OJS (University St. Kliment Ohridski)
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DIFFERENT PERCEPTION REGARDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES – UNEMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS AND EMPLOYERS
Full text linkA frequent problem faced by employers in the labor market in the Republic of North Macedonia are candidates who possess formal knowledge but lack the necessary skills, abilities and knowledge. In short – they lack the competencies required for successful performance in a specific job position. In every hiring process, employers first assess the competencies possessed by the job candidate, or the potential that determines whether they will be successful in the workplace. It should be emphasized that competencies encompass skills, abilities, knowledge and personal traits that match the job requirements, determining whether a specific candidate is suitable for the job or needs to improve some skills and develop competencies necessary for the position. Most of the technical competencies should ideally be acquired during formal education i.e. undergraduate studies for the majority of citizens in Macedonia. The entire problem regarding the different perceptions of employment opportunities between the two sides of this issue – the unemployed and the employers – lies in the different assessment of the candidate\u27s competencies from both sides (often including a lack of awareness of the competencies required for the job being applied for by the candidates). The analysis in this paper is focused on this extremely relevant issue, with an emphasis on the fact that quality education based on real needs is the foundation for a healthy economy, a healthy labor market and progress in any country
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE: INSIGHTS INTO SOCIOLINGUISTIC, DISCOURSE AND STRATEGIC PROFICIENCY OF ESP STUDENTS
Full text linkIn this increasingly interconnected world, effective intercultural communication is vital for tackling diverse social and professional contexts. This study explores intercultural communicative competence (ICC), with a specific focus on examining sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic abilities. Using a Google Forms questionnaire, data were gathered from 37 participants across various age groups (18-38 years). It included 37 ESP students from the Faculty of Biotechnical Sciences, at St. Kliment Ohridski University-Bitola, enrolled across various food technology undergraduate, master’s and PhD programs. This sample was selected because it included current and potential future participants in student exchange programs (ERASMUS, CEEPUS), as well as foreign students studying at the faculty, making them particularly relevant for evaluating intercultural communicative competence. The analysis reveal certain perceptions into participants\u27 capacities to adapt speech to different communication contexts, engage in conversations with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and employ strategic communication strategies when faced with language barriers. This is a supplementary analysis and it provides an investigation of ICC, highlighting how sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic competencies intersect. The findings point out both the strengths as well as the weaknesses of the participants’ ICC, highlighting the need for acquisition of the aforesaid competencies for the efficient conduct of their intercultural communication endeavors, offering recommendations for educators and researchers to improve intercultural communication in the modern world
OPTIMIZING EFL INSTRUCTION FOR BILINGUAL LEARNERS IN NORTH MACEDONIA
Full text linkMore and more children nowadays are exposed to content in English from an early age. They acquire English alongside their native Macedonian and, as a result, speak the foreign language fluently before they even begin attending school. Thus, EFL teachers in North Macedonia regularly encounter students with exceptional English proficiency who use the language as a native tongue rather than a foreign language. The number of such children is high and ever-growing. Understanding this, this study addresses the perceived lack of a suitable curriculum for these advanced learners. We aim to bridge the gap between their language abilities and standard English instruction by developing a program for fourth-grade bilingual students. To understand students’ needs, benefits, and challenges comprehensively, we incorporated teacher feedback via a survey into the process. Our findings indicated that many bilingual students seem to be under-challenged in traditional English classes. Despite administrative hurdles and potential motivational issues, our findings suggest that tailored instruction would yield many advantages for bilingual students in North Macedonia
ECOLOGICAL STATUS AT THE KONJSKO LOCALITY OF LAKE PRESPA ACCORDING TO THE ASPT INDEX OF BOTTOM FAUNA COMPOSITION
Full text linkThe Water Framework Directive (EU 2000) identifies macrozoobenthos as an essential component of benthic fauna in aquatic ecosystems, playing a critical role in the assessment of ecological status. This study presents findings from research conducted at the Konjsko locality in Lake Prespa, Republic of North Macedonia. The composition, richness, and diversity of macrozoobenthos were examined during July 2022 and August 2023. Sampling was performed in the Macedonian section of Lake Prespa at the Konjsko locality, adhering to the methodologies outlined in the WFD and ISO standards for macroinvertebrate sampling. A total of eight species across five taxonomic groups from the macrozoobenthos were identified at the Konjsko locality: Oligochaeta, Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Amphipoda, and Insecta. The Gastropoda represented the most diverse group, with three species accounting for 37.5% of the total identified. Oligochaetes comprised the second most diverse group, represented by two species (25%). Bivalvia, Amphipoda, and Insecta each exhibited the lowest density, with only one species per group, constituting 12.5% each of the overall diversity. Notably, the highest population density recorded was for Dreissena carinata, at 875 individuals per square meter at a depth of 2 meters within the Konjsko locality. Based on the findings, the biodiversity and abundance of macrozoobenthos indicate that the Konjsko locality in Lake Prespa possesses a moderate ecological status, as assessed by the Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) index
