bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health-promoting properties of compounds derived from Capsicum sp. A review
Authors: Szydełko Joanna , Szydełko Magdalena , Boguszewska-Czubara Anna
Published: April 2017

This article presents multidirectional effects of capsaicin and its natural derivatives as well as natural and synthetic analogs in term of their therapeutic properties. Active agents present in various Capsicum genus plants exert analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and gastroprotective effects. Furthermore, capsaicin positively influences the metabolism of lipids. Numerous research show that capsaicinoids inhibit proliferation and migration process of cancer cells, what makes them molecules of high interest in oncology. Among broad range of positive activities, we have focused only on those properties that have already found application in medicine or seemed to be the most probably used in the near future. Even if in low or single doses this compound has been reported successful in numerous therapies, the negative consequences of high doses or prolonged administration is also discussed in the review.
Degree of Certainty in Students’ Academic Performance Evaluation Using a New Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Salunkhe Satish S. , Deshpande Ashok , Joshi Yashwant
Published: April 2017

The academic performance assessment of students helps teachers, administrators, and policymakers to initiate corrective measures on academically poor students. This paper revisits the Zadeh-Deshpande formalism for evaluating students’ answer scripts using the concept of the reliability of information (degree of confidence) via the “degree of match” and fuzzy inference system in students’ performance evaluation. The case study infers that the overall performance of all the students is “average”. Furthermore, 206 of 237 students (87%) are declared as “average” with “high degree of certainty” by the evaluators (teachers). The aim of the proposed method is not to replace the traditional method of evaluation. Instead, the proposed technique is a step forward to enrich the present system of students’ performance assessment. Policymakers can use this method as it provides reliable information. A comparison between the results obtained from the academic performance of students using multiexpert and single-expert systems is also discussed in the paper.
Effectiveness and sustainability of remedial actions for land restoration in Abeokuta urban communities, Ogun state, Nigeria
Authors: Lawal-Adebowale Okanlade Adesokan
Published: April 2017

The destructive impact of land degradation on social and economic endeavours of the residents of certain urban areas of Abeokuta communities in Ogun State, Nigeria calls for remedial actions to restoring the affected land areas. This becomes essential in order to ensure safe inhabitation and enhanced socioeconomic engagements of the residents. Taken remedial actions in this regard included the use of sandbags, debris and wood logs, rubbles and stones, construction of contours and drainages. While each of these actions, in one way or the other, effectively improves the degraded land, it was concluded that the use of rubbles and stones, and drainage construction were sustainably durable for land restoration on the premise that these actions does not allow for water logging or flooding in of the study area. It was however recommended that these sustainable remedial actions should rather be pro-actively taken for prevention of land degradation than being taken as degraded land restoration actions basically because it is much cheaper to prevent environmental degradation than to have the degraded land restored.
Global experience on irrigation management under different scenarios
Authors: Valipour Mohammad
Published: April 2017

This study aims to assess global experience on agricultural water management under different scenarios. The results showed that trend of permanent crops to cultivated area, human development index (HDI), irrigation water requirement, and percent of total cultivated area drained is increasing and trend of rural population to total population, total economically active population in agriculture to total economically active population, value added to gross domestic production (GDP) by agriculture, and the difference between national rainfall index (NRI) and irrigation water requirement is decreasing. The estimating of area equipped for irrigation in 2035 and 2060 were studied acc. to the three scenarios: I - the values of the main indices would be changed by the same slope of the past half of century, II and III - the slopes would be decreased by 30% and 50% respectively. The minimum and maximum values of pressure on renewable water resources by irrigation, are related to the third and first scenarios by 2035 (6.1%) and 2060 (9.2%), respectively.
Enseñar la historia de Francia a través de la traducción: un proyecto de coordinación docente
Authors: García Luque Francisca , Barceló Martínez Tanagua
Published: April 2017

In the current context of implementation of the new syllabus according to the guidelines and the philosophy of the EHEA, this article presents a cooperation project between two subjects belonging to the educational program of future translators and interpreters, «Language and Culture applied to Translation and Interpreting» and «Translation of General Texts».

