Erasmus Mundus Action 2

ATEI of Thessaloniki

Erasmus Mundus ACTION 2 Partnerships for Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan

SGA Nr 2010 2368 / 001 001 EM Action 2 - Partnerships

Research & study in Europe enriching educational environment in S. Caucasus Volume IV

A collection of papers submitted by S. Caucasian researchers

May 2014

Editor: Tania Kapiki

ISBN 978 960 99253 3 4

CONTENTS
CONTENTS
PREFACE

2
3

PART I
Papers of Doctorate research projects carried out in Greece
Chapter I Outline
Georgian Doctorate Students
Armenia Doctorate Students
Azerbaijani Doctorate Students

5
5
5

Unit 1: GEORGIAN DOCTORATE STUDENTS

6
Unit Outline
6
1.1.1 The Problem of Falsification of Citrus Juices and Methods of Its Detection
7
1.1.2 First Impressions and the order of provided information
10
1.1.3 Greek Societys attitude towards the English Language, Study on the Greek
13
Students attitudes towards the English Language
1.1.4 The impact of FDI on economy growth in case of Georgia
17
Unit 2: ARMENIAN DOCTORATE STUDENTS
Unit Outline
1.2.1 Health threats from heat index impacts (Thessaloniki Case)
1.2.2 Profiling users of high technology products and determining the Optimum Time
Space between successive versions released in the market
1.2.3 Innovation in cooperatives: the cooperative enterprise model in Armenia case
study of the Federation of agricultural associations ULE of Armenia

24
24
25

Unit 3: AZERBAIJANI DOCTORATE STUDENTS

Unit Outline
1.3.1 Robert Burtons Work The Anatomy of Melancholy; Its Literary & Philosophical
Values in the English Literature
1.3.2 Crossability of the triticale line ABDR with related wheat species
1.3.3 Some Characteristics of the Newly Obtained Constant Sweet Pepper
1.3.4 The national interest in international relations theory

45
45

PART II
Papers of Post- Doctorate fellows research carried out in Greece
Chapter II Outline
2.1.1 Atomic force microscopy in the study of cell membranes normal epithelium and
adenocarcinoma cell of the large intestine
2.1.2 Characterization of cotton varieties and hybrids using molecular markers

62
62
63

PART III
Papers of Doctorate research conducted in other European Partner Countries
Chapter III Outline
3.1.1 Analyses of communication barriers during consultation processes

75
75
75
76

33
41

46
51
54
58

64
70

PART IV
82
Papers by Academics and Post-Doctorate fellows accomplished in other European
82
Partner Countries
1

Chapter IV Outline

83

4.1 POST-DOCTORATE FELLOWS

4.1.1 Distance learning model development for tourizm and agritourizm

84
4.1.2 Survey of trade policy and export promotion in the European Union and
87
implementation in Armenia

PREFACE
The Research and study in Europe enriching educational environment in S. Caucasus- Acollection
of papers - Volume IV book was developed and written within the framework of the project
Erasmus Mundus Action 2 Partnerships for Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Its production and
publication was funded by the European Commission, Education, Audiovisual & Culture Executive
Agency, Erasmus Mundus Programme.
The book is divided into the following four parts: Part I includes the papers of research projects
carried out in Greece by the Doctorate beneficiaries.
Part I is further divided into 3 Units. Unit 1 concerns the papers of the Georgian Doctorate
students, while the Unit 2 and Unit 3 include the papers of the Armenian and Azerbaijani Doctorate
students, respectively.
Part II contains the papers of research carried out in Greece by the Post-Doctorate fellows of all
three countries of the Lot.
Part III consists of papers prepared out of research projects conducted in the other European
Partner Countries. These papers were submitted by Doctorate students.
Finally, Part IV comprises papers by Academics and Post-Doctorate fellows accomplished in the
other European Partner Countries.
We believe that the EM Action 2 - Partnerships for Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan project has
contributed towards the enhancement of the international cooperation capacity of Universities in
S. Caucasus and has enabled beneficiaries to benefit linguistically, culturally and educationally from
their studies in Europe.
May this publication be the means for the multiplication of the project effects and the
dissemination of the knowledge obtained through the research programmes.
Moreover, it is hoped that this book will help future applicants, partners and researchers in order
to take the decision to participate in international academic collaborations. Despite some
constraints they might meet, the benefits for their academic and professional development are too
many. In addition, the on-going communication, collaboration and friendship among the several
stakeholders involved in the project, are the most wonderful results of the whole undertaking.
I wish to extend sincere thanks for their contribution towards the publication of this book to Ms
Agathi Karkalini and Ms Maria Panidou, who have gathered and classified the included research
material.
I would also like to point out that the contents and format of the papers, as well as the English
language style and level, express exclusively the beneficiaries and their supervisors.

Tania Kapiki
Project Coordinator

ERASMUS MUNDUS ACTION 2 - PARTNERSHIPS

for GEORGIA, ARMENIA and AZERBAIJAN

PART I
Papers of Doctorate research projects carried out
in Greece

Chapter I Outline

Georgian Doctorate Students

Miranda Gorgiladze Sophiko Tskvitinidze

Miranda Giorgashvili
Margalita Shakarashvili
Kristina Jganjgava

Armenian Doctorate Students

Stella Beglaryan
Marianna Fidanyan
Tigran Hakhnazaryan

Azeri Doctorate Students

Ulkar Kazimova
Sabina Mehdiyeva
Saida Sharifova

Unit 1: GEORGIAN DOCTORATE STUDENTS

Unit Outline
1.1.1 The Problem of Falsification of Citrus Juices and Methods of Its Detection, by Miranda
Gorgiladze and SophikoTskvitinidze (Shota Rustaveli State University)
1.1.2 First Impressions and the order of provided information, by Miranda Giorgashvili (Ivan
Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University)
1.1.3 Greek Societys attitude towards the English Language, Study on the Greek Students
attitudes towards the English Language, by Margalita Shakarashvili (Ivan Javakhishvili Tbilisi State
University)
1.1.4 The impact of FDI on economy growth in case of Georgia by Kristina Jganjgava (Ivan
JavakashviliTbilisi State University)

1.1.1 The Problem of Falsification of Citrus Juices and Methods of Its Detection
Name

Miranda Gorgiladze, Sophiko Tskvitinidze

Supervisor

Dr Soultan Markopoulou

Home University

Shota Rustaveli State University

Host University

A.T.E.I of Thessaloniki

Abstract
The identification of naturalness has a great significance in evaluating the quality of food products
because the violation of naturalness is the same as falsification. There are various ways of falsifying
food products: the alteration of expensive food products with cheaper ones, production of low
food value products, changing recipe, misappropriation of trade names that misleads the consumer
to estimate the food quality and variety.
Key words: Naturalness, Falsification, Orange juice, Amine nitrogen, Number of
Chloramines, Proline, Formolite number, Amino acid.

Conclusions

On the one hand, the technology of producing citrus juices is violated during the falsification that
causes the plunder of state property and is considered as a criminal offence.
On the other hand, the falsification of citrus juices may be related to inputting harmful substances
for human organism into juices. For example, inputting tartaric acid or synthetic citric acid into
citrus juices as well as various colouring agents, emulsifiers, synthetic amino acids and others, that
causes the ecologically contaminated foodstuff production.
The problem of falsification of citrus juices was first discussed publicly on international congress
held in Catania in 1959. Since about 1960, a lot of data on falsification of citrus juices have
appeared in special foreign literature. It should be mentioned here the scientific works of
Kalvarono and Di Jiakomo (Italy), Primo and Royo (Spain), Benk and Koch (Germany), Vanderkuk
and Iakoiama (USA), Keford and Chandler (Austria) [1].
The most widespread ways of citrus juices falsification may be divided as follows:
Adding substances of natural juices from outside (water, citric acid, ascorbic acid, etc);
Adding the substances into juice that dont contain these substances;
Adding other citrus juices.
The analytical methods of detection of the falsification may be divided into the 3 groups:
The first group includes the quantitative determination of components characterized for the given
juices.
The second group includes the qualitative analysis methods those give opportunity to detect the
foreign substances added in foodstuff;
The third group includes the methods which give opportunity to detect the extract of other juices
or peel added in the given juice.
The initial form of citrus juices falsification was the dilution with sugar syrup and the addition of
organic acids and colouring agents. Despite this, such kind of falsification is very primitive, it is
impossible to discover it applying such modern methods as the gas-liquid chromatography.
Therefore, it was essential to establish such characteristics of naturalness that would be impossible
to discover.

It should be noted that in many cases the falsifiers continually watch the scientific achievements in
the field of falsification and look for the contradictory methods.
It should be noted that the laboratory of juice factories is often equipped with the modern
equipment. 20 employees work for the laboratory, among them 2-3 are the representatives of
arbitrary service. Laboratory staff has developed so-called "circulars" that contain the limited
amount of characteristics that are the juice. In any case, during the juice production, they check the
meanings of these characteristics in order to determine the falsification of juice and point on the
labels. If even one meaning of characteristics is not suitable to mentioned meaning on the label
during checking juice, then we have the fact of violating the naturalness or falsification.
There are different characteristics of citrus juice naturalness. For example, some researchers
suggest the ration of izocitric acid and citric acid to discover the falsification. It is estimated that
composition of natural juices consists of izocitric acid and its existence in the juice points on the
usage of synthetic citric acid. It is established that the ratio of citric acid and izocitric acid is
invariable and equals to 200 [2-4].
The nitrogenous compounds are into the composition of citrus juices. Their content consists of 10
% of the soluble substances. It should be mentioned the amino acids, proteins, amines and amides
among the nitrogenous substances. The soluble amino acids are very significant among the major
nitrogenous substances. The determination of total nitrogen with the usage of Keldal method
contains the abovementioned components and the quantitative index of juice is characterized with
it. The study of amino acids has got a special meaning for controlling of the citrus juices. A number
of works has been dedicated for studying this issue /5-7/.
Nowadays, the formolite number (amino nitrogen) is widely used. It is considered by the majority
of authors that formal number is not sufficient to establish the falsification. Therefore they suggest
conducting the typical chromatography of amino acids with the formal number [8-13].
Proline is one of the significant amino acids. Some of the authors suggest the ratio of proline and
formaline for the discovery of falsification during the process of quality assessment of citrus.
Dilution of juices with water and citric acid reduces the content of proline and formaline, but it
cant change their ratio [14-17].
The ash content and sugarless extraction belong to a generally accepted indicator of the quality of
juices [18].
The ratio of potassium and sodium is also used because of the content of natrium is 20-50 times
higher in the artificially produced juices than in natural juices. Besides this, nonexistence of
potassium is characterized with the synthetic juices.
As it is known, the cheapest and simplest method of citrus juice falsification is to add water into
juice. Consequently, the content of organic part of juice is reduced and inorganic or mineral part is
increased. Hereby, the addition of water is determined by using of its mineral components which
are composed of large quantities of water content, but their content is minimal in citrus juices [912].
As mentioned above, one of the ways of falsification is to use the extraction of peel. The peel
extraction contains the some amounts of soluble dry substances that are similar to the juice of dry
substances with chemical composition and physical features. The peel extract supplementation is
determined by specifying 1 vitamin, hesperedine and pectin. The high contents of pulp and pectin
in small quantity indicate the falsification. It was also established that it is not feasible to determine
carotene during the control of juice quality [23].
Ultraviolet absorption of juices and usage of spectra of radiation are discussed for discovering peel
extract in juice. It is established that peel extract shows a weak visible absorption (465, 443, 425
nm) and stronger ultraviolet absorption (325,280 and 245 nm) than natural juice does [24-28].
Number of chloramines belongs to one of the characteristics of the juice naturalness. It contains
phenolic and other easily corrosive components. This does not include organic acids and sugars
[29.30].
Some of the authors used microbiological methods for discovering falsification [31-32].
It is established that supplementation of seed plants juices or grapes juices into the citrus juices
may be discovered according to the content of leikoantocyanes or tartaric acids. It is estimated
8

that orange juices dont include leikoantocyanes, their content in apple juice ranges from 100400mg/dm3, in grape juice it ranges from 200 to 300 mg/dm3 [33].
The variation coefficients, standard deviation, limited meanings of components of juice are used to
determine the citrus juice quality. Some authors dont agree the determination of only minimal or
maximal meanings of juice components. They underline that these data are not only insufficient,
but in most cases it is incorrect because if they are changed in large extent with dilution of juices
1:1, then their meanings, without inputting any synthetic additives from outside, will be inputted
into the limited frontiers of meanings. In this case the falsified juice may be considered as natural.
Hereby, the authors offer the determination of equality index of juice with limited meanings [3437].
Currently, the equations are being developed that are characterized for the composition of citrus
juices. The main objective is to develop such equations which will be useful for identifying
falsification [38-44].
We have developed the methods of determination of tangerine juice naturalness [45]. Where the
total and amino nitrogen and their ratio, ash content, its alkalinity, the number of chloramines,
massive concentration of proline are used as characteristics of naturalness. These characteristics
satisfy all requests towards the characteristics of naturalness. They have a low coefficient of
variation: they are thermostable, are slightly changed during juice processing and storage, with
dependence on the conditions of soil-climate. All parameters, besides proline, are changed during
the process of maturing. The content of proline increases during the process of fruit maturing.
It is determined how the formal number is in tangerine juice changed with supplementation of
amino acid [46].
The spectrophotometric method of analysis has been developed for discovering of additives in
tangerine juice [47].
The linear regressive models of tangerine juice composition have been developed on the base of
the multiple correlation analysis method and also statistic test of their usage has been developed.
It is possible to determine the naturalness of fresh juice and falsified juice by using it if the
meanings of control characteristics are within the limits of their natural fluctuation [48].

1.1.2 First Impressions and the order of provided information

Name

Miranda Giorgashvili

Supervisor

Aikaterini Sousamidou

Home University

Ivan Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

Host University

A.T.E.I of Thessaloniki

Abstract
Given paper concerns the question of first impression and its underlying cognitive mechanisms. It
discusses two main models of social impression and then sets the hypothesis for the future
research in first impression. Stating assumptions and providing certain experimental design, the
paper tries to provides rationally planned research project, which aims to disprove an inevitability
of stereotypic thinking and explore the influence of order of provided information on stereotypic
thinking.
Key-Words:
information processing, category based processing, piecemeal processing,
individuating information, inherited and emergent attributes.

Introduction
Proceeding from the richness of social world and humans limited cognitive capacity social
psychologists have long been concerned with the mechanisms of social perception. How do
people understand other individuals in the course of everyday life (Augoustinos, Walker and
Donaghue, 2006) was the main questions that have been challenged in social cognition.
The answer for given question has been found in the notation of stereotyping and categorization,
which has been regarded humans most effective cognitive tool for understanding the world and
others. The notion implies the process which is automatic, time and energy saving and thus
unconditionally automatic. In whole, because of being fast and rich in provided inferences about
perceived target, categorization (or stereotyping) is regarded to be very effective process in its
nature, which remains to be the main cognitive mode of humans thinking.
Contrary to categorization there is another concept, which denotes controlled, time and energy
consuming information processing type. It is called attribute based or data driven processing.
Given type of social information processing is mostly based on the targets individual and unique
characteristics, rather then inferences generalized on target basing on the social group he
belongs to; this last process usually takes place during stereotyping or categorization. In short,
person is perceived with his unique individual characteristics, rather then as the regular member
of his group, to whom groups stereotypic characteristics are assigned automatically.
Basing on the given modes of information processing, several theories have emerged. Among
them are continuum model and Parallel Constraint Satisfaction Theory (PCST). Stemming from the
different assumptions about the dominance of category activation, they provide different cognitive
mechanisms underlying the first impression.
According to Continuum model social information processing can be conceptualized as a
continuum moving from category based processing to a more individuating, data-based processing.
Extreme sides of continuum denote primarily stereotypic or primarily attribute based processes,
while the middle range corresponds to activation of both processes simultaneously. Activation of
each part of the continuum depends on the external informational conditions, namely: easily

10

categorized targets are hypothesized to elicit relatively category-based processes, while not easily
categorized targets are hypothesized to elicit relatively attribute-based processes (Fiske, Neuberg,
Beattie, Milberg, 1987).
Regardless of the fact the given model includes both types of processing, it assigns the dominance
primarily to categorization rather then to attribute based processing. Model implies, that
individuating processing takes place only when and if categorization of given target fails. Thus
categorization is regarded to be always initial step of perception.
In response to continuum model, PCST assumes that stereotypes and individuating information
are processed simultaneously, rather then serially. During their activation, they in parallel restrain
each others meaning and in the end jointly affect final impression. Proceeding from this,
categorization is not regarded to be a dominant process. Rather it is assumed that both types of
processing are equally important for final impression. The only factor that determines the
dominance of either mode of impression, is the factor of order. In other wards, the model
assume that when categorical information is perceives first, only in this conditions it can dominate
over individuating information, while when there is an opposite order condition, then individuating
information dominates over categorization. Proceeding form the fact that PCST is a theoretical
modeling program, which has not been tested experimentally yet, we decide to test its
assumption concerning the impact of provided informational order.

Topic Description & Analysis

Main Hypothesis and Experimental Plan
Basing on the assumption of PCST we hypothesize that categorical perception, which is
believed to be so much automatic and dominant type of processing, may be mediated by the
factor of order of provided information. It is expected that under the conditions when clear
individuating information is perceived first and category relevant information second,
individuating information must dominate over categories in final impression. Contrary to this, the
final impression is expected to be mostly stereotypic when perception of categories precedes
perception of individuating information .
In order to test the hypothesis, we propose to provide one the same information in five different
order conditions. condition 1 and 5 :only one of the types of information is provided (only
categorical or only individuating); condition 3: when both of the types of information are provided
together - equal condition. condition 2: categorical information in provided first and individuating
information second. condition 4: individuating information is provided first and categorical
information second.
Information in each condition is provided vie photos. In particular: 1st and 5th order conditions
contain photos which clearly depict only categorical and only individuating information. In the
middle 3rd condition, both kinds of information are provided together within one photo. In 2nd
and 4th conditions each type of information is presented vie separate photos, though applying
certain order sequence during their presentation both types of information are perceived together.
By warring the order of provided information, it is assume to find certain differences in received
final impressions. Particularly we hypothesize, that proposed differences will be revealed in the
different level of inhibitions and excitations in the cognitive net of associations. In other words, it
is expect that if order of provided information in fact influence the final impression, then in the 1st
and 5th conditions provided impressions must be totally based on the associations or inferences
form only categorical and only individuating information (or photos). In the 3rd condition it is
expected to found impressions based on the associations of both types of information equally, in
this regard it is assumed that there must be less inherited attributes (associations which are
related to each type of information) and more emergent inferences (that are created by merging
associations from inconsistently provided two types of information). Contrary to these, in the 2 nd

11

condition it is expect to find impressions mostly based on the inferences inherited from categorical
information, while in the 4th conditions impression must be based mostly on inferences inherited
from individuating information.
Sub hypothesis and Pilot Studies
Stemming from the purpose of the main experiment, it is important to have photos which convey
indeed individuating and categorical information, in the manner as it is required in each condition.
For the given purpose we set two pilot studies which test two important hypothesis:
Pilot study 1- it is expect that behavior does not always serve as the source for an individuating
information. We hypothesis that when behavior is presented alone, apart from inconsistent
categorical information, it activates person category, which is based on the certain trait
characteristic conveyed by the behavior. Contrary to this when behavior is presented with
additional categorical information in an inconsistent manner, then it indeed serves as individuating
information. This question has never been directly explored in previous researches.
Pilot study 2 it is hypothesis that individuating information can be provided not only by behavior,
but also by certain physical representations, that may be called static (not behavioral) attributes.
In short it is expected, that these attributes can also activate attribute based processing. Static
characteristics imply the cases when there is no behavior presented and the information about the
person can only be picked from the cloth, hair cut and accessories. Proposing given hypothesis,
we understand that certain exclusions within mentioned static characteristics will also take place.

Conclusions
Given paper, proposes a plan for research, that is aimed to prove the influence of certain factor,
such as order, that constrains the automaticity of stereotypic thinking. Making certain predictions
and proposing specific methodology, we hope to set the experiment in a right way, so that make a
right measurement and not mixe with the factors.

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1.1.3 Greek Societys attitude towards the English Language, Study on the Greek
Students attitudes towards the English Language
Name

Margalita Shakarashvili

Supervisor

Anna Chatzitheodorou

Home University

Iv. Javakashvili Tibilisi State University

Host University

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Abstract
The paper identifies and analyses Greek students attitudes towards English language in
educational and career contexts. Paper builds on the research data conducted in Thessaloniki
(Greece) that involved research participants (students) from two public universities. The purpose of
the research was to provide research based data on the characteristics of English language spread
in Greece on the specific segment of society students.
Research explored students reasons for studying English and factors shaping their attitudes.
Research results presented in the paper reveal that Greek students attitudes towards English
language are overwhelmingly instrumental and pragmatic: determined and driven by the academic
and career opportunities.
Key words: English language spread, language attitude, language repertoire

Introduction
The modern world undergoes rapid political, socio-economic and technologic development
that has changed the needs of international linguistic market (Bourdieu, 1979) and turned
international linguistic tide (Wardhaugh, 1987) in favor of the English language. Today English
implies access to opportunities and is
viewed as a major link-language (Conrad and Fishman 1977: 56). It is a language of diplomacy,
the predominant language at which mail is written, the principal language of aviation and of radio
broadcasting, the first language of nearly 300 million people and additional language of perhaps
that many more (ibid.).
The changed international linguistic market has posed new demands for the society that
determined new social needs for language repertoire (Fishman): knowledge of English language.
Hence, state education and language policy of non - English speaking countries have been shaped
to meet the social needs: to equip their citizens with the English language. Although the state is
capable of increasing advantages or decreasing disadvantages of the particular language for
individuals through implementing language policies, in the long run it is each individual who must
decide for himself or herself what to do (Wardhaugh, 1992).

