Entrepreneurship influential factors in development of rural tourism as diversified rural activity in Republic of Macedonia

Rural tourism is relatively new product in the process of diversification of the rural economy in Republic of Macedonia. This study used desk research and life story interviews of rural tourism entrepreneurs as qualitative research method to identify prevalent success influential factors. Further quantitative analysis was applied in order to measure the strength of influence of identified success factors. The primary data for the quantitative research was gathered using telephone questionnaire composed of 37 questions with 5-points Likert scale. The data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) by SmartPLS 3.1.6. Results indicated that human capital, social capital, entrepreneurial personality and external business environment are predominant influential success factors. However, human capital has non-significant direct effect on success (p 0.493) nonetheless the effect was indirect with high level of partial mediation through entrepreneurial personality as mediator (VAF 73%). Personality of the entrepreneur, social capital and business environment have direct positive affect on entrepreneurial success (p 0.001, 0.003 and 0.045 respectably). Personality also mediates the positive effect of social capital on entrepreneurial success (VAF 28%). Opposite to the theory the data showed no interaction between social and human capital on the entrepreneurial success. This research suggests that rural tourism accommodation entrepreneurs could be more successful if there is increased support in development of social capital in form of conservation of cultural heritage and natural attractions. Priority should be finding the form to encourage and support the establishment of formal and informal associations of entrepreneurs in order to improve the conditions for management and marketing of the sector. Special support of family businesses in the early stages of the operation would have a particularly positive impact on the success of rural tourism. Local infrastructure, access to financial instruments, destination marketing and entrepreneurial personality have positive effect on success.

Development of a highly potent bispecific antibody format targeting the novel tumor-specific antigen CLDN18.2

Due to multiple immune evasion mechanisms of cancer cells, novel therapy approaches are required to overcome the limitations of existing immunotherapies. Bispecific antibodies are potent anti-cancer drugs, which redirect effector T cells for specific tumor cell lysis, thus enabling the patient’s immune system to fight cancer cells. The antibody format used in this proof of concept study–bispecific ideal monoclonal antibodies termed BiMAB–is a tailor-made recombinant protein, which consists of two fused scFv antibodies recognizing different antigens. Both are arranged in tandem on a single peptide chain and the individual variable binding domains are separated by special non-immunogenic linkers. The format is comprised of a scFv targeting CLDN18.2–a gastric cancer tumor associated antigen (TAA) –while the second specificity binds the CD3 epsilon (CD3ε) subunit of the T cell receptor (TCR) on T cells. For the first time, we compared in our IMAB362-based BiMAB setting, four different anti-CD3-scFvs, respectively derived from the mAbs TR66, CLB-T3, as well as the humanized and the murine variant of UCHT1. In addition, we investigated the impact of an N- versus a C-terminal location of the IMAB362-derived scFv and the anti-CD3-scFvs. Thus, nine CLDN18.2 specific BiMAB proteins were generated, of which all showed a remarkably high cytotoxicity towards CLDN18.2-positive tumor cells. Because of its promising effectiveness, 1BiMAB emerged as the BiMAB prototype. The selectivity of 1BiMAB for its TAA and CD3ε, with affinities in the nanomolar range, has been confirmed by in vitro assays. Its dual binding depends on the design of an N-terminally positioned IMAB362 scFv and the consecutive C-terminally positioned TR66 scFv. 1BiMAB provoked a concentration and target cell dependent T cell activation, proliferation, and upregulation of the cytolytic protein Granzyme B, as well as the consequent elimination of target cells. Our results demonstrate that 1BiMAB is able to activate T cells independent of elements that are usually involved in the T cell recognition program, like antigen presentation, MHC restriction, and co-stimulatory effector molecules. In the first in vivo studies using a subcutaneous xenogeneic tumor mouse model in immune incompetent NSG mice, we could prove a significant therapeutic effect of 1BiMAB with partial or complete tumor elimination. The initial in vitro RIBOMAB experiments correspondingly showed encouraging results. The electroporation of 1BiMAB IVT-RNA into target or effector cells was feasible, while the functionality of translated 1BiMAB was proven by induced T cell activation and target cell lysis. Accordingly, we could show that the in vitro RIBOMAB approach was applicable for all nine BiMABs, which proves the RIBOMAB concept. Thus, the CLDN18.2-BiMAB strategy offers great potential for the treatment of cancer. In the future, administered either as protein or as IVT-RNA, the BiMAB format will contribute towards finding solutions to raise and sustain tumor-specific cellular responses elicited by engaged and activated endogenous T cells. This will potentially enable us to overcome immune evasion mechanisms of tumor cells, consequently supporting current solid gastric cancer therapies.

