A new book of Csaba Békés on the relations within the Soviet bloc in the conditions of the Cold War

A new book of Csaba Békés on the relations within the Soviet bloc in the conditions of the Cold War

Author(s): A. S. Stykalin / Language(s): English / Issue: 3-4/2022

Keywords: review; Hungary; cold war; Soviet Union, WW II;

Review of: Csaba Békés' book, Hungary’s Cold War. International Relations from the End of World War II to the Fall of the Soviet Union, The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, 2022, 400 p.

MEASURING THE GOVERNANCE IN PAKISTAN: AN INTRODUCTION TO KU INDEX

MEASURING THE GOVERNANCE IN PAKISTAN: AN INTRODUCTION TO KU INDEX

Author(s): Rana Ejaz Ali Khan,Shafqut Ullah / Language(s): English / Issue: 21/2014

Keywords: Safety and security; Social development; Economic governance; Rule of law;

The governance at the national level has commonly been measured as poor or good governance by researchers in the area of public sector reforms. They have rarely attempted the numeric estimation of the concept but used different socioeconomic indicators as proxies. Governance is a multidimensional concept that cannot be accurately elaborated by a single indicator. In the literature there exists a gap for gauging the governance in the form of an index. The current study has attempted to ameliorate different dimensions of governance by including forty two social, political, economic, demographic and environmental indicators. These indicators are firstly merged into thirteen sub-dimensions and then into five dimensions. The dimensions have been transformed in to governance index. The trend of the index shows that governance has not only progressed very slowly but it remained desperate in the study period. The contribution of this study is to provide governance index named KU index for Pakistan in annual time series for the years 1980-81 to 2010- 2011. The index explained the level of governance in different eras and is ultimately connected with public sector reforms. It can be used by researchers as an explanatory factor for various political, socioeconomic and regional strategic phenomenon. Furthermore, the criterion of estimation of governance may be adopted for other economies and comparative analysis may be done.

DOES ECONOMIC FREEDOM IMPACT ECONOMIC GROWTH: DECOMPOSING THE EFFECTS FOR BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

DOES ECONOMIC FREEDOM IMPACT ECONOMIC GROWTH: DECOMPOSING THE EFFECTS FOR BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Author(s): Zoran Borović / Language(s): English / Issue: 21/2014

Keywords: Economic Freedom; the Index of Economic Freedom; economic growth;

In this paper we will present the results of our survey on Economic Freedom, and impact of its individual categories on economic growth in the Bosnia and Herzegovina. To measure economic freedom we will use The Index of Economic Freedom published by the Heritage Foundation in cooperation with the Wall Street Journal. We find that economic freedom have a positive impact on GDP growth. Our result also indicates that individual categories of the Economic Freedom have a different impact on GDP growth.

PROSPECTS OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN DIGITAL ECONOMY CASE STUDY OF MONTENEGRO

PROSPECTS OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN DIGITAL ECONOMY CASE STUDY OF MONTENEGRO

Author(s): Vujica Lazović / Language(s): English / Issue: 20/2014

Keywords: Digital economy; developing countries; competitiveness; internet domain .ME; informatics education; broadband; entrepreneurship;

Information technology has influenced business activities change to such extent that today we speak about new kind of economy, so called digital economy. Digital economy enforces new standards for doing business both on micro and macro, i.e. on global level. In this context, answering seemingly simple question regarding prospects of developing countries competitiveness in digital economy in comparison to traditional economy appears to be exceptionally interesting and even controversial in relation to classical economic theory. Cheap technology and rapid internet expansion offer new opportunity for developing countries to enter easily in global digital trends. In this regard, deliberate policy is required to foster development of infrastructure, education and entrepreneurship along with increasing use of information and communications technology. Through example of national internet domain ME internationalization, thereinafter is illustration how in Montenegro we recognized and utilized that opportunity.

