Selected Target Groups Research Articles

How Do Age and Attitudes Affect the Quality of Data Collected by Young Citizen Scientists in an Ecological Research Project?

Citizen science is increasingly used to collect ecological data. Specifically, participation of school students in authentic research has been suggested as having a multitude of benefits from serving as data collection to providing science education. Nevertheless, the overall quality and quantity of data is concerning for ecologists who are using data for research. In the Helsinki Urban Rat Project, lower- and upper secondary school students (13-19-year-old) collect data on urban rat occurrence using track plates that record rat footprints. I measured the success of school-aged citizen scientists in collecting and submitting data, and I determined the accuracy of the data they submitted by comparing their results to the results from professional researchers. Furthermore, I used additional questionnaire to relate success and accuracy to student attributes, including age, attitudes about biology as a school subject, interest in the environment and disgust sensitivity toward rats. I learned that, in contrast to results from previous studies, age was not a significant variable but rather available support from a teacher and voluntary participation with rewards were associated with higher data quality. Additionally, attitudes played a part in observer quality: higher liking of biology as a school subject was associated with lower accuracy, whereas a higher interest in the environment was associated with higher accuracy. The young citizen scientists provided broadly accurate data, although false-positive observations were comparatively common. The results suggest that the quality and quantity of citizen-generated data are not straightforwardly dependent on the selected target groups. Citizen science activities should be planned by careful consideration of the context as, for example, the organization of the participation strongly shapes the participatory activities.

Клінічний випадок акромегалії в пацієнта з артеріальною гіпертензією і синдромом обструктивного апное сну

The article presents a clinical case of diagnosis of acromegaly in a patient with arterial hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Pituitary microadenoma and the delay in its diagnosis caused the development of complications in the patient: ischemic stroke, the development of severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, diabetes, chronic kidney disease. The question of the expediency of selecting target groups of patients for screening and the need to increase the awareness of the manifestations of acromegaly among a wide range of doctors in order to diagnose it early is considered.

Does the procedural deficit hypothesis of dyslexia account for the lack of automatization and the comorbidity among developmental disorders?

ABSTRACT We critically examine the procedural deficit hypothesis (PDH) that proposes that a deficit in procedural (as opposed to declarative) learning underlies dyslexia and other developmental disorders. We first note that the existence of dissociated learning disorders (and multiple forms for each disorder) appears incompatible with a general deficit account. Moreover, the PDH formulation appears generally underspecified in terms of predictions to be tested. A particular focus is on the conceptualization of automatization. However, there are alternative views of automaticity, and comparing these different views helps frame the body of findings on the PDH. The insufficient PDH specification led to tasks touching on different skills and selecting target groups based on general diagnostic categories. Accordingly, several recent reviews and meta-analyses reported mixed patterns of findings and reached contradictory conclusions on the PDH. We propose avenues for future research to effectively examine the role of PDH in learning and other developmental disorders.

Significant Communication Factors for Sustainable Products with a Focus on Czech Consumers

The aim of the study is to identify the importance of partial communication factors of sustainable products for the Czech consumer. First, the data from an online survey is interpreted in the form of descriptive statistics to establish a comprehensive overview of the attitudes and preferences of Czech consumers. Second, the global envelope method is used to evaluate reactions to packaging, certificates, ingredients, in-store placement, awareness, sales in a sustainable store, higher prices, and other factors among selected target groups. Based on the results of the 2020 questionnaire survey, significant target groups were identified by frequency analysis and their responses to communication factors were monitored for apparel, drugstore and cosmetics, and food. The test results show that clearly the most important communication factor for sustainable products is the certificate, to a large extent for two categories: males 45 – 64 years old and females who are university educated.

O.2.1-8 Who are suitable targets for a social prescribing intervention addressing physical activity? A survey-based study including viewpoints from general practitioners

