bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MEASURING DIGITAL DIVIDE IN KING ABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY
Authors: Alsaleh Iqbal S. , Rashad Shaymaa M.
Published: August 2021

Due to the undesirable effects of the gap between citizens to access and use information and communication technologies (ICT), most researchers have been paying much attention to the threat of a digital divide. Unfortunately an amazingly large number of people do not have the abilities to use the ICTs in a proper way and, therefore, cannot draw advantages from its usage. As a result, digital divide is commonly regarded as a potential barrier for participation in the information society. This study measure the digital divide in Saudi Arabia by analyzing the results of a small-scale study conducted at the University KAU, regarding students’ and university members’ perceptions toward the usage of ICT. This analysis measure the digital divide concerning some factors like gender, educational level using a questionnaire. The analysis shows that KAU has no digital divide. Key words: digital divide, information and communications technology, ICT, diffusion of technology, second order effects.
ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP THAT EXISTS BETWEEN ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE, MOTIVATION AND PERFORMANCE
Authors: Sokro Evans
Published: August 2021

This research aimed at investigating the relationship that exists between organizational culture, employee motivation and performance. The domains of organizational culture (organizational values, individual beliefs, working environment, and employee relationships) and employee motivation and performance were investigated. In order to find the culture and motivation link, mixed method approach for data collection and analysis has been used. By using Pearson’s and Spearman’s Correlation methods, a positive correlation has been found between the two variables. The study revealed that organizational culture has a direct impact on employee motivation and indirectly on organizational performance as well. The better the organizational culture, the higher the motivational level of employees. It was observed that if organizations develop a strong culture of rewarding and acknowledging employees’ effort, it leads to increase motivation and their performance would be significantly enhanced. Key words: employee, motivation, organisational culture, performance.
DECLARATION OF CORPORATE VALUES BY MANAGERS AS A TOOL FOR ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Vaňová Jaromíra , Gyurák Babeľová Zdenka
Published: August 2021

Care of corporate culture formation is a prerequisite for corporate values promotion. Cultural norms and system of values provide an orientation to company members during managing and reviewing their behaviour and decision-making with regard to business objectives. If managers will accept corporate culture and values, and exemplary declare adopted values, it will influence satisfaction and performance of employees and also company performance. The contribution is a part of research project VEGA 1/0787/12 “The identification of sustainable performance key parameters in industrial enterprises within multicultural environment”. It is based on research realized in conditions of business practice in Slovakia. Article focuses on how are set, reviewed and promoted corporate goals and values in companies in Slovakia. There are presented introductory information related to company and employees’ performance and their relation to the corporate culture. The research was focused on reviewing how managers, through they acting in compliance with company mission and vision influence attitudes of employees. The contribution discusses the effect, which company can have from such a declaration of corporate values by managers in company. Therefore, in the article are presented, not only outcomes of this research, but also experience and recommendations of authors.
Key words: corporate culture, employees, performance, satisfaction.
ECONOMIC AND LEGAL ASPECTS INFLUENCING THE FINANCIAL MARKET IN SLOVAKIA
Authors: Zatrochová Monika , Stejskal Rudolf
Published: August 2021

As worded in the title, the contribution submitted deals with the currently important field of the financial market, which has influence on the development in EU and also in the whole world. This market follows the respective principles and aspects which have an effect on it alongside with economic and legal questions being valid only for the particular country or for all parties concerned. The theoretical knowledge and experience acquired in this field are confirmed in the contribution with results and conclusions drawn from concrete cases in the financial market in Slovakia and viewed from the aspect of the present economic period. The contribution brings conclusions and, at the same time, points out to principles which should be respected from the viewpoint of economic and legal rules during dealings and, in general, during all actions developed in the financial market.
Key words: bank sector, credit risk, economic factors, financial market, labour market, legal aspects.
DISPARITY IN THE EMPLOYMENT SPHERE: THE MEASUREMENT OF PAY GENDER DISPROPORTION
Authors: Arnania-Kepuladze Tamila
Published: August 2021

The labour price or the compensation for work as a fundamental basis of any working activity influences the labour market actors’ behaviour. The level and structure of pay along with labour costs are significant macro-economic indicators, which are widely used by different political, social and economic institutions to assess situation on the labour market and define labour market macroeconomic policy. A managerial theory and managerial practices considers the compensation for work as significant factor of job motivation.
Today, when women play vital role in employment sphere the gender gap in the work reward still exists. The article considers the direct correlation between the gender pay disproportion and gender-gap-reasons-based disparity in the employment sphere. For the calculation and analysis of the pay gender disproportion the author introduces two indexes: the Index of Pay Gender Differentiation (PGD) and the Index of Pay Gender Gap (PGG).
The Index of Pay Gender Differentiation (PGD) expresses not only the existing relation between men’s and women’s pay but defines the dynamics for their closing on. The using of the Pgd promotes to define the direction for attain of gender equality on the employment sphere and a priori assumes to overcome the source of gender inequality in the labour market.
The Index of Pay Gender Gap (PGG) shows pay deviation from ideal gender pay equilibration.
Key words: gender, labour market, labour price, pay disproportion, index of Pay Gender Differentiation (PGD), Index of Pay Gender Gap (PGG).
SCENARIO WORKSHOPS FOR STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT WITH LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
Authors: Grienitz Volker , Schmidt André-Marcel
Published: August 2021

