bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Intercultural Competence Components in ESP Syllabus (Case Study: Agricultural University of Tirana)
Authors: Jata Enkeleda , Zela Elsa , Shehu Erion 
Published: July 2024

This research reconsiders the designing of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) syllabus based on the current syllabus applied at the Agricultural University of Tirana (AUT). It is widely known that we live in a globalized world, where language and intercultural skills are necessary among professionals in different fields. Through a case study approach, we explore how intercultural awareness, communication, and adaptability can enhance students’ language learning experiences. The findings contribute to curriculum development and pedagogical practices, emphasizing the importance of intercultural skills in preparing students for global communication and collaboration. This research aims to understand the extent to which intercultural competence is developed during the ESP course and suggest new approaches to learning/teaching ESP. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to suggest the integration of intercultural elements into the current English for Specific Purposes syllabus at AUT. The aim is to enhance the development of intercultural competence skills among students. Methodology: The methodology involves a critical review of the existing ESP syllabus used at Agricultural University of Tirana. Findings: The analysis shows that the current syllabus provides some cultural aspects but does not develop students’ intercultural competence. The syllabus’s primary goal is to develop linguistic skills and includes very little factual knowledge regarding business culture. Suggestions: It is suggested to adapt the current syllabus and incorporate intercultural elements into each unit of the textbook. This adaption requires the inclusion of additional materials that enhance intercultural competence through various tasks such as discussion, comparisons, and assignments. Value: the integration of intercultural activities in ESP courses means a shift towards a more contemporary educational approach and preparing the students for the global market.

Received: 12 May 2024 / Accepted: 30 June 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
Bibliometric Analysis of Architecture as Art and its Theoretical Implications
Authors: Avecilla Fredy Rodrigo Barahona , Cabrera Nelson Ismael Muy , Llango Edwin Roberto Zumba , Ayaviri-Nina Victor Dante 
Published: July 2024

Bibliometric studies allow us to observe and interpret the behavior and progress of scientific production on a topic. Thus, this research carries out a bibliometric analysis of the research carried out on Architecture as an art. For this purpose, articles published in journals indexed in Scopus in the period from 1983 to 2023 are considered; the search is restricted to TITLE ("Architecture as art") OR TITLE ("Architecture as art"), which makes 66 items visible. The analysis is carried out using the Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software, which formally and thematically characterizes scientific production through bibliometrics. The indicators used are: annual scientific production and by country, productivity by type of institution, cited articles, magazines with the most publications on Architecture as art, analysis of keywords and relationship with the topics, and finally, the main currents or trends of investigation. The results reflect that there is a trend in research in the relationship between architecture and music throughout history, highlighting how music has inspired architects in creating sensory spaces. The importance of theory and communication in architectural design is highlighted and the evolution of architecture as an art is explored.

Received: 16 May 2024 / Accepted: xx June 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
Teacher Persistence/Resilience in Relation to Professional Development: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Assali Mouna Abou , O’Sullivan Kathy , Violakis Petros 
Published: July 2024

In the education sector, teachers’ persistence and resilience has been a topic of considerable debate, prompting us to question how professional development of teachers can enhance persistence and resilience among teachers. Current study highlights the importance of teacher’s behaviour and their vital role in education system. To date, no systematic review has provided the answer to this question. Thus, this systematic review has presented a synthesis of six studies that have related teachers’ persistence and resilience to the professional development of teachers. The studies, two of which were qualitative, three quantitative, and one mixed method, detail evidence of teachers’ professional development leading to teachers’ persistence and resilience. For data collection surveys and semi-structured interviews has been conducted for collecting general data. The review results highlighted that professional development programs for teachers can enhance persistence and resilience among teachers, but these programs should be developed by focusing on carefully-chosen teacher and relevant institutional factors. Every teacher’s professional development has an impact on their capabilities to determine their role in education. There is a significant relation between teacher’s professional development and resilience. It is important to promote providing more nearer look to see how teachers feel and think and create more approaches to educate them.