The goal of this project is to conceive a common task that contributes to the acquisition of both linguistic and cultural knowledge about the history of France and professional competences in translation area.
Interkulturelle Argumentation und Höflichkeit im deutschen und arabischen Sprachgebrauch: gegenseitige Feindbildproduktion oder Dialog der Kulturen
Authors: Bouchara Abdelaziz
Published: April 2017

The paper addresses intercultural differences in argumentation between Arabs and Germans, and, more specifically, politeness-based misunderstandings resulting from mutual stereotypes and negative representations. The analysis of some exemplary conversations demonstrate how diverging discursive practices and argument patterns can influence intercultural situations when Arabs and Germans confront each other during group dialogues: Among Arabs issues that may cause conflict and direct confrontation are – especially in the field of politics and religion – in intercultural situations usually avoided in favor of communicative harmony. In German society, particularly among students, it is, however, regarded as an intellectual challenge to express one’s views and to discuss public issues among friends.
Estimation of changes of lower limbs reactivity among mountain cyclist under the influence of sauna treatment - abstract
Authors: Niewiadomy Paweł , Tiffert-Tłok Joanna , Szuścik Katarzyna , Stolecka-Warzecha Anna , Kwaśna Krystyna
Published: April 2017

Background: Elaborated system of neuromuscular connections gives to a human ability of body control, possibility to move and perform any complicated moves. The issue of neuromuscular conduction appears more frequently in physiotherapy, biological restoration or, widely perceived, sport training. Physiotherapists often wonder how sauna treatment, mainly used in biological restoration, influence on changes of its conduction and, on which level of a rehabilitation, training process or biological restoration should it be used. The aim of this paper was to check how an organism would react after methodically conducted sauna treatments in a form of whole body biological restoration.

Material/Methods: Competitors of cycling group GR AIRCO Team participated in research. Twelve men were classified and divided onto two age groups. On the basis of questionnaires personal details as well as basic antropometric parameters were collected. Tool used to measure reactivity was chosen to research method: Reactivity Measure MCZR/ATB 1.0.

Results: Analysis of variance of following measurements did not show any statistically crucial differences between the group under the age of 30 and over 30 (p>0,05). Results are shown respectively for right leg, left leg, both lower limbs tested simultaneously with the division onto age groups. Analysis of variance show increase of reactivity for all tested participants after sauna.

Conclusions: Sauna treatment among cyclist has impact on a rate of lower limbs reactivity tested simultaneously with impulse differentiation to an appropriate legs.
A Graphical Method for Great Circle Routes
Authors: Hsu Tien-Pen , Chen Chih-Li , Hsieh Tsung-Hsuan
Published: April 2017

A great circle route (GCR) is the shortest route on a spherical earth model. Do we have a visual diagram to handle the shortest route? In this paper, a graphical method (GM) is proposed to solve the GCR problems based on the celestial meridian diagram (CMD) in celestial navigation. Unlike developed algebraic methods, the GM is a geometric method. Appling computer software to graph, the GM does not use any equations but is as accurate as using algebraic methods. In addition, the GM, which emphasizes the rotational surface, can depict a GCR and judge its benefit.
Analysis of Catalitic Reactors Usefulness to Reduce Pollution Generated by Piston Combustion Engines with Regard to Ship Main Engines
Authors: Zielińska Edyta , Girtler Jerzy , Lejda Kazimierz
Published: April 2017

The article presents results which indicate that the use of catalytic reactors to reduce emissions of harmful compunds contained in the exhaust gas is important in the operation of vehicle motors operation. Efforts of the shipbuilding industry to reduce the toxicity of exhaust gas emitted by the main engines have been indicated and pointed to the desirability of the use of these catalysts in maritime transport. It has been pointed out that studies of the harmful substances in exhaust gases performer at vehicle inspection stations have an impact on increasing the safety of drivers and other road users and contribute to preserving the natural environment by reducing the danger coming from cars operating on Polish roads. An opinion has been expressed that the most serious threats to the environment are emitted by car transport exhaust fumes, which are characterized by significant emission of toxic compounds excreted into the atmosphere from tailpipe emissions.