MEASURING TOTAL FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY: ACCOUNTING FOR CROSS COUNTRY DIFFERENCES IN INCOME PER CAPITA

MEASURING TOTAL FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY: ACCOUNTING FOR CROSS COUNTRY DIFFERENCES IN INCOME PER CAPITA

Author(s): Stevo Pucar,Zoran Borović / Language(s): English / Issue: 19/2013

Keywords: Total factor productivity; capital; labour; efficiency; income per capita;

Why are some countries so much richer than others? Why do some countries produce so much more output per worker than others? Influential works by Klenow & Rodriguez-Clare (1997), Hall and Jones (1999), and Parente & Prescott (2000), among others, have argued that most of the cross country differences in output per worker is explained by differences in total factor productivity. Total factor productivity measurement enables researchers to determine the contribution of supply-side production factors to economic growth. Development Accounting is a first-pass attempt at organizing the answer around two proximate determinants: factors of production and efficiency. It answers the question “how much of the cross-country income variance can be attributed to differences in (physical and human) capital, and how much to differences in the efficiency with which capital is used’’? In this article, we will outline framework for growth accounting to account for cross-country difference in income of Republic of Srpska, Republic of Croatia and Republic of Serbia. The current consensus is that differences in income per worker across countries do not arise primarly from differences in quantities in capital or labour, but rather from differences in efficiency with which are these factors used. We find that total factor productivity is very important for the growth of output per worker, but only in cases of Serbia and Croatia. In case of Srpska the most important factor for the growth of output per worker is growth of capital.

Putin’s hidden war - How the Kremlin is bombing us on the internet

Putin’s hidden war - How the Kremlin is bombing us on the internet

Author(s): Grigol Julukhidze / Language(s): English / Issue: 01+02 (55)/2023

Keywords: war in Ukraine; Russian aggression against Ukraine;

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been characterisedas the first full-scale “social media war”. Russia uses social media to not only spread propaganda but also the “fog of war”. Its efforts aim to both demonise Ukraine in the West and strengthen Russian support for the war.

Friend or foe? The role of social media during Russia’s war in Ukraine

Friend or foe? The role of social media during Russia’s war in Ukraine

Author(s): Agnieszka Grzechynka / Language(s): English / Issue: 01+02 (55)/2023

Keywords: war in Ukraine; Russian aggression against Ukraine;

In the era of social divisions, public disputes and widespread polarisation of views, one phenomenon seems indisputable – social media has become an important element of life both in the private and public spheres. Understanding the peculiarities of these tools has also become an important social and business skill. Yet should social media management be considered a political and military competence as well? The Russian war in Ukraine suggests a positive answer. The terms “like”, “share”, “click”, “comment”, “tweet” or “swipe” have begun to have serious consequences andare – literally – a weapon of mass (media) destruction.

The threat of digital surveillance

The threat of digital surveillance

Author(s): Adam Reichardt / Language(s): English / Issue: 01+02 (55)/2023

Keywords: digital surveillance; security;

Surveillance is nothing new when it comes to authoritarian regimes as it has always been a tool to keep control and maintain order. The rise of digital technologies, however, has made it easier for regimes to monitor and control their populations. But it is not only autocratic governments which have adopted these technologies, adding to the risk of the decline of democracy and freedom.

„We Need to Think of Future Generations and of Non-human Animals”. An Interview with Peter Singer, Australian Philosopher, World-Famous Animal Ethicist

„We Need to Think of Future Generations and of Non-human Animals”. An Interview with Peter Singer, Australian Philosopher, World-Famous Animal Ethicist

Author(s): Peter Singer,Magdalena Kozhevnikova / Language(s): English / Issue: 10/2022

Identification – Categorizing Living Creatures and Human Cultural Practices

Identification – Categorizing Living Creatures and Human Cultural Practices

Author(s): Hanna Mamzer,Jan Marcin Węsławski / Language(s): English / Issue: 10/2022