Received: 17 January 2024 / Accepted: xx June 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
Family-Owned Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in Kuwait: A Pilot Study on Succession Dynamics
Authors: AlEnzi Abrar , AlBuloushi Nour , Alreshaid Faisal , Randa Diab-Bahman Randa , Malaj Ardita , Alsaber Ahmad R. 
Published: July 2024

This research paper investigates the dynamics of SME family-owned businesses within the Kuwaiti context and explores their impact on succession and continuity. With limited localized research in this area, this study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the influence of family dynamics, social norms, and emotional ownership on the sustainable development of family businesses in Kuwait. By employing a quantitative approach, a pilot investigation was conducted to gather data on various SME family-owned enterprises. Pilot research was conducted with 41 participants from various family-owned businesses in Kuwait to assess the validity and reliability of the measurement tools. The research findings offer a comprehensive insight into the operations and dynamics of family-owned enterprises in Kuwait. The descriptive analysis uncovered important demographic patterns among participants, indicating an equal distribution of genders and a notable presence of adults aged 21 to 35. This indicates the presence of a youthful and energetic group of employees engaged in family-owned businesses. A reliability analysis was conducted to ensure the dependability of the measuring instruments employed in the investigation. The results, as determined by Cronbach's alpha coefficients, demonstrated satisfactory reliability for most variables. The study employed a linear analysis using ANOVA to examine potential variations in family business dynamics based on gender and generation. Surprisingly, the results showed that there were no significant statistical variations between genders or generations when it came to emotional ownership, succession characteristics, and family membership. By examining the impact of family dynamics, social norms, and emotional ownership, this study contributes to the development of effective strategies for succession planning the growth and continuity of family businesses in Kuwait.

Received: 7 April 2024 / Accepted: 2 July 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
The Impact of Chinese University Students' Perception of Collegiate Entrepreneurial Education Support on Entrepreneurial Intentions: The Moderating Role of Proactive Personality
Authors: Deng Chenshi , Chang Yuancheng , Zhang Zhiyun 
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between perceived collegiate entrepreneurial education support and entrepreneurial intentions, as well as the moderating role of a proactive personality in this relationship. 304 university students from five universities in Jiangxi Province were invited to participate in a survey using scales for entrepreneurial education support, proactive personality and entrepreneurial intentions. The results indicate that perceived collegiate entrepreneurial education support positively predicts entrepreneurial intentions; a proactive personality positively predicts entrepreneurial intentions, as well as moderates the relationship between perceived collegiate entrepreneurial education support and entrepreneurial intentions.

Received: 2 May 2024 / Accepted: 26 June 2024 / Published: xx July 2024
Gender Equality at Public Universities in Saudi Arabia: Achievements and Ambitions
Authors: Abdelatti Yasin Elhadary Hillo 
Published: July 2024

Gender equality is one of the 17 fundamental targets of the Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. Many countries including Saudi Arabia have made intensive efforts to close gender gap. This paper aims to uncover how Saudi Arabia is addressing gender inequality in higher education, mainly at public universities. The paper employs both Gender Parity Index (GPI) and Gender Gap Global Index (GGGI) generated by the World Economic Forum (WEF). This is enhanced by the critical analysis of the most recent documents and statistical data related to the topic published inside and outside Saudi Arabia. The main sources of statistical data include UNESCO, the World Bank, and the United Nations organizations. The paper affirms that gender parity in higher education is almost achieved and even indicates a reversal of the situation. Political will, political stability, and the implementation of rational policies are the key factors behind achieving gender parity in higher education. The gross enrolment ratio (GER) has risen from 1% in 1975 to 70.6 % in 2020, with 67.9% for males, and 73.5% for females. Moreover, the GPI measure in 2021 was 1.15 indicating that females are surpassing males and dominating public universities. Despite these positive remarks, gender disparities do exist in the field of study, university staff and leadership positions. The paper fills in the research gap as there is a scarcity of comprehensive studies addressing gender inequality in Saudi higher education. Further studies are needed to address this issue and ensure equal representation and opportunities.

Received: 3 March 2024 / Accepted: 16 June 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
Value-Based Perspectives on the Teacher's Role in Modern Education
Authors: Dokuchayeva Natalya , Ivanova Svetlana , Azimbayeva Zhanat , Ten Axana , Baimamyrov Serikkazy 
Published: July 2024

Institutional transformations in the social and spiritual spheres of society involve changes in the psychology, value orientations, and behavioural strategies of people. In this regard, in the modern world, there is a need for personal awareness of not only the purposes for which socioeconomic processes are carried out but also the value they hold for an individual's self-realization and self-actualization. The article considers three forms of existence of values as a "model of the proper," encouraging a person to engage in their activities. The concept of "value" enables a new level of self-determination and the transfer of life meanings to a deeper level of personal significance. The aim of the study is to identify the personal values of teachers as a source of individual motivation that is functionally equivalent to needs. The authors have analyzed the literature on the value nature of teachers, corresponding perceptual attitudes affecting the formation of professional qualities. The article uses the analysis of psychological and pedagogical and scientific-methodological literature on the problem of research, the systematization of scientific provisions, and their generalization. The authors note that the perceptual settings of the teacher on the perception of students have value determination and show their content and orientation in interpersonal interaction with students.

