Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina, 2012 (vol. 14), issue 1

Articles

Seme Stocks of Lexico-Semantic Fields - A Contrastive Study

Eva Lelakova

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):6-12 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.6-12  

The approach to the contrastive study of lexico-semantic fields and their stocks by the method of a matrix analysis is entirely new in lexical semantics. In our research paper we present the results of a comparative analysis carried out on the seme stocks of lexico-semantic fields of the nouns denoting happiness both in English and Slovak. It was preceded by dictionary analyses for the purpose to find and collect all the specified nouns. Their forms and meanings were consequently quantitatively and qualitatively analysed. The objectives of the present lexicosemantic comparison are: a character of the seme stock, individual and common meanings of English...

The Role of -Ing in Contemporary Slavic Languages

Marta Lackova

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):13-16 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.13-16  

The article deals with words of English origin (with the terminal suffix -ing) which have penetrated into contemporary Slavic languages. The general introduction into the characteristics of -ing lexemes in the English language as well as principles of lexical unit adaptation are provided. The main emphasis is put on orthographic, morphological, word-formation and semantic adaptation of the lexical units in the Slovak, Russian and Czech languages.

Terminological Analysis of Public Administration. Key Research Outcomes

Ingrid Cibikova

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):17-22 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.17-22  

The research carried out by the author has been focused on the terminological analysis of Slovak and English terms used in the subject field of public administration especially in translation. The author based her research on the theoretical knowledge gained in the field of terminology, as the field researched and part of translatology, interdisciplinary science and textual linguistics. The author presented current trends in Francophone terminological thinking and practice: socioterminological, textual and translation terminology. A large number of public administration terms are analyzed thoroughly, compared to concepts, definitions and contextual...

The Development of Speaking Skills in English Language Lessons

Danica Gondova

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):23-28 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.23-28  

The paper deals with the importance of teaching speaking skills in foreign language lessons and it compares theoretical backgrounds and objectives of language teaching with the reality observed at some primary and lower-secondary schools and gymnasia in the Zilina Region. It also presents the results of the research which prove that in the observed lessons, speaking skills were not developed sufficiently.

A Probe into the Extraversion and L2 Pronunciation Relationship

Zdena Kralova

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):29-36 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.29-36  

The study assessed the relation between the overall degree of the perceived foreign accent in non-natives' English speech and some personal variables which include global factors (extraversion, anxiety, tough-mindedness, independence, self-control) and contributing primary factors, extraversion being the focus of our attention. Five native speakers of English were asked to auditorily evaluate the samples of free English speech produced by each of 75 non-native speakers using the equal-appearing interval 5-point scale. The 10-point scale was used to rate each of the personality variables for non-native speakers and the interclass correlation coefficients...

Comparison of Slovak and English Word Stress

Lenka Mocova

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):37-39 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.37-39  

The paper defines and describes the basic stress characteristics in general and shows its functioning in Slovak and English language. It also implies that its wrong perception contributes to Slovak-English language interference.

Metaphor as an Element of Persuasion in Political Discourse

Marek Hampl

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):40-43 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.40-43  

This paper deals with the concept of metaphor as manifested in political discourse. The focus of the paper is on how metaphors achieve their persuasive function in political discourse and how politicians make use of metaphors. The paper also provides general theoretical background for the theories of metaphor.Furthermore, attention is paid to the concepts of persuasion and manipulation in political discourse. The actual examples of metaphorical language are represented by metaphors from the Cold War period.

Individualization, Environment and Christianity (Challenges and Visions of New Ethics)

Zuzana Zilova

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):44-48 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.44-48  

The article reacts to new challenges in the phenomenon of individualization that are accompanied with the extreme scientific and technological growth. It focuses on controversial issues of civilization and traditional ethics: anthropocentrism, consumerism, individualism, and scientism. It stands for new ethics that would connect the good of man with the good of the environment.

Public Relations and Journalism

Slavka Pitonakova

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):49-54 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.49-54  

The paper offers the findings of possible interconnection between journalism and public relations. It was created as a reaction to the need to explore the level of influence (and impact) of public relations worker on journalism. This need was accompanied by the attempt to look into the issue both from the aspects of journalist and public relations worker. We focused on the exploration of media environment (in relation to media market) with respect to possibilities of being influenced by marketing, specifically by the area of public relations.

A Statistical Analysis of the Effectiveness of Selected Methods in the Teaching of Mathematics

Lydia Kontrova, Tomas Lengyelfalusy, Dana Lengyelfalusyova

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):55-60 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.55-60  

We present the results of pedagogical experiment, which has verified the effectiveness of three teaching procedures used to teach selected units of secondary school mathematics. The primary experiment was preceded by a pilot survey realized among 200 first-grade students of the University in Zilina. The aim of the survey was a determination of the degree of contingency between two qualitative signs: the level of understanding mathematics and the teaching style in the teaching of mathematics. Regarding the obtained results the statistical methods of the single-factor analysis of variance for balanced model and Duncan's multiple range test were used...