1.2. Research focus, questions and hypothesis

The present paper examines: a) Greek students attitudes towards English in educational and
career contexts b) factors shaping students attitudes towards English.
The research builds on the combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to obtain
the data best meeting the research focus, to provide answers to research questions and to
examine the hypothesis below:
13

Research questions:
a. What are students attitudes towards the English language in Greece?
b. What are the factors shaping Greek students attitudes towards English?
Hypotheses:
a. There is a value-free (Wardhaugh 1987) view of English in Georgia and Greece i.e. it is viewed
just as a language of opportunity and wider communication not as a language of power b. Greek
students attitude towards English is instrumental (i.e. English is viewed as a means for attaining
certain career, educational or financial goals)
1.3. Research Methodology
The data for the research project were collected via quantitative and qualitative data collection
instruments: questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The research took place in Thessaloniki
(Greece). Research participants were students of 2 public universities of Thessaloniki: Aristotle
University of Thessaloniki and University of Macedonia (50 respondents in total). Students
attitudes towards English were identified through analysis of obtained data through the
questionnaires (40 respondents) and in-depth interviews (10 respondents).
2. Literature review
2.1. English language spread
Wardhaugh accounts uniqueness of English language spread to its association with the ideas of
progress and modernity (especially among youth) and distinguished features and threats it poses
for the national languages: International linguistic tide has returned in favor of English.No other
language has ever spread so far and so wide. No other language has ever had the influence in/on
world affairs that English has today. Munat
(2006) defines the scope of English as the language of air and maritime navigation, internet and
diplomacy, international scientific exchange and world-wide media.
2.2. Educational reason for English language spread
Lewis (1982) viewed educational factor of language spread as one of the clusters of factors
subsumed under the concept of modernization. Educational development is also considered a one
of the major force of English spread (1977, p6).
Melvin J. Fox (1979: 8-23) suggests several reasons why the trend for English to be the language
most used for communication throughout the world (Ferguson 1978) is irreversible for the
foreseeable future. Fox views the use of language as the language of the higher education and its
massive expansion at the base of the educational pyramid as one of the decisive reasons for its
spread.
Education related area that provides significant evidence of the increased expansion of English can
be found in publishing. Comparing English to French Fishman with his colleagues found out that
English book production is nearly double that of French in non-mother tongue countries in Europe,
Latin America, and even in Africa. Thus, English continues to be the most viable language though
which ideas may be presented to a worldwide audience through published products/books,
magazines (Fishman. 1977).
2.3. Language Attitude
Different terms have been coined reflecting the attitudes towards the spread of English and its
influence. Kachru (1982) sees English language as a loaded gun because of its power that goes
beyond linguistics and involves history, sociology, attitude studies, politics and economics.
Phillipson (1992) defines the dominance of English as Linguistic Imperialism. On the contrary,
Cooper (1979) claims that language can
14

spread without necessarily threatening another. When a population adds a new function e.g.
literacy, liturgy or contact with a given group-it can add a language to its repertoire without the
new language necessarily replacing another.
Brown (2001) compares students who study English to the proverbial horse running after the
carrot and brings forward external drives determining their endeavors praise, gold stars, grades,
certificates, diplomas, scholarships, careers, financial independence, and ultimately happiness
(2001, p.73).Gardner (1985) singles out two kinds of attitudes/orientation: instrumental (desire to
learn a second language in order to attain certain career, educational or financial goals), and
integrative (desire to learn language stemming from a positive affect towards a community of its
speakers) The Value-free view of English in the world and neutrality of English are often singled
out as one of the major reasons for its wide expansion and pace of spread. English belongs to no
one. It is a world language with no single proprietor. It is associated with all kinds and colors of
people and with different political, social, cultural and religious systems. Nor it is tied to a
particular view of the world or a particular culture (Wardhaugh, 1987).
3. Data Analysis and Findings
The major data collection instrument was a questionnaire which consisted of four parts. The first
part provided demographic information about the participants and included questions about the
participants background: age, gender, university academic semester. The second part consisted of
statements about their perception of English in educational and career context. This part
comprised of 2 sections: a) closed ended questions b) students explanations to their responses.
Thus, closed-ended questions provided quantitative data while qualitative data was obtained from
the open ended items of the questionnaire were students provided explanations of their responses
to the closed ended questions. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 students of
the same universities.
According to the factor analysis of the responses questionnaire statements were categorized into 2
factors that formed two research foci: Students attitude towards English in educational context
and students attitude towards English in the career context.

3.1. Analysis of closed ended responses

9.8% of respondents considered English as a priority language for obtaining a higher education and
found it best for their career. Students preferred enrolment in the university abroad where the
language of instruction is English than graduating from the universities in Greece no matter
whether the language of instruction is Greek or English. Only 0.2% found Greek important for
receiving a higher education.
English was viewed as priority language for career by 9.9% of respondents. These respondents
preferred graduating from the university abroad where the language of instruction is English rather
than graduating from the university in Greece where the language of instruction is either Greek or
English.
3.2. Analysis of students explanations
Findings from the students explanations provided in the questionnaire indicate that students are
fully aware of the benefits that the knowledge of English brings in terms of job opportunities,
academic development and career perspectives. Respondents explained their responses by noting
that obtaining education abroad, at the university where the language of instruction is English,
would give them more opportunities to get a job not only in their home country but also in other
countries.

15

Receiving education abroad in English was seen as guarantee for more career opportunities both in
Greece and abroad. 1 % considers Greek the most important for education by explaining that
Greek is a state language and as Greek citizens they must get education in Greek
Mainstream explanations expressed by students:
Receiving education in English has a better reputation across the globe, so my chances of a better
career are better
In Greece it is easier to find a job for somebody who has done his/her studies abroad in English
I'm living in Greece so I need the Greek language for my education and the English language for
more opportunities such as a masters degree at a university abroad or a job
Its very important to know English in order to communicate with other people. I need Greek
because I live in Greece.
Knowledge of English enables me to follow up-to-date publications regarding my profession.
3.3Analysis of interviews
Students emphasized the pragmatic value of English language knowledge. Pragmatic benefits-a
good job, career opportunities, and academic studies -were frequently mentioned as major
motives for studying English. In addition to the importance of English for academic and career
reasons students noted its role as a medium of communication with the wider community.

Conclusions
Study revealed that reasons for studying English are overwhelmingly instrumental and pragmatic
ones. Obtaining education in English is viewed as a precondition for raising chances of
employability both on Greek and international labor markets.
Research results showed that English language is a preferred language for receiving a higher
education. In contrast, students do not consider receiving education in Greek as a prerequisite for
academic and career success. Provided explanations explored instrumental orientation of the
respondents. The responses are similar as they all claim that knowledge of English language would
bring along several opportunities including a good job, a respected career, prestige. Thus, Greek
students have a value free, instrumental and pragmatic attitude towards English and see it as a
language that provides access to opportunities and academic development.

16

1.1.4 The impact of FDI on economy growth in case of Georgia

Name

Kristina Jganjgava

Supervisor

Dr Christos Sarmaniotis

Home University

Iv. Javakashvili Tibilisi State University

Host University

A.T.E.I of Thessaloniki

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the relationship between foreign direct investment and
economic growth. A large volume of econometric literature showed, that there was a
direct relation between FDI and economic growth not just for the developed countries,
but also for most of the developing countries. This paper adds to the literature by
analyzing the existence and nature of these relationships. We demonstrate that foreign
direct investment lead to the increase in Gross Domestic Product. The study focuses on
the FDI-led growth hypothesis in the case of Georgia and based on time series data from
1997 to 2010. Georgia offers attractive investment opportunities for foreign investors and
has adopted a number of policies to attract foreign direct investment into the country.
Georgia is characterized as an open economy, which is actively integrating in the global
market. Relationship between FDI and economy growth is tested by applying multiple
regression models. The change in GDP is taken as dependent variable, while FDI and
international trade are considered as independent variables. The estimation results show,
that the overall model is significant and FDI is positively related to economic growth. As
well, the impact of international trade on economy growth is found to be positive.
INTRODUCTION
Nowadays attraction of FDI is becoming increasingly important for developing countries. This is
often based on the implicit assumption, that greater inflows of FDI will bring certain benefits to
the countrys economy. According to Frindlay (Frindlay, R.,1978), FDI is a way to improve a countrys
economic performance through the transmission effect of more advanced technologies introduced
by multinationals. Multinational firms are often regarded as the more technologically developed
firms. They implement FDI and in that way benefit from utilizing their assets and resources
efficiently, while FDI recipients benefit from acquiring technologies and from getting involved in
international production and trade networks (lipsey,R.,2003). According to the International
Monetary Fund, direct investment reflects the aim of obtaining a lasting interest by a resident
entity of one economy (direct investor) in an enterprise that is resident in another economy (the
direct investment enterprise). The lasting interest implies the existence of a long-term
relationship between the direct investor and the direct investment enterprise and a significant
degree of influence on the management of the latter(Duce M.,2003).
Attracting foreign investments is one of Georgias key priorities to promote sustainable economic
development. The paper focus on the effectiveness of investment climate in Georgia after
transition period and analyze the effect of global crisis on Georgias investment activity.

17

AN OVERVIEW OF FDI POLICY IN GEORGIA

Georgia was one of the first former Soviet republics to adopt market reforms on foreign
investment. However, political instability has hampered efforts to attract capital from abroad. Oil
and gas pipeline projects and expanded privatization sales promised to reverse this trend. Annual
foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow swelled to $242.58 ml. in 1997 and reached $265.3 ml. in
1998(see table 1.1.) mainly due to work on the Baku-Supsa pipeline1 and on the Supsa terminal.
Foreign capital flows fell to an annual average of 81.23 ml. in 1999. FDI were too small and
amounted 330.89 ml. USD in 2003, but increased till 499.80 ml. USD in 2004. The largest
investment in the Georgian economy and highest FDI inflow was in 2007- 2014.80 ml. USD, 19.8%
more than in previous year. After this period investment decreased by 10.1% in 2008 and by 8.4%
in 2009. The FDI in 2008 amounted 1 564 ml. USD while it has decreased and amounted 658.40
ml. in 2009. Georgia was eventually affected negatively by the global financial crisis due in 20082009. After the events of August 2008 ( South-Ossetian - Georgian war)2 significantly worsened the
investment environment of the country. For example, the company Kazmunaigaz from
Kazakhstan refused to invest 1 billion dollars, as well the American company Clear Stream
Holding, canceled the already announced investment. The company had brought WI max
frequency for 9 million 3 thousand Gels and had planned to provide wireless internet service
(Narmania, D.,2009). However in 2010 the country saw a rapid recovery with FDI, it rose and
amounted 814.50 ml.USD.

Table1.1. FDI trends during 1997-2010

Years
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010

FDI(ml.USD)

242.58
265.33
81.23
131.7
109.93
156.12
330.89
499.80
449.80
1190.40
2014.80
1564.00
658.40
814.50

Source: National statistics office in Georgia

The global economic crisis caused a very deep depression in the countrys economy. Since it is not
easy to revive the confidence of investors, especially under the global financial crisis, our
government should apply the existent political mechanisms to insure risks. Georgia has 3 Free
Industrial Zones (Kutaisi, Poti and Tbilisi), that offer incentives and opportunities to process,
produce and export goods with a minimal tax burden. Firms can export goods free of trade barriers
to global markets of more than 500 ml. consumers. With the introduction of Georgias 3 Free
1

The BakuSupsa Pipeline is an 833-kilometre long oil pipeline, which runs from the Sangachal Terminal
near Baku to the Supsa terminal in Georgia. It transports oil from the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli field.
2
South Ossetia War or Russian-Georgian War was an armed conflict in August 2008 between Georgia on one
side, and on another side Russia and separatist governments of South Ossetia .

18

Industrial Zones, many new investment opportunities can be expected in the following sectors for
example: Textiles- Apparel Organic Fertilizers, Metallurgy, Heavy Machinery, Petrochemicals etc.
The government established also 2 Free Touristic Zone: Kobuleti and Anaklia offering for investors
unprecedented terms for the construction of hotels along the seaside, that has the best climate
conditions. Georgia has a strategic location with its close proximity to Europe, Central Asia, Turkey
and the Middle East, it stands as an attractive place for multinational companies to locate their
manufacturing and production operations. The Georgian government has made a commitment to
greater transparency and simplicity of regulation. Georgias fast paced economic reforms, which
included new tax and custom codes, reduced the level of corruption and aggressive privatization
and had created more attractive business climate, than it was in previous years (KbiltsetskllashiIi,
T.,2010). Currently Country needs to apply new methods for the attraction of new investors. In this
regard, it seems reasonable to grant Investors some of those privileges, including tax breaks, which
can be enjoyed only by the investors operating under effective legislation in the free industrial
zone, for a certain period and throughout the country. Moreover, special benefits should be
offered to those investors who would invest their capital into export oriented industries and
create new jobs. A liberal tax code, a strong legal framework to protect investors and the
availability of strategic or natural resources,skilled workforce presents a solid platform for
successful business in Georgia.

THE EFFECT OF FDI ON ECONOMY GROWTH

Theoretically inflows of FDI have a potential for increasing the rate of economic growth in the
host country. The role of FDI in promoting economic growth has been viewed differently under
different economic growth theories.
In neoclassical growth models Solow (Solow,1956) showed, that: the rates of saving and population
growth (as exogenous factors), determine the steady-state level of income per capita. According to
him, different countries reach different steady states, as saving and population growth rates vary
across countries, Solow's model takes the rates of saving, population growth, and technological
progress as an exogenous. According to neoclassical models of growth, with diminishing returns to
physical capital and exogenous technological changes, FDI cannot affect the long-run growth rate.
However FDI is considered as a growth-advancing if it affects technology positively and
permanently
In endogenous growth models FDI encourages the incorporation of new technologies in the
production function of the host economy. FDI - related with technological spillovers, that offset
the effects of diminishing returns to capital and keep the economy on a long-term growth path.
Moreover, endogenous growth models in contrast of neoclasical models, imply, that FDI can
promote long-run growth by augmenting the existing stock of knowledge in the host economy
through labour training and skill acquisition (Borensztein et al., 1998). MNCs can have a positive
impact on human capital in host countries through the training courses they provide to their
subsidiaries, which influence most levels of employees. Research and development activities
financed by MNCs also contribute to human capital in host countries and thus enable these
economies to grow in the long term (Balasubramanyam et al. 1996).
Industrialization theory of FDI represented by Hymer, (Hymer,1976) shifts attention away from
neoclassical financial theory. In his view, FDI is more than a process by which assets are exchanged
internationally. According to Hymer , FDI represents not simply a transfer of capital, but the
transfer of a package capital". The transfer of a package contains capital, management and new
technology, they are all combined. According to industrialization theory, FDI entails a cross-border
transfer of resources including, process and product technology, managerial skills, marketing and
distribution know-how as well human capital, that encourage economy growth in host countries.
The relationship between growing FDI stock and economic growth has motivated a voluminous
empirical literature and the positive effect of FDI inflow on host country's economic growth has
been empirically confirmed by various studies, for example Borensztein E. De Gregorio J. and Lee
19

J.W (1998) examined the relationship of FDI and economic growth in developing countries. They
showed that FDI allowed for transferring technology and for higher growth when the host country
had a minimum threshold stock of human capital. Their results indicated also, that the main way,
that FDI increases economic growth is by increasing technological progress, instead of increasing
total capital accumulation in the host country.
Jyun-Yi, Wu and Hsu Chin-Chiang (2008) examined the relation between FDI and economic growth
by using regression analysis. The empirical analysis shows, that FDI alone play an ambiguous role in
contributing to economic growth based on a sample of 62 countries covering the period from 1975
to 2000. Finding underlines, that initial GDP and human capital are important factor in explaining
foreign investment. The result showed, that FDI has positive and significant impact on growth
when host countries have better level of initial GDP and human capital.
Alfaro L, Chanda A, sayek S, (2004) find the various links among FDI and GDP growth. They explore
whether countries with better financial systems can exploit FDI more efficiently. Using crosscountry data between 1975 and 1995 shows, that FDI alone plays an ambiguous role in
contributing to economic growth, however countries with well developed financial markets gain
significantly from FDI ,than countries with weak financial markets.
Bengoa and Sanchez-Robles (2003) investigate the interplay between economic freedom, foreign
direct investment (FDI) and economic growth using panel data analysis for a sample of 18 Latin
American countries for 1970-1999. They conclude that economic freedom in the host country is a
positive determinant of FDI inflows. However,the host country requires adequate human capital,
economic stability and liberalized markets to benefit from long-term capital flows.
Trevino and Upadhyaya (2003) find a comparable result, based on their study of five developing
countries in Asia. They colcluded, that the positive impact of FDI on economic growth is greater in
more open economies.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Multiple Regression analysis was carried out using relevant econometric techniques and measured
the impact of FDI flows on economic growth in Georgia. Relevant econometric tests such as
coefficient of determination R-square, Standard error of coefficients, T-Statistics and F- ratio were
carried out in order to assess the relative significance, desirability and reliability of model
estimation parameters.
The model consist of three variables: Foreign direct investment (Y), Gross domestic product (GDP)
and International Trade (import+export).
The estimated equation used in this empirical analysis is
GDP= 0+ 1(FDI)+ 2(IT)
0>0 , 1>0, 2>0
Where, the coefficients 1, 2, show how much output responds to the changes in the Foreign
direct investment and International Trade.
Regression analysis estimated the conditional expectation of the dependent variable (GDP) given
the independent variable (FDI) and International Trade (IT). Our method have been developed for
robust regression, that involves correlated responses such as time series data (1997 2010).

20

Table:1.4. FDI and IT dynamics in 1997 2010

Yeras

FDI(ml.USD)

GDP(ml.USD)

IT(ml.USD)

1997
242.58
3503.78
1239.50
1998
265.33
3487.57
1073.80
1999
81.23
2862.98
927.60
2000
131.7
3083.18
1033.40
2001
109.93
3239.80
1069.20
2002
156.12
3550.48
1140.40
2003
330.89
4020.69
1600.30
2004
499.80
5170.68
2461.20
2005
449.80
6411.00
3353.00
2006
1190.40
7761.70
4611.2
2007
2014.80
10171.90
644.30
2008
15664.00
12800.5
7796.9
2009
658.40
10767.1
5633.9
2010
814.50
11636.5
6731.4
Source: National statistics office in Georgia
FDI, GDP and IT are measured in millions of USD in current prices. The main regression results
indicate, that FDI has a positive overall effect on economic growth. Here is a summary of these
three variables:
Table:1.5. Case Summaries.
GDP(ml.USD) FDI(ml.USD) IT(ml.USD)
Mean

5319.13

503.48

2808.08

Minimum

2862.98

31.23

544.30

2014.80
587.51

7796.90
2418.37

Maximum
12800.50
Std.deviation 3606.72

Regression results and interpretation are as follows:

Table:1.6.
Coefficients
95% CI
Dependent
Variable:
B
Std.error T-statistics Lower
GDP Current
bound
Prices

Upper
bound

1834.84 454.2633 4.039155

835.0133 2834.667

FDI

3.327037 0.537952 6.184632

2.143012 4.511062

IT

0.881912 0.130689 6.748174

0.594267 1.169556

constant

Accordingly, we can write the following equation:

21

GDP= 1834.840+ 3.327(FDI) + 0.882(IT)

Table1.7
ANOVAb
Model
1

Regression
Residual
Total

Sum of
Squares
1,58E+08
11373184
1,69E+08

df
2
11
13

Mean Square
78868426,07
1033925,775

F
76,281

Sig.
,000a

a. Predictors: (Constant), IT, FDI

b. Dependent Variable: GDP

Regression results and interpretation are as follows:

Table:1.8. Coefficients
Coefficientsa

Model
1

(Constant)
FDI
IT

Unstandardized
Coefficients
B
Std. Error
1834,840
454,263
3,327
,538
,882
,131

Standardized
Coefficients
Beta
,542
,591

t
4,039
6,185
6,748

Sig.
,002
,000
,000

a. Dependent Variable: GDP

The coefficient for FDI is 3.327, that means, for every unit increase in FDI is predicted 3.3 point
increase in GDP, coefficient is significant, because its p-value is 0.000. holding all other variables
constant. For every unit increase in IT we expect 0.8 unit increase in GDP. The coefficient is
statistically significant as its p-value of 0.000 is less than 0.05. Standardized =0.542 indicates, that
if FDI increase by one std. deviation (587.51 ml.USD), consistently GDP increase by 0.54
std.deviation. Std.deviation for GDP is 3606.72(see table 1.5.) and this constitutes a change of
1954.84 (0.542 * 3606.72).Therefore, for every 587.51(ml.USD) more spent on FDI, an extra
1954.84 GDP can be accepted(when IT is constant). For IT standardized =0.591, it means, that if IT
amount increase by one std.deviation GDP increase by 0.59 std.deviations. For IT std.deviation is
2418.37 (see table 1.5.) and so thats constitutes a change of 1429.25 (0.591*2418.37).
Accordingly, if IT will rise an extra 0.59, than 1429.25 extra GDP can be expected (when FDI is
constant)

Table 1.9. Model Summary

Dependent variable: GDP
Predictors: (Constant), FDI (Million dollar),FT(Mil.USD),
Sample (adjusted):1997-2010
Model

R Square

Adjusted
Square

.966a

.933

.921

RStd. Error of the

Estimate
1016.82141

22

Table 1.9. Model Summary

Dependent variable: GDP
Predictors: (Constant), FDI (Million dollar),FT(Mil.USD),
Sample (adjusted):1997-2010
Model

R Square

Adjusted
Square

.966a

.933

.921

RStd. Error of the

Estimate
1016.82141

a. Predictors: (Constant), FDI, IT

We used dependent variable GDP current prices, constant predictors FDI and IT in the model
summary analysis. If FDI and IT is taken as an independent variable while denoting GDP as a
dependent variable, the following results is obtained: according to the regression analysis, the
goodness of fit R-squared is 0.933 meaning that approximately 93% of the variability explained by
changes in FDI and IT, whereas - 6.7% - by other factors. In this case, the adjusted R-square 92%
demonstrating a strong correlation between FDI, IT and GDP (based on the data of 1997-2010). As
a result of the multiple regression analysis we can conclude , that FDI positively influences
economic growth in Georgia and thus the increase in FDI inflows have immense importance for the
economic prosperity of the country.
Conclusions
The objectives of this study were to explore empirically the relationship between FDI and
economy growth in Georgia. Findings showed, that FDI in Georgia induces the positive economic
growth. The increase in FDI inflows is key factor for the economic prosperity of our country. High
GDP will increase employment and this will attract foreign investors to the country.The greatest
importance, when talking about FDI inflows in Georgia, pertains to the existing investment climate,
which is the major determinant of the amount of FDI, that flows into the country. However,
recently Georgia has been hindered by political, financial and economic crises which lead slow
economic growth in the countrys economy. In addition to the Russian war and some internal
factors, global financial crisis contains more than enough risks (including threat of slowing down
the growth of Georgias economy and threat of termination or reduction of investment flows) for
Georgia to experience serious problems with respect to maintaining economic well-being.

