bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Closed-form solution for thin lens image irradiance under arbitrary solid angle
Authors: Friedlander Robert D. , Yezzi Anthony J.
Published: February 2020

Optical imaging systems are found everywhere in modern society. They are integral to computer vision, where the goal is often to infer geometric and radiometric information about a 3D environment given limited sensing resources. It is helpful to develop relationships between these real-world properties and the actual measurements that are taken, such as 2D images. To this end, we propose a new relationship between object radiance and image irradiance based on power conservation and a thin lens imaging model. The relationship has a closed-form solution for in-focus points and can be solved via numerical integration for points that are not focused. It can be thought of as a generalization of Horn’s commonly accepted irradiance equation. Through both ray tracing simulations and comparison to the intensity values of actual images, we believe our equation provides better accuracy than Horn’s equation. An improvement is most notable for large lenses and near-focused images where the pinhole imaging model implicit in Horn’s derivation breaks down. Outside of this regime, our model validates the use of Horn’s approximation through a more thorough theoretical foundation.
Multi-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser with tunable orbital angular momentum mode output
Authors: Tang Min , Jiang Youchao , Li Haisu , Zhao Qi , Cao Min , Mi Yuean , Wu Liangying , Jian Wei , Ren Wenhua , Ren Guobin
Published: February 2020

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a multi-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) with orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode output. Employing a Mach–Zehnder filter, a Sagnac loop filter, and a mode-selective coupler, the proposed EDFL achieves single-, dual-, triple- and quadruple-wavelength outputs of OAM modes. The tunable range of the output wavelengths is up to 22.64 nm. Besides, the multi-wavelength laser is able to emit OAM modes with its topological charge of

±

1

. The proposed EDFL has the advantages of wide wavelength tunability, good stability, high signal-to-noise ratio (higher than 34 dB), and high mode purity (up to 95%), which may be applied for mode-division-multiplexing optical communication and optical fiber sensing systems.
Ge-on-Si waveguides for sensing in the molecular fingerprint regime
Authors: Griskeviciute Ugne , Millar Ross W. , Gallacher Kevin , Valente Joao , Paul Douglas J.
Published: February 2020

Low loss, single mode, Ge-on-Si rib waveguides are used to demonstrated optical sensing in the molecular fingerprint region of the mid-infrared spectrum. Sensing is carried out using two spin-coated films, with strong absorption in the mid-infrared. These films are used to calibrate the modal overlap with an analyte, and therefore experimentally demonstrate the potential for Ge-on-Si waveguides for mid-infrared sensing applications. The results are compared to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. The advantage of waveguide spectroscopy is demonstrated in terms of the increased optical interaction, and a new multi-path length approach is demonstrated to improve the dynamic range, which is not possible with conventional FTIR or attenuated total reflection (ATR) measurements. These results highlight the potential for Ge-on-Si as an integrated sensing platform for healthcare, pollution monitoring and defence applications.
Low power consumption light emitting device containing TiO2:Er3+ thin film prepared by sol-gel method
Authors: Zhang Yangyi , Chen Jiaming , Hou Guozhi , Li Dongke , Wu Yangqing , Xu Jun , Xu Ling , Chen Kunji
Published: February 2020

Er3+ ions doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films have been prepared by sol-gel method. The photoluminescence both in visible light range (510-580 nm and 640-690 nm) and near infrared light range (1400-1700nm) have been observed. The photoluminescence excitation spectra demonstrate that energy transfer from wide band-gap TiO2 to Er3+ ions causes the infrared light emission. It is also found that the post annealing temperature can influence the luminescence intensity significantly. Based on sol-gel prepared TiO2:Er3+ thin films, we fabricate light emitting device containing ITO/TiO2:Er3+/SiO2/n+-Si/Al structure. Both the visible and near infrared electroluminescence (EL) can be detected under the operation voltage as low as 5.6 V and the working current of 0.66 mA, which shows the lower power consumption compared with the conventional EL devices.
Gas dynamics and vorticity generation in laser-induced breakdown of air
Authors: Dumitrache Ciprian , Yalin Azer P.
Published: February 2020

Research has shown that the ignition characteristics of laser-induced plasmas in fuel-air mixtures are influenced by the gas dynamics effects induced during the gas breakdown stage. Here, we present the numerical modeling of the fluid mechanics induced by breakdown (plasma formation) from a nanosecond near-infrared (NIR) laser pulse in air. The simulations focus on the post-discharge kernel dynamics with the goal of developing a better understanding of how vorticity is generated during the kernel cooling phase. Initial conditions (ICs) of kernel shape, temperature, and pressure (corresponding to the end of the laser pulse) are found from experimental Rayleigh scattering data. It is shown that this method for determining ICs is preferred versus the use of the Taylor-Sedov blast wave theory as it provides a more accurate description of the starting field. Past experimental observations have revealed that the gas dynamics of nanosecond laser sparks typically lead to the formation of an asymmetric torus with a frontal lobe propagating towards the laser source. We show that the development of the asymmetric torus is governed by strong vorticity generated through baroclinic torque arising from the blast wave that forms at the kernel boundary. Initially, the blast takes the shape of the teardrop kernel but then evolves into a spherical front during the first ∼10 µs because the blast wave strength varies along its circumference. This spatial variation leads to a misalignment between the pressure and density gradients and generation of vorticity by baroclinic torque. Ultimately, the observed flow-field is dictated by how the energy was initially deposited around the beam waist during breakdown. As such, one can tailor the aerodynamics induced during the cooling and recombination phase by controlling the energy deposition profile.
Fiber optic interferometric seismometer with phase feedback control
Authors: Chang Tianying , Wang Zhongmin , Yang Yue , Zhang Yaolu , Zheng Zhifeng , Cheng Liyao , Cui Hong-Liang
Published: February 2020