Development, characterization, and application of flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow ionization for mass spectrometric analysis of ambient organic aerosols

Addressing current limitations of state-of-the-art instrumentation in aerosol research, the aim of this work was to explore and assess the applicability of a novel soft ionization technique, namely flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA), for the mass spectrometric analysis of airborne particulate organic matter. Among other soft ionization methods, the FAPA ionization technique was developed in the last decade during the advent of ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ADI–MS). Based on a helium glow discharge plasma at atmospheric-pressure, excited helium species and primary reagent ions are generated which exit the discharge region through a capillary electrode, forming the so-called afterglow region where desorption and ionization of the analytes occurs. Commonly, fragmentation of the analytes during ionization is reported to occur only to a minimum extent, predominantly resulting in the formation of quasimolecular ions, i.e. [M+H]+ and [M–H]– in the positive and the negative ion mode, respectively. Thus, identification and detection of signals and their corresponding compounds is facilitated in the acquired mass spectra. The focus of the first part of this study lies on the application, characterization and assessment of FAPA–MS in the offline mode, i.e. desorption and ionization of the analytes from surfaces. Experiments in both positive and negative ion mode revealed ionization patterns for a variety of compound classes comprising alkanes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, organic peroxides, and alkaloids. Besides the always emphasized detection of quasimolecular ions, a broad range of signals for adducts and losses was found. Additionally, the capabilities and limitations of the technique were studied in three proof-of-principle applications. In general, the method showed to be best suited for polar analytes with high volatilities and low molecular weights, ideally containing nitrogen- and/or oxygen functionalities. However, for compounds with low vapor pressures, containing long carbon chains and/or high molecular weights, desorption and ionization is in direct competition with oxidation of the analytes, leading to the formation of adducts and oxidation products which impede a clear signal assignment in the acquired mass spectra. Nonetheless, FAPA–MS showed to be capable of detecting and identifying common limonene oxidation products in secondary OA (SOA) particles on a filter sample and, thus, is considered a suitable method for offline analysis of OA particles. In the second as well as the subsequent parts, FAPA–MS was applied online, i.e. for real time analysis of OA particles suspended in air. Therefore, the acronym AeroFAPA–MS (i.e. Aerosol FAPA–MS) was chosen to refer to this method. After optimization and characterization, the method was used to measure a range of model compounds and to evaluate typical ionization patterns in the positive and the negative ion mode. In addition, results from laboratory studies as well as from a field campaign in Central Europe (F–BEACh 2014) are presented and discussed. During the F–BEACh campaign AeroFAPA–MS was used in combination with complementary MS techniques, giving a comprehensive characterization of the sampled OA particles. For example, several common SOA marker compounds were identified in real time by MSn experiments, indicating that photochemically aged SOA particles were present during the campaign period. Moreover, AeroFAPA–MS was capable of detecting highly oxidized sulfur-containing compounds in the particle phase, presenting the first real-time measurements of this compound class. Further comparisons with data from other aerosol and gas-phase measurements suggest that both particulate sulfate as well as highly oxidized peroxyradicals in the gas phase might play a role during formation of these species. Besides applying AeroFAPA–MS for the analysis of aerosol particles, desorption processes of particles in the afterglow region were investigated in order to gain a more detailed understanding of the method. While during the previous measurements aerosol particles were pre-evaporated prior to AeroFAPA–MS analysis, in this part no external heat source was applied. Particle size distribution measurements before and after the AeroFAPA source revealed that only an interfacial layer of OA particles is desorbed and, thus, chemically characterized. For particles with initial diameters of 112 nm, desorption radii of 2.5–36.6 nm were found at discharge currents of 15–55 mA from these measurements. In addition, the method was applied for the analysis of laboratory-generated core-shell particles in a proof-of-principle study. As expected, predominantly compounds residing in the shell of the particles were desorbed and ionized with increasing probing depths, suggesting that AeroFAPA–MS might represent a promising technique for depth profiling of OA particles in future studies.

