bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape planning for Ukrainian rural communities: challenges, outputs, prospects
Authors: Rudenko Leonid , Maruniak Eugenia , Lisovskiy Sergiy
Published: July 2017

A significant number of economic, social and environmental problems have accumulated in all areas of Ukraine and pose a serious obstacle to sustainable development. Those problems are particularly acute in the rural areas. The local rural communities in Ukraine have the lowest indicators of economic development, significant social problems, including particularly acute demographic and employment problems, and an unfavorable ecological situation caused by poor municipal infrastructure, land degradation, etc. The vast majority of the rural communities in Ukraine have no plans for their own territories’ development. In such circumstances, the introduction of landscape planning tools is an effective means of identifying the existing development problems and environmental management issues, as well as of defining the best ways for the integrated development of the local rural communities. A number of reasons prevents introduction of such planning in Ukraine, including the flaws in the legislation, lack of interest among managers of rural communities and low activity of local people on the issues which determine the future of their settlements. However, there are examples of successful implementation of landscape planning tools in designing of the plans of rural communities’ development. The authors were a part of the team which, for the first time in Ukraine, undertook this research in the Stepanetsky rural council in Cherkassy region. The results of the research have been welcomed by the management, the residence and the members of the village council and they are being practically implemented. The foregoing demonstrates the relevance and feasibility of landscape planning tools implementation in Ukraine directed at addressing and resolving the problems of the rural communities.
Prilog poznavanju regionalne strukture Primorske Hrvatske – regionalizacija ravnokotarskog prostora
Authors: Blaće Ante
Published: July 2017

U radu se razmatra prostor Ravnih kotara (Primorska Hrvatska) s regionalnogeografskog stajališta. Uvodni dio sadrži teoretsku raspravu o regiji i regionalizaciji, njihovim obilježjima i značenju u suvremenim geografskim istraživanjima. U središnjem poglavlju rada izvršena je fizionomska regionalizacija Ravnih kotara koristeći se rezultatima postojećih regionalizacija i primjenjujući dodatne kriterije. Izdvojene su i četiri regionalne jedinice nižeg reda koje čine Ravne kotare, a to su: ravnokotarsko primorje, središnji Ravni kotari, (Ražanačko-karinsko) sjevernokotarsko priobalje i jugoistočno kotarsko priobalje. Sve navedene cjeline poistovjećene su s dijelovima teoretske regije – jezgrom, periferijom i zonom ambivalencije. U raspravi su objašnjene posebnosti takvog načina istraživanja.
The Demographic Situation in Croatia
Authors: Mrđen Snježana , Friganović Mladen
Published: July 2017

In the paper authors discuss demographic features in Croatia since the half of the 19th century till 1996, paying a special attention to the period since early fifties onwards. Beside the population migration, vital statistic, projections and population development program have been analysed. It is possible to compare Croatia with some European countries using tabelar views.
Analiza prostora i stanja okoliša otoka Murtera primjenom modela DPSIR
Authors: Lončar Nina
Published: July 2017

The aim of the author has been to analyze the natural and socio-geographical components of Murter Island in order to get familiar with their characteristics which would be the basis for evaluating the current state of the environment and development possibilities of the Island. An integrated research model DPSIR (driving forces – pressures – states – impacts – responses) designed by the European Environmental Agency (EEA, 1999) was used to analyze the environment. The model consists of driving forces (D), pressures (P), states (S), impacts (I) and responses (R) on the current state of the environment, and enables the analysis and synthesis of causal relationships between human activities and environment, as well as impacts and responses to the environmental changes. Population and tourism have been selected as the main driving forces, but also as the major pressures on the environment. The pressure is reflects in the concentration of the population in the coastal zone, the number of tourists, the amount of waste, pollution of the sea and beaches during the tourist season in overloading the electrical networks et al.
Prostorni identiteti otoka Paga i južnoga podvelebitskog primorja
Authors: Mirošević Lena , Vukosav Branimir
Published: July 2017

The concept of spatial identity is a direct result of spatial perception, spatial conscience and identification with space, or rather an individual experience of a collective affiliation to a certain area or place. It is usually a consequence of a variety of historical-geographical, economic, natural and other factors, features and trends. All these factors create a unique collective experience of space in population that inhabits it. Considering the diversity of natural-geographic features and the turbulence of historical-geographic events, it can be assumed that within the territory of the Republic of Croatia there is a basis of development of a heterogenous network of spatial identities which manifests as an interrelation of their individual levels.The paper studies and analyzes spatial identification of Pag Island population and the one of the Southern parts of the Velebit Littoral. Due to the fact that the researched area is administratively divided by county borders and, through history, was often a bordering area, the goal is to determin the degree of individual levels of itentity (local, regional, national, etc.).
Turisti iz Slovenije u hrvatskom primorju – obilježja i prostorni raspored turističkog prometa i internetske turističke ponude
Authors: Kerma Simon , Koderman Miha , Salmič Staša
Published: July 2017