It has been demonstrated that a fully functioning catalytic reactor, operating in a steady state at appropriate temperatures and the composition of the mixture close to stoichiometric ratio, can reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides by more than 90%. Also, an assessment has been presented reporting the efficiency of catalytic reactors of spark ignition engines operating in a test vehicle inspection station. The results of research in the evaluation of their performance were correlated with their operation waveforms. Such an approach is justified by the fact that during the operation of each vehicle the wear of its assemblies and components is different - including the catalytic reactor. The catalytic layer undergoes aging so that there are changes in the structure and chemical composition of the catalyst bed, while the overlapping of layers of different chemical compounds that block access to the active layer of the reactor.

An opinion has also been expressed that it would be advisable to take steps to use research results presented in this article for research of catalytic reactors similar use in diagnostic systems of marine combustion engines, especially the main ones, which exhaust emissions are incomparably greater than in the case of car engines.
Closed-End Real Estate Funds in Comparison with other Investment Opportunities in Poland
Authors: Wolski Rafal , Załęczna Magdalena
Published: April 2017

The first closed-end real estate investment funds in Poland began to appear in 2004, along with the development of the capital market and the real estate market. The funds invested both in the housing market and in the commercial market. In general, they encouraged potential investors to purchase investment fund units by pointing to positive results obtained by similar funds in other countries, as well as the dynamic growth of prices in domestic real estate markets. However, the analysis of the performance of closed-end real estate funds in Poland shows that they have failed to earn satisfactory rates of return. The aim of the study was to compare their performance with the profitability of other investment instruments in the 2004 to 2014 period. In addition, the authors aimed to establish why closed-end real estate funds had failed to succeed in Poland, by analyzing, among other things, their institutional context. The study was based on a comparison of the characteristics and performance of particular funds, and also analyzed the profitability of selected alternative investments.
Econometric Identification of the Impact of Real Estate Characteristics Based on Predictive and Studentized Residuals
Authors: Doszyń Mariusz , Gnat Sebastian
Published: April 2017

The paper proposes a means of determining the impact of real estate characteristics based on the residuals of an accordingly specified econometric model. The econometric model contains explanatory variables whose values are easily measurable. Then, the hypothesis that the residuals of the econometric model encompass the impact of specific factors indicating that the real estate is atypical is verified, thus supporting real estate market analysis. The work describes various types of residuals (predictive and studentized residuals).
Operation Study of Miniature Air-blast Atomizer under Very Low Liquid Pressures
Authors: Gaissinski Igor , Levy Yeshayahou , Kutikov Daniel , Sherbaum Valery , Rovenski Vladimir
Published: April 2017

Miniature air blast atomizers are intended for use in small jet engines. The typical miniature atomizer with rotating air outside the pressure swirl nozzle was investigated by theoretically and experimentally. The equations which describe the flow of rotating hollow liquid jet in a gaseous environment, where there is difference between outer and inner pressures of the liquid film were developed. The effects of surface tension, gravity forces, and inner-outer pressure difference on liquid film modes and its disintegration were considered. A set of the relevant equations was solved numerically. The initial conditions for the equations: pressure distribution inside and outside of the ‘onion’ as function of outer rotating air and liquid parameters, were obtained experimentally. The numerical results were verified by the experimental study. It was shown that exists two shapes of liquid film nearby nozzle exit – ‘onion’ and open film. Shape of the liquid film for the given nozzle pressure drop depends mainly on air pressure difference outside and inside the film. Two resulting spray modes are distinguished in droplet characteristics drastically. The results can be applied for estimation of the operational parameters of air-blast atomizers that operate with very low liquid pressure drop.
Hydration and Solvation Effect of Glycine and Glycylglycine Molecules with β-Cyclodextrin in Aqueous Media. A Thermodynamic Characteristic of Interaction
Authors: Tasneem Shadma
Published: April 2017

