynska Agnieszka
Published: November 2018

This article discusses issues related to organizational commitment and work related values. The research problem focuses on the correlation between values related to professional work and the affective, normative and calculative commitment of employees. A research question was posed as to what work related values are correlated with organisational commitment. The article presents the results of an empirical study conducted on a group of 2076 people with the use of a diagnostic survey. The obtained data were analysed relative to the gender and age of the respondents. The results indicate certain discrepancies in terms of the value hierarchies observable between employees of different ages. Both men and women selected work-life balance and security as their most important values. The level of commitment was comparable between representatives of the two genders, with the levels observed for normative commitment. Organisational commitment increased with age and was statistically different for the respective age groups. The study confirmed the correlation between the hierarchy of work related values and the level of commitment, as well as the discrepancies in this respect between the respective age and gender groups. The same suggests that there is a need to account for values held by the employees when developing and employing motivational systems and HR practices.
THE CHALLENGES OF FORMALIZATION AND MODELING OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Authors: Linde Ivars , Petrova Mariana
Published: November 2018

This study is aimed at the analysis and development of methodologies to ensure and manage the quality of higher education. There have been radical changes and transformation of the postindustrial society into a global information society on the basis of knowledge and competence, and the increased external demands from society to the result of higher education have significantly influenced the development of higher education at the end of the 20th century. Accordingly, the roles, organizational forms and ways of functioning of higher education institutions (HEIs) have changed as one of the basic elements of the higher education system, ensuring the development of economic, social, cultural and global, national and regional communities as a whole. The current system of education is characterized by the virtual absence of institutions responsible for the results of their activities. Not sufficiently independent forms and mechanisms of participation of citizens, employers, professional associations on the development of educational policy have not been developed. There are no structures for an independent assessment of the quality of education.As a result of adaptation to the global information society, the classical model of the HEI was transformed, which manifested itself in the formation of a new type of HEI. The vector of transformation of the models of HEI were not only accompanied by diverse organizational change and revisions of the missions of universities, but also by the formation of strategic management as a factor in-system with the release of its organizational and functional entity. In the article, as a form of presentation of scientific methodologies of social processes and objects, a triad hierarchical model is proposed, represented in the form of a hierarchical system containing levels: system, structure, inter-system exchange, movement and applied fields of knowledge. Thus, the essence of the approach is to develop a triadic concept and its application to describe the structures of social objects and processes and construct different classes of models to study their properties and improve management processes, taking into account the human factor.In the future, the proposed methodology can provide the most appropriate solution to ensure a comprehensive and high-quality higher education.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FINANCIAL LITERACY SYSTEM IN RUSSIA
Authors: Litvinova Svetlana A.
Published: November 2018

The article touches upon the issues of financial literacy development in Russia. The author considers financial literacy as a set of procedures that build up the system of financial literacy institution development including financial inclusion, an increase in financial literacy and a strengthening of the protection of consumers’ rights in regard to financial services. The author presents research findings that indicate a poor financial literacy level in Russia. The key conclusion reflects the goal of the paper: the development of the financial literacy system depends on the demand for innovative financial services and the measures taken by the government to develop the financial literacy system.
DISCLOSURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION FOR THE EXAMPLE OF BULGARIAN THERMAL POWER PLANTS
Authors: Manolov Tsvetomir L.
Published: November 2018

Growing pressure on businesses to disclose environmental information also implies an increase in the volume of such disclosures. This article is an attempt to present the guidelines and to assess the levels of environmental information disclosure in Bulgaria.Companies, which were identified as the most responsible for air pollution, are thermal power plants. We have studied only these, which produce electricity. A checklist, containing 17 environmental performance assessment criteria, was developed and was completed based on the information, disclosed in the companies' annual financial statements, their activity reports and their websites. Based on a comparative analysis of the quantitative and qualitative information, disclosed by examined companies, we discovered that most companies disclose quantity environmental information, largely neglecting qualitive information. Taking into account the character of their activity, they should disclose more environmental information, especially qualitive information.
THE STUDY OF GROWTH FACTORS OF THE PROFIT ORIENTED BUSINESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Authors: Oparin Sergey , Chepachenko Nikolay , Yudenkо Marina , Kuzovleva Irina
Published: November 2018

