Sapienza: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Consumers' perceptions of quality, packaging, and purchase intentions: an analysis of the perfume market in Oman

2024-07-01T01:29:59-03:00

Local perfume brands are typically successful due to their distinct strategies and product features. The purpose of this study is to determine how packaging visual elements influence consumer purchase intentions, focusing particularly on the packaging, material, and typography of information. Furthermore, the study examines how perceived quality mediates the relationship between selected packaging elements and consumer purchase intentions. We used quantitative data collected through a field survey using structured questionnaire adapting survey items from previous studies. Total 347 respondents from Oman participated in the survey. We used the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse data. The findings revealed that packaging design and typography of information positively influence purchase intention of customers. Packaging material was found to be insignificant to influence the purchase intention. It was found that perceived quality partially mediated the relationship between independent variables (packaging design, typography) and purchase intention. In addition, there was full mediation of perceived quality in the relationship between packaging material and purchase intention. This study contributes to the literature by providing an insight into Omani consumers' attitudes regarding the aesthetics of packaging, perception of quality, and purchase intention. In the context of local market, the study suggests managers use visual elements of packaging to attract customer for increasing the likelihood of purchase. To gain a better understanding of marketing communication efforts, future research might look at the type of material as a predictor and assess the effect of gender and prices on packaging elements and purchase intention.

Restoration of juvenile justice in the post-war period in Ukraine

2024-10-08T16:53:50-03:00

Introduction: Juvenile justice in Ukraine has been affected by the armed conflict and needs comprehensive reforms aimed at protecting children’s rights and ensuring their well-being. The aim of the study was to analyse and assess the restoration of juvenile justice in the post-war period in Ukraine. Methods: The comparison method of international legal mechanisms for the restoration of juvenile justice in Georgia, Germany, and Ukraine is applied. The visual graphic method, the observation method was used. Results: The study determined the effectiveness of the international legal mechanisms of juvenile justice. The tendency to reduce the number of offences committed by minors is observed in all countries. The lack of universal approach to the reconstruction of juvenile justice was established. The direction of further research may be to study the possibility of optimizing the reconstruction of juvenile justice in Ukraine, in particular through strengthening its institutional capacity. Each country must develop its own system that meets its specific needs and conditions. Conclusions: The research results can be used in the practical field as analytical material when forming a defence position. Further research may focus on studying the possibility of optimizing the restoration of juvenile justice in Ukraine, in particular through strengthening its institutional capacity.

Perspectives and challenges of technology integration in English language teaching: an academic approach

2025-01-13T23:10:27-03:00

Introduction: Teaching English as a foreign language is essential for the holistic development of students, and technology today serves as the scaffolding for meaningful and differentiated learning. This research analyzes the perspectives and challenges of technological integration in English language teaching from an academic approach within the Ecuadorian context. Methods: An exploratory and descriptive methodology was applied, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Surveys and interviews were used as instruments for data collection. The sample consisted of 150 individuals: 65 students, 65 teachers, 15 administrators (from educational institutions), and 5 English specialists, all within the Ecuadorian educational system. Results: While some teachers use technology only occasionally, there are also cases of teachers without technological training. A significant number of teachers believe that there is insufficient institutional support for technological integration. Teachers express ambivalence regarding the effectiveness of technology in English language teaching. Students hold an unfavorable opinion, claiming that while technology is present, its impact on learning and improving language skills is limited. Conclusions: The development of technological integration in English language teaching in the analyzed context is constrained by the lack of institutional support and limited teacher training. Overcoming these barriers requires a coordinated strategy that promotes professional development and provides resources tailored to Ecuador's local realities.

