Showing papers by "University of Nicosia published in 2009"

The Role of Narrative in Communicating Science

Abstract: The present theoretical paper presents a case for the use of narrative (i.e., fictional written text) in science education as a way of making science meaningful, relevant, and accessible to the public. Grounded in literature pointing to the value of narrative in supporting learning and the need to explore new modes of communicating science, this paper explores the potential of narrative in science education. More specifically, in this paper we explore the question: What is narrative and why might it be of value to science education? In answering this question we propose a view of narrative and its necessary components, which permits narrative a role in science education, and is, in fact, the main contribution of this paper. Also, a range of examples of narrative text are offered in the paper to make the case for a representation of fictional narrative in science. In order to address questions connected with the use of narrative in science education, a research agenda based on perspectives of narrative imp...

International marketing adaptation versus standardisation of multinational companies.

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to position multinational companies on a linear continuum indicating their overall attitude towards standardisation/adaptation, examines the reasons influencing multinational companies' tactical (7Ps – marketing mix) behaviour towards it, and finally presents the underlying managerial implications of the results.Design/methodology/approach – A rating scale Rasch model is used in order to place the multinational companies' attitude towards standardisation and adaptation on a linear continuum. Structural equation modelling is subsequently used in order to investigate the relationship between the adaptation and standardisation variable against other variables. An extensive literature review is also undertaken to provide the theoretical foundation.Findings – The paper corroborates the findings of past research by placing multinational companies on a linear continuum; by identifying their overall attitude towards adaptation/standardization; and by describing the relations...

Leading Change in Higher Education

Abstract: This article considers the situation in the UK higher education system and investigates specifically the leadership practice in a cluster of UK institutions as they changed their status. The research goes further to advocate a form of contextualized leadership that is relevant to higher institutions under change.

The Influence of the Internet on European Journalism

Abstract: This study investigates how European journalists evaluate the changes that have occurred in their profession since the Internet has been integrated in newsrooms. How do journalists perceive the features and innovations associated with the Internet? What are the principal changes in the profession? Do practitioners believe that the quality of journalism has been raised or lowered? To answer to these research questions, we carried out a survey across 11 European countries–Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden–of 239 journalists, working for 40 of the most-read print/online news outlets in these countries. The survey shows that the opportunity to use the Internet to reinforce the social functions of journalism has not been fully recognised.

A New Consumer Relationship Model: The Marketing Communications Application

Abstract: The article investigates empowered consumer behavior and explores its evolutionary nature and contemporary contexts in developed countries. Through a comprehensive literature review multi-perspective analysis, it finally develops a prescriptive marketing communication model in the context of an evolving business-consumer relationship and its corresponding marketing philosophy. The findings identify a rising symbiotic equilibrium between consumers’ power and businesses’ influence on consumers’ perceptions. Consumer “needs” are found to be increasingly manifested into “wants” which are intangible, of obscure value, affective in nature and vulnerable to marketing communications; the latter being increasingly oriented towards “perception management” and with “branding” as a primary vehicle.

The role of paraprofessionals in developing inclusive education in Cyprus

Abstract: A presupposition of inclusive education is that all children have the right to attend the school of their neighbourhood The implication of this is that schools begin to be organised in ways to provide equal opportunities for teaching and learning of all children However, to achieve this, it is implied that schools need more teachers or at least personnel Thus, many educational systems around the world require the involvement of more teachers and this brings a significant additional financial cost In order to defray some of the additional costs for additional teachers, many school systems opt to involve paraprofessionals in the educational process, especially for supporting children who experience difficulties in learning The purpose of this paper is to study the role of paraprofessionals in the educational environment of Cyprus, and how they assist in the provision of more inclusive education We employed qualitative research methods to collect data from two schools Our findings show that paraprofes

Relationship between physical activity and type of smoking behavior among adolescents and young adults in Cyprus

