bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near-Death Experiences and the Psychology of Death
Authors: Tassell-Matamua Natasha A.
Published: March 2014

Little is known about the psychological phenomenology of death. Reported across known history and in all cultures by those who have died or been close to death, NDEs challenge objective-mechanistic models by suggesting the phenomenology of death may involve a variety of complex psychological processes. This article discusses three notable characteristics of the NDE—loss of the fear of death, psychological sequelae, and complex conscious abilities—supporting this claim. The implications these have for advancing societal understandings of death are discussed, and their pragmatic application for professions where death is frequently encountered, such as palliative care, is addressed.
Tangled Up in Grief: Bob Dylan's Songs of Separation
Authors: Smith Keverne
Published: March 2014

This article argues that much can be learned about the ways in which individuals grieve through a careful analysis of the presentation of loss in creative fiction, especially in terms of unconscious and uncensored responses presented indirectly through figurative language and structural patterns. It takes Bob Dylan's collection of songs about the anguish caused by lost love. Blood on the Tracks, as an example. An examination of the songs included in, and some rejected for, the album reveals developing responses to grief resulting from relationship breakdown, including the search for the absent one and for reconciliation; the intrusion of deep pain into everyday situations; the problem of infidelity and guilt; the attempt to reach a more detached perspective; the consequences of the pain becoming unbearable; and the attempt at a kind of closure. Taken together, the songs reveal how complex and contradictory responses to the agony of loss can be.
Stokavska vokalizacija u "Hilandarskom tipiku"
Authors: Savic Viktor
Published: March 2014

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Managerial Influence in Performance Measurement System Design: A Recipe for Failure?
Authors: Kruis Anne-Marie , Widener Sally K.
Published: March 2014

Extant literature holds that business unit (BU) managers' influence in the design of their performance measurement system (PMS) is beneficial; however, empirical evidence is mixed. Using survey data from 293 BU managers, we study their perception that the PMS fails to support their decision-making. The findings indicate that, on average, managerial influence in PMS design decreases the perception of PMS failure and hence indeed seems to be beneficial. However, importantly, the effect differs depending on the situation. For instance, when there are higher levels of information asymmetry between managers and superiors, lower levels of interdependencies, or lower levels of information asymmetry between employees and managers, managerial influence in PMS design decreases failure. To the contrary, when there are lower levels of information asymmetry between managers and superiors, higher levels of interdependencies, or higher levels of information asymmetry between employees and managers, influence in PMS design increases PMS failure.
Emotional Engagement and School Adjustment in Late Childhood: The Relationship between School Liking and School Belonging in Japan
Authors: Honma Yuko , Uchiyama Ichiro
Published: March 2014

This study examined the relationship between school adjustment and emotional engagement in late childhood. Participants were Grade 5 and 6 Japanese children ( N = 304; 164 boys, 200 girls). The School Liking and Avoidance Questionnaire (SLAQ) was used to measure children's emotional adjustment to school. The School Adjustment Scale, which was used to assess emotional engagement, consists of four factors: “friendships,” “school work,” “teacher–child relationships,” and “school in general.” The last factor was used to measure school belonging.
Effects of high-energy ionizing radiation on organ systems in human medicine
Authors: Visnovcova N , Simera M , Visnovcova N Jr , Jakusova V , Jakus J
Published: March 2014

The aim of our study was to investigate acute post-radiation changes after therapy with ionizing radiation
manifested by erythema or dry, squamous and scurfy skin on a breast. We observed 100 female patients suffering
from an early stage of breast carcinoma. The entering criteria were: age below 70 years, 100% of the
Karnofsky s Score, no tumor bilaterality, tumor in the stage of T1 or T2. The female patients had finished nonradical
surgery consisting from quadrantectomy and deviation of the axilla. Our results showed relationships
between the localization and the level of breast skin change as well as between adjuvant chemotherapy and the
level of breast skin change and, finally, between the size of the average dose of high energy radiation and the
level of breast skin change.
The influence of elongation exercises on the anterior-posterior spine curvatures
Authors: Drzał-Grabiec Justyna , Snela Sławomir , Rykała Justyna , Podgórska Justyna , Truszczyńska Aleksandra
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Elongation exercises are designed to reduce existing pathological or increased physiological curvatures of the spine. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes occurring in the parameters describing the anterior-posterior spinal curvatures during the performance of symmetric elongation exercises.

Material and methods: The study included 150 children aged 7-10 years: 82 girls and 68 boys. It was performed in June 2012, following prior parental and the subjects’ consent. The study design was approved by the Bioethical Committee of the Medical Faculty of Rzeszow University (number 05/07/2012). In each subject, an examination of the body posture was performed twice - first in a relaxed position and second during an elongation exercise. The Wilcoxon pair sequence test was used for statistical analysis.

Results: The lumbosacral angle was significantly higher during the performance of an elongation exercise (p < 0.001), and so was the thoracolumbar angle (p < 0.001). The angle of the upper thoracic spine (p < 0.01) was significantly reduced. In the case of parameters describing thoracic kyphosis, a significant increase was observed both for the thoracic kyphosis angle (p < 0.01) and the depth of this part of the spine. As for the parameters describing lumbar lordosis, both the lordosis angle and its depth were significantly reduced (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001).