Keywords: biodiversity; species; protection; naming; identification

A widely publicized IPBES report from 2019 warns that close to one million species currently on Earth will soon be extinct. In addition to debates in the media and among professionals about the factual value of that number, a larger problem remains—we do not know how many species are on Earth. According to extensive studies and statistical modelling, there are at least six million species in existence that have not yet been described. The term “described species” means that the animal or plant has received a unique scientific name that confirms its identity and relation to other organisms. A question thus remains about how we value species that are not yet named, known, or discovered. The most common practice is to value only creatures that are directly related to human existence, yet there is growing concern that we should value animals for the sake of their existence, for their intrinsic value. In this respect, the anthropocentric concepts of “pest” and “invasive species” need to be re-considered.

Self-Confidence in Metacognitive Processes in L2 Learning

Self-Confidence in Metacognitive Processes in L2 Learning

Author(s): Aleksandra Gojkov-Rajić,Jelisaveta Šafranj,Dragana M. Gak / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: gifted; self-confidence; meta-cognition; self-regulated motivation; L2 language

The study aims to identify the role of self-confidence, meta-cognition, personality traits, and motivation (predictive variables) as factors of success in second language (L2) learning. It is assumed that there is a high correlation between the observed variables in the meta-cognitive process, which distinguishes academically gifted students from regular students, and that self-confidence is an autonomous factor of success and has a significant role in the self-regulated motivation of gifted students. The results on the Language Proficiency Test are a criterion variable, while gender, residence in the country of the native speaker, duration of L2 learning, and average grade in studies are moderator variables. The sample is convenient, and consists of 460 students from the University of Novi Sad and the University of Belgrade. The research was carried out using a quantitative approach and a method of systematic non-experimental observation. The following instruments are used: the Big Five Personality Traits Questionnaire, the Meta-cognitive Awareness Inventory, the Memory and Reasoning Competence Inventory, the English Language Motivation Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and the L2 Proficiency Test. The main findings confirmed the hypothesis of a high correlation between the observed variables in the meta-cognitive process that distinguishes academically gifted students from regular students, as well as that self-confidence is an autonomous factor of success and plays an important role in the self-regulated motivation of the gifted. This confirms the significance of self-confidence in self-regulation and provides an indirect role in L2 learning achievements. Students should be aware of meta-cognitive processes and try to self-regulate their knowledge and learning strategies.

Students’ Perceptions of Teacher Support, and Their School and Life Satisfaction Before and After The COVID-19 Pandemic

Students’ Perceptions of Teacher Support, and Their School and Life Satisfaction Before and After The COVID-19 Pandemic

Author(s): Tomislava Vidić,Marina Đuranović,Irena Klasnic / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: COVID–19; life satisfaction; school satisfaction; teacher support

In an attempt to examine the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic affected the lives of primary school students, a longitudinal study was conducted focused on students’ school satisfaction and life satisfaction, and their perception of the support provided by their teachers. The study was conducted in two waves, within the period of two years – the first one before the pandemic, and the second one upon its end, that is, when the students returned to classes in school. The study encompassed 548 students in total, attending third to eighth grades of primary school in the Republic of Croatia. 267 students participated in both waves of the study. The quantitative approach was applied. The results revealed statistically significant differences in students’ perception of teacher support, and the level of their school satisfaction and life satisfaction. Students seem to have been more satisfied with school, life and teacher support before the pandemic. An additional analysis of the differences between generations of students (2019 and 2021) was conducted. Although the younger generation seem to give a lower rating to all the examined variables, in comparison to the generation of 2019, the results reveal statistically significant differences only in life satisfaction (grades 4, 5 and 7) and teacher support (grades 5 and 6). The limitations of the study, as well as implications for future research and educational practice are discussed.