Sustainable development in Darjeeling Hills, India : ecological and socio-economic aspects for small-scale farmers with supportive observations from Kanagawa, Japan

Organic farming means a holistic application of agricultural land-use, hence, this study aimed to assess ecological and socio-economic aspects that show benefits of the strategy and achievements of organic farming in comparison to conventional farming in Darjeeling District, State of West Bengal, India and Kanagawa Prefecture/Kanto in Central Japan. The objective of this study has been empirically analysed on aspects of crop diversity, yield, income and sales prices in the two study regions, where 50 households each, i.e. in total 100 households were interviewed at farm-level. Therefore, the small sample size does not necessarily reflect the broad-scale of the use and benefit of organic farming in both regions. The problems faced in mountainous regions in terms of agriculture and livelihoods for small-scale farmers, which are most affected and dependant on their immediate environment, such as low yields, income and illegal felling leading to soil erosion and landslides, are analyzed. Furthermore, factors such as climate, soils, vegetation and relief equally play an important role for these farmers, in terms of land-use. To supplement and improve the income of farmers, local NGOs have introduced organic farming and high value organic cash crops such as ginger, tea, orange and cardamom and small income generating means (floriculture, apiary etc.). For non-certified and certified organic products the volume is given for India, while for Japan only certified organic production figures are given, as there are several definitions for organic in Japan. Hence, prior to the implementation of organic laws and standards, even reduced chemical input was sold as non-certified organic. Furthermore, the distribution and certification system of both countries are explained in detail, including interviews with distribution companies and cooperatives. Supportive observations from Kanagawa Prefecture and the Kanto region are helpful and practical suggestions for organic farmers in Darjeeling District. Most of these are simple and applicable soil management measures, natural insect repelling applications and describe the direct marketing system practiced in Japan. The former two include compost, intercropping, Effective Microorganisms (EM), clover, rice husk charcoal and wood vinegar. More supportive observations have been made at organic and biodynamic tea estates in Darjeeling District, which use citronella, neem, marigold, leguminous and soil binding plants for soil management and natural insect control. Due to the close ties between farmers and consumers in Japan, certification is often neither necessary nor wanted by the producers. They have built a confidence relationship with their customers; thus, such measures are simply not required. Another option is group certification, instead of the expensive individual certification. The former aims at lower costs for farmers who have formed a cooperative or a farmers' group. Consumer awareness for organic goods is another crucial aspect to help improve the situation of organic farmers. Awareness is slightly more advanced in Kanto than in Darjeeling District, as it is improved due to the close (sales) ties between farmers and consumers in Kanto. Interviews conducted with several such cooperatives and companies underline the positive system of TEIKEI. The introduction of organic farming in the study regions has shown positive effects for those involved, even though it still in its beginning stages in Darjeeling District. This study was only partly able to assess the benefits of organic agriculture at its present level for Darjeeling District, while more positively for the organic farmers of Kanto. The organic farming practice needs further improvement, encouragement and monitoring for the Darjeeling District farmers by locals, consumers, NGOs and politicians. The supportive observations from Kanagawa Prefecture and the Kanto region are a small step in this direction, showing how, simple soil improvements and thus, yield and income increases, as well as direct sales options can enhance the livelihood of organic farmers without destroying their environment and natural resources.