23

Unit 2: ARMENIAN DOCTORATE STUDENTS

Unit Outline
1.2.1 Health threats from heat index impacts (Thessaloniki Case), by Stella Beglaryan (Institute of
Organic Chemistry of the Scientific Technological Centre of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry,
National Academy of Science)
1.2.2 Profiling users of high technology products and determining the Optimum Time Space
between successive versions released in the market, by Marianna Fidanyan (Yerevan State
University)
1.2.3 Innovation in cooperatives: the cooperative enterprise model in Armenia case study of the
Federation of agricultural associations ULE of Armenia, by Tigran Hakhnazaryan (Armenian State
Agrarian University)

24

1.2.1 Health threats from heat index impacts (Thessaloniki Case)

Name

Stella Beglaryan

Supervisor

Apostolos Karteris

Home University

Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Scientific Technological

Centre of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National
Academy of Science
A.T.E.I of Thessaloniki

Host University

Abstract
Elevated temperature has been associated with morbidity and mortality in Greece. This study
initially examined the association of high Heat Index values with hospital admissions data in the
two most populated regions (Central Macedonia and Attica). By comparing received data from
Central Macedonia with the most populated region of Attica, we could clearly observe that people
in Central Macedonia suffer more from heat related diseases than in Attica.
In addition, since humidity in Thessaloniki is higher than in other populated regions, questionnaires
were completed in the center of Thessaloniki during hottest months (July and August) of the
summer 2011, indicating, how comfortable people, with different personal characteristics, habits
and health state felt under severe heat waves, about their willingness to be informed in advance
about Heat Index recorded value, preventive measures and about sources of information they find
useful. The survey indicated a lack of awareness and total absence of Heat Index value forecasts
and preventive measures.
Keywords: thermal discomfort; vulnerable groups; hospital admissions; population awareness

INTRODUCTION
The heat index (HI) is an apparent temperature felt by the human body due to the combined
effects of temperature and humidity. Their apparent rise may cause bad or no body perspiration
since the cooling effects of sweat are reduced as the humidity rises and human body is unable to
cool itself naturally (Heat Index Information & Chart). When people are exposed to excess heat,
cardiac output is increased in order to shift blood flow to subcutaneous areas, which facilitates
heat loss. If too much blood is diverted, there is increased stress on the heart and lungs (Green et
al). Various studies link meteorological variables with mortality and cardiovascular or respiratory
morbidity (Daz et al. ; Hajat et al. ; Katsouyanni et al.; Kysel; Makie et al. ; McGregor ; Rusticucci et
al.). Temperature and humidity are the most popular meteorological factors used to examine
weather related effects. Vulnerable populations, such as the sick, young and elderly, have the
highest mortality and risk of heat strokes during exercise in high temperatures(Pantavou et al.;
Papanastasiou et al.; Vanos et al).

25

TABLE 1. Heat Index Chart.

Up to 29 C
No discomfort
From 30 to 34 CSlight discomfort sensation
From 35 to 39 CStrong discomfort. Caution: limit the heaviest physical activities
From 40 to 45 CStrong indisposition sensation. Danger: avoid efforts
From 46 to 53 CSerious danger: stop all physical activities
Over 54 C
Death danger: imminent heatstroke

Nowadays most environmental scientists and weather forecasters use a popular HI chart, that is a
combination of temperature (degrees Celsius) and relative humidity, and basic health related
messages and preventive measures are all described by the HI chart(TABLE 1)(Di Cristo et al.; Heat
and Discomfort Index; Understanding hot weather and its dangers(a)).
The heat waves that affected Greece in July 1987 and July 1988, when over a thousand people died
are considered in terms of the relative strain index. Thessaloniki suffered a little more and a little
longer than Athens. In both months there were also serious health problems for those suffering
from heart or lung complaints and for those, especially tourists, who were unprepared for the very
high temperatures. Blistering summer heat waves can be not only extremely uncomfortable, but
even deadly, as Europe learned during the summer of 2003. An extensive heat wave of exceptional
intensity occurred in Greece at the end of July 2007(Giles et al.; Katavoutas et al.;WMO; Weather
and our Physical Health; Thermal Comfort observations; Understanding hot weather and its
dangers(b)).
The city of Thessaloniki is a typical Mediterranean city with dense building construction, narrow
streets, small parks and deep street canyons. This architectural form restricts the free air
circulation and the Heat Island Phenomenon is very pronounced. During the three main warmer
months (June, July and August) Discomfort, Distress and Failure conditions are very common during
the daylight time. The most uncomfortable month is July, followed by August. Strong Discomfort
condition for standard person starts when HI reaches 34C and higher(Balafoutis and
Makrogiannis; Thessaloniki). In Figure 1 Thessaloniki Climate Guide to the Average Weather &
Temperatures with Graphs Elucidating Sunshine and Rainfall Data & Information about Wind
Speeds & Humidity is shown. As it is indicated in this Chart the warmest average max/ high
temperature is 32 C in July & August. Mean relative humidity for an average year is recorded as
65.7% and on a monthly basis it ranges from 51% in July to 77% in December.

26

Figure 1. Thessaloniki, Greece Climate Graph (Altitude: 3m)

The goal of this study was to examine general HI related diseases trends in the two largest cities of
Greece and observe closely outdoors users, especially in the Thessaloniki, that suffers more from
high humidity and high temperature complex effect, to check their awareness and adaptation
degree.
Generally speaking building design, food and drinking habits, working hours (siesta), avoiding
outdoors activities during the hottest time of the day, lowering metabolic rate, etc. are some
examples of behavioral adaptation that reduces exposure to thermal stress, and heat-related
mortality can be lessened. If acclimatization were perfect no adverse health effects of climate
would be expected, but numerous publications ( Jendritzky and Tinz) report health impacts of
climate indicating that societies are not able to adapt completely(The thermal environment of the
human being on the global scale).

2. METHODOLOGY
2.1. Study Design and Data Analysis
The methodology was chosen in a form of close format questionnaire, which was designed
to record possible interrelationships among thermal comfort, age, gender, clothing, body size, race,
smoking or alcohol drinking habits, medicine use, heat-related diseases and physical activity. 220
responses(from local dwellers, tourists, temporary residents) were gathered for more realistic
assessment of Thermal Comfort, in the center of Thessaloniki, during hot months July and August
2011, between 9:30-18:30, when relative humidity was between 36-79% together with high
temperature 32 -38C. These high values of temperature and humidity, which rise HI value over
35C, cause Strong Discomfort conditions during whole day, due to UHI effect. Close format
questionnaire is presented in TABLE 2. It was designed to be filling out quickly in two languages,
both in Greek and English.

27

TABLE 2. Close format questionnaire for identifying Thermal Comfort.

Questionnaire #...

1
2
3
4

Date
Place (Location)
Age Group
Gender
Clothing

Time

Temp. C

Humidity

0-15
Male
Light

16-30
Female
Moderate

Heavy

31-55

Wind Speed
56-70

Water Vapor
Pressure
71-

Small(S)

Medium(M)

Large(L)

5
6

Body Size
Race
Smoker

European
Yes

African
Passive

Alcohol Use

Daily

Once a Week

Once a Month

Never

Medicine

Daily

Asian
No
2-6 Times a
Week
2-6 Times a
Week

Once a Week

Once a Month

Never

Yes

No

Not Sure

Yes

No

Not Sure

9
10

Respiratory
Diseases
Cardiovascular
Diseases

Extra Large(XL)

11

Physical activities

Daily

2-6 Times a
Week

Once a Week

Once a Month

Never

12

Time Spent
Outdoors Daily

Less Than an
Hour

1-3 Hours

3-6 Hours

6-12 Hours

12 and More

13

Current Thermal
Condition

Comfort

Slight
Discomfort

Discomfort

Distress

14

Information on
Dangerous Days
and Hours

TV Forecasts

TV
Adds/Short
Cartoons

Electronic
Banner

Internet

Other sources

All data from questionnaires were inserted into Microsoft Office Excel 97-2003 Worksheet for data
analysis. We were able to compare and do correlations, which helped us to make histograms, pie
charts and very valuable correlations. By making such correlations we assessed how comfortable
each person felt under unfavorable weather conditions, taking into account habits, personal
characteristics, health conditions, etc. of individuals.
2.2. Hospital Admission Data
Annually hospital admissions data were obtained for all regions of Greece from the National
Statistical Office, from 2000 through 2007. This data set included regions of Greece (Attica, Central
Macedonia, etc.), classifications of diseases, observing years, numbers of coming out patients. For
our study we chose the second most populated region, which is Central Macedonia, because this
regions is more affected by Urban Heat Island Effect(UHI), which increases the temperature in its
urban area up to 12 C, and high values of relative humidity . The unit of observation for the
analysis was the hospital admission; therefore a person could be included in the data set more
than once. All hospital admissions in all regions during the study period of 2000-2007 were
included in the study. Special attention was drawn to heat related diseases such as: cardiovascular
diseases (International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision [ICD10] codes I00I99) and respiratory diseases ([ICD-10] codes J00J99), as well as we chose the
number of admissions for neoplasms ([ICD-10] codes C00-D48) to show that heat related diseases
have the highest morbidity.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
3.1. Factors Influencing Thermal Comfort
During the summer hot days, as questionnaires were recording, individuals under 15 and
over 56 were kept indoors for safety reasons (Figure 2). After data analysis the general assumption

28

is that an increase in thermal discomfort decreases the number of people present in a given area
(city centre of Thessaloniki).
Figure 2. Distribution Between Age, Gender and Thermal Comfort.

18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

Comfort
Slight Discomfort
Discomfort

16-30

31-55

56-70

Female

Male

Female

Male

Female

Male

Female

Female

under 15

Male

Distress

Male

Number of Responders

Age and Gender Factors in Thermal Comfort Assessment

71 and up

Age groups and gender

Figure 2 also represents how different age groups and genders feel under the similar
weather conditions. It is evident that women in the middle age are slightly more sensitive to the
heat than men, in contrast to the youngest ones, and elderly responders showed almost equal
thermal sensitivity. Other factors, like: clothing, body size, race, smoking and alcohol consuming
habits, medicine use, heat-related diseases, and regular physical activity, seems from the survey
that can influence significantly the Thermal Comfort of individuals. A set of data after being
processed is represented in Figures 3-5.
Figure 3. Association between Respiratory Diseases and Thermal Comfort.
Respiratory Diseases and Thermal Comfort

Number of Responders

70
60
50

Comfort

40

Slight Discomfort

30

Discomfort

20

Distress

10
0
Yes

No

Not Sure

Respiratory Diseases

Figure 4. Association between Cardiovascular Diseases and Thermal Comfort

Cardiovascular Diseases and Thermal Comfort

Number of Responders

80
70
60
50

Comfort

40

Slight Discomfort

30

Discomfort

20

Distress

10
0
Yes

No

Not Sure

Cardiovascular Diseases

Figures 3 and 4 strongly indicate that, heat related diseases affect human thermal comfort
significantly. People with Cardiovascular diseases (Figure 4) are more sensitive to the heat than
those who suffer from Respiratory diseases (Figure 3). People with such diseases avoid staying
outdoors during the summer, because severe weather conditions might be fatal for them. Thus,
being informed in advance is very crucial for this group of individuals.
Figure 5. Association between Physical Activity and Thermal Comfort.

29

Number of Responders

Association Between Physical Activity and Thermal Comfort

40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

Comfort
Slight Discomfort
Discomfort
Distress

Daily

2-6 Times a
Week

Once a
Week

Once a
Month

Never

Physical Activity

People who regular undertake physical activity can adapt faster to the changing weather.
They are getting used to thermal stress during their exercises. People who are not physically active
suffer from heat strain even when weather is not so extreme. People who never exercise feel
Strong Discomfort and Distress during whole summer. Those responders who exercise daily or
several times a week, most of the time feel Comfort and Slight Discomfort. This means that more
attention must be paid to the creation of affordable sport complexes and recreational areas within
the city so more people could be attracted by healthy style of life.
Our 220 responders usually spent outdoors, in average, 6 hours per day during summer hot
days and many of them are outdoors workers and have to stay for even a longer time. Tourists,
who have limited time and want to stay outdoors as much as they able, - one of the most active
outdoors users during summer. This group of people in a risk group, but they can avoid thermal
discomfort sensation by being informed in advance and taking preventive measures.
Figure 6. Number of positive answers of 220
responders (it was allowed to pick more than one
answer).
Most people during the summer hot days avoid
vigorous activities and increase the use of airconditioning. Despite of gender, age, clothing, race,
body volume, smoking habit, alcohol or medicine use,
health conditions, physical activities, hours spent
outdoors during hot days, almost all responders
wished to learn more about Heat Index impacts on
their health (Figure 5).
Also they would like to be informed in advance about
dangerous hours with elevated HI, especially tourists, who have limited time and want to stay
outdoors for many hours. Its crucial for construction workers, sportsmen, solders and many other
people, who perform physical activities under unfavorable weather conditions for almost whole
daytime. Finally the majority preferred to be informed through internet and TV forecasts (Figure 6).
Summarizing all responses from all age groups we can see, that from 220 people we questioned on
the central streets of Thessaloniki , 2/3 of whom were tourists, more than half were suffering
from Thermal Discomfort and felt Distress as soon as they left indoor environment. Unlike tourists,
local people quite informed about weather conditions in their region, and avoid staying outdoors
for a long period. But almost all of them willing to be informed about HI value, in addition to
temperature.
3.2. Hospitals Admission Data by Specific Regions and Diseases, During 2000-2007.
A statistically significant association was found between HI values and the number of
patients visiting emergency units of hospitals with symptoms probably influenced by atmospheric
conditions. The number of emergencies may have been underestimated because many people
trying to avoid hospitalization and receive a medical care at home.

30

TABLE 3. Hospitals Discharge Data in Greece between 2000-2007.

Hospitals Discharge Data of Heat Related Diseases
Compaired with Neoplastic Diseases, Categorized by Place of Residence between 2000-2007
Central Macedonia (Population over 1 874 214, 18.7%)
Diagnosis
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Cardiovascular
Diseases
46 811 49 338
51 395
54 003
55 062
56 307
56 405
Respiratory Diseases 22 896 21 509
23 004
24 885
23 758
23 876
23 824
Neoplasms
29 285 32 400
33 262
37 329
38 485
38 595
37 173
Number of Hospital
Admissions
299 480 311 385 330 298 348 859 354 499 358 101 363 106
Attica(Population over 3 756 607, 34.1%)
Diagnosis
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Cardiovascular
Diseases
78 652 84 135
86 028
91 381
93 180
94 483
99 484
Respiratory Diseases 46 182 47 521
47 336
50 354
51 036
57 773
56 362
Neoplasms
56 100 60 264
63 236
68 392
68 687
73 076
77 148
Number of Hospital
Admissions
559 466 585 377 596 588 619 876 653 817 688 971 707 224
All Regions of Greece (Population 11,030,250)
Diagnosis
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Cardiovascular
Diseases
252 073 266 300 278 056 285 760 295 540 300 459 311 810
Respiratory Diseases 148 752 143 996 149 705 157 821 157 386 164 878 161 329
Neoplasms
160 179 172 103 182 619 199 149 203 126 210 171 214 034
Number of Hospital 1
755
2
123
Admissions
137
1 803 330 1 879 581 1 940 512 2 036 052 2 086 517 818

2007
56 003
23 616
39 221
374
409
2007
101
380
61 473
82 827
737
084
2007
311 804
172 022
223 919
2
181
270

In TABLE 3 hospitals discharge data for the years 2000-2007 are shown, as for all Greece and,
particularly, for the region of Central Macedonia, compared with the most populated region of
Attica. We chose the most affected by atmospheric environment diseases (Cardiovascular and
Respiratory) and compared them with admission cases with neoplasms. For easy assessment we
converted number of cases into percentage. The results are shown in Figure 8.
Figure 7. Hospital Admissions with Heat Related Diseases Compared with Neoplasms in Central
Macedonia for the period of 2000-2007.

16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

Cardiovascular Diseases
Respiratory Diseases

20
07

20
06

20
05

20
04

20
03

20
02

20
01

Neoplasms

20
00

Number of Admissions (in

%)

Hospital Admissions(in Central Macedonia) of Heat

Related Diseases Compared with Neoplasms

Observing Years

Figure 8. Hospital Admissions with Heat Related Diseases Compared with Neoplasms in Attica for
the period of 2000-2007.

31

16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

Cardiovascular Diseases
Respiratory Diseases

20
07

20
05
20
06

20
03
20
04

20
01
20
02

Neoplasms

20
00

Number of Admissions
(in %)

Hospital Admissions (in Attica) of Heat Related

Diseases Compared with Neoplasms

Observing Years

If we compare two Figures (7 and 8), we can see that more people suffer from heat related
diseases in Central Macedonia than in Attica. Its not surprising, even though we know that the
temperature during the summer is higher in Attica than in Central Macedonia. Since high HI (due to
high humidity) contributes to the Thermal Discomfort, Central Macedonia has higher number of
hospital admissions than Attica. Figures 7 and 8 show that the number of hospitals admissions with
such diseases exceed number of admissions with even most deadly neoplasms and year by year
this number is not decreases. All these sad consequences could be mitigated if this vulnerable
group could be informed about dangerous days with high HI in time and about appropriate
preventive measures they must undertake.

Conclusions
Heat Index health impacts need to be further studied in Greece. Furthermore global temperature
rise requires enhanced protection of citizens and guests from HI health negative impacts.
In this case, where we have different age groups, the complex flow of information will be an
effective way of solving problem connected with awareness of general population and guests
about HI values, and the most important, about preventive and urgent measures. Indeed there is a
big gap in the weather broadcasting system in Greece, and that is because the local forecasters
dont issue HI high value warnings, when it reaches 35 and above, when most people, even healthy
ones, feel Strong Discomfort. Thus, a warning system is required.
Finally, in the cities, such as Thessaloniki, a great attention should be paid not only to the Heat
Index health warning system as a whole, but also to the HI advice messages and the way they are
delivered should be adapted to the social and behavioral context for the target groups. The
warnings should be targeted to the whole population, with special emphasis on the groups which
are more vulnerable:
families with small children
elderly people
ill people
tourists (in several languages)
people who have to work outdoors.
In humid cities such as Thessaloniki, especially during the summer hot days, when we have many
tourists from all over the World and most of them are not acclimatized to local weather conditions,
the city center must be equipped with emergency rooms, water supplies, WCs. Many tourists were
very concerned about lack of recreational areas in the city center of Thessaloniki.

32

1.2.2 Profiling users of high technology products and determining the Optimum Time
Space between successive versions released in the market
Name

Marianna Fidanyan

Supervisor

Christos Sarmaniotis

Home University

Yerevan State University

Host University

A.T.E.I of Thessaloniki

Abstract

This paper focuses on the specific features of high tech products which might cause difficulties for
high tech firms in winning the market. This necessitates the identification of that problems faced
by high tech producers. The purpose of the research is to find out which are the main difficulties
that consumers experience, using high technology products and what is the optimal time space
between the current and modified versions appearance from the point of view of ordinary
customers. Moreover, this study attempted to find out the gap between perceived and expected
quality of the mentioned products. Personal interviews conducted with young people from
Greece provided data to investigate mentioned problems using two high tech products i.e. smart
phones and laptops. It was found that the majority of respondents the majority of respondents
change their smart phones every 2-3 years, but expect for new version to appear in about a year
and less. It was also discovered that the majority of respondents experience difficulties with the
features of the products, especially with big variety of functions and complicated technical
characteristics. The findings may also indicate that there are both positive and negative gaps
between expected and perceived quality of the products, but the distance between them is still
short
Keywords: High tech marketing, usage difficulties, optimal time space

Introduction
High tech markets have some main features that differentiate them from more traditional markets
and make the marketing of high tech products more complicated. Due to the differences that high
tech products possess, compared to the traditional products, the marketing of high technologies is
vastly different from marketing of consumer products (Yadav et al., 2006). This is why in a lot of
high tech companies appear significant problems entering and taking over a market. Reasons of
possible failure are emphasized in literature and many of them are deeply analyzed (Rosen et al.,
1998). Marketers in high tech industries frequently need to balance product quality and time-tomarket. This usually leads to rush to market even at the cost of quality, in order to gain an early
advantage by building a target market of users. In this research we focused on two specific high
tech products, i.e. smart phones and laptops.
The main goals of this study are:
To understand how the attitude towards high technology affects consumer purchase behaviour.
To determine the optimal time space for consumers between their purchase and modified
versions appearance (for laptops and smart phones).