A high-sensitivity ultralow-frequency fiber optic interferometric seismometer using phase feedback control is proposed and demonstrated. The principle of sensitivity improvement using feedback is described, and the characteristics of the seismometer, including the ultralow-frequency vibration sensing with Michelson interferometer with and without feedback control, are analyzed in terms of the amplitude response and phase response. The phase feedback control loop is designed and implemented, and higher sensitivity for very low frequency vibration is achieved. The efficacy of the new approach is demonstrated experimentally, showing that the weak vibration signal originally buried in noise can be observed unambiguously.
Ring resonator enhanced mode-hop-free wavelength tuning of an integrated extended-cavity laser
Authors: van Rees Albert , Fan Youwen , Geskus Dimitri , Klein Edwin J. , Oldenbeuving Ruud M. , van der Slot Peter J. M. , Boller Klaus-J.
Published: February 2020

Extending the cavity length of diode lasers with feedback from Bragg structures and ring resonators is highly effective for obtaining ultra-narrow laser linewidths. However, cavity length extension also decreases the free-spectral range of the cavity. This reduces the wavelength range of continuous laser tuning that can be achieved with a given phase shift of an intracavity phase tuning element. We present a method that increases the range of continuous tuning to that of a short equivalent laser cavity, while maintaining the ultra-narrow linewidth of a long cavity. Using a single-frequency hybrid integrated InP-Si3N4 diode laser with 120 nm coverage around 1540 nm, with a maximum output of 24 mW and lowest intrinsic linewidth of 2.2 kHz, we demonstrate a six-fold increased continuous and mode-hop-free tuning range of 0.22 nm (28 GHz) as compared to the free-spectral range of the laser cavity.
Harmonically decoupled gradient light interference microscopy (HD-GLIM)
Authors: Wang Yi , Kandel Mikhail E. , Fanous Michael J. , Hu Chenfei , Chen HsuanYu , Lu Xiaoxu , Popescu Gabriel
Published: February 2020

Differential phase sensitive methods, such as Nomarski microscopy, play an important role in quantitative phase imaging due to their compatibility with partially coherent illumination and excellent optical sectioning ability. In this Letter, we propose a new system, to the best of our knowledge, to retrieve differential phase information from transparent samples. It is based on a 4f optical system with an amplitude-type spatial light modulator (SLM), which removes the need for traditional differential interference contrast (DIC) optics and specialized phase-only SLMs. We demonstrate the principle of harmonically decoupled gradient light interference microscopy using standard samples, as well as static and dynamic biospecimens.
Reconstruction of an electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model source from far-zone intensity measurements
Authors: Kuebel David , Visser Taco D.
Published: February 2020

An electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model source that produces a random beam may be characterized by eight independent quantities. We show how far-zone measurements of the Stokes parameters, together with the Hanbury Brown–Twiss coefficient, allow one to determine all the source parameters. This method provides, to the best of our knowledge, a new tool to identify distant sources.
Effects of the magnetodipole corrections on the spectra of spheroidal whispering gallery mode resonators interacting with a dielectric nanoparticle
Authors: Deych Lev , Yang Lan
Published: February 2020

Interaction between whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators and nanoparticles is an area of active interest in fundamental understanding of nanoparticle-induced spectral modifications of the WGM resonances in sensing applications. Existing theories of this phenomenon assume that nanoparticles can be described taking into account only the electrodipole contribution to the field of the nanoparticle. In this paper, we explore theoretically the effects of the magnetodipole contribution to the nanoparticle’s field and show that this contribution might become significant even in situations when electrodipole approximation is expected to remain valid.
3D high resolution generative deep-learning network for fluorescence microscopy imaging
Authors: Zhou Hang , Cai Ruiyao , Quan Tingwei , Liu Shijie , Li Shiwei , Huang Qing , Ertürk Ali , Zeng Shaoqun
Published: February 2020

