bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudio de las propiedades psicométricas del Brief COPE para una muestra de mujeres uruguayas
Authors: Reich Micaela , Costa Ball César Daniel , Remor Eduardo
Published: October 2016

La escala Brief COPE (Carver, 1997) es la ampliamente utilizada versión abreviada del COPE inventory (Carver, Scheier, & Weintraub, 1989), que ha demostrado ser de utilidad para evaluar las estrategias de afrontamiento en investigaciones en salud. El Brief COPE-versión en español (Perczek, Carver, Price, & Pozo-Kaderman, 2000) consta de 12 subescalas compuestas por dos ítems cada una. Se estudian las propiedades psicométricas del Brief COPE, en su versión en castellano a partir del estudio en una muestra de 203 mujeres adultas pertenecientes a la población general uruguaya. El Análisis Factorial Exploratorio, analizando los ítems, indica la existencia de 4 factores para la muestra estudiada. La agrupación resultó considerablemente coincidente con la reportada por los autores de la escala. Fiabilidad y evidencias de validez obtenidas con el Brief COPE para la presente muestra avalan su uso en el ámbito de la investigación en población del sexo femenino en Uruguay.
Leadership Isn’t Minor—But It Can Be
Authors: DiPaolo Donald G.
Published: October 2016

Leadership educators looking to successfully create and implement an interdisciplinary leadership minor can often find themselves overwhelmed and apprehensive. Little exists to help guide our way as we attempt what often is an initial academic beachhead on campus. This paper explores the creation, implementation, and outcomes of a highly-successful leadership minor on a small, private, urban campus. Reflections are offered concerning the difficulties faced in gaining approval of the minor, the problems created if you are too successful, the importance and cost of mentoring, issues of gender and race, the importance of evaluation, and the necessity of constant collaboration. A practical step-by-step guide is offered as a possible exemplar for leadership educators plucky enough to bring a new leadership minor to campus.
Bridging Theory and Practice in the Leadership Classroom: Intentional Emergence as a Modern Pedagogy
Authors: Werner Linnette , Hellstrom David , Chung Jessica , Kessenich Katherine , Taylor Leonard , Capeder Anna
Published: October 2016

With leadership education expanding at an unprecedented rate, there is an acute need for an evidence-based leadership pedagogy that can bridge the gap between leadership theory and student practice both in the classroom and beyond its boundaries. This paper will give an overview of the Intentional Emergence Model as a way to teach leadership to emerging adults that specifically addresses this gap between theory and practice. It will discuss the model, research and evaluation data associated with the model, training requirements for instructors and teaching assistants, and the implications for leadership education as a result of the research on, and application of, the model.
Report on the Validation of the Emotionally Intelligent Leadership for Students Inventory
Authors: Miguel Rosanna F. , Allen Scott J.
Published: October 2016

The present study was designed to examine the measurement of the Emotionally Intelligent Leadership (EIL) construct and to provide evidence of validation for the multidimensional Emotionally Intelligence Leadership for Students: Inventory 2.0 (EILS:I 2.0). The EILS:I 2.0 is a self-report assessment of emotionally intelligent leadership in the context of a student environment. The results of two confirmatory factory analyses of two independent samples of data from students across the United States provide support for a 19-factor model of EIL and the construct validity of the EILS:I 2.0. These results provide leadership educators evidence that use of the EILS:I 2.0 will result in the measurement of 19 capacities of EIL in students. Implications of these findings for leadership educators and directions for future research are discussed.
Effects Associated with Leadership Program Participation in International Students Compared to Domestic Students
Authors: Collier Daniel A. , Rosch David M.
Published: October 2016

International student enrollment in the U.S. higher education system has recently experienced profound growth. This research examines leadership-oriented differencesbetween international and domestic students and focuses on their growth in capacity associated with participation in co-curricular leadership programs. Similarly-sized gains emerged after participation, suggesting that these leadership programs create equal growth effects across both groups. However, the factors that predicted international students’ increases in leadership skill were different than their domestic peers, suggesting that developing effective leaders among college students across national background is a non-uniform, complexprocess. Recommendations include the suggestion for partnerships between international student scholar units and leadership educators, specialized workshops for international students, and creating nuanced curricula based on the various pathways that students take to becoming an effective leader.
Creating Leaders: A Pilot Pre/Post Evaluation of an Ontological/Phenomenological Model
Authors: Carney Nancy , Jensen Michael , Ballarini Nicolas , Echeverria Jeronima , Nettleton Tracie , Stillwell Molly , Erhard Werner
Published: October 2016