The role of indigenous people in national development processes: Participation and marginalisation of indigenous Bedouin in South Sinai tourism development

The Bedouin of South Sinai have been significantly affected by the politics of external powers for a long time. However, never had the interest of external powers in Sinai been so strong as since the Israeli-Egyptian wars in the second half of the 20th century when Bedouin interests started to collide with Egypt’s plans for a development of luxury tourism in South Sinai. rnrnThe tourism boom that has started in the 1980s has brought economic and infrastructure development to the Bedouin and tourism has become the most important source of income for the Bedouin. However, while the absolute increase of tourists to Sinai has trickled down to the Bedouin to some extent, the participation of Bedouin in the overall tourism development is under-proportionate. Moreover, the Bedouin have become increasingly dependent on monetary income and consequently from tourism as the only significant source of income while at the same time they have lost much of their land as well as their self-determination.rnrnIn this context, the Bedouin livelihoods have become very vulnerable due to repeated depressions in the tourism industry as well as marginalization. Major marginalization processes the Bedouin are facing are the loss of land, barriers to market entry, especially increasingly strict rules and regulations in the tourism industry, as well as discrimination by the authorities. Social differentiation and Bedouin preferences are identified as further factors in Bedouin marginalization.rnrnThe strategies Bedouin have developed in response to all these problems are coping strategies, which try to deal with the present problem at the individual level. Basically no strategies have been developed at the collective level that would aim to actively shape the Bedouin’s present and future. Collective action has been hampered by a variety of factors, such as the speed of the developments, the distribution of power or the decay of tribal structures.rnWhile some Bedouin might be able to continue their tourism activities, a large number of informal jobs will not be feasible anymore. The majority of the previously mostly self-employed Bedouin will probably be forced to work as day-laborers who will have lost much of their pride, dignity, sovereignty and freedom. Moreover, with a return to subsistence being impossible for the majority of the Bedouin, it is likely that an increasing number of marginalized Bedouin will turn to illegal income generating activities such as smuggling or drug cultivation. This in turn will lead to further repression and discrimination and could escalate in a serious violent conflict between the Bedouin and the government.rnrnDevelopment plans and projects should address the general lack of civil rights, local participation and protection of minorities in Egypt and promote Bedouin community development and the consideration of Bedouin interests in tourism development.rnrnWether the political upheavals and the resignation of president Mubarak at the beginning of 2011 will have a positive effect on the situation of the Bedouin remains to be seen.rn

Development of an LC-MS/MS method for the quantitation of 55 compounds prescribed in combined cardiovascular therapy

This paper reports an LC-MS/MS method with positive electrospray ionization for the screening of commonly prescribed cardiovascular drugs in human plasma, including compounds with antihypertensive (57), antidiabetic (12), hypolipemiant (5), anticoagulant (2) and platelet anti-aggregation (2) effects. Sample treatment consisted of a simple protein precipitation with MeOH/0.1 M ZnSO₄ (4:1, v/v) solution after the addition of internal standard, followed by evaporation and reconstitution. Analytes separation was performed on a Polar-RP column (150 m x 2 mm, 4 μm) using a gradient elution of 15 min. The MS system was operated in MRM mode, monitoring one quantitation and one confirmation transition for each analyte. The recovery of the protein precipitation step ranged from 50 to 70% for most of the compounds, while some were considerably affected by matrix effects. Since several analytes fulfilled the linearity, accuracy and precision values required by the ICH guidelines, the method proved to be suitable for their quantitative analysis. The limits of quantitation varied from 0.38 to 9.1 μg/L and the limits of detection from 0.12 to 5.34 μg/L. The method showed to be suitable for the detection of plasma samples of patients under cardiovascular treatment with the studied drugs, and for 55 compounds reliable quantitative results could be obtained.