Received: 26 April 2024 / Accepted: 27 June 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
Entrepreneurial Characteristics of Entrepreneurs Associated with Quality Management of Smes in the Huaycán Industrial State, Lima
Authors: Bejarano-Auqui Jesus Fernando , Subia Luis Eddie Cotacallapa , Peña Julio Cesar Rengifo 
Published: July 2024

Throughout history, success in entrepreneurship has not been determined by the country, the political context, or crises but by the willingness of people to dare to undertake with a different mentality. The ability to face daily challenges lies in possessing personal entrepreneurial skills. Although the current pace of life and uncertainty can affect the management capacity of entrepreneurs, those who have a clear vision and apply their skills can achieve success, thus contributing to the country's development. The study analyzes the entrepreneurial characteristics of entrepreneurs and their relationship with quality management in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of the Huaycán Industrial State, Lima, using a reliable bibliographic review. The type of study was descriptive correlational with a sample of 91 business people that revealed a strong positive relationship (r = 8.071, r = 13.778, r = 13.998, and R2 = 0.489). These findings provide a solid basis for developing strategies and policies to strengthen entrepreneurial management and quality in SMEs, thus contributing to the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the business sector in the region.

Received: 7 February 2024 / Accepted: 21 June 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
Albanian Civil Society and its Impact on Cultural Heritage Values on the Country's Development
Authors: Dhamo Eris , Canaj Jonela 
Published: July 2024

Studies have shown that civil society associations play an essential role in preserving, documenting and promoting the cultural heritage of a country. They can engage in policy-making, lobbying, creating public awareness and practical projects to preserve and present cultural heritage. Civil society also plays a crucial role in shaping national identity and a sense of a country's past and cultural heritage. Through their activities, associations can help disseminate knowledge, raise awareness, and shape national identity. They impact the country's development through their participation in decision-making processes and the development of various projects for the development of cultural heritage. They can promote cultural tourism, create employment opportunities in the cultural sector and contribute to the country's economic growth. Cooperation between civil society associations and public institutions is essential to realize the common objectives of preserving the cultural heritage and developing the country. Experience shows that when there is good organizational and institutional cooperation, the results are more successful and sustainable, but this has yet to cause much interest in the scientific community. This article will focus on describing the role played by civil society in Albania in this process and highlighting some specific features of its participation. The goals and objectives of this study are to (1) describe civil society engaged in the heritage and the interaction between them; (2) describe how the role of civil societies is changing amid ongoing changes; (3) identify trends in the development of cooperation between national institutions of civil society.

Received: 26 March 2024 / Accepted: 20 May 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
Tasks that Influence Overall Job Satisfaction Among Academics in Albania
Authors: Çali Megi , Mesuli Malvina , Rusi Xheni 
Published: July 2024

Measuring and understanding job satisfaction is increasingly crucial over time, both for organizations and academics. Identifying factors influencing job satisfaction is pivotal for taking proactive measures to enhance it. The task itself has been found to be one of the elements influencing academics' job satisfaction. This study focuses on investigating the specific tasks influencing the overall job satisfaction of university professors. Through hierarchical regression analysis involving 301 professors from Albanian universities, it was found that tasks related to teaching and knowledge transfer, and supervising PhD students positively impacted job satisfaction. Additionally, gender emerged as a demographic factor affecting this relationship, with women reporting higher satisfaction levels than men. Other demographic variables were not found to be significant. The study highlights key tasks contributing to academics' job satisfaction, providing valuable insights for policymakers and administrators in higher education. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored strategies aimed at addressing task-related issues and enhancing satisfaction levels.

Received: 2 May 2024 / Accepted: 30 June 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
Social Impact of Governmental Policies on Property Rights in Albania in the Spirit of ECtHR Jurisprudence
Authors: Kovaçi Melo Ilda , Rusi Nadia 
Published: July 2024

This paper analyses the impact of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) on property rights in Albania, focusing on the social and economic impact of European jurisprudence. Special focus on the paper is devoted to measure the perception of public servants regarding the social impact of ECtHR decision-making in this area. In more specific terms, the article examines how ECtHR decisions have influenced the initiation of legal reforms and adoption of social policies in order to improve the state of applicability of property rights in Albania. The study highlights ECHR's role in addressing historical injustices related to property confiscations, providing restitution and compensation to affected individuals. Also, the paper assesses the increase in public awareness of legal rights and growing trust in international judicial mechanisms, while acknowledging continuous challenges within the domestic legal system. Through an analysis of ECtHR jurisprudence, case studies and questionnaires, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of the social and economic impact of state policies on property issues.