33

To discover the main features of high tech products (smart phones and laptops) that are difficult
for the customers.
To determine whether there is a gap between the expected and perceived quality of smart
phones and laptops from the point of view of the customers.
In the rest of the paper there is a short literature review providing the up to date work done in
the framework of consumers behavior towards high technology products. Secondly, the
methodology followed is described. Next, the results and some discussion is made. At this part
descriptive statistic and significance tests are provided as well as gap analysis. Finally, some
conclusions and limitations of the work are depicted in the last section of the paper.
Literature review
The review of the literature reveals that one of the most important features of high tech products
is that they are developed and replaced at a high rate. The importance of speed in high tech
markets is driven by increasing competition and the continually evolving expectations of
customers (Doyle and Saunders, 1985). This means that the improvement of existing technologies
happens rapidly (Viardot, E., 2004).As a result of these dynamic market conditions high tech
companies frequently rely on a product focus driven by innovations in technology rather than by
the needs of the customer (Dugal and Schroeder ,1995). The very rapid introduction of new
improved versions can make customers regret for their purchase and delay all new purchases,
none of which are in the long-term interest of the producer (Schirtzinger, W.). Another problem in
high tech marketing is that technological superiority alone doesnt ensure success for high tech
firms, because in most cases high tech products, with a lot of technically advanced parameters
created by professionals, are seen incomplete in the minds of ordinary customers (Schirtzinger,
W.). Many researches show that customers prefer simpler product functionality and high tech
companies that promise ease of use for complex products experience strong reactions from
customers (Mohr et al., 2010).
In literature it is also found that demographic variables such as levels of income, socio economic
status and education have direct influence on how technology is used amongst specific customer
segments (Paul, 2002). Age remains a significant factor influencing the attitude of people towards
high technology (Hill et al., 2008).Older customers try new technology only if it meets their
specific needs, rather than because of its innovativeness. (Laukkanen et.al., 2007), also they base
their purchasing decisions on emotional factors, while younger consumers make decisions based
on existing factual, technical information (Wang and Cole, 2008).
Literature review findings also indicate that early adopters of innovative products are younger
consumers with higher incomes and education, but unlike education, age and income are directly
related to consumer innovativeness and new product adoption (Wang et. al., 2008).
Furthermore, high tech products sales are positively associated with performance of the product.
However, despite the importance of product quality, there has been little consideration on
perceptual quality as perceived by the user. Perceived quality it considers much more than the
performance of the product. It is concerned with the overall experience the user has when
purchasing and using provided products. (Papaioannou, et all., 2011). It is very important for the
marketers to know their customers expectations as these expectations influence customers
satisfaction. When expectations are met or exceeded, customers report higher levels of
satisfaction (Jones et al., 2003). Thus, it is important to test the customers perceptions (actual
experience) to see whether quality of two high tech products met, exceeded or followed the
expectations.

34

Methodology
The authors used a structured questionnaire and data was collected through personal interviews.
The sample consisted of young people in Greece. The sample included in total 200 questionnaires
and all of them were used for the purposes of this research. The questionnaire was developed
primarily using items from the literature and developing new questions aimed at achieving the
main goals of the research. The items were measured by a Likert scale. Demographic variables such
as gender, age, education and income were also included.
In order to examine the attitude of the respondents towards high technology and find out whether
our sample is technology oriented or not, some variables from the literature were used and
modified (Papaioannou et al., 2010) using factor analysis and reliability analysis. These variables
are named as design victim, technology oriented and technology victim regarding the
customers. From the results of factor analysis and reliability analysis were rejected some items and
some others remained in the variables. (AS1, AS2, AS3 see appendix I) consisted a design oriented
variable. Cronbachs alpha for technology oriented variables (P8-P12 see appendix I) was also at an
acceptable level. Reliability analysis of technology victim variables gave a sufficient Chronbachs
alpha coefficient as well (SI13, SI14, SI15 see appendix I).
We have used ANOVA test to examine whether there is a relationship between these 3 new
variables and some demographic variables. The same test was performed to find out if there are
significant relations between the difficulties using smart phones and laptops and some
demographic variables. Gap analysis was performed to find out whether there is a significant
difference between the expectations and the perceived experience of smart phones and laptops
from the point of view of the customers. The variables that were examined measured the level of
satisfaction/dissatisfaction with variables regarding the value, aesthetics/design, experience of
using, installation and first use experience, after sales service and finally the overall quality of the
product.

Results and Discussion

Respondents socio-economic profile shows that 52% out of the total respondents were females
and 48% were males and most of them were Greek students. The age of the majority of the
respondents was between 15 and 34 years. In the survey the respondents were asked to respond
on issues concerning their attitude towards high technology, difficulties they experience using high
tech products, the frequency they want modified versions to appear, etc.
In order to examine the attitude of the respondents towards high technology and find out whether
our sample is technology oriented or not, we have used variables from the literature measuring
their technology orientation, their design preference and finally whether they are technology
victims. The items were adapted to the two products under consideration i.e. laptops and smartphones as mentioned in a previous section. Using factor analysis and reliability analysis of design
variables and technology orientation variables we concluded on 3 main categories: design oriented
(Cronbachs alpha 0.7978), technology oriented (Cronbachs alpha 0.7212) and technology victim
customers (Cronbachs alpha 0.8628).
Table 1: Descriptive statistics of new variables
Minimum
Technology victim 3.00
Technology
5.00
oriented
Design oriented
3.00

Maximum
15.00
25.00

Mean
9.0881
16.7784

Std. deviation
2.76087
3.56303

15.00

10.3490

2.22976

35

Table 1 depicts that in general the majority of our sample is shifted to the upper border of the rage
which means that the majority of the respondents has positive attitude towards new technologies.
According to the table statistics we can emphasize that the majority of our sample are technology
and design oriented customers. The analysis of variance have shown that there is a relationship
between these 3 variables and some demographic variables. Results show that, generally, there is
no relationship between these variables and the age, gender and household income of the
respondents. However, there are some exceptions like a marginal correlation (p<0.1) between
design victim and the age of respondents as well as technology victim variables and the age of
respondents.
Table 2 and Table 3 depict the frequencies concerning the questions how often respondents
change their smart phones and laptops and what is their opinion about the optimal time space for
new versions to appear.
Table 2: Frequencies the respondents change their smart phones and laptops
Smart phone (%)
Every month
2.8
Once in a year 22.9
Every 2-3 years 56.9
Every 3-5 years 17.4
Total
100

Laptop (%)
1.1
8.6
38.7
51.6
100

Table 3: Optimal time space frequencies for smart phones and laptops
Smart phone (%) Laptop (%)
I want it to appear as soon as
possible
I need 3-6 months
I need about a year
I need 2-3 years
I want it to appear as late as its
possible
Total

7.8

11.9

16.5
34.0
31.1
10.7

9.9
17.8
47.5
12.9

100

100

Table 2 depicts that about 57% of respondents change their smart phones every 2-3 years, whereas
about 23 % of them buy a new smart phone every year. When asked about their opinion
concerning optimal time space between their smart phone purchase and modified versions
appearance, about 34% of respondents answered that they need about a year, while about 31% of
them need 2-3 years. In the case of laptops it turned out that about the half of respondents change
it every 3-5 years and about 39% every 2-3 years. We tried to find out if some demographic
variables such as gender, age and household income influence the frequency respondents change
their smart phones and laptops. For this purpose we used Chi-square test for each demographic
variable. The results of the test show that there is a significant correlation (p<0.05) between the
frequency respondents change their smart phones and their household income. It seems that
respondents with higher household income change their smart phones in shorter time period. We
could find a correlation (p<0.05) between the gender and optimal time space that they need for
new smart phone versions appearance. It turned out that about half of male respondents need
modifications to appear in a year and less, while another half of them need more than a year, but
the majority of female respondents mentioned that they want modifications to appear in a year
and less. Also, there is a marginal correlation (p<0.1) between the age of the respondents and both
the frequency they change the smart phone and the time space they need for new versions
36

appearance. There is also a significant correlation (p<0.05) between the age and the frequency
respondents change their laptops. Although the sample wasnt well distributed among age groups,
it seems that older customer change their laptops more often that younger customers.
The frequencies of difficulties the respondents experience while using smart phones and laptops
are depicted in Table 4.
Table 4: Difficulties using smart phones and laptops
Smart phone (%)

Laptop (%)

Big variety of functions

72.45

45.36

Sequence incomprehensibility

30.41

18.32

Usage of professional terms

39.69

33.33

Technical characteristics

54.12

46.32

Touch screen use

44.79

-----

It can be seen that the majority of respondents face difficulties with big variety of functions both in
smart phones and laptops; also about half of them experience difficulties with technical
characteristics of the products. There is no significant correlation between difficulties using smart
phones and laptops and gender. However, there is correlation between some kind of difficulties
and the age of respondents. So, to be more precise, the difficulties connected with the usage of
professional terms in smart phones and sequence incomprehensibility in laptops are correlated
with the age of respondents (p<0.05). Moreover, there is a marginal correlation (p<0.1) between
the difficulties with technical characteristics of laptops and the age of respondents. The results
show that older respondents experience more difficulties with several features of the products
than younger respondents.
Gap analysis
Gap analysis was performed to find out whether there is a significant difference between the
expectations and the perceived experience of smart phones and laptops from the point of view of
the customers. The variables that were examined measured the level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction
with variables regarding the value, aesthetics/design, experience of using, installation and first use
experience, after sales service and finally the overall quality of the product. The maximum negative
gap was depicted in the overall quality of smart phones, which means that expected experience
was better than the perceived one and significance test revealed that the gap score was
statistically significant(p<0.05).
Table 5: Gap analysis of 6 dimensions measuring perceived and expected experience of smart
phones
Examined Dimension
Mean
Std.
Mean
Std.
Perceived
Deviation Expected Deviation Gaps Sig.
Perceived
Expected
Value for money
3.56
1.157
3.59
1.254
-0.03 0.781
Aesthetics/design
3.89
1.087
3.98
1.099
-0.08 0.279
Experience of using
3.61
1.098
3.47
1.319
0.14 0.188
Installation
and first use 3.45
1.115
3.38
1.304
0.07 0.452
experience
After sales service
3.33
1.200
3.53
1.226
-0.20 0.028
Overall quality of the product 3.89
0.970
4.14
0.956
-0.25 0.002

37

Analyzing the gaps between the expected and perceived experience of laptops we see that the
maximum negative gap is in after sales service. The significance test also found out that the gap
score was statistically significant (sig.<0.05). The maximum positive gap was depicted in value for
money variable, which means that the expected experience was better than the perceived one
(sig.<0.1).
Although there are both positive and negative gaps existing in different components of customer
satisfaction with smart phones and laptops, it is obvious that the distance between expected and
perceived satisfaction still remains short.
Table 6: Gap analysis of 6 dimensions measuring perceived and expected experience of laptops.
Examined Dimension

Mean
Perceived

Value for money

3.97
Aesthetics/design
3.93
Experience of using
4.03
Installation and first use 3.73
experience
After sales service
3.36
Overall quality of the 3.99
product
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0

Std.
Deviation
Perceived
.965
1.017
.897
1.004

Mean
Expected
3.82
3.97
4.01
3.68

Std.
Deviation
Expected
1.168
0.038
1.041
1.002

1.270
.912

3.59
4.03

1.198
0.965

Gaps

Sig.

0.15
-0.04
0.02

.079
.444
.765

0.05

.584

-0.23

.010

-0.04

.643

Expected
Perceived

Figure 1: Schematic representation of the gap measurements among perceived and expected
satisfaction of smart phones.
4.2
4
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2

Expected
Perceived

38

Figure 2: Schematic representation of the gap measurements among perceived and expected
satisfaction of laptops.

Conclusions

The main contribution of this paper is to reveal the main difficulties customers experience using
smart phones and laptops, in discovering their opinion about the optimal time space for modified
versions appearance and the gaps between perceived and expected quality of mentioned
products.
According to the findings of the survey, the majority of respondents change their smart phones
every 2-3 years, but expect for new version to appear in about a year and less. Additionally,
females need shorter time for modifications appearance than men. In case of laptops about half
of respondents change it every 3-5 years, but great majority of them expect modifications to
appear in 2-3 years or less. It was also discovered that the majority of respondents experience
difficulties with the features of the products, especially with big variety of functions and
complicated technical characteristics. Furthermore, it was found that older customers more often
experience difficulties using smart phones and laptops than younger customers.
The findings may also indicate that there are both positive and negative gaps between expected
and perceived quality of the products, but the distance between them is still short.
As limitations of the paper it could be considered the sample size. It is small regarded as a
consumers sample. A sample of not only young people should be the next target, therefore the
findings need to be developed and verified in the future using a larger sample including
respondents of different age groups.
Appendix 1
Construct
Design oriented

Variable numbers Cronbachs

in questionnaire alpha
0.7978

My smart phone has an inspired design

My smart phone has a productive design
My smart phone has marvelous design
My smart phone is just beautiful
The design of my smart phone is simple
The design of my smart phone is not something special, but it is
easy to use
Easiness in usage is preferable to phones design
Technology oriented

AS1
AS2
AS3
AS4
AS5
AS6
AS7

I like to experience new technologies

I lie to discover ways to use things that I buy, in order to obtain
a personal opinion for them
In my family I am the person who discovers the usage of new
technologies
I usually want to find new brands and technologies that will
make me unique and pioneer

P8

0.8236

P9
P10
P11
P12

39

Within my friends Im the person who discovers the usage of

new technologies
Technology victim
The usage of new technologies makes me feel relaxed
The usage of new technologies makes me feel happy
The usage of new technologies makes me feel satisfied
People that affect my behavior believe that I should use new
technologies

0.8628
SI13
SI14
SI15
SI16

40

1.2.3 Innovation in cooperatives: the cooperative enterprise model in Armenia case

study of the Federation of Agricultural Associations ULE of Armenia
Name

Tigran Hakhnazaryan

Supervisor

Stamatis Aggelopoulos

Home University

Armenian State Agrarian University

Host University

A.T.E.I of Thessaloniki

Abstract

After the independence, it became clear that previously operated agricultural institutions and
structures in rural Armenia do not match with the new formulated economic relations. From the
features of the problems arisen in the Armenian agro-food system its obvious, that successful
development of the Armenian agriculture and related fields are closely linked with the
development of agricultural cooperatives. Starting from 1993, with the principle of voluntary and
autonomous organizations, many local and regional unions, associations and other organizations
were registered which could only partially solve their common problems and later in reality
became impractical.
One of the critical issues in successful operation of agricultural cooperatives is the change and
adaptation required for innovative technology and knowledge. It is for more effective contribution
to improved food security, sustainable agricultural production and rural development.
Technological innovations have made it possible to use cooperatives members resources more
effectively and efficiently by application of new methods in common problem solving operations at
the each field of their activities.
The main goal of this paper is to find out the challenges to innovative systems in agricultural
cooperatives and provide suggestions for application of new technologies, more specifically the
approaches and strategies used in the development of technological, organizational, sales and
marketing innovations and knowledge with the experience of the Federation of Agricultural
Associations Union of Legal Entities (FAA ULE) in this process.
Main methods used to conduct this study were: literature review, secondary data collection and
case study analysis. Based on findings, certain recommendations related to cooperative legislation,
government support and sustainability have been proposed for further development and
strengthening of the cooperative movement in Armenia.
Keywords: agricultural cooperative, principles, member control, innovation system, new
agriculture, nontraditional/high value crops, board members, general assembly meeting and etc.
Introduction
Cooperatives play an important role in Armenian agriculture. There are several agricultural
associations in form of cooperatives that undertake production and marketing functions in the
dairy, meat, and horticulture spheres. Cooperatives are also important in the farm supply sector.
Deregulation and the globalisation of business are increasing the competitiveness of the business
environment, and this is impacting on cooperatives as it is on other types of businesses.

41

A cooperative is an autonomous association of people who have voluntarily joined together to

meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned
and democratically controlled enterprise. The principles and characterising issues of the
cooperative model are being presented below:
Principles 1. Voluntary and open membership, 2. Democratic member control, 3. Member
economic participation, 4. Autonomy and independence, 5. Education, training and information,
6. Cooperation among cooperatives, 7. Concern for community.
Characterising issues 1. User-owned - The people who use the cooperatives own it , and are
responsible for providing the necessary financial backing to keep it operating. 2. User-controlled
is a governance principle. The members own the cooperative, members also control its activities
through voting privileges. 3. User-benefits - members unite in a cooperative to get services
otherwise not available, to get quality supplies on a timely basis, to have access to markets, or for
other mutually beneficial reasons.
The cooperative should have 3 very important, interrelated components through which the
cooperative implements its activities. The components are financial, technical and social, and each
component has a unique mechanism of implementation.
Cooperatives in Armenia were established since 1993 by farmers seeking to increase their
bargaining power relative to businesses that supplied their inputs or marketed their produce. The
maintenance of bargaining power remains in an important reason for the existence of cooperatives
in agriculture, however some of cooperatives could only partially solve their common problems
and later in reality became impractical. The main reasons of the failure were:
lack of understanding of the cooperative principles; most of the shortcomings arise directly or
indirectly from the way in which Soviet Era Cooperatives (kolxoz-sovxoz) had been operated with
treatment of the members' capital resources as common property. The common property was
typically obtained from members participation in creation of the cooperative, although the
members typically received little or no recognition in terms of applying User-owned, Usercontrolled and User-benefits principles.
lack of market orientation ; the cooperative members agricultural produce realization failure in the
market with consistent of the market requirements didnt allow the cooperatives to reach their
place in the market and generate financial resources for further development of the cooperative.
lack of strategic thinking and general management skills; the other major shortcomings of the
cooperatives were in the area of management and control for effective and efficient operation of
the cooperative. Boards were typically comprised of farmer-members only, and often lacked the
range of business skills such as strategic thinking and general management skills that are usually
present on the boards of comparable non-cooperative businesses.
lack of training or consulting; another reason for failure is that these groups and farmer
associations didnt receive any training or consulting in the areas such as agribusiness
management and agricultural law, animal husbandry and veterinary, plant protection and
agricultural technology, strategic planning in coops, SWOT analysis, performance evaluations, fund
raising, and sustainable development, etc. On the other hand, there has been a lack of professional
people to train farmer organizations in the above mentioned fields.
In this case the Federation of Agricultural Associations ULE (FAA) has successful approaches to
solve above mentioned problems for its member cooperatives. The mission of the FAA is to support
its member cooperatives and solve their common legal, managerial, financial, technical and social
problems. A Training, Research and Consulting Department was established to provide improved
knowledge in important areas for the member FOs effective and efficient operations by promoting
new technological innovations in meeting the training needs of the member farmers. The FAA
regularly conducts training and consultations both for member Farmers Organizations and their
member farmers. The subjects are selected due to FOs members' request.
The observations led to the first of the three major conclusions that arose from the field work. This
is that the treatment of cooperative members to cooperative principles and characterizing issues is
42

the most important determinant of the long-term sustainability of a cooperative. If a cooperative

is to retain its members support, it must avoid tensions between them over cooperative principles
applications. If it is to sustain a competitive business, it must manage its resources efficiently and
effectively with adaptation of new technologies, both in development and contributing to the
growth of the cooperative.
One way of reducing problems of the cooperative operations is successful implementation of 3
interrelated components activities mentioned above. This may explain why cooperatives seem to
succeed more at the commodity end of the agribusiness chain than at the consumer brand level.
The second major conclusion is that cooperatives need to have a well-defined growth strategy as
an output of strategic thinking and successful management if they are to survive in the long term.
Cooperatives need to both be more far-sighted in planning the way forward and more ruthless in
pursuing growth.
The third conclusion relates to technological innovation issue. Technological innovations have
made it possible to use cooperatives members resources more effectively and efficiently by
application of new methods in common problem solving operations at the each field of their
activities.
Methods
Main methods used to conduct this study were: literature review, secondary data collection and
case study analysis. Based on findings, certain recommendations related to cooperative legislation,
government support and sustainability have been proposed for further development and
strengthening of the cooperative movement in Armenia.
Results
This section of suggestions describes the most important conditions with implementation methods
and approaches in order to succeed during adaptation of innovation technologies at the
agricultural cooperatives.
There should be linkages for creating dynamic systems of innovation. The systems
effective operation mainly related with the flow of information between cooperative member
farmers, extension specialist, and cooperative associations. It is suggested to use TOT practices in
creation of such linkages and for its effective operations.
There should be new patterns and attitudes for innovation practices, and introduction of
new patterns and attitudes for innovation practices involve technical, organizational, and other
sorts of changes. In this regard the local educational centres, farm management centres play major
role in development of new practices for adaptation of innovative technological processes.
There should be availability of new knowledge; strong articulation of demand for research
and training, technological learning; availability for conducting organizational learning at the
farmers organization/farmers associations/farmer level and at the sector level; strong sector
upgrading; strong integration of social and environmental concerns into sector planning and
development; and good connections to sources of financing for innovation. All of the above
mentioned factors availability is critical for innovation practices.
Innovation should be considered as the application of knowledge of all types to achieve
desired social and economic outcomes. During innovation process the farmers organizations
master and implement the design and production of goods and services that are new to them and
should comprise radical and many small improvements and a continuous process of upgrading.
One of good examples of such practices is Demo Farming demonstration farming activities at the
cooperatives members farms, where is applied all provided improved knowledge. These proposed
43

actions enable the coop member farmers to see and measure their performance and identify any
necessary actions to be implemented toward overall sustainable development of the sector.