This study concluded that the problems of economic growth are determined by a number of factors, the main of which are – economic, industrial, technological, institutional, non-economic. The article focuses on the analysis of institutional factors which regulate companies’ activities by reducing the impact of administrative barriers. This article identifies the role of economic efficiency and its influence on the economic growth of the construction industry businesses. This article offers a method of profit calculation by the reduction of transaction costs. This method is adapted to the construction sector, which features a number of independent and related fields, a large number of participants of the construction process and institutions that altogether lead to the occurrence of administrative barriers. The calculations that were done confirm that the reduction of transaction costs affects the efficiency of construction companies. The resulting extra profit, from reducing the transaction costs, is a source of economic growth for companies in the construction industry.
ENTREPRENEURIAL UNIVERSITY CONCEPT: CASE OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY, ALBANIA
Authors: Papa Bruna
Published: November 2018

Today, the role of universities has changed and universities are not being only seen as creators and transmitters of knowledge but also as institutions that give innovative answers to economic and social challenges of society. The entrepreneurial university model is referred to many as the “Ideal state” of a university in responding efficiently and effectively to challenges and opportunities and being able to be competitive in today’s environment of universities by fulfilling the university’s “third mission”. Even though many definitions exist for the concept of an entrepreneurial university, an overall common definition is lacking due to the fact that each institution follows a unique transformation path which is influenced by various economic and social factors of the environment they operate. The goal of this paper is to contribute to the understating of the above mentioned definition of an entrepreneurial university, how this concept is viewed in public higher education institutions in Albania and to identify which are the most important factors that might facilitate or serve as barriers for Higher Education Institutions (HEI-s) that might want to move towards this institutional approach. A questionnaire was distributed to academics in 5 higher public institutions in Albania and received 372 responses. An empirical study was conducted to contribute to the literature on the entrepreneurial university aspects with a specific focus on Albanian Higher Education Institutions. The results show that even in Albania, a common accepted definition is lacking. Factors such as cooperation with the private sector, appropriate reward systems, presence of role models and flexible structures are among the most important facilitators. While a lack of funding and inadequate links with the private sector are seen as the greatest barriers for public HEIs in Albania in becoming entrepreneurial institutions.
IMPROVING THE STAFF DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTIONS UNDER DIGITAL ECONOMY CONDITIONS
Authors: Popova Ekaterina A. , Medyakova Ekaterina M. , Martemyanova Zlataslava S.
Published: November 2018

The ongoing improvement of public structures and relationships increasingly based on modern digital technologies causing exponential growth of data flows puts a focus on digitalization issues. Digitalization as a world trend of modern development forms a new type of economy with relations over the production, processing, storage, transfer, and use of increasing amounts of data becoming dominant. In this regard, we identify an increasing interest in the development of personnel. More and more companies tend to create conditions for continuous training of their employees. At the same time, organizations that have been engaged in staff development for a significant period, increasingly focus on ways to improve the staff efficiency in the context of modernization, leading to the need for a thorough study of staff development tools in digital economy.
INCOME AND QUALITY OF LIFE INFLUENCE ON CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN LATVIA
Authors: Šavriņa Baiba , Seimuškāne Lilita
Published: November 2018

The aim of the paper is to analyse the factors influencing the citizen participation in activities of local governments in relation to quality of life in Latvia. The use of the CLEAR model, elaborated by a group of British researchers under guidance of Gerry Stoker, shows the possibilities of participation and engagement of citizens based on theoretical aspects. Latvia, as a member state of the EU, needs to develop and to involve more citizens in different social activities, since it has comparatively small experience in democratic processes due to its past of 50 years being a part of another country — the Soviet Union. The opportunities to participate in the European Parliament’s election and to promote the resolution of common issues or questions specific for the country can be one of the ways for expressing life priorities. Historical heritage is still influencing the priorities of population, such as changes in income level and possibilities to increase the quality of life, have a strong impact on the perception of citizens. By using the concept of a welfare state and a welfare economy, it is possible to explain the enlargement of areas of citizens’ interaction. Unbalanced regional development with a huge impact on the capital city in the national economy and in the number of inhabitants concentrated in Rīga that amounts to a third of the total population with important differences in income level and quality of life has profound influence on other regions and the interests of inhabitants to participate in local governmental activities. The factors, which affect this engagement, are analysed by using primary and secondary data. The main conclusions are: 1) there is more active citizens participating in the activities of local government than in the election of the European Parliament due to faster and more visible results in solving problems, 2) the global financial crisis strongly affected the participation level, the changes of economic conjuncture have an important impact on the participation of citizens 3) imbalance in regional development is reflected by the level of participation, since there is a higher level of participation in economically favourable regions.
ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY IN THE WATER SECTOR THROUGH PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN BULGARIA
Authors: Stoyanova Zornitsa , Harizanova-Bartos Hristina , Petkova Ivelina
Published: November 2018