This pilot is a pre/post comparative assessment of a leadership course developed and delivered using an innovative, ontological/phenomenological model of education. Participants in the course delivered in Singapore in July of 2014 provided measures of the effectiveness of their leadership before and after the course, using a scale from 1 (least effective) to 10 (most effective). The difference in scores from pre- to post-course was the unit of measure. Of 167 participants, 72% provided pre- and post-course measures. Average scores forparticipants’ effectiveness as leaders in the domains of Relationships, Vocation, Avocation, and Self increased from pre- to post-course by 1.9, 1.86, 1.64, and 1.85 respectively (p < 0.0001). Future research of this innovative model of leadership education will include long-term follow-up.
Constructivist Meta-practices: When Students Design Activities, Lead Others, and Assess Peers
Authors: Bright David S. , Caza Arran , Turesky Elizabeth Fisher , Putzel Roger , Nelson Eric , Luechtefeld Ray
Published: October 2016

New educators may feel overwhelmed by the options available for engaging students through classroom participation. However, it may be helpful to recognize that participatory pedagogical systems often have constructivist roots. Adopting a constructivist perspective, our paper considers three meta-practices that encourage student participation: designing activities, leading others, and assessing peers. We explored the consequences of these meta-practices for important student outcomes, including content knowledge, engagement, self-efficacy, sense of community, and self-awareness. We found that different meta-practices were associated with different combinations of outcomes. This discovery demonstrates the benefit of studying meta- practices so as to reveal the nuanced effects that may arise from pedagogical choices. In addition, an understanding of meta-practices can help leadership educators to be more discerning and intentional in their course designs.
Attachment Style, Leadership Behavior, and Perceptions of Leader Effectiveness in Academic Management
Authors: Underwood Rehema , Mohr David , Ross Michelle
Published: October 2016

The quality of organizational leadership can have a significant impact on organizational success and employee well-being. Some research has shown that leaders with secure attachment styles are more effective leaders, but the connection between different attachment styles and different leadership styles is unclear. Relationships between attachment styles and leadership styles were examined in this study. University personnel completed the Relationship Questionnaire and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed positive correlations between transformational leadership and secure attachment and negative relationships between transformational leadership and insecure attachment styles. Results of this study may help leaders recognize the relationship between their attachment style and their ability to increase organizational effectiveness and to decrease turnover.
Leadership, Organizational, and Institutional Studies: Reconciling and Teaching Competing Perspectives
Authors: Shoup John R.
Published: October 2016

Leadership, organizational, and institutional theories provide competing explanations on the nature of leadership and role of leaders. Part of the problem is that each theory is often studied in isolation, leading to incomplete perspectives on the essence of leadership in value- driven contexts. A holistic paradigm that blends the three dominant models for understanding the work of the collective is warranted and necessary to optimize organizational outcomes. This article briefly highlights the contributions and limitations of each frame and provides an overview of complexity theory as a model for reconciling major differences. The paper provides specific perspectives, practices, and metaphors for navigating the collective to bring about desired outcomes.
INNOVATIVE METHODS OF MARKETING MANAGEMENT OF LUXURY BRANDS FOR EXAMPLE GUCCI'S COLLABORATION WITH THE FIAT COMPANY
Authors: Kasztalska Anastazja Magdalena
Published: October 2016

Branding is a basic and necessary tool in marketing. Recognizable brands develop international trade, cooperation, and exchange of goods. Of late, luxury brands have entered a new level of marketing and customer interaction, whereas, previously, brands specializing in one sector of the economy, generally ignored others. Gucci is a luxury brand that has recently teamed up with FIAT, a company with a completely different profile to that of manufacturing in the apparel industry. The aim of this study was to establish whether customers buying products from Gucci were interested in its collaboration with the automotive industry and whether the Gucci brand had become more recognizable because of this cooperation. The conclusions were somewhat remarkable, with the Fiat 500, a product combining reliability and beautiful design, continuing to be immensely popular. In addition, the cooperation of both brands has brought large profits and a significant increase in awareness of both companies. Undoubtedly, the innovative marketing method of designing a new car model, in collaboration with a luxury brand, brings awareness to both brands. Further studies are likely regarding this unprecedented case of cooperation between a brand of luxury clothing and one of an automotive company.
AN EMPIRICAL VIEW ON VALUE THEORY AND VALUE-BASED MANAGEMENT
Authors: Daraban Marius Costin
Published: October 2016

The main economic purpose of a business organization is to create value for its owner. The value concept is a complex notion that has developed alongside human history and reflects the concerns of human society through time. As a result of the value theory, the management of value has also emerged as an essential and accompanying activity. Value-based management emerged as a management philosophy rather than a management method. It consists of a change in mindset from managing resources or output quantities to value creation. The challenge is to identify or create the value flows and act upon these within the specific business organization to have proper value management. Value creation and value management will define the business organizations in the economy of the 21st century, which is governed by knowledge and information. The present paper focuses on the history and development of the value concept and the history and development of the management of value through value-based management.
DETERMINANTS OF EFFICIENCY IN ALBANIAN BANKING INDUSTRY; AN EMPIRICAL DIAGNOSIS
Authors: Shehu Elona
Published: October 2016