Conclusion
The present stage of development of the agricultural cooperatives is the result of 100 years of
experimentation, innovations and improvements. These successes are not devoid of impediments.
Some of the problems encountered by the agricultural associations have been identified as follows:
Lack of ability for management and ability of planning and development;
Lack of leaders management ability;
Lack of products development ability;
Inadequate system of national/regional level research institutions;
Insufficient study and research of consumers needs and trends of market;
Failure to establish brand names;
Lack of development of distribution channels;
Lack of understanding between processed foods and perishable foods;
Inadequate linkages with the public information, events planning;
Insufficient public relations in rural areas;
Shortage of raw material faced when enlarging the business scale;
No linkages with regional agriculture promotion plans;
Raw materials are expensive;
Operations are based on season
Shortage of assorting commodities;
Processors tend to operate independently;
No
establishment
of
cooperation
system
with
members
for
management.

44

Unit 3: AZERBAIJANI DOCTORATE STUDENTS

Unit Outline
1.3.1 Robert Burtons Work The Anatomy of Melancholy; Its Literary & Philosophical Values in
the English Literature, by Ulkar Kazimova(Khazar University)
1.3.2 Crossability of the triticale line ABDR with related wheat species, by Sabina Mehdiyeva
(Genetic Resources Institute of ANAS)
1.3.3 Some Characteristics of the Newly Obtained Constant Sweet Pepper, by Saida Sarifova
(Genetic Resources Institute of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences)
1.3.4 The national interest in international relations theory, by Sayavush Quasimov (The Academy
of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan)

45

1.3.1 Robert Burtons Work The Anatomy of Melancholy; Its Literary & Philosophical
Values in the English Literature
Name

Ulkar Kazimova

Supervisor

Evangelia Nakopoulou

Home University

Khazar University

Host University

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Abstract
The book is nominally, an anatomy, an overview, a dissection, an analysis of melancholy. But
melancholy is a broad term, a common affliction with many causes, symptoms and, possibly, cures.
Because of that, Burton is determined to consider each and every variation on the theme. It is a
famous book with a well-known title, but rarely seen. It has been essentially, out of print for some
time. Now The Anatomy of Melancholy has been republished in a convenient single volume by
New York Review Books. Burtons book is encyclopedic. Burton acknowledges that he has read
many books and every book ever written or published until that time. Indeed, he appears to quote
from every one of these books in The Anatomy of Melancholy from the earliest Greeks to his
recent contemporaries. Arguably, the Anatomy is the last book that encompasses the entire
learning of Western culture, and the last successful effort to embrace it all into one volume. It is a
book of references woven together. There is both madness and method here to convince a huge
mass of readers to the arguments brought forward. The book is literally and philosophically
overwhelming. It ranges across nearly all subjects: medicine, astronomy, philosophy, literature and
all the arts, politics, nature. It runs from quote to quote to reference. The book is presented as
being by Democritus Junior. Lewellyn Powys called it the greatest work of prose of the greatest
period of English prose-writing, while the celebrated surgeon William Osler declared it is the
greatest of medical treatises. Samuel Johnson considered it one of his favorite books, being "the
only book that ever took him out of bed two hours sooner than he wished to rise".
Keywords: Melancholy, Anatomy, Literary, Religious Melancholy, Love Melancholy, Disease, Spirit,
and Black Bile.
1. Introduction
The work is divided into three partitions; the first partition is devoted to the more common,
generic sort of melancholy, focusing on causes and symptoms. Melancholy can be found
everywhere. Burton explores every possible reason for that sinking melancholy feeling. From God
to bad nurses, bad diet to overmuch study, Self-love, Praise, Honor, Immoderate Applause to
covetousness, A heap of other accidents to education. The symptoms are more straightforward,
though also more varied than one might expect. The second partition suggests cures for
melancholy, ranging from lifestyle changes to medical solutions (from blood-letting to herbal
alternatives). Burton himself suggested: I write of melancholy, by being busy to avoid
melancholy. (And he was very busy at it). The last partition then is devoted to the most complex
and irrational mind ailments: love melancholy and religious - melancholy.
2. Topic Description &Analysis
Melancholy, the subject of our present discourse, is either in disposition or in habit. In disposition,
is that transitory Melancholy which goes and comes upon every small occasion of sorrow, need,
sickness, trouble, fear, grief, passion, or perturbation of the mind, any manner of care, discontent,
or thought, which causes anguish, dullness, heaviness and vexation of spirit, any ways opposite to

46

pleasure, mirth, joy, delight, causing forwardness in us, or a dislike. In which equivocal and
improper sense, we call him melancholy, that is dull, sad, sour, lumpish, ill-disposed, solitary, any
way moved, or displeased. And from these melancholy dispositions no man living is free, no Stoics,
none so wise, none so happy, none so patient, so generous, so godly, so divine, that can
vindicate himself; so well-composed, but more or less, sometime or other, he feels the smart of it.
Melancholy in this sense is the character of Mortality.
Melancholy was responsible, according to Burton and others, for the wild passions and despairs of
lovers, the agonies of religious, devote the frenzies of madmen and studious ales traction. He
wrote The Anatomy of Melancholy largely to write himself out of being a lifelong suffers from
depression. The Melancholy is used for a very deep feeling of sadness the reason for which is hard
to explain and the feeling also lasts for a long time.
Much of the book consists of quotations from various and medieval medical authorities, beginning
with Hippocrates, Aristotle, and Galen.
Robert Burton's The Anatomy of Melancholy (1621) is arguably the first major text in the history of
Western cognitive science: not because Burton is the first to theorize the nature of cognition or
engage in cognitive modeling, as is made plainly evident by the many quasi-plagiarisms and
numerous references to other thinkers which appear in Burton's text, but because of the thematic
underpinnings and encyclopedic nature of Burton's vision. As Floyd Dell (XIX c.) has pointed out,
"early 17th-century medicine, at the time Burton wrote, was humbly relying upon the authority of
the great Greek and Arabian physicians, Galen, Hippocrates, Avicenna, etc.; there was no new
scientific knowledge to serve as the basis of any large and illuminating generalizations upon the
subject of morbid psychology." In the absence of such information, Burton focused his gaze upon
the widest scope of previous thinkers about cognition available to him. There is hardly a previous
thinker or school of thought on humanity which is not referenced in Burton's text, and Burton's
own references show that he was familiar with nearly all the medical, astrological, and magical
books then extant (still actual and alive - U.Kazimova).
As its title suggests, the bulk of Burton's text is devoted to cataloguing the many variants,
manifestations, and causes of the mental "disease" Melancholy; but before Burton begins his
dissection of the anatomy of melancholy, he first embarks upon a more general discussion of
overall cognitive functioning, believing it "not impertinent to make a brief digression of the
anatomy of the body and faculties of the soul, for better understanding of that which is to follow."
If we gaze back to the history of philosophy and the world literature, we may find wide-scale
interpretations referring to the background interpretations of interactions of human body and soul,
reasons of melancholy and its etiology. Some pre XX theories interpreted this depression in various
ways. Let us more closely review some of them. For example, King Saul is described as experiencing
depression and committing suicide because of it in the Old Testament. Even before these theories
on mental illness and depression existed. However, it has not always been seen as separate from
other types of mental illness. Therefore, it is not possible to look at the etiology of depression
without paying some attention to the development of psychiatry as a whole. This, in turn, is not an
isolated event. Advancement of scientific knowledge occurs in spurts that are greatly influenced by
the attitudes of time, particularly ideas about (bound) human behavior which is not just directly
connected with science. That is he mentioned that he had tried to create flavors of the periods the
theories developed in, in order to understand better the background and consequences of them in
society as a whole.
It is thought that ancient man saw mental illness as possession by supernatural forces. Ancient
human skulls have been found with large holes in them, a process that has become known as
trepanning. (Merely-opening holes-U. Kazimova).The accepted theory is that it was an attempt to
let evil spirits out. He could not be certain of that, but
did know that again and again human kind had been returning to the idea of mental illness be
caused by evil forces.
The great cultures of old, such as those of Egypt and Mesopotamia, fluctuated between naturalistic
and supernatural explanations of diseases. Empedocles (490-430 BC) developed the humoral
47

theory, based on what he regarded as the four basic elements; each was characterized by a quality
and a corresponding body humor:
Element
Fire
Earth
Water
Air

Quality
Heat
Dryness
Moisture
Cold

Humor
Blood (in the heart)
Phlegm (in the brain)
Yellow bile (in the liver)
Black bile (in the spleen)

Disease was said to be caused by imbalance among these humors and the cure was to administer a
drug with an opposite quality to the one out of balance.
Hippocrates (460-377 BC) lived at the time of Hellenic enlightenment, when great advances were
made in all disorder must be explained on the basis of natural causes. Unpleasant dreams and
anxiety were seen as being caused by a sudden flow of bile to the brain, melancholia was thought
to be brought on by an excess of black bile, and exaltation by a predominance of warmth and
dampness in the brain. Temperament was thought to be choleric, phlegmatic, sanguine or
melancholic depending on the dominating humor.
Plato (427-347 BC) had a retrograde influence on psychology in that he reintroduced a mystical
element. He believed in two types of madness, the first was divinely inspired and gave the recipient
prophetic powers; the second was caused by disease. He conceived of two souls:
Soul
Rational
Irrational

Mortality
Immortal
Mortal

Location
In the brain
Emotions located in various parts of the
body e.g. anger and audacity in the heart.

The second type of mental disorder resulted when the irrational soul severed its connection with
the rational, resulting in an excess of happiness, sadness, pleasure seeking or pain avoidance. The
reason for the abandonment of reason was due to the imbalances explained in Hippocrates
humeral theory.
Aristotle (384-322 BC), Platos pupil, believed in the two parts of mans soul. However, he said
because reason was immortal it must be immune to illness, so all illness, mental or otherwise, must
be rooted in mans physical structure.
Through the Punic wars (264-146 BC) Rome came to dominate much of the civilized world. The
Romans produced few notable physicians and instead imported Greek ones for the treatment of
injured Roman soldiers. These physicians eventually began to practice in Rome itself. Therefore,
many of the advances in Roman thinking about mental disorder came from physicians steeped in
Greek tradition.
Asclepiades (dates unknown) was one such physician. He regarded mental disorders as stemming
from emotional disturbances, in his terms passions of sensations.
Cicero (106-43 BC) was a philosopher, not a healer. He went further than Asclepiades and rejected
Hippocrates bile theory, stating that emotional factors could cause physical illness, What we call
furor they call melancholia, as if the reason were affected by only a black bile, and not disturbed
often by a violent rage, or fear, or grief.
The difference between physical and mental disorders was that the former might be caused by
purely extraneous factors, but perturbations of the mind may proceed from a neglect of reason.
Man could help with his own cure through philosophy, which would nowadays be known as
psychotherapy.
Arateus (AD 30-90) was the first to suggest that the origin of mental disorder might not be
specifically localized. It could originate from the head or abdomen and the other could be affected
as a secondary consequence. He had begun to see that an individual functions as a unitary system.
He also worked on ideas about premorbid personalities and discovered that individuals who
48

became manic were characteristically labile in nature, easily irritable, angry or happy. Those who
developed melancholia tended to depression in their premorbid state. Emotional disorders were
merely an extension or exaggeration of existing character traits, a very original idea for the time.
He also observed that mania and depression could occur in the same individual, thereby
anticipating Kraeplins work on mania and melancholia being part of one disorder by many
centuries.
Galen (AD 30-90) did not so much develop highly original ideas as sum up the thinking of the
Greco-Roman era. He again divided the soul into two areas:
Souls
Location
Rational
Brain
Internal imagination, judgment, memory,
apperception, movement. External: the five
senses.
Irrational
Heart and liver

Function
Controls internal and external functions.

Control all emotions

He suggested again that infection of one area could be secondary to something else. He stated that
food passed from the stomach to the liver where it was transformed into chyle (lymph cells-U.
Kazimova) and permeated by natural spirits (which exist in every living substance). The veins
carried the material to the heart. Air, which held the vital principle, combined with the natural
spirits, thereby producing the vital spirits. These rose into the brain and were converted into the
animal spirits. Mental disease/disturbance of animal spirits arose because either because the brain
was directly afflicted (mania and melancholia) or because it was affected by disorder in another
organ. These theories by Galen contrasted greatly with the period of thought that was about to
begin.
Melancholy was brought to English literature by metaphysical philosophers and philosophical
language of the verses. The new style in English poetry during the 17th century was that of the
metaphysical movement. Metaphysics is that portion of philosophy which treats of the most
general and fundamental principles underlying all reality and all knowledge. The metaphysical
poets were John Donne, George Herbert, Andrew Marvell, Thomas Traverse, Henry Vaughan and
others. The metaphysical poets were clearly trying to understand the world around them and the
spirit behind it, instead of accepting of dogma on the basis of faith.
One can easily find some commonalities and differences between the literary style and
philosophical values of the works epigrammatist Owen and Barclay and Robert Burton. It has been
rightly observed that the first half of the seventeenth century may be reckoned eminently the
learned age, and the authors who form the subject of the present chapter carry, each in his own
way, this mark of the period. Two of these, the epigrammatist Owen and Barclay the writer of
satire and romance, delivered themselves in Latin, one producing the best known body of Latin
epigrams since Martial, the other the most famous work in Latin prose fiction since Apuleius. From
Burton, we have his own confession that it was not his original intention to prostitute his muse in
English, but, could a printer have been found, to publish his huge medical and moral treatise in
Latin. Yet, while the frame of the book is in his native English, Latin is never far away. We find it in
phrases interwoven with the text, in formal citation on page or margent, visible through the
paraphrase of the sources from which he drew. Composition in Latin, at a time when that language
was still international, was, in itself, no special sign of learning, but Barclay and Owen give proof of
wide and apt knowledge, and possess an individual style and flavor. In their day, they are
remarkable instances of men of real literary inspiration, who chose to speak in a past tongue. For
width of reading, rather than precise scholarship, Burton may count among the most learned of
English men of letters. The study of all three was Man. To a modern mind, the way in which
tradition and direct experience often lie side by side unblended in seventeenth century literature is
strange. An eager interest in human character and activity consorted with something that is hard to

49

distinguish from pedantry. But the impulse of the classics was then stronger if less delicate, and the
relation between life and books has been variously apprehended at various epochs.
Many later writers were deeply influenced by the book's odd mix of pan-scholarship, humor,
linguistic skill, and creative (if highly approximate) insights. This influence was so strong that later
writers sometimes drew from the work without acknowledgment (such accusations were leveled at
Laurence Sterne's book).
The Anatomy of Melancholys a book which has been universally read and admired. This work is,
for the most part, what the author himself styles it, 'a cento;' but it is a very ingenious one. His
quotations, which abound in every page, are pertinent; but if he had made more use of his
invention and less of his commonplace-book, his work would perhaps have been more valuable
than it is. He is generally free from the affected language and ridiculous metaphors which disgrace
most of the books of his time. (Granger's Biographical History.)
Samuel Johnson considered it one of his favorite books, being "the only book that ever took him
out of bed two hours sooner than he wished to rise". The book has continued as a favorite among
many 20th and 21st-century authors, such as Anthony Burgess (who said "Most modern books
weary me, but Burton never does"), William H. Gass (who wrote the introduction to the 2001
omnibus edition), and Llewelyn Powys (who dubbed it "the greatest work of prose of the greatest
period of English prose-writing"). Apart from The Anatomy of Melancholy Burton's only other
published work is Philosophaster, a satirical Latin comedy. Burtons Anatomy of Melancholy is
valuable book, said Dr Johnson."It is, perhaps, overloaded with quotation, but there is Great Spirit
and great power in what Burton says when he writes from his own mind Even the contemporary
English Puppet theatres count it necessary to stage scenes of Melancholy for its evergreen and
everlasting literary views and philosophical significance.

50

1.3.2 Crossability of the triticale line ABDR with related wheat species
Name

Sabina Mehdiyeva

Supervisor

Soultana Markopoulou

Home University

Genetic Resources Institute of ANAS

Host University

A.T.E.I of Thessaloniki

Conclusions
Triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) is becoming increasingly important in agriculture and has many
advantages over both parental species for both grain and forage production in certain
environments (Maclntyre R.& Campbell M., 1973). The great majority of todays triticales are
descendants of primaries involving either common wheat (Triticum aestivum L., 2n=42=AABBDD)
or durum wheat (Triticum durum L, 2n=28=AABB) as the seed parent and cultivated diploid rye
(Secale cereal L., 2n=14=RR) as the pollen parent. Due to a lack of natural evolution and the
relatively young nature of the crop, triticale breeders have been continuously facing challenges
associated with generating enough genetic diversity for continued crop improvement. The lack of
inherent genetic diversity may be overcome by the varied spectrum of potentially introduced
diversity. It can be created in a great number of different ways: crosses of primary triticales of the
same or different ploidy levels, two- or three-way crosses of primary triticales with secondary
triticales with wheat or rye and backcrosses to triticale (Mergoum M. & Gmez-Macpherson H.,
2004; Barker T. et al., 1988; Badaev N. S. et al., 1985; Hammer K. et al., 2011).
The hexaploid triticale line ABDR [(T. durum x Ae. squarrosa) x S. segetale] (2n=42=ABR), was
obtained without any colchicine, hormone and in-vitro culture applications in cross between Secale
cereal ssp.segetale (2n=14=RR) as the male parent to the synthetic hexaploid wheat (T. durum x
Ae.squarrosa)(2n=42= ABD) as the seed parent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
seed setting and their germination rate in F1 plant material derived from the crosses between the
hexaploid triticale line ABDR and other wheat species and common wheat varieties, synthesized
constant wheat forms and triticales with different ploidy levels.
As the male parents in the crosses of wheat species with ABDR were used T.dicoccum var.
rufum(2n=28) T.paleocolchicum Men. (2n=28), T. macha Dek. et Men. (2n=42) and T.aestivum var.
velutinum (2n=42). In these combinations seed settings were low in the cases where ABDR was
the male plant, but germination rates were higher, on the contrary in reciprocal crosses for these
combinations germination rates were zero, though seed settings were higher (Table 1). The
morphology of derived F1 plants in these combinations was intermediate between their parents
with the exception of combination ABDR x T.dicoccum, where they had the morphology more
similar to their paternal plant.

Table 1
Seed setting and germination rate in F1 hybrids of ABDR and wheat species
Combination
ABDR x T.dicoccum
T.dicoccum x ABDR
ABDRx T.paleocolchicum
ABDR x T. macha

Seed set (%)

37,5
62,5
31,3
15

Germination rate (%)

7,7
0
10
5

51

T. macha x ABDR
ABDR x T.aestivum

31,3
15,6

0
20

As the male parents in the crosses ABDR with wheat varieties were used common wheat
varieties Bezostaya 1 and local variety Graecum 75/50. The seed settings in theses crosses were
low, but germination rates were high as well as with hexaploid wheat species (Table 2). The
morphology of derived F1 plants in these combinations was intermediate between their parents
and morphological quality of seeds obtained from these combinations was poor.
Table 2
Seed setting and germination rate in F1 hybrids of ABDR and wheat varieties
Combination
ABDR x Bezostaya 1
ABDR x Graecum 75/50

Seed set (%)

15,6
25

Germination rate (%)

33,3
87,5

As the male parents in the crosses ABDR with synthesized wheat forms were used
ADS [(T.beoticum x Ae.taushii) x Ae.speltoides](2n=42=ADS), ABS(T.dicoccum x Ae.
speltoides)(2n=42=ABS) and Triticum timonovum Heslot et Ferrary (2n = 56=AbAbGG) (Table 3).
Comparing with hexaploid wheat species and varieties both seed settings and germination rates
were high in hybrids of these combinations, with exception to synthesized octoploid form Triticum
timonovum. The seed setting in latter combinatons was relatively low compared with ADS and ABS,
but germination rate was high in direct crossing, while on the contrary was lower in reverse
crossing. The morphology of derived F1 plants in these combinations was intermediate between
their parents and morphological quality of seeds obtained in these combinations was different.
Table 3
Seed setting and germination rate in F1 hybrids of ABDR and synthesized wheat forms
Combination
ABDR x ABS
ABDR x ADS
ABDR x T.timonovum
T.timonovum x ABDR

Seed set (%)

75
87,5
25
40,6

Germination rate (%)

79,2
78,6
100
7,7

As the male parents in the crosses ABDR with triticales were used different ploidy
triticales(4x,6x,8x). In all cases the seed settings in these combinations were low and germination
rates were high (Table 4). In these crosses seed morphological quality was high, compared with the
same in combinations mentioned above, particularly, in the crosses with hexaploid triticales.

Table 4
Seed setting and germination rate in F1 hybrids of ABDR and triticales
Combination
ABDR x 4x triticale
ABDR x 6x triticale-1
ABDR x 6x triticale-2
ABDR x 8x triticale

Seed set (%)

15,6
18,75
12,5
21,9

Germination rate (%)

100
83,3
75
85,7

52

The results revealed that the germination rates of hybrid seeds in the crosses with the triticale line
ABDR were higher in combinations including ABDR as maternal plant, but as the pollen plant of
latter observed percentage of seed setting was high. Exceptions were combinations with
synthesized wheat forms ADS and ABS, where both seed setting and germination rate was high.