Issues related to the water sector and the achievement of an integrated sustainable management of water resources are of interest to many researchers and practitioners. The need for effective solutions for water resources requires the use of project management to achieve sustainability in the sector. The aim of the paper is to assess the possibilities for achieving sustainability through project management in the water sector and on this basis to propose recommendations for sustainable and integrated water resources management.The paper presents a literature review of achieving sustainability in the water sector. The analytical part of the article includes an assessment of the respondents’ opinion for achieving sustainability in the water sector based on structured interviews. On this basis proposals for achieving sustainable and integrated water resource management through projects are made. The results in the paper are related to the determination of the factors for achieving sustainability in the water sector and the benefits from the water projects. On this basis are outlined opportunities for overcoming the constrains in front of the water projects. The paper presents part of the university scientific research project NID NI 1-7/2015 “Project management of sustainable development in water sector”.
SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND POLITICAL ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM: THE EXPERIENCE OF RUSSIA AND THE COUNTRIES OF THE BALTIC REGION
Authors: Zolochevskaya Elena , Shtepa Mariya , Babayan Armine
Published: November 2018

The growing macroeconomic and political tensions between Russia and the Baltic States since the latter entered into the European Union have emphasized an urgency in establishing reciprocal relationships, based on common ground and mutual interests, to relieve the consequences of sanctions and restrictive policies. The article is aimed at highlighting the distinctions in the public administration framework in Russia and Baltic countries. Thus, the political power from forming a system of public administration can leverage influence on the social and economic relations in conditions of legitimacy and participation of civil society arrangements. The article involves comparative evaluation of Russian and Baltic model of public administration as well as deep comparison of public-private partnership (PPP) and state procurement models in Russia and abroad. Authors highlighted pros and cons of both Russian and foreign frameworks, resulting in “cooperation-prosperity” course.
STATE ANTI-DRUG HEALTH POLICY IN RUSSIA (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE KHANTY-MANSIYSK AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION)
Authors: Chevtaeva Natalia , Kachanova Elena , Makhova Natalia
Published: November 2018

In recent decades, the illicit drug problem within Russia’s population has become more severe. The threat of drug addiction is not only socially unacceptable but, in general, is fast becoming a major public health problem in Russia. The study objective is to identify factors that determine the availability of support from the state anti-drug policy of Russia, as exemplified by the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous District, Yugra. Monitoring of the drug situation, carried out in Khanty-Mansiysk, Yugra in 2014 - 2016, provides the background data along with results of a sociological survey of 2000 residents, and input from an expert panel. Indicators of drug-related morbidity in Khanty-Mansiysk, Yugra, are compared with those for the Russian Federation as a whole. Parameters and criteria for providing access to health care for the population are established along with recommendations for the authorities on how to optimize drug treatment for the population. The monitoring not only provides data to identify the vulnerabilities but, with the accumulated positive experience from Russia, also assists those providing drug treatment to the population to focus efforts in alleviating this major social problem.
MILAN RASTISLAV ŠTEFÁNIK IN THEATRE PRODUCTIONS IN SLOVAKIA AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Inštitorisová Dagmar
Published: November 2018

This paper contains a review of plays featuring Milan Rastislav Stefanik as the main character. It involves accessible examples of Slovak and Czech plays, which portray Stefanik as having features of a dramatic character. The paper concentrates on both contemporary plays and those emerging soon after his death. The staging of contemporary plays is analyzed with a focus on dramatic texts and plays that are mainly ceremonial and educational. These were performed, predominantly, in school environments or during celebrations commemorating Stefanik’s tragic death. The paper begins with a short biography of Štefánik.
PREEMINENT SOUTH-DANUBIAN ROMANIANS: ANDREI ŞAGUNA AND EFTIMIE MURGU
Authors: Iulian Raluca Iulia
Published: November 2018

