INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE: INSIGHTS INTO SOCIOLINGUISTIC, DISCOURSE AND STRATEGIC PROFICIENCY OF ESP STUDENTS

In this increasingly interconnected world, effective intercultural communication is vital for tackling diverse social and professional contexts. This study explores intercultural communicative competence (ICC), with a specific focus on examining sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic abilities. Using a Google Forms questionnaire, data were gathered from 37 participants across various age groups (18-38 years). It included 37 ESP students from the Faculty of Biotechnical Sciences, at St. Kliment Ohridski University-Bitola, enrolled across various food technology undergraduate, master’s and PhD programs. This sample was selected because it included current and potential future participants in student exchange programs (ERASMUS, CEEPUS), as well as foreign students studying at the faculty, making them particularly relevant for evaluating intercultural communicative competence. The analysis reveal certain perceptions into participants\u27 capacities to adapt speech to different communication contexts, engage in conversations with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and employ strategic communication strategies when faced with language barriers. This is a supplementary analysis and it provides an investigation of ICC, highlighting how sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic competencies intersect. The findings point out both the strengths as well as the weaknesses of the participants’ ICC, highlighting the need for acquisition of the aforesaid competencies for the efficient conduct of their intercultural communication endeavors, offering recommendations for educators and researchers to improve intercultural communication in the modern world

SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING THROUGH AUGMENTED REALITY (AR): THE ROLE OF AR TECHNOLOGIES IN INDUSTRIAL WORKFLOWS USING VISUAL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Augmented Reality (AR) in visual assembly instructions is enhancing accuracy and efficiency in manufacturing, assembly tasks and contributes to sustainability in many ways, supported by different software. Sustainability benefits are amplified when AR is integrated into broader digital and eco-friendly initiatives within an organization, such as lean manufacturing or a circular supply chain and by integrating methodologies like poka-yoke, Six Sigma, Kanban, and TQM with AR technologies. This study examined sustainability benefits of implementing AR technologies in industrial workflows, particularly in visual assembly instructions. The primary aim was to determine how AR could improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce sustainability impacts through decreased waste, optimized training, and enhanced product quality. Related publications on AR\u27s role in assembly, sustainability, and interface optimization in manufacturing were reviewed. Research methods also included testing AR-guided instructions on ergonomically designed hardware, such as 3D printed tablet-mounted device, to evaluate usability, assembly time, and error rates. For our prototype we developed visual instructions using Autodesk Maya and Substance Painter to create and animate 3D models, mapped and textured for realistic AR scenes in Adobe Aero. AR tools will advance sustainable industrial applications. Future developments in AR include enhanced real-time data integration and adaptive learning models, which support sustainable practices by dynamically adjusting or simulating assembly instructions based on individual performance and product life cycles

AN OVERVIEW OF THE MACEDONIAN ELECTORAL SYSTEM: AN EXAMPLE OF INCLUSIVE VOTING, OR GERRYMANDERING?

Since 2002, Macedonian MPs have been elected according to the proportional system, using the D’Hondt formula, and the country is divided into six electoral districts. In each of the districts, 20 MPs are elected. This electoral system was introduced following the Ohrid Framework Agreement, which ended the 2001 Insurgency in the country, due to the inclusive politics promoted by the mentioned agreement. 22 years later, the same electoral system is used, but it shows many weaknesses and is often criticized. One of the most important characteristics of this system is that the sixth electoral district, mostly populated by the Albanian minority, has a significantly smaller voter turnout percentage than the other electoral districts. Is this situation acceptable? Is this an example of positive inclusive measure, or is it an example of electoral engineering? Does the “Gerrymandering” exist in the Macedonian parliamentary electoral system? Should the electoral system be reformed, and which solution is the best for this country, with the heterogenic ethnic structure of its population in mind? In this paper, I will analyze the Macedonian electoral system, used for the parliamentary elections. I will try to answer the questions set before and locate the strengths and weaknesses of the Macedonian electoral system. I will also try to express my view on the current electoral system in the country, and my view on the reforms needed in the electoral laws

EVOLUTION IN THE CONSTRUCT OF GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS IN BHUTAN’S FIVE-YEAR PLANS

The Thirteenth Five Year Plan of Bhutan (2023-2028) emphasised rebalancing of Gross National Happiness (GNH) which prioritised economic growth, prompting this paper to study the evolution of GNH in Bhutan’s Five Year Plans. In this context, the paper looked into how GNH has evolved since the implementation of the First Year Plan in 1961. The Five-Year Plan documents were analyzed and the findings revealed that in the earlier Five Year-Plans from 1961-1971, there was an emphasis on economic growth. However, from 1971-2008 the Plans witnessed great emphasis on ecological conservation efforts. The Five-Year Plan from 2008-2023 associated GNH with economic growth and accommodated political manifestos of the democratically elected governments while focusing on ecological conservation. The most recent Five Year Plan (2023-2028) sought to rebalance GNH prioritizing economic growth. Thus, the study of Five Year Plans revealed that GNH has evolved over the years indicating the dynamic nature of GNH as it adapts to Bhutan’s changing needs

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRIES IN THE WESTERN BALKANS REGION