Many articles discuss the importance of banking systems and their profitability as well as the factors determining these. This article examines the determinants of bank efficiency in the Albanian banking industry. During the second half of this decade a considerable decrease in the efficiency ratio of the Albanian banking system was evident. To understand which factors affected the efficiency, and whether Albania should control certain factors in order to improve efficiency, relationships between particular factors were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis. The study examines 16 commercial banks in Albania, from 1998 to 2015. It finds a significant relationship between efficiency, capital adequacy, the return on assets, and solvency
IS THE GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX INFORMATIVE?
Authors: Workie Menbere , Hekelová Edita
Published: October 2016

This paper critically discusses whether, and to what extent, the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) compiled by the World Economic Forum is informative, given the cross-positive effect across indicators that involve ranking of countries. The results suggest positive cross-effects between sub-indices for a group of economies in the European Union (EU) and other certain advanced economies. Economies with an advanced level of higher education and training, and a superior level of innovation, tend to experience a higher level of ranking in the global competitiveness index compared to countries with lower levels of education and innovation. The results of this study for a group of 28 EU member states during 2007-2015 reveal a heterogonous position of the EU member states despite their obvious achievement of converging income-per-capita in the same period. However, the results also indicate potential methodological inconsistencies in terms of the ranking of countries, relating to a common problem in economics, known as endogeneity or reverse causality, and based on variables that, statistically, appeared significantly correlated to each other.
THE IMPACT OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT ON REGIONAL DISPARITIES
Authors: Šoltés Viktor , Repková Štofková Katarína
Published: October 2016

The structure of the business environment, as part of the socio-economic situation, indirectly affects a citizen’s quality of life. A “friendly” business environment has a positive effect on job formation, thus helping with employment. A country encourages formation and development of large enterprises through various incentives that reduce regional disparities, especially in less-developed regions. Nevertheless, a huge majority of enterprises in the European Union are small- and medium-sized. Self-employed persons are considered a specific form of business. Their activity is strongly influenced by state policy. This paper analyzes the business environment in regions of the Slovak Republic. Its principal aim is to examine the development of regional disparities and the related quality of citizens’ lives. An evaluation of statistical data of the structure of the business environment in the Slovak Republic indicated a change in legal units in relation to business. Although the number of legal units are stable, the number of legal persons has increased and that of natural persons-entrepreneurs decreased. Deepening of regional disparities was not observed across regions of the Slovak Republic.
THE EFFECTS OF OWNERSHIP CONCENTRATION ON PERFORMANCE OF PAKISTANI LISTED COMPANIES
Authors: Afgan Nouman , Gugler Klaus , Kunst Robert
Published: October 2016

This paper analyzes the effects of ownership concentration on investment performance in a large sample of Pakistani publicly-listed companies from 1997 to 2007. Special attention is directed to statistical methods from the field of panel-data econometrics, which are able to deal with endogeneity problems and with structural reverse causality. The preferred estimator that is based on firm fixed effects insinuates that the voting rights of ultimate shareholders affect Tobin’s q unambiguously negatively, whereas the squared voting rights affect it unambiguously positively. This implies a U-curved relationship between Tobin’s q and voting rights concentration with a turning point at 45%. More than 75% of the companies fall in the upward sloping part of the curve. While positive incentive effects are at work in Pakistan, financial market development is retarded by the reluctance of minority shareholders facing dominant shareholders to hold small stakes in listed companies. Consistently, institutional shareholders do not yet provide a positive monitoring role in Pakistan.
THE POSSIBILITIES OF USING BLENDED LEARNING IN FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION
Authors: Drotárová Jozefína , Kačíková Danica , Kelemen Miroslav , Bodor Mikuláš
Published: October 2016

E-learning is way of providing, rapid and adequate response for training in legislative changes and requirements. This is vital, because such changes are frequent in safety education and specifically fire-safety education. It is an enormous burden for schools and training centers to provide all such learning. Money, time saving, and simplification are the main reason to use a “blended” learning. This paper characterizes the advantages and disadvantages of education through the Internet. It deals with the possibilities and ways of using a blended learning approach in selected forms of fire-safety education.
CULTURAL HISTORICAL ACTIVITY THEORY: EXPLORING PRINCIPALS’ INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Authors: Kentli Fulya Damla
Published: October 2016

Instructional leadership activities are significant for school development. Although many researchers in this field consider leadership activities relating to the work of school principals, in effect, leadership is a network activity that includes all school staff. This study aims to show this interdependence network activity within Cultural Historical Activity Theory. The research question is “what are the activities of an instructional leader?” in order to understand instructional leadership activities in school from perspectives of Turkish graduate students and Cultural Historical Activity Theory. The answers are conceptualized within the framework of an Activity Theory. The students were asked to write about the activities of an instructional leader in the first and last course of the semester. Eighteen graduate students participated in this study.
FAIR TRADE AS A TOOL OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Authors: Moravčíková Katarína , Gregová Elena
Published: October 2016