ASSESSMENT OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN CREATING A HEALTH-CONSCIOUS SOCIETY - PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
Full text linkThis study aimed to assess the social responsibility of physiotherapists in promoting a health-conscious society through public health initiatives and integration of health promotion strategies into clinical practice. It was used a cross-sectional survey design, with 64 physiotherapists from hospitals, private practices and educational institutions. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and data were collected via a structured electronic questionnaire that included both closed-ended and open-ended questions. The survey was focused on key areas such as the frequency of participation in community health promotion activities, the integration of public health principles, assessing training adequacy and public health topics. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods including Chi-Square tests, ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data. The results indicated a significant association between holding certifications in public health and the frequency of participation in community health promotion activities, suggesting that certifications positively influence engagement in public health initiatives. The study also found that years of practice impacted participation frequency, with more experienced physiotherapists engaging more frequently in these activities. The study also revealed that many physiotherapists felt inadequately trained in public health, regardless of their education level or years of practice. In conclusion, this study focused on the need for improved public health training within physiotherapy education programs to better prepare physiotherapists for their roles in health promotion and disease prevention. By addressing these gaps and focusing on ethical and practical aspects of health promotion, physiotherapists can improve their contributions to public health and help create a more health-conscious society. Future research should explore these dynamics further, using larger and more various samples to develop a comprehensive understanding of physiotherapists\u27 evolving roles as health promoters
GEORGIA\u27S EUROPEAN ORIENTATION: "EASTERN PARTNERSHIP" EASTERN DIMENSION OF EUROPEAN NEIGHBORHOOD POLICY
Full text linkThe issue to be studied in the paper - Georgia\u27s European orientation is certain, because Georgia has historically been a part of European civilization, and therefore its aspiration has always been to be a full-fledged member of the European family. Accordingly, the issue to be studied is relevant. At the modern stage, when the world is facing a number of challenges, Georgia has also been overcoming a number of difficulties since the beginning of the 21st century, which makes Georgia stand out in the region. However, what has been achieved is insufficient and it is necessary to ensure the continuity of reforms, which is precisely the country\u27s obligation as a candidate for European integration. The purpose of the paper - the study/analysis of Georgia\u27s European orientation and the "Eastern Partnership" - the EU initiative, as an important program for Georgia, was to take Georgia-EU relations to a qualitatively new, important level for it, because the "Eastern Partnership" is the EU\u27s response to the challenges and desires of the Eastern Neighborhood countries. Based on the research method of historicism, situational analysis (Case study), the results of the research are presented: a clearly expressed European orientation of Georgia, the dimension of the European Neighborhood Policy - "Eastern Partnership". The conclusion of the paper shows that despite a number of challenges, Georgia\u27s achievements within the framework of the Eastern Partnership are clear. Georgia\u27s foreign policy vector is directed towards the West, which serves to establish the country as a democratic and modern state
REVIEW OF THE BEST AI TOOLS FOR TEACHERS THAT HELP OPTIMIZE THE LEARNING PROCESS
Full text linkIn today’s educational landscape, teachers are often overwhelmed by extensive workloads that in addition to direct instructional duties, also include numerous behind-the-scenes tasks. Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education offers solutions to reduce the pressure, enabling teachers to focus more on meaningful student interactions and personalized learning. This paper comprehensively reviews four prominent AI tools designed to optimize the learning process: iSpring Page, Canva Magic Write, Magic School, and PowerPoint Speaker Coach. Each tool was assessed based on user feedback from teachers and educators, as well as practical testing in simulated classroom environments. Criteria for evaluation included user-friendliness, interactivity, customization, interaction with existing systems, support and training, effectiveness in achieving learning outcomes, and assessment capabilities. The outcome highlights that Magic School stands out due to its user-friendly dashboard, extensive customization platforms, and comprehensive support resources. While Magic School excels in these areas, the other tools provide benefits as well. iSpring Page’s simplicity for content creation and PowerPoint Speaker Coach’s real-time feedback on presentation skills also offer valuable benefits allowing teachers to choose the tool that best fits their special teaching needs