Microscopic fluorescence imaging serves as a basic tool in many research areas including biology, medicine, and chemistry. With the help of optical clearing, large volume imaging of a mouse brain and even a whole body has been enabled. However, constrained by the physical principles of optical imaging, volume imaging has to balance imaging resolution and speed. Here, we develop a new, to the best of our knowledge, 3D deep learning network based on a dual generative adversarial network (dual-GAN) framework for recovering high-resolution (HR) volume images from high speed acquired low-resolution (LR) volume images. The proposed method does not require a precise image registration process and meanwhile guarantees the predicted HR volume image faithful to its corresponding LR volume image. The results demonstrated that our method can recover

20

×

/

1.0
-

N
A

volume images from coarsely registered

5

×

/

0.16
-

N
A

volume images collected by light-sheet microscopy. This method would provide great potential in applications which require high resolution volume imaging.
Efficient terahertz polarization conversion with hybrid coupling of chiral metamaterial
Authors: Wang Jing , Tian Hao , Li Shuai , Li Li , Wang Guanchao , Gao Jiaojiao , Guo Wenpeng , Zhou Zhongxiang
Published: February 2020

We propose an ultrathin terahertz waveplate of bi-layer chiral metamaterial for cross-polarization conversion at asymmetric transmission. The chiral metamaterial is constructed with hybrid coupling plasmonic resonators of a concentric ring and a double-split ring. The terahertz metamaterial can efficiently convert the

y

-polarized wave into the

x

-polarized wave with the cross-polarized transmittance over 97% and the polarization conversion ratio of 99% in simulation. The asymmetric transmission parameter, defined by the difference between two opposite propagating transmittances, can be as high as 0.9. The operation frequency and efficiency are geometrically adjustable with the ring size by exploiting the hybrid coupling effect of electric and magnetic resonances. The presented metamaterial enables the functionality of the nonreciprocal terahertz waveplate with high isolation.
Sensitivity and phase response of FBG based acousto-optic sensors for real-time MRI applications
Authors: Yaras Yusuf Samet , Yildirim Dursun Korel , Kocaturk Ozgur , Degertekin F. Levent
Published: February 2020

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) based sensors have recently been introduced to the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Real-time MRI applications demand highly amplitude and phase sensitive MRI compatible sensors. Thus, a model and detailed analysis of FBG based ultrasound detection are required for designing better performing sensors. A hybrid FBG model incorporating numerical and FEA methods was developed and used for sensitivity and linearity analysis. The transfer matrix method was used for the modeling of optical modulation whereas FEA was used for pressure field calculations within the grating. The model was verified through reflection spectrum and acoustic pressure sensitivity testing of two π-phase shifted FBGs in a side slope read-out configuration. The sensitivity curves with respect to the operation point on the side slope was characterized in terms of amplitude and phase, and nonlinearity of the phase response has been quantified. Lastly, the impact of phase linearity of the FBG based acousto-optic sensor was tested under MRI when the sensor was used as a position marker and an analog phase shifter based solution was demonstrated.
Perceptions and preparedness of veterinarians to combat brucellosis through Brucellosis Control Programme in India
Authors: Shome R. , Nagalingam M. , Priya R. , Sahay S. , Kalleshamurthy T. , Sharma A. , Bambal R. G. , Rahman H. , Shome B. R.
Published: February 2020

Background and Aim: Brucellosis caused by bacteria belongs to the genus Brucella is an important zoonosis and constitutes a serious public health hazard worldwide including India. The present study aimed to estimate the knowledge of veterinarians on brucellosis, its public health threat, diagnosis, and vaccination.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2013-2015 and 453 veterinarians representing 11 states/Union Territories (UT) of India (Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab) were interviewed using self-administered questionnaire.

Results: Out of 453 veterinarians, 71.74% stated handling of the animals on day-to-day basis and 28.25% were engaged in administration activities. The veterinarians ranked foot-and-mouth disease and brucellosis at the first and fourth ranks among the list of ten economic impacted diseases in the country. A significant association was observed between laboratory confirmation with those who handled brucellosis-suspected cases (p=0.000). Similarly, significant association was noted for the availability of vials/slides (p=0.114), vacutainers (p=0.008), icebox (p=0.103), and refrigerator (p=0.106) for those who preferred laboratory diagnosis. Only 20% of the veterinarians recommended vaccination against bovine brucellosis, and 17% obtained laboratory confirmation for the brucellosis-suspected cases.

Conclusion: The study highlighted the need for awareness programs, laboratory facilities, veterinary doctors, and protective measures for the veterinarians for combating brucellosis through the control program in the country.
“Righting Past Wrongs”: Rhetorical Disidentification and Historical Reference in Response to Philadelphia’s Opioid Epidemic
Authors: Ferrell Ashley P.
Published: February 2020

Opioid addiction and overdose are widely recognized as a contemporary “crisis” across the United States. To address rapidly increasing mortality rates related to this substance use epidemic, the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office announced in January 2018 that it would encourage the development of supervised injection sites or “Comprehensive User Engagement Sites” within city limits. Official communications cited select moments from the region’s past to frame these sites as urgent while constituting a supportive, unified public. Through remediating disidentification, a mode of rhetorical contestation and reformulation, local community members used an alternate historical framing to resist dominant ideology and revise the terms of the related public discourse. By further developing the concept of rhetorical disidentification, this essay demonstrates how the deployment of historical analogy in response to proposed public health interventions can enable the public recognition and potential address of systemic racial inequities.
Documenting Death by Policy: Public Grievability, Migrant Lives, and Commonplace Denials
Authors: Demo Anne
Published: February 2020

Documentary mediums have been called upon to refute denials of mass suffering throughout the twentieth century. This essay argues that refutation is a documentary impulse as definitive as the mission to amplify marginalized voices. Moreover, patterns in refuting denials of harm and moral responsibility indicate shifting conditions of public grievability. Comparing over a dozen documentaries about Prevention through Deterrence—a border control strategy nationalized under the Clinton administration—the analysis shows that migrant fatality maps and forensic lab footage not only document death but also refute commonplace denials of migrant human rights.
Teacher emotion questionnaire: A Turkish adaptation, validity, and reliability study
Authors: Yurtseven Nihal
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to carry out the linguistic equivalence, validity and reliability study of the Teacher Emotion Questionnaire (TEQ) developed by Burić, Slišković and Macuka (2018). After ensuring the linguistic equivalence of the Turkish form, responses of 601 teachers were tested by Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to ensure the construct validity of the scale. As a result of EFA, the scale was divided into six factors; item factor loads ranged from .49 to .85, and items in the scale explained 68.00% of the total variance. In order to verify the six-factor structure, data were collected from a study group of 255 teachers and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed. Similar results were obtained from CFA, the model was validated and model fit indexes were found to have excellent or acceptable values. After the construct validity of the scale, the reliability analysis was carried out. Cronbach’s alpha (= .92), Spearman-Brown (= .67) and Guttman Split-Half (= .80) coefficients obtained within the scope of internal consistency reliability demonstrated that the scale had the desired internal consistency.
Synergistic interaction of Glomus mosseae T. and Trichoderma harzianum R. in the induction of systemic resistance of Cucumis sativus L. to Alternaria alternata (Fr.) K.
Authors: Matrood Abdulnabi A. A. , Khrieba Mohammad Imad , Okon Okon Godwin
Published: February 2020

Due to the various negative impacts of chemical fungicides, the reduction of its applications in agricultural production process is widely recommended. Thus, the need and application of bio-agents in disease control has increased tremendously. The current study aimed at investigating the role of both bio-agents Glomus mosseae (mycorrhizal fungi) and Trichoderma harzianum in protection of Cucumis sativus (cucumber plants) against the fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata which is an opportunistic pathogen and the causal agent of cucumber wilt disease. Results obtained from this work revealed the positive influence of using bio-agents treatments in the reduction of pathogenic effects of A. alternata. The results also showed that G. mosseae and T. harzianum combination had a positive synergistic influence in reducing the detrimental effects of A. alternata ny improving the biomass yield (e.g. fresh and dry weight of root); as well as, on disease severity on C. sativus. Bio-agents (G. mosseae and T. harzianum) increased resistance in C. sativus by raising the production of enzymes catalase and peroxidase. Conclusively, this research revealed that using a multifarious combination of bio-agents significantly (P =.05) increased the efficiency of biological control of A. alternata than using each of them exclusively. Thus, it is recommended that to get an effective result in the control of the pathogen A. alternata in crops as highlighted by the results of this work; a combination of two bio-agents should be used.
Epistemic Modality: A Corpus-Based Analysis of Epistemic Markers in EU and Polish Judgments
Authors: Koźbiał Dariusz
Published: February 2020

The aim of this paper is to establish the repertoire and distribution of verbal and adverbial exponents of epistemic modality in English- and Polish-language judgments passed by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) and non-translated judgments passed by the Supreme Court of Poland (SN). The study applies a model for categorizing exponents of epistemicity with regard to their (i) level (high-, medium- and low-level of certainty, necessity or possibility expressed by the markers; primary dimension), (ii) perspective (own vs. reported perspective), (iii) opinion (based either on facts or beliefs) and (iv) time (the embedding of epistemic markers in sentences relating to the past, present or future) (contextual dimensions). It examines the degree of intra-generic convergence of translated EU judgments and non-translated national judgments in terms of the employment of epistemic markers, as well as the degree of authoritativeness of judicial argumentation, and determines whether the frequent use of epistemic markers constitutes a generic feature of judgments. The research material consists of a parallel corpus of English- and Polish-language versions of 200 EU judgments and a corpus of 200 non-translated domestic judgments. The results point to the high salience and differing patterns of use of epistemic markers in both EU and national judgments. The frequent use of high-level epistemic markers boosts the authoritativeness of judicial reasoning.
Integrated programming in national development
Authors: Kokocińska Katarzyna
Published: February 2020