Fair Trade connects developed countries, where greater sustainability and justice is being sought, with the needs of developing countries where economic and social changes are needed most. It enables citizens who are consumers to favor the producers of poorer countries. This is a manifestation of humanity that helps producers to escape acute poverty and lead dignified lives. Fair trade is becoming a very “hot” topic, not only for businesses but also for consumers, who are trending towards buying Fair Trade products. By buying such products, customers express solidarity with the producers of Fair Trade products. This article aims to identify the importance of Fair Trade. Methods of analysis, synthesis, deduction, and comparison are used to establish the current situation of Fair Trade in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, as well as the perception of Fair Trade held by Czech and Slovak customers.
ALBA IULIA-LUMEA NOUĂ SITE (ROMANIA): HISTORICAL EVOLUTION FROM NEOLITHIC SETTLEMENT TO A MODERN RECREATION AREA
Authors: Borca Ioana , Gligor Mihai , Tatai-Baltă Cornel
Published: October 2016

This article highlights the archaeological and geographical importance of the Alba Iulia-Lumea Nouă settlement and its functional development throughout history. Situated in a millenary city, the settlement displays obvious traces of the contribution of the civilizations that transformed and adapted the local geographical features according to their constant changing needs. Prehistoric and modern elements from painted pottery and the distinctive mortuary practices of various Neolithic and Eneolithic cultures, the 18th and 19th century military plans, together with Arthur Bach’s collection of photos illustrating a 20th century park, reveal the true value of this site. Drawing on these resources, we present a historical landscape analysis of the Neolithic to Modern Ages in the context of cultural change.
RELATIVE CLAUSES FROM ENGLISH TO ALBANIAN
Authors: Koça Suela , Pojani Vasilika
Published: October 2016

This paper aims to describe the use of relative clauses in English and Albanian by comparing different clause types. Some theoretical issues addressed in this article include the definition of relative clauses, the relativized elements, and the use of relative pronouns and adverbs in both languages. Distinctions and similarities are identified by analyzing the way in which these clauses are translated from English into Albanian. The theoretical part is illustrated by examples extracted from “Animal Farm” by George Orwell and “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austin, and their translated versions in Albanian, “Ferma e Kafshëve” and “Krenari dhe Paragjykime”.
INNOVATIVE TRENDS IN GEOGRAPHY FOR PUPILS WITH MILD INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Authors: Šulovská Monika , Vančová Alica
Published: October 2016

This contribution focuses on applying Google Maps in educating pupils with mild intellectual disability. To achieve this, we design and submit an evaluation tool for measuring the pupils’ skills in the Google Maps environment, inspired by Bloom digital taxonomy. We also assess the level of achieved skills of pupils with mild intellectual disability by comparing mapping with other variables in the geographic competences area. The study focuses on the result of research carried out within the VEGA no. 1/0789/14 project. The study also identifies the positive effect of a geographical information system (GIS) on the learning of intact pupils. To the surprise of the authors, the portal of Google Maps appealed to these participants to the extent that they continued to use it for self-study at their homes.
INTRODUCING GRAMMAR LEARNING STRATEGIES IN A2 AND B1 CLASSES OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE: AN ALBANIAN CASE STUDY
Authors: Stavre Benita , Pashko Anxhela
Published: October 2016

The issue of learning strategies remains a complicated matter in the field of teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Although the research has been intensive in the last twenty-five years, it is difficult to draw teaching strategies that fit learning contexts that vary greatly due to particular features of the learner. Furthermore, regarding grammar, teachers are even more convinced that it is their primary duty to lead and monitor the acquisition process in the classroom. The case of schools in Albania, where English is taught as a foreign language, shows that pupils who do well in proficiency tests, do not perform adequately in oral communication for the same grammatical knowledge. This papers aims to introduce a range of available grammar learning strategies for learners of EFL to use in the A2 and B1 levels. The material is accompanied by concrete examples of how grammar learning strategies can be included in lesson plans, based on textbook material. The aim is to render interested readers the awareness of the possible need to increase communicative grammar proficiency in learners of EFL by increasing their awareness of the range of means available to create long-lasting associations between the theory, acquisition, and correct usage of grammar. The earlier the attempts to create independent grammar learners, the sooner the opportunity exists for these learners to reach native-like grammar proficiency.
HUMOR STYLES IN SOCIALLY MALADJUSTED GIRLS AND BOYS: A RESILIENCE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Karłyk-Ćwik Anna
Published: October 2016