Abstract Purpose Social prescribing has been suggested as an inter-sectoral intervention to increase physical activity. In the intervention, healthcare professionals refer patients or citizens to a link worker who is assisting them to locate peer-based activities in their local community. The present study investigated which groups of physically inactive adults the Danish general practitioners reported as relevant target groups for a social prescribing intervention to increase the level of physical activity. Methods The study design was a descriptive survey-based study. Danish general practitioners completed an online survey. On 10-point interval scales, they rated the suitability of referring 25 selected target groups of physically inactive adults (18+) with medical conditions or health-threatening behaviour to a social prescribing intervention to increase their level of physical activity. A score of 0 referred to not suitable at all, whereas a score of 10 indicated highly suitable. Using non-parametric statistics, target groups were considered eligible for an intervention if the 25th percentile had a score of 8 or above indicating that 75% of the GPs reported a score of 8 or above. Results A total of 52 general practitioners completed the survey. Of these, 75% reported a score of 8 or above to Danes with metabolic syndrome (median=10; 25th percentile=9), overweight (median=10; 25th percentile=9), diabetes (median=10; 25th percentile=8), and low back pain (median=9; 25th percentile=8) indicating these to be target groups of social prescribing to increase the level of physical activity. GPs considered the following groups less suitable for an intervention: persons with eating disorders (median=4; 25th percentile=2), migraine (median=5; 25th percentile=3), and women during postpartum (median=6; 25th percentile=3). Data from open-ended questions added nuances to the ratings and suggested citizens struggling with loneliness to be a new target group for social prescribing. Conclusions A majority of the responding Danish GPs identified persons with metabolic syndrome, overweight, diabetes, and low back pain as being target groups suited for a social prescribing intervention to increase the level of physical activity. These results are interesting since several approaches to impede the level of physical inactivity exist, and political and organizational efforts have become subject of the recent attention.

THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE ECONOMIC BEHAVIOR IRRATIONAL COMPONENT OF UKRAINIAN SOCIETY IN SPECIFIC MARKETS

The subject matter of the article is the theoretical-methodical and applied principles of behavioural economics and their implementation in Ukrainian society. The goal of the work is to analyse the theory of irrationality in the economic context to find out what its character is in modern Ukrainian conditions, as well as to confirm the main paradoxes inherent in the individual’s decision-making behaviour. The following tasks were solved in the article: highlighting important aspects of the theory of irrationality for experimental analysis; determination of the methodology of experiments based on internationally recognized works; proposing a hypothesis regarding Ukrainian realities; conducting experiments according to the proposed methodology to test the proposed hypotheses and systematize the obtained results. The following methods are used: analytical and inductive methods for determining the set of behavioural experiments and building hypotheses regarding their results; experimental method and method of mathematical processing to check the presence of selected behavioural deviations in Ukraine. The following results were obtained: it was determined that in Ukrainian society there is a difference between the degree of individualistic attitudes in different age groups; determined change in the perception of information of different generations as a result of more significant digitization of the young population; a higher tendency of children to risk for certain conditions is determined; the similarity of the obtained results of the experiments with the global ones are established and the impact of technologies on the economic behaviour of individuals and the peculiarities caused by the historical context and expanded access to information, in general, are determined. Conclusions: the use of analytical and inductive methods in combination with an experimental approach confirmed the existence of some of the classic behavioural patterns for modern Ukrainian society, in particular: the Allais paradox, the effect of bounded rationality, the effect of joining the majority, the effect of ownership and asymmetric dominance. In addition, based on the obtained results, it was determined that for Ukraine there is a significant difference between the nature of irrationality in different age groups, however, the postulation of this statement beyond the selected target groups requires additional research, as well as consideration of the context of other market entities.

Perception Of Women Participation In Digital Education Research For Sustainable Social Adjustment In Calabar Urban, Nigeria: Implication On Educational Peace And Security

The need for women to arise to the issues that affect their continuous existence, engagement and contribution to the economy of their nations and the world at large, has become critical particularly in this digital age. More than ever before, the role of women in education and research in particular, in building and sustaining security and peace of their communities as well as in social adjustment to lives in these communities is being hastily called for, particularly in the presence of “crisis” atmosphere under which these communities presently and consistently exist. The purpose of this study was to assess public perception of role of digital women in education research, sustainable security, peace building, and social adjustment among communities in Calabar, Nigeria in order to take decision and consolidate on their future role in these areas in Nigeria. This study became necessary in the face of the disturbing changing social, cultural and post-Covid-19 environment, characterized by insecurity. Eight (8) research questions guided the study, among which is what level of participations are being made by women group in Calabar to embark on meaningful /digitalized research in education matters, enhance security and foster social adjustment? Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study to make description of the current situation possible. Data collection was through questionnaire, observational techniques and interview from purposefully selected target group in the political wards of Calabar Municipality and Calabar South Local Government Areas that made up Calabar Urban. Well validated survey data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The study found that women participate in fostering education research, sustainable security and peace building in Calabar Metropolis, but the level of digitization remains low. The study concludes that the public perceives the digital role of women in education as critical in fostering good research in education, sustainable security and social adjustment. Given this, it is recommended that government and all stakeholders including international agencies, should proactively involve all women and girls with respect to empowering them with more digital skills and resources as well as offer more protection in the cyber space and with their relatively rising influence, will reduce the inequality gap.