PET of somatostatin receptor-positive tumors using 64Cu- and 68Ga-somatostatin antagonists: the chelate makes the difference

Somatostatin-based radiolabeled peptides have been successfully introduced into the clinic for targeted imaging and radionuclide therapy of somatostatin receptor (sst)-positive tumors, especially of subtype 2 (sst2). The clinically used peptides are exclusively agonists. Recently, we showed that radiolabeled antagonists may be preferable to agonists because they showed better pharmacokinetics, including higher tumor uptake. Factors determining the performance of radioantagonists have only scarcely been studied. Here, we report on the development and evaluation of four (64)Cu or (68)Ga radioantagonists for PET of sst2-positive tumors.

Mobile goes global: The effect of cell phones on economic growth and development

This study investigates the effect of cell phones on economic development and growth by performing an econometric analysis using data from the International Telecommunications Union and the Penn World Table. It discusses the various ways cell phones can make markets more efficient and how the diffusion of information andknowledge plays into development. Several approaches (OLS, Fixed Effects, 2SLS) were used to test over 20 econometric models. Overall, the mobile cellular subscriptions rate was found to have a positive and significant impact on countries’ level of real per capitaGDP and GDP growth rate. Furthermore, the study provides policy implications for the use of technology to promote global growth.

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitation of synthetic cannabinoids of the aminoalkylindole type and methanandamide in serum and its application to forensic samples

After the discovery of synthetic cannabimimetic substances in 'Spice'-like herbal mixtures marketed as 'incense' or 'plant fertilizer' the active compounds have been declared as controlled substances in several European countries. As expected, a monitoring of new herbal mixtures which continue to appear on the market revealed that shortly after control measures have been taken by legal authorities, other compounds were added to existing mixtures and to new products. Several compounds of the aminoalkylindole type have been detected so far in herbal mixtures but still their consumption cannot be detected by commonly used drug-screening procedures, encouraging drug users to substitute cannabis with those products. There is a increasing demand on the part of police authorities, hospitals and psychiatrists for detection and quantification of synthetic cannabinoids in biological samples originating from psychiatric inpatients, emergency units or assessment of fitness to drive. Therefore, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method after liquid-liquid extraction for the quantitation of JWH-015, JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-081, JWH 200, JWH-250, WIN 55,212-2 and methanandamide and the detection of JWH-019 and JWH-020 in human serum has been developed and fully validated according to guidelines for forensic toxicological analyses. The method was successfully applied to 101 serum samples from 80 subjects provided by hospitals, detoxification and therapy centers, forensic psychiatric centers and police authorities. Fifty-seven samples or 56.4% were found positive for at least one aminoalkylindole. JWH-019, JWH-020, JWH-200, WIN 55,212-2 and methanandamide were not detected in any of the analyzed samples.

Development of PCR/dot blot assay for specific detection and differentiation of taeniid cestode eggs in canids

We report the development of a colourimetric PCR/dot blot assay targeting the mitochondrial gene NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) for differential diagnosis of taeniid eggs. Partial sequences of the cestode nad1 gene were aligned and new primers were designed based on conserved regions. Species-specific oligonucleotide probes (S-SONP) for canine taeniid cestodes were then designed manually based on the variable region between the conserved primers. Specifically, S-SONP were designed for the Taenia crassiceps, T. hydatigena, T. multiceps, T. ovis, T. taeniaeformis, Echinococcus granulosus (genotype 1), E. multilocularis and E. vogeli. Each probe showed high specificity as no cross-hybridisation with any amplified nad1 fragment was observed. We evaluated the assay using 49 taeniid egg-positive samples collected from dogs in Zambia. DNA from 5 to 10 eggs was extracted in each sample. Using the PCR/dot blot assay, the probes successfully detected PCR products from T. hydatigena in 42 samples, T. multiceps in 3 samples, and both species (mixed infection) in the remaining 4 samples. The results indicate that the PCR/dot blot assay is a reliable alternative for differential diagnosis of taeniid eggs in faecal samples.

