Reflections on the potential (and limits) of action research as ethos, methodology and practice: A case study of a women's empowerment programme in the Middle East

This paper argues that an evidence-based approach to advocacy led by and targeting women could amplify women's positioning in the political and economic realms. Participatory Action Research is examined as a process for mobilisation, coalition-building and evidence-based advocacy and action, through a case study of a multi-country British Council supported programme that incorporated an action research approach.1 Drawing from the experiences and perceptions of its participants, it offers reflective insights into the theory and practice of action research and its empowerment potential. The findings confirm a widespread support for the use of Participatory Action Research as a starting point for stronger advocacy work, showing its positive transformative effects on individuals, groups and coalition. Participatory Action Research contributes to evidence-based advocacy that is more relevant and inclusive, and arguably empowering for women advocates.Practitioners learned by doing with coaching support from INTRAC both virtual and face-to-face, while the British Council coordinated and supported the country teams. This included country-based as well as regional training and mentoring sessions across all stages of the research and advocacy.Scopu

An Examination of Internet Social Media Marketing in Higher Education Institutions

This study observes the social media network, a new phenomenon of marketing, as it transcends into a new tool for integrated marketing communications personnel and a way to reach target audiences (alumni, parents, recruiting purposes, current students, internal administration, faculty, and the community). The main purpose of this study was to explore how integrated marketing communications professionals at higher education institutions are using social media as a marketing, communications, and branding tool. The research design for this study was a three-part mixed methods design, an approach increasingly used in social science research. This study first examined the use of social media by using qualitative research methods. Interviews were conducted with representatives from three different institutions of higher education and their integrated marketing communications professional. The second part of the study used qualitative methods, including an examination of how integrated marketing communications (IMC) professionals at all of the California State University campuses use social media through administered surveys. The third part of the study examined the content analysis and any guidelines outlined by the integrated marketing communications professionals about social media. By combining interviews and surveys, this study obtained critical data that may dramatically influence the formation of uniform standards and guidelines for higher institutions' use of social media. The data results also indicated the need for social media marketing at higher education marketing departments

The medieval lime mortars for carrying out dating of monuments (on the example of objects of Abkhazia of the 2-11th c.)

Results of research on development of complex techniques of chemical, petrographic, Xray phase and X-ray diffraction methods of medieval lime mortars studying are presented in the article. 12 samples from New Afon, Abkhazia have been studied. Results of analyses have confirmed estimated dates of the second defense line of Anacopia fortress foundation within 570-580 y., reconstruction of Gate tower in 910 – 930 y. and entrance gate – the 950th y. The analysis of lime mortars from screen church near Anacopia (Akuach’s temple) has given time of 650-680 y. Has been revealed that gate in citadel wall have been constructed at the end of II in AD, western tower of a citadel – 680-690 y., reconstruction of the temple of Feodor has been made in 910-930 y. Data of results of a complex research of lime mortars are supported by the documents of the Roman period (2nd century AD), the Byzantine period of the end of the 6th century, construction activity of Abkhazian archons-tsars in the VII-X centuries. The offered methods of researches allow to reconsider the developed approaches to studying of limy mortars and their dating

Interaction between Russia and Abkhazia’s Resorts

Restoring ties with Russia is a top priority for Abkhazia today. The most perspective area in achieving this goal is setting up ties with constituent units of the Russian Federation both with regional authorities and business entities

Inset fed patch antenna with five slots

In the following paper, a rectangular microstrip patch antenna with two main kinds of slots which are rectangular slots that are more frequently used and L shaped slots are designed, simulated, built and tested. Furthermore, a circular-shaped input feed with 1 mm diameter was chosen to feed the antenna from the edge of the inset-fed part of the antenna. Moreover, an RT6002 substrate with 0.76 mm thickness was the raw material of the antenna. Eventually; this design was capable of acheiving a gain of 8.2 dB with a remarkable value of-15.2 dB for S11 in the manufactured antenna, for a Ku band frequency of 14.4 GHz as Vector Network Analyzer measures. As this design has a Ku band frequency, it could be used for satellite communications such as NASA's Tracking Data Relay Satellite, backhauls broadcasting, and vehicle speed detectio