Abstract: Students of Higher Education Technical School of
Professional Studies in Novi Sad follow the subject ‘Maintenance of
Electric Power Equipment’ at the Electrotechnical Department. This
paper presents educational plan and program of the subject
Maintenance of Electric Power Equipment. The course deals with the
problems of preventive and investing maintenance of transformer
stations (TS), performing and maintenance of grounding of TS and
pillars, as well as tracing and detection the location of the cables
failure. There is a special elaborated subject concerning the safe work
conditions for the electrician during network maintenance, as well as
the basics of making and keeping technical documentation of the
equipment.
Abstract: Complex environments triggered by globalization
have necessitated new paradigms of leadership – Complexity
Leadership that encompass multiple roles that leaders need to take
upon. Success of Higher Education institutions depends on how well
leaders can provide adaptive, administrative and enabling leadership.
Complexity Leadership seems all the more relevant for institutions
that are knowledge-driven and thrive on Knowledge creation,
Knowledge storage and retrieval, Knowledge Sharing and
Knowledge applications. Discussed in this paper are the elements of
Globalization and the opportunities and challenges that are brought
forth by globalization. The Complexity leadership paradigm in a
knowledge-based economy and the need for such a paradigm shift for
higher education institutions is presented. Further, the paper also
discusses the support the leader requires in a knowledge-driven
economy through knowledge management initiatives.
Abstract: There are real needs to integrate types of Open
Educational Resources (OER) with an intelligent system to extract
information and knowledge in the semantic searching level. The
needs came because most of current learning standard adopted web
based learning and the e-learning systems do not always serve all
educational goals. Semantic Web systems provide educators,
students, and researchers with intelligent queries based on a semantic
knowledge management learning system. An ontology-based learning
system is an advanced system, where ontology plays the core of the
semantic web in a smart learning environment. The objective of this
paper is to discuss the potentials of ontologies and mapping different
kinds of ontologies; heterogeneous or homogenous to manage and
control different types of Open Educational Resources. The important
contribution of this research is that it uses logical rules and
conceptual relations to map between ontologies of different
educational resources. We expect from this methodology to establish
an intelligent educational system supporting student tutoring, self and
lifelong learning system.
Abstract: The level and type of student academic motivation are
the key factors in their development and determine the effectiveness
of their education. Improving motivation is very important with
regard to courses on middle school mathematics. This article examines the general position regarding the practice of
academic motivation. It also examines the particular features of
mathematical problem solving in a school setting.
Abstract: The purpose of the study is to find out relation of
moral massage between the authority and globalization in proverb.
Proverb is one of the many forms of cultural identity of the
Indonesian/Malay people filled with moral values. The values
contained within those proverbs are beneficial not only to the society,
but also to those who held power amidst on this era of globalization.
The method being used is qualitative research through content
analysis which is done by describing and uncovering the forms and
meanings of proverbs used within Indonesia Minangkabau society.
Sources for this study’s data were extracted from a Minangkabau
native speaker in the sub district of Tanah Abang, Jakarta. Said
sources were retrieved through a series of interviews with the
Minangkabau native speaker, whose speech is still adorned with
idiomatic expressions. The research findings show that there are 30
existed proverbs or idiomatic expressions in the Minangkabau
language often used by its indigenous people. The thirty data contain
moral values which are closely interwoven with the matter of power
and globalization. Analytical results show that the fourteen moral
values contained within proverbs reflect a firm connection between
rule and power in globalization; such as: responsible, brave,
togetherness and consensus, tolerance, politeness, thorough and
meticulous, honest and keeping promise, ingenious and learning,
care, self-correction, be fair, alert, arbitrary, self-awareness.
Structurally, proverbs possess an unchangeably formal construction;
symbolically, proverbs possess meanings that are clearly decided
through ethnographic communicative factors along with situational
and cultural contexts. Values contained within proverbs may be used
as a guide in social management, be it between fellow men, between
men and nature, or even between men and their Creator. Therefore,
the meanings and values contained within the morals of proverbs
could also be utilized as a counsel for those who rule and in charge of
power in order to stem the tides of globalization that had already
spread into sectoral, territorial and educational continuums.