Received: 23 March 2024 / Accepted: 28 June 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
Effects of Motion Infographics on High School Students’ Programming Skills
Authors: Alqahtani Jufayn Abdullah 
Published: July 2024

This study examines the potential of motion infographics in enhancing high school students' programming skills. It employs a quasi-experimental design, dividing participants into two groups. To collect the data for the study, the achievement test and performance observation sheet for programming skills are prepared. A random sample of high school students is selected, with 30 students assigned to the control group, which follows traditional learning methods, and 31 students assigned to the experimental group, which utilizes motion infographics for learning. The results indicate statistically significant differences in mean scores between the control group and the experimental group, favoring the posttest and performance observation of the experimental group. Based on these findings, the study recommends the integration of motion infographics in teaching programming skills to students at various stages.

Received: 13 March 2024 / Accepted: 29 June 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
The Forbidden Literature During the Soviet Union and Communist Albania, its Ethical Role, and Innovative Features: A Comparison of M. Bulgakov and K. Trebeshina
Authors: Zifla Qose Belfjore , Mullahi Anila , Hoshafi Monika 
Published: July 2024

Literature is a vital tool for preserving moral stability, bringing attention to the human crisis, and reminding humanity about the risks that arise for the society and the individual when human rights and values are violated during turbulent political and moral times. These subjects are prevalent in the dissident literature of the 20th century, which emerged from the former communist countries. These works represent an effort for the "humane" to survive during periods of moral crises, political repression, and societal hypocrisy. This paper focuses in the comparison of two writers, the Russian M. Bulgakov and the Albanian K. Trebeshina, to exemplify the crucial role of literature in such times. Due to the political and cultural background, there are numerous well-known similarities between Albanian Socialist Realism and Soviet Socialist Realism; yet, there is little research about the similarities between the forbidden literatures. This paper analyses the similarities concerning the crucial topics of dissident literature, while drawing parallels regarding their modern and postmodern literary features. Combining the inductive and deductive methodologies , the emphasis is on comparative literary techniques, textual analysis and interpretation. This comparison contributes to our better understanding and evaluation of the past while also providing a more focused perspective on our future as it is portrayed in literature.

Received: 3 May 2024 / Accepted: 30 June 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
Mathematical Expectation: Conceptual Difficulties Among Students
Authors: El Maroufi Abdelouahed , Moukhliss Marouane , Eseghir Abdelhak , El Amrani Hamid , Zaki Moncef , Latifi Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we are interested in the introductory teaching of the notion of Mathematical expectation, also known as the expected value. Our research hypothesis is that teaching based on a formal approach may be a didactic failure. The long-term observations of a reduced number of students made it possible to identify various difficulties and conceptual obstacles around the interpretation and the implementation of this notion. The difficulties that obstruct the availability of this object are due mainly to conceptual confusion between the notion of expected value and the notion of probability, others are due to erroneous representations. A quantitative analysis of students' productions showed that the relevance of the formal approach to the interpretation of expected value had no effect on its validity, compared to the intuitive approach which had an impact on its validity. These results thus encourage the adoption of a dialectic: formalism / intuition in the introduction of probabilistic formalism.

Received: 7 February 2024 / Accepted: 29 May 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024
Idiomatic Similes in English and Vietnamese: A Contrastive Analysis
Authors: Phuong Vu Mai 
Published: July 2024

Simile is deemed to be the simplest, yet frequently used in both English and Vietnamese discourse, which has become an essential and enduring part of daily speech as well as literature. A proper understanding of similes in both languages is a bridge to effective communication in the target language when learners have a chance to access extra-linguistic aspects and apply them to develop their linguistic competence considerably. However, due to its close relation with metaphor, in-depth research on simile itself has been somewhat limited and neglected. This paper is devoted to the exploration of similarities and differences between the use of idiomatic similes in English and Vietnamese. Based on the grounds of this contrastive analysis, some recommendations for teaching and learning similes within EFL context will be proposed and discussed.

Received: 13 March 2024 / Accepted: 29 June 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024