At the end of the First World War in 1918, after the break-up of the Habsburg Empire, several national states were constituted, reconstituted or completed. Among them, Romania realized the Great Union on December 1, 1918 by unification with Transylvania and Bessarabia. This was the realization of an ideal pursued for centuries by the Romanian people despite historical vicissitudes. The purpose of the paper is to highlight the special contributions of two personalities, South-Danubian Romanians that stand out in the social, religious, political and economic life in Transylvania and in the rest of the Habsburg Empire in the 19th century, thus creating the prerequisites for the Great Union. The method we used in our research was the direct analysis of  various materials  such as studies, basic documents, and historical texts concerning  the  South-Danubian Romanians. Andrei Şaguna, one of the greatest Romanian Orthodox  hierarchs, re-established the old Orthodox Metropolitan Church of Transylvania in Alba Iulia. He also activated in the political field especially during the revolutionary year 1848, promoting the rights of Romanians in the Habsburg Empire and strengthening their national identity. Andrei Şaguna also developed the Romanian education system. Eftimie Murgu, emblematic fighter for the rights and the liberties of Romanians in Transylvania, professor and lawyer, revived the flame of national consciousness in the Romanian historical provinces. He has a great contribution in the affirmation of the Latin origin of the Romanian people, and of its national identity. Andrei Şaguna and Eftimie Murgu had an decisive contribution to the preparation of the unification of the country, one as a priest and the other as a civilian.
EXPERIMENTAL METHOD OF JOULE’S EXPERIMENT IN PHYSICS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
Authors: Jindrová Terézia
Published: November 2018

Energy remains a problematic topic in the pedagogic sphere. One main issue in high-school teaching is the lack of practical examples. Such demonstrations are the most effective way of imparting knowledge. This article discusses a new modern version of the Joule’s experiment as a practical demonstration for Physics classes. It models the specific thermal capacity and the transformation of mechanical energy into heat energy. As such, it represents an approach for teaching thermodynamics. The goal of this research is to verify the functionality of the new apparatus and its optimization for use in practical experiments during high-school classes. One main acquisition is the application of the Joule’s experiment in teaching Physics within a lesson and to provide a methodical procedure on how to operate the experiment in a school. This practical example may help teachers incorporate other experiments and use inquiry-based science education in their teaching programs.
THE CLINICAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: THE ATTITUDE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT NURSES TOWARDS MENTORSHIP AT HOSPITALS IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Mažionienė Asta , Staniulienė Vida , Gerikienė Vitalija
Published: November 2018

The research sought to determine the attitude of student nurses towards their clinical placement: clinical learning environment, communication with supervisor – mentor, and their satisfaction with the recently completed clinical placement. The research was performed by 283 students of the first to third study year from two Northwest regional higher education institutions for nurses in Lithuania. The students have recently completed their clinical placement at regional hospitals. A quantitative descriptive correlational design was used. The research instrument used was the paper version of the CLES (Clinical Learning Environment and Supervision) questionnaire. The research results revealed that more than half of the students were satisfied with their recently completed clinical placement. Their satisfaction was related to the study year. The student nurses were the most positive about the possibility to approach the members of staff during clinical placement and the fact that there were sufficient meaningful learning cases and situations during clinical placement. Clinical placement of the student nurses was supervised and assessed by supervisors – registered nurses (N=133) and ward managers (N=135). The student nurses assessed their personal contribution in clinical placement as good and very good. Those, who specified the highest personal contribution in their clinical placement, assessed the clinical learning environment the best. The most satisfied students were supervised individually during their clinical placements.
BETWEEN MARKET AND MORALITY: THE CASE OF SURROGACY
Authors: Płotka Bartosz , Ghenu Cristina Iulia , Rezmer Kamila
Published: November 2018

In What Money Can’t Buy and Justice – What’s the Right Thing to Do Michael Sandel argued that nowadays we face the loss of our collective moral compass caused by the increasing role of markets in our lives. In his view, when market and moral values compete, some aspects of everyday life become corrupted. One of the author’s examples is the case of surrogacy, presented as a service which corrupts parenthood. In this article we follow Sandel’s argument and argue, step by step, that its logic cannot be fully applied to surrogacy and, there where it can, it is utterly wrong. That is because in fact Sandel’s argumentation is not strictly economic but personalistic, as we demonstrate in the article. Our conclusion is that Sandel’s personalistic approach to surrogacy cannot be generalized over all cases and cultures, and even where it is used, it is offending and discriminating against both women who want to be surrogates and the intended parents.
THE ATTITUDES OF STUDENTS IN BULGARIA AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC TOWARDS PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Authors: Ruseva Margarita , Kazashka Vesela
Published: November 2018