Doing the right things in a given situation at the right time is the underlying formula for the achievements of every business. It is hereby not only the evolutionary success story of humankind but also the outcome of our cognitive capabilities to think ahead possible future situations. Within strategic management, companies similarly have to think ahead future situations in due time, to ensure the necessary scope for ideas and innovations and generate promising options for action. In this context scenario technique is an appropriate method for future foresight, often realized within a workshop. Lego® Serious Play®, however, is a good tool for enabling and enhancing communication within a workshop framework. The paper presented shows a synopsis of the findings derived from the application of Lego® Serious Play® within a scenario workshop that lead to reliable future options for action.
Key words: scenario technique, scenario workshop, Lego® Serious Play®.
PLANNING AS THE BASIC FUNCTION OF TOURISM AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT IN POLAND
Authors: Kapera Izabela
Published: August 2021

The subject of this article research are issues concerning the management of tourism in Poland, with particular emphasis on planning. The main purpose was to analyze the issues related to the planning of tourism and recreation in Poland and in this context to show the importance of planning for the proper development of tourism. The research procedure which was applied was mainly the analysis of source materials. With regards to tourism there can be distinguished plans from the sphere of socio-economic (created at the central, regional and local level and for businesses operating in the field of tourism), and spatial plans (implemented in the whole country, provinces and municipalities and separately selected for particular areas). Creation of ones and the others is justified. In connection with the fact that tourism plays an important role in the economy of many countries, appropriate management of its development becomes important, and the planning which underlies management often helps to avoid in this regard, the method of trial and errors. It should be stressed that tourism is also a field that uses widely the space, but this space is affected mostly negative by it. Planning, which is the basis for setting targets and ways of their implementation, provides, among others, the possibility to reduce the negative consequences associated with its development.
Key words: management, planning, Poland, tourism and recreation.
THE IMPACT OF CONTROL PROCESSES ON MANAGERIAL DECISION MAKING
Authors: Kráčmar Jan , Uhliar Miroslav
Published: August 2021

Control and managerial decision function activities have an important share in the managerial work. The paper The Impact of Control Processes on Managerial Decision Making describes the share of managerial control and decision function on the total managerial work. It also evaluates the influence of control activities on the decision making functions of different -level managers in questioned companies doing business in Slovak Republic. The results were obtained thanks to the surveying method. 392 participants took part in the research, which was made in two phases (in 2008 and 2010). The findings show the importance of managerial functions of control and decision making. They identify over 21% of control function- and almost 30% of decision making function share on total managerial work. There were discovered, many positive effects of control function on managerial decision making, while only few and insignificant negatives were identified.
Key words: manager, control function, managerial decision making, evaluation, manager job content.
TYPOLOGY AND TRENDOLOGY OF ORGANIZATIONAL CONSUMER MARKETS IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Authors: Lehutová Katarína , Cisko Štefan
Published: August 2021

The individuals and companies purchasing goods and services for some other than personal consumption, e.g. for the family member, family usage or as a present for another person, are called organizational consumers. They operate on the organizational consumer market. These markets usually have fewer buyers but purchase is done in much greater amounts than typical consumer markets and to distinguish them from typical consumer markets they are also geographically concentrated. There are four main components of this market: industrial, reseller, government and foreign market. For the purpose of this paper, the organizational customer is understood the organization which sells products for another customers.
In general, every consumer tries to apply their rights, fight for them. The interest of traders is usually hidden somewhere in the background. The main aim of this paper is to summarize how important the organizations are, highlight the role they play in the society, their development in time, the authenticity, which distinguished it from the individual consumer and to describe their importance and impact on the social life and economics in the Slovak Republic. Research conducted in European countries showed that the recession had a significant impact on all types of consumers. The paper analyses the results of those researches and finally depicts if the situation is the same in the Slovak Republic using the statistic data analysis, description and comparison.
Key words: organizational consumers, consumer typology, consumer behavior, retailers.
POST-MERGER INTEGRATION ISSUES: THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY APPOINTMENT OF NEW MANAGERS FOR SUCCESSFUL PMI
Authors: Lundqvist Siw
Published: August 2021