The densities, ρ and viscosities, η have been measured for DL- glycine (Gly) and glycylglycine (Gly-Gly) in aqueous β cyclodextrin, (β-CD) at temperature 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, 313.15 and 318.15 K. Interaction between macrocyclic β-CD and amino acids was studied by two independent technique: density and viscosity. The two different intensive properties are used to obtain various thermodynamic characteristics of the material behavior. Using the measured density data the apparent molar volumes, Vϕ
, partial molar volume at infinite dilution,

V
ϕ
ο

,

$V_\phi ^o,$

experimental slope, SV
, isobaric expansibility,

ϕ
E
0

,

$\phi _E^0,$

and the partial molar volume of transfer at infinite dilution,

Δ

V

ϕ
(
t
r
)

ο

$\Delta V_{\phi (tr)}^o$

have been obtained. Moreover, the Falkenhagen’s theoretical coefficient, A, Jones-Dole coefficient, B, free energies of activation of viscous flow per mole of solvent,

Δ

μ
1

ο
#

$\Delta \mu _1^{o\# }$

and per mole of solute,

Δ

μ
2

ο
#

,

$\Delta \mu _2^{o\# },$

enthalpy, ΔHo

# and entropy, ΔSo

# of activation of viscous flow have been evaluated by using viscosity data. The negative value of transfer volume for Gly and Gly-Gly in aqueous β-CD suggests that the hydrophobic-hydrophilic and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions are predominating over ionic-hydrophilic and hydrophilic-hydrophilic interactions. The results indicate the formation of a stable complexation between the β-CD cavity and structural hydration effect of amino acids on the thermodynamic of their interactions in solutions.
Effects of Betaine Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Power: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ismaeel Ahmed
Published: April 2017

Ismaeel, A. Effects of betaine supplementation on muscle strength and power: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2338–2346, 2017—Betaine (BET) has recently gotten much attention for its potential role as an ergogenic aid and has become a common ingredient in peri-workout dietary supplements. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature was to investigate the effects of BET supplementation on muscular strength and power. A computerized literature search of 3 databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus) was performed. Included in the review were randomized controlled trials that measured muscle strength, power, or both measures in healthy participants. Quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Seven trials were identified, and quality assessment showed that all were of “excellent quality.” Only 2 of the studies reported increases in strength or power after supplementation with BET. The remaining 5 studies showed no change in any strength or power outcome measures with BET supplementation. This review highlights the lack of evidence for a clear ergogenic effect of BET supplementation on strength and power performance. However, because 2 studies did identify increases of up to 24.61% on strength and power as a result of BET supplementation, additional studies are necessary to evaluate its effectiveness.
TRAIL‐ and TNF‐induced signaling complexes—so similar yet so different
Authors: Wajant Harald
Published: April 2017

TNF receptor‐1 (TNFR1) and TRAIL death receptors preferentially induce pro‐inflammatory or cytotoxic signaling, respectively, via distinct plasma membrane and cytosolic complexes. New studies identifying the pro‐inflammatory factors TRAF2, RIP, and LUBAC in TRAIL death receptor complexes suggest that the latter are more “TNFR1‐like” than anticipated and argue for revision of prevailing models of spatio‐hierarchical TRAIL‐induced signaling complex assembly.
Molecular targeted therapies in adrenal, pituitary and parathyroid malignancies
Authors: Angelousi Anna , Dimitriadis Georgios K , Zografos Georgios , Nölting Svenja , Kaltsas Gregory , Grossman Ashley
Published: April 2017

Tumourigenesis is a relatively common event in endocrine tissues. Currently, specific guidelines have been developed for common malignant endocrine tumours, which also incorporate advances in molecular targeted therapies (MTT), as in thyroid cancer and in gastrointestinal neuroendocrine malignancies. However, there is little information regarding the role and efficacy of MTT in the relatively rare malignant endocrine tumours mainly involving the adrenal medulla, adrenal cortex, pituitary, and parathyroid glands. Due to the rarity of these tumours and the lack of prospective studies, current guidelines are mostly based on retrospective data derived from surgical, locoregional and ablative therapies, and studies with systemic chemotherapy. In addition, in many of these malignancies the prognosis remains poor with individual patients responding differently to currently available treatments, necessitating the development of new personalised therapeutic strategies. Recently, major advances in the molecular understanding of endocrine tumours based on genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptome analysis have emerged, resulting in new insights into their pathogenesis and molecular pathology. This in turn has led to the use of novel MTTs in increasing numbers of patients. In this review, we aim to present currently existing and evolving data using MTT in the treatment of adrenal, pituitary and malignant parathyroid tumours, and explore the current utility and effectiveness of such therapies and their future evolution.
Molecular imaging in the investigation of hypoglycaemic syndromes and their management
Authors: Pattison David A , Hicks Rodney J
Published: April 2017