The paper is covering a survey aimed to find out what is the publicity and the interest of society in people with disabilities, what is the public attitude of students towards this stigmatized group of people, are there any already formed stereotypes and positive stigmas of the people with disabilities, how to achieve their overall integration into society, i.e. starting from the family, through university and finally at work.   We carried out surveys (questionnaires) among students from the Czech Republic and Republic of Bulgaria, as for this purpose we interviewed 100 students from both countries.This work reviews the concept of a relation between people with disabilities and the students, and the positive attitude of the latter for the purpose of integration into society. This survey uses several statistical methods. This fact increases its value and in great extent increases the possibilities of obtaining adequate and credible results. As a result of the survey, we determined the following: Direct contact with people with special educational needs is more influential both for people with disabilities and for the change of attitudes towards them. Overcoming the problem with the socialization and realization of the people with disabilities, both in public and personal aspect are a positive stigma which is a motivator and generator of new attitudes. Positive stigma, positive examples and direct contact are catalysts of the social processes related to people with disabilities and stimulate attitudes of the society and the individual.
SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF THE POPULATION OF THE BORDER RUSSIAN REGION IN TERMS OF HUMANITARIAN CHALLENGES (THE EXAMPLE OF THE ROSTOV REGION)
Authors: Serikov Anton Vladimirovich , Bedrik Andrey Vladimirovich , Panfilova Yulia Sergeevna
Published: November 2018

The issues related to the study of social well-being of the population are presented in terms of the humanitarian challenges experienced in Russian regions. The paper identifies the latent sources of social tension with the border regions classified as high-risk areas of special research interest. In this article, the authors identify and analyze the main components affecting the well-being of the population in the Rostov region, a border region of Russia, from a macrosocial perspective. The empirical basis for the work includes the materials of sociological research conducted by scientists of the Southern Federal University and the South Russian Branch of the Federal Research Sociological Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2013–2017. Based on the results of the empirical measurements, the authors propose that an increase in the population’s overall level of social well-being is vital in forming the long-term strategic goal of the public authorities for social stability in the Rostov border region. The study findings suggest that the main measures need to be aimed at finding ways to reduce the conflict potential of migration; increase the openness of the labor market and reduce the level of unemployment; and improve the security measures, taking into account the proximity to state border.
A LEGAL MECHANISM FOR REGULATING THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
Authors: Shatkovskaya Tatiana V. , Epifanova Tatiana V. , Vovchenko Natalia G. , Romanenko Nikolay G.
Published: November 2018

This article examines the societal affairs arising from the digital economy and how these influence the system of state regulation. The authors propose and justify a structural model of a legal mechanism to regulate the digital economy based on results of a critical analysis of Russian Federation and European Union experiences. The research indicates the need to include both centralized and decentralized elements in a mechanism for such regulation and to reconcile these elements by balancing the legislative potential of private entities and the conservative justice approaches of legislators.
NEGLECT OF SENIORS AS A FORM OF DOMESIC VIOLENCE
Authors: Tittlová Marcela
Published: November 2018

The neglect of seniors is new and more current problem in society nowadays.  Originally. Domestic violence in criminological sources was limited just on violence against women, later child victims was emerged. Quite late relating to documents adopted by European Union (Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Elder abuse’ in 2008) the problem of domestic violence has extended on seniors as another category of possible victims. The submitted report addresses the current and new phenomenon which requires consistent criminological behaviour as the basis for possible solutions in the legal order. Neglect of seniors, as new social phenomenon, requires rigorous examination in the light of the area of this term, as well as causes for which it occurs. The originators of this negative social phenomenon are considered to be not only children and grandchildren, but in some cases also subject (institutions) which are obliged to provide care for seniors on a contractual basis or ex lege.  The forms of neglect are based on general knowledge about domestic violence and are not beyond the framework of this phenomenon. Otherwise it is for the causes which are ground for violent behaviour of seniors because of necessity to be found in originators of violent forms of behaviour. Such causes include economic (financial, property) reason, as well as overworking, stress, lack of time on the side of the aggressors covering the lack of interest to care of the senior. The consequences of this violent behavior are very serious in the case of seniors because of the physical, psychological and financial possibilities of seniors often do not allow them to help and care any other way. The neglect of seniors is consistently showing very high latency. Only its versatile examination (criminological, legal and in terms of victims) can lead to effective control of this kind of crime. As a new social phenomenon, it is only very rarely determined in available sources, which is the reason why there is only a minimal amount of knowledge about the neglect of seniors. This negative phenomenon is needed to be thoroughly explored, which is the basis for its solution.
A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF STUDENTS’ DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR IN PRIMARY SCHOOL AND GYMNASIUM IN THE ROMANIAN EDUCATIONAL CONTEXT
Authors: Enachi-Vasluianu Luiza , Malureanu Flavia
Published: November 2018