The Croatian Littoral has been the most important tourist destination for tourists from Slovenia for decades. The coastal areas of Istria, Kvarner, and Dalmatia, including the Adriatic islands, became widely popular among Slovenes in the period of intense tourism development in the once common state of Yugoslavia. Today Croatia is the destination of as many as 60% of all private trips from Slovenia. In the introduction the affinity of Slovene tourists for travel abroad is supplemented with statistical data on their visits to the Republic of Croatia. In the next sections special emphasis is placed on the number of Slovene tourists and overnight stays, their average length of stay and spatial distribution in the Croatian Littoral in 2007. These data are then compared to those from 1999. The central section of the article consists of a detailed analysis of the content of the internet tourism offer of Slovene travel agencies as presented on their websites. The objects of the analysis were the structure of advertised destinations in the Croatian Littoral across counties and the structure of offer by type of tourist services (summer vacation, travelling/trip, cruising).
Fizionomske implikacije vikendaštva u receptivnim naseljima – primjer Malinske na otoku Krku
Authors: Opačić Vuk Tvrtko
Published: July 2017

In the past fifty years the second home phenomenon has become one of the most distinguished geographical features in the Croatian littoral. After Croatia won its independence and after the cessation of war operations, with the start of the period of apartmentalisation, secondary dwelling emerged as the dominant factor in landscape definition in many settlements of the Croatian littoral in the past ten to fifteen years. In the settlements which recorded most significant transformational influence of the second home phenomenon, the local housing fund has experienced the development of a typical second home landscape whose physiognomic characteristics are primarily defined by the presence of building units for vacation and recreation. The main aim of this study is to establish and analyse physiognomic implications of the second home phenomenon in Malinska on the island of Krk. Malinska has been chosen as a typical example of a receiving settlement in the Croatian littoral because it has gone through all characteristic phases of the development of the second home phenomenon – from the prevalence of luxurious villas and resorts through the domination of individual family houses for vacation and recreation (second homes in the strict sense) to numerous multi-apartment buildings which today characterise, more than any other kind of buildings, secondary dwelling. Through the popularisation and growth of secondary dwelling in the period of the Socialist Yugoslavia, and particularly in the "apartmentalisation" phase in the last fifteen years, Malinska has become a true "second home centre" of the island which manifests, more vividly than any other settlement on the island of Krk, direct (physiognomic) and indirect (economic and socio-cultural) impact of secondary recreational dwelling on physical space, and provides an illustrative example of a second home landscape in the Croatian littoral. The methodology is a combination of the analysis of relevant literature about the geographical aspect of the second home phenomenon and field research with direct survey of local population and second home owners in Malinska, mapping, photographing and deduction based on many years of direct acquaintance with the area included in the study.
Prostorno planiranje u Dubrovačko-neretvanskoj županiji
Authors: Marić Jure
Published: July 2017

Dubrovnik-Neretva County (area 9,272.37 sq km, population 122,870 in 2001) is the southernmost county of the Republic of Croatia and it is territorially divided into 22 units of local government and self-government. Characteristics and specifics of regional planning in Dubrovnik-Neretva County which considerably influenced historical and geographical as well as socio-economic development of the aforementioned area were analyzed on the grounds of field researches and analysis of different sources of physical data and available documents concerning regional planning (all levels of planning were studied). Regional planning in this area dates from the 1272 Statute of Dubrovnik, but Regional Plan of the Southern Adriatic (1964-1968) and General Urban Plan of Dubrovnik from 1969 are considered to be the beginning of the modern period of planning.
Društveno-geografska preobrazba zapadnog dijela otoka Korčule
Authors: Mirošević Lena
Published: July 2017

The paper compares the demogeographic and economic features of the two settlements in the western part of Korčula Island. Although the settlements Vela Luka and Blato are only seven kilometers apart, their dissimilar geographic position has been the reason for the differences in their historical-geographic development. A comparative approach is used to analyze the socio-geographic features of Vela Luka and Blato, with an attempt to determine the actual demogeographic and economic conditions, as well as changes in landscapes caused by the process of litoralization.
Industrijske, slobodne i poslovne zone – pojam, značenje i faktori lokacije
Authors: Lončar Jelena
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper is to attempt to determine the factors which influence the choice of locations of industries, i.e. industrial and free zones, by conducting a survey among the directors and managers of several companies. This subject was partially elaborated during the fieldwork with the 3rd year students in 2007, when several companies, free zones and industrial zones were visited, and structured interviews about the locations of certain companies and the contentment of their users were conducted. Each of the locations was influenced by specific factors which determined the course of business for the mentioned subjects of research. Another aim of this paper is to explain the terms such as industrial zone, free zone, commercial zone and economic zone.
Rijeka Sava kao resurs u prostornom planiranju
Authors: Jukić Marijan
Published: July 2017