There has been recent progress in molecular imaging using a variety of cellular targets for the investigation of adult non-diabetic hypoglycaemic syndromes and its integration into patient management. These targets include peptide receptors (somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R)) the amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation system utilising the diphydroxyphenylaline (DOPA) analogue 6-[18F]-l-fluoro-l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-FDOPA), and glycolytic metabolism with 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG). Accurate preoperative localisation and staging is critical to enable directed surgical excision or enucleation with minimal morbidity and preservation of residual pancreatic function. Benign insulinoma has near ubiquitous dense GLP-1R expression enabling accurate localisation with radiolabelled-exendin-4 compounds (e.g.68Ga-NOTA-exendin-4 PET/CT), whilst the rarer and more difficult to manage metastatic insulinoma typically express SSTR and is preferably imaged with radiolabelled-SSTR analogues such as68Ga-DOTA-octreotate (DOTATATE) PET/CT for staging and assessment of suitability for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). Similar to other metastatic neuroendocrine tumours, FDG PET/CT is used in the setting of higher-grade metastatic insulinoma to provide important prognostic information that can guide treatment and determine suitability for PRRT. Interestingly, these three tracers appear to represent a spectrum of differentiation, which we conceptually describe as the ‘triple-flop’ phenomenon, with GLP-1R > SSTR > FDG in benign insulinoma and the opposite in higher-grade disease. This paper will review the clinical syndromes of adult hypoglycaemia (including a practical overview of the differential diagnoses to be considered), comparison of techniques for insulinoma localisation with emphasis on molecular imaging before discussing its implications for management of metastatic insulinoma.
Epigenetic programming of the neuroendocrine stress response by adult life stress
Authors: Dirven B C J , Homberg J R , Kozicz T , Henckens M J A G
Published: April 2017

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is critically involved in the neuroendocrine regulation of stress adaptation, and the restoration of homeostasis following stress exposure. Dysregulation of this axis is associated with stress-related pathologies like major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and chronic anxiety. It has long been understood that stress during early life can have a significant lasting influence on the development of the neuroendocrine system and its neural regulators, partially by modifying epigenetic regulation of gene expression, with implications for health and well-being in later life. Evidence is accumulating that epigenetic plasticity also extends to adulthood, proposing it as a mechanism by which psychological trauma later in life can long-lastingly affect HPA axis function, brain plasticity, neuronal function and behavioural adaptation to neuropsychological stress. Further corroborating this claim is the phenomenon that these epigenetic changes correlate with the behavioural consequences of trauma exposure. Thereby, epigenetic modifications provide a putative molecular mechanism by which the behavioural phenotype and transcriptional/translational potential of genes involved in HPA axis regulation can change drastically in response to environmental challenges, and appear an important target for treatment of stress-related disorders. However, improved insight is required to increase their therapeutic (drug) potential. Here, we provide an overview of the growing body of literature describing the epigenetic modulation of the (primarily neuroendocrine) stress response as a consequence of adult life stress and interpret the implications for, and the challenges involved in applying this knowledge to, the identification and treatment of stress-related psychiatric disorders.
Somatic and inherited mutations in primary aldosteronism
Authors: Fernandes-Rosa Fabio Luiz , Boulkroun Sheerazed , Zennaro Maria-Christina
Published: April 2017