Psychological Portrait of the Modern Mentor of Students’ Group Projects

Psychological Portrait of the Modern Mentor of Students’ Group Projects

Author(s): Irina Al. Bakaeva,Polina Ruslanovna Dmitrieva,Aleksandra Anatolievna ZHerdeva,Elena Petrovna Raevskaya,Nikolai Nikolaevich Timokhin / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: project activity; project mentor; tutor; emotional intelligence; communication skills; organizational skills

The aim of the research is studying the individual psychological characteristics of teachers included in project activities as student teams mentors. The purpose of the work was to identify influence degree of individual psychological characteristics of mentors to the success level in the implementation activities of project student groups. The work presents the results of the empirical study based on the educational intensive SfeduNet, which was implemented and hosted by the Southern Federal University in cooperation with the NTI University 20.35. The object of the empirical study was 84 SfeduNet intensive mentors, aged 26 to 55 years (M=40.70; SD=7.36), 20,20% of respondents are men and 79,80% are women. Methodological tools are represented by psychological questionnaires: “Methodology for diagnosing general communicative tolerance” (V.V. Boyko), “Motivation for success and fear of failure” (A.A. Rean), “Communicative and organizational skills (COI-2 emotional intelligence questionnaire by D.V. Lyusin. The individual psychological characteristics of project mentors were identified, as well as the features which determine the mentor’s effectiveness activity for project team support. They were identified as: tolerance, the ability to understand and accept other people’s individuality, their specificity, manipulative orientation in communication, invaluable attitude towards people, the ability not to accept herself or himself as a reference person, beyond comparison with themselves and their value preferences. Collected data are of practical importance and are significant and widely used in project activities implementation at the stage of selection, training and mentors’ support.

Preschool Teachers’ Professional Training in the Field of Inclusive Education in The North of Kosovo and Metohija

Preschool Teachers’ Professional Training in the Field of Inclusive Education in The North of Kosovo and Metohija

Author(s): Tatjana Kompirović,Daliborka R. Popović,Tatjana S. Radojević,Andrijana Biševac / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: inclusive education; professional training; preschool institution; competences

The issue of inclusive education is focused on providing the high quality education for all learners through the process of introducing the changes concerning the educational approach and the modification of educational content depending on the learners’ individual needs for additional support. The analyses of inclusive policies and inclusive practice in Europe indicate that the characteristics of social context significantly impact the development of inclusive practice. Self-assessment for professional training is a vital condition for enhancing competences through continuous learning and reflexive practice with the aim of achieving the final learning outcomes of all pupils. The aim of the research was also to determine the dominance of certain ways of training within the regular professional training, in regard to the quality and availability of education and support for work that can be provided by the preschool institution where these teachers are employed. The sample comprises of 130 preschool teachers of the following preschool institutions in the north of Kosovo and Metohija. Taking into account the results of the conducted research, the respondents outlined as the most useful findings and skills that are necessary for working with children with disabilities the following ones: the identification of characteristics of certain difficulties among children, the adjustment of methods, ways of teaching, materials and space to working with children who need additional educational support, the creation of individual educational plan for a child who needs additional educational support and communication skills for working with parents.

Mental Representations as The Students’ Academic Success Predictor

Mental Representations as The Students’ Academic Success Predictor

Author(s): Irina Kibalchenko,Tatiana Eksakusto / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: predictors; mental representations; academic success; academic progress; implicit theories

The analysis is aimed at defining peculiarities of mental representations in homogeneous cluster groups, represented by the students characterized by different (high, average or low) academic progress levels. Deductive and correlation design of the research is defined here as a general method. Statistic design: the research is held taking into account a mixed method, including several qualitative and quantitative techniques of data processing and interpreting; more specifically cluster analysis (used for relatively homogeneous groups defining), multiple regression analysis (used to determine the impact of mental representations characteristics on academic success) as well as Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. The average value of the regression model significance reflects the veracity of the research results. The attained statistic results prove that mental representations have peculiar impact on students’ academic success and there is an effect of the students’ academic activity progress splitting. On the one hand, the research helps to identify cluster groups of students characterized by success exteriorization indices growth and academic success indices reduction. On the other hand, non-linear impact of mental representations characteristics on students’ academic success was identified (the effect of inversion); i.e. some mental representations indices are highly developed, but the quality of education is low and individual resource is hard to implement in everyday life. Academic progress index, high level of studying and professional competences acquirement orientation as well as the activity factor are defined as measures of academic success mental representations splitting in groups. These results and conclusions prove the scientific fact that mental representations have an influence on the students’ academic success. This influence is multidimensional and vague. These facts offer a challenge of the research in considering highly-effective psychotechnologies for developing mental representations in general and students’ academic success in particular.