School today lays emphasis on developing skills which should ensure for children solid integration into society. Discipline is one of the skills which must be underlain in school. An efficient approach of discipline teaches students to assume responsibility and self-discipline. However, there have always been children who, for various reasons, break the discipline rules. Practice in school has shown that the factors that contribute to disruptive behaviour are connected to continuous changes in the social environment, curriculum idiosyncrasies, individual differences, the teacher-student relationship,the teacher’s act in classroom, the relationships among children in classroom / school, antipathy towards school, the need for social recognition, social isolation, impulsive behaviour, affective transfer, aggression in classroom / school, anxiety, absence of academic success, boredom, etc.Our paper limits the research to a series of causes of students’ disruptive behaviour in primary school and gymnasium specific to the Romanian educational context. The data gathered provides information on the perspectives of teachers regarding the most relevant causes that affect discipline in classrooms. Their acknowledgement may be of help as it diminishes the time, the energy and the stress required to deal with inappropriate behaviour displayed by selecting efficient strategies to counterbalance it beforehand.
JOURNEY OF AFRICAN SWINE FEVER VIRUS IN EASTERN EU STATES
Authors: Baraitareanu Stelian , Cobzariu Dragos , Popp Mihaela , Campeanu Marius Valer , Danes Doina
Published: November 2018

INTRODUCTION: In 2007, African swine fever virus (ASFv) broken its well-known boundaries. This was the reference year for the first report of African swine fever (ASF) in Georgia. Subsequently, the virus reached pigs and boars in Armenia and Russia. From the Caucasus area, ASFv jumped in all directions, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, in relation to the density of backyard pigs and their trade. In the next ten years there have been notifications and registrations of ASFv outbreaks in Russia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Moldova and the Czech Republic. Romania faced the first ASFv outbreak at the end of July 2017, in backyard pigs." in stead "density of backyard pigs and their trade. In the next ten years there have been notifications and registrations of ASFv outbreaks in Russia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Moldova and the Czech Republic. Romania faced the first ASFv outbreak at the end of July 2017, in backyard pigs.OBJECTIVES: The aim of study is to analyse the ways ASFv spread from and into different regions recorded by Eastern European states.METHODS: The immediate notifications on ASFv to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) were analysed from the Eastern-European states between 2007 and 2017. The analysis took into consideration the first occurrence of the disease under scrutiny in the country and the follow-up reports, in relation with the geospatial distribution of the outbreaks.RESULTS: The main route of ASFv introduction into local pig populations indicated by the Member States of the European Union was the trans-boundary circulation of boars. However, the spread of ASFv through both, wild and domestic pigs and also by the human alimentary customs/traditions in the affected areas shouldn’t be ignored. Three cycles of ASFv transmission have been identified and described by the epidemiologists: the domestic cycle, the sylvatic cycle and the tick-pig cycle.CONCLUSION: None of the ways to disseminate the ASFv should be excluded, and the origin of the first outbreaks remains unknown or inconclusive in Eastern EU states.
MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDY ON 1-(3-(4-BENZYLPIPERAZIN-1-YL)PROPYL)-3,7-DIMETHYL-1H-PURINE-2,6(3H,7H)-DIONE AS AN ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE INHIBITOR
Authors: Hristova Maria , Atanasova Mariyana , Valkova Iva , Andonova Lilya , Doytchinova Irini , Zlatkov Alexander
Published: November 2018

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a good target in the design of new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The currently known drugs -donepezil, galantamine and rivastignime- act as moderate AChE inhibitors. In the present study, we docked a newly synthesized arylpiperazine derivative 1-(3-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)propyl)-3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione (LA1) into rhAChE and identified its binding mode. The docking pose of the studied LA1 molecule depends of the protonated state of the nitrogen atom of the piperazine moiety where in the best scored poses, the xanthine moiety of LA1 is bound into the catalytic active site (CAS) of AChE, while the arylpiperazine fragment is placed into the peripheral binding site (PAS). The Ellman’s test confirmed the compound binding. LA1 has good permeability through the GIT and BBB assessed by PAMPA. LA1 is a prospective lead for AChE inhibition.
VECTOR-BORNE PATHOGENS-TESTING IN A ROMANIAN CANINE BLOOD BANK
Authors: Ionescu Teodor-Stefan , Radulescu Sinziana , Florea Ruxandra , Baraitareanu Stelian , Danes Doina
Published: November 2018