Primary aldosteronism (PA), the most common form of secondary hypertension, is caused in the majority of cases by unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Over the past few years, somatic mutations inKCNJ5,CACNA1D,ATP1A1andATP2B3have been proven to be associated with APA development, representing more than 50% of sporadic APA. The identification of these mutations has allowed the development of a model for APA involving modification on the intracellular ionic equilibrium and regulation of cell membrane potential, leading to autonomous aldosterone overproduction. Furthermore, somaticCTNNB1mutations have also been identified in APA, but the link between these mutations and APA development remains unknown. The sequence of events responsible for APA formation is not completely understood, in particular, whether a single hit or a double hit is responsible for both aldosterone overproduction and cell proliferation. Germline mutations identified in patients with early-onset PA have expanded the classification of familial forms (FH) of PA. The description of germlineKCNJ5andCACNA1Hmutations has identified FH-III and FH-IV based on genetic findings; germlineCACNA1Dmutations have been identified in patients with very early-onset PA and severe neurological abnormalities. This review summarizes current knowledge on the genetic basis of PA, the association of driver gene mutations and clinical findings and in the contribution to patient care, plus the current understanding on the mechanisms of APA development.
What Makes a Good Piece of Poetry: an Attempt at Subjective Analysis
Authors: Kulchytska O. , Bodnarchuk M.
Published: April 2017

One of the factors in the popularity of Michael Swan’s poetry is a unique combination of a comparatively simple form and deep, subtle meanings that even an inexperienced reader cannot but sense. In linguistics, the phenomenon is dubbed implicitness. In Michael Swan’s poetic texts, implicit meanings are generated through the violation of the maxims of the co-operative principle (conversational implicature) and/or through the use of specific techniques: simplicity of outward form, tropes, irony, attention to detail, contrast and opposition, repetition, punch line, the effect of the author’s presence in the text or distancing from the content
Abbreviation as a Way of Coining Neologisms in Mass Media
Authors: Velykoroda V. , Liabyga N.
Published: April 2017

The paper aims at analyzing abbreviation as one of the most productive ways of coining neologisms in mass media. The focus is made on the study of initial abbreviation and its subtypes; the authors discover several new ways of coining abbreviations. The analysis encompasses two major characteristics of abbreviations in mass media: their form and encoded meaning
Typological Structure of German Phraseology Outside Germany. Quantitative Parameters
Authors: Ostapovych O.
Published: April 2017

The article deals with the modern theoretical concept in study of the variation of German phraseology abroad Germany. It is based on the synthesis of the theory of equal-righted pluricentrism with the new achievements of the cognitive linguistics. As a result the national state linguistic variant is considered as different from the regional, normatively non-codified and dialectal variation, a kind of cluster variant idiomatic thesaurus. The hypothesis of the structural isomorphy of the variant phraseology compared to the common German one has been empirically verified and vice versa - the hypothesis of the quantitative predominance in the Austrian phraseology of the structural model Adj+Sub under the Slavic linguistic influence has also been falsified
The Main Features of the Concept of POLITENESS in the German Linguistic World-Image
Authors: Ugryniuk R.
Published: April 2017

This article is an attempt to describe the reflection of the concept POLITENESS in the language based on material in bulk (11 064 cases of occurrences of the key word Höflichkeit), which were taken from the Mannhein German Reference Corpus (COSMAS).

The article analyzes the complex features of the concept of German modern language. According to the material, the most frequent features of the concept are diplomacy (3552) as the establishment of international relations, formality (2210) in compliance with generally accepted standards of conduct, acquired feature (1820) produced under the influence of certain conditions of social environment and success (1604) in everyday affairs and in the professional field. Less important appeared demonstrative politeness (522) to cause an affirmative attitude, hospitality (498) and features of good manners (780) of other nationalities in the view of nativ German speakers. The non relevant features are innateness (22) and falsity, untruth (56).