53

1.3.3 Some Characteristics of the Newly Obtained Constant Sweet Pepper

Name

Saida Sharifova

Supervisor

Athanasios Rubos

Home University

Genetic Resources Institute of Azerbaijan National Academy

of Sciences
A.T.E.I of Thessaloniki

Host University

Abstract
A annuum L.) has been carried out. The hybrids have been chosen for their positive properties
among different selection materials which turned out as a result of crossing of different sweet
pepper varieties and hybrids mixed grown in the experimental field of Genetic Resources Institute
in Azerbaijan. These hybrids differ from each other for the size, weight and taste of their fruits,
productivity and other properties of plants. They were estimated as a valuable form for their
agronomical important characteristics.
Key words: Capsicum, hybrids, pepper

Introduction
Pepper (Capsicum L.) is a member of the Solanaceae family and originates from South and Central
America where American Indians domesticated it around 7,000 BC. Though Capsicum is a genus of
about 30 species (Hunziker 2001), only five species were independently domesticated and have
been cultivated primarily for use as a spice and vegetable for thousands of years (Andrews 1995).
Pepper is ranked third or fourth among vegetable crops worldwide, grown in most countries in the
world with production acreages estimated at more than 7.5 million (The Chile Pepper Institute
2011). Peppers are also ranked first in antioxidant content among vegetables with very high levels
of vitamin C. Carotenoid and anthocyanin pigments are responsible for fruit colour and for
nutritional value of Capsicum fruits. Pepper fruits are a concentrated source of vitamins from the A,
B, C, E, and K groups (Palevitch & Craker 1995).
Most cultivated peppers are autogamous. In open field, out-crossing commonly ranges from 7% to
90% and this fact shows that Capsicum should be considered facultative cross- pollinating species
(Odland & Porter 1941, Franceschetti 1971).
Oppressing of local agricultural plants, especially vegetable varieties by the unknown hybrids has
been observed recently. One of the principal causes of this problem is the depressing of quality
parameters of the local pepper genotypes or loss of their former positive features in the result of
pollination. On the other hand, numerous selection materials have arisen. Therefore, selection and
breeding of high productive, new varieties is an important issue nowadays.

Materials and Methods

We have carried out the selection of agronomical important hybrids of sweet pepper through the
individual selection among numerous mixed materials since 2007. The source materials have been
taken from the gene bank of Genetic Resources Institute of ANAS, Azerbaijan. All of them had been
obtained as the result of mixed planting of local and foreign genotypes for a long time.

54

Seeds have been treated with fungicides and pathogen-free seeds sown at the greenhouse
condition. Seedlings have been transferred into the isolated open field when they were ready for
transplanting. Seedlings of each genotype have been planted into row according to the 70x30 cm
scheme at three repetitions. The agro technical practices such as irrigation, application of
fertilizers, weed and etc. have been carried out at appropriate moments as well.
The research has been carried out on the basis of the international plant descriptors (IPGRI 1995)
and the variety testing methods of agricultural plants (Moscow 1978).
Different traits have been included in the research according to IPGRI descriptor for pepper (IPGRI
1995), namely stem colour (7.1.2.2), plant height (7.1.2.6), plant growth habit (7.1.2.7), branching
habit (7.1.2.11), leaf density (7.1.2.13), leaf colour (7.1.2.14), leaf shape (7.1.2.15), days to
flowering (7.2.1.1), number of flowers per axil (7.2.1.2), flower position (7.2.1.3), corolla colour
(7.2.1.4), corolla shape (7.2.1.6), anther colour (7.2.1.8), days to fruiting (7.2.2.1), fruit colour at
intermediate stage (7.2.2.3), fruit colour at mature stage (7.2.2.6), fruit shape (7.2.2.7) fruit length
(7.2.2.8), fruit width (7.2.2.9), fruit weight (7.2.2.10), fruit wall thickness (7.2.2.12), fruit shape at
pedicel attachment (7.2.2.13), fruit shape at blossom end (7.2.2.15), number of locules (7.2.2.18),
fruit surface (7.2.2.19) and 1000-seed weight (7.3.5).
Results
The five constant hybrids of sweet pepper have been obtained through the mass selection among
numerous mixed materials. Duration of vegetative periods and bio-morphological and
economically valuable properties of constant sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) hybrids 5,
9, 10, 11 and 12 has been studied comparatively with the standard variety Yadigar.
Yadigar is a local sweet pepper variety. Average height of plants is about 63 cm with intermediate
branching habit. Flowers are in intermediate position at branch. Fruits are triangular and fruit
shape at blossom end is pointed. Fruit colour is light green at intermediate stage and light red at
mature stage. Fruit surface is smooth. Average weight of fruit is 80-90 g.
The duration of vegetative period of hybrids has been illustrated in table 1. As shown, the total
length of vegetative period of all hybrid plants was 2-3 day shorter than standard variety. The
period from mass germination to the technical ripening was one day longer in 5, same in 9
and one day shorter in all other hybrids in comparison with Yadigar. Some characteristics of hybrid
plants have been given below in table 2.

Table 1. Duration of vegetative period (days)

Tabela 1. Trajanje vegetativnog perioda (dani)
Accessions
From
From
germination From
germination From
germination
germination
until until
until
until
budding
flowering
technical ripening
biological ripening
1.Hybrid 5

63

82

106

139

2.Hybrid 9

64

82

105

137

3.Hybrid 10

63

81

104

138

4.Hybrid 11

63

82

104

138

5.Hybrid 12

63

81

104

139

6.Yadigar

64

82

105

141

55

Table 2. Some agriculturally important characteristics (average)

Tabela 2. Neke agronomski vane karakteristike (prosek)
Accessions
Height
of Width
of Length of fruits Width of
plants
plants
(cm)
fruits
(cm)
(cm)
(cm)

1.Hybrid 5
2.Hybrid 9
3.Hybrid 10
4.Hybrid 11
5.Hybrid 12
6.Yadigar

65
63
62
63
63
63

50
40
43
42
46
44

12
10
9
10
12
11

5,5
6,0
7,0
8,0
5,2
5,4

Weight of fruits
(gr)

Productivity
one
plant
(gr)

128
120
110
90
96
90

449
593
591
498
482
480

Hybrid 5. Average height of plants is about 65 cm, fruits are triangular with 2-3 locules.
Branching habit of plants and position of flower at branches is intermediate. Fruit shape at blossom
end is pointed. Fruit colour is dark green at intermediate stage and dark red at mature stage.The
thickness of flesh is 5-8 mm (Fig. 1).
Hybrid 9. Plants of hybrid 9 are characterized with intermediate branching habit and flower
position. Fruit shape at blossom end is pointed. Fruits are triangular shaped, light green at
intermediate stage and light red at mature stage. An average length of fruits is 10 cm and average
weight is 120 g. The thickness of flesh is 4-6 mm (Fig. 2).
Hybrid 10. Average height of plants is about62 cm with intermediate branching. Flower position
at branches is intermediate. Fruits shape is blocky with 4 locules and sunken and pointed at the
end. Fruit colour is dark green at intermediate stage and dark red at mature stage. The thickness of
flesh is 5-8 mm (Fig. 3.).
Hybrid 11. Plants are characterized with intermediate branching habit and triangular fruit shape.
Flower position at branches is intermediate and fruit shape at blossom end is pointed. Number of
locules in fruit is 3-4. Fruit colour is light green at intermediate stage and light red at mature stage.
The thickness of fruit flesh is 4-6 mm (Fig. 4).
Hybrid 12. Average height of plants is about 63 cm, branching habit is intermediate. Flower
position is also intermediate. Fruits are triangular with 2-3 locules. Fruit colour is light green at
intermediate stage and light red at mature stage. Fruit shape at blossom end is pointed. The
thickness of fruit flesh is 5-8 mm. The average length, width and weight of fruits are about 12 cm,
5.2 cm and 96 g respectively (Fig. 5).

Fig. 1 Hybrid 5
Slika 1. Hybrid 5

Fig. 2 Hybrid 9
Slika 1. Hybrid 9

Fig. 1 Hybrid 10
Slika 1. Hybrid 10
56

of

Fig. 4 Hybrid 11
Slika 4. Hybrid 11

Fig. 5 Hybrid 12
Slika 5. Hybrid 12

Conclusions
It was defined that there was abundant selection material among the sweet pepper genotypes
maintained at the gene bank of the Genetic Resources Institute in Azerbaijan. The principal cause
of this genetic diversity was the open pollination among local genotypes, as well as among local
and foreign genotypes imported into country from different neighbouring countries for a long time.
The five constant hybrid forms have been obtained as a result of the selection among such
different hybrids and varieties of sweet pepper taken from the gene bank. These hybrids are
distinguished from each other regarding the size, weight and taste of their fruits and productivity
of plants, and are estimated as a valuable form for their agronomically important characteristics.
Further investigation on all of them has been continued.

57

1.3.4 The national interest in international relations theory

Name

Sayavush Quasimov

Supervisor

Dimitrios Kavakas

Home University

The Academy of Public Administration under the President

of the Republic of Azerbaijan
A.T.E.I of Thessaloniki

Host University

Abstract
This article aims to analyze the concept of the national interest from different points of view; thus,
it can be defined as an endeavor towards the nature of the national interest. In the article will be
analyzed the national interest understandings of these different positions in the light of five IR
theories: Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Marxism and Critical Theory.
Key Words: national interest, realism, liberalism, constructivism, idealism.

INTRODUCTION
Without ignoring the relationship between the perspective and the knowledge about the nature of
truth, it can be claimed that there is no point in insisting on only one definition of the national
interest. On the contrary, every actor in the society will understand the concept in relation with its
position in the system. This article aims to investigate the national interest understandings of these
different positions in the society in the light of five IR theories: Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism,
Marxism and Critical Theory.
At first, we will analyze realistic approach to the national interest. Realism is widely regarded as the
most influential theoretical tradition in International Relations, even by its harshest critics. Hans J.
Morgenthau is the most important representative of the 'realist' school in the discipline of
international politics. He can be regarded as one of the most significant pioneers of the modern
form of the classical realism. For Morgenthau, there is no escape from power which is ubiquitous in
every aspect of life and the concept of interest is defined in terms of power. Thus, power politics
can be used as another name for Morgenthaus realism.
Morgenthau argues that interest is the perennial standard by which political action must be
judged and directed because the objective of foreign policy must be defined in terms of the
national interest (Morgenthau 1985: 9 and 528). Although he recognized that at any particular
point in time the interest of a nation should be informed by the political and cultural context
within which foreign policy formulated, defining interest in terms of power would largely
overcome the problem of subjectivity (Morgenthau 1985: 9 and 528). The relative power of nationstates can be assessed and measured, and is therefore an important objective reality. The national
interest is normally defined in terms of strategic and economic capability because international
politics is seen primarily as a struggle for power between states. However, Morgenthau concedes
that the definition of power will change over time: on some occasions economic power will be
crucial, at other times military or cultural power will be decisive.
Although morality cannot be the basis of forming national interests, Morgenthau refers to the
moral dignity of the national interest, implying that at the very least the term is morally
defensible guide to foreign policy formulation (Morgenthau 1951: 33). However he emphasizes
over and over, the detachment of the national interest from political and ethical perspectives: The

58

national interest of great powers and in good measure the methods by which it is to be secured are
impervious to ideological and institutional changes (Morgenthau 1962: 199).
Kenneth Waltz parts company with what he calls the traditional realism of Morgenthau by
arguing that international politics can be thought of a system with a precisely defined structure.
Traditional or classical realism, in his view, is unable to conceptualize the international system in
this way because it is limited by its behavioral methodology which explains political systems.
According to this approach, the characteristics and the interactions of behavioral units are taken
to be the direct cause of political events (Waltz 1990: 33).
Waltz has a different conception of the national interest to Morgenthau. Like most foreign policy,
he regards the national interest as a product of the structure of the international system rather
than something which is the personal responsibility and management of political leaders.
According to Jackson and Sorensen:
For classical realists the national interest is the basic guide of responsible foreign policy: it is a
moral idea that must be defended and promoted by state leaders. For Waltz, however, the national
interest seems to operate like an automatic signal commanding state leaders when and where to
move. The difference here is: Morgenthau believes that state leaders are duty bound to conduct
their foreign policies by reference to the guidelines laid down by the national interest, and they
may be condemned for failing to do that. Waltz`s neorealist theory hypothesizes that they will
always do that more or less automatically. Morgenthau thus sees states as organizations guided by
leaders whose foreign policies are successful or unsuccessful, depending on the astuteness and
wisdom of their decisions. Waltz sees states as structures that respond to the impersonal
constraints and dictates of the international system (Burchill 2005: 43).
According to Waltz, the statesman is not an actor with high agential power to change or regulate
the international structure as he wishes because of the systemic constraints imposed on him.
These systemic constraints are the anarchy, the distribution of capabilities and functional similarity.
Three imperatives proposed by Waltz can be regarded as constituting the breaking point between
Morgenthaus modern form of realism and neo-realism. They are the systemic imperatives rather
than being deliberative products of the statesman. That means the statesman must take these
systemic constraints into consideration when he is on the threshold of taking significant decisions
related to the interests of his country. In the light of these knowledge about the neorealist strand,
it is argued that its national interest understanding is system-centric rather agent-centric. The state
is still the most important actor; but it operates under the conditions of anarchy and must obey the
competitive logic of the system, acting in line with the systemic signals in order to ensure its
survival. Neo-realism argues that the state must adapt itself to the anarchical international system
in order to fulfill its national interests. If the state ignores the systemic constraints and the
competitive nature of politics, it can be punished because the system demands uniform behavioral
patterns. Thus, the national interest of the state, for neo-realism, can be described as to adapt to
the international structure and defend its position in the system.
Liberalism is one of the main schools of international relations theory. There will be analyzed the
national interest understandings in the liberal thought of three schools (Liberal internationalism,
idealist school, (neo) liberal institutionalism).
The interest conception of liberal internationalism is defined as the community interest. The
community here signifies the context composed of the liberal democratic states. Defending
democracy and free trade, liberal internationalism is more inclined to believe in the potential
goodness of individuals than realism. For the liberal internationalists, it is not because of the
human nature the world is in a miserable situation; but it is because of the undemocratic states,
which distort the harmony of the world. Thus, the internationalists advise free trade and the
spread of democracy in order to improve the conditions of all the humanity and to create a
community of liberal democratic states.
Idealism, regarded a variant of liberalism, is much more state-centric than liberal internationalism
because it analyses the world politics more at the state level than at the individual level. As will be
seen, for the liberal internationalists, the individual is prior to the state. On the contrary, the
idealists do not aim to transcend the state. The solutions idealism has proposed to regulate the
59

world events show its state-centric characteristics. The League of Nations, the collective security
system and the national self-determination are evident signs of the statism of the idealist thought.
The national interest understanding of idealism is state-centric like realism; but it is more prone to
prevent hostility among states by creating international institutions than to accept the competition
and conflict as the permanent features of the international politics.
The institutionalists see the international environment as anarchical like the neo-realists; but they
differ with regard to their approaches to cooperation among states. For the neo-realists,
international cooperation is not much possible, while the (neo) liberals insist that cooperation can
be achieved by means of creating international regimes. Because of the institutionalism emphasis
on cooperation, its national interest understanding will be constructed in reference to the notion
of cooperation under the heading of the cooperative interest.
The constructivist thought, for the sake of analysis, is divided into three subgroups: state-centric
constructivism, international society-centric constructivism and critical constructivism.
The first strand called as state-centric constructivism borrows many concepts from realism. Thus,
there is a relationship between state-centric constructivism and realism. State-centric version of
constructivism analyses anarchy and investigates the ways for collective identity formation among
states. Although it claims that the identities and interests of states are defined in inter subjective
manner, it still takes some features of the state as fixed. For example, the states interests are said
to be constructed in accordance with inter subjective constraints, but these interests represent
subjective preferences. In addition to these subjective interests, there are also objective interests,
which all states must fulfill in order to survive. The distinction the state-centric constructivism
makes between the subjective and the objective interests may cause to think of it as a bridge
between neo realism and neo liberalism.
The second variant of constructivism called as international society-centric constructivism claims
that the normative structure of international politics has a constraining effect on state behavior
and determines its interests. According to this view, which is influenced from the English School,
the structure of international society has two tiers: normative and surface. The first represents the
dominant norms in the international society and the second tier is thought to consist of
international organizations, which are practical agents, which teach states about the validity and
influence of international norms. For the society-centric version of constructivism, the state is a
normative-adaptive entity and its national interests are inevitably norm-bound.
The last variant is critical constructivism, which tries to deconstruct the constructed character of
politics. For this variant, the state is not the representative of the society and not a subject which
naturally has some interests and identities. Rather, the states well-being depends on the success
of its ideological hegemony over its citizens. The state, in that sense, is an apparatus of repression
constructing itself on the exclusion of some groups and individuals in the society. For critical
constructivism, the state cannot have pre-given (national) interests and identities. Being interested
in the construction process of the national interest only as a discourse, the critical constructivists
see the national interest as a subjective preference and regard it the reflection of the dominant
discourse in the society.
Marxism and its national interest understanding; it transforms the national interest into the
socialist interest because Marxism analyses the politics with regard to the notion of class. For
Marxism, nationalism is an invention required to meet the demands of the capitalist market. Thus,
the territorial body of the state refers to its commercial capacity while its borders are its tariff
walls. Ideology is seen as the dominant discourse of the dominant class in the society. Hegemony is
described as the leading capacity of the dominant class to gain the consent of the subordinated
people in the society in order to reproduce its legitimacy in the eyes of the oppressed people.
The imperialism theory of Lenin and the world-system theory of Wallerstein are analyzed in the
light of which the concept of the socialist interest is constructed. According to Lenins theory of
imperialism, the world does not have a linear progress; rather, some states will improve its wellbeing by exploiting some other weak states. Thus, there arises a disproportional relationship
between the centre and the periphery, as Wallerstein argues.

60

In the critical thought the national interest is also transformed and has become the humanitys
interest. The humanitys interest implies a longing for an alternative world order and is composed
of two realms. The first one is related to the cosmopolitan level and the other is related to the
intra-state level. The concept is developed by means of the dialectical relationship between these
two levels. The humanitys interest is not a concept that was developed before by any critical
theorist in an explicit manner. Rather, it is an eclectic concept developed in the light of the critical
arguments. The cosmopolitan level can be seen as a general common denominator on which all the
critical theorists can come to agreement. Respect for the difference and the transcendence of the
nation-state are the two objectives of this level. The intra-state level is related to more concrete
actions within states. It implies that if the internal structures of states acquire democratic features,
the world of states will also be democratic.
Conclusion
The result is pluralistic because there is not any consensus among the theories about the content
of the national interest. That is inevitable because each theory approaches the concept and
analyses it with regard to its own framework. However, the national interest will continue to
feature in the political discourse of states because it has important subjective utility.

61

PART II
Papers of Post-Doctorate fellows research carried out in Greece

62

Chapter II Outline
2.1.1 Atomic force microscopy in the study of cell membranes normal epithelium and
adenocarcinoma cell of the large intestine, by Arifa Aghajarova(Azerbaijan National Aviation
Academy)
2.1.2 Characterization of cotton varieties and hybrids using molecular markers, by Ruhangiz
Mammadova (Genetic Resources Institute of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences)

63

2.1.1 Atomic force microscopy in the study of cell membranes normal epithelium and
adenocarcinoma cell of the large intestine
Name

Arifa Aghajanova

Supervisor

Patakiouta Boukali Froso

Home University

Azerbaijan National Aviation Academy

Host University

Theageneio Hospital of Thessaloniki

Abstract
Cancer of the large intestine is approximately 15% of all malignant cancer of the word. In the study
of sections of normal epithelial mucosa of the colon revealed that the contours of the cell
membrane is precise, well-defined microvilli in size from 5 10 to 10 10 nm. The adenocarcinoma
cell of the large intestine has the morphological changes of the cell membrane. In the cell
membrane in contrast to normal epithelial cells of the mucous membrane of the colon appear
pores and the degree of change in this indicator may be different.
Keywords: Cancer of the large intestine; Cell membrane; Atomic force microscopy
Introduction
Cancer of the large intestine is approximately 15% of all malignant cancer of the word. Mean age 60 years. The most common cancer of the large intestine is originated from lower parts of the large
intestine (descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum). In many industrialized countries, cancer of
the large intestine is the frequency of one of the highest among all cancers [1].
Statistical date each year ascertain increase in newly diagnosed cases of cancer of the large
intestine. Search for a trigger mechanism and risk factors that lead to colorectal cancer are actively
learned by many laboratories. Epidemiological data from year to year are added to our knowledge
of new factors that contribute to cancer development.
All aspects of early detection, identification, clinical and morphological characteristics, the choice
of adequate treatment and its outcome, prognosis factors remain a subject of controversy [2].
For early diagnosis of malignant tumors, which today is essential for their successful treatment
must be pass through appropriate screening programs, a surveillance and in-depth systematic
surveys of the persons included in the increased risk of malignancy [3]. It should be noted that in
the present as a diagnostic test in high-risk of developing cancer can be used by molecular
biological research. On the basis of molecular biological techniques can be fairly easy to develop a
relatively inexpensive screening, non-invasive research programs based on the identification of
modified fragments and combinations of oncogenes. The use of molecular markers of early stages
of carcinogenesis could be the basis of new methods of screening, signs of malignant growth to the
formation of its morphological manifestations.
Cancer of the large intestine develops in accordance with the fundamental laws of growth and
spread of malignant tumors, the relative autonomy and unregulated growth of the tumor, the loss
of organ and histogenic structure, reducing the differentiation of tissues. At the same time have its
own features. Thus, the growth and spread of colon cancer are relatively slower than, for example,
stomach cancer.
Over a long period of tumor is within the body, not extending to a depth of bowel wall more than
2-3 cm from the visible border. The slow growth of the tumor is often accompanied by local
inflammatory process, passing on the adjacent organs and tissues. Within the inflammatory
infiltrate in the adjacent organs are constantly sprouting cancer centers, which contribute locally
64

advanced tumors without distant metastases. Among the malignant epithelial tumors of the most
common is adenocarcinoma - it accounts for more than 80% of all cancers of the large intestine. In
predictive knowledge to the degree of differentiation (high-, medium-and high-grade
adenocarcinoma), depth of germination, clarity of boundaries of the tumor, the frequency of
lymphatic metastasis is very important. In patients with welldifferentiated carcinomas more
favorable prognosis than patients with poorly differentiated cancer.
The mechanism of occurrence and development of many pathological conditions, including
malignant growth is associated with disruption of the structure and properties of biological
membranes [4,5].
Atomic force microscopy, invented in 1986, is widely used for imaging materials at the nanoscale.
Its resolution is similar resolution electron microscopy, but, in contrast, does not require a vacuum
and can therefore be used for the study of living specimens. However, conventional AFM requires
several minutes to get a single image, and therefore it cannot record a sequence of rapidly
occurring events [6]. The AFM have optimized for the study of living cells. Atomic force microscopy
uses a cantilever equipped with a probe, which feels the surface of the sample. The forces
between the tip and the sample can be measured as the probe moves over the sample, thereby
revealing the surface topography [7,8].
Methods of atomic force microscopy are increasingly being used in biology, medicine and
pharmacology. Atomic force microscope (AFM) has several advantages over optical and scanning
electron. First, it allows obtaining a true three-dimensional relief of the surface. Secondly, when
you use it is not required to sample conducts electricity. In addition, measurements can be
performed not only in vacuum but also in the air in the atmosphere of any gas or even a drop of
liquid. The last circumstance opens up wide possibilities for the study of organic molecules and
living cells [9,10].
Obviously, on the basis of the AFM is possible to develop a methodology to assess the clinical
morphofunctional activity of tumor cells, based on the morphometric of the large number of
simultaneously visualized cells. Investigation the structural features of the membrane of tumor
cells, as well as quantitative estimation of properties of the cell membranes is very important. The
study is promising, since a change in structural of the cell is the result or may result in development
of certain diseases, including cancer.
The purpose of the study, to reveal the nature of structural defects in the cell membranes
adenocarcinoma cells of colon, establishes differential diagnostic criteria using atomic force
microscopy.
Materials and Methods
Been investigated or postoperative and endoscopic biopsy material of 15 patients with
adenocarcinoma of colon and 5 patients with nontumor diseases. Further, the material obtained
from tissue samples, the intestinal epithelium and tumors were prepared in cytological smears on
coverslips. Smears were dried in air and were examined by atomic force microscope Asylum MFP3D Stand Alone AFM.
Results and Discussion All the materials investigated in parallel by routine histology and confirmed
the diagnosis. The study by atomic force microscopy was carried out starting with a smaller
increase then selected sites for detailed study in a large increase.
Mucosal epithelium of the colon - a single-layer prismatic. It is composed of columnar epithelial
cells, goblet cell, and individual endocrine cell and poorly differentiated (cambial) cells. The large
number of goblet cells is in correlation with the need to allocate mucous secretion, which
facilitates the mass of food through the intestines. In hisown record of the mucous membrane is
highly developed defense mechanism against microbes. There are numerous lymphocyte
accumulations. For research in atomic force microscopy were selected epithelial cells.
In the study of normal colon epithelial cells in 2D and 3D, with an increase in 5micron on the
surface of the cell membrane are identified protrusions and depressions (Figure 1).