INTRODUCTION: Canine blood banking in veterinary medicine is an expanding market. Once the demand for blood products increased all over the world, canine blood banks have focused attention on the risk of spreading diseases through blood transfused products. The need to preserve a healthy donor-pool, free of blood-borne infectious diseases, mainly in endemic areas, led to the implementation of appropriate protocols for screening canine blood donors using specific tests.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasmaplatys, Echrlichiacanis/Echrlichiaewingii, Dirofilariaimmitis and Borrelia burgdorferi using the enzyme immunoassay technology (EIA) among the donors of a Romanian canine blood bank, from January 2015 to December 2016.METHODS: Blood samples from 575 donors were collected and 1253 tests were performed with SNAP 4DX Plus® (IDEXX Laboratories, Fremont, CA) to reveal the presence of D. immitis antigens and the antibodies toward A. phagocytophilum and/or A. platys, E. canis and/or E. ewingii and B. burgdorferi.RESULTS: The results of this holistic approach show that all blood samples provided negative results for B. burgdorferi and E.canis/E. ewingii (0/1253), while 0.87% (11/1253) samples provided positive results for A. phagocytophilum/A. platys and 6.94% (87/1253) for D. immitis.CONCLUSION: The next studied topic would be to compare the results provided by the EIA technology with results of real time PCR and qPCR regarding these vector-borne pathogens.
DETERMINING THE STATUS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN WOMEN DURING PREGNANCY AND IN THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD
Authors: Türk Rukiye , Erkaya Reyhan
Published: November 2018

Problem Statement: The anxiety and depression experienced during pregnancy and in the postpartum period is of considerable importance in terms of the health of the mother and her infant.Purpose of the Study: The aim of this study was to determine the status of anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.Methods: The research sample consisted of 100 primiparae and 100 multiparae who had consented to participate in the study. Data was collected with a questionnaire, the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS).Findings and Results: It was found that during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, primiparae experienced a higher level of state and trait anxiety compared to multiparae and that the rate of depression was higher in multiparae compared to primiparae.Conclusions and Recommendations: It was determined that primiparae experienced more anxiety than multiparae (p<0.05) during pregnancy and in the postpartum period and that multiparae experienced depression at a higher rate. Therefore, our recommendation is that healthcare personnel provide women with a regular program of education and consulting services to meet their needs during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PROGRAMS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Zorlescu Ana Maria , Baraitareanu Stelian , Danes Doina
Published: November 2018

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the topical issues that is part of the “One Health” concept with implications for animal health, human health, and even environmental “health”. At the European Commission (EC) level, legislation has been issued for the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and these rules are applicable by each Member State (MS). For the proper implementation of the above legislation, audits are carried out in Member States that have developed programs on antimicrobial resistance that go beyond the EC's requests.OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was the analysis of existing data reports, legislation and recommendations on antimicrobial resistance through which surveillance and monitoring is carried out in the European Union (EU).  METHODS: The audit reports issued between 2015 and 2017 by the Food Veterinary Office (FVO), as well as the articles and studies issued by the EC through the antimicrobial resistance institutes were analysed.RESULTS: The FVO conducted audits to “evaluate the monitoring and reporting of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and commensal bacteria in certain food-producing animal populations and food” in 12 MS, and audits to “gather information on the prudent use of antimicrobials in animals” in 8 MS. These are countries that have very well implemented the EC's requests and included the “One Health” perspective in antimicrobial resistance programs. Some Member States have risk management strategies for reducing antimicrobial resistance for more than 20 years. They have carried out research projects on antimicrobial resistance. There is an action plan on antimicrobial resistance at the EC level, but their implementation and understanding up to the level of all actors involved in this issue varies from MS to MS. Antimicrobial resistance in the animal population is a topical issue, notoriety among the actors involved, as well as an interdisciplinary problem with indirect results. The same principle of antimicrobial resistance in animals is applicable to humans and the environment as such, this problem can be embedded in the concept of “One Health”. The overall objective of the MS is to generate knowledge and tools to “combat” antimicrobial resistance in animals, humans and even the environment.CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, in order to improve and optimize antimicrobial resistance programs, a “good practice guide” can be achieved by MS with extensive experience in this area, to be used by MS with a more precarious application and over time to harmonize antimicrobial resistance programs within the EU.
OPTIMIZATION OF DONNAN DIALYSIS FOR ALUM RECOVERY USING BOX BEHNKEN DESIGN
Authors: Asante-Sackey Dennis , Rathilal Sudesh , Tetteh Emmanuel Kweinor , Pillay Lingam
Published: November 2018