Development and validation of a real-time quantitative PCR assay for rapid identification of Bacillus anthracis in environmental samples

A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for rapid identification of Bacillus anthracis in environmental samples. These samples often harbor Bacillus cereus bacteria closely related to B. anthracis, which may hinder its specific identification by resulting in false positive signals. The assay consists of two duplex real-time PCR: the first PCR allows amplification of a sequence specific of the B. cereus group (B. anthracis, B. cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus weihenstephanensis, Bacillus pseudomycoides, and Bacillus mycoides) within the phosphoenolpyruvate/sugar phosphotransferase system I gene and a B. anthracis specific single nucleotide polymorphism within the adenylosuccinate synthetase gene. The second real-time PCR assay targets the lethal factor gene from virulence plasmid pXO1 and the capsule synthesis gene from virulence plasmid pXO2. Specificity of the assay is enhanced by the use of minor groove binding probes and/or locked nucleic acids probes. The assay was validated on 304 bacterial strains including 37 B. anthracis, 67 B. cereus group, 54 strains of non-cereus group Bacillus, and 146 Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains. The assay was performed on various environmental samples spiked with B. anthracis or B. cereus spores. The assay allowed an accurate identification of B. anthracis in environmental samples. This study provides a rapid and reliable method for improving rapid identification of B. anthracis in field operational conditions.

Basic symptoms and the prediction of first-episode psychosis

Recent focus on early detection and intervention in psychosis has renewed interest in subtle psychopathology beyond positive and negative symptoms. Such self-experienced sub-clinical disturbances are described in detail by the basic symptom concept. This review will give an introduction into the concept of basic symptoms and describe the development of the current instruments for their assessment, the Schizophrenia Proneness Instrument, Adult (SPI-A) and Child and Youth version (SPI-CY), as well as of the two at-risk criteria: the at-risk criterion Cognitive-Perceptive Basic Symptoms (COPER) and the high-risk criterion Cognitive Disturbances (COGDIS). Further, an overview of prospective studies using both or either basic symptom criteria and transition rates related to these will be given, and the potential benefit of combining ultra-high risk criteria, particularly attenuated psychotic symptoms, and basic symptom criteria will be discussed. Finally, their prevalence in psychosis patients, i.e. the sensitivity, as well as in general population samples will be described. It is concluded that both COPER and COGDIS are able to identify subjects at a high risk of developing psychosis. Further, they appear to be sufficiently frequent prior to onset of the first psychotic episode as well as sufficiently rare in persons of general population to be considered as valuable for an early detection of psychosis.

The Impact of Gender and Pedagogy on the Development of Self-Regulated Learning Strategies in Undergraduate Engineering Classrooms

The purpose of this paper is to examine ways in which pedagogy and gender of instructor impact the development of self-regulated learning strategies as assessed by the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) in male and female undergraduate engineering students. Pedagogy was operationalized as two general formats: lecture plus active learning techniques or problem-base/project-based learning. One hundred seventy-six students from four universities participated in the study. Within-group analyses found significant differences with regard to pedagogy, instructors’ gender, and student gender on the learning strategies and motivation subscales as operationalized by the MSLQ. Male and females students reported significant post-test differences with regard to the gender of instructor and the style of pedagogy. The results of this study showed a pattern where more positive responses for students of both genders were found with the same-gendered instructor. The results also suggested that male students responded more positively to project and problem-based courses with changes evidenced in motivation strategies and resource management. Female students showed decreases in resource management in these two types of courses. Further, female students reported increases in the lecture with active learning courses.