Personal Predictors of Online Teaching - Experiences of The Teachers in Serbia in The Covid Regime

Personal Predictors of Online Teaching - Experiences of The Teachers in Serbia in The Covid Regime

Author(s): Danijela N. Vasilijević,Žana P. Bojović,Marina Ž. Semiz,Danijela Sudzilovski / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: online teaching; Covid-19; cognitive competence; affective competence; organizational and technical support

The pandemic of the COVID-19 virus initiated a rapid organizational transformation of teaching at all levels of education and its implementation in a virtual environment. In this context, teachers’ perceptions of the predictors of online teaching largely determined the quality of its current implementation, but also the character of its further application in the future. Using the survey method, research was carried out with the aim of examining the attitudes of teachers in Serbia about personal predictors of online teaching and their determinants, in the past two school years. Personal predictors of online teaching are operationalized through the cognitive and affective competence of the teachers, as well as through organizational and technical support. Six hundred and seven teachers, who teach in the first three cycles of education, from all districts of the Republic of Serbia, participated in the research. Regarding all personal predictors considered, teachers evaluate cognitive competence as the most important predictor of the implementation of online teaching, then affective competence and finally, organizational and technical support. As the results of the research suggest, a significant influence of the dominant online experience, of the applied online platform, work experience and educational cycle on teachers’ perceptions of affective competence as a predictor of online teaching were determined, while the perceptions of organizational and technical support were significantly influenced by the place where the school was located and the applied online platforms. The obtained results may have implications for pedagogical practice and professional development of teachers in terms of consideration and awareness of the role of various personal predictors required for the successful use of modern educational technology.

The Effects and Effectiveness of An Adaptive E-Learning System on The Learning Process and Performance of Students

The Effects and Effectiveness of An Adaptive E-Learning System on The Learning Process and Performance of Students

Author(s): Igor Ristić,Marija Runić-Ristić,Tijana Savić Tot,Vilmoš Tot,Momčilo B. Bajac / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: adaptive learning system; e-learning; learning style; Мoodle

Students acquire learning material in different ways. Some prefer to read, some prefer to listen, others use the third type of sense. Traditional teaching uses only one of these teaching strategies since it is impossible to use all of them in the classroom. However, these days, adaptive e-learning systems enable learning material to be customized to the individual needs of learners. For the purpose of this paper, the researchers designed a model of the adaptive learning management system and implemented it in Moodle. The system was evaluated on 228 students. The incorporation of learning styles in Moodle is based on the VAK learning style model. The authors analysed the effects and effectiveness of an adaptive e-learning system. It was discovered that there are significant differences in learning effectiveness, satisfaction and motivation when students use an adaptive e-learning module in comparison to a standard e-learning module. Moreover, we investigated the durability of knowledge acquired with an adaptive e-learning system by comparing the performance of students not only after the completion of the course but also a month after the course. The results of the research confirmed the authors’ expectations and showed that an adaptive e-learning system can increase students’ learning results. So far, to our knowledge, no study has evaluated the performance between a control and experiment group a few months after the completion of the course, i.e. by analysing the durability of knowledge acquired through an adaptive e-learning system. Moreover, the motivation of students to continue using an adaptive e-learning system hasn’t been analysed until now.