65

Figure 1: Area of the normal epithelial

cells of the mucous membrane of the
colon, respectively, in 2D and 3D, with an increase in 5 micron. The surface
of the cell membrane with protrusions and depressions.

Then there was the chosen site of the normal epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa, respectively,
in the dimension 2D and 3D, with an increase in 2micron. In the study revealed that the surface of
the cell membrane is rough, with protrusions and depressions of various sizes.
Protrusions were painted in bright colors, parts of depressions painted in dark colors (Figure 2).

Figure 2: The area of the normal

epithelium of the intestinal mucosa,
respectively, in 2D and 3D, with an
increase in 2 micron. The surface of
the cell membrane is rough, with
protrusions and depressions. Lightcolored areas is protrusions, darkcolored areas, depressions.

In the learning cell membrane normal epithelial cell of the colon in increase 450 nm we can see
that on the surface of protrusion, depressions clearly visible microvilli (Figure 3).

66

Figure 3: The area of the normal

epithelial cells of the mucous
membrane of the colon respectively in
2D and 3D, with an increase of 450 nm.
The surface of the cell membrane
protrusion, depressions and on the
surface of protrusion, depressions
clearly visible microvilli.

Next, to clarify the dimensions of the microvilli watched section of the same sample. In the study of
sections of normal epithelial mucosa of the colon revealed that the contours of the cell membrane
is precise, well-defined microvilli in size from 5 10 to 10 10 nm (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Section of the normal epithelial cells

of the mucous membrane of the colon.
Precise contours of the cell membrane are
well defined, visible microvilli measuring from 5x10 to 10x10 nm.

AFM study of the relief of the cell membrane of colon adenocarcinoma revealed significant
differences adenocarcinoma cells and normal cells of the colon. In the cells of the colon
adenocarcinoma cell surface was rough, with protrusions and depressions. The size of protrusion
and depressions 2 micron. The number of microvilli on the surface membrane of the cell
adenocarcinoma compared with normal
epithelial mucosa of the colon is less, the size
decreased. In the depressions determine the
pore (Figure 5).

67

Figure 5: Section of a cell adenocarcinoma of the colon in 3D, with an increase of 6 micron. The
surface of the cell membrane is rough, with protrusions and depressions. Light-colored areas are
protrusions, dark-colored areas is depressions. The size of protrusion and depressions 2 micron.
The number of microvilli on the surface membrane of the cell adenocarcinoma compared with
normal epithelial mucosa of the colon is less, the size decreased. In the depressions defined pores.

In section of a cell adenocarcinoma of the colon in a 2D format, with an increase in 4.5 micron seen
visible pores on the surface of the cell adenocarcinoma. The size of the pore on the surface of
adenocarcinoma cell of colon is 26 nm 0.6 micron (Figures 6 and 7).

Figure 6: Section of a cell

adenocarcinoma of the colon in a
2D format, with an increase in
4.5 micron. On the surface of the
cell adenocarcinoma of visible
pores.
Section
on
cell
adenocarcinoma of colon seeing
pore size 26 nm 0.6 microns.

Figure 7: Section of a cell

adenocarcinoma of the colon in a 2D
format, with an increase in 1 micron.
On the surface of the cell
adenocarcinoma of visible pores.
Section on cell adenocarcinoma of
colon is seeing pore size 26 nm 1
micron.

The data presented suggest that adenocarcinoma of the colon have the morphological changes of
the cell membrane of cells. In the cell membrane in contrast to normal epithelial cells of the
mucous membrane of the colon appear pores and the degree of change in this indicator may be
different.

68

The perhaps surface change of the cell membrane is component of other change in the structure of
the cytoskeleton and one of the factors explaining their infiltration into neighboring tissues and
organs, the formation of metastases. The study of structural and morphological properties of
membranes allows the future to distinguish cancer cells from healthy controls. And that could lead
to the development of new methods of prevention and diagnosis of cancer. Thus, atomic force
microscopy - not just a method of visualization of the objects with high resolution, but also a very
promising way to study local morphological and biophysical properties of individual cancer cells.
However, not enough research on issues of differential diagnosis of cancer of various sites, at the
present time, atomic force microscopy is still very far from the state of routine methods. AFM is
developing new methods for detecting, diagnosing and treating cancer.

69

2.1.2 Characterization of cotton varieties and hybrids using molecular markers

Name

Ruhangiz Mammadova

Supervisor

Soultana Markopoulou

Home University

Genetic Resources Institute of Azerbaijan National Academy

of Sciences
A.T.E.I of Thessaloniki

Host University

Abstract
Most agronomic traits of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) are quantitatively inherited and affected
by environment. The importance of epistasis as the genetic basis for complex traits has been
reported in many crops. Cotton fiber is a basic raw material in the textile industry. The changes in
spinning technology have in common the requirement of unique and often greater cotton fiber
quality, especially fiber strength, for processing. The identification of the stable QTLs affecting fiber
traits across different generations will be greatly helpful to be used effectively in molecular markerassisted selection to improve fiber quality of cotton cultivars in the future. Using six elite fiber lines
of Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) as parents.
Key words: Common QTL, Cotton, Fiber qualities, Marker-assisted selection
Quantitative trait loci (QTL), SSR simple sequence repeats

(MAS),

Introduction
Cotton is the leading natural fiber crop and a major oilseed crop in the world. The cotton genus
Gossypium includes about 50 species of two polyploidy levels, commonly known as diploid
(2n=2x=26) or tetraploid. The A genome produces spinnable fiber, whereas the D genome alone is
worthless in terms of fiber production (Applequist et al. 2001), although it contributes to other
agronomic traits. Jiang et al. (1998) found that the majority of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for
fiber-related traits is located in D subgenome and proposed that some genes in the D subgenome
in allotetraploids are mutated to produce fibers, which issubsequently subjected to selection and
domestication.
Changes in textile industry and spinning technology require unique and often greater cotton fiber
quality, especially strength, for processing. Strong fibers survive the rigors of ginning, opening,
cleaning, carding, combing and drafting. However, current genetic information and plant breeding
methods can not lead to a quick improvement of fiber quality to meet the rapid advances in the
textile industry to ensure high productivity. Since fiber strength translates directly into the strength
of rotor yarns, it must possess a higher average level of strength and, most importantly, a lower
variability of strength to cope with ever-increasing processing speeds in spinning, weaving and
knitting (Benedict et al. 1999; Deussen 1992).
Advances in the use of DNA markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) are promising for
streamlining plant-breeding programs. Molecular maps constructed in crosses of Upland cotton
(Gossypium hirsutum L.) with extra-long staple cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) has led to the
identification of several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fiber strength, fineness and length (Jiang et
al. 1998; Yu et al. 1998).
A negative association between two important fiber traits - lint yeld and fiber quality is still present
after many years of exhaustive breeding for improved fiber properties. Conventional breeding
procedures are difficult for further improving fiber quality because of high costs, long duration, and
low selective efficiency. Marker assistedselection (MAS) revealed that DNA markers linked to this

70

QTL could be used in MAS to increase fiber strength of commercial cultivars in early segregating
breeding generations (Zhang et al. 2003). Microsatellite, also known as simple sequence repeats
(SSRs), is an ideal polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA marker for genetic mapping and
MAS breeding because of their abundance, wide dispersion in diverse genomes, and co-dominantly
inherited characteristic.
Cotton fiber yield and quality traits of economic importance are typically quantitatively inherited
and show continuous variation in segregating populations. An understanding of the genetic control
of fiber yield and quality traits is a prerequisite in a breeding program. In addition to additive
effects, classical quantitative genetic studies have suggested the importance of epistasis and
genotype environment (GE) interaction (Miller et al., 1958; Meredith and Bridge, 1972; May and
Green, 1994; May, 1999). The advent of molecular marker techniques has resulted in the
construction of molecular maps to facilitate the study of quantitatively inherited traits. Many
studies have been performed to map QTL for fiber yield and quality traits in interspecific
populations of G. hirsutum L. and G. barbadense L. or in intraspecific populations (Jiang et al., 1998;
Shappley et al., 1998; Ulloa and Meredith, 2000; Kohel et al., 2001; Zhang et al., 2003; Paterson et
al., 2003; Mei et al., 2004). Paterson et al. (2003) described the impact of environmental conditions
on the genetic control of fiber quality.
Fibre strength (FS), fibre length (FL) and fibre fineness are the primary quality properties that
influence textile processing (Kohel 1999). With this impetus, breeders must constantly develop
new elite cultivars with both high yield and improved quality. Progress in molecular genetics has
provided plant breeders with a rapid and powerful alternative approach in selection. Molecular
markers are important tools for creating genetic linkage maps and have provided a significant
increase in the amount of genetic knowledge in many cultivated plant species. Some of these
linkage maps were used to identify lociassociated with cotton fibre traits (Jiang et al. 1998, Ulloa
and Meredith 2000, Kohel et al. 2001, Mei et al. 2003, Paterson et al. 2003). Ulloa and Meredith
(2000) detected 19 QTL innine linkage groups for fibre properties and Kohel et al. (2001) found 13
QTL for FS, FL and fibre fineness. Jiang et al. (1998) found that most QTL influencing fibre quality
were located on the _D_ subgenome which is derived from an ancestor that does not produce
spinnable fibre.In this study, SRAP has been used in constructing a cotton linkage map together
with SSR and RAPD. Thirteen QTL for fibre quality were detected and some of them would be
effective in marker-assisted selection in future cotton breeding programmes.
Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of fiber quality can be very helpful in revealing the genetic
basis of various fiber quality characteristics, and provide important information for directing
cotton-breeding strategies.
In this study, we selected three Upland cotton lines with superior fiber quality from different
breeding programs as mapping parents and was constructed three hybrid population for marker
assisted selection.
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1 Hybrid population
We developed an F2 population of individuals derived from the interspecific Gossypium hirsutum
L. hybrids between local cultivated species
(Agdash 22, Agdash 29, Garabakh 51), and
introduced varieties (K-1268, K-1270, K-1272) for long term concervation (GENBANK of Genetic
Resources Institute of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences).
Fiber quality traits tested in 2010 included fiber length (FL), fiber strength (FS), micronaire (FMIC),
fiber fineness or fiber refinement (FR). Agronomic traits evaluated included boll weight (BW), lint
percentage (LP), seed index (SI), bolls per plant (BN), seed cotton yield (SY), and lint yield (LY).
DNA was extracted from F2 hybrids and the 6 parental strains with method described by K.Roubos
et al. (2010).
2.2 Seed germination
Cotton seeds of 17 cotton genotypes were germinated in Incucell (EIN richtungen GmbH),
containing filter paper (2 cm), one seed per well and 1.5 ml sterilized water. Plates were placed in
the dark at 25 2C for 5 days.
71

3.Biomorphological charakteristics of
parental lines
Main biomorphological traits of 6 parental cotton lines was studied in comparison with Agdash 3
sort sample. This is the one of the most extensively (60%) cultivated variety in Azerbaijan. Samples
K-1268, K-1270 and K-1272 are intoduced GENBANK of GRI for conservation and utilization.
Charakterization of this samples is wery important for pasportization of germplasm materials.
Biomorphological and agronomical traits of parental forms
Productivity
Lint yield, Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Boll weight,
per 1 bush, %
lenght,
strength,
fineness
qr
h/s
mm
g/v
Agdash-3
30,6
33,7
31,2
4,5
5460
5,9
Agdash-22
31,3
34,6
32,3
4,8
5580
6,1
Agdash-29
36,1
37,0
33,2
4,7
5690
5,9
Garabakh-51
38,2
38,0
34,6
4,9
5870
6,2
K-1268
37,6
40,2
34,3
5,0
5926
6,4
K-1270
33,3
37,5
36,0
4,8
6032
5,6
K-1272
32,6
35,4
36,7
4,9
6103
5,2
Fiber lenght of GENEBANK samples (K-1268, K-1270 and K-1272) had exeeded indice of control
(Agdash-3) line. As it known there is negative correlation between lint yield and fiber lenght.
Cotton line K-1268 has high lint yield (40,2%), but lower indices of fiber lenght (FL) and fiber
finesses (FF). Fiber of K-1270 and K-1272 samples belongs to the IV type, K-1268 has V type of fiber
but all biomorphological indices are higher in comparision with control.
Variety

4. DNA extraction
DNA marker-based studies in Gossypium spp. have been hindered due to high endogenous levels of
polyphenolic substances and other contaminants such as polysaccharides and tannins which
interfere with DNA izolation and purification. Co-precipitation of such contaminants results in
genomic DNA that is of poor quality and quantity. According to some reports, this happens because
phenolics become oxidized and covalently bind to proteins and nucleic acids during the
homogenization step of DNA extraction, thus rendering the DNA unsuitable for most research
applications (Porebski et al. 1997; Chaudhry et al. 1999). Recently, procedures for cotton DNA
extraction were developed (Paterson et al. 1993; Dabo et al.1993; Permingeat et al. 1998; Zhang et
al. 2000), but resulted in low yields as well.
In this research was used most convenient protocol for DNA extraction from cotton leafes
described by K.Roubos at al 2010. Modifications have been made for plant species such as olive
and cotton that are high in polysaccharides and polyphenols. The compounds form a sticky, brown

72

gelatinous matrix during DNA preparation that interferes with DNA digestion and PCRs. These
modified methods usually employ high salt concentrations to remove polysaccharides, and
polyvinylpyrrolidone to bind polyphenols. Ascorbic acid and -mercaptoethanol were found to
improve extracted DNA quality (Paterson et al., 1993; Bi et al., 1996). According to the extraction
protocol 5 gr of young expanded leaves were collected from each plant and were ground in liquid
N, mixed with extraction buffer 20 mL of CTAB [Tris-HCl, pH 8.0; 1.0 M NaCl; 0.02 M EDTA; 2%
(w/v) CTAB; 2% polyvinlypyrrolidone-40] and 40 l -mercaptoethanol. Tubes were vortexed and
incubated for 1 h at 65 C in the fume hood. After incubation samples were placed at -20C for 15
minutes, centrifuged 10 minutes at 22C at 5000rpm. Supernatant was removed into a clean tube.
The solution was then twice extracted with equal volumes of chloroform:isoamyl alcohol (CIA, 24:1,
v/v) and centrifuged at 5000rpm, 22C for 10 min. The aqueous phase was transferred to a clean
tube. Precipitated DNA was washed with 2X absolute ethanol and kept at -80C for 30 minutes or at
-20C overnight. The DNA was then spooled out and centrifuged 10 minutes at 10C at 5000rpm.
Supernatant was remuved and tubes were placed upside down to drain. Then was added 2ml
ultrapure waterand pellet was dissolved by taping tubes. Samples were sentrifuged for 1 minute
and transfered into 15ml tubes then washed with 1ml phenol: chloroform:isoamyl
25: 24:1
emulsifyed and centrifuged for 10 minutes at 25C at 5000rpm. Supernatant was removed with 200
l pipette (1.8 ml tottal volume of supernatant) transferred in a clean tube and was added 0,5X
ammonium acetate and 2X ethanol 30 minutes, centrifuged for 10 minutes at 5000rpm at 10C.
Supernatant was removed and the DNA pellet was air
dried and dissolved in 1 mL of high salt Tris-EDTA buffer (10 mM Tris, pH 8.0; 1 mM EDTA, pH 8.0;1
M NaCl). On the last step was added 5 l of RNAse and incubated at 37C for 1 hour. Extracted DNA
was stored at -80C.
4.1 DNA quantification and gel documentation
Ten l of the isolated DNA and 2 l of 10 X loading dye was loaded in a lane of 1.5% (w/v) agarose
gel containing 0.05 g ml1 ethidium bromide, for checking the quality of the DNA.
For quantitative measurements, a charge-coupled device camera imaging system and UVI soft
analysis (Gel Documentation and Analysis Systems, UV transilluminate BIO-RAD, USA) and Quantity
One software were used to capture the image and to calculate the band intensities.
DNA quantification was studied as well with comparison of Lambda DNA (10ng/l) and different
dilution type of DNA (10 l DNA:2l Loading dye; 1/2DNA:2l Loading dye; 1/4DNA:2l Loading
dye; 1/5DNA:2l Loading dye).
Fig 1.1 DNA quantification of cotton hybrids and parental forms

a)K-1272 x Agdash 29; K-1262 x Garabakh-51; b) Garabakh-51 x K-1270; Agdash-3

K-1268 x Agdash 22; Garabakh-51 x K-1268
Agdash-22 x K-1272; K-1272

73

Fig 1.2 DNA quantification of samples

a)Agdash-22; Garabakh-51 x K-1270;
Garabakh-51 x K-1268; K-1268

b)K-1269; K-1272 x Garabakh-51;

Agdash 29; K-1262 x Garabakh -51

As it was marked out every DNA sample was cheked in 4 different dilution degree with comparison
of Lamda DNA (9th gap) which contains 10 nanogram per microliter. It is clearly seen (Fig. 1.1) that
consentration of all samples more than consentration of Lambda DNA with the exception of DNA
sample K-1268 x Agdash 22 kombination.
DNA extracted from Agdash-22 and Garabakh-51 x K-1268 samples had wery high
consentration (Fig 1.2 a) exceeding Lambda DNA control in all dilution degree of DNA. Appropriate
result was observed for the DNA sample of Agdash 29 line (Fig.1.2 b). DNA of K-1269; K-1272 x
Garabakh-51; K-1262 x Garabakh -51 samples has more consentration than L DNA.
The macroprep method (50 )g from 5 g of fresh leaf tissue) provides DNA for 3000 to 6000
polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Extraction and quantification results shows that the exracted
DNA quality is sufficient for PCR-based and endonuclease restriction marker analysis.