Managers in the 21th century need to understand how to best show leadership in a merger – not least because of the many unsuccessful post-merger integrations that have been reported in many case-studies. The human factor is fundamental to preventing post-merger failure. A longitudinal case-study, that follows a merger in the public sector, aims at verifying the recommendations in the literature on how to prevent and counter resistance to change. The administrators, whose opinions were investigated, were enthusiastically looking forward to the merger, even though they expected changes to both their information systems they use for daily work and their routines. They looked forward to the merger even as they lacked individual information about their work situation after the merger. After the merger their attitudes changed as a new more authoritative leadership style emerged that was not appreciated. The new top managers were externally recruited and became part of the merger process at a very late stage when they could not build trust with the organization anymore. Our findings confirm prior research findings about the importance of management involvement throughout a merger. Hence new managers should be appointed early in the process so they can take active part in decision-making and trust-building. The longitudinal case-study aims at adding to the knowledge base that can facilitate post-merger implementations. . Key words: Merger and Post-Merger Integration (PMI) in public sector, the time of appointment of management for the new organization could influence the PMI.
METHODOLOGY FOR DESIGNING AN EDUCATIONAL SUBSYSTEM AS A POLL FROM THE HOUSE OF QUALITY IN MACEDONIAN COMPANIES
Authors: Mitreva Elizabeta
Published: August 2021

The education of the employees in each instance of a company comes along with a purpose to gain competence and experience in order to realize every business process according to the demands of the products/services, the legal obligation as well as the criteria of competitiveness. Furthermore, it is directly conjoined with the very act of foundation setting of the employees’ requests with a unique intention - to achieve quality, stressing the vital need to affiliate everyone in their own field.
This analysis presents the research inputs which are being given in order to get a clear picture whether the Macedonian companies are eager to learn and stimulate both the individual and the collective learning in order to improve the results in general.
According to the given results in the research, it is stated that the Macedonian companies do not pay much attention to quality. They are insufficiently concerned with the continuous education, which is evident in the small investments they make in regard to the innovations. Hence, the quality system has been built in a very small number of companies.
The following model presented in this elaborate has been suggested for a more successful designing and implementation of the educational system as a subsystem of the house of quality. This methodology is integral and has a universal notion which is applicable to all types of companies and institutions as well. Without a conducted training about TQM (Total Quality Management) philosophy and a continued education provided firstly for the managers and further on for all of the employees, the TQM strategy could not be implemented in a satisfactory manner. Also, the benefits that come along with the quality system could not be visible as a result.
Key words: educational subsystem, leadership, methodology, quality system, TQM strategy.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AS A KEY FACTOR IN BUILDING AND MAINTAINING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES OF COMPANIES
Authors: Rahimić Zijada , Uštović Kenan
Published: August 2021

For building and preservation of long-term competitive advantages, it is not enough that companies are just better and faster than their competitors. Competitor orientation strategy, without aim for customers’ satisfaction may lead company to "Cul-de-sac". This situation is an indicator that management decisions depend exclusively on the moves of competitors. In doing so, companies forget the real reason for their existence, customers satisfaction. Knowledge about customer needs and desires, identified in process of building sales network focused on the customer, can help top management of the company to apply it through value creation building. The main goal of this research is to explore companies’ awareness level about the customer satisfaction as a key element in process of building competitive advantages based on sales policy differentiation. Research was conducted through individual interview survey based of pre-prepared questionnaire and includes companies engaged in B2B sales, not sales to end customers. Research results should demonstrate a difference in perception of customer satisfaction in international companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the one, and domestic companies, on the other hand. Analyzing the results of research we make a conclusion about possibilities that companies build a Customer-Orientation Sales (COS) Model. Key words: sales network, sales team, Customer-Oriented Sales (COS) Model, customer satisfaction, competitiveness, differentiation, B2B sales.
PSYCHOGENITY OF THE HUMANIZED ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Boltivets Sergiy
Published: August 2021

The future of psychological science as we see it depends on our ability to understand the phenomenon of psychogenity of man and of the groups of people in their significance to himself and to every other human being. Psychogenity as we define it, is an ability of the humanized environment to create, reflect, transform, save and expose the constellation of psychic manifestations of the own natural essence of every man as a psychological unity. We consider the humanized environment in the sense broader than that of the social environment as we keep in mind not only the mutual influence of people, but also the fact that human life is mediated by the human environment. The latter is one of the most important components equilibrating human psychogenity, the world exists for man only in its humanized sense.
NO WORDS FOR EMOTIONS: EMOTIONAL CREATIVITY AND ALEXITHYMIA IN ART
Authors: Abuladze Nino , Martskvishvili Khatuna
Published: August 2021

The present research investigates emotional characteristics of professional culture – artists, examining the difference between art and non-art faculty students in emotional creativity and exploring the relationship between emotional creativity and alexithymia. Emotional creativity refers to the person’s ability to express and experience authentic, original and appropriate combinations of emotions. Art and non-art faculty students from different universities (34 female and 46 males; M of age=20.41, SD=1.64) were administered with the Emotional Creativity Inventory (ECI) along with the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) The result showed that art faculty students have higher scores on emotional creativity than students from other faculties. Emotional creativity aspects are negatively related with the alexithymia. In the interpretation of results, emotional creativity is represented as one of the psychological constructs which is an important characteristic for the individuals working in the field of art. There’s an illustration how differently artistic individuals understand and experience emotions. The results have practical implication for social and emotional learning perspective. According to following research not only cognitive but emotional creativity is an important disposition for creative work. This emotional aspect should be identified at school age to contribute the development of individuals’ artistic skills.
Key words: artistic skills, alexithymia, emotional creativity.
THE EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE ON KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT: EMOTION AND REASON FROM ARISTOTELE TO DAMASIO
Authors: Annarumma Maria , Vitale Luigi , Campiglia Olga
Published: August 2021

The analysis of the reason-emotion dynamics intersects several disciplinary fields, such as psychology, medicine, informatics, linguistics, neuroscience, with a specific relevance for Education Sciences, as it offers interesting perspectives over its influence on the learning process. Such issues are rooted in philosophical reflections by Plato, Aristotle and later by Descartes, Vico and Kant. These dualistic perspectives will be definitively abandoned in favour of a globalist vision of the mind-body relationship, during the first half of the XX century, particularly thanks to Dewey (1933) who, inspired by Darwin’s theories, was the first to support this unity by recognizing an intersection among physical, mental and environmental processes. Over the last decades, an imperatively anti-dualistic analysis has been developing in the field of neurosciences and cognitive linguistics: on the one hand, cognitivism, considering the mind in its function of symbolic manipulation; on the other hand, connectionism, studying neural networks. Furthermore, recent scientific research has allowed mapping in a detailed - albeit admittedly incomplete manner - the complex activity of the brain and highlighting analogies between elementary connections and complex interactions. The systemic perspective is hence considering “mind and body”, “reason and emotion” as two interconnected and essential aspects of human complexity. In this regard, Damasio’s research shows how participation of the organism to conscious experience returns to the consciousness itself those biological requirements which are essential to legitimate it as an object of scientific study. Knowledge is generated by socio-experiential relationships that play a crucial role within knowledge representation. The mind takes therefore an active role in shaping the representation of the world: understanding does not just consist in a mere reproduction of the external world in our mind; instead, it is a continuous process of creative reconstruction of our perceptive dynamics. Emotion, creativity and rationality are essential elements of the human being, which activate and develop due to personal inclination as well as socio-cultural aspects. Both genetic and social components are decisive in cognitive dynamics, as they represent innate potentials that need to be recognized, understood and exploited. Key words: emotion and reason, knowledge, learning, neuroscientific perspective.
SOCIAL AND MENTAL REHABILITATION OF THE PATIENTS WITH THE OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER AND HYPOHONDRIASIS
Authors: Chelyadyn Yuliya , Gonchar Timur , Uralova Lyudmila
Published: August 2021

Nowadays the problems of obsessive-compulsive disorders and hypochondriasis have become quite urgent. The disorders are often encountered both in mental institutions and in general medicine clinics. They are resistant to treatment and there is always a menace of them transforming into a chronic mental illness. So, it’s important to deal with the issue of the psychiatric rehabilitation (reintegration into the social environment) of those suffering from said disorders. To achieve good results psycho-social treatment and rehabilitation measures should be taken beginning from the earliest mental treatment stages. However, there are still many unclear and misunderstood points both in design and application of the rehabilitation program. In this study during the years 2012-2016 based on the previous work we have developed the programs for the group of 80 patients with said disorders. The results of the evaluation of the patient’s basic functioning after application of the programs are presented in the paper.
Key words: coping resource, coping strategy, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hypochondriasis, rehabilitation.
THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL STUDY OF THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH BY MICHAEL J. FURLONG APPLIED TO THE SELECTION OF TEENAGERS AND YOUTH
Authors: Timofejeva Tatjana , Svence Guna , Petrulytė Ala
Published: August 2021

