OJS (University St. Kliment Ohridski)
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SENSORY AND PH EVALUATIONS OF NOVEL VARIETIES OF KEFIR
Full text linkThe paper aims to assess the sensory attributes and pH changes in newly formulated varieties of kefir with the purpose of exploring customer acceptance of a novel dairy beverage.
Sensory evaluation of novelvariations of kefir incorporating dietary fibers and flavors: strawberry-CKS, vanilla-CKV and peach-CKP. The evaluation encompasses appearance, color, aroma, consistency, and taste, providing a comprehensive understanding of the sensory profiles of these kefir variants.
The methods employed in this study involved, the technological method of obtaining these industrial kefir; sensory analysis of three varieties functional kefir and classic kefir (CK) using scoring and ranking methods; t-tests for assessing statistical significance (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001) between functional kefir and classic kefir (with two repeated samples) and time intervals (1-7-14, 21 days); and comparison of dynamic changes in pH value in kefir.
The results revealed significant sensory variations among kefir variants. On the first day, CKS showed higher consistency and aroma scores, while CKV excelled in appearance, color, and aroma. On the 7th day, CKS scored higher in consistency and aroma, whereas CKV achieved better scores in appearance, color, and aroma. However, t-tests showed no statistically significant difference between control kefir and strawberry functional kefir. CK kefirs maintained consistent quality, while functional kefirs displayed unique patterns. Additionally, pH analysis confirmed that all kefir variants maintained acceptable pH levels.
The results of those analyses of kefir variations are a measure of their appeal to consumers as a tasty and healthy functional food on the Macedonian market, particularly to the younger demographic population
HOW THE MEDIA AND SOCIAL POLICIES AFFECT EMPLOYMENT?
Full text linkThe foundation of this work draws from Manuel Castells\u27 renowned book, "The Rise of the Network Society" (Oxford: Blackwell, 2000). The methodology is rooted in key texts, including "Social Research Methods" (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012) by Alan Bryman, "Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research" (Los Angeles: SAGE, 2011) by John W Creswell and Vicki L. Plano Clark, and "Doing Qualitative Research" (Los Angeles: SAGE, 2010).This paper aims to delve into the interplay and impact between the unemployment of specific social groups and the government\u27s development strategy on one hand, and the influence of the media on the other. The research employs mixed methods, primarily qualitative through the content analysis of documents and non-experimental data. It also integrates a quantitative aspect by utilizing data from the State Statistical Institute, Government sources, and other quantitative data (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2010).The paper investigates the connections between structural unemployment, unemployment among specific social groups, and the government\u27s development strategy, with a focus on addressing these challenges. Additionally, it explores the combined efforts of the government and other relevant state bodies, as well as the media\u27s role in addressing unemployment among these specific social groups
TOURIST VALORIZATION OF "STUDENCHISHTE MARSH" AS AN ATTRACTIVE NATURAL RESOURCE OF OHRID
Full text linkTourism contains certain characteristics that determine it as a spatial phenomenon, which is in an interactive relationship with spatial conditions. A process of tourist valorization is necessary for sustainable tourism development. Tourist valorization represents a complex assessment of natural and anthropogenic values that are important for the development of tourism in one place, region or country. Valorization is the starting point for changing tourist resources into attractions and for the protection of those resources. Studenchishte Marsh represents a huge natural value for Ohrid as a tourist destination and for Republic of Macedonia as well
ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION OF STRAY DOMESTIC ANIMALS – BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES
Full text linkAnimal homelessness is a complex issue. Animal shelters, rescue organizations, and even authorities all around the globe fight an unfair fight: the number of animals that become homeless is much greater than the number of animals that are provided for adoption or are found by them. Regardless of whether the condition of the animal is caused by abandonment or loss, these numbers grow in an alarming way
The method to be implemented in a certain location, shelter, or even for individuals may be a sort of study and in many cases will depend on the cost, range, types of animals, region, and environmental issues. Many tools for record-keeping and identification of animals have been used throughout time. From collars to tattoos, from ear tags to record books, shelters, and authorities engaged in the problem have taken efforts to improve and advance in their work. With the invention of the microchip and with its almost exponential evolution, a whole new world of possibilities has opened in this area. As technology advances, new methods are implemented, such as facial recognition
PROFITABILITY AND ECONOMIC PROFITABILITY OF MILK PRODUCTION FROM THE SIMMENTAL CATTLE BREED IN THE BITOLA PART OF PELAGONIA
Full text linkThe quantitative property for milk production is under the control of multiple genes and the external environment. By using selective and genetic methods, the Simetal milk breed has been created, which is also known by the name Swiss Fleckvieh.
The aim of the research is to determine, through an economic analysis, the profitability and rentability of the quantitative property of milk production, among cows of the Simmental breed in the Bitola part of Pelagonia. In the economic analysis, a calculation method was used in order to calculate the value of production-revenues, variable costs and gross margin.
Based on the results obtained from the production profitability indicators for the production year 2021, it can be concluded that the total value of production amounts to 9,330,900.00 denars or 151,230.14 euros, while the total variable costs amount to 7,770,000.00 denars or 125,931.92 euros and the margin of coverage or profit is 1,560,900.00 denars or 25,298.22 euros.