Conclusions: 1. Elongation exercises reduce the depth of lumbar lordosis. 2. During elongation exercises thoracic kyphosis becomes deeper
Level of physical activity of physical education students according to criteria of the IPAQ questionnaire and the recommendation of WHO experts
Authors: Pastuszak Anna , Lisowski Krzysztof , Lewandowska Joanna , Buśko Krzysztof
Published: March 2014

Study aim: Systematic physical activity is an effective preventive measure that supports the preservation of physical health and psychological health. Three expressions employed that relate to the work carried out with MET-min/week as a measure of the level of total physical activity are intense activity, moderate activity, and walking. These were applied to students studying Physical Education. In the process, those who failed to meet the requirements for the ‘sufficient’ level according to IPAQ criteria and as recommended by the WHO were identified.

Material and methods: Research was conducted amongst 146 students: 50 from Charles University (CU) and 96 from the University of Physical Education in Warsaw (UPE). The total physical activity of students was determined according to the accepted standards (IPAQ). WHO recommendations concerning physical activity per week were converted into MET-min/week used by IPAQ as follows: physical activity needs to achieve at least 1200 MET-min/week to increase its effect on health.

Results: The study of Physical Education students at CU shows that they were significantly more active than their counterparts at UPE. Total physical activity per week as measured by IPAQ at CU was 9525.2 ± 4275.9 for men and 10964.3 ± 4092.0 MET-min/week for women. At UPE, this was 4034.3 ± 2617.8 for men and 2469.8 ± 1721.2 MET-min/week for women. The difference in total levels of physical activity carried out by these students was found to depend largely upon their involvement in championship sports. Inclusion of WHO recommendations in the assessment of physical activity of students increased the proportion of individuals with low activity levels, particularly in the group of not-training students.

Conclusions: It is recommended either that the WHO criterion “of activity level for health” be added to the IPAQ classification, thus toughening the requirements of the moderate level of activity, or, alternatively, an additional threshold of completing at least 1200 MET-min/week be applied, with the recommendation that this is achieved on a regular basis.
Callus of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) as a source of ginsenosides – medicinal secondary metabolites
Authors: Kochan Ewa , Chmiel Aleksander
Published: March 2014

:Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) are valuable medicinal herbs whose roots have been used for ages in traditional medicine in China and North America as vitalizing and stimulating agents. The roots are obtained mainly from field cultivation, which is a slow (5-7 years long), laborious, and troublesome process; so in vitro methods started to be used to produce ginseng biomass. In our study, non-organogenic callus of P. quinquefolius synthesized the same active substances like field roots, for more than 6 years. The ginsenosides are derivatives of protopanaxadiol (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd) or protopanaxatriol (Rg1, Re). The synthesis of Rg1 and Re metabolites is preferred in calli cultured in the dark and with ageing of culture.
Description of deutonymphs of Kamertonia polonica Gabryś, 2000 (Acari: Actinotrichida: Erythraeidae)
Authors: Roland Elżbieta , Gabryś Grzegorz
Published: March 2014

A detailed description of deutonymphs of Kamertonia polonica Gabryś, 2000 is provided for the first time. Their general appearance is similar to adults and the slight differences are quantitative. The distribution of K. polonica is discussed.
Effect of nanosilver on potato plant growth and protoplast viability
Authors: Ehsanpour Ali Akbar , Nejati Zeynab
Published: March 2014

Potato tissue culture is sensitive to ethylene accumulation in the culture vessel. Ag inhibits ethylene action but no information on nanosilver application in potato tissue culture has been published so far. In our study, potato cv. White Desiree was treated with nanosilver (0, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 ppm) in vitro. Leaf surface was increased, while stem length and root length decreased. Nanosilver caused also a decrease in the number of isolated protoplasts and in the viability of isolated protoplasts when applied either directly or indirectly.
THE INCIDENCE AND TYPE OF CHROMOSOMAL TRANSLOCATIONS FROM PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF 3800 PATIENTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
Authors: Vasilevska M. , Ivanovska E. , Kubelka Sabit K. , Sukarova-Angelovska E. , Dimeska G.
Published: March 2014

Robertsonian and reciprocal chromosomal translocations are the most frequent type of structural chromosomal aberrations in the human population. We report the frequency and type of detected translocations in 10 years of prenatal diagnosis of 3800 prenatal samples. The materials came from amniocentesis and chorionic villus samples (CVS). We detected seven Robertsonian translocations (0.18%), eight autosomal reciprocal translocations (0.21%) and one sex chromosome translocation (0.03%). The overall frequency of all translocations was 0.42%. Balanced state translocations were 0.29% and the frequency of translocations in an unbalanced state was 0.13%. There was one balanced de novo X-autosome translocation [46,X,t(X;10)(p11.23;q22.3)] and one balanced double translocation [46,XX,t(1;21);t(7;16)(1p21; 21q11) (7q31;16q23)] inherited from the mother. Most of the detected translocations were the result of unknown familial translocations, but some of them had been previously detected in one of the parents. In order to detect the recurrence risk for future pregnancies, we proposed genetic counseling in each of the cases and we established whether the parents were heterozygous for the same translocation. Histopatological findings for some unbalanced translocations correlated with phenotypes of detected unbalanced karyotypes
DETERMINATION OF FETAL RHESUS D STATUS BY MATERNAL PLASMA DNA ANALYSIS
Authors: Aykut A. , Onay H. , Gunduz C. , Ozkinay F. , Cogulu O. , Sagol S.
Published: March 2014