Development and Standardization of Persian Language Developmental Battery

Objective In the absence of an age normed developmental battery for Persian, the major objectives of this research are to develop a reliable and valid clinical linguistic battery to collect normative data from 3 to 7-year-old healthy Persian speaking children. The battery can also be used to measure severity of language impairments in 3 to 7-year-old Persian speaking children as compared with their aged matched peers. Materials & Methods Development of this battery is considered as a descriptive tool in which reliability and validity of the normative data were developed in 3 stages. The first version with 9 different sub-tests, 180 items and two descriptive pictures was developed after cultural and linguistic adaptations for the Persian language for different linguistic levels of phonology, morphology, syntax and pragmatics. The first draft was performed using 200 3 to 8-year-old healthy children in Tehran to measure the sensitivity of different tasks of the test for different age groups. This draft was not sensitive for 8-year-old children. The CVR of the first draft of the battery was checked by 3 Persian speaking clinical linguistic experts and 3 expert speech therapists and also was introduced to 20 SLP experts in a clinical linguistic workshop. In the second stage, based on the results and suggestions, necessary corrections were made in the test structure and items. Also, plural morpheme task of the previous version which was not sensitive enough, was removed and a new semantic task (word definition) as a sensitive semantic task used in other developmental language batteries was added to the battery. The results showed that the diagnostic sensitivity of the test for the 8-year-old age group is not satisfactory. The final version of the battery consisted of 9 subtests with 105 items and two descriptive pictures were used to collect normative data from 200 children. To evaluate reliability and validity of the final version, the opinions of 8 speech therapists and linguists were used.and to evaluate the construct validity, the correlation matrix and confirmatory factor analysis and for its validity Cronbach’s alpha were used. The final version of the battery was sent to expert speech therapists in 5 selected target group provinces (Tehran, Mazandaran, Fars, Esfahan and Khorasan) to collect normative data from 1200 3 to 7-year-old typically developement children in available kindergartens and schools. Finally, the collected data for task items and connected speech measures were processed and analyzed using SPSS software, version 20. Results The content validity was 0.78 and test reliability was 0.76. In addition to confirm the construct validity and diagnostic validity of the test, the correlation between the sub-tests and the overall test scores were also significant at the level of 0.01 (with a correlation of 0.20 to 0.83). The norm for each age group was six months and one year and was calculated as a standard score and reported in the tables. Conclusion Finally, the results of the normative data of this battery are proved to be clinically normative as an indication of the level of linguistic development for each age group and also determine the severity of their language impairment. The battery can also be used to measure the efficacy of rehabilitation in 3 to 7-year old Persian speaking children.

Information Security Challenges in the Absence of ICT in Protecting Personal and Organisational Data in Nairobi County, Kenya

There have been several cases of lost documents and misplaced or inaccurate information belonging to individuals or organisations reported in recent times at global, national and regional levels. Nairobi county is one of the regions on the spot as many people travelling or working in the city have reported lost identification documents such as certificates and licenses, whether through criminality or negligence. Furthermore, most businesses and organisations dealing with huge volumes of data need help to protect and provide accurate information. Many still need help with the pre-digital data management systems, thus risking the loss of both personal and organisational data. This paper, therefore, sought to examine the information security challenges due to the inadequate application of ICT in managing personal and corporate data and their implications on individuals and organisations in Nairobi County. The target population included employees from Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Data Networks in Nairobi headquarters offices, police officers deployed at NPS offices headquarters and members of the public. The selected target groups were known to deal with enormous data for both personnel and businesses, and the police officers were part of this study because of their mandate to help in tracking lost personal and business documents. Lastly, the researcher engaged members of the public to share their experiences of losing business and personal records. The study employed purposive and simple random sampling techniques to select the required sample of 110 participants drawn from the four groups. A structured questionnaire was administered to the sampled police officers, employees of Kenya Data Network and Kenya Revenue Authority and members of the public. The researchers interviewed key informants from the three organisations, NPS, KRA and KDA, to complement the data collected using the questionnaires. The findings established that challenges were associated with the need for more ICT in managing personal information and organisational data. The paper revealed that the need for an integrated system is a challenge to tracking missing identities or verifying the validity of provided information, thus compromising the productivity and security of businesses and institutions. Results from this study provide a solution to tracking any missing documents and correcting inaccurate personal data by adopting an integrated ICT system.