Based on the analysis of scientific research, it has been concluded that methodology "Social Emotional Health Survey - Secondary" (SEHS-S) with meta-construct of Covitality is a universal tool in order to define the social and emotional health of teenagers and young people; it has also been found that the meta-construct of Covitality is essentially related to other psychological constructs, such as emotional intelligence, vitality, social competence and mental health. In the research that was conducted in Riga Teacher Training and Educational Management Academy (Timofejeva, 2015), the method of M.J. Furlong has been adapted to the Russian language, Latvian language interpretation of the notion of Coviality has been proposed offering terms “Sociāli emocionālās veselības faktors” or SEV (Social and Emotional Health factor) or “sinerģiskā vitalitāte” (“Synergic vitality”). Furthermore, theoretically constructive model of author has been created. Within this model, a new correlation has been hypothetically predicted between meta-construct of Covitality (SEV-factor) and other scientifically acknowledged psycho-social constructs and notions: psycho-social prerequisites of the SEV-factor and psychological options that depend on the level of the SEV-factor.
During the research, a selection of several teenagers and young people - students of comprehensive schools of Riga - with Russian as their native language was made (n=184). It was found that the applied methodology is valid for the selection of Russian-speaking teenagers/youth of Latvia and that it can be recommended to the psychologists of schools as a new psychometric tool for their professionally practical duties.
The data obtained within the research is planned to be used for comparisons with a similar research conducted in Lithuania (Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences), led by prof. A. Petrulytė.
Key words: social and emotional health, age phase of teenagers/youth, emotional intelligence, synergic vitality, social competence.
A 2-YEAR PRELIMINARY LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING IN HASHIMOTO’S THYROIDITIS UNDER LEVOTHYROXINE TREATMENT: ONLY TRAIL MAKING TEST IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Authors: Giannouli Vaitsa , Syrmos Nikolaos
Published: August 2021

Few studies have examined longitudinally depression, stress and cognition in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT) under levothyroxine (LT4) treatment. Although HT is claimed to cause several mood changes and cognitive deficits in patients who are left untreated, we still know little about the longitudinal profile of these patients when they are under stable treatment. Sixteen middle-aged euthyroid HT women and sixteen healthy control women were examined with a detailed neuropsychological battery covering different cognitive functions (attention, visual and verbal memory, executive functions and mood), and with thyroid functions tests at three time points at one and two years post-baseline. Depression and perceived stress, along with verbal and visual memory were found to be stable at a two-year retesting in euthyroid HT women. Only TMT-Parts A and B deteriorated at one and two years in euthyroid HT. Although impaired performance in attention and executive deficits are linked with heighted levels of depression and stress, here they were not accompanied by changes in mood. The present study failed to detect any noticeable changes longitudinally in the cognitive and emotional function in euthyroid HT women under stable and continuous LT4 treatment. Patients’ restricted deficits may indicate that the decline in attention and executive functioning performance might be related to the effects of a specific progressive degenerative process associated with the disorder, rather than the effects of aging.
Keywords: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, depression, stress, longitudinal neuropsychological assessment, LT4 treatment.
BODY IMAGE AND MENTAL REPRESENTATION IN TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS WHO DO VERSUS DO NOT USE A PROSTHESIS
Authors: Jeraj Damian , Musculus Lisa , Lobinger Babett H.
Published: August 2021

The prosthesis that athletes use should take over the function of the missing limb. Playing table tennis without constraints is one exemplary goal. The question arose whether table tennis players who used a prosthesis and players who did not show similar body image values and mental representation of movements. Five matched pairs of active table tennis players (n = 10) completed a body image questionnaire. Additionally, the mental representation of a forehand table tennis serve was assessed. Results revealed no significant differences between the two groups of athletes on mental representations. Furthermore, the integration of the prosthesis into the body image was considered satisfying by four out of the five athletes with prosthesis, the use of a prosthesis did not appear to affect athletes’ body image. Based on the research results it can be recommended that in technical and mental training sessions, one methodological approach be used for all athletes, regardless of whether they use a prosthesis. Finally, it is suggested to foster the integration of athletes who use a prosthesis into the established leagues in which athletes compete who do not use prosthesis.
Key words: functional body image, mental structure, SDA-M, athletes with disabilities.
EMOTIONAL CREATIVITY INVENTORY: FACTOR STRUCTURE, RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY IN A GEORGIAN-SPEAKING POPULATION
Authors: Martsksvishvili Khatuna , Abuladze Nino , Sordia Natia , Neubauer Aljoscha
Published: August 2021

The concept of emotional creativity is based on a social constructivist theory of emotion and refers to an individual’s ability to experience and express novel, sincere, and effective mixtures of emotions. The present research examines the psychometric properties of the Georgian version of Emotional Creativity Inventory (G-ECI; Averill, 1999). 834 individuals across five studies completed the G-ECI. Results from exploratory factor analysis indicate that the factor structure of the original ECI broadly replicates in the Georgian translation. The Cronbach’s alpha reliabilities of the G-ECI scales are mostly acceptable. There are significant gender differences. Examining the construct validity of G-ECI with other constructs (namely, with emotional intelligence, creativity and flow) showed the expected relationships. In conclusion, the Georgian version of the emotional creativity inventory seems well suited for future research purposes. Keywords: emotional creativity, emotional intelligence, creative abilities, dispositional flow.
INTRASEXUAL COMPETITION AMONG HUMANS: PROSOCIAL TOWARDS THE OPPOSITE SEX AND PROSELF TOWARDS THE SAME SEX?
Authors: Pajestka Grzegorz
Published: August 2021