In this study, we assessed the feasibility of fetal RhD genotyping by analysis of cell-free fetal DNA(cffDNA) extracted from plasma samples of Rhesus (Rh) D-negative pregnant women by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fetal genotyping was performed on 30 RhD-negative women between 9 and 39 weeks of gestation who were referred to us for invasive testing [amniocentesis/ chorionic villi sampling (CVS)]. The fetal RHD genotype was determined based on real-time PCR method. Exons 7 and 10 of the RHD and SRY genes were targeted. Among the pregnant women, 12 were carrying male and 17 were carrying female fetuses. Out of 29 pregnant women, 21 had RhD-positive and nine had RhD-negative fetuses. One sample )case 12, whose blood group was found to be AB Rh [+] (was excluded due to controversial results from repeated serological analyses. All prenatal results were in concordance with postnatal RhD status and fetal sex without false- positive or -negative results. Performing real-time PCR on cffDNA showed accurate, efficient and reliable results, allowing rapid and high throughput non invasive determination of fetal sex and RhD status in clinical samples.
HAIR DEPIGMENTATION AND DERMATITIS – AN UNEXPECTED PRESENTATION OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Authors: Milankov O. , Savic R. , Tosic J.
Published: March 2014

Hair depigmentation is very rare presentation of cystic fibrosis (CF). We present 3.5-month-old female patient who had dermatitis and depigmentation of hair and eye lashes, malnutrition, edema and anemia as presenting symptoms of CF. After pancreatic enzyme and vitamin supplementation therapy, skin changes gradually disappeared, and her hair regained its normal brown colour
Batch Scheduling In A Two-Stage Flexible Flow Shop Problem
Authors: Gerstl Enrique , Mosheiov Gur , Sarig Assaf
Published: March 2014

We study a special two-stage flexible flowshop, which consists of several parallel identical machines in the first stage and a single machine in the second stage. We assume identical jobs, and the option of batching, with a required setup time prior to the processing of a new batch. We also consider the option to use only a subset of the available machines. The objective is minimum makespan. A unique optimal solution is introduced, containing the optimal number of machines to be used, the sequence of batch sizes, and the batch schedule. The running time of our proposed solution algorithm is independent of the number of jobs, and linear in the number of machines
Revascularization of immature non-vital permanent teeth - literature review and a case study
Authors: Tarpomanov Yordan D. , Kukleva Maria P.
Published: March 2014

Apical periodontitis in permanent children’s teeth with incomplete root development is a challenge for endodontists to treat. It is important that highly efficient therapeutic methods and biologically valuable therapies be developed to prevent the loss of these teeth. The AIM of the study was to review modern literature on revascularization of non-vital permanent teeth with incomplete root development, and to present a clinical case. The literature review herein reflects the modern concept of revascularization of non-vital permanent teeth with incomplete root development. Clinical protocols are presented on cases with and without the formation of a blood clot. The case study reports the treatment of an immature non-vital permanent tooth using the technique of revascularization that utilises formation of a blood clot and use of a two-component antibiotic paste for disinfection. One year after treatment the clinical and radiological data showed absence of subjective complaints, thickening of the root walls, apical closure and no periapical pathology of the revascularized tooth. Literature data and the favorable outcome of our case allow us to further research the revascularization of immature non-vital permanent teeth.
Validation of the Bulgarian version of scales for outcomes in Parkinson’s disease – autonomic (SCOPA-AUT-BG)
Authors: Mantarova Stefka G. , Velcheva Irena V. , Georgieva Spaska O. , Stambolieva Katerina I.
Published: March 2014

The last twenty years have witnessed a surge of interest in the autonomic symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the possibilities to diagnose and treat them. The specialized questionnaire assessing the autonomic symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (SCOPA-AUT) has been validated and available in English, Dutch and Spanish. In this study we aim at evaluating the validity, reliability and applicability of the Bulgarian version of SCOPAAUT (SCOPA-AUT-BG ).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 55 patients with idiopathic PD (mean age 64.4 ± 8.9 yrs), and 40 healthy controls (mean age 58.5 ± 9.4 yrs). Clinical severity and disease stage were assessed by United Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPRDS) and Hoen and Yahr (H&Y). Thirty-two of the PD patients completed SCOPA-AUT-BG again after a 7-day interval. Questionnaire reliability was analyzed by determining the internal consistency, homogeneity, discriminatory and construct validity and test-retest reliability.

