DEVELOPING COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE THROUGH INTERACTIVE LEARNING MODEL IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ESL TEACHING

The authors in this paper research discuss about the characteristics of students' communicative competence in English language teachig. The purpose of the research was to examine and establish the possible influence of interactive learning on developing the students' communicative competence in English language teaching. The essential premise was that the English language acquisition at an early age most powerfully occured with the application of interactive learning model, through the communicative approach. What is further on emphasized is the significance of a holistic approach to learning, where each student needs to be approached individually, and then, as such, integrated in the class. The obtained results of the research point out that the interactive learning in English language teaching has a significant influence on developing first and foremost verbal communication among the peers, then the students' social expressiveness in communication, their empathy, non-verbal communication and flexibility, and the ease in communication.  Article visualizations

ZLATICE (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE) PLANINE FRUŠKE GORE (VOJVODINA, SJEVERNA SRBIJA), SA PREGLEDOM BILJAKA HRANITELJICA

Leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) have not been sufficiently studied in Serbia so far. The species of the family were investigated in a protected area – the Fruška Gora National Park (Vojvodina Province, Northern Serbia) over the period of 11 years (2001–2011). Mt. Fruška Gora is an isolated island mountain in the Pannonian Plain and is characterized by a complex assembly of forest, meadow, shrubby, grassland, cultivated land, wetland, and aquatic phytocenoses. At total of 99 chrysomelid species from 42 genera and 11 subfamilies were identified from the area. The data on nutritional preference of the found Chrysomelidae species and host plants are given by own observations in nature. Furthermore, economically important leaf beetle species (i.e., forest and crop pests) are identified and briefly discussed as well. The registered species can be classified into seven chorotypes of Holarctic and three chorotypes of Europe according to zoogeographical analysis.Zlatice (Chrysomelidae) za sada nisu dovoljno dobro proučene u Srbiji. Vrste ove obitelji istraživane su tijekom razdoblja od 11 godina (2001–2011) u zaštićenom području – Nacionalnom parku "Fruška gora". Planina Fruška gora je izolirana otočna planina u Panonskoj nizini, koju karakterizira kompleksni sklop šumskih, livadskih, žbunastih, travnatih, kultiviranih, močvarnih i vodenih fitocenoza. Kukci su prikupljeni sa 35 lokaliteta, odnosno različitih tipova staništa. Ukupno 99 vrsta zlatica iz 42 roda i 11 podobitelji identificirano je iz ovoga područja. Zajedno s rezultatima Grueva (1984, 1986), koji je vršio ranija istraživanja, fauna zlatica obuhvaća 135 vrsta iz 46 rodova i 11 podobitelji. Podobitelji Chrysomelinae i Alticinae obuhvaćaju najveći broj vrsta. Podaci o ishrani i biljkama hraniteljicama prikupljenih Chrysomelida dobiveni su na osnovi vlastitih zapažanja u prirodi. Zlatice su prikupljene sa 128 vrsta biljaka iz 84 roda i 26 obitelji. Većina je asocirana s biljkama klase Magnoliopsida. Gospodarski važne vrste zlatica (štetnici šuma i usjeva) identificirane su i kratko spomenute. Prema zoogeografskoj analizi registrirane vrste mogu se svrstati u sedam horotipova Holarktika i tri horotipa Europe. Velik broj vrsta ima široku distribuciju u Europi, ali su brojne i zapadnopalearktičke i euroazijske vrste. Zabilježeno je devet vrsta koje se tipično javljaju u brdsko-planinskim regijama

ZLATICE (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE) PLANINE FRUŠKE GORE (VOJVODINA, SJEVERNA SRBIJA), SA PREGLEDOM BILJAKA HRANITELJICA

Leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) have not been sufficiently studied in Serbia so far. The species of the family were investigated in a protected area – the Fruška Gora National Park (Vojvodina Province, Northern Serbia) over the period of 11 years (2001–2011). Mt. Fruška Gora is an isolated island mountain in the Pannonian Plain and is characterized by a complex assembly of forest, meadow, shrubby, grassland, cultivated land, wetland, and aquatic phytocenoses. At total of 99 chrysomelid species from 42 genera and 11 subfamilies were identified from the area. The data on nutritional preference of the found Chrysomelidae species and host plants are given by own observations in nature. Furthermore, economically important leaf beetle species (i.e., forest and crop pests) are identified and briefly discussed as well. The registered species can be classified into seven chorotypes of Holarctic and three chorotypes of Europe according to zoogeographical analysis.Zlatice (Chrysomelidae) za sada nisu dovoljno dobro proučene u Srbiji. Vrste ove obitelji istraživane su tijekom razdoblja od 11 godina (2001–2011) u zaštićenom području – Nacionalnom parku "Fruška gora". Planina Fruška gora je izolirana otočna planina u Panonskoj nizini, koju karakterizira kompleksni sklop šumskih, livadskih, žbunastih, travnatih, kultiviranih, močvarnih i vodenih fitocenoza. Kukci su prikupljeni sa 35 lokaliteta, odnosno različitih tipova staništa. Ukupno 99 vrsta zlatica iz 42 roda i 11 podobitelji identificirano je iz ovoga područja. Zajedno s rezultatima Grueva (1984, 1986), koji je vršio ranija istraživanja, fauna zlatica obuhvaća 135 vrsta iz 46 rodova i 11 podobitelji. Podobitelji Chrysomelinae i Alticinae obuhvaćaju najveći broj vrsta. Podaci o ishrani i biljkama hraniteljicama prikupljenih Chrysomelida dobiveni su na osnovi vlastitih zapažanja u prirodi. Zlatice su prikupljene sa 128 vrsta biljaka iz 84 roda i 26 obitelji. Većina je asocirana s biljkama klase Magnoliopsida. Gospodarski važne vrste zlatica (štetnici šuma i usjeva) identificirane su i kratko spomenute. Prema zoogeografskoj analizi registrirane vrste mogu se svrstati u sedam horotipova Holarktika i tri horotipa Europe. Velik broj vrsta ima široku distribuciju u Europi, ali su brojne i zapadnopalearktičke i euroazijske vrste. Zabilježeno je devet vrsta koje se tipično javljaju u brdsko-planinskim regijama

THE IMPACT OF INTERACTIVE LEARNING ON THE QUALITY OF COMMUNICATION IN TEACHING PROCESS

The application of interactive learning is directed towards increasing the quality of communication in the teaching process. The focus of the research in this paper is the influence of the communicative approach on the quality of the teaching process, and the purposeful interaction that has been both the method and the aim of the communicative approach. The authors of this paper argue that the interactive method significantly adds to a successful implementation of purposeful communication in the teaching process. The authors argue that effective communication in the teaching process implies mutual respect, equality of all the participants in the process, honesty and straightforwardness, together with the acknowledgement of both teachers' and students' needs. The results of experimental research relating to the impact of interactive learning on the quality of communication in the language teaching process are presented in this paper. The effects of interactive learning have been expressed through a higher degree of communication freedom and active listening enticement. The overall results of this research point to the significance of further training of teachers in terms of the application of the interactive method in the classroom, thus creating an atmosphere abundant in positive stimuli and challenges for the students.   Article visualizations

Antioxidant Response in Gills of Eurasian Perch ( Perca fluviatilis ) to Cyanobacterial Bloom Exposure in the Gruža Reservoir

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an Aphanizomenon flos-aquae bloom in the Gruža Reservoir on the antioxidant parameters measured in the gill cells of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis). Effects of the bloom were evaluated through copper, zinc and manganese containing superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD and MnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and biotransformation phase II enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities and glutathione (GSH) and sulfydryl (–SH) groups concentrations. The activities of CuZn SOD and Mn SOD decreased during the cyanobacterial bloom compared to the period before the bloom. The opposite trend was observed for CAT and GSH-Px activities that increased. During the bloom GR and GST activities and GSH concentration decreased significantly. CuZn SOD, GR and GST activities are detected as the most important parameters for individual variations. Our results indicated that an A. flos-aquae bloom promotes oxidative stress in the gills of P. fluviatilis. The investigated parameters could be used in environmental risk assessment procedures to monitor the effects of A. flos-aquae blooms on fish. Observed changes in the antioxidant parameters in P. fluviatilis gills make them potential biomarkers in the research of ecological risk situations in freshwater ecosystems with frequent cyanobacterial blooms.Water Research and Management (2016), 6(2): 19-2

The Effect of Shelter on Oxidative Stress and Aggressive Behavior in Crested Newt Larvae (Triturus spp.)