Modern Aspects of Anticoagulation System Disorders Diagnosis in Children with Different Polymorphisms in Coagulation Genes. Initial Results

Background. Hemostatic system pathology is topical and poorly studied issue in pediatrics. One of the main causes of coagulation pathway disorders associated with thrombotic events is abnormality in various parts of the hemostatic system. Vascular accidents are commonly caused by anticoagulation system factors deficiency. Conventionally, thrombosis is a common event in adult patients, and there is no adequate attention to disorders of primary physiological anticoagulants system in children. More often acquired anticoagulant proteins deficiency develops in presence of various pathological conditions, especially after the past infectious diseases. All these diseases (thrombophilia, trombotic events, cardiovascular pathology, nervous system diseases, genetic diseases) can occur separately and in association with each other, plus clinical picture of coagulation events may be similar. Objective. The aim of the study is to evaluate changes in the physiological anticoagulants system in children with different pathologies who have polymorphic variants in coagulation genes and who had new coronavirus infection. Methods. The study included 33 children who had severe coronavirus infection in family clusters and had severe chronic pathology potentially associated with disorders of the coagulation system (nervous system damage, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hereditary monogenic syndromes, hemato-mesenchymal dysplasia syndrome). All children underwent complete examination including clinical examination, laboratory, and instrumental diagnostics. Results. Preliminary study results indicate significant incidence of polymorphic variants in coagulation genes (one third of children with various diseases from the study). Some children had decreased activity of anticoagulation system glycoproteins (from 6% to 36%) that confirmed the topicality of the examination of anticoagulation system factors deficiency and the need for further dynamic follow-up, as well as revealing of trombophilia predictors in children in selected target groups. Study on revealing anticoagulation system disorders and mutations in coagulation genes will predict the risk of thrombotic disorders. Conclusion. The obtained results have confirmed the significant role of the ongoing study for comprehensive assessment of hemostatic system disorders in children. That will allow us to optimize the approach to diagnosis and personalize the management strategy for patients with different chronic pathologies and disorders of the natural anticoagulants system. The study is currently ongoing.

Management of Digital Communications with Target Groups by Leading Russian Universities

The article presents the results of an empirical study on the assessment of digital communications management with target groups of Russian universities in social media. A sample of universities is based on the «QS World University Ranking by Subjects 2021: Social Sciences and Management 2021». Among the cases of applied research: National Research University «Higher School of Economics», Russian University of Economics, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation, MGIMO University, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. The results of a comparative analysis has been carried out using the method of graph with the use of a special software based on determining the structural links of the most significant digital communities of selected universities, as well as social media analysis aimed at determining the key parameters of user activity. The method proposed by the authors makes it possible to assess the scale and nature of communication between universities and selected target groups. Based on the data obtained, we have developed recommendations for improving the digital management of universities, increasing the density of connections and the integration of users within the online communities of universities as one of the conditions for effective management of a university brand in the modern network space.

Extreme cold weather and circulatory diseases of older adults: A time-stratified case-crossover study in jinan, China

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the acute effect of extreme cold weather on circulatory disease mortality of older adults in Jinan, with individual and regional-scale characteristics as subgroup analyses to further identify vulnerable populations. MethodsThis study contained the death data of Jinan from 2011 to 2020 (Nov–Mar). A time-stratified case-crossover method was used to estimate the effects of extreme cold weather and lags 0–8 days, controlling for holiday and relative humidity. To evaluate the impact of different durations and thresholds of extreme cold weather, we considered 4 cold day and 12 cold wave definitions ResultsOur results showed an increase in circulatory disease deaths under several definitions. The number of older adults died of circulatory diseases totaled 92,119 during the study period. In the definitions of cold day, the maximum significant effect ranging from 1.08 (95% CI: 1.03,1.14) to 1.13 (95% CI: 1.04,1.24) and appeared on Lag5 or Lag6. In the definitions of cold wave, the maximum significant effect ranging from 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.12) to 1.14 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.25). The cold effect is mainly attributable to cold day rather than an added effect related to the duration. Our research confirmed that extreme cold weather had a stronger impact on women [maximum effects with an OR of 1.21 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.36) in P1, 1.19 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.36) in M12)], and the effect gradient increased with age. ConclusionsOur findings support the evidence on the impact of extreme cold weather on circulatory disease mortality and provide a basis for policymakers to select target groups to develop policies and reduce the public health burden.