The role of mentoring in the employee professional development and career growth

2024-10-10T15:53:52-03:00

Background: Mentoring is an important tool for realizing the personal potential of specialists in various fields, but its effectiveness directly depends on a number of organizational issues and a clear definition of approaches and goals. The aim of this research is to determine the criteria for choosing alternative approaches to mentoring depending on the expected positive effects. Methods: The study employed SWOT analysis, questionnaire survey, and semi-structured interviews. Results: The analysis found that each of the proposed approaches to mentoring is effective in the context of achieving different goals. Group mentoring and peer mentoring are effective for achieving specific goals — salary increases, career advancement, and increased number of professional contacts. So, the result of these mentoring approaches is the most “visible” and can be evaluated by certain quantitative and qualitative indicators, such as the amount of salary, transition to a new position, number of new acquaintances. Conclusions: Peer mentoring additionally has significant advantages for the development of soft skills through equal communication with like-minded people and the sharing of experiences. Further research may focus on the development of specific mentoring programmes. The results of the study can be useful for companies in choosing an approach to mentoring in view of the desired effects.

Integration of artificial intelligence and socio-emotional development in university students from southern Peru

2024-11-17T18:22:31-03:00

This research aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between the integration of artificial intelligence and socio-emotional development in university students from southern Peru. A quantitative, non-experimental, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 1,172 students of both sexes, selected through non-probabilistic sampling, administered the Artificial Intelligence Integration in Learning Questionnaire and the Socio-Emotional Development Questionnaire, instruments with adequate psychometric properties. The results indicate that the integration of artificial intelligence was moderately adequate, and socio-emotional development was rated moderately. On the other hand, it was determined that Spearman's rho correlation coefficient between both variables was 0.352 (p<0.05). Finally, it was concluded that there is a direct and significant relationship between integrating artificial intelligence and socio-emotional development in university students from southern Peru. This implies that the appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools can enhance socio-emotional skills, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic academic context. Likewise, its implementation could serve as a strategic resource to improve students' social interaction and emotional well-being, contributing to the achievement of comprehensive development in the university setting.

Educational technology and teachers: effective teaching time in the classroom during the practicum

2024-11-06T13:07:52-03:00

The use of technological tools is a key factor for the practice of foreign languages. However, teachers require strategies to improve efficiency in their use. This study aims to identify teaching strategies to optimize class time when using educational technical tools (ETT) in the context of the practices of EFL teachers in the province of Manabí, Ecuador. The work adopts the postmodern paradigm and the mixed method approach. The participants are 42 teachers in training from the National and Foreign Language Pedagogy Program at a national university. 53% women, 45% men and 2% other sexual identities. Ages range between 20 and 22 years. The ad hoc instruments for data collection are a survey, a class observation form and an interview guide. The results show (1) the most frequent difficulties of participants in installing ETT in language practices, (2) knowledge of participants regarding ETT and frequency of use, (3) experiences of participants to improve efficiency in the use of ETT. Among the results, five strategies are presented that can contribute to the improvement of teaching time management when teachers use ETT. It is concluded that the factors to be improved in teachers in training are (a) teachers' knowledge about hardware configuration, (b) knowledge of educational applications and (c) the quality of the Internet connection.

Academic self-efficacy and dependence on artificial intelligence in a sample of university students

2024-11-10T02:06:59-03:00

This research aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between academic self-efficacy and dependence on artificial intelligence in a sample of Peruvian university students. A quantitative, non-experimental, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 186 students of both sexes, selected through probabilistic sampling, who were administered the Specific Academic Situations Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale and the Artificial Intelligence Dependence Scale, instruments that showed adequate metric properties. The results showed that the level of academic self-efficacy was medium, while the dependence on artificial intelligence was moderate. Furthermore, it was found that men and students between the ages of 25 and 34 had slightly higher levels of academic self-efficacy. In comparison, those between the ages of 16 and 24 experienced higher levels of dependence on artificial intelligence. On the other hand, the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between both variables was -0.299 (p<0.05). It was concluded that there is an inverse and significant relationship between academic self-efficacy and dependence on artificial intelligence in the sample of Peruvian university students. In other words, as academic self-efficacy increases, the level of dependence on artificial intelligence tools decreases.

Determinants of tourism demand for Western Balkans countries: a system generalized method of moments (GMM) approach

2024-11-10T08:03:50-03:00

This paper's main objective is to investigate some of the most important determinants of tourism demand for Western Balkans countries. In this regard, a system generalized method of moments model is estimated for a dataset covering 17 relevant source countries over the period from 2010 to 2022. Results reveal that income levels, geographic proximity, and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly influence tourism flows. For instance, higher GDP per capita in source countries positively impacts tourism demand, while the pandemic had a strongly negative effect. These findings contribute to the literature on dynamic tourism demand modelling and offer actionable insights into policymakers to enhance regional tourism strategies.