The Neural Correlates of Exact Calculation in Word and Numerical Formats in Low And High Math Performers: A fNIRS Study

The Neural Correlates of Exact Calculation in Word and Numerical Formats in Low And High Math Performers: A fNIRS Study

Author(s): Maria Sitnikova,Julia A. Marakshina,Tatiana Borisovna Timofeyeva,Grigory O. Pronin,Rustam G. Asadullaev / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: exact calculation; addition; numerical format; word format; math competence, fNIRS

The representation format of math problems can manifest dissimilarly in people with varying levels of math performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the neurocognitive underpinnings of two-digit exact calculation tasks in different formats: numerical and word. Fifty-three students were divided into groups with high and low levels of math performance based on their ability to solve math problems. They were asked to calculate addition problems with two-digit numbers and to read math problems that did not require calculations. Brain activation was recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). General linear model (GLM) analysis revealed that reading math problems without calculation led to increased activation in the inferior temporal and fusiform gyri in a group of high-level performers, while a group of low-level performers demonstrated increased activation in Broca’s area and the inferior frontal gyrus in the same experimental condition, as well as during solving arithmetic problems in a word format of the exact calculation task. Analysis after bootstrapping revealed similar activation patterns in both groups. Both domain-specific and domain-general regions of the frontal and parietal brain areas were involved in the calculations. Right and left hemisphere activation was found both in low and high math performers. Comparing experimental conditions with resting state revealed significant activation in Broca’s area in all conditions in a group of high-level performers and in a word format of arithmetic problems in a group of low-level performers. Thus, the observed brain patterns suggest the involvement of complex sentence comprehension, especially in high-performing students. These results could be used in future to improve educational practice for students with varying levels of math competence.

Representation of Roma Content in Curricula and Textbooks at the Initial Education Level in Serbia

Representation of Roma Content in Curricula and Textbooks at the Initial Education Level in Serbia

Author(s): Aleksandra Trbojević,Biljana Jeremić,Hadži Živorad M. Milenović,Bojan Lazić / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: right to education; initial education; Roma people; Roma students; non-discrimination

The 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees all children the right to an education, and this paper focuses on Roma children and that right. The extent of Serbia’s strategy documents was reviewed, particularly in light of their responsibility for guaranteeing equity, accessibility, and equal educational opportunities for all children. The study’s objective is to assess how content related to the Roma is portrayed in current curricula (N = 16) and textbooks (N = 93) for the 2022–2023 academic year. It was discovered that despite the objectives in each of the analyzed courses (Serbian language, The World around Us, Nature and Society, Music Education, and Civic Education) clearly promote equality, diversity, and mutual appreciation, democratic values, inclusion, and anti-discrimination, none of them explicitly mention the words Roma or the Roma people. Only a few times do the Roma people explicitly appear in textbooks on nature, society, and music, and then only as a numerical representation of the national minority; no mention is made of the positive traits of the Roma people, who have their own identity, tradition, and culture as well as well-known members. The results highlight the need for textbooks to include specific content about the Roma people as fundamental teaching tools. This content should also be included in the curriculum because it would help students of Roma origin feel less excluded and more empowered to participate in school on an equal footing.

The Associations Between Personality Traits, Leisure Activities, and Memory Performance in Older Adulthood

The Associations Between Personality Traits, Leisure Activities, and Memory Performance in Older Adulthood

Author(s): Viktorija Ivleva,Antanas Kairys / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: personality traits; memory; leisure activities; older adults; SHARE

The present study examines the links between personality traits, leisure activities, and memory in older adults after controlling for leisure activities and demographic factors. The research sample consisted of 24,930 individuals aged 65 to 101 years from 27 European countries (43.2% men and 56.8% women). Data from the 7th Wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe was analyzed. Memory was assessed using a modified version of Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). Personality traits were assessed using the BFI-10 Personality Traits Questionnaire. Data analysis revealed that personality traits such as openness to experience and neuroticism allow for the prediction of memory capacity in older adulthood. These relationships remained significant even after controlling for cognitively stimulating leisure activities and age. These results show that personality traits such as neuroticism and openness to experience might be valuable in predicting memory functioning among older adults.