From the spatial planning aspect the river Sava is the meeting area of numerous spatial, natural and economic determinants. Appropriate and purposeful planning has an inestimable importance due to the fact that it is the only way for the rational utilization of the river basin. It should be emphasized that rational utilization also includes the overall protection of mentioned area. Special attention should be dedicated to the problem of defining spatial plan borders, because of the specific characteristics of the area. Namely,current spatial plans of the river Sava basin are outlined in a way that Sava river is their border instead of their skeleton. That approach, induced by cross-border issues between the neighbouring countries, especially Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, disables the rational utilization, development and protection of the area. The preconditions of purposefully planning process of the Sava river are evaluation and determination of the common utilization of criteria and elements of the area. The latter refers to political circumstances since the river Sava flowsthroughseveral neighbouring countries. Consequently, it is a question of a spatial planning which, in case of the Sava river, has above-national importance because every faulty step jeopardizes balanced and sustainable development of a wide area. Taking into consideration the whole complexity of above mentioned, the main aim of this paper is to give contribution to the understanding of the spatial planning process in the way that planning, by itself, results in the sustainable management and development of the Sava river area.
Razvoj i funkcije kupovnih centara u Zadru
Authors: Jakovčić Martina , Rendulić Ivica
Published: July 2017

The paper deals with the development of retail centres in Zadar. Types of retail centres are classified on the basis of the type of business outlets and functions. Four main types of retail centres are: shopping centres, hypermarkets, specialized hypermarkets and shopping centres – hypermarkets. Typology based on the location of centres is also developed. Functions of retail centres are analyzed based on the results gathered by a survey conducted in two retail centres, namely City Galleria – Trgovinski centar Relja and Mercator centre.
Cartographic depiction of religious buildings and cemeteries on cadastral maps created during the first cadastral survey of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Tuno Nedim , Topoljak Jusuf , Mulahusić Admir , Kozličić Mithad
Published: July 2017

This paper deals with cartographic depictions of religious facilities and cemeteries in Bosnia and Herzegovina on cadastral maps created during the Austro-Hungarian administration. It shows how cartographic depictions of these plans changed over time, based on collections of topographic symbols published in the late 19th and the early 20th century. Relevant cartographic sources depicting religious buildings were identified and collected through analysis of genuine archival documents, i.e. relevant cartographical sources of different scales and types. The research of the materials resulted in a scientific description of the most important aspects of religious facilities belonging to different religious communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Globalizacija kao nositelj suvremenih promjena u svijetu
Authors: Lončar Jelena
Published: July 2017

This paper deals with the development of the globalization process, meaning of the term globalization and influences that globalization has on world economy, politics and human community in general. It makes the point that globalization has negative and positive aspects, but it certainly brings big changes. The developed part of the world uses very well global conditions, in the same time playing the role of the main carrier of the globalization processes. With the development of informatics and communication technology world is becoming much smaller so that connection between two subjects in different parts of the world is made in a few minutes. Creation of economic and politic integrations is also one of the causes and consequences of globalization.
Srednjojadranski prag – važnija istraživanja i metodologija obrade podataka
Authors: Jašič Dražen , Bićanić Zlatimir , Kasum Josip
Published: July 2017

A methodological approach in the analyses of the seawater oceanographic states is determined by the purpose of the paper and general purpose of the research. In the recent decades the scientific work in this area has advanced thanks to computer data processing, particularly owing to modern technical and technological achievements that allow us to obtain important results, which significantly augment application of scientific results. This paper is a review of the research on the Central Adriatic shelf. Until now, papers dealing with geographical and oceanographic features regularly used the terms Palagruža Shelf and Jabuka concavity in the meaning of independent entities in the Adriatic basin which partly define physicogeographic features of water masses. However, such perception should be corrected. The Central Adriatic shelf is situated between the north Adriatic and the south Adriatic basin. Its length is greater than the width. Therefore, it deserves more attention and more cautious scientific approach. In this paper there are also evaluations of some methodologies used in the research and in the measuring of oceanographic parameter values, and also new technical solutions are proposed. The purpose of this paper is to analyse some methods of approach in the presentation of oceanographic states of seawater in the area of the Central Adriatic shelf. The purpose is also to introduce a succession of articles in which this maritime zone should be given its deserving significance from the geographic and oceanological aspects.
Geomorfološke značajke zavale Oštarijskog polja u kršu
Authors: Perica Dražen , Bognar Andrija , Lozić Sanja
Published: July 2017

The Baške Oštarije karst polje is stretching out at the direction E - W at lenght of 3,75 km, while the width is varying from 0,25 to 2,0 km. It divides central from the south part of the Velebit mountain and it is formed at the contact of two orographic wholes. Besides karst and fluvio-karst processes, the derasion and periglacial processes have been most expressed at the relief formation. The water which flows down from edge parts of polje has great importance in relief formation because of its corrosional aggressivity.
Prilog proučavanju gradina i gromila na području općine Lećevica u splitskoj Zagori
Authors: Matas Mate
Published: July 2017

The article deals with the problems of siting of hill-forts, interred tumuli and pools as prehistoric localities in Split Zagora (the Split tramontane region), Croatia. The intention is to deepen the cognitions of time and way this area was inhabited and a desire to arouse the interest of archeologists and other experts in wider fieldwork researching of the mentioned area.
Terceirização na Política de Assistência Social: ouvindo os trabalhadores / Outsourcing in Social Assistance Policy: listening to the workers
Authors: Ribeiro Pereira Maria Erica , Frota Maria Helena de Paula
Published: July 2017

Os trabalhadores da Assistência Social, ao mediar serviços socioassistenciais, são eles próprios sujeitos de direitos. Assim, analisa-se a terceirização na Assistência Social através da experiência de trabalhadores de um CREAS cearense. O percurso investigativo contemplou pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e de campo, observação simples, questionário e entrevista semiestruturada. Constatou-se que a terceirização via organização não governamental se mostra funcional às práticas conservadoras, por fragmentar demandas, descentralizar a responsabilização pela qualidade dos serviços, do trabalho e do trabalhador – realidade contrastante com os ganhos legais nessa política. Este cenário requer proteção aos seus viabilizadores, como um devir e uma condição-chave na conformação da política pública, gratuita, de qualidade, cuja responsabilidade se reporta ao Estado.
Aktivitas Anti-Hiperglikemia Ekstrak Etanol Turbinaria decurrens
Authors: Wikanta Thamrin , Kristi Dian , Rahayu Lestari , Fajarningsih Nurrahmi Dewi
Published: July 2017

Telah dilakukan penelitian tentang pengaruh pemberian ekstrak etanol Turbinaria decurrensterhadap penurunan kadar glukosa darah tikus hiperglikemik. Dibuat 6 kelompok perlakuan hewan percobaan, masing-masing kelompok terdiri dari 5 ekor. Hewan percobaan (kecuali kontrol normal)  dibuat hiperglikemik dengan suntikan aloksan tetrahidrat secara intravena pada dosis 130 mg/kg BB. Kelompok I (kontrol normal) tidak diberi perlakuan; kelompok II (kontrol negatif) diberikan perlakuan air suling; kelompok III diberikan ekstrak T. decurrens dosis rendah 0,85 g/kg BB; kelompok IV diberikan ekstrak T. decurrensdosis sedang 1,70 g/kg BB; kelompok V diberikan ekstrak T. decurrensdosis tinggi 3,40 g/kg BB; kelompok VI kontrol positif diberikan glibenklamid 0,90 mg/kg BB. Ekstrak T. decurrensdan obat glibenklamid diberikan secara oral selama 20 hari. Pada hari ke-0, 5, 10, 15, dan 20 sejak kondisi awal hiperglikemik, s emua hewan perc obaan diambil sampel darahnya, dan diukur kadar glukosa darahnya. Di akhir masa percobaan, semua tikus dibedah dan diambil organ pankreasnya untuk dilakukan pengamatan histopatologi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemberian ekstrak etanol T. decurrens pada dosis 0,85 g/kg BB, dosis 1,70 g/kg BB, dan dosis 3,40 g/ kg BB dapat menurunkan kadar glukosa darah tikus yang mengalami kondisi hiperglikemik. Ekstrak etanol T. decurrens dos is 3,40 g/kg BB mempunyai potens i yang lebih baik dibandingkan glibenklamid dosis 0,90 mg/kg BB sebagai control positif dalam menurunkan kadar glukosa darah tikus. Analisis histopatologi menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak etanol T. decurrens dapat membantu pemulihan kondisi hiperglikemia tikus yang ditandai dengan peningkatan nilai rata-rata diameter pulau Langerhans dan jumlah sel-b pankreas di dalam pulau Langerhans hingga kembali mendekati kondisi normal.
Pengaruh Lama Penyimpanan Biji Picung (Pangium edule Reinw.) Beku terhadap Aktivitasnya dalam Mengawetkan Ikan Nila (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Rachmawati Novalia , Hermana Irma , Heruwati Endang Sri
Published: July 2017

Penelitian dilakukan untuk mengetahui pengaruh lama penyimpanan biji picung beku terhadap kemampuannya dalam mengawetkan ikan. Biji picung cacah disimpan dalam kondisi beku (-18°) selama 4 bulan. Setiap bulan biji picung beku diambil dan diaplikasikan pada ikan nila segar dengan perbandingan 3% (b/b) dengan dan tanpa penambahan garam 2% (b/b). Ikan nila disimpan pada suhu ruang dan dilakukan pengamatan terhadap parameter mikrobiologi (Angka Lempeng Total dan antibakteri), kimiawi (TVB dan kadar air) serta organoleptik. Uji aktivitas antibakteri dari biji picung beku dilakukan terhadap bakteri Eschericia colidan Staphylococcus aureus. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa berdas arkan parameter mikrobiologi, kimia dan organoleptik, biji picung beku yang disimpan hingga 1 bulan mampu mempertahankan kesegaran ikan hingga penyimpanan hari ke-2. Sedangkan dari hasil uji aktivitas antibakteri, biji pic ung beku dapat menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri E. colidan S. aureusdengan kategori aktivitas sangat kuat.
Empty Migrant Rooms
Authors: Pistrick Eckehard , Bachmeier Florian
Published: July 2017

The article explores "empty migrant rooms" in Central Albania and their photographic image as seen through an anthropology of absence. In which way can a dialogic work between ethnographer and photographer reveal the local meanings of such spaces as lieux de mémoire commenting on temporary absences and prospective presences? The authors explore the local terminology, the affective care and the social interaction generated by and around such rooms. It is argued that such spaces are not only fluctuating between the material and the immaterial, but are also characterized by emotional ambiguities. Their local relevance is referred to as "absence signifiers", as material substitutes for physical bodies of flesh and blood, as "memory boxes" of the immaterial. The article also discusses ethical questions which concern the very nature and the preservability of "migrant's traces".
Distinct Tertiary Lymphoid Structure Associations and Their Prognostic Relevance in HER2 Positive and Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Liu Xia , Tsang Julia Y.S. , Hlaing Thazin , Hu Jintao , Ni Yun-Bi , Chan Siu Ki , Cheung Sai Yin , Tse Gary M.
Published: July 2017

Background

The presence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) is associated with favorable prognosis. Recent evidence suggested that not only their density, but also the spatial organization as tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), play a key role in determining patient survival.

Materials and Methods

In a cohort of 248 breast cancers, the clinicopathologic association and prognostic role of TLS was examined.

Results

Tertiary lymphoid structures were associated with higher tumor grade, apocrine phenotype, necrosis, extensive in situ component, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and high TIL. For biomarkers, TLS were associated with hormone receptors negativity, HER2 positivity, and c-kit expression. Tertiary lymphoid structures were significantly related to better disease-free survival (DFS) in HER2 positive (HER2+) breast cancers (log-rank = 4.054), which was not dependent on high TIL status. The combined TLS and TIL status was an independent favorable factor associated with DFS in those cases. Interestingly, tumor cell infiltration into the TLS was found in 41.9% of TLS positive cases. It was associated with LVI in HER2 negative (HER2−) TLS positive (particularly estrogen receptor positive [ER+] HER2−) cases. In the ER+ HER2− cases, tumor cell infiltration into TLS was also associated with increased pathologic nodal stage (pN) stage and nodal involvement.

Conclusion

Tertiary lymphoid structures showed a similar relationship with clinicopathologic features and biomarkers as TIL. The presence of TLS, irrespective of TIL level, could be an important favorable prognostic indicator in HER2+ breast cancer patients. Given the significance of TLS in promoting effective antitumor immunity, further understanding of its organization and induction may provide new opportunities to improve the current immunotherapy strategies.
Evolution of deformation and breakage in sand studied using X-ray tomography
Authors: Karatza Z. , Andò E. , Papanicolopulos S.-A. , Ooi J. Y. , Viggiani G.
Published: July 2017

Particle breakage of a granular material can cause significant changes in its microstructure, which will govern its macroscopic behaviour; this explains why the mechanisms leading to particle breakage have been a common subject within several fields, including geomechanics. In this paper, X-ray computed micro-tomography is used, to obtain three-dimensional images of entire specimens of sand, during high-confinement triaxial compression tests. The acquired images are processed and measurements are made on breakage, local variations of porosity, volumetric strain, maximum shear strain and grading. The evolution and spatial distribution of quantified breakage and the resulting particle size distribution for the whole specimen and for specific areas are presented here for the first time and are further related to the localised shear and volumetric strains. Before peak stress is reached, compaction is the governing mechanism leading to breakage; neither compressive strains nor breakage are significantly localised and the total amount of breakage is rather low. Post peak, in areas where strains localise and breakage is present, a dilative volumetric behaviour is observed locally, as opposed to the overall compaction of the specimen. Some specimens exhibited a compaction around the shear band at the end of the test, but there was no additional breakage at that point. From the grading analysis, it is found that mainly the grains with diameter close to the mean diameter of the specimen are the ones that break, whereas the biggest grains that are present in the specimen remain intact.
Moseneke v The Master 2001 2 SA18 (CC): Racial Discrimination Laws and the Interests of Justice
Authors: Rautenbach Christa
Published: July 2017

In 2002 the faculty of law of the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stifttung embarked on a study on Politics, Socio-Economic Issues and Culture in Constitutional Adjudication. The project is aimed at analysing the influence of the Bill of Rights1 in order to develop practical guidelines for South African courts confronted with issues of a political, socio-economic and cultural nature. 