WOMEN IN STEM - CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Full text linkThe pursuit of doctoral studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) represents a significant pathway for young women to advance their careers, foster personal development and contribute to diverse fields of scientific and technological innovation. Young women must stay motivated and involved in the various fields of technological development, informatics, science and mathematics. Today we can see how that traditional barrier of divisions of male or female fields of science is breaking down. The opportunities for women\u27s advancement are at a high level and they can contribute with their talent to making different types of decisions or running their own businesses. This paper focus on identifying and promoting initiatives aimed at motivating young women to pursue higher education in STEM disciplines. A key aspect of this research involved analyzing the educational trajectories of female students in our region, particularly focusing on enrollment, retention and completion rates at both undergraduate and doctoral levels. Through our analysis, we observed that, while more women are entering STEM fields, there remains a significant underrepresentation in doctoral programs within the Pelagonian region. This suggests that, despite growing interest, there are persistent barriers preventing women from pursuing and completing doctoral studies in STEM. Our methodology includes exploring motivational factors and institutional support mechanisms that could better encourage young women to continue their education in STEM. We research which targeted initiatives and support systems should be implemented in order to empower more women to achieve advanced qualifications, thereby enhancing diversity in STEM leadership and contributing to broader societal and technological advancements
ENHANCING VOCABULARY ACQUISITION THROUGH NLP: A CASE STUDY OF SUSTAINABILITY-RELATED LEXIS
Full text linkThis qualitative paper explores the use of Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools, specifically the artificial intelligence (AI) model ChatGPT, in supporting vocabulary acquisition for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. The case study, which serves as a cornerstone of this research, aimed to provide answers for the research questions: Can NLP tools help vocabulary acquisition in EFL settings? and What are the perceived benefits and challenges of incorporating AI in sustainability-related vocabulary learning? The study, as such, involved 25 undergraduate students from the department of English Language and Literature in the Faculty of Education in Bitola, N. Macedonia. During the sustainability-themed lesson, students worked on AI-generated texts and exercises: a B2-level text on sustainability in fashion, followed by vocabulary exercises designed to practice the use of specialized terms such as “ethical labor” and “fast fashion”. The students also interacted with ChatGPT directly, “interviewing” the model about sustainability-related topics. Pre- and post-activity self-assessments demonstrated significant improvement in students’ knowledge of sustainable fashion, with most students reporting an improved understanding of the subject-matter. The obtained results indicate that NLP tools like ChatGPT can enhance vocabulary acquisition by providing interactive and adaptable learning opportunities
A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND ACCEPTANCE THE FOOD IRRADIATION TECHNIQUE
Full text linkFood irradiation as a food preservation method has gained increasing prominence in recent decades. No other food processing method has been studied so thoroughly and for so many years as treating food with ionizing radiation. Moreover, when compared with different approaches developed in the past, none have had such high expectations, or such a high level of criticism as the food irradiation method. Although accepted in many countries and supported by a huge amount of scientific research from all domains of human health, there is still a great reluctance towards irradiated food. Since this method uses a special form of electromagnetic energy, consumers’ opinion is often burdened with the wrong perception that irradiated food is radioactive, has toxicological, genetic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic effects, and has reduced and deteriorated nutritional quality. Therefore, this paper aims to present a comprehensive historical overview of the development and acceptance of irradiation procedures by leading international institutions: FAO, IAEA, and WHO. Starting from the first concrete interest in food irradiation in 1896, it has taken many years for these institutions to reach a consensus on this issue, influencing strongly the attitude of national health authorities in different countries posed with numerous dilemmas and ambiguities. It can be concluded that although it was confirmed that any food treated with ionizing radiation with a maximum dose of 10 kGy is considered safe and beneficial, there are still significant gaps in terms of legislation, harmonization of regulations, and equivalence of standards, doses, and labeling of such foods. However, the World Health Organization’s Food Safety Unit has described food irradiation as possibly the most significant contribution to public health made by food science and technology since the pasteurization of milk