Abstract: This paper focuses on how judiciaries in post-conflict societies can gain legitimacy through reformation. Legitimacy plays a pivotal role in shaping people’s behavior to submit to the law and verifies the rightfulness of an organ for taking binding decisions. Among various dynamics, judicial independence, access to justice and behavioral changes of the judicial officials broadly contribute to legitimation of judiciary in general, and the courts in particular. Increasing independence of judiciary through reform limits, inter alia, government interference in judicial issues and protects basic rights of the citizens. Judicial independence does not only matter in institutional terms, individual independence also influences the impartiality and integrity of judges, which can be increased through education and better administration of justice. Finally, access to justice as an intertwined concept both at the legal and moral spectrum of judicial reform avails justice to the citizens and increases the level of public trust and confidence. Efficient legal decisions on fostering such elements through holistic reform create a rule of law atmosphere. Citizens neither accept an illegitimate judiciary nor do they trust its decisions. Lack of such tolerance and confidence deters the rule of law and thus, undermines the democratic development of a society.
Abstract: A repairable mechanical system (as agricultural
tractor) is subject to deterioration or repeated failure and needs a
repair shops and also operator’s capability for the repair and
maintenance operations. Data are based on field visits and interviews
with 48MF 285 tractor operators from 14 villages collected in north
of Khouzestan province. The results showed that most operators were
lack the technical skill to service and repair tractors due to
insufficient training, specific education and work experience.
Inadequate repair and maintenance facilities, such as workshops,
mechanics and spare parts depots cause delays in repair work in the
survey areas. Farmers do not keep accurate service records and most
of them disregard proper maintenance and service of their tractors,
such as changing engine oil without following the manufacturer’s
recommendations. Since, Repair and maintenance facilities should be
established in village areas to guarantee timely repair in case of
breakdowns and to make spare parts available at low price. The
operators should keep service records accurately and adhere to
maintenance and service schedules according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. They should also be encouraged to do the service and
maintain their tractors properly.
Abstract: This paper discusses the question whether a person
diagnosed with dyslexia will necessarily have difficulty in reading
musical notes. The author specifies the characteristics of alphabet
reading in comparison to musical notation reading, and concludes
that there should be no contra-indication for teaching standard music
reading to children with dyslexia if an appropriate process is offered.
This conclusion is based on a long term case study and relies on two
main characteristics of music reading: (1) musical notation system is
a systematic, logical, relative set of symbols written on a staff; and
(2) music reading learning connected with playing a musical
instrument is a multi-sensory activity that combines sight, hearing,
touch, and movement. The paper describes music reading teaching
procedures, using soprano recorders, and provides unique teaching
methods that have been found to be effective for students who were
diagnosed with dyslexia. It provides theoretical explanations in
addition to guidelines for music education practices.
Abstract: This paper deals with the problem of management of
information resources in libraries of the public institution Sultan
Moulay Slimane University (SMSU) in order to analyze the
satisfaction of the readers, and allow university leaders to make better
strategic and instant decisions. For this, the integration of an
integrated management decision library system is a priority program
of higher education, as part of the Digital Morocco, which has a
proactive policy to develop the use of new technologies information
and communication in higher institutions. This operational
information system can provide better services to the students and for
the leaders. Our approach is to integrate the tools of business
intelligence (BI) in the library management by using power BI.
Abstract: At the present time, awareness, education, computer
simulation and information systems protection are very serious and
relevant topics. The article deals with perspectives and possibilities of
implementation of emergence or natural hazard threats into the
system which is developed for communication among members of
crisis management staffs. The Czech Hydro-Meteorological Institute
with its System of Integrated Warning Service resents the largest
usable base of information. National information systems are connected to foreign systems,
especially to flooding emergency systems of neighboring countries,
systems of European Union and international organizations where the
Czech Republic is a member. Use of outputs of particular information
systems and computer simulations on a single communication
interface of information system for communication among members
of crisis management staff and setting the site interoperability in the
net will lead to time savings in decision-making processes in solving
extraordinary events and crisis situations. Faster managing of an
extraordinary event or a crisis situation will bring positive effects and
minimize the impact of negative effects on the environment.
Abstract: Sweden has succeeded to maintain a high level of
growth and development and has managed to sustain highly ranked
position among the world’s developed countries. In this regard,
Swedish universities are playing a vital role in supporting innovation
and entrepreneurship at all levels and developing Swedish knowledge
economy. This paper is aiming to draw on the experiences of two leading
Swedish universities, addressing their transformation approach to
create entrepreneurial universities and fulfilling their objectives in the
era of knowledge economy. The objectives of the paper include: 1) Introducing the Swedish
higher education and its characteristics. 2) Examining the
infrastructure elements for innovation and Entrepreneurship at two of
the Swedish entrepreneurial universities. 3) Addressing the key
aspects of support systems in the initiatives of both Chalmers and
Gothenburg universities to support innovation and advance
entrepreneurial practices. The paper will contribute to two discourses: 1) Examining the
relationship between support systems for innovation and
entrepreneurship and the Universities’ policies and practices. 2)
Lessons for University leaders to assist the development and
implementation of effective innovation and entrepreneurship policies
and practices.
Abstract: Leishmaniasis is the collective name for a number of
diseases caused by protozoan flagellates of the genus Leishmania,
which is transmitted by Phlebotomine sandfly, the disease has diverse
clinical manifestations and found in many areas of the world,
particularly in Africa, Latin America, South and Central Asia, the
Mediterranean basin and the Middle East. This study was done to
assess primary health care physicians’ knowledge (PHP) and attitude
about leishmaniasis and to assess awareness of local inhabitants
about the disease and its vector in four areas in west Alexandria,
Egypt. It is a cross sectional survey that was conducted in four PHC
units in west Alexandria. All physicians currently working in these
units during the study period were invited to participate in the study;
only 20 PHP completed the questionnaire. 60 local inhabitants were
selected randomly from the four areas of the study, 15 from each
area; Data was collected through two different specially designed
questionnaires. Results showed that 11 (55%) percent of the
physicians had satisfactory knowledge; they answered more than 9
(60%) questions out of a total 14 questions about leishmaniasis and
sandfly. On the other hand when attitude of the primary health care
physicians about leishmaniasis was measured, results showed that 17
(85%) had good attitude and 3 (15%) had poor attitude. The second
questionnaire showed that the awareness of local inhabitants about
leishmaniasis and sandfly as a vector of the disease is poor and needs
to be corrected. (90%) of the interviewed inhabitants had not heard
about leishmaniasis, Only 3 (5%) of them said they know sandfly and
its role in transmission of leishmaniasis. Thus we conclude that
knowledge and attitudes of physicians are acceptable. However, there
is, room for improvement and could be done through formal training
courses and distribution of guidelines. In addition to raising the
awareness of primary health care physicians about the importance of
early detection and notification of cases of leishmaniasis, health
education for raising awareness of the public regarding the vector and
the disease is necessary because related studies have demonstrated
that for inhabitants to take enough protective measures against the
vector, they should perceive that it is responsible for causing a
disease.
Abstract: The present research investigated whether gender
differences affect performance in a simple math quiz in statistics
course. Participants of this study comprised a sample of 567 statistics
students in two different universities in Lebanon. Data were collected
through a simple math quiz. Analysis of quantitative data indicated
that there wasn’t a significant difference in math performance
between males and females. The results suggest that improvements in
student performance may depend on improved mastery of basic
algebra especially for females. The implications of these findings and
further recommendations were discussed.
Abstract: The current paper presents the results of a conducted
case study. During the past few years the number of children
diagnosed with Learning Difficulties has drastically augmented and
especially the cases of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder). One of the core characteristics of ADHD is a deficit in
working memory functions. The review of the literature indicates a
plethora of educational software that aim at training and enhancing
the working memory. Nevertheless, in the current paper, the
possibility of using for the same purpose free, online games will be
explored. Another issue of interest is the potential effect of the
working memory training to the core symptoms of ADHD. In order
to explore the abovementioned research questions, three digital tests
are employed, all of which are developed on the E-slate platform by
the author, in order to check the levels of ADHD’s symptoms and to
be used as diagnostic tools, both in the beginning and in the end of
the case study. The tools used during the main intervention of the
research are free online games for the training of working memory.
The research and the data analysis focus on the following axes: a) the
presence and the possible change in two of the core symptoms of
ADHD, attention and impulsivity and b) a possible change in the
general cognitive abilities of the individual. The case study was
conducted with the participation of a thirteen year-old, female
student, diagnosed with ADHD, during after-school hours. The
results of the study indicate positive changes both in the levels of
attention and impulsivity. Therefore, we conclude that the training of
working memory through the use of free, online games has a positive
impact on the characteristics of ADHD. Finally, concerning the
second research question, the change in general cognitive abilities, no
significant changes were noted.
Abstract: Natural dyes are gaining interest due their expected
low risk to human health and to the environment. In this study, the
wash fastness of a natural coloring matter from the liquid waste
produced in the steam treatment of eucalyptus wood in textile fabrics
was investigated. Specifically, eucalyptus wood extract was used to
dye cotton, nylon and wool in an exhaust dyeing process without the
addition of the traditional mordanting agents and then submitted to
wash fastness analysis. The resulting dyed fabrics were evaluated for
color fastness. It was found that wash fastness of dyed fabrics was
very good to cotton and excellent to nylon and wool.
Abstract: This study discusses a Turkish music education model
similar to its Venezuelan counterpart El Sistema, in which
socialization and human development are the main goals. The Music
for Peace (Baris Icin Muzik) model, founded in 2005 by an idealist
humanitarian in Istanbul, started as a pilot project with accordion and
today makes symphonic music education. The program aims to offer
social change through free-of-charge. In such a big city like Istanbul, in a deprived inner city center
people have poor economic, social and cultural conditions. In that
Edirnekapi district people don’t have opportunities to join the cultural
and social life, like music or sports. It is believed that this initiative
covered a part of this gap by giving children the opportunities to
participate in social and cultural life. In this study it is planned to understand what social changes could
music education could make in children’s lives. In the complimentary
music lessons children works in groups, which helps them to learn
the feelings of solidarity, friendship, communion and sharing. By Music for Peace project children connect with the community,
they have the belief to succeed in life because they feel that they are
loved by their friends, instructors and families. In short they feel that
they are important, thus brings the success in life. Additionally, it is
believed that, this program has achieved success. Today
approximately 400 children participate in this programs orchestras
and choirs. Some of the students get into the conservatories. And the
center is not just a place where they get music lessons but also a place
where they get socialized. And music education helps children to
have strong sense of identity, self-confidence and self-esteem.
Abstract: The goal of the modern education system is to prepare
students to be able to adapt to ever-changing life situations. They
must be able to acquire required knowledge independently; apply
such knowledge in practice to solve various problems by using
modern technologies; think critically and creatively; competently use
information; be communicative, work in a team; and develop their
own moral values, intellect and cultural awareness. As a result, the
status of education significantly increases; new requirements to its
quality have been formed. In recent years the competency-based
approach in education has become of significant interest. This
approach is a strengthening of applied and practical characteristics of
a school education and leads to the forming of the key students’
competencies which define their success in future life. In this article,
the authors’ attention focuses on a range of key competencies,
educational, informational and communicative and on the possibility
to develop such competencies via STEM education. This research
shows the change in students’ attitude towards scientific disciplines
such as mathematics, general science, technology and engineering as
a result of STEM education. Two staged analyzed questionnaires
completed by students of forms II to IV in the republic of Trinidad
and Tobago allowed the authors to categorize students between two
levels that represent students’ attitude to various disciplines. The
significance of differences between selected levels was confirmed
with the use of Pearson’s chi-squared test. In summary, the analysis
of obtained data makes it possible to conclude that STEM education
has a great potential for development of core students’ competencies
and encourage the development of positive student attitude towards
the above mentioned above scientific disciplines.