It is against this background that Moseneke v The Master2 will be analysed.3 In this paper a general introduction of the facts of the case will be given. Thereafter the principles applied by die court in evaluating racial discrimination laws and the interests of justice will be highlighted. The case deals with certain provisions of the Black Administration Act,4 which applies to Africans living under a system of customary law, and emphasis will be on the development of practical guidelines for South African courts confronted with issues of a political, socio-economic and cultural nature. Finally, the relevant changes proposed by the minister as a result of the decision reached in the Moseneke case will briefly be referred to.
Universality of human rights and cultural diversity: A Perspective
Authors: Wessels Leon
Published: July 2017

This speech is an attempt to offer á perspective, given the particular circumstances4 that moulded my thinking. I will sketch the background and confine myself to the unfolding South African scene. The problem, which I will not try and resolve today, is that the different regions in the world and some commentators, also in South Africa, hold firm views. Universal human rights imply inclusiveness because it reflects our “common humanity”.6 This is determined and refined through interpretation and application by humankind at particular moments in time and history. Universality is much more than the determination by a majority at a particular moment because universal human rights “are the rights of all persons in the world”.
Clearing a Path Towards Effective Alien Invasive Control: the Legal Conundrum
Authors: Paterson AR
Published: July 2017

Alien invasive plants pose significant ecological, social and economic challenges for South Africa. These species threaten South Africa’s rich biodiversity, deplete our scarce water resources, reduce the agricultural potential of land, cause soil erosion and intensify flooding and fires. According to recent estimations, over eight percent of land in South Africa has been invaded by these species and at current rates of expansion their impact could double in the next fifteen years.  

 

In an attempt to curb the impending crises, the South African government has promulgated eleven national and various provincial laws which contain mechanisms for regulating the different threats posed by alien invasive plants.  Certain of these laws are framework in nature while the majority are sectoral and aimed at regulating these species for one of the following four main purposes: biodiversity conservation; water conservation; agricultural management; and fire risk management. The responsibility for administering these laws spans four national departments, nine provincial environmental authorities, provincial conservation authorities, numerous local and statutory authorities. This fragmented regime, coupled with the adoption of a command and control approach to regulation, has proven inept in effectively regulating the spread of alien invasive plants in South Africa. This reality led the previous Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mr Valli Moosa, to call for the development of a “coherent legislative framework … streamlined along the lines of the principles endorsed by the Convention on Biological Diversity”.

 

This article critically analyses the government’s attempts to develop such a “coherent legislative framework” to regulate alien invasive plants in light of recent legislative reform. It is divided into two parts. Part one critically considers South Africa’s current laws of relevance to alien invasive plants with specific emphasis on their fragmented approach to planning and implementation. Part two provides suggestions on how the current legislative framework can be rationalised to entrench a more integrated, and hopefully successful, approach to the future regulation of alien invasive plants in South Africa.
Human Rights Commission Et Al: What is the role of South Africa's Chapter 9 Institutions?
Authors: Murray C
Published: July 2017

The six independent institutions established under Chapter 9 of the South African Constitution have been heavily criticised recently. One of the reasons that they are vulnerable to criticism is a lack of understanding of their role, both on the part of members of the institutions and the public. This article argues that they share two distinct roles: To provide a check on government and to contribute to the transformation of South African society. In fulfilling the checking role, they differ from the three branches of government as they have no power to block government action. Their effectiveness lies in their ability to provide an authoritative account of government action and to cooperate with government in the correction of problems. Their position as an intermediary between the public and government ensures that they can contribute to enhancing government accountability in ways that complement the role of the courts and Parliament. The explicit mandates of transformation and mobilization make the transformation role of the HRC, CGE and CRL Commission very clear. But, in different ways, the other three institutions, can also act proactively.  Finally the article argues that, despite mandates that overlap to some extent, the six institutions complement each other.  Their greatest challenges are the newness of democracy in South Africa, the immensity of the demands which the state is expected to meet and the political dominance of the governing party. Each of these factors puts pressure on the chapter 9 institutions and on democracy in South Africa.
Grounds for dispensing with public tender procedures in Government Contracting
Authors: Bolton P
Published: July 2017

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa1 provides that organs of state must comply with five principles when procuring goods or services: procurement procedures must be fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective. In short, this means that organs of state should make use of competition when procuring goods or services. They should shop around and attract the maximum number of contractors who will participate in such competition. The aim should be the attainment of value for money, meaning, public money should be spent in an effective and efficient manner. Those who participate in competitions should also be treated fairly and without bias. In principle, no preferences should be afforded to different contractors; all contracting parties should have equal access to competition; some contractors should not be afforded more time for the preparation and submission of quotes or tenders than others; and the same information should be made available to all contracting parties. Government procurement procedures should further be transparent, meaning public or open. Thus, organs of state should not contract behind closed doors – government contracts should, as a rule, be advertised.

 

Depending on the nature and value of a particular contract, the use of a public call for tenders is generally the best way to ensure compliance with the

principles in the Constitution. By nature, a pubic call for tenders is open, it assists in the prevention of fraud and favouritism, and it ensures that the maximum number of contractors is approached to compete for a contract. Organs of state can also compare prices and quality and can contract with whoever offers the best deal. Most legislation therefore proceeds on the basis that procurement takes place by way of tendering. Generally, contracts above R200 000 are subject to public tender procedures.

 

In certain instances, however, a public call for tenders may be inappropriate regardless of the high value of the contract. For this reason, exceptions are provided for in legislation. Since tendering, however, is generally the best way to ensure compliance with all the principles in the Constitution, it is important for there to be sufficient guidance on the non-use of tender procedures. Proper guidance will, to a large extent, ensure uniformity and transparency in government procurement procedures which will, in turn, assist in the combating of corruption. In this article, attention is given to the legislation that provides for exceptions to the use of tendering at all three levels of government. Recommendations are then made as to how some of the legislative provisions should be interpreted in order to align them with the principles in the Constitution. In doing so, reference is made to a number of international instruments dealing with government procurement and specifically, the non-use of tender procedures.
Structural Properties and Catalytic Behaviour of CrOx/TiO2 Systems
Authors: Wilson P. , Rao P.M. , Viswanath R.P.
Published: July 2017

The present investigation comprises of an attempt to investigate the titania supported chromia catalysts using X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), evolved gas analysis (EGA), FT infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and FT-Raman spectroscopic techniques with catalytic evaluation by dehydrogenation of cyclohexane. Evolved Gas Analysis shows a modified decomposition pattern than that of bulk chromia and presence of surface heterogeneity owing to the modified surface anchored chromia species formed as a result of interaction between chromia and titania. Above 773 K, Cr6+ is not stable over TiO2 surface and the reduction of the Cr6+ to intermediate chemical states take place. XRD investigations illustrate the significance of X-ray source in examining supported chromia catalysts to study the morphological modifications of the active phase when crystalline supports are employed. FT Raman spectra reveals that on calcining the sample at 573 K, for 2 hours, the chromia phase assumes a monomerically anchored molecular state. Longer calcination time (6 hours) at the same temperature, leads to the diffusion of in situ formed Cr3+ ions into the anatase lattice. On calcination at 973 K for 6 hours, amorphous chromia phase is no more stable on TiO2 support resulting inagglomeration leading to the germination of microcrystalline α–Cr2O3. Evaluation of catalytic performance of above catalysts by dehydrogenation of cyclohexane confirms the fact that diffusion of part of Cr3+ species into the bulk of anatase phase occurs under reaction conditions.
Biotechnology for Recultivation of Oil Polluted Soils
Authors: Svarovskaya L.I. , Altunina L.K.
Published: July 2017

All the biotechnologies intended for improvement of environmental conditions are based on the ability of microorganisms for hydrocarbon oxidizing. In the development of biotechnological approaches for soil re-cultivation the extent of soil pollution has to be taken into account. Among the advantages of a technology employing mineral nutrient substrates for enhancing the oxygenizing activity of soil microflora its cost-effectiveness is very important. When dealing with highly polluted soils, more complex methods for soil restoration are called for; however, these are much more labour-extensive and time-consuming. Experimental investigations have been performed to study the effect of oil pollutants on the ability of soil microflora to assist the destruction of hydrocarbons. Variation in the activity of indigenous soil microflora was investigated using three major groups of bacteria, i.e. Heterotrophs, Actinomycetes and microfungus cultures. The presence of oil in amounts constituting up to 5% is found to stimulate the growth and oxygenizing activity of the soil biocenosis. Thus the residual oil samples were exposed into the soil microflora for a time period of 60 days and then analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The results obtained reveal significant changes in the molecular-mass distributions of saturated hydrocarbons C9-C32. An addition of stimulating nutrient substrates is found to enhance the biochemical activity of soil microorganisms. Thus a 60 days' contact with soil microflora resulted in destruction of 80–85% of the saturated oil hydrocarbons, mostly C9-C15 and C20-C31 compounds. However, the occurrence of 10% oil pollutants exerts an inhibiting effect on the indigenous soil microflora; therefore, only an insignificant amount of hydrocarbons undergoes degradation.
Zum Ausländermotiv im deutschen Witz. Gezeigt am Beispiel der Türkenwitze
Authors: Sikorska-Bujnowicz Katarzyna
Published: July 2017

-
Od wyrazu do hasła słownikowego
Authors: Sadziński Witold
Published: July 2017

-
Censorship in the PSL Press within the Period of the 1946 Referendum and the Legislative Sejm Election
Authors: Swacha Piotr
Published: July 2017

The main goal of the article is to analyse censorship interventions made in articles raising the topics of the referendum and the election to the Legislative Sejm which were prepared for print in the periodicals of the Polish People’s Party. The material developed by the Main Office of Control of Press, Publications and Shows in Warsaw and by its regional divisions constituted its basic source of information. I conducted a quantitative analysis of the interventions using a sample of the reports of the censorship institution regarding the “Polska Ludowa” periodical. I have also discussed the content removed from print. Within the studied area, censorship most often prevented the PSL periodicals from publishing information regarding the repressions of the PSL’s activists, informing about the organisation of both events and suggesting the fact of forging votes.
Combating Adult Illiteracy in the People’s Republic of Poland (on the Example of Selected Documents of the Ministry of Education and the Office of the Government Plenipotentiary for Combating Illiteracy in 1949–1951)
Authors: Budnik Magdalena
Published: July 2017