This paper focuses on the premises underlying the legal concept of the integrated development planning model. The author draws attention to external exigencies (resulting from EU policies and the provisions of EU legislation), as well as internal (national) circumstances which need to be taken into account when devising an integrated model for planning. It is underscored that an integrated approach means concentrating action geared towards the accomplishment of strategic development goals that constitute major objectives both for all entities of public authority in the country, that is, governmental and self-governmental tiers, as well as for social and economic partners. Also, the author highlights that an appropriately constructed mechanism of the integrated approach in national development programming should rely on integrating state efforts in the domain of strategic programming for development policy with horizontal and sectoral planning. The paper thus outlines the components of the legal mechanism of development-related programming that are intended to serve the formulation of the integrated approach as model solutions. The suggestions and conclusions advanced in the paper may contribute to an integrated paradigm of development programming that, when implemented, will make it possible to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the actions undertaken by public administration.
Znaczenie historii w studiach regionalnych: rola przeszłości w polskiej socjologii regionu po roku 1989
Authors: Agnieszka Kolasa-Nowak
Published: February 2020

W polskiej socjologii regionu odwołania do przeszłości zajmują ważne miejsce. Celem artykułu jest analiza sposobów użycia przeszłości oraz próba odpowiedzi na następujące pytania: w jakim celu sięga się do przeszłości i jakie pełni ona funkcje? Czy jest ona przedmiotem badania? Jakie wydarzenia i zjawiska z przeszłości są obecne w analizach regionalnych? Czy istnieje krytyczny namysł nad sposobami używania przeszłości? Wyróżniono dwa obszary badań włączających przeszłość. Pierwszy wyznaczają analizy związane z ekonomicznym wymiarem rozwoju regionalnego. Kwestie dotyczą historycznego zacofania, peryferyjności i wynikających z niego problemów rozwojowych regionów. Drugi obszar stanowią badania tożsamości regionalnych. W analizach procesów ich kształtowania rozwija się obszerne i szczegółowe odniesienia historyczne. Przeszłość jest też składnikiem polityk lokalnych i regionalnych dyskursów. Socjologowie tworzą krytyczną refleksję nad wykorzystaniem przeszłości w rywalizacji wizerunkowej i kreowaniu nowych tożsamości regionalnych. Przeszłość służy różnym celom: uzasadnia deterministyczne wizje rozwoju oraz trwałość różnic regionalnych, jest zasobem w grach symbolicznych i budulcem tożsamości regionalnych. Ostatnio pojawiają się interesujące analizy, w których staje się ona także przedmiotem badań. Identyfikuje się w nich mechanizmy łączące dawne instytucje i praktyki ze współczesnymi postawami i działaniami ludzi.
Ogólnopolska Konferencja Doktorantów „Dyskursy prawne i prawnicze. Wykładnia prawa w teorii i w praktyce”
Authors: Karolina Gmerek
Published: February 2020

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Zakres podmiotowy prawa do petycji w Niemczech
Authors: Wichrowski Filip Zygmunt
Published: February 2020

The subject of this article is the right to petitions specified in Article 17 of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany. This provision regulates the individual’s right to address requests and complaints to public authorities. This publication contains an analysis of this institution with regard to entities that are entitled to exercise this right, as well as entities obliged to consider submitted petitions. The author begins the analysis of the indicated institution be reviewing the evolution of the historical right to petition, which has evolved from the institution of supplication known in ancient Rome. He indicates changes in the subjective scope of the right to petitions, focusing on the achievements of German constitu- tionalism in the 19th century. Next, the current regulation that guarantees the right to petition in Germany in its normative environment is presented. The public authorities that are the addressees of the petition have been analysed, and the scope of duties associated with receiving a complaint or request indicated. Furthermore the author describes particular types of entities that are guaranteed the right to submit petitions under the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany. In this respect, various kinds of restrictions of this right, depending on the type of the petitioner, are identified. The last part of the work contains the characteristics of various forms of petitions due to the type of author and the addressee. Various functions which currently are fulfilled by the institution of petitions were subjected to analysis. In this context, a distinction was made between individual petitions and collective petitions, tak- ing into account their subject matter and the aims intended by the petitioner. The author also shows the future possibility of a development of the discussed institution, describing the public petition to the Bundestag, which has an electronic form.
Wojna hybrydowa jako przykład umiędzynarodowionego konfliktu wewnętrznego
Authors: Ochmann Paweł , Wojas Jakub
Published: February 2020

The paper deals with internal conflicts, their internationalisation and a hybrid war. In the 1990s many military conflicts could have been regarded as domestic conflicts or internationalised internal conflicts. According to the authors internationalised internal conflicts and a hybrid war have much in common. The purpose of the paper is to compare and confront distinctive characteristics of internationalised internal conflicts with the model of hybrid war. The authors scrutinize definitions of an internal, domestic conflict and a hybrid war, and the possibilities and likelihood of their occurrence. Finally the issue is analysed in terms of international public law. ‘Hybrid war’ is a term not defined in public international law. However it is commonly used not only by media and politicians, but also by academics in a sci- entific discourse. A question arises to what extent it is justified to use a term in the context of different military conflicts, like for instance the one in the East Ukraine that has been going on since 2015. Therefore it is necessary to explain what the term ‘hybrid war’ means. In order to do so, it is necessary to try to define the term. Its distinctive characteristics must be indicated. Then, many military conflicts will be analysed to determine whether they satisfy the requirements for qualifying them as a ‘hybrid war’ or an internationalised internal conflict. The research leads to a conclusion that an internationalised internal conflict gives many opportunities for applying to it methods characteristic of a hybrid war. In the course of an internationalised internal conflict there are many ways in which the aggressor can evade international liability and the authors attempt to answer how to prevent this.
«Русь куда ж несешься ты?»: Мифы в культуре и политике
Authors: Shirinyants Aleksandr
Published: February 2020

В статье предпринята попытка определить роль мифа и мифомышления в обществе, показана связь социально-политического мифа с идеологией, политикой, исторической памятью. Через призму мифа о прогрессе рассмотрена проблема выбора, вставшая перед Россией в XIX в.: национальное развитие или европейский прогресс? Охарактеризованы интерпретации факта экономической, социально-политической и культурной отсталости России представителями различных направлений и течений русской мысли XIX в. Приведены примеры парадоксального единства консерваторов и революционеров в том, что движение «вперед и выше» не всегда прогрессивно, но развитие всегда должно быть «национальным», и России не нужно повторять все формы развития европейских стран – от низшего к высшему. Аргументирован тезис о возможном историческом «оправдании» мифа о прогрессе. Это «оправдание» заключается в том, что попытки объяснить разнообразие и своеобразие национальных вариантов развития («Русь, куда несешься ты?») привели и приводят до сих пор, с одной стороны, к обоснованию особости исторического пути России как самостоятельной русско-православной цивилизации, никого не догоняющей и ничего не повторяющей, с другой – к ясному пониманию «порочного круга» современной цивилизации: «мы бедны, потому что глупы, и мы глупы, потому что бедны».
Andrzej Derdziuk, Na drogach formacji do służby Bogu i człowiekowi, TN KUL, Lublin 2017, ss. 163.
Authors: Zadykowicz Tadeusz
Published: February 2020

Andrzej Derdziuk, Na drogach formacji do służby Bogu i człowiekowi, TN KUL, Lublin 2017, ss. 163.
Poczęcie naturalne, in vitro i „NaPro”
Authors: Gadzinowski Janusz
Published: February 2020

Infertility has been a big problem since the beginning of human existence. Some causes of infertility have always been present, other called ‟civilization causes” appeared recently, causing an increased need for treatment, hence the assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including “in-vitro”, have been introduced. Most children conceived with this method are healthy, but there is no doubt that it is a group of increased risk of various diseases. These methods are not accepted by the Catholic church, mainly because they involve killing or freezing of embryos regarded as human beings, but also for other reasons.
Wstępna recepcja adhortacji Amoris laetitia przez Konferencję Amerykańskich Biskupów Katolickich
Authors: Kłos-Skrzypczak Aleksandra
Published: February 2020

W Stanach Zjednoczonych już od II połowy XX wieku problematyka małżeństwa i rodziny zakreśla coraz szersze aspekty począwszy od uznania prawa do aborcji, eutanazji, a na legalizacji związków jednopłciowych kończąc. Szeroka skala działań podejmowanych przez Episkopat Amerykański, głównie przez Komisję ds. Świeckich, Małżeństw, Rodzin i Młodzieży, zainspirowana została ogłoszoną przez papieża Franciszka 8 kwietnia 2016 roku Adhortacją Apostolską Amoris laetitia. Twarde dane statystyczne, jak również obserwacja życia społecznego w USA, skłoniła biskupów amerykańskich do rozpoczęcia swego rodzaju „akcji promocyjnej” w oparciu o plan strategiczny opracowany na lata 2017-2020. Opracowany na podstawie odpowiedzi respondentów (wiernych) plan realizowany jest nie tylko za pośrednictwem osób duchownych czy konsekrowanych, ale również świeckich z wykorzystaniem wszystkich dostępnych w świecie współczesnym form komunikacji: listy biskupów czytane podczas mszy, media społecznościowe obsługiwane przez Konferencję Episkopatu USA oraz spotkania grupowe i indywidualne organizowane przez poszczególne amerykańskie diecezje.
Prawo stopniowości w posynodalnych adhortacjach o rodzinie Familiaris consortio i Amoris laetitia
Authors: Gryz Krzysztof
Published: February 2020