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Research suggests that physical activity protects against youth smoking. As a result, prevention programs that focus on physical activity to address the problem of smoking hold promise. However, more research is needed to examine the relationship between physical activity and smoking and how physical activity might be used in smoking prevention and intervention programs. The present study examined the relationship between physical activity and smoking among adolescents and young adults using a sample from Cyprus. We investigated the association between level of physical activity (very active, active, moderately active, or inactive) and type of smoking behavior (nonsmoker; occasional, regular light, or regular heavy smoker). METHODS Participants were 1,390 Cypriot adolescents and young adults who completed a packet of questionnaires related to smoking and physical activity. Physical activity and demographic factors were analyzed in terms of their effect on smoking behavior. RESULTS A consistent and negative relationship between physical activity and smoking emerged across both sex and age. The greater the intensity of youths' physical activity, the less likely they were to smoke. Compared with inactive individuals, physically active individuals smoked fewer cigarettes and were more likely to be nonsmokers or occasional smokers. Among physically active individuals, those engaging in more intense activity were less likely to be heavy or light smokers. DISCUSSION Results of the present study indicate that physical activity may be used as a preventive measure against smoking in adolescents and young adults.

Eye-Tracking Users' Behavior in Relation to Cognitive Style within an E-learning Environment

Abstract: Eye-tracking measurements may be used as a method of identifying users’ actual behavior in a hypermedia setting. In this research, an eye-tracking experiment was conducted in order to validate the construct of cognitive style as a personalization parameter in adaptive e-Learning systems. The main research question was whether the verbalizer/ imager axis of the Cognitive Style Analysis theory reflects actual preferences in an e-learning environment and properly identifies learner types. The findings from a sample of 21 participants reveal statistically significant differences among types of learners; as hypothesized, imagers concentrate on visual content, verbalizers on text, while intermediates are placed in between.

The kinds of knowledge principals use: Implications for training

Abstract: Information about how school principals operate pertains mainly to the actions of principals. However, the kinds of knowledge that the principalship demands have not been isolated as clearly, more often than not being conflated with actions. As principals’ duties become more complex, it becomes more important to ground specific practices in robust knowledge of relevant theoretical principles. One aspect of the principal’s job where this is particularly germane is the resolution of unfamiliar, complex, unstructured challenges. This paper presents findings from research into how principals think when dealing with problematic situations, in particular the types of knowledge they use. Four broad categories of knowledge were identified and, within those, twelve specific types. The research lends credence to the oral report or think-aloud method for making thinking processes available for analysis, and the findings indicate how the content of preparation programs may be adjusted to better qualify principals for the contemporary demands of their work. A prime recommendation is the inclusion of opportunities for the development of tacit knowledge.

Investigating Mobile Devices Integration in Higher Education in Cyprus: Faculty Perspectives

Abstract: Mobile devices are everywhere and mobile learning has emerged as a potential educational environment; however it is relatively new to Cyprus educational system. The purpose of this research work is to assess and determine the readiness; and evaluate the viability of integrating mobile technology in Cyprus higher education level. To address the above, a mixed method approach is employed making use of quantitative and qualitative data from faculty members working in three private universities in Cyprus. Faculty reactions were mixed with some of them seeing the benefits for mobile learning while others have doubts. The results summarize the technological and pedagogical aspects to be considered prior integrating mobile devices. Additionally, the study supports that one of the major barriers to educators is the lack of understanding regarding mobile devices integration in the teaching and learning process. Finally, there is a need to develop well-defined and well-structured requirements for mobile integration in the classroom.

Private expenditure and the role of private health insurance in Greece: status quo and future trends.

Abstract: The health care system in Greece is financed in almost equal proportions by public and private sources. Private expenditure, consists mostly of out-of-pocket and under-the-table payments. Such payments strongly suggest dissatisfaction with the public system, due to under financing during the last 25 years. This gap has been filled rapidly by the private sector. From this point of view, one might suggest that the flourishing development of private provision may lead in turn to a corresponding growth in private health insurance (PHI). This paper aims to examine the role of PHI in Greece, to identify the factors influencing its development, and to make some suggestions about future policies and trends. In the decade of 1985-1995 PHI show increasing activity, reflecting the intention of some citizens to seek health insurance solutions in the form of supplementary cover in order to ensure faster access, better quality of services, and increased consumer choice. The benefits include programs covering hospital expenses, cash benefits, outpatient care expenses, disability income insurance, as well as limited managed care programs. However, despite recent interest, PHI coverage remains low in Greece compared to other EU countries. Economic, social and cultural factors such as low average household income, high unemployment, obligatory and full coverage by social insurance, lead to reluctance to pay for second-tier insurance. Instead, there is a preference to pay a doctor or hospital directly even in the form of under-the-table payments (which are remarkably high in Greece), when the need arises. There are also factors endogenous to the PHI industry, related to market policies, low organisational capacity, cream skimming, and the absence of insurance products meeting consumer requirements, which explain the relatively low state of development of PHI in Greece.