The subject of this article is combating adult illiteracy in the People’s Republic of Poland. The existing knowledge concerning the topic has been supplemented with the analysis of the archival documents, currently being in possession of the Central Archives of Modern Records in Warsaw. It describes how illiterates were recognised in the society, in what way they were encour­aged to train new skills and how attending the courses was made possible for them. The analysed documents include censors’ reviews of manuals, press articles, letters wrote by former illiterates and other valuable records. The communists were combating illiteracy not only in the name of the social progress, but mostly motivated by their quest to broaden the possibilities of ideological indoctrination – during the courses organised for illiterates and later on. This is why the selection of manuals and other publications addressed to former illiterates was propagandist. The strategic importance of the matter was expressed by Vladimir Lenin himself: “Socialism cannot be built by illiterates” (W. Ozga, Educa­tion in the six-year-plan and the revolutionary changes of the society and economics in the People’s Republic of Poland, Warsaw 1951, p. 124).
Censorship Towards Czesław Miłosz in Poland in the Fifties after Having Chosen the Emigration
Authors: Woźniak-Łabieniec Marzena
Published: July 2017

This article shows the outline of problems connected with censoring Czesław Miłosz’s literary output in Poland in the 1950s, when the poet breaks off with the national government and chooses political asylum in France, becoming an émigré. The article looks into (in the space of decade) the periods of particularly tightened control towards Miłosz, shows how the censorship was tightening and relaxing when it came to his name. In the Polish October several poems and an excerpt from the novel The Seizure of Power was published, though – despite publishing advertisements – none of the poet’s books came out.
Miłosz: Self-Reflection as the Topic of a Poetic Description
Authors: Stelmaszczyk Barbara
Published: July 2017

Czesław Miłosz’s poetry displays two reverberating topics which may be defined as contradictory existence and world experiences. One of those is the admiration for the beauty of the world and awe consequent upon capturing the simultaneous existence of individual entities (Amazement), whilst the other is the topic of the lack of fulfilment, torment, the feeling of lack of authenticity, blame, and shame (This).Miłosz depicted his “I” (represented by various personae), the split between individual consciousness, a strong sense of individuality, distinct from the commune of ordinary people (a strand salient in the pre-war volume Three Winters), at the same time nurturing a feeling of strong bonds with the society.The poet’s self-reflection holds for both topics, while the autobiographic discourse is orientated to the questions about the functions of the poetic language and about the status and sense of poetry, thereby addressing the self-topicality.
Region jako istotny składnik wiedzy geograficznej w kontekście funkcji odległości
Authors: Łoboda Jan
Published: July 2017

Rozważania poniższe stanowią próbę ujęcia regionu w kategoriach teorii systemów, przy wykorzystaniu wybranych elementów teorii dyfuzji przestrzennej. Analizie poddano koncepcję opartą na efekcie hierarchicznym i sąsiedztwa, które wynikają z funkcji odległości.
Przestrzenne konteksty konkurencji w sektorze usług hotelowych
Authors: Napierała Tomasz
Published: July 2017

Krytyka neoklasycznego (neoliberalnego) rozumienia procesu konkurencji doprowadziła w XX wieku do wykształcenia wielu nowych kierunków badawczych w ekonomii, definiujących i interpretujących na nowo zjawiska konkurencji. Odrzucenie założeń ekonomii neoliberalnej (szczególnie w odniesieniu do równowagi rynkowej czy dostępu do informacji rynkowej) skutkowało koniecznością redefiniowania metodyki geografii ekonomicznej w zakresie badania przestrzennych aspektów konkurencji. Wreszcie, procesy zachodzące na gruncie geografii ekonomicznej wtórnie oddziaływały na rozwój nauk ekonomicznych. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest próba prześledzenia wzajemnych oddziaływań metodologicznych na linii ekonomia – geografia ekonomiczna, w zakresie badania przestrzennych kontekstów konkurencji w sektorze usług hotelowych.
Domestic Violence Policy, Forensic Mental Health, and the Revival of Rehabilitation: Crossroads or Cross Purposes
Authors: Corvo Kenneth , Spitzmueller Matthew
Published: July 2017

Current domestic violence policy was shaped both by second wave feminist initiatives formulated in the 1970s and 1980s and by the culturally conservative concerns of the emerging punitive era. The policy framework that has emerged from the intersection of the seemingly incompatible positions of conservative views of crime and progressive feminist views of liberation in fact has come to resemble more conservative social control than progressive feminism. In spite of known empirical links between domestic violence and psychological disorders, this policy framework ignores many of the principles of forensic mental health practice. Growing awareness of the costs and failures of mass incarceration and the overcriminalization of certain behaviors is leading to a reconsideration of the role of mental health problems in crime overall. These trends may foreshadow a return to a more rehabilitative view of crime and corrections, presenting domestic violence policy with an opportunity to move toward a standpoint more scientific, more compassionate, and more effective.