RESULTS: Analyses showed good internal consistency of the summary evaluation of SCOPAAUT- BG (coefficient alpha of Cronbach = 0.79), which indicates the high reliability of the questionnaire. The lowest Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.53) was found for the subscale “cardiovascular functions”. A dominant role belongs to the subscales for gastrointestinal and urinary functions (Cronbach’s Alpha > 0.7), where a significantly high correlation of PD with the UPDRS scale was observed. We found high test-retest reliability based on the responses associated with dysfunction of the gastrointestinal, urinary, thermoregulatory and pupillary autonomic systems. The correlation of the results of SCOPA-AUT-BG with UPDRS is higher than that with H&Y, and the construct validity is high except for the cardiovascular and pupillomotor functions subscales.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that SCOPA-AUT-BG is a valid and reliable specialized questionnaire to evaluate autonomic function in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Using it allows for more detailed clinical evaluation of these patients and justifies the need to refer them to specialized examination of autonomic functions.
Protective effect of aronia melanocarpa fruit juice in a model of cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in vitro
Authors: Valcheva-Kuzmanova Stefka V. , Beronova Anna B. , Momekov Georgi Tz.
Published: March 2014

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective potential of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice in a model of cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in the human embryonal kidney cell line HEK293T.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cellular viability was assessed using the MTT-dye reduction assay based on the reduction of the yellow tetrazolium dye MTT to a violet formazan product via the mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase in viable cells. Cisplatin was applied in various concentrations either alone or after a 24-hour pretreatment of the cells with Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice at 0.1 and 0.05 mg/ml. The half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50 values) were derived from the concentration-response curves to cisplatin.

RESULTS: Applied alone, the anticancer drug caused a prominent decrease of cellular viability with IC50 8.3 ± 1.1 μM. The juice proved to significantly ameliorate the in vitro cytotoxicity of the platinum drug, in a concentration-dependent manner. The pretreatment of the cells with Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.001) of IC50 for cisplatin to 25.1 ± 2.7 μM (at 0.05 mg/ml) and 34.4 ± 3.4 μM (at 0.1 mg/ml), respectively.

CONCLUSION: The protective effect of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice observed in this study is most probably due to its well appreciated antioxidant activity as oxidative stress plays a central role in the toxic effects of cisplatin.
Anthropogenic mineral deposits in Wielkopolska lignite mines – current state of research
Authors: Widera Marek , Szczurek Michał
Published: March 2014

Streszczenie

W pracy tej przedstawiono aktualny stan badań, twrorzenia i wykorzystania złóż antropoge- nicznych w dwóch istniejących wielkopolskich kopalniach węgla brunatnego, tj. PAK KWB Konin SA. i PAK KWB Adamów S.A. Oczywiście w złożach antropogenicznych składowano tzw. kopaliny towarzyszące, które wydobyto przy okazji eksploatacji węgla brunatnego będącego kopaliną główną. Badaniom poddano tylko tc złoża antropogeniczne, w których zgromadzono kopaliny w ilości wyrażonej w tysiącach metrów' sześciennych. W kopalni Konin są to następujące złoża antropo- geniczne: Honoratka, Kleczew i Bilczcw. W złożu Honoratka odłożono ncogcńskic iły i piaski, a w złożu Kleczew wyłącznic ncogcńskic iły. Kopaliny z obu wymienionych złóż służą do produkcji ceramiki budowlanej w cegielni „Honoratka-Wicncrbcrgcr”. Z kolei w złożu Bilczcw odłożono czwartorzędowe piaski, które obecnie nic są wykorzystywane. W przypadku kopalni Adamów można mówić o dwóch małych złożach antropogenicznych, tj. Janiszcw' i Władysławów. W złożu Janiszcw znajdują się iły ncogcńskic, któro do 2007 roku wykorzystywała cegielnia w Wiclcninic. Natomiast w' złożu Władysławów odłożono czwartorzędowe piaski i żwiry. W czasie prowadzenia badań terenowych, w'c wrześniu 2012 roku, złoże to było eksploatowane. Łącznic w' złożach antropogenicz- nych w kopalni Konin znajduje się ponad 3,36 min m3 iłów i 0,64 min m3 piasków ncogcńskich, a także 0,7 min m3 piasków czwartorzędowych. Natomiast w kopalni Adamów, w sąsiedztwie odkrywek, zgromadzono ponad 18 tys. m3 iłów' ncogcńskich i mniej niż 12 tys. m3 czwartorzędowych piasków i żwirów. Dlatego ze względu na duże zasoby kopalin tow'arzyszących zaleca się tworzenie złóż antropogenicznych przez kopalnie węgla brunatnego. Niemniej jednak powinien zostać uregu- lowany ich status prawny oraz stworzone odpowiednie zachęty finansowe.
Timing of coalification of the upper carboniferous sediments in the upper silesia coal basin on the basis of by apatite fission track and helium dating
Authors: Botor Dariusz
Published: March 2014