Shelters are important for animal survival. Provision of adequate hiding places allow animals to express their natural sheltering behavior and it can have different positive effects on cortisol levels, physiological processes and mental performance. Although the absence of a refuge activates some stress response, its effect on oxidative stress has not been adequately examined. This study investigated whether the presence/absence of a shelter modifies the oxidative status (the antioxidant system and oxidative damage) and aggressive behavior of crested newt larvae (Triturus macedonicus and its hybrid with T. ivanbureschi). Our results show that individuals reared with shelters had lower values of the tested antioxidant parameters (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione), indicating a lower production of reactive species than individuals reared without shelter. The same pattern was observed in both T. macedonicus and its hybrid. Contrary to the activation of some physiological pathways, shelter availability did not significantly affect the rate of intraspecific aggressive behavior. The physiological benefits of shelter use can be manifested as a lower requirement for investment in the energy necessary for the maintenance of the upregulated antioxidant defenses, activation of repair systems and synthesis of endogenous antioxidants. This study highlights the importance of shelter provision, which may be valuable in habitat restoration and animal conservation studies

Antioxidant Response in Gills of Eurasian Perch ( Perca fluviatilis ) to Cyanobacterial Bloom Exposure in the Gruža Reservoir

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an Aphanizomenon flos-aquae bloom in the Gruža Reservoir on the antioxidant parameters measured in the gill cells of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis). Effects of the bloom were evaluated through copper, zinc and manganese containing superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD and MnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and biotransformation phase II enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities and glutathione (GSH) and sulfydryl (–SH) groups concentrations. The activities of CuZn SOD and Mn SOD decreased during the cyanobacterial bloom compared to the period before the bloom. The opposite trend was observed for CAT and GSH-Px activities that increased. During the bloom GR and GST activities and GSH concentration decreased significantly. CuZn SOD, GR and GST activities are detected as the most important parameters for individual variations. Our results indicated that an A. flos-aquae bloom promotes oxidative stress in the gills of P. fluviatilis. The investigated parameters could be used in environmental risk assessment procedures to monitor the effects of A. flos-aquae blooms on fish. Observed changes in the antioxidant parameters in P. fluviatilis gills make them potential biomarkers in the research of ecological risk situations in freshwater ecosystems with frequent cyanobacterial blooms.Water Research and Management (2016), 6(2): 19-2

Heavy metals, oxidative stress and their relationship in Pelophylax ridibundus frogs during pre- and posthibernation period

In temperate regions, low temperatures and the lack of food during the winter lead the water frogs to hibernate in order to survive. Hibernation represents an adaptation mechanism and is a part of frogs yearly life cycle (Wells, 2007). Hibernation, as well as pre- (autumn) and post-hibernation (spring) periods are characterized by different biochemical, physiological, morphological and behavioral changes, all in order to prepare the organisms for a significant depression in aerobic metabolic rate (autumn) and then recovery to a normal state (spring). An important role in this response plays the antioxidative defense system (AOS), especially in spring, when increased metabolic rate during arousal is followed by high oxygen consumption and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Oxidative stress is also induced by various xenobiotics in the environment and this raises the question of their share in oxidative stress of hibernators in a yearly cycle? To examine this we first determined concentrations and seasonal variations of accumulated metals (As, Cd, Cr, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) and AOS parameters (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH- Px), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione (GSH) and sulfhydryl (SH) groups concentrations) in skin and muscle of Pelophylax ridibundus during pre- (autumn) and post- hibernation (spring) periods, and second we evaluated the possible relationship between accumulated metals and AOS parameters. The results showed seasonal variation of accumulated concentrations: autumn frogs were characterized by higher concentrations of Ni, Cr and Hg, while frogs sampled in spring had higher As and Cd. On the other hand almost all AOS parameters were higher during the spring in comparison to individuals from autumn (in skin SOD, CAT, GR, GST, GSH and SH groups, while in muscle SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GR and SH groups). The number of significant correlations between accumulated metals and AOS parameters were very similar in frogs from both seasons. All results showed that oxidative stress in the post-hibernating season was mainly caused by the organism’s recovery from hibernation, and that the metals did not contribute significantly to this response, indicating that natural selection affected AOS of the frogs in that way that during arousal they were able to produce higher levels of antioxidant defenses

Heavy metals, oxidative stress and their relationship in Pelophylax ridibundus frogs during pre- and posthibernation period

In temperate regions, low temperatures and the lack of food during the winter lead the water frogs to hibernate in order to survive. Hibernation represents an adaptation mechanism and is a part of frogs yearly life cycle (Wells, 2007). Hibernation, as well as pre- (autumn) and post-hibernation (spring) periods are characterized by different biochemical, physiological, morphological and behavioral changes, all in order to prepare the organisms for a significant depression in aerobic metabolic rate (autumn) and then recovery to a normal state (spring). An important role in this response plays the antioxidative defense system (AOS), especially in spring, when increased metabolic rate during arousal is followed by high oxygen consumption and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Oxidative stress is also induced by various xenobiotics in the environment and this raises the question of their share in oxidative stress of hibernators in a yearly cycle? To examine this we first determined concentrations and seasonal variations of accumulated metals (As, Cd, Cr, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) and AOS parameters (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH- Px), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione (GSH) and sulfhydryl (SH) groups concentrations) in skin and muscle of Pelophylax ridibundus during pre- (autumn) and post- hibernation (spring) periods, and second we evaluated the possible relationship between accumulated metals and AOS parameters. The results showed seasonal variation of accumulated concentrations: autumn frogs were characterized by higher concentrations of Ni, Cr and Hg, while frogs sampled in spring had higher As and Cd. On the other hand almost all AOS parameters were higher during the spring in comparison to individuals from autumn (in skin SOD, CAT, GR, GST, GSH and SH groups, while in muscle SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GR and SH groups). The number of significant correlations between accumulated metals and AOS parameters were very similar in frogs from both seasons. All results showed that oxidative stress in the post-hibernating season was mainly caused by the organism’s recovery from hibernation, and that the metals did not contribute significantly to this response, indicating that natural selection affected AOS of the frogs in that way that during arousal they were able to produce higher levels of antioxidant defenses

Antioxidative defense system in liver of adult and subadult Bufotes viridis frogs

The highest goal of every species is to survival, reproduce and continue existence. To fulfill these frogs needs to survive larval and subadult stages until gain sexual maturity. During this they are exposed to different stressors. Resistances to external or internal stressors are fitness-related traits that are central to evolutionary research (Monaghan et al., 2009). One example is resistance to oxidative stress (OS), which has been suggested to affect lifehistory trade-offs and fitness (Pamplona and Costantini, 2011). To protect against oxidative stress, organisms have developed the antioxidative defense system (AOS), which is comprised of enzymatic (including the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione reductase (GR), phase II biotransformation enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST)) and nonenzymatic (the total glutathione (GSH) contents and sulfhydryl (SH) group concentrations) components. It was suggested that in younger individuals OS was mainly caused by increased growing rate and metabolic activity, while in adults it was not only arised from endogenous metabolism, but also from oxidative challenges induced by environmental conditions (Metcalfe and Alonso-Alvarez, 2010). In this study we tried to examine AOS of liver of subadult and adult Bufotes viridis frogs caught from natural population and kept in laboratory conditions for 14 days, in order to determine possible differences in AOS that could be related to the frog’s body size and life stage (adults and subadults). The results showed higher activities of SOD, GR and GST in subadults in comparison to adults, on the other hand adults had higher activity of GSH-Px and concentrations of GSH and SH- groups. CAT was the only parameter that did not differ significantly between groups and did not correlate with frog’s snout-vent length (SVL). Significant negative correlations were noticed between frogs SVL and activity of SOD (r=-0.69) and GST (r=-0.45), while positive correlations of SVL were with GSH-Px (r=0.63), GSH (r=0.67) and SH groups (r=0.52). Based on the results we conclude that in subadults enzymatic components of AOS (SOD, GR and GST) played most important role in response to OS, while in adults it were nonenzimatic components (GSH and SH) that were already marked as biomarkers of some xenobiotics that tend to accumulate