The role of group interventions in building life competencies of pre-schoolers with special educational needs

2024-12-09T08:09:36-03:00

Background: Developing life competencies in preschoolers with special educational needs is essential for social and emotional integration. This study fills a gap in the development of effective methods of group interventions focused on developing social, communicative and cognitive skills. Methods: The study was based on a quasi-experimental design using the principles of constructivism and activity approach. Methods of sensory psychomotor stimulation (ATP), cognitive reflection (CR) and creative mutual learning (TVN) were applied. The results were evaluated through quantitative data analysis and qualitative assessment of behavioural changes. The study involved 60 children with OOP, divided into three experimental and one control group. Results: The results showed that ATP improved motor skills by 50%, social skills by 30%, emotional stability by 25% and cognitive skills by 19.35%. The CR method increased cognitive skills by 45.16%, motor skills by 26.67%, social skills by 16.67% and emotional stability by 15.63%. TVN was most effective for the development of social skills (43.33%), emotional stability (37.5%), motor (23.33%) and cognitive skills (29.03%). Compared to the control group, all experimental methods demonstrated statistically significant results. Conclusions: The results confirm the effectiveness of an integrated approach to developing life competencies in children with OOP. The theoretical contribution is to prove the specific influence of methods on various aspects of development. Practical recommendations include implementing ATP, KR and TVN programs in the educational process and systematically assessing the effectiveness of methods. Further research should focus on the long-term effects of interventions and creating inclusive programs for different age groups.

Investigating translation strategies: EFL students' approaches to idiomatic expressions

2025-03-23T22:49:08-03:00

This paper is focused on finding which translation strategies among literal, paraphrasing, and cultural equivalents are used by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students from the University “Fehmi Agani” in Gjakova when translating English idioms into their native Albanian language. They understand that idioms are paramount to fluency and comprehending the target language's culture. In the study, the researchers explain the problems that idiomatic expressions cause because of their sources and cultural backgrounds. Using a mixed method – qualitative methods including questionnaires distributed to 57 students, the study’s results have shown a noticeable tendency to overuse paraphrasing rather than literal translations. This tendency reveals most students' attitudes towards translation as targeted towards a system of linguistic forms and a particular meaning. The brand distribution of italicized lexical units highlights the students’ approach to translations more in cultural and particularly idiomatic contexts rather than through words. The study highlights the role of idioms in communication in a second language and suggests a more in-depth study of idioms to obtain high-quality translations.

Intestinal parasitosis in malnourished children and adolescents

2025-01-21T01:50:17-03:00

Introduction: Intestinal parasitosis represents a public health problem since they are infections that occur by ingesting protozoan cysts, eggs, or worm larvae. These are transmitted by the consumption of water or food contaminated with fecal matter, from person to person or from animal to human; the social factors that influence are poverty, geographic condition, infrastructure of health services, education, and lifestyle. Objective: To determine intestinal parasitosis in children and adolescents with malnutrition. Methods: Quantitative research approach, non-experimental design, cross-sectional and descriptive scope, with a population of 46 children and adolescents from the Salcedo Canton of the Jardín del Edén Foundation, Ecuador. Information was collected by taking anthropometric measurements and coproparasitic examination. Results: Of the total of 46 children and adolescents it was evident that according to the BMI/Age 67.4% were normal and 32.5% with malnutrition (due to deficit and excess), also 82.6% were found with parasitosis, with protozoa predominating 96.5% over helminths 3.5%, of which the greatest predominance was in the female sex 43.5%, the main species found were: Amoeba coli cyst 30.6%, amoeba histolytica 28.3% and giardia lamblia 15.3%. Conclusion: Intestinal parasitosis in children and adolescents in this research has nothing to do with malnutrition because some of them had a normal nutritional status, and despite that, they had parasitosis.