Most potable water treatment plants use aluminium salts as coagulants. This generates a lot of treatment residue which consist of a high amount of aluminium in the residue matrix. Recovery of the alum-coagulant from the potable water treatment for reuse provides direct process and economic advantages. Donnan Dialysis is an ion exchange process that has a proven advantage in coagulant recovery. The commercial application of this process requires bench scale optimization before implementation. In this study, a response surface methodology is applied to the Donnan system. Incorporated with the Box-Behnken experimental matrix, the main and interactional effects of input variables for optimum alum recovery was determined. The Nafion 117 cation exchange membrane was used. Using experimental results, the quadratic statistical module generated was significant with a low P-value (<0.001).  The statistical prediction from experimental results shows that high recoveries of 85-96% can be achieved.
PROPOSAL FOR A MODEL OF EFFECTIVE REACTION TO NATURAL DISASTERS IN THE TERRITORY OF SLOVAKIA
Authors: Brezina Daniel , Šimák Ladislav
Published: November 2018

The forecasting of natural disasters is more complicated than other crisis events. It requires the full use of special forces and means, which are intended to solve them. Crisis managers and many authorities or institutions are involved in the process of solving crisis events. They are exposed to psychical pressure because each phase or reaction must be made promptly and effectively. The authors focus on issues of risk and crisis management in the public sector in their research activities at the University of Žilina. The aim of this article is to propose a well-functioning and effective reaction to natural disasters in Slovakia. This model is proposed with schematic drawings illustrating the activities in each phase of reaction to a natural disaster. The model is based on international past experiences and various laws or ordinances of multiple ministries for the Slovak crisis management system. This article points to possibly optimizing the decision-making processes at all levels of crisis management, in particular to improve the local government level.
MULTIVARIATE CONTROL CHARTS BASED ON DATA DEPTH FOR SUBGROUP LOCATION AND SCALE - CASE STUDY
Authors: Czabak-Górska Izabela D.
Published: November 2018

The purpose of the article is to present a method for determining control charts, which allow to control few interrelated quality characteristics. Often, in production practice, there is a need to simultaneously control several interrelated quality characteristics. The use of univariate control charts, separately for each quality characteristics, may lead to inadequate corrective actions of a production process. In such situations, it is recommended to use multivariate control charts, for example, the T2 control chart. However, the use of this classic approach involves making complicated calculations. Therefore, the author of this paper suggests using multivariate control charts based on data depth proposed by Liu.  In this paper, the author presented the idea and principles of the multivariate control chart based on data depth and then, using it to assess the statistical stability of the process in a manufacturing company, engaged in the production of window fittings.
A MOBILE CROWDSOURCING SYSTEM FOR FOOTBALL MATCH LIVE VIDEO STREAMING
Authors: Iliev Georgi
Published: November 2018

Mobile crowdsourcing is a fast-growing emerging approach whereby large groups of mobile users are engaged in a collaborative work on performing a particular task or using its results. This paper presents a concept for the development of a mobile crowdsourcing system with extended capabilities for real-time broadcasting and receiving amateur football match video. It is designed to resolve the problem of possible delays and the overload of a system and to accelerate the process of big video data transmission. The proposed system is based on a service-oriented, three-layer cloud architecture and a specialized mobile video streaming application. The architecture includes a main server, infrastructure of scalable multi-parallel video processing engine and an auxiliary server for synchronizing real-time information, which significantly facilitates the handling of user requests with minimal cost and at a high speed. The concept is realized in the Footlikers platform as a basic client-server, WOWZA streaming engine, deployed on an Amazon EC2 cloud machine and a simple sync-server. The results of the program realization of the developed system prototype are presented, regarding football game video steaming intended for amateur football competitions based and organized in France, Belgium and Luxembourg.