Образователна подкрепа на деца в резидентна грижа в условията на електронно обучение (приложни аспекти)

The changed conditions for the educational process` implementation in a state of an emergency outside the school institution raise a number of questions regarding the educational opportunities for the children raised and brought up in residential services, ie. Out of the biological family. The purpose of this study is to identify the resources, organization, and opportunities for effective e-learning for children and students raised in residential services and attending public kindergartens and schools. Precisely, these are specialized institutions – Social care homes for children deprived of parental care, and the so-called alternative residential care – family-type accommodation centers for non-disabled children and transitional housing. The selected target group differentiates between outlines the difficulties in the e-learning process, both for children and adolescents in residential care and for the professionals who support them and are not prepared for such a situation.

ADVERTISING STRATEGY ACCORDING TO THE CONCEPT OF THE FCB MODEL IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE VARIOUS GENERATIONS

The aims of the paper are: 1) to verify the validity of the traditional theoretical definition of the Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB) model based on the use of representative products concerning the age (generation) and gender of the selected target group in the conditions of the Czech Republic, and 2) to verify the validity of defined advertising strategies in the traditional theoretical conception of the Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB) model with the current level of acceptance and perception of advertising within the defined selected target group according to age (generation) and gender in the conditions of the Czech Republic. To meet both aims, both secondary and primary marketing research was implemented. The theoretical background of the paper is based on knowledge of marketing communication principles in general with emphasis on advertising theories. The greatest attention is focused on the traditional version of the FCB model which is based on a matrix of consumer thinking–feeling and high–low involvement behaviours and proposes four advertising strategies. Primary research data were obtained using a questionnaire, on the online panel of research agency Ipsos, on 1,100 Czech respondents. The methods used are positional maps for the FCB grid and chi-squared with a suitable post-hoc test. The outputs reveal the differences of the theoretical FCB model in comparison with its practical implementation. It is necessary to adapt (extend) the model according to specific conditions and identification features of different Czech generations and genders, then adjust recommendations for advertising strategies. In Czech conditions, the sextant grind should be used. There is a prevalence of representative product placement in quadrants 1 and 3, i.e., rational appeals even for products where this is not expected. The outcomes can be used for the choice of correct advertising strategy, advertising media, and types.

The Microsite

This paper deals with the analysis of microsites as a low-cost marketing communication tool used to effectively address prospective applicants for admissions to higher education institutions. The paper contains the analysis of the microsite www.ustav44.cz, which has been created to promote the Department of Marketing Communications at Tomas Bata University in Zlín. Specifically, it has been created to promote the degree course in Marketing Communications. The authors of the paper describe the individual stages of the microsite design as well as its implementation and launch, including a subsequent analysis of its functionality and overall effectiveness within a selected target group. Based on the survey results, a proposal outlining how to improve particular user elements of this microsite and how to improve the microsite as a whole has been developed. The final part of this paper contains general instructions and basic tips that may help readers create a microsite of a similar type.

Linking Hydrogeology and Ecology in Karst Landscapes: The Response of Epigean and Obligate Groundwater Copepods (Crustacea: Copepoda)

Groundwater invertebrate communities in karst landscapes are known to vary in response to multiple environmental factors. This study aims to explore the invertebrate assemblages’ composition of an Apennine karst system in Italy mainly described by the Rio Gamberale surface stream and the Stiffe Cave. The stream sinks into the carbonate rock and predominantly feeds the saturated karst into the cave. For a minor portion, groundwater flows from the epikarst and the perched aquifer within it. The spatial distribution of the species belonging to the selected target group of the Crustacea Copepoda between the surface stream and the groundwater habitats inside the cave highlighted a different response of surface-water species and obligate groundwater dwellers to the hydrogeological traits of the karst unit. Our results suggest that fast endorheic infiltration routes promoted the drift of epigean species from the surface to groundwater via the sinking stream while most of the obligate groundwater dwellers come from the perched aquifer in the epikarst from diffuse infiltration pathways.