Multicast Routing Algorithms Based on $Q$ -Factor Physical-Layer Constraints in Metro Networks

Abstract: We use novel ldquolight-tree balancing techniquesrdquo to investigate the problem of provisioning multicast sessions in metropolitan all-optical networks. The Q-factor for every path of a derived light-tree is calculated taking into account several physical layer constraints in the network and using a Q-budgeting approach. Based on the above performance, tree balancing techniques are applied to maximize the number of multicast connections that can be admitted to the network.

The Deafening Silence: Discussing Children's Drawings for Understanding and Addressing Marginalization.

Abstract: Researchers who deal with inclusive education have made great efforts to listen to the voices of children in order to understand marginalization. Despite the fact that these efforts take place, the voices of many children fail to be heard and hence many children continue to be marginalized. In this article we will develop and implement a technique in order to understand and address marginalization. We will develop a technique that uses children's drawings and a simultaneous talk with children to reveal voices of marginalization. We first define the technique by presenting its theoretical background and then illustrate how the method has been used. Using evidence from a school in Cyprus, we demonstrate how children's drawings and simultaneous discussion with the creator of the drawing can help us develop a richer understanding of marginalization.

An Experimental Assessment of the Use of Cognitive and Affective Factors in Adaptive Educational Hypermedia

Abstract: In order to assess the positive effect and validity of personalization on the basis of users' cognitive and emotional characteristics, this study presents three subsequent experiments. The first experiment explores the relationship of cognitive style and users' eye gaze behavior as to validate this specific psychological construct in the context of educational hypermedia. The second and third experiments present the effect of a set of human factors (cognitive style, visual working memory span, control/speed of processing, and anxiety) in an adaptive educational system. The eye tracking experiment demonstrated that eye gaze patterns are robustly related to cognitive style (n = 21), while matching the instructional style to users' characteristics was revealed to be statistically significant in optimizing users' performance ( n = 219), with the exception of control/speed of processing. Based on this empirical assessment, this paper argues that individual differences at this intrinsic level are important and adaptation on these parameters through personalization technologies may have a positive effect on learning performance.

Beyond the difference: from the margins to inclusion

Abstract: In recent years mounting evidence reveals that many children, for different reasons, do not receive equal opportunities for learning, and therefore are marginalised. However, despite the fact that ...

Relational Social Deixis and the Linguistic Construction of Identity.

Abstract: This study examines language attitudes, member categorisation and social distinctions among Greek-Cypriot tertiary education students in Cyprus. Specifically, focus is placed on the use of deictics by participants to examine attitudes and behaviour as regards use and variation in language. Participants’ attitudinal responses and folk theories are a central part of understanding identity construction and membership categorisation. Data were collected from three focus group interviews in tertiary education to examine language attitudes towards speakers of four broad register levels of the Greek-Cypriot Dialect, to investigate which registers receive the least favourable evaluations and where differentiation becomes an important aspect of evaluators’ group membership, and to explore which factors seem to impact on language comparisons. The results of the study illustrate that students are well aware of their social positioning in society and of the effects of employing less prestigious linguistic va...

Impact of Ethanol on the Developing GABAergic System

Abstract: Alcohol intake during pregnancy has a tremendous impact on the developing brain. Embryonic and early postnatal alcohol exposures have been investigated experimentally to elucidate the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders' (FASD) milieu, and new data have emerged to support a devastating effect on the GABAergic system in the adult and developing nervous system. GABA is a predominantly inhibitory neurotransmitter that during development excites neurons and orchestrates several developmental processes such as proliferation, migration, differentiation, and synaptogenesis. This review summarizes and brings new data on neurodevelopmental aspects of the GABAergic system with FASD in experimental telencephalic models.

