European Researcher. Series A

485-493

Authors: Natalia V. Kuznetsova, Ekaterina V. Kocheva, Nikolay A. Matev, Natalia A. Vorobeva

The article examines the problems of current economic development in the Asia-Pacific region. It is a condition of the system in which its key parameters are the optimal ratio contributing to the existence and development of the whole system. It was analyzed the changing situation in the Asia-Pacific region based on the main characteristics of the researching complex according to the authors' calculated index. It was identified that in the analyzing period the quantitative and qualitative structure of the group of countries has completely changed. It was also provided the classification of the Asia-Pacific countries based on the current level of their economic development. Thus, because of the differences in the economic dynamics it was identified the main differences in the levels of economic development among the groups of the Asia-Pacific countries. This analysis was conducted for identification of the competitive advantages of the information society in the Asia-Pacific region, as the development of a new society based on "knowledge economy" which will be a priority for a long-term perspective.

500-507

Authors: Gloria Baaba Aggrey, Nkansah Anakwah, Jacob OwusuSarfo

This study sought to investigate the influence of feelings of unattractiveness on hopelessness among adolescents. Using the cross-sectional survey design, total of 150 participants from two categories of senior high schools were sampled for the study. To achieve the aim for this study, the interaction effect of the following on hopelessness was investigated: gender and perceived attractiveness, school and perceived attractiveness and, religiosity and perceived attractiveness. Results showed that there was a significant positive relationship between perceived physical attractiveness and hopefulness. Implications of findings are discussed.