European Researcher. Series A

124-129

Authors: Md Azree Othuman Mydin

Since the foamed concrete employed in this study used the same Portland cement as in normal weight concrete for which a number of strength models have been developed, this paper is intended to assess whether any of these models would be suitable for foamed concrete. The aim of this investigation is to propose a model to predict the strength and stiffness of foamed concrete, based on existing mechanical property predictive models. This model is expected to assist manufacturers and future researchers to develop improved products with reduced cost of experimentation. Whilst full-scale tests to regulatory standards will still be necessary for final accreditation purpose, much of this may be avoided by developing a method to predict the strength and stiffness of foamed concrete at ambient and elevated temperatures during the development stage.

136-149

Authors: Ensar Mekić, M. Kürşad Özlen

The main objective of this research paper is to measure acceptance of Smartphones and empirically identify factors which are crucial influencers for Smartphone acceptance. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is extended by adding two additional variables, “Perceived enjoyment” (PE) and “Security and privacy” (SP). Survey has been prepared based on variables and measuring items retrieved from literature review, and one hundred and forty nine Smartphone users were surveyed. According to results, users of Bosnia and Herzegovina are slightly agreeable when it comes to all variables except security and privacy. This study is important insight not only for companies operating in market of Bosnia and Herzegovina when it comes to factors that influence people to use Smartphones, but also for mobile oriented companies outside of country with potential to enter Bosnian market. Limitations of this work are too general sample with no specific target group of people, and small sample size. Therefore, this work could serve as stimuli for new researchers to do similar research but with improved sample aspects.

156-162

Authors: Alexandra A. Vorozhbitova, Gaukhar I. Issina

The article substantiates and discloses the category of "Linguistic and rhetorical (LR) picture of the world", which is postulated as a universal of discursive level. Its principles of rhetorical hierarchization of value judgments, generated from linguistic units at different levels, forms the basic discourse-universe of ethnocultural and educational space in which a collective linguistic identity of a particular ethnic group operates and develops. In the process of intercultural communication the overlap of LR pictures of the world of all languages’ representatives occurs; the understanding takes place on the basis of integrated essential features, universal core of value hierarchy (achieving of communicative effect), distinctive features are becoming the determinants of different types of barriers (private manifestations of communication failure).

168-175

Authors: Alexander Fedorov

Within the framework of conferences the reports directly concerning questions of media education, problems of the organization of multimedia databases, electronic libraries, and mediateques in libraries for children and youth were heard. Important objective for Russian media educators is to open (get it registered by the Russian Ministry of Education and Sciences) a new university major speciality (major) “Media Education” within the framework of which it will be possible to prepare professional media educators for universities and schools. Within the context of increasing interest to media education worldwide, the UNESCO program’s support, recent developments such as the introduction of a pre-service teacher training, and the systematic publication of a journal, media education has good prospects in Russia.