Życie moralne jest dynamicznym procesem nieustannego rozpoznawania woli Boga i odpowiedzi człowieka na Boże wezwanie skierowane do niego w konkretnych uwarunkowaniach, w których się znajduje. Ten proces jest naznaczony swoistym napięciem między obiektywnym i niezmiennym prawem Bożym, a zmieniającymi się sytuacjami i okolicznościami, które nadają ludzkim wyborom charakter niepowtarzalny. Mając na uwadze ów dynamizm refleksja duszpasterska Kościoła wypracowała kategorię prawa stopniowości, która znalazła zastosowanie w odniesieniu do małżeństwa i życia rodzinnego w adhortacji Jana Pawła II Familiaris consortio, a później w adhortacji Franciszka Amoris laetitia. Celem artykułu jest analiza zarówno samej kategorii prawa stopniowości, jego interpretacji teologicznych, jak też sposobu stosowania go w duszpasterstwie, które proponują dokumenty papieskie.
(Nie)dopuszczalne ograniczanie liczby potomstwa? Refleksja o aborcji w świadomości społecznej Polaków (na podstawie badań opinii publicznej)
Authors: Gębka Mikołaj
Published: February 2020

Streszczenie: Encyklika Humanae vitae wśród niedozwolonych form ograniczania liczby potomstwa wymienia m. in. aborcję. Od 1993 roku w Polsce aborcja jest legalna wyłącznie w 3 sytuacjach: ciąży będącej wynikiem czynu zabronionego, zagrożenia życia i/lub zdrowia matki, dużego prawdopodobieństwa wady/choroby płodu. Badania opinii publicznej (od lat dziewięćdziesiątych do chwili obecnej) pokazują, że o ile Polacy przeciwni są powszechnej dostępności aborcji (traktowania jej jako narzędzia kształtowania liczby potomstwa), o tyle skłonni są akceptować aborcję w sytuacjach dopuszczanych przez prawo (zwłaszcza w przypadku czynu zabronionego i zagrożenia życia/zdrowia matki).
Poszukiwanie prawdy moralnej w życiu i twórczości Johna Henry’ego Newmana
Authors: Olszanowski Piotr
Published: February 2020

Prawda zajmuje w życiu człowieka istotne miejsce, a sam człowiek wezwany jest ku temu, aby odkryć jej pełnie. Pytania dotyczące prawdy i jej natury pojawiały się już w starożytności i nurtowały umysły najwybitniejszych filozofów, a później z całą konsekwencją wędrowały poprzez przestrzenie wieków aż ku nowożytności. Kwestia prawdy obecna jest w żywy sposób także w nauczaniu Kościoła.Obecny zakres debaty dotyczący pojęcia prawdy w jej znaczeniu obiektywnym może być różnie formułowany. W zróżnicowanej oraz wieloaspektowej strukturze człowiek, aby odnaleźć swoją tożsamość i przebić się przez degradację pojęciową, potrzebuje jasnych znaków, które ukażą mu właściwy kierunek postępowania i odczytywania rzeczywistości w jej najgłębszym wymiarze. W tym znaczeniu prawda jawi się jako warunek sine qua non w odniesieniu do ludzi, pragnących prowadzić swoje życie zgodnie z wymaganiami zapisanymi na kartach Ewangelii.Poniższy artykuł podejmuję próbę przybliżenia rzeczywistości prawdy w jej ujęciu moralnym w oparciu o życie i twórczość wybitnego teologa, jakim był John Henry Newman. To postać, którą należy rozpatrywać jako jednego z najwybitniejszych myślicieli XIX wieku, wyjątkowego pisarza oraz wielkiego intelektualisty. Życie tego znamienitego człowiek przepełnione było umiłowaniem prawdy, co wielu badaczy zamyka w kategorii pasji, podkreślając szczególnego rodzaju dyspozycję ukierunkowaną ku prawdzie. Temu, kto sięga po jego dzieła oraz spogląda na jego twórczość daje się poznać jako gorliwy uczeń prawdy, który kochał ją ponad wszystko inne. Fascynująca historia wiary i odwagi angielskiego konwertyty, stała się wyznacznikiem wszelkich podejmowanych przez niego decyzji, a on sam do dziś stanowi inspirację dla wszystkich, którzy pragną kształtować swoje życie w oparciu o fundament, jakim jest Prawda.
Paradigm Shift: New Ideas for a Structural Approach to NCD Prevention Comment on "How Neoliberalism Is Shaping the Supply of Unhealthy Commodities and What This Means for NCD Prevention"
Authors: Schram Ashley , Goldman Sharni
Published: February 2020

It is a well-documented fact that transnational corporations engaged in the production and distribution of health-harmful commodities have been able to steer policy approaches to address the associated burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). While the political influence that corporations wield stems in part from significant financial resources, it has also been enabled and magnified by what has been referred to as global health’s neoliberal deep core, which has subjected health policy to the individualisation of risk and responsibility and the privileging of market-based policy responses. The accompanying perspective article from Lencucha and Thow draws attention to neoliberalism in the NCD space and the way it has historically structured patterns of thinking and doing that foreground economic interests over health considerations. In this commentary, we explore how shifting from a focus on material power to discursive power creates space to see the NCD agenda as a battle of economic ideas as well as dollars, and consequently the importance of public health engagement in the next vision for the economy.
Long Waiting Times for Elective Hospital Care – Breaking the Vicious Circle by Abandoning Prioritisation
Authors: Sæther Solbjørg Makalani Myrtveit , Heggestad Torhild , Heimdal John-Helge , Myrtveit Magne
Published: February 2020

Background: Policies assigning low-priority patients treatment delays for care, in order to make room for patients of higher priority arriving later, are common in secondary healthcare services today. Alternatively, each new patient could be granted the first available appointment. We aimed to investigate whether prioritisation can be part of the reason why waiting times for care are often long, and to describe how departments can improve their waiting situation by changing away from prioritisation. Methods: We used patient flow data from 2015 at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway. In Dynaplan Smia, Dynaplan AS, dynamic simulations were used to compare how waiting time, size and shape of the waiting list, and capacity utilisation developed with and without prioritisation. Simulations were started from the actual waiting list at the beginning of 2015, and from an empty waiting list (simulating a new department with no initial patient backlog). Results: From an empty waiting list and with capacity equal to demand, waiting times were built 7 times longer when prioritising than when not. Prioritisation also led to poor resource utilisation and short-lived effects of extra capacity. Departments where prioritisation is causing long waits can improve their situation by temporarily bringing capacity above demand and introducing "first come, first served" instead of prioritisation. Conclusion: A poor appointment allocation policy can build long waiting times, even when capacity is sufficient to meet demand. By bringing waiting times down and going away from prioritisation, the waiting list size and average waiting times at the studied department could be maintained almost 90% below the current level – without requiring permanent change in the capacity/demand ratio.
Neo-Liberalism, Policy Incoherence and Discourse Coalitions Influencing Non-Communicable Disease Strategy Comment on "How Neoliberalism Is Shaping the Supply of Unhealthy Commodities and What This Means for NCD Prevention"
Authors: Battams Samantha
Published: February 2020

Lencucha and Thow have highlighted the way in which neo-liberalism is enshrined within institutional mechanisms and conditions the policy environment to shape public policy on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). They critique the strong (but important) focus of public health policy research on corporate interests and influence over NCD policy, and point toward neo-liberal policy paradigms shaping the relationship between the state, market and society as an area for critique and further exploration. They also importantly underline the way in which the neo-liberal policy paradigm shapes the supply of unhealthy goods and argue that health advocates have not engaged enough with supply side issues in critiques of policy debates on NCDs. This is an important consideration especially in the Asia-Pacific where trade and agricultural policies have markedly shaped production and what is being produced within countries. In this commentary, I reflect upon how neoliberalism shapes intersectoral action across trade, development and health within and across institutions. I also consider scope for international civil society to engage in advocacy on NCDs, especially where elusive ‘discourse coalitions’ influenced by neoliberalism may exist, rather than coordinated ‘advocacy coalitions.’
Cellulose decomposition rate and features of organic matter in forest soils in the Tatra mountains
Authors: Wasak K.
Published: February 2020

The cellulose decomposition rate measurement and soil micromorphology have been used to determine the influence of parent material and tree species on mechanisms responsible for organic matter form differentiation in woodland soils in the Tatra Mountains in Poland. The study area is located in the lower montane belt of the Tatra Mountains. Investigated soils are developed on dolomites and shale. In the past, beech and beech-fir forests had been the dominant form of vegetation in the study area. Since the 16th century, these areas were deforested until the 19th century, when reforestation efforts were undertaken. Reforestation efforts provided mainly spruce; hence, it is the dominant species in the lower montane belt at the moment, although in some areas, natural or semi-natural beech and beech-fir forests have survived. Four plots were compared – two with soils developed on calcareous material (Rendzic Leptosols), one under beech forest and one under spruce forest, and two developed on shale (Haplic Cambisols), one under beech forest and one under spruce forest. Cellulose filters were placed in organic O-horizons and humus A-horizons in every plot to measure the cellulose decomposition rate. Before being placed in the soil, cellulose filters were boiled in KOH, rinsed in distilled water, dried, weighed, and set on glass plates in a nylon bag (1.5 mm mesh). The bags were placed in the soil vertically at approx. 15 cm intervals. After taken up, the filters were boiled in KOH, rinsed, dried, and weighed. The amount of ash was determined via combustion. The research was carried out during a period of 10 weeks between June and August as well as during a period of 1 year. Measurements were repeated ten times. A weighted average and standard deviation were calculated for every plot. The cellulose filter method is useful because of the homogeneity of the substrate, which helps to exclude differences connected with the chemical composition of the plant material, a factor that affects the decomposition rate. Undisturbed soil samples were taken from humus A-horizons in every soil profile. The thin sections were prepared and features of organic matter were described. It was concluded that the presence of calcarous material negatively affects organic matter decomposition rates which is pronounced in both: higher amount of organic matter residues in humus-A horizons and slower cellulose decomposition rates in Rendzic Leptosols than in Haplic Cabisols. The influence of tree species on organic matter features is observed only in Haplic Cambisols, where the cellulose decomposition rate under spruce is lower than under beech. This suggests that tree species indirectly affect the cellulitic microflora only in acidic soils.