In a research conducted on a sample of participants from three countries (N = 256): Poland, Ukraine and Denmark, a hypothesis of the moderating impact of other person sex on the level of social value orientation of men and women was tested. The study applied the now rarely used method of measuring social value orientation: the Warsaw Method, which was expected to reveal more subtle differences between men and women than those observed in the studies using the most popular social value orientation measurement tools, such as decomposed games. The direction of the observed relationship proved to be compatible with the predictions resulting from the phenomenon of intrasexual competition for a partner, however only in the case of men. Men were more prosocial in interaction with women than with other men, and more pro-self- interacting with men rather than women. Similar relationships assumed in the case of women were only partially confirmed: women were more pro-self in interaction with same-sex partners compared to interactions with opposite sex partners (however, the relationship was statistically significant only within the individualistic value orientation), but at the same time they were prosocial (but only within the cooperative value orientation). Keywords: intrasexual competition, social value orientation, sex differences.
IMPROVING POSITIVE AFFECT BASED ON SELF-COMPASSION THROUGH LIFE GOALS EXPRESSIVE WRITING: BASIS FOR AN EGO IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT AMONG STUDENTS
Authors: Relojo Dennis , dela Rosa Rona
Published: August 2021

The act of written emotional disclosure has been widely studied for the past several decades. Yet, in spite of this, there are limited studies which examine the interplay of expressive writing, self-compassion and positive affect, along with its potential to augment ego identity among students. Using repeated measures experimental design, the present research explored the efficacy of expressive writing in improving levels of positive affect among university students ageing 18-25 (M = 19.23; SD = 1.21). Participants were tested in groups and wrote either about life goals (n = 46), positive experiences (n = 49) or a control topic (n = 46). Two separate three-way ANOVA were carried out to investigate whether writing about life goals has an impact on the students’ positive affect. It further examined how students could benefit according to their self-compassion levels. Regardless of the form of expressive writing, students did not significantly differ on the levels of positive affect. The results of this study are aimed at designing intervention for students to help them develop their ego identity. Future studies employing randomised, controlled designs are warranted.
Keywords: expressive writing, positive affect, self-compassion.
STUDENTS’ SELF-ASSESSMENT OF ONE’S ABILITIES FOR THEIR LIFE GOALS ACHIEVEMENT
Authors: Stoyanova Stanislava , Roumbou Stavroula , Douvlos Christos , Hadzhieva Tsvetelina , Strychnou Stavroula-Vera , Arnautovska Dimana , Ivantchev Nikolay
Published: August 2021

Goal achievement is considered to be related to need satisfaction, motivation, and self-esteem. The self-assessed abilities for goal achievement were operationalized as positive self-talk, perceived self-efficacy, the performance level of doing a task, the aspiration level, the in/congruence between performance and prognosis, and frustration tolerance to pursue one’s goals in spite of some obstacles. In total, 392 students whose mean age was 21 years old were investigated, divided in sub-samples, with the positive self-talk scale from the ASTQS questionnaire, the self-efficacy scale by Schwarzer & Jerusalem, and the AHA computerized test method from Vienna test system. Students’ self-assessment of one’s abilities for goal achievement revealed the most frequent high levels of perceived self-efficacy and good performance in coding tasks. The other self-assessed abilities for goal achievement were expressed more often at a medium level. The gender differences in the performance level of doing a task were compared to some previous results that indicated a variety of trends, because of the age peculiarities and the types of the tasks that were executed. The advance in age was related to more frequent use of positive self-talk and lower aspiration level, besides to lower performance level. The proposed model of the abilities for goal achievement was successfully approbated in this study revealing the strengths in the students’ self-assessment of one’s abilities for goal achievement and some weaknesses that should be the focus of further interventions in order to increase the students’ frustration tolerance ability and the use of positive self-talk.
Keywords: aspiration level, frustration tolerance, life goal, perceived self-efficacy, positive self-talk.
Morphometric Characters and Sex Ratio of the Freshwater Garfish, Xenentodon Cancila Collected From Different Waters of Jashore, South-Western Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MS , Laboni P
Published: August 2021

The freshwater garfish, Xenentodon cancila is one of the important food fish in Bangladesh. The size class distribution, length-weight relationships, and sex ratio of X. cancila are described in the present study. A total of 138 specimens were collected randomly for a year from the local fish markets and/or direct from fishermen who fish primarily in nearby waters (Beel, Canal and Baor) of Jashore, southwestern Bangladesh. Most individuals were collected in the rainy season and their mean size was larger compare to the other two seasons (summer and winter). The maximum size recorded 254.1 mm total length (TL) and 38.05 g body weight (BW). The mean TL and BW were 166.35±38.17 mm and 11.16±7.47g, respectively. Most of the individuals belonged to the size class of 141-180 mm. The length-weight relationship (LWR) was strongly correlated as the regression value was 0.876 and the relationships were linear in both sexes. The allometric coefficient ‘b’ of the LWR indicated nearly positive allometric growth and the value was 2.98. The male fishes were dominant over females and the ratio was 1: 0.77. These research outcomes would be useful for the researcher to better understand the biological aspects of freshwater garfish in the nearby waters of Jashore area in south-western Bangladesh.
J. Bio-Sci. 29(1): 23-31, 2021 (June)
Investigation of Lesions In Goat Brain Collected From Abattoirs in Rajshahi Metropolitan Area
Authors: Akta A , Khatun R , Khatun MN , Parvin R , Khatun N , Rauf SMA , Golbar HM
Published: August 2021

Brain lesions are important cause of morbidity and reduced productivity in goats worldwide. Works on brain lesion in goats are extremely rare in Bangladesh and remain to be investigated. We investigated lesions in goat brains collected from abattoirs in Rajshahi Metropolitan area by gross and microscopic examination. Randomly selected 57 goat brains were investigated of which 24.56% brains showed gross and histopathologic lesions. Prevalence of brain lesions were higher in Jamnapari goats (29.41%) compared to in Black Bengal goats (22.50%) and female goats (26.47%) were more affected than male goats (21.74%). Age-wise prevalence were 31.25%, 21.43%, 12.50%, and 40.00% in the age of up to 2 years, 2-3 years, 3-4 years, and above 4 years old goats, respectively. Goats were more affected in the rainy (35.29%) season in contrast to in the winter (23.53%) and in the summer (10.52%) seasons. The brains collected from goats with Gid disease showed uni or multilocular cysts containing clear fluid and multiple scolices, the rest of the brains were apparently healthy by macroscopic examination. Histopathologically, pyogranuloma, perivascular cuffing, gliosis, neuronal degeneration, hemorrhages, congestion and thrombus were evident.
J. Bio-Sci. 29(1): 49-58, 2021 (June)
Pattern of Coronary Heart Disease Among the Admitted Patients In Cardiology Department and Itsrelation to Their Socio-Demographic Characteristics
Authors: Awal A , Sazzad J , Banu N , Haque J , Kamruzzaman M
Published: August 2021

Coronary heart disease is a group of conditions affecting the functioning of the heart or blood vessels and is one of the leading causes of death globally. Like other countries, coronary heart disease prevalence is also rising among the adults in Bangladesh. Besides conventional risk factors for coronary heart disease, genetic predisposition and some novel issues like high salt intake, arsenicosis, hypovitaminosis D and air pollution may play important role in the aetiopathogenesis of coronary heart disease in this population. Formulation of appropriate policy and more emphasis on preventive strategy may help combat coronary heart disease in Bangladesh. The main aim of this study was to find out the pattern of coronary heart disease among the patients admitted in Cardiology department of Rajshahi Medical college Hospital and to relate their socio-demographic and economic characteristics with the disease. It was a cross sectional type of descriptive study during February 2019 to July 2019. A total of 352 patients of Cardiology department considered as sample who admitted for their heart problem during the study period selected by purposive sampling. Majorities (85.8%) of the respondents were >40 years among them 74.4% were male. Most (52.0%) of the respondents were from nuclear family and smokers (65.62%). They had history of diabetes mellitus (22.4%) and lead sedentary life (11.4%). Regarding coronary heart disease 74.7% had ischemic heart disease and right coronary artery disease (66.7%). About 42.1% were hypertensive patients and 94.0% took medical treatment. Type of heart disease was found significantly associated with age group of the respondents (p<0.01), smoking habit (p<0.05) and history of abuse substances currently (p<0.05). High coronary heart disease prevalence along with an upward trend was observed in Bangladeshi adults and older age. Proper strategies are required for primary prevention of coronary heart disease so that a further increase can be alleviated and the morbidity and mortality associated with it can be reduced.
J. Bio-Sci. 29(1): 59-68, 2021 (June)
Phytochemical Analysis of Different Parts of Acalypha Indica L.
Authors: E Tasmim Mim , Nasiruddin M , Islam MB , Sultana RS
Published: August 2021

Acalypha indica L. is an herbaceous medicinal plant, which is grown abundantly in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi people typically use various parts of this plant for various primary healthcare treatments. The current research was conducted to check and quantify various phytochemicals and mineral components of the assorted parts of Acalypha indica L. The screening analysis shows that studied all phytochemicals were present in the leaf part but not in stem and shoot parts and some were missing or trace amount in root. Total phenol, flavonoid, and tannins content on a dry weight basis ranged from 0.53-0.82 mg GAE/g, 0.02-1.47 mg QE/g and 0.21-0.32 mg TAE/g respectively. Among the phytochemicals the leaf contains the highest amount of flavonoid (1.47 mg QE/g), and lowest in stem (0.02 mg QE/g). Similarly, the amount of minerals like Fe, Zn, K and Pb was 0.23-0.40 mg/kg, 0.01- 0.021 mg/kg, 1.55-2.85 mg/kg and 0.149-0.204 mg/kg respectively. K was the largest volume of mineral for both leaf and stem. Lowest quantity of Zn was observed in most cases. This finding indicates that the studied plant might be good source of phytochemicals.
J. Bio-Sci. 29(1): 69-77, 2021 (June)
Hba1c Variability Has a Strong Relationship With Peripheral Sensory And Motor Neuropathy in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hossain MA , Sarkar MK , Mahbub I , Islam SMS
Published: August 2021