In the production year 2022, it is concluded that the total value of production amounts to 12,319,784.00 denars or 199,349.25 euros, the total variable costs amount to 11,528,980.00 denars or 186,553.07 euros, while the profit amounts to 790,804.00 denars or 12,796.18 euros. From the analysis of the two years, it can be concluded that the profitability of the farm is higher in the production year 2021 for 770,096.00 denars or 6,251.02 euros. The results of reduced profitability in 2022 are increased variable costs.
Subsidization by the state also has an impact on the profitability of the farm to a large extent
DETERMINANTS OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS: THE CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
Full text linkThe occurrence of foreign direct investment (FDI) in various countries is essential for economic stability and development. This research paper aims to analyze and identify the factors that most strongly influence the determination of FDI in the Republic of North Macedonia. For this research, regression analysis is used as a methodology to analyze the empirical data. This analysis includes various potential factors that are proposed to influence FDI, such as gross domestic production, the average annual inflation rate, the number of employed persons, the index of economic freedom and the index of perception of corruption.
The results of this research present empirical evidence on the impact of each of these factors on attracting FDI. This evidence can help countries and the business sector to find more effective ways to stimulate and attract FDI, which can have significant consequences for economic growth and development. This research not only contributes to clarifying the determinants of FDI, but also provides practical guidelines for making political and business decisions that will increase investments and improve the conditions for economic growth and stability
THE GEN Z INTERNET SLANG AND EFL SPEAKERS: THE CASE OF N. MACEDONIA
Full text linkIn the realm of digital discourse, Generation Z (Gen Z), the true digital natives, have significantly changed English as we know it, infusing their online conversations with a distinctive lexicon of “No cap”s, and “High-key”s. Recognizing the uniqueness of such language use, this paper delves into the Gen Z internet slang, aiming to 1. Qualitatively dissect the word formation processes and explore the semantic shift of popular slang terms found on TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram, and 2. Check whether EFL Gen Zers can understand this Internet slang.
Surveying a random sample of 52 EFL students from three high schools in Bitola, North Macedonia, the study found that the majority of these students are familiar with most Gen Z slang terms such as "Flex," "(Spill the) Tea," "Main character," and "(It’s) Giving…". Though these responses relied on self-reported data, which cannot be seen as fully objective, this study still provided valuable insights into the linguistic terrain of tech-based linguistic creativity, aiming to unearth not just new words, but the very essence of this generation\u27s digital identity
VISEGRAD GROUP’S FOREIGN POLICY, ITS CONTRIBUTION TO EU COMMON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY AND ITS IMPACT TOWARDS WESTERN BALKANS’ COUNTRIES
Full text linkThis paper analyzed and explained how regional formats of cooperation and establishment of Visegrad Group have had essential importance in realizing their fortified strategic goals. Also, this paper highlighted Visegrad Group’s contribution to the EU’ Common foreign and security policy after becoming EU’ full-fledged members in 2004, strengthening their mutual cooperation in defense field. This article has shown how Visegrad Group has made impact on certain Western Balkan’ regional initiatives in order to resolve their bilateral issues and establishing fruitful regional formats of cooperation as prerequisite of becoming full members of the European Union. The paper concluded that concept of regionalism can strongly contribute to achieve their projected goals, as well as development on essential regional collaboration based on inclusive approach relying on European norms and principles. This paper used methodology on qualitative research, based on available literature, official documents and media statements needed for this kind of research
STEPS TOWARD THE QUALITY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN WESTERN BALKANS AND THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
Full text linkThis paper is providing a comprehensive overview of the state of higher education in the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on Quality and Quality Assurance, examining the challenges and opportunities faced by each country in the region, addressing issues, ranging from access to education and relevance of curricula, to coordination in quality assurance and alignment with European Standards. The analysis highlights common themes across the Western Balkans, such as the need for greater relevance of education to the labor market, improvements in coordination and collaboration between educational institutions and relevant agencies, and the imperative to address challenges in early childhood education and access to higher education
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF DETERMINING THE DYNAMICSOF THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE CONTENT OF CLASSIC KEFIR AND THREE TYPES OF FLAVORS OF FUNCTIONAL KEFIR
Full text linkThe main purpose of this paper is to conduct mathematical modeling and statistical analyses as a tool for determining the dynamics during the time of the total content of proteins, dry matter, milk fats, and minerals in three flavors of functional kefir and classic kefir.
The functional kefir variants include dietary fiber and flavors: strawberry (CKS), vanilla (CKV), and peach (CKP). A comparison is made against the non-flavored, without dietary fiber, classic kefir (control-CK).
Analyzing the trends in protein, dry matter, and milk fat content over time involved employing regression analysis, with cubic functions fitting the storage data best. Statistical significance (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001) was determined via t-tests, comparing sample values (functional kefir vs. classics kefir) across different storage durations (1st, 7th, 14th, and 21st day). Additionally, essential minerals were evaluated using t-tests and subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
From the results obtained following the research, the nutritional value of the classic kefir was determined versus the functional kefir, and in the function of the storage dynamics.
Results reveal distinct nutritional profiles in functional kefirs. Protein content varies across storage periods, with vanilla kefir exhibiting unique patterns. Dietary fiber and flavors influence dry matter content, affecting the stability of functional versus control kefirs. Milk fat content differs due to added ingredients. Essential minerals show minimal differences between functional and control kefirs, except for magnesium and sodium in select cases. PCA highlights mineral relationship