Streszczenie

Przeprowadzono datowania za pomocą metody trakowej i helowej dla apatytów z utworów karbońskich w Górnośląskim Zagłębiu Węglowym w celu określenia ram czasowych procesów uwęglcnia. Pomierzone centralne wieki trakowe apatytów mieszczą się w przedziale od 259±11 (późny perm) do 103±6 milionów lat (wczesna kreda), a średnia długość traków waha się od 11,7±0,2 do 13,7±0,1 (im. Wszystkie wieki trakowe są młodsze od wieku stratygraficznego analizowanych próbek, wskazując znaczne zaawansowanie procesów diagcnctycznych. Próbki z zachodniej i środ- kowej części GZW mają wieki trakowe od późnego permu do środkowego/późnego triasu (259±11 do 214±10 min lat). Jcdnomodalnc rozkłady długości traków i ich średnie wartości wskazują na poje- dyncze, względnie szybkie zdarzenie postwaryscyjskicgo wychładzania do temperatury poniżej 60°C, co jest zgodne zc znaczną erozją postinwersyjną utworów gómokarbońskich po fazie asturyjskicj. W pozostałej części mczozoiku następowało wolniejsze wychładzanie. Próbki zc wschodniej i NE części GZW mają wieki trakowe od późnego triasu do wczesnej kredy (210±10 do 103±6 milionów lat). Charakteryzuje je względnie krótsza średnia długość traków i wyższe odchylenia standardowe, a także w przypadku części próbek bimodalny i/lub mieszany charakter rozkładów długości. Jest to razem wskazówką bardziej złożonej historii termicznej, z długim okresem przebywania w PAZ i możliwym drugim zdarzeniem termicznym. Wieki helowe apatytów w całym basenie są wczcs- nokredowc(144,l±l 1 do 108,1±8 milionów lat), wskazując raczej na wolne postwaryscyjskic wychła- dzanie lub możliwe mczozoicznc podgrzanie karbonu do temperatury nic większej niż 60-70°C, które spowodowało częściową dyfuzję helu i odmłodzenie wieków helowych, ale równocześnie nic spo- wodowało znaczącego zabliźniania traków na większości obszaru GZW. Jedynie w NE części GZW podgrzanie mczozoicznc mogło być nieco wyższe, do temperatury 70-85°C, powodując odmłodzenie wieków trakowych, zwłaszcza przy długim okresie przebywania w PAZ. Mczozoiczny impuls ter- miczny był przypuszczalnie spowodowany cyrkulacją gorących roztworów związaną z procesami ekstensji. Powyższe zakresy temperatur i czas ich występowania świadczą, żc uwęglenie materii organicznej w GZW nastąpiło zasadniczo z końcem okresu karbońskiego.
Clearing the path that has been laid: a conceptualisation of education for sustainable development
Authors: Bentham Hayley
Published: March 2014

Education for sustainable development (ESD) has become so crucial that we have tried to smear it on anything and everything that's teachable. The consequence is that almost everything we do may be said to contain weak attributes of ESD even if we know nothing significant about it. This paper attempts to reveal an understanding of ESD that is informed by an exploration of policy language and agenda and recent literature in the field. The exploration of policy reveals the possible cause for previous inadequate implementation of ESD. An exploration of policy and literature reveals some key competencies that are advocated for through ESD. Insight into how policy has shifted from an ecological to a development focus and substantiation for why this shift is important in addressing current sustainable development issues serves to inform the interpretation of ESD. Finally, the analysis of policy and literature is triangulated to develop a framework that may assist ESD stakeholders in identifying ESD competencies in policy and practice. It is hoped that through this engagement with selected texts a more informed and complex insight into ESD and its features may be developed
Research into learning process in a vocational secondary school in the context of sustainable development
Authors: van Gejeka Natalja
Published: March 2014

The paper provides an insight into the results of a lesson designed and carried out at Riga Construction College in the study subject "Building Constructions". The aim of this study is to better understand the impact of learning environment reorganisation into juvenile groups while teaching technical study subjects. In particular, the research conducted at this vocational secondary school focused upon introducing a particular form of integrative collaboration amongst the learners. Criteria were developed to respond to the question: How is the organisation of the learning process based on the Learners' Integrative Collaboration Model changing? A formative teaching experiment, which analyses learners' integrative collaboration through structured observation at the beginning and end of the acquisition of the study subject "Building Constructions" points at positive changes associated with the model's criteria: working in a team, mutual learning, business communication and creativity action
Education for sustainable development in early childhood education in Finland
Authors: Reunamo Jyrki , Suomela Liisa
Published: March 2014

In the Finnish early childhood education and care (ECEC) curriculum, there is no specific content for education for sustainable development (ESD). Thus, it is not possible to get direct guidelines on how to conduct ESD in ECEC from the curriculum. We seek to look at the preferences of Finnish early childhood educators through the model of extended environmental education. Behind this model is Palmer's tree model and an emphasis on empirical, social and ethical components of ECEC. The research method employed a survey. Altogether 924 teams in Southern Finland evaluated their learning environments. By using a factor and reliability analysis, we extracted three factors relevant to the extended Palmer's model. The teachers primarily emphasised the understanding (learning) aspects of ECEC. The second most important aspect comprised the social aspects of education. The third most important aspect included the ethical and participant aspects of ECEC. Potential implications and indications to the practice of ESD are discussed
Analysis of evapotranspiration in the catchment of the Nurzec River, Poland using MODIS data
Authors: Ślązek Mateusz
Published: March 2014