Coefficient of Efficiency in Pedagogical and Scientific Work of a Teacher and a Group of University Teachers

Dusan Mamrilla, Gabriela Kravcakova

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):61-65 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.61-65  

Financial resources are provided for realization of pedagogical performance (PP) and scientific performance (SP) at the university. Efficiency of its usage is subject of research for many researchers. In this paper we show practical quantification model of PP and SP of university teacher and university organizational units (i.e. groups of teachers, university department, groups of departments, faculty, groups of faculties, university). We respect recommended expenditure ratio PP : SP 60 : 40 of provided financial resources.

Pursuit Curves and Ordinary Differential Equations

Zuzana Malacka

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):66-68 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.66-68  

This paper deals with the differential equations which describe curves of pursuit, in which the pursuer's velocity vector always points directly towards the pursued. We use the Laplace Transform method to solve the classic problem of four mice pursuit.

The First Slovak-American Fraternal Organizations and Press

Michaela Bakay Zahorska

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):69-72 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.69-72  

The aim of this work is to point out the characteristic features of the selected Slovak American fraternal organizations and Slovak press in the USA as the symbols of the raise of Slovak patriotism and the preservation of the Slovak cultural heritage .It provides the historical and political background of Slovak American immigration, settlement in the USA as well as the first political and fraternal activities that encouraged the Slovak nation to speak up for their rights and helped to awaken the Slovak interest in national issues, solidarity and a high sense of Slovak identity.

Use of Digital Cultural and Scientific Content in Education - A Research Project under the "Memory of Slovakia" Centre Of Excellence

Martin Katuscak

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):73-75 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.73-75  

The paper deals with a sub-project of the Memory of Slovakia research and development project focused on cultural heritage related to Slovakia and preserved in Slovak memory and heritage institutions, and its preservation and use by numerous types of users, especially in new contexts of digital media based education in primary and secondary schools of the Slovak Republic.

On Digital Reading

Milan Konvit, Martin Martin Konvit

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):76-79 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.76-79  

This paper examines possible relations between traditional reading and digital reading. A hypothesis that "digital reading" is more of a metaphor than reading in the traditional sense is advocated through pointing out the differences in organization of information space, linear/nonlinear text structure and required literacy. Also, new readability formula is proposed.

On Access to University Information Resources

Martin Konvit

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):80-82 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.80-82  

Paradigm of access to information resources has been radically changed due to developments in ICT. While old paradigm said that "University is buildings surrounding the library" under new paradigm databases of digital information sources are the heart of University. Model of building university digital information sources and method of access to them is presented in this contribution with the stress put on legislative aspects.

Study of Acoustic Parameters of Audible and Visual Warning Devices Used by the Police of the Czech Republic

Svetla Fiserova, Martin Hrinko

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):83-88 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.83-88  

In the article, the authors are concerned with acoustic parameters of audible and visual warning devices used by the Police of the Czech Republic. The objective of the article is, in context with the fundamental rules of sound and its propagation in environments and with associated health risks, to describe in accordance with valid legislative requirements the acoustic parameters of audible and visual warning devices used by the Police of the Czech Republic. Results of the acoustic study, their evaluation and recommendations for their field use will be presented.

Ultraviolet Radiation - Level of Knowledge and Health Protection of College Students in Slovakia. An Educational-Questionnaire Study

Viera Jakusova, Klara Capova, Ivan Poliacek, Ivo Cap, Jan Jakus

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):89-95 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.89-95  

It is generally acknowledged that there is a correlation between the incidence of ultraviolet burden diseases and overexposure of the body to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The main goals of our study were to determine the level of knowledge of college students in regard to the effects of UVR, to educate them about it, and finally to urge them to improve their personal protection against the harmful effects of UVR. We performed an educational-questionnaire study of UVR in 2003, 2005, and 2008 years. Responses of 841 students from Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFM), University of Zilina, and St. Elizabeth College of Health and Social Work (SEC)...

Monitoring of Dilation Cracks and Vibrations Caused by Blasting Works at the Quarry of Mokra on Surrounding Construction Objects

Milan Mikolas, Roman Donocik, Jana Bartonova, Michal Vanek, Martin Mikolas

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):96-100 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.96-100  

The quarry of Mokra, whose locality comprises administrative area of three communities, has cooperated with our Institute for a longer time, communicating with the authorities and people, as regards environmental safety and quality of living in the area. Monitoring of the conditions by continual measurements of dilation cracking and blasting works seismic effects has been an indispensable part of the collaboration.The measurement equipment was developed especially for the needs and condition of the quarry of Mokra, but can be used universally. This paper reports on technicalities of its development and experience of using it in practice.

Design Calculation Model of Three-Layer Composite Reinforce Concrete Structures

Jan Bujnak, Elena A. Korol, Vasily E. Latushkin

Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2012, 14(1):101-105 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2012.1.101-105  

The three-layer structures with a thermal insulation layer of small strength concrete keep the intermediate place between the standard reinforce concrete structures and composite constructions. The calculation model in which the cross-section of three-layer structure is substituted by I-beam homogeneous section of imaginary higher strength concrete is selected. The executed analysis have verified the possibility to use the I-beam transformed section model even for the calculation of three-layer composite reinforce concrete structural elements.