Abstract: The teaching of computer programming for beginners
has been generally considered as a difficult and challenging task.
Several methodologies and research tools have been developed,
however, the difficulty of teaching still remains. Our work integrates
the state of the art in teaching programming with game software and
further provides metrics for the evaluation of student performance in
a collaborative activity of playing games. This paper aims to present a
multi-agent system architecture to be incorporated to the educational
collaborative game software for teaching programming that monitors,
evaluates and encourages collaboration by the participants. A
literature review has been made on the concepts of Collaborative
Learning, Multi-agents systems, collaborative games and techniques
to teach programming using these concepts simultaneously.
Abstract: Financial innovations can be regarded as the cause
and the effect of the evolution of the financial system. Most of
financial innovations are created by various financial institutions for
their own purposes and needs. However, due to their diversity,
financial innovations can be also applied by various business entities
(other than financial institutions).
This paper focuses on the potential application of financial
innovations by non-financial companies. It is assumed that financial
innovations may be effectively applied in all fields of corporate
financial decisions integrating financial management with the risk
management process. Appropriate application of financial
innovations may enhance the development of the company and
increase its value by improving its financial situation and reducing
the level of risk. On the other hand, misused financial innovations
may become the source of extra risk for the company threatening its
further operation.
The main objective of the paper is to identify the major types of
financial innovations offered to non-financial companies by the
banking system in Poland. It also aims at identifying the main factors
determining the creation of financial innovations in the banking
system in Poland and indicating future directions of their
development.
This paper consists of conceptual and empirical part. Conceptual
part based on theoretical study is focused on the determinants of the
process of financial innovations and their application by the nonfinancial
companies. Theoretical study is followed by the empirical
research based on the analysis of the actual offer of the 20 biggest
banks operating in Poland with regard to financial innovations
offered to SMEs and large corporations. These innovations are
classified according to the main functions of the integrated financial
management, such as financing, investment, working capital
management and risk management.
Empirical study has proved that the biggest banks operating in the
Polish market offer to their business customers many types and
classes of financial innovations. This offer appears vast and adequate
to the needs and purposes of the Polish non-financial companies. It
was observed that financial innovations pertained to financing
decisions dominate in the banks’ offer. However, due to high
diversification of the offered financial innovations, business
customers may effectively apply them in all fields and areas of
integrated financial management. It should be underlined, that the
banks’ offer is highly dispersed, which may limit the implementation
of financial innovations in the corporate finance. It would be also
recommended for the banks operating in the Polish market to
intensify the education campaign aiming at increasing knowledge
about financial innovations among business customers.
Abstract: This research paper presents the current practices of
teacher professional development, perceived as beneficial by teachers
themselves, in a private secondary school in Brunei Darussalam. This
is part of the findings of a larger qualitative study on teacher
empowerment, using ethnographic methods for data collection, i.e.
participant observation, interviews and document analysis. The field
work was carried out over a period of six months in 2013. An
analysis of the field data revealed multiple pathways of teacher
professional development existing in the school. The results indicate
that school leaders, the teacher community in the school, students,
and the teachers themselves were the agents in a school that
facilitated teacher empowerment. Besides contributing to the
knowledge base on teacher professional development, the results of
this study provide directions for educational policy makers in their
efforts to enhance professional development in secondary schools of
similar characteristics. For school leaders and the teacher community,
these findings offer guidelines for maximizing the opportunities for
these professional development practices, by strengthening
collegiality and by using the existing structures optimally for the
benefit of all concerned.