Resilience-concept-driven research of humor in socially maladjusted youth has been prompted by an urgent need to redefine Poland’s crisis-ridden rehabilitation system, through embracing rehabilitative theories and practices inspired by new frameworks and related modern intervention models. The paper presents a research project aimed at encouraging rehabilitation researchers, theoreticians, and practitioners to engage with humor as a “site of resistance” that offers juveniles a springboard to achieve expected levels of social adjustment. The study aims to identify and compare humor styles in socially maladjusted girls (n1 = 56)and boys (n2 = 72). The research problem included the level (intensity) and gender-related differences in particular humor types (styles) across the juvenile sample. The research tool involved an adaption of the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ). The findings suggest a greater intensity of adaptive rather than non-adaptive humor styles in both studied subsets of the sample. Furthermore, a statistically significant gender-related difference was found for self-defeating humor, with significantly higher scores in girls than in boys (p < 0.05). Although the findings do not confirm the research hypotheses conclusively, they shed light on the viability of using humor in juvenile rehabilitation and thus, encourage further systematic research in this area.
PERCEIVED PARENTING STYLES AND SCHOOL ANXIETY IN PREADOLESCENTS
Authors: Butnaru Simona
Published: October 2016

The goal of this study was to test the relationship between perceived authoritative, authoritarian and permissive parenting styles and school anxiety (anxiety about aggression, about social evaluation and about school failure). A Romanian sample of 182 students (93 girls), enrolled in 5th to 8th grade in two secondary schools from rural areas, completed self-report measures assessing school anxiety and perception of parenting styles. Results indicated a predominance of authoritative parenting style and a moderate level of school anxiety. The highest mean score in school anxiety was in school failure. Gender differences were found in school anxiety, but not in parenting styles. Grade level differences were found in anxiety about school failure and in perceived parenting styles. Preadolescents whose parents expressed prevailing authoritarian and permissive styles had higher levels of school anxiety. Gender differences were found for the relationship between parenting styles and school anxiety. Implications of results in parental education field are discussed.
THE PECULIARITIES OF SOCIAL PERCEPTION IN THE CONTEXT OF INFORMATION-PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE
Authors: Zeynalyan Nane
Published: October 2016

In the recent decades, war fields have moved into the information sphere. Today’s person has reason to “be informed”; as having information provides a sense of security. In the modern world, great effort is invested in expanding information sources, because it serves to articulate both international policies and the context of wars. The exchange of information in domestic and international platforms influences the quality of public debate and ideology, which affects social attitudes and decision-making processes. This article presents the role of information-psychological warfare as a factor in forming public opinion. It discusses the peculiarities of organizing an information-psychological warfare during military conflicts. The goal of our research is to explore how social groups might perceive peculiarities in the information-psychological warfare. The research involves methods of survey, content analysis, and free associations. The effectiveness of psychological warfare significantly depends on how people perceive information. Consequently, in the contemporary world, it is necessary to not only protect or fight on the battlefield, but also to use information weapons. This imposes requirements on psychological scientists to explore peculiarities around the perception of information to help find mechanisms that safeguard people’s lives by way of contributing to the formation of necessary attitudes and stereotypes.
KNOWLEDGE AS A KEY RESOURCE CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-INNOVATIONS BY COMPANIES-SUPPLIERS OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Marczewska Magdalena
Published: October 2016

Challenges arising from global warming and climate change has realized the need to ensure wide development and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies. The aim of this study is to obtain new knowledge about sources contributing to the development of eco-innovations by companies that are suppliers of environmentally sound technologies in Poland. The objective is to show the importance of knowledge for the development of these novelties. Moreover, the paper aims to present and characterize the origin of the knowledge accumulated within the studied companies. The research uses qualitative methods and it is based on in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and a multiple case-study. It presents the sources contributing to the development of eco-innovations, which are specific to the companies-suppliers of environmentally sound technologies in Poland. The results confirm that, among others, knowledge accumulated within the company, including experience and skills of innovators, is essential for developing new ecological solutions. The results also demonstrate that companies-suppliers of own, innovative environmentally sound technologies devote considerable attention to knowledge management. Thus, the knowledge these companies acquire is fully and widely used in the eco-innovations development process. Moreover, this paper reveals ways in which such companies acquire different types of knowledge.
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF COOPERATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITY AND INDUSTRY IN LATVIA
Authors: Vīķe Justīne
Published: October 2016

Transfer of results of scientific research to society for discussion and consumption is nowadays one of scientists’ responsibilities. Along with the change of roles of scientific institutions, scientists have also become obliged to distribute results of scientific research, not only within their own community, but also to the part of society that does not consist of specialists in the respective field of research, and that consists of potential consumers of the results of scientific research, including industry as potential commercializers of the research result.The objective of the research was the identification of factors affecting the transfer of results of scientific research to industry (commercialization of science) and the science communication process. Both secondary and primary data were used in the research. Primary data was acquired by semi-structured interviews with experts from industry, university and government.Several factors affecting the commercialization of science have been identified in the situation of Latvia. There is no motivational system for scientists regarding the organization of science communication in Latvia, but the science communication role is essential for cooperation between university and industry.
AN EFFECTIVE ENGLISH CLASS WITH APPROPRIATE TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES
Authors: Kadiu Vahidije , Treska Tomi
Published: October 2016