74

ERASMUS MUNDUS ACTION 2 - PARTNERSHIPS

for GEORGIA, ARMENIA and AZERBAIJAN

PART III
Papers of Doctorate research conducted in other European Partner Countries

75

Chapter III Outline

3.1.1 Analyses of communication barriers during consultation processes , by Harutyun
Gevorgyan, (Armenian State Agrarian University)

76

3.1.1 Analyses of communication barriers during consultation processes

Name

Harutyun Gevorgyan

Supervisor

Kiril Barzev

Home University

Armenian State Agrarian Univeristy

Host University

University of Ruse, Bulgaria

Abstract
The article shows what kind of communication barriers we have observed during agro-extension
activities in different regions of the Republic of Armenia. An attempt was made to classify those
barriers according to the separate parts of the communication chain aimed at finding solutions in
the future. The research was done for the purpose of understanding the main communication
barriers during the seminars with adults, according to peoples mentality.
Key words: Communication, barriers, agro-extension, speaker, listener
INTRODUCTION
The development of the agriculture system in developing countries depends on many factors, but
one of the most important ones is the human factor. People, involved in agriculture, must be well
informed and their must clearly understand the meaning and importance of this information, as
well as operate in time for sustainable development.
This development in many cases depends on up-to-date and comprehensible information, which
farmers can use during their decision-making process.
During the process of research and investigation the scientists examined different problems and
created a database, and all the consultant had to do was to transfer this information to whom it
was necessary or who needed it. And this process is implemented via a communication process.
Until the end of the last century scientists thought, that sustainable development of agriculture
depended on technological processes. But now researchers start to understand that the farmer
plays a very important role for developing the agriculture system and only technology is not
enough. And the transfer of knowledge to farmers via communication is one of the most important
factors. It serves as an original bridge, which ensures the transfer of results of scientific institutes
into good agricultural practices.
Figure 1
Knowledge transportation from science to farmer

77

But, as every phenomenon, the communication process has also some disadvantages. Everybody is
familiar with situations when the interlocutor does not understand the meaning of your words. No
matter how good and effective a communicator you may be, sometimes farmers listen to you very
carefully but do not catch the main idea which causes misunderstanding or non understanding. On
the other hand, it is obvious, that the use of clear conversation will directly affect the success you
have in dealing with other people.
Such kinds of situation have happened very often during conversations between teachers and
students (in Pedagogy), and between farmers and Agro-extension specialists (in andragogy) and
represent a communication barrier [1]. The concept of communication barrier usually includes all
the factors, which impede effective communication and prevent the transfer of information from
speaker to listener. This problem is very important, because unsuccessful communication causes a
lot of dissatisfaction for both parties participating in the communication process, as the
information received is incomplete, distorted, or completely not understandable.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
For the analyses of communication barriers during consultation processes we have researched 230
seminars and field trips in the period of 2005-2010 in 5 regions of the Republic of Armenia. The
subject of the seminars was the same everywhere. The research was done by personal
observations, filling questionnaires and making surveys. The research was conducted in three
phases.
In the first phase we tried to study the native and international literature about communication
barriers (about 45 sources).
In the second phase we studied the mechanisms of communication barriers during consultation
(during seminars and field trips in the Republic of Armenia).
In the third phase we created the classification model of communication barriers according to the
process of communication.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The most common mistake to consider is that people think that they can only express the main
idea, and the others will start listening and will understand clearly and perceive the meaning. The
basic theoretic assumption is that the received information goes to the recipient without any
changes, but in reality it often happens that one person says one thing while the other hears and
understands something totally different [1, 2, 5]. This occurs because all information is exposed to
the influence of different factors, which can decrease the efficiency of communication.

78

It is theoretically impossible to take into account all the factors causing communication barriers,
because they are too many and different from each other. In that case there are some models of
classification of communication barriers. The most famous and popular classifications are the
following.
1. Jerry L. Allen [3] classified communication barriers only according human characteristics.
According to that classification, there are seven barriers
1.1. Physical barriers
1.2. Perceptual barriers
1.3. Emotional barriers
1.4. Cultural barriers
1.5. Language barriers
1.6. Gender barriers
1.7. Interpersonal barriers
2.
According to McCroskey [2], communication barriers are classified based on the meaning of
information. He marked out 4 types of barriers:
2.1. Phonetic, which occurs from incorrect speech, strong accent and obscure phrases
2.2. Semantic, when the other person uses unfamiliar terminology or when we react
emotionally to words or phrases
2.3. Mental, when we focus on ourselves or when we focus on the other person
2.4. Factual, when we listen for facts rather than for the main ideas and feelings behind the
message.
3. According to Wilbur Schramm [4], communication barriers, which are classified on the basis
of the psychological filters of organisms, are as follows.
3.1. Barriers, occurring from active language filter
3.2. Barriers, occurring from imagination filter
3.3. Barriers, occurring from the filtering of ideas
3.4. Barriers, occurring from the filter of remembering
During our 230 seminars and field trips in 5 regions of Armenia we revealed 203 different types of
barriers, which were a synthesis of the barriers, mentioned before and which have not been
included in the authors works mentioned above. For comprehensive investigation we have tried to
classify all barriers, mentioned during our seminars and we have prepared the following table.
Table 1
The frequency of communication barriers
##
1.

2.

3.

Description of communication barrier

Barriers, which occur because farmers dont understand or
are not interested in the information, which they listen to
during the consultation. They did not listen or got tired,
because the information seemed too difficult or not
actual.
(message barriers)
Barriers, which occur due to the speaker (creator,
interpreter). When he is not qualified or doesnt have
experience in public speaking, disagreements happen
between the farmers and speaker, or farmers do not like
the speaker's behavior.
(speaker barriers)
Barriers, which occur because farmers think that they
know everything and so they are haughty, but in reality

Very
often

Frequency
Sometim
Often
Seldom
es

****

**

**

***

**

****

**

79

4.

5.

the level of knowledge is very low; or when the farmers

attention is digressed on other things.
(receiver barriers)
Barriers, which occur during the consultation and digress
even effective processes (e.g. electricity cutoff, un-air
conditioned rooms, noisy environment, etc)
(factors barriers)
Barriers, when even during long negotiations farmer and
consultant dont find common solution and everybody
holds their own opinion. After that there is no effective
communication.
(correction barriers)

**

***

**

***

**

The table below shows the frequency of barriers during the discussion on the same subject. As we
can see from the table, the most widespread barriers are the barriers when farmers do not
understand the presenter and when farmers think that they know everything and do not need any
information.
We have also researched the distribution of communication barriers according to different regions.
We have examined 5 regions (Ararat, Armavir, Kotayq, Vayots Dzor and Tavush). The results are as
follows:
Figure 2
The dissemination of Communication barriers in different regions, by %, of all barriers

Ararat
12
10
8
6
4

Tavush

Armavir

Speaker barriers

Message barriers

Recevier barriers
Factor Barriers
Correction barriers

Kotayq

Vayots
Dzor

As we can see from the graph, the main barrier, which we have found, is when farmers think, that
they know everything and therefore they are haughty, but in reality the level of knowledge is very
low or when the farmers attention is digressed on other things.
We can also see from the graph that the main barriers occurred during the seminars in Vayots Dzor
region. We think that the reason for that is the fact that the people in that region are known for
their hot blood and bully character.

80

Finally, during our research, we observed that the comparison of barriers received from our
seminars with the communication chain demonstrates unification in the sense that every group of
barriers is compared with a ring of the communication chain. After the comparison we obtained
graph 3:
We can see from the graph that each group of barriers compares with part of the communication
chain. Thus, for future solutions of problems caused by communication barriers we can use the
classification which is the result of our research work.

Graph 3
Classification of communication barriers according to the communication chain

CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK

After our research we can conclude that
1. We can classify the communication barriers according to communication chains, which
can be helpful for future solutions.
2. The most common communication barrier, which occured during the seminars in 5
regions of the Republic of Armenia, was, when the farmers did not understand the
presenters language and when the farmers thought that they knew everything and did
not need any information. In that case, our efforts will be directed to dealing successfully
with this type of barriers.
3. Another conclusion is that the main region, where communication barriers appear, is
Vayots Dzor region. Therefore, we have to investigate this finding further for the purpose
of identifying the reasons and proposing working solutions.
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ERASMUS MUNDUS ACTION 2 - PARTNERSHIPS

for GEORGIA, ARMENIA and AZERBAIJAN

PART IV
Papers of Post - Doctorate research conducted in other European Partner
Countries

82

Chapter IV Outline

4.1.1 Distance learning model development for tourizm and agritourizm, by Bella Babayan
4.1.2 Survey of trade policy and export promotion in the European Union and implementation in
Armenia, by Karen Grigoryan (Armenian State University of Economics)

83

4.1.1 Analyses of communication barriers during consultation processes

Name

Bella Babayan

Supervisor

Carlos Fernandes

Home University

Armenian State Agrarian Univeristy

Host University

IPVC, Portugal

Abstract
Distance learning and its benefits should be used in a tourism, agritourism (and agribusiness in
general) teaching, but here are some obvious peculiarities of teaching and subject properties, which
we have to take into consideration, so research work was done to define best model of teaching
and implementing corresponding e-learning systems using an experience of the ESTG IPVC, ANAU
and SEUA.

Nowadays teaching solutions demand contemporary high quality efficient approaches, using high
technologies, and all available means-as traditional, as developing. Peculiarities, activities and
outcomes of tourism are presenting at Pic. 1 and should be learned before modeling new teaching
system.

Pic. 1. The processes, activities and outcomes of tourism

Contemporary e-learning systems has following properties, which also had to be taken into
consideration in a development of corresponding model for the tourism and agritourism:
independent work with electronic materials, with the help of personal computer, mobile
phone, DVD player, TV;
getting consulting, advices, marks from far situating expert (teacher) and opportunity to
interconnect distantly;
creation of users distributed societies (social network), keeping common virtual learning
activity;
contemporary all-day delivery of teaching materials;

84

standards and specifications for electronic teaching materials and technologies, distance
learning means;
forming and developing an information culture of companies all managers and leaders of any
group for their activity effectiveness rising aim;
learning and spreading new innovational teaching technologies, passing them to educators;
possibility to develop teaching web-sources;
access opportunity at any time and any place to get modern knowledge from any accessible
point of universe;
accessibility to get higher education for persons with the different psychophysical
peculiarities.
Virtual learning environment can include many subsystems and they are also should be
considered in model:
Alphastudy - Learning and knowledge portals
Moodle - An open source (free) modular php virtual learning sofware
Blackboard - A family of virtual learning software
Democrasoft - Collaborize Classroom - A free online learning platform for teachers and
students
CyberExtension - Virtual Managed Learning Environment
Desire2Learn - A suite of learning software
FirstClass - Messaging and communications solution
Heritage Key Virtual historical environments, such as Tutankhamuns tomb.
itslearning - Learning Environment, delivered as Software as a Service (SaaS), market leader
some countries.
Mingoville - Introduction to the English language. Age 8 to 12 (Virtual World and Language
games)
Saba Centra - Part of a Human Capital Development System
SpicyNodes - Create and share radial maps (related to concept maps and mind maps)
WebCT - (Now a part of Blackboard) Software applications designed to enhance teaching and
learning
WebTrain - Virtual live classes, enrollment, attendance, attention monitoring
We should also consider obvious peculiarities of tourism and agritourism learning in model.
They are clearly demonstrated at Pic.2:

Algorythm of e-learning development in toruism and agritourism

Project management
Project budgeting
Online lections and consulting organization (similar as ASAU and Timiryazev academy(Russia))
Joint Educational programs development, Testing system development and Evaluation system
definition
Registration in the e-learning environment And/Or Site development or university site
extension
Teaching centers opening, Experimental testing, Advertising and promoting
Finalizing, implementing and popularization of project
Efectiveness evaluation and Feedback

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Pic. 2. Peculiarities of tourism and

agritourism learning
Expected impact of e-learning on the tourism development in regions
Assistance and consulting
Help and consulting in tourism products development
Tourism soft (electronic and printed) products development
Tourism services promotion and advertisment
Career center and specialists selection for touristic business
In ESTG, ANAU and SEUA were developed models of different types, and their best properties were
chosen for joint model development. It was based on a Moodle, but was improved with traditional
practical lessons, with site visits, hospitality skills and of hotel business training with qualified
supervisor.
Conclusions. Main conclusions of our theoretical and experimental works
1. Model development should take into consideration peculiarities of touristic business,
processes, activities and outcomes of tourism;
2. Better models are developing with different participants preferably from different countries,
interested in joint tourism development;
3. Project management is one of the most powerful aspect in model development;
Best way to develop distance-learning system for tourism and agritourism is a blended type, when
standard e-learning is combined with traditional teaching, because of the peculiarities of subject
and processes, activities and expecting outcomes of tourism.

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4.1.2

Survey of trade policy and export promotion in the European Union and

implementation in Armenia
Name

Karen Grigoryan

Supervisor

Kiril Barzev

Home University

Armenian State Univeristy of Economics

Host University

University of Ruse, Bulgaria

Abstract
The paper signifies the importance of trade liberalization and integration in EU by pursuing
export expansion strategies. The primary purpose of this paper is to examine the role and
significance of export promotion in the European Union (EU) on the basis of detailed survey of
substantial instruments of export promotion - EU Market Access Strategy and Market Access
Database making process and mechanism of their implementation. In this field particular
attention is paid to partnership and connection with private sector, to the participation of EU
Member State Representatives and others. The usage of such a instruments in Armenia could
improve the technical and methodological assistance to exporters making promotion more
targeted.
Keywords: Export promotion, trade liberalization, Market Access Strategy, Market Access
Database, trade barriers, regulation, European Union, Armenia
JEL classification codes: E02, E61, E65, F13, F17, F42, F68

Introduction: The significance of trade policy and export promotion in the EU and in Armenia
It is evident that over the last decade the European Union (EU) has identified trade as one of the
priorities for its development policy. The view of the European Commission is that the gains from
trade will be essential for speeding up progress towards achieving the Millennium Development
Goals. The common market stimulates competition on a European scale while giving European
companies better resources to develop their assets for facing international competition.
Of course, trade policy and export promotion are strongly correlated. Basically, the last one is the
part of the trade policy, and the main difference between them is the following: export promotion

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is more related with providing market information for exporters, and trade policy with
regulation of trade barriers for exporters and importers.
Actually, on many issues, the institutions of the European Union are relatively small players
compared to nation-states. For exemple, the issue of energy policy or environmental policy,
remains confined to the national boundaries of the member countries of EU. On other issues,
such as monetary policy or international trade negotiations, EU has acquired exclusive rights, so
to speak, over nation-states (Asaftei and Parmeter, 2010). It should be mentioned that the EU has
already acquired a sufficiently broad and significant set of political prerogatives to be much more
than a simple area of free trade and policy coordination (Alesina A. and Wacziarg R. 1999).
It is worth to remark that smaller countries in EU benefited relatively more from the formation of
a European free trade area than larger countries (see Alesina, Spolaore and Wacziarg (1997) for
more on this point), so coordinating on open trade and harmonized standards will benefit small
countries more.
The first problem that Armenia encountered after the world economic crisis was largely due to
the fact that economy was not sufficiently diversified. Crisis response of the Armenia focused on
further diversification of the economy, which is possible mainly with diversification of export
sector. Unfortunately trade balance of the country still remains significantly negative and exports
are very concentrated depending on fluctations of foreign markets. Therefore export promotion is
a primary objective for economic policy of Armenia.
Trade liberalization and integration in EU
A larger, more intense competition can produce higher efficiency. In the EU free trade means
more effective distribution and usage of production factors. And finally, the EU countries enjoy
economies of scale and the increasing competition can produce a faster growth rate. It is also
possible that the EU growth forecasts in their turn cause growth. As a result, the integration
process in the EU has had a liberalizing effect on the flows of goods and productive factors
between participating economies. Integration involves an intensification of economic
relationships, particularly trade relationships, in those countries which have decided to reduce or
eliminate trade barriers (Grigoryan, 2012).
Basically, the trade policy of EU is geared towards the liberalization of its trade regime, through
both the multilateral and preferential routes. At the multilateral level, the EU continues to be a
key player, including in the launch and ongoing implementation of the Doha Development Agenda
(DDA). It accords at least Most Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment to all World Trade Organization

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(WTO) Members. In general, the EU meets its WTO notification obligations, thereby contributing
to the transparency of its trade regime.
So, access of exporters to import at their world prices serves as the first condition of effective
policy of export promotion. The policy of protection against import of the market will be badly
coordinated with the encouragement of export. In this case, exporters of the given country are
laid initially down in more adverse competitive conditions in comparison with exporters from
other countries that in conditions of escalating globalization of economy and manufacture has
enormous significance for penetration on the world markets (Grigoryan, 2006).
It should be remarked that trade liberalization in Europe has its history. Of course, the Western
Europe was the pioneer in this field. Trade liberalization between Western and Eastern Europe
started before collapse of socialistic system and one of the first countries were Romania and
Yugoslavia. Particularly, the European Community signed an initial Generalized System of
Preferences with Romania in 1974, and an agreement on manufacturing trade was reached in
1980 (Cristobal-Campoamor, 2008). Nevertheless, the most comprehensive Generalized Systems
of Preferences (GSP) were approved by the EU and individual Central and Eastern European (CEE)
countries at the beginning of the 1990s. The EU granted GSP status first to Hungary and Poland
(1990), then to Bulgaria and former Czechoslovakia (1991), and subsequently to Estonia, Latvia
and Lithuania (1992). In short, "the features found in the trading pattern of CEECs suggest that the
export share towards EU-15 was, in the first half of the 1990s, relatively high partly because
reduction in trade barriers had already taken place." (De Benedictis, De Santis and Vicarelli, 2005).
The significance of EU Market Access Strategy and Market Access Database in the export
promotion process
Basically, by helping overcome information barriers, trade promotion programs may facilitate the
expansion of exports along the extensive margin in terms of both countries and products, and, in
the latter case, especially those of differentiated goods.
Furtheremore, the Global Europe framework of 20063, which is Communication from the
Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social
Committee and the Committee of the Regions, argued that trade policy can make a key

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic
and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Global Europe Competing in the world A
contribution to the EU's Growth and Jobs Strategy COM/2006/0567 of 04.10.2006.

89

contribution to growth and jobs in Europe by ensuring that European companies remain
competitive and that they have genuine access to the export markets they need4.
In fact, the EU Market Access Strategy was launched in 19965 with the aim of enforcing
multilateral and bilateral trade agreements and ensuring that third country markets were open to
EU exports. This strategy aimed to provide exporters with information on market access
conditions and a framework within which to tackle the barriers to trade in goods, services,
intellectual property and investment.
A strong market access policy is a key function of the common commercial policy, and a key area
in which the EU can deliver real economic benefits for its Member States.
Equally important, the Market Access Database (MADB) was created as the main operational tool
of this strategy. It is a free, on-line service for EU exporters, incorporating information on market
access conditions in around 100 countries and an evolving public record of currently around 500
market access barriers reported, primarily by business, to the Commission. The information
sections of the database are well utilised and generally very popular with users.
As a result of the priority the EU has given to multilateral efforts to reduce trade barriers, the
European Commission's focus has to some extent shifted away from specific barrier removal.
There is a strong need to correct this, both because of the growing importance and complexity of
non-tariff barriers and because of the demands of stakeholders. This can be achieved through
improved consultation with business and Member States and a more focused approach to tackling
barriers and optimum deployment of resources. Failure to improve coordination will make it
much more difficult to detect, analyse and assess priority cases, and to achieve systematic success
in eliminating barriers.
In particular, all models predict that trade protection for an industry depends on industry output,
not on demand, and that deviations from free trade are increasing in output. This in turn means
that if we look at two different industries, one exporting and one import-competing, facing equal
demand, the exporting industry will receive more trade policy support than the import-competing
industry. This theoretical result is clearly at odds with reality (Matschke, 2008).

Source: Global Europe, A stronger partnership to deliver market access for European exporters, External
trade, European Commission, http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2006/november/tradoc_130518.2.pdf
5

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social
Committee and the Committee of the Regions: The Global Challenge of International Trade: A Market
Access Strategy for the European Union COM (96) 53 final of 14.02.1996.

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Partnership and connection with private sector

Whether formally recognized or not, government and exporters usually are involved in a "publicprivate partnership," in which the private sector provides the initiative and the public sector
provides the necessary controls and support (Grigoryan, 2011). So, in this case it can be considered
that the EU plays a particular role of big public sector at european level for all EU member
countries.
Particularly, special attention is paid to the views and needs of Small-and Medium-Sized
Enterprises (SMEs) since the promotion of exports by this segment is a key objective of EU trade
policy. In addition, in light of the low user statistics for some of the EU-10 new Member States,
special focus was paid to this group with a view to determining why this phenomenon appears to
have emerged.
Additionally, EU and national trade associations play a key supporting role in the promotion of
exports by EU enterprises and industries generally by providing advice and information of trading
conditions in third countries either directly or indirectly to their members. In many cases, they
also play a crucial co-ordination role by acting as the interface between EU enterprises and the
European Commission.
Moreover, a large number of EU and national trade associations, across a wide range of economic
sectors, provided their views and, in many cases, constructive criticisms and suggestions for
improvements6.

Conclusions
The appropriate combination and optimal coordination between trade policy and export
promotion is the condition for success in export development. Nowdays, in trade policy and export
promotion, on the whole, EU has gradually acquired exclusive rights over member countries.
Meanwhile, smaller countries in EU benefited relatively more from the formation of a European
free trade area than larger countries. Basically, the trade policy of EU is geared towards the
liberalization of its trade regime, through both the multilateral and preferential routes. At the
multilateral level, the EU continues to be a key player.

Source: Global Europe, A stronger partnership to deliver market access for European exporters, External
trade, European Commission, http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2006/november/tradoc_130518.2.pdf

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EU Market Access Strategy and Market Access Database are perhaps the most commonly
assistance techniques in the area of exporrt promotion. These instrumnets preferably
recommended offering Armenia as technical and methodological tool for to trade policymakers.
One of the main arguments for export support is the public good issues (information). A strong
market access policy is a key function of the common commercial policy, and a key area in which
the EU can deliver real economic benefits for its Member States. The Market Access Database is
the main operational tool of this strategy.
Export promotion is closely connected with a dismantling of trade barriers. However, under
globalization processes the characteristic features of barriers to trade has changed. Specifically, the
new types of barriers are more complicated, technically challenging and time consuming to detect,
analyse and remove. The Technical Barriers to Trade (TBR) is an instrument aimed at opening third
country markets by eliminating obstacles to trade for the benefit of EU exporters. TBR is the only
trade policy instrument which gives the right to an individual company to present a complaint to
the European Commission.
Recommendations for future actions in export promotion in Armenia are following: Foster
cooperation between public institutions such as Armenian Development Agency and other
institutions like Ministery of Economics, Ministery of Agriculture, SMEDNC: Set priorities of trade
fairs who are relevant for the Armenian businesses and receive Government support; Develop
funding plan and secure funding for Int Trade Fairs over mid term period; Train public institutions
on individual trade fairs and specific requirements of a host country; Link tourism promotion with
product trade fairs to create synergies and better country branding.

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