Language attitudes and folk perceptions towards linguistic variation

Abstract: This study explores language attitudes and folk perceptions towards linguistic variation in the Greek-Cypriot context. In this paper focus group interviews were conducted in tertiary education to examine: (1) language attitudes towards four broad register levels of the Greek Cypriot Dialect and (2) how these influence and are reflected in subjects’ evaluation of own speech. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the results reveal that subjects evaluate negatively users of basilectal features of the Greek Cypriot Dialect and avoid their use in their attempt to maintain a positive social identity.

Cyprus: a football crazy nation?

Abstract: Given the popularity of football all over the world, it is no surprise that people address football as the ‘Universal Language’ on many occasions. The results of a recent survey by Lamprecht and Stamm SE BAG were impressive in indicating how ‘big’ football is worldwide. This essay addresses the issue of how big football can be in a small island state like Cyprus. Is football still big in a small country where money for football is limited, where there are no big contracts or the glamorous element of star players? The main objective of the study, based on research conducted in Cyprus, was to measure and record the perceptions of adult Cypriot men on basic issues concerning football in the country. The results show that 77% of men between 21 and 70 years support a football club and that indeed football has assumed tremendous significance in such a small island. However, as the results indicate, football in Cyprus has to face major issues and challenges as well.

Smoking prevalence and tobacco exposure among adolescents in Cyprus

Abstract: Background: Smoking has been internationally recognized as an epidemic contributing to major health problems. Smoking contributes to most of the preventable deaths worldwide. Although Cyprus is considered among developed countries with high smoking prevalence (estimates of 25–35% of the population), not much has been done for the systematic scientific study of this problem, especially in adolescence. The present study aimed to investigate smoking prevalence and related factors among Cypriot adolescents. Methods: Participants were selected through stratified random sampling. The final sample included two subpopulations: middle ( n = 1085) and high ( n = 767) school students. Results: Six percent of middle school students reported being regular smokers. This climbed to 24% among high school students. Smoking prevalence increases with age, and appears higher in boys than in girls. Smoking is quite common in the participant's families, particularly among fathers. Cigarette and smoke exposure in the home was high, as only a fifth of the students reported smoking never being allowed in the home. Exposure to actors smoking on television was the norm (62–67%) with low reported exposure to anti-smoking messages. Having friends who smoke, exposure to others smoking and low educational aspirations were significant predictors of smoking for both groups. Additional predictors, which were different for middle and high school students, were identified. Conclusion: Further research to investigate the nature of these effects is required and to provide further insight into the psychosocial parameters affecting smoking. These results can guide possible prevention and intervention programs for adolescents, and suggest the importance of following a systemic approach.

Enhancing the Creativity Process by Adding Context Awareness in Creativity Support Tools

Abstract: The existence of creativity support tools establishes creativity as part of the Computer Science research. Therefore, the development of computational methods for the enhancement of creativity is undoubtedly a challenge. In this paper we argue that adding context awareness in creativity support tools will enhance the creativity process. This belief is based on the evaluation of a number of the most popular creativity support tools in relation to the features and characteristics they support. In this review, we examine the characteristics related to the interaction between the user and the creativity support tools in two phases: the `preparation' of creativity process and the `ideation' phase. Through this analysis we observe that the tools in most cases play a passive role. Real time Human-Computer interaction is missing, and therefore the creativity process is not as effective as it could and should be. Finally, we conclude that the addition of context awareness in creativity support tools can enhance the creativity process and innovation.

A marketing communications framework for small political parties in developed countries

Abstract: Purpose – This research aims to undertake a business theory application into the political marketing context, examine the degree and nature of its theoretical and practical compatibility, and develop a preliminary conceptual marketing communications (MCs) framework for small political parties (SPPs) in developed countries.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is conceptual and incorporates and interrelates the findings of existing business marketing research as applied to the context of political marketing. Through a comprehensive literature review, it adopts a multi‐perspective analysis and interrelation of three dimensions of existing theory: the behavioural, the contextual and the operational dimension. The paper eventually bridges the fields of political and business marketing, identifies the underlying causes of voter behaviour, and distils the critical factors of SPPs' marketing communications success.Findings – The research identifies a number of critical factors of SPPs' marketing communications...