Teaching is considered to be one of the most important aspects for the future of the human beings. The fact that teaching is an art based on techniques and strategies is very important. The aim of this paper is to study the appropriate techniques and strategies for an effective English class. To achieve this, a survey was conducted at “Asim Vokshi secondary school. The main instrument used was a questionnaire. It was conducted on 70 students and 70 teachers. According to the results of the survey, many teachers believe that during an English class, different techniques and strategies should be included such as: cooperation, control of the class, and motivation. They also stressed the fact that four skills should be co-related for an effective class.  The most important finding was related to the students. According to them, the best way to learn the English language was by writing.
THE RELATION BETWEEN PSYCHOSOCIAL WORK FACTORS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG COMPUTER WORKERS
Authors: Prodanovska-Stojcevska Viktorija , Jovanovic Jovica , Jovanovska Tanja , Rajchanovska Domnika , Filov Izabela , Bogdanova Biljana
Published: October 2016

INTRODUCTION: Several epidemiological studies have shown that intensive computer work and other factors of work organization, involving physical and psychosocial exposure to computer work, are associated with increased risk of neck and upper extremity disorders.OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study is to present psychosocial work factors and their relationship to musculoskeletal symptoms among computer workers.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) for assessing psychosocial factors at work was used to assess 800 computer workers.RESULTS: The results showed that most respondents often worked at a high pace; sometimes received support from superiors, and were little satisfied with work. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.3) between quantitative demands at work and neck symptoms.CONCLUSION: Particular attention should be paid to psychosocial factors of the work environment, especially those with a significant high risk of workers acquiring musculoskeletal symptoms, in relation to assistance in the work environment, management, workload, and increasing autonomy at work.
PROBLEMS OF FAMILIES WITH A CHILD WITH AN INCURABLE DISEASE IN THE CONTEXT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
Authors: Nagyová Kristína , Harčaríková Terézia
Published: October 2016

The issue of incurable diseases, today, represents a relatively current and urgent topic because, despite the development of medicine and comprehensive care for individuals with an incurable disease, there is a continual increase in the number of such diseases associated with secondary problems that have a crucial bearing on the quality of life for the individuals and their family in both a broader and narrower context. An important role in the comprehensive care of individuals with an incurable disease is special education, because in addition to education it deals with the stigma attached to the care and education of families with a child with an incurable disease. The paper presents the partial results of research focused on the problems of individuals with oncological disease in the context of special education. Research data were obtained by a variety of methods, where the most crucial were the semi-structured interview method and the method of narration. These methods were applied on individuals with oncological disease who had been diagnosed with cancer during the time of schooling. The obtained data were processed by qualitative analysis. The results indicate that this issue requires greater consideration.
STUDY OF KINETIC PARAMETERS AND POSSIBLE INHIBITORY EFFECT ON THE TYROSINASE OF THE HALOGENATED BOROXINE DIPOTASSIUM TRIOXOHYDROXYTETRAFLUOROTRIBORATE K2[B303F4OH]
Authors: Marasović Maja , Čorić Zrinka , Miloš Mladen , Galić Borivoj
Published: October 2016

INTRODUCTION: A number of biochemical and medical researchers have detected increased activity of tyrosinase in skin tumor cells. The most famous and available inhibitor, kojic acid, has several side effects and is not completely safe for use.OBJECTIVES: This paper describes the study of inhibitory influence of halogen boroxine K2[B303F4OH] on tyrosinase. The research was prompted by the ability of this compound to inhibit enzymes through metal ion chelation as well as its synthesis and application in cosmetic skin products that produce no serious side-effects.METHOD: Tyrosinase activity was measured by spectrophotometric analysis for the appearance of dopachrome pigment at a wavelength of 475 nm. Tyrosinase exhibited typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics.RESULTS: Tests of the proposed inhibition of the enzyme tyrosinase showed that K2[B3O3F4OH] had weak inhibitory properties.CONCLUSION: It will be necessary to search for new ways of antitumor mechanisms that differ from those of previous results.
HIGHER CTX-M, TEM, AND SHV EXTENDED-SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAMASE PLASMID GENE COMBINATION FREQUENCY IN ESBL PRODUCING KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE COMPARED WITH ESBL PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI
Authors: Skuja Vita , Pekarska Katrīna , Derovs Aleksejs , Vīksna Ludmila , Piekuse Linda , Kempa Inga , Caune Una , Rudzīte Dace , Lejnieks Aivars , Krūmiņa Angelika
Published: October 2016