Social Policy Facing the Problems of Youth Employment

Rumiana Stoilova (Bulgaria). Social Policy Facing the Problems of Youth Employment. Ms. Stoilova is a researcher in the Institute of Sociology in Sofia and worked on this project from October 1996 to September 1998. This project involved collecting both statistical and empirical data on the state of youth employment in Bulgaria, which was then compared with similar data from other European countries. One significant aspect was the parallel investigation of employment and unemployment, which took as a premise the continuity of professional experience where unemployment is just a temporary condition caused by external and internal factors. These need to be studied and changed on a systematic basis so as to create a more favourable market situation and to improve individuals' resources for improving their market opportunities. A second important aspect of the project was an analysis of the various entities active on the labour market, including government and private institutions, associations of unemployed persons, of employers or of trade unions, all with their specific legal powers and interests, and of the problems in communication between these. The major trends in youth unemployment during the period studied include a high proportion of the registered unemployed who are not eligible for social assistance, a lengthening of the average period of unemployment, an increase in the percentage of people who are unemployed for the first time and an increasing percentage of these who are not eligible for assistance, particularly among newly registered young people. At the same time the percentage of those for who work has been found is rising and during the last three years an increasing number of the unemployed have started some independent economic activity. Regional differences are also considerable and in the case of the Haskovo region represent a danger of losing the youngest generation, with resulting negative demographic effects. One major weakness of the existing institutional structure is the large scale of the black labour market, with clear negative implications for the young people drawn into it. The role of non-governmental organisations in providing support and information for the unemployed is growing and the government has recently introduced special preferences for organisations offering jobs to unemployed persons. Social policy in the labour market has however been largely restricted to passive measures, mostly because of the risk that poverty poses to people continuously excluded from the labour market. Among the active measures taken, well over half are concerned with providing jobs for the unemployed and there are very limited programmes for providing or improving qualifications. The nature of youth employment in Bulgaria can be seen in the influence of sustained structures (generation) and institutions (family and school). Ms. Stoilova studied the situation of the modern generation through a series of profiles, mostly those of continuously unemployed and self-employed persons, but also distinguishing between students and the unemployed, and between high school and university students. The different categories of young people were studied in separate mini-studies and the survey was carried out in five town in order to gather objective and subjective information on the state of the labour market in the different regions. She conducted interviews with several hundred young people covering questions of family background, career plans, attitudes to the labour situation and government measures to deal with it, and such questions as independence, mobility, attitude to work, etc. The interviews with young people unemployed for a long period of time show the risk involved in starting work and its link with dynamics of economic development. Their approval of structural reforms, of the financial restrictions connected with the introduction of a currency board and the inevitability of unemployment was largely declarative. The findings indicate that the continuously unemployed need practical knowledge and skills to "translate" the macroeconomic realities in concrete alternatives of individual work and initiative. The unemployed experience their exclusion from the labour market not only as a professional problem but also as an existential threat, of poverty, forced mobility and dependence on their parents' generation. The exclusion from the market of goods and services means more than just exercising restraint in their consumption, as it places restrictions on their personal development. Ms. Stoilova suggests that more efficient ways of providing financial aid and mobilisation are needed to counteract the social disintegration and marginalisation of the continuously unemployed. In measuring the speed of reform, university students took both employment opportunities and the implementation of the meritocratic principle in employment into account. When offered a hypothetical choice between a well-paid job and work in one's own profession, 62% would prefer opt for the well-paid job and for working for a company that offered career opportunities rather than employment in a family or own company. While most see the information gained during their studies as useful and interesting, relatively few see their education as competitive on a wider level and many were pessimistic about employment opportunities based on their qualifications. Very similar attitudes were found among high school students, with differences being due rather to family and personal situations. The unemployed, on the other hand, placed greater emphasis on possibilities of gaining or improving qualifications on a job and for the opportunities it would offer for personal contacts. High school students tend to attribute more significance to opportunities for personal accomplishment. A significant difference that five times fewer high school students were willing to work for state-owned companies, and many fewer expected to find permanent employment or to find a job in the area where they lived, Within the family situation, actual support for children seems to be higher than the feelings of confidence expressed in interviews. The attitudes of the families towards past experience seems to be linked with their ability to cope with the difficulties of the present, with those families which show an optimistic and active attitude towards the future having a greater respect for parents experience and tolerance in communication between parents and children.