The objective of this study is to analyse the spatial diversity and temporal variation of evapotranspiration in the catchment of the Nurzec River in the years 2001-2010. The study is based on MODIS images highlighting monthly accumulated values of evapotranspiration, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and land use categories. Monthly evapotranspiration was calculated for the whole catchment as well as in different land use categories. The study focuses on assessing the relationship between the values of NDVI and evapotranspiration. The annual ET according to MODIS varied from 392 mm to 458 mm. Deciduous broadleaf forests have a higher ET than other land use categories. The analysis shows a strong correlation between monthly ET and NDVI.
Key Components of Musical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Aleshinskaya Evgeniya
Published: March 2014

Musical discourse analysis is an interdisciplinary study which is incomplete without consideration of relevant social, linguistic, psychological, visual, gestural, ritual, technical, historical and musicological aspects. In the framework of Critical Discourse Analysis, musical discourse can be interpreted as social practice: it refers to specific means of representing specific aspects of the social (musical) sphere. The article introduces a general view of contemporary musical discourse, and analyses genres from the point of ‘semiosis’, ‘social agents’, ‘social relations’, ‘social context’, and ‘text’. These components of musical discourse analysis, in their various aspects and combinations, should help thoroughly examine the context of contemporary musical art, and determine linguistic features specific to different genres of musical discourse.
The Ringing Site In Jericho (Palestine) – Development Of Bird Migration And Parasitological Research On The Great Rift Valley Flyway
Authors: Awad Simon , Rząd Izabella , Busse Przemysław
Published: March 2014

A new research project near Jericho in the Jordan Valley (Palestine) was launched on 10 September 2013, work continued until October 23rd 2013. Standard ornithological work and bird ringing work was conducted using mist nets situated in an oasis type habitat of Wadi Qelt surrounded by palm plantations. The field methods followed the SEEN (SE European Bird Migration Network) standards that include apart from ringing of captured birds, also several measurements (wing length, tail length, wing formula) and scores (fat load and body mass), as well as the studies on the directional preferences of migrants using round, flat orientation cages. Ornithological research was enhanced by parasitological studies analysing migratory birds (hosts) - helminths relations during migration period of the former. This was a part of complex studies covering the Middle East and north African ringing sites. Altogether 481 individuals of birds representing 59 species were ringed and about 50 were retrapped. The most interesting was relatively high share of Masked and Red-backed shrikes as well as good number of birds of local species as Dead Sea Sparrows and introduced Indian Silverbills.
Unusual potassium-oxalate coordination in the two-dimensional trimetallic [CoCl(NH3)5][KCr(C2O4)3]·0.5H2O complex
Authors: Wrzeszcz Grzegorz , Wojtczak Andrzej , Zawadzka Magdalena
Published: March 2014

A new heterometallic compound, [CoCl(NH3)5][KCr(C2O4)3]·0.5H2O (1), has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and electronic spectra, thermal analysis, variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 consists of two-dimensional [{KCr(C2O4)3}n]2n− layers, [CoCl(NH3)5]2+ ions and water molecules. Within the 2-D layer, three different types of oxalate coordination modes are present. Each K cation is coordinated by eight oxygen atoms from oxalate groups and also weakly interacts with the ninth oxygen atom. The extensive network of hydrogen bond is formed between the [KCr(C2O4)3]2− layer and the [CoCl(NH3)5]2+ ions. These interactions involve all hydrogen atoms of ammonia ligads and water molecule.
Geochemical investigation of alluvial sediments: validation of ICP-OES determination of heavy metals. A case study from the Utrata River Valley (central Poland)
Authors: Biro Miša , Kavšek Darja , Karasiński Jakub , Szwarczewski Piotr , Bulska Ewa , Vončina Darinka
Published: March 2014

The development and validation of a reliable analytical procedure for the determination of selected metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn and Mn) in sediments accumulated in the Utrata River (Poland) is described. The aqua regia extraction followed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used for this purpose. The optimized analytical procedure was validated, and adequate quality control actions were implemented in order to provide reliable data. The precision under’ within-laboratory’ reproducibility conditions was estimated from duplicate analysis. Certified reference material (CRM) was used in order to evaluate the accuracy of the results regarding the sewage sludge amended soil CRM 143R. The detection limits for all elements of interest were well-below their content in the investigated sediment samples. The obtained reliable data could be used for assessment of the relationship between human economic activity in the past and the geochemical features of the sediments.
Polyphenols in Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. fruits and the plant extracts antioxidant capacity evaluation
Authors: Zălaru Christina , Crişan Claudia , Călinescu Ioan , Moldovan Zenovia , Ţârcomnicu Isabela , Litescu Simona , Tatia Rodica , Moldovan Lucia , Boda Daniel , Iovu Mircea
Published: March 2014