Introduction:Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae confer antibiotic resistance to broad-spectrum penicillins, cephalosporins, using ESBL genes CTX-M, TEM, SHV, which are encoded in bacterial plasmid genome. Methods: We compared plasmid CTX-M, TEM, and SHV ESBL gene combinations in ESBL producing Escherichia coliand Klebsiella pneumoniae. Altogether, 136 ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae isolation cases were analyzed. Results:The ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae, mostly K. pneumoniae (n = 66; 48.53%), E. coli (n = 36; 26.47%), were isolated from 52 (38.2%) female and 84 (61.8%) male patients from Riga East Clinical University Hospital. Overall,132 isolates (97.06%) registered positive for the plasmid CTX-M gene, 97 isolates (71.32%) for the plasmid TEM gene, and 87 isolates (63.97%) for the plasmid SHV gene.Patients with the three ESBL plasmid gene (CTX-M+ TEM+ SHV+) combination were significantly older (67.11 ± 14.16 years) than patients with other gene combinations (59.63 ± 18.14 years; p = 0.047). Plasmid SHV gene frequency was higher in K. pneumoniae (p < 0.001). The K. pneumoniae mostly presented with the three plasmid ESBL gene (CTX-M+ TEM+ SHV+) combination, whereas E. coli presented with other gene combinations (p = 0.014). Conclusions: Klebsiella Pneumoniae, more often, presented with the plasmid SHV ESBL gene and the three ESBL gene (CTX-M+ TEM+ SHV+) combination, compared to E. coli. Older patients with ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae infection, more often, presented with the three ESBL gene (CTX-M+ TEM+ SHV+) combination, compared to younger patients with the infection.
TRAINING OF GERIATRIC SPECIALISTS FOR BUILDING OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR WORK WITH ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Authors: Dimova Mariya , Milcheva Hristina , Andova Albena
Published: October 2016

INTRODUCTION: The development and improvement of medical and social services for people with disabilities is one of the indicators for providing life quality to elderly people. Training of geriatric specialists is one of the ways to overcome the deficiency of professionals possessing specific knowledge and skills to take care of elderly and aged people, with or without disabilities. During their training, the students, majoring in Geriatric Care acquire professional competencies for work with elderly and aged people with or without disabilities (visual disabilities, hearing disabilities, etc). Formation of communication competence in students is an important part of the professiogram. The curriculum envisages diverse training methods, facilitating the formation of skills required for communication with patients, in conformity with their individual characteristics and system of values.AIM: The purpose of this survey is to present the training of geriatric specialists from the Medical College at Trakia University, Stara Zagora, with regards to the formation of communication skills necessary to work with elderly people with disabilities.MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: Examination and analysis of training documentation is done.RESULTS: The analysis of the training documentation shows that the training of the geriatric specialists at the Medical College of Trakia University, Stara Zagora is entirely conformed to the special, individual characteristics of elderly people with disabilities. The syllabus includes the elements, necessary to build professional competencies for communication with the mentioned target group within the frame of the approved curriculum.
WIENER’S BLACK BOX IN THE DYNAMIC IDENTIFICATION OF METALLURGICAL PROCESS WHICH IS BEING AUTOMATED
Authors: Uzdenbayev Zhanbay Shuynshalyevych , Ongarbayeva Aliya , Yelepbergenova Aigul
Published: October 2016

The use of physical and chemical models in metallurgic automatic control algorithms is rather complex. The reasons include a high rank of the multiple correlation, which requires sufficient aprioristic information; and the static character of most coefficients and variables. The result is a complex mathematical apparatus, and a development timeline that becomes so long that the project may not be useful. Schematically, the same processes may have different technological conditions and this lowers the unification ratio of solutions. Rather than focusing on the definition of the observed variable dependencies on each perturbation, the suggested method in this article involves the study of the behavior of the output variable, conditionally accepting that the system is affected by some common parameter (factor) that is the resultant action of perturbations. In keeping with this approach, we plot a series of ramps, form a system of mathematical models, calculate automatic regulator parameters, and create an adaptive control algorithm. An example of the method and results is presented in the article. Based on the adequacy of models using the initial data, this study found that the greatest value of divergence from the results of five experiments was 0.18%.
AUTOMATING THE CONSTRUCTION OF SELECTED-RESPONSE ITEMS WITH A TEXT-TO-ITEMS CONVERTER
Authors: Malec Wojciech
Published: October 2016

This paper focuses on the role of technology in facilitating the process of language test development in online settings. In particular, it takes an in-depth look at one specific step in the entire testing cycle: the construction of (selected-response) test items with the aid of the text-to-items converter on WebClass, the author’s own online learning management system (webclass.co). The text converter can be used to edit an entire set of questions in a single editor pane (similar to a word processor) and then submit them to a parsing script which converts them into test items proper. The main advantage of using the converter is time efficiency: instead of moving step-by-step from one item to the next (which may be time-consuming), a large number of test items can be created in one go.
SYNTHESIS EVALUATION AND QUANTUM MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CYCLOHEXYLAMINE CONTAINING DERIVATIVES OF METHYLXANTHINE
Authors: Georgieva Maya , Mitkov Javor , Peikova Lily , Peikov Plamen , Zlatkov Alexander
Published: October 2016