Religiosity and Social Values of the Cypriots

Abstract: The authors explore some of the social values and religiosity of the separated Turkish and Greek speaking communities in Cyprus in light of the European Union's objectives of unifying the island, and promoting the social value of tolerance. They find that the two communities are more similar to each other in religiosity than they are to most other European states, but are more similar in formal and personal religiosity to their opposite mainland counterparts. Religion, education, age and political orientation are major indicators of intolerance. The effects of religion, personal and formal religiosity and political orientation are reversed or mediated by the community, providing insight for European Union and Cypriot policy-makers.

A strategy for managing customer relations on the internet: evidence from the football sector

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of how the internet is used as a strategic tool in electronic customer relationship management (e‐CRM) in the football sector. In particular, the research questions this paper addresses are: How can the online environment be described? How are the customers served in this online environment? The first research question provides an overview of the online environment and the second research question describes the services offered in this online environment.Design/methodology/approach – The qualitative research is the appropriate approach, in order to collect the required data, as the particular research characterizes a complete and comprehensive view and understanding of a phenomenon in its entity. The research is based on the use of double case study approach combining two data collection methods, participant observation and documentation. This particular research adopts the approach of participant observation and documentation. Prima...

Working on the Other Side. Cooperative Tour Organizers and Uncooperative Hoteliers: Evidence from Greek Cypriot Tourism Professionals

Abstract: In this research, the authors investigate the willingness of the Greek Cypriot tourism professionals to cooperate with the Turkish Cypriot counterparts in the industry. The analytical framework draws on the literature on the conflict in Cyprus, in general, and on the conflict and its impact on tourism, in particular. A few hypotheses are explored relating to what influences the tourism professionals towards cooperating with the Turkish Cypriots: their refugee experience, their increased level of contact with Turkish Cypriots, the size of the organization in which they work and the location and nature of these organizations. The data are based on a series of interviews on the support for cooperation between the tourism professionals among the Greek Cypriots. The findings show that there is clear evidence that the Greek Cypriot hotel managers are unlikely at present to cooperate with the Turkish Cypriot counterparts. On the other hand, the Greek Cypriot tour operators and tourist agencies are willing to col...

Reflection on knowledge transfer methodologies in Eastern/Western European co‐operations

Abstract: Purpose – In order to win the global race for innovation as a source for competitive advantage, many companies enter into any kind of business co‐operation. Beyond intending to grow merely quantitatively, co‐operation partners should target to commonly create new knowledge and to transfer knowledge as a basis for qualitative growth. This apparent deficiency of practitioners is compounded by a lack of theory and empirical research on intercultural knowledge transfer. This task becomes even more daunting, when co‐operation partners transcend borders, and the knowledge transfer process becomes impacted by national cultures. This paper aims to present empirical research that illuminates the effects which national cultures have on the transfer of knowledge between Central/Eastern Europe (CEE) using Russia as a case study, and Western European partners.Design/methodology/approach – The paper applies a phenomenological approach applying grounded theory for data generation and analysis. The research method is a c...

The contribution of entrepreneurship to society

Abstract: The paper provides a concise summary about previous and current developments in the field of entrepreneurship. The discussion embraces the entrepreneur's disequilibrating role, a conceptual discourse with different schools of entrepreneurship, an interesting shift from entrepreneurial characteristics as observable facts to the creation of an entrepreneur by social interaction, various kinds of entrepreneurship's capital contribution to society and the differentiation of various new and alternative forms of entrepreneurship. Based on a more efficient use of cultural diversity for seen to be a source for competitive advantage, the paper suggests reviewing the current definition of entrepreneurship applied by the European Union to include multidisciplinary, international and differentiating aspects. Regarding the current dissatisfaction with entrepreneurial concepts, the paper suggests a research proposal to assess the antecedents and consequences for innovative entrepreneurship in Cyprus. It is hypothesised that identity is the mediating variable. The conclusion calls for concerted actions that imply some educational consequences.