The aim of this research was to investigate the chemical composition of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. fruits extract, to highlight the potential of ultrasound assisted extraction in the fast preparation of extracts rich in polyphenols using different solvents (55%, 78% and 96% hydrous ethanol) and to evaluate the antioxidant potential of formulated extracts. LC-MS/MS was used to characterize the ethanolic extract from Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. dried fruits. The extract contains different flavonoids (marein, flavanomarein, quercetagetin-7-O-glucoside, okanin aurone, leptosidin, luteolin, apigenin) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid). Several parameters that could affect extraction efficiency were evaluated. Finally, this study focused on determination of plant extracts total phenolic content and their antioxidant capacity. The experimental results allowed the selection of the optimum operating parameters leading to the highest total polyphenolic content, expressed as gallic acid equivalents, and avoiding the degradation of phenolic compounds (ethanol 55%; extraction temperature 323.15 K, extraction time 30 min, liquid/solid ratio 20/1). A good relationship between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity was obtained.
Multigeometric sequences and Cantorvals
Authors: Bartoszewicz Artur , Filipczak Małgorzata , Szymonik Emilia
Published: March 2014

For a sequence x ∈ l
1\c
00, one can consider the achievement set E(x) of all subsums of series Σn=1∞
x(n). It is known that E(x) has one of the following structures: a finite union of closed intervals, a set homeomorphic to the Cantor set, a set homeomorphic to the set T of subsums of Σn=1∞
x(n) where c(2n − 1) = 3/4n and c(2n) = 2/4n (Cantorval). Based on ideas of Jones and Velleman [Jones R., Achievement sets of sequences, Amer. Math. Monthly, 2011, 118(6), 508–521] and Guthrie and Nymann [Guthrie J.A., Nymann J.E., The topological structure of the set of subsums of an infinite series, Colloq. Math., 1988, 55(2), 323–327] we describe families of sequences which contain, according to our knowledge, all known examples of x with E(x) being Cantorvals.
Four-body treatment of the K-shell positronium formation from multi-electron atoms
Authors: Ghanbari-Adivi Ebrahim , Velayati Azime
Published: March 2014

The four-body Coulomb-Born distorted-wave approximation with correct boundary conditions (CBDW-4B) is applied to the K-shell positronium formation from multi-electron atoms at intermediate and high impact energies. In the present approach, both K-shell electrons are treated as active electrons. For collisions of positrons with helium, carbon, and neon atoms, both the post and prior forms of the transition amplitude are calculated and the corresponding differential and integral cross sections are compared with the results of the three-body version of the formalism (CBDW-3B). In order to investigate the effects of the static electronic correlations on the process, initial bound states of the active electrons in helium atoms are described by Hylleraas and Silverman wave functions. Also for positronium formation from helium atoms the obtained cross sections are compared with the available experimental data and also with the results of the other theories.
Charge-sensitive vibrational modes in the (EDT-TTF-OX)2AsF6 chiral molecular conductors
Authors: Olejniczak Iwona , Frąckowiak Arkadiusz , Matysiak Jacek , Madalan Augustin , Pop Flavia , Avarvari Narcis
Published: March 2014

Infrared and Raman spectra of three chiral molecular conductors (EDT-TTF-OX)2AsF6, comprising of two salts based on enantiopure EDT-TTF-OX donor molecules and one based on their racemic mixture, have been measured as a function of temperature. In the frequency range of the C=C stretching vibrations of EDT-TTF-OX, charge-sensitive modes are identified based on theoretical calculations for neutral and oxidized EDT-TTF-OX using density functional theory (DFT) methods. The positions of C=C stretching modes in both Raman and infrared spectra of the (EDT-TTF-OX)2AsF6 materials are analyzed assuming a linear relationship between the frequency and charge of the molecule. The charge density on the EDTTTF-OX donor molecule is estimated to be +0.5 in all investigated materials and does not change with temperature. Therefore we suggest, that M-I transition observed in (EDT-TTF-OX)2AsF6 chiral molecular conductors at low temperature is not related to the charge ordering mechanism.
Integration Potential of the European Neighbourhood Policy
Authors: Sklenková Veronika
Published: March 2014

The aim of this paper is to examine the actual integration potential of the European Neighbourhood Policy and its related regional initiative - Eastern Partnership for the countries of the Eastern Europe that currently do not have an official perspective of the EU membership. Based on the analysis of official documents we would like to assess the benefits that EU offers to its neighbours under this policy in return for certain reforms and in doing so to analyse the degree of exogenous integration it actually enables to achieve. We assume that for the time being the EU’s European Neighbourhood Policy aims to provide the neighbour countries with an alternative to the accession process since neither the EU nor the neighbour countries are now ready for their potential membership. However, this alternative could have a significant integration potential (even though without a full EU membership as the last step) if all the rules are complied with and the procedures are consistently followed. To support our postulate, we compare the mechanisms and instruments of this policy with those used during the EU enlargement process.
Party System of Slovak Republic and its Stability after 2010 and 2012 Elections in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Stískala Jozef
Published: March 2014

The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the changes in the Slovak party system after the elections to the National Council in 2012. This study is divided into two chapters. The first one deals with theoretical constructions of the classification of the party system with special focus on the party system theory by Giovanni Sartori. After the theoretical introduction, the author is trying to apply this concept on the Slovak party system. The second part of the paper is dedicated to the evaluation of volatility applying the concepts of Sarah Birch, Maurice N. Pedersen, Richard Rose, and Neil Munro on the election results. In the conclusion, the presented calculations are used in comparison with the data from the 2010 elections to verify the hypothesis that the rising volatility constitutes a new milestone in the party system of the Slovak Republic.
The Decline of Centralized Collective Wage Bargaining in Sweden
Authors: Hanuš Karel
Published: March 2014