The synthesis of methylxanthine derivatives could provide a sound approach to developing new analogues with similar or novel pharmacological profiles. The synthesis of six new compounds: two derivatives of 8-substituted-1,3,7-trimethylxanthine and four derivatives of 1-propyl-3,7-dimethylxanthine containing a cyclohexyl fragment, are presented. The structures were confirmed by elemental analyses using Furrier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectral data. The chemical reactivity of the new molecules was assessed, based on computed values for their electrophilicity index, molecular hardness, and chemical potential. The structures were identified as hard molecules, relatively inert to electrophilic attack, whereas Compound10d was outlined as the most prominent for accepting electrons.
THE RESEARCH OF DRIVER’S GAZE AT THE TRAFFIC SIGNS
Authors: Hudák Martin , Madleňák Radovan
Published: October 2016

Traffic signs provide drivers with appropriate warnings and information and signal legal requirements and directions. The aim of this article is to research the frequency and duration of a driver’s gaze at traffic signs. The selected stretch of road in the Slovak Republic has been subjected to a high number of traffic accidents with the most common causes reported as incorrect driver behavior and distracted driving. Therefore, the study’s objective is to measure the time drivers spend looking at billboards. To achieve this outcome, the study uses eye tracking glasses, which are designed to record a person’s natural gaze behavior in real-time. Previous research has shown that the average time gazing at a billboard is 0.543 seconds. The article also contains a comparison of driver’s gaze at different traffic signs and billboards. The economic quantification of traffic accidents on the selected road is also included in the article.
RP-HPLC METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF METRONIDAZOLE AND OFLOXACIN IN SYNTHETIC MIXTURE
Authors: Maslarska Vania , Tsvetkova Boyka , Peikova Lily , Bozhanov Stanislav
Published: October 2016

Development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatographic analytical procedure for simultaneously determining metronidazole and ofloxacin in a synthetic mixture is described in this paper. The separation was made with a LiChrosorb® RP-18 (250 × 4.6 mm) column, at 30 °C temperature, with isocratic mode and mobile phase, containing triethylamine, acetonitrile, and 0.3% o-phosphoric acid solution (0.02:20:80 v/v/v). Eluent was monitored at 290 nm and the flow rate was 1.0 ml/min. Metronidazole and ofloxacin were effectively separated with retention time (tr) of 3.42 min and 6.15 min, respectively, within the selected chromatographic conditions. The method was validated for analytical parameters: specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and limits of detection and quantitation. The calibration curves were linear in the concentration range of 12.5 to 100.0 µg/ml for metronidazole and ofloxacin, and the regression coefficients were more than 0.999. For metronidazole and ofloxacin the recovery was 100.01% and 100.04%, respectively. This analytical procedure is applicable for the quality control of drug formulations.
Colonial media and post independence experience in north Africa
Authors: Zaghlimi Laeed
Published: October 2016

European colonialism had not only occupied many african countries, exploited their natural resources and deprived their inhabitants of basic rights, but also sought to establish its new political, social, economic and cultural system. However, in order to impose its new rules and values, it had used military forces as well as political and media means to convince and influence people minds and hearts. The press was one of the main arguments of seduction and dissimination of the colonial culture and information.This paper which focuses in its first part on French occupation of North Africa, describes how French colonial authority used and abused the media to perpetuate its presence and set up new forms of values and ideas aimed at destroying local culture and traditions. The second part describes how local populations had reacted to the colonial presence by adopting new forms of opposition and resistance. Again, the ‘indigenous press’ was a determining factor in promoting ideas of militantism, independence and sovereignty. The third part highlights the main phases of the media evolution and experience during the post independence period.
Intime Arbeit und migrantische Unternehmerschaft
Authors: Lidola Maria
Published: October 2016

In den letzten Jahren haben sich in Berlin Waxing Studios etabliert, die sich ganz der Körperhaarentfernung widmen. Dominiert wird die Branche von Brasilianerinnen, die die Feminisierung aktueller Migrationen und die Ethnifizierung der intimen Dienstleistung zu verkörpern scheinen. Die Studios werden unter ihren Händen zu kulturellen und sozialen Aushandlungsorten über Geschlechterbilder und Körperlichkeit, über Arbeit und Professionalität sowie über weibliche migrantische Unternehmerschaft und Anerkennung. Maria Lidolas Blick auf diese Dynamiken wird von einer dezidierten Akteurs-Perspektive geleitet. Ihre Studie liefert eine theoretisch dichte Diskussion zur Intersektionalität von Arbeit, Gender und Migration.