At the Sustainable Development Summit, which took place in New York from September 25-27, 2015, the Sustainable Development Agenda entitled "Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", was adopted. The agenda establishes 17 sustainable development goals that are interconnected, interdependent. Within the paper, the author will analyze the following objective - Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. In order to achieve these goals, the author analyzes the content of the Strategy for Sustainable Development – the Europe 2020 Strategy which sets five goals – for employment, innovation, education, social inclusion and climate /energy. The next content that the author analyzes in the paper is the European Union\u27s plan for growth in the Western Balkans (2023). The aim is to support countries that are candidates for membership or aspiring to candidate status to accelerate reforms and increase their economic potential in order to progress more quickly in the European integration process. When preparing the content of the paper, the author uses general methods: the descriptive method, the normative method, the comparative method, and the method of content analysis as a special scientific method

APPLICABLE LEGAL REGIME FOR PROTECTION OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND CRITICAL ENTITIES IN CONFLICT ZONES

The separation of critical infrastructure as a security and operational term is a relatively new phenomenon. However, although the term "critical infrastructure" is relatively new in the international community, this does not mean that its de facto existence has not been previously regulated or treated in an international context. The Geneva Conventions do not recognize critical infrastructure as such. However, this does not mean that legal protection is absent. Partly through norms directly addressing de facto critical infrastructure, and partly through the method of analogy, critical infrastructure in the ius in bello context is subject to protection on multiple grounds. series of provisions of treaty law and customary law protect civilian objects of essential importance, in areas where there is an active armed conflict or de facto occupation. However, the factual situation is difficult to reconcile with the legal one. However, it is not impossible. Through the method of analogy and legal interpretation, the current system of international law provides sufficient norms for distinction and protection of critical infrastructure and critical entities. The specific legal regime applicable to a particular conflict will depend on the circumstances of that conflict, including the parties involved, the nature of the conflict, and the relevant international and domestic laws. In many cases, there may be a need to interpret and apply these laws in a manner that is consistent with the principles of IHL and the protection of civilians and civilian objects

INVESTIGATION INTO SAFETY CULTURE AND ITS ROLE IN INDUSTRIAL WORKPLACES

This study investigated the significance of safety culture in industrial organizations, focusing on the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that support a safe working environment. The research aimed to assess employee perceptions of safety culture within an industrial company operating in the environmental and waste management sector in Western Slovakia. A questionnaire survey and calibration interviews were used to collect data on key aspects such as personal responsibility, communication, leadership, decision-making, and ongoing safety education. The analysis of survey responses revealed that while employees recognized the importance of safety, significant gaps remained in areas like communication between management and staff and the effectiveness of training programs. Statistical evaluation showed inconsistencies in how safety protocols were perceived and applied across different job roles, indicating the need for more targeted communication and engaging training methods. Insights from the calibration interviews confirmed that fostering open dialogue and providing regular feedback were crucial for improving the overall safety climate. The study concluded that investing in a strong safety culture is essential not only for minimizing risks and accidents but also for enhancing employee satisfaction and organizational performance

THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF TEACHERS REGARDING LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

This paper aims to explore the knowledge and attitudes of teachers regarding learning difficulties, with the objective of better understanding their impact on the educational process. The focus is on analyzing teachers\u27 awareness of various forms of learning difficulties, as well as their pedagogical approaches to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. This includes the use of multisensory strategies and individualized methods to improve the inclusion of students with special educational needs. The paper also examines the challenges teachers face in addressing these difficulties and the role of collaboration between families, specialists, and educational institutions. The results show that teachers\u27 knowledge and positive attitudes play a crucial role in the successful development of students with learning difficulties and in fostering a culture of inclusion. The research suggests that continuous teacher training and the use of inclusive pedagogical practices are essential for optimizing educational outcomes

ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION FROM 400 KV TRANSMISSION LINE BITOLA 2 – MELITI

The main parts of the Macedonian transmission network are 400 kV transmission lines. They form the 400 kV ring consisting of three transmission lines that connect the largest energy consumption located in the northern part, with the largest production capacities located in the southwestern region. The electromagnetic field affects humans with a certain electromagnetic radiation, which we can freely say is a certain electro smog, i.e. electromagnetic pollution, with which we are constantly surrounded. What will be the biological response of the human organism exposed to electromagnetic waves, is conditioned by the energy that they carry with them and transfer to the cells, i.e. the human body. Field measurements were performed, using the 3D EMF TESTER instrument and results were obtained and analyzed

ECO ATTITUDES AND CHALLENGES OF YOUTH TOWARDS URBAN MOBILITY

To identify critical issues and opportunities to improve the sustainability of urban transport systems, this academic student paper explores the attitudes of youth and the broader public – citizens, about urban mobility and traffic. Based on information gathered from an extensive poll, the report provides a detailed analysis of how the general population views public transportation, other forms of mobility including walking and bicycling, and the effects of traffic on the environment. The results highlight significant differences between younger and older people\u27s viewpoints, especially regarding mobility-related safety, accessibility, and environmental factors. The study emphasizes the urgent need for better infrastructure to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians, as well as the significance of raising awareness about the use of sustainable transportation options. The results and suggestions encourage the creation of strategies and action measures that actively involve the next generation in decision-making, which will improve the mobility standard of living in urban areas