This article explores development (including its shaping in the 1930s and institutionalisation within the Post-war economic model) and causes of the decline of centralized collective wage bargaining in Sweden. Some effects of the Post-war model in combination with changes in global economic environment and technology of production caused changes in domestic distribution of power and influenced strategies and institutional preferences of crucial actors (especially the association of the export-oriented engineering employers, but also unions). The way of connection of the Swedish and the global economy is therefore of fundamental importance for shaping of domestic socioeconomic institutions like collective bargaining.
Modified Oral Metronidazole Desensitization Protocol
Authors: Gendelman Samantha R. , Pien Lily C. , Gutta Ravi C. , Abouhassan Susan R.
Published: March 2014

The Center for Disease Control guidelines recommend desensitization to metronidazole in patients with trichomoniasis and hypersensitivity to metronidazole. There is only one published oral metronidazole desensitization protocol. The purpose of this study was to design a new, more gradual oral desensitization protocol to decrease systemic reactions that may occur when using the previously published protocol. We present two patients with presumed IgE-mediated allergy to metronidazole who underwent oral desensitization using our modified protocol. Case 1 was a 65-year-old woman with trichomoniasis who presented for metronidazole desensitization with a history of intraoperative anaphylaxis and positive skin tests to metronidazole. The patient tolerated six doses of the modified desensitization but developed systemic symptoms of nasal congestion and diffuse pruritus after the 25- and 100-mg doses. Both reactions were treated with intravenous (i.v.) antihistamines. Because of gastrointestinal irritation, the desensitization was completed at a dose of 250 mg orally every 6 hours. Case 2 was a 42-year-old woman with trichomoniasis and a history of hives immediately after administration of i.v. metronidazole who presented for desensitization. The patient had negative skin-prick and intradermal testing to metronidazole. She developed lip tingling and pruritus on her arms 15 minutes after the 10-mg dose. Fexofenadine at 180 mg was given orally and symptoms resolved. She tolerated the rest of the protocol without reaction and received a total dose of 2 g of metronidazole. Our oral metronidazole desensitization for presumed IgE-mediated reactions offers a second option for physicians wishing to use a more gradual escalation in dose.
Out-of-pile modelling of nuclear fuel elements for MTR type reactors – Part 1
Authors: Farhadi K.
Published: March 2014

In the first part of the present paper, for a 5 MW thermal pool-type research reactor, the fuel element is modelled for when undergoing both natural circulation of the coolant and forced convection of the coolant operational conditions. First, the required dimensionless groups were identified and then the pertinent similarity criteria were derived accordingly. The derived similitude laws were modified under the conditions of identical pressure, identical temperature difference and identical coolant and fuel cladding in the model and the prototype. These modifications were done for the system under both natural and forced convections. The effect of varying cladding materials under normal operating conditions of the research reactor were observed via coolant channel thickness. Also the effect of a wider coolant channel on the nature of the coolant fluid was observed. The results obtained indicate that it is not possible to conserve all the dimensionless groups between the model and the prototype and hence achieve an errorless outcome. Among all the liquids available, methanol is the only liquid which nearly satisfies the thermal-hydraulic similitude and must be used in place of ordinary coolant water. This in turn necessitates the coolant channel to be wider and as a consequence the traditional Aluminium cladding in research reactors should be replaced by Iron. The derived scale down criteria can be used for the design of fuel element for the out-of-pile testing.
Protest and resilience on World Peace Island
Authors: Reckinger Carole
Published: March 2014

Since 2007, a small fishing village on the island of Jeju in South Korea has been fighting the decision to build a naval base next door to a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This article takes a closer look at the civil disobedience movement, based on the author's primary observations and impressions. Furthermore, it analyzes the environmental, geostrategic, and economic arguments put forward by the government and the protesters' subsequent response. In this fight between David and Goliath, the Gangjeong protest, more than having the actual power to stop the construction, is an example of citizens from all walks of life no longer quietly accepting disregard for democratic values.
Applied Thermodynamics: Grain Boundary Segregation
Authors: Lejček Pavel , Zheng Lei , Hofmann Siegfried , Šob Mojmír
Published: March 2014

Chemical composition of interfaces—free surfaces and grain boundaries—is generally described by the Langmuir–McLean segregation isotherm controlled by Gibbs energy of segregation. Various components of the Gibbs energy of segregation, the standard and the excess ones as well as other thermodynamic state functions—enthalpy, entropy and volume—of interfacial segregation are derived and their physical meaning is elucidated. The importance of the thermodynamic state functions of grain boundary segregation, their dependence on volume solid solubility, mutual solute–solute interaction and pressure effect in ferrous alloys is demonstrated.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Education Sciences in 2013
Authors: Education Sciences Editorial Office
Published: March 2014

The editors of Education Sciences would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013: [...]