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common long-term microvascular complications of diabetes. This study was undertaken to investigate the association of HbA1c variability with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (sensory and motor) in patients with type-2 diabetes. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 150 type-2 diabetic patients were screened for DPN and undergone quarterly HbA1c measurements during the year preceding enrolment were recruited. DPN was confirmed in patients displaying both clinical manifestations of neuropathy and neurological abnormalities assessment. Among the recruited patients, 24% (n = 36) were found to have DPN, and these patients also presented with a higher HbA1c as compared to the patients without DPN (p<0.05). In addition, the advanced age and longer duration of diabetes were important and significant (p<0.05) risk factors for peripheral neuropathy. Overall study suggests that increased HbA1c level is strongly associated with DPN (sensory and motor) in type-2 diabetic patients and could be considered as a potent indicator for DPN in the recruited patients.
J. Bio-Sci. 29(1): 93-100, 2021 (June)
Molecular Diagnosis and Evolutionary Relationship Analysis Of Plant Parasitic Tea Garden Nematodes From Different Tea Estates In Sylhet Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Siddique MAB , Asa TA , Sohag MMH , Chowdhury MSH , Iqbal A , Islam K
Published: August 2021

Nematodes from plant-parasitic sources are ever-present and incidental to plant growth as well as crop production. The damage of tea gardens caused by nematode is often non-specific and easily confused with symptoms. The present study determined the parasitic and non-parasitic nematodes population in different tea gardens of the Sylhet region by their morphological and partial molecular characterization. Out of 13 tea gardens, it was observed that BTRI, Karimpur, Mathiura, and Tarapur tea garden has the highest number of parasitic and non-parasitic nematodes. After PCR amplification, DNA bands with desired amplicon size were detected by gel electrophoresis. Among thirteen soil samples, nematodes from Malnichara, Karimpur, BTRI, Mathiura , and Finlay had partially confirmed the presence of rootknot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.), root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus brachyurus), burrowing nematode (Radopholus similis), reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) and lance nematode (Hoplolaimus columbus) consequently based on approximately base pair of 1.7, 1.1 and 0.52 kb (different Meloidogyne spp.) 0.52, 0.52, 0.25 and 2.3 kb of specific genes. From evolutionary analysis, it might be said that Meloidogyne species are strongly related with each other making clusters except Meloidogyne natalie where this one is closely related with Hoplolaimus columbus in their evolutionary relationship as remaining others (Rotylenchulus reniformis, Radopholus similis, Pratylenchus brachyurus) are in different clusters in the same clade and this result could be confirmed after sequencing.
J. Bio-Sci. 29(1): 101-109, 2021 (June)
Temporal Variations of Condition Factor and Relative Weight For Mystus Gulio (Hamilton, 1822) From the Coastal Water in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman O , Hossain MY , Rahman M Ashekur , Islam MA , Ataur Rahman M , Parvin MF , Sarmin MS , Sarker BK , Sabbir W , Habib KA
Published: August 2021

The long whiskers catfish, Mystus gulio (Hamilton, 1822), is a valuable, delicious food fish in coastal areas of Bangladesh. It is found in fresh and brackish water of South Asian region. The present study illustrates the temporal variation of condition factor (KF) and prey-predator through relative weight (WR) along with length-weight relation (LWR) of M. gulio in the Maloncho River at southern Bangladesh. There were a total of 1200 individuals collected between January-December 2017 and October 2019 to June 2020. Different traditional gears (such as cast net, seine net, square lift net) were used for collecting the fish samples. There were 35% males and 65% females. The total length of fish ranged 7.8-18.3 cm for males and 9.3-22.1 cm for females. The body weight ranged 8.80–72.34 g for males and 8.09-128.82 g for females. LWR was significant with r2 value >0.950. The calculated co-efficient (b) were negative allometric growth in male and female (b<3.0, p<0.001). The KF indicated the best condition of this species. WR revealed no significant difference from 100 for both sex (p = 0.441) and females (p = 0.221), indicating a suitable habitat for growth. From conservation point of view, the findings of this present study on M. gulio will be helpful in Bangladesh (Maloncho River) and neighboring countries.
J. Bio-Sci. 29(1): 111-122, 2021 (June)