Rational and emotional aspects of consumer behaviour

The aims of the paper are: 1) to evaluate the influence of rationality and irrationality on the purchasing decision-making process in terms of selected target groups of customers and product categories in the conditions of a pandemic situation in the Czech Republic, and 2) to design an updated version of the FCB model for Czech consumers and then to compare it with well-known established theoretical assumptions. To meet bothaims, both primary and secondary marketing research were conducted. Secondary scientific research is based on knowledge of marketing communication and consumer behaviour with an emphasis on models of the hierarchy of effects. The primary focus is on the FCB (Foote-Cone-Belding) model which integrates knowledge from different sequential models and offers output in the form of four situations based on two dimensions - involvement (small versus large interest) and thinking versus feeling. Aquestionnaire was used as the means of conducting research. The online questionnaire was distributed to a total of 1100 respondents. The outputs of the primary survey reveal that the design of the FCB model based on research data differs from the defined theoretical framework. The scientific contribution of this paper is the implementation, updating andadaptation of the FCB model to the conditions of the Czech marketing environment to ensure its possible practical applicability.

The Role of Citizen Science in Sustainable Agriculture

Farmers know much more than we think, and they are keen to improve their knowledge in order to improve their farms and increase their income. On the other hand, decision-makers, organizations, and researchers are increasing their use of citizen volunteers to strengthen their outcomes, enhance project implementation, and approach ecosystem sustainability. This paper assesses the role of citizen science relating to agricultural practices and covers citizen science literature on agriculture and farmers’ participation during the period 2007–2019. The literature was examined for the role of citizen science in supporting sustainable agriculture activities, pointing to opportunities, challenges, and recommendations. The study identified the following gaps: insufficient attention to (1) long-term capacity building and dialogue between academics and farming communities; (2) developing countries in the global South and smallholders; (3) agriculture trading and marketing; (4) the rationales of selecting target groups; (5) contributing to accelerated sustainability transitions. The main aim of the research projects reviewed in this study tended to focus on the research outcomes from an academic perspective, not sustainable solutions in practice or sustainability in general. More research is needed to address these gaps and to widen the benefits of citizen science in sustainable agricultural practices.

The perception of entrepreneurship culture by internal university stakeholders

PurposeAs nowadays the knowledge economy puts a strong emphasis on the universities’ role in the present economy, the recent challenge focuses on the interrelations between entrepreneurship culture and academic engagement. This study aims to investigate the new role that universities are assuming as entrepreneurial entities and gather information taking place internal university stakeholders and students’ perception on entrepreneurship education. The research hypothesis stands entrepreneurship is mainly supposed as being professionally and educationally active rather than setting up a company.Design/methodology/approachThe present study carries out a study on the perception of entrepreneurship education conducted among students of the University of Economics in Krakow in the winter semester of the academic year 2017/2018. The selected target group meets the criteria of the different national country origin of the respondents. Another criterion for selecting the target group was diversity in the field of students’ academic interests.FindingsThe results of the study give a clear view of the still valid confirmation of the growing academic role in terms of entrepreneurship culture development that appears necessary to address the demand for global competitiveness. In particular, it is possible to categorize two groups of people, moderate and strong supporters of recognition that entrepreneurship is not only about starting a company but also at the same time that it is an expression of its own dynamic and entrepreneurial attitudes.Practical implicationsAs the importance of entrepreneurship in the context of an entrepreneurial university is rising and the definition of entrepreneurship goes beyond its understanding of starting a business, universities and academic engagement can and have to better address and focus their planning of the courses and their contents.Originality/valueThe study sheds some light and gives some interesting perspectives on the issue of different levels of entrepreneurship education expectations against different levels at which this education should be provided. In addition, it is in line with the EU entrepreneurship competence framework (EntreComp) aimed at defining tools to improve the entrepreneurial capacity and culture of EU citizens and organizations by means of consensus among stakeholders and by establishing a bond between education and study.

A high performance asynchronous EOG speller system

In this study, an asynchronous region based electrooculogram (EOG) speller system has been proposed with fourty two targets consisting of alphabets, numbers and special characters. The total set of targets were arranged into six groups and each group has seven targets. The target groups were displayed in the form of a hexagon, three target groups on each side (right and left) of the display. The proposed system uses single blink or wink eye movements for selecting the desired target. It adopts two step recognition approach, 1) group selection and 2) target identification from the selected group. A pair of opposite target groups were highlighted at the same time in a random order, like an oddball paradigm. The paradigm randomly highlights all target groups once in a single trial. The subject should blink or wink for target group selection in synchrony with the highlights. In a similar manner the desired target is identified from the selected target group. A multi thresholding algorithm is used for eye movement detection. The online and offline experiments were conducted on ten healthy subjects for validating the proposed speller system. An average online classification accuracy of 98.482% is obtained with the information transfer rate (ITR) of 126.656 bits/min.