Thus, the politeness in the imagination of native German speakers has formal, sometimes, ritual character, it is a social feature and serves to successfully perform various kinds of tasks
Efficient Vocabulary Testing Techniques
Authors: Mykhailiuk L.
Published: April 2017

The article deals with the problem of teaching vocabulary. Different aspects of vocabulary (pronunciation, spelling, grammar, collocation, meaning, word formation) are considered alongside with efficient vocabulary testing techniques
The Lingual and Pragmatic Characteristics of Occasionalisms in the American Media Discourse
Authors: Siredzhuk O.
Published: April 2017

In the article, the notion of an occasionalism was studied; its place and role in the media discourse were outlined. While analyzing occasionalisms according to the theory of relevance by D. Sperber and D. Wilson, the inferential processes in the interpretation of utterances containing occasionalisms were traced. Thanks to conducted analysis, the meaning of occasional units was inferred, the pragmatic characteristics of these units were described and the effects, which they produce in media texts, were singled out
Multimodal Diversity of Postmodernist Fiction Text
Authors: Tykha U.
Published: April 2017

The article is devoted to the analysis of structural and functional manifestations of multimodal diversity in postmodernist fiction texts. Multimodality is defined as the coexistence of more than one semiotic mode within a certain context. Multimodal texts feature a diversity of semiotic modes in the communication and development of their narrative. Such experimental texts subvert conventional patterns by introducing various semiotic resources – verbal or non-verbal
Metaphors and Similes in Contemporary American Prose: D. Tartt’s Novel “The Goldfinch”
Authors: Mintsys E. , Chik E.
Published: April 2017

The article presents a survey of the metaphor- and simile-related researches in modern linguistics and considers stylistic functions of metaphors and similes in contemporary fiction. It is based on the novel The Goldfinch (2013) written by the American writer D. Tartt, the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (2014). It proves that the tropes in question used in the book are unique and striking. They perform figurative and descriptive functions, contribute to the expressiveness and emotiveness of the text, help to convey the characters’ psychological frame of mind and produce a dramatic effect
Negative Life Events and Resilience in Higher Education Students
Authors: Gonçalves Amadeu Matos , Cabral Lídia do Rosário , Ferreira Manuela da Conceição , Martins Maria da Conceição , Duarte João Carvalho
Published: April 2017

Resilience is the capacity to overcome life adversities in a positive and constructive manner. The transition from high school to a higher education degree might function as an enhancer of crises and vulnerabilities. Negative Life Events (NLE) constitute any adverse circumstances against human development, possibly threatening the individual’s equilibrium. Our aim was to study how negative life events affect the resilience of higher education students, and to identify certain socio-demographic, family and academic variables, as well as negative life events they may have endured. A quantitative study based on a descriptive design sampled 382 students from a higher education institute in Portugal. In order to assess the proposed variables, Wagnild and Young’s Scale of Resilience (1993) which was adapted for the Portuguese population by Carvalho and Pereira (2012) and the Negative Life Events Inventory (Gonçalves, 2014) was utilised. We found significant relationships between the capacity for resilience and age, marital status, area of residence, school, and the use of drugs. Regarding life events, the dimensions “Neglect”, “Separation/Loss” and “Friend Satisfaction” were found to be strong predictors of resilience capacity. The results obtained show that higher negative life events indicate a student is better able to be self-sufficient and self-confident and have higher resilience. These results lead us to propose interventions which may facilitate the students’ ability to overcome their problems.
Genetikai hatások a korai kötődés fejlődésében
Authors: Gervai Judit , Tóth Ildikó , Lakatos Krisztina
Published: April 2017

Bowlby elmélete megjósolta, és a következő évtizedek számos empirikus vizsgálata bizonyította, hogy a korai kötődési viselkedés különféle mintázatainak megjelenését elsősorban a gondozói viselkedés érzékenységének eltérései okozzák. Metaelemzések szerint azonban ezek csak harmadát magyarázzák a kötődési viselkedés varianciájának. A gondozási környezet mellett az 1990-es években felmerült a csecsemők egyéni jellemzőinek, pl. temperamentumának befolyása is a kötődés fejlődésére. A molekuláris genetikai módszerek fejlődése a genetikai vizsgálatok érzékenységének növekedését eredményezte, és 2000-ben kutatócsoportunk publikált elsőként a csecsemőkori kötődés egyéni változatosságának hátterében álló specifikus génhatásokról.

Tanulmányunkban áttekintjük, hogy a humán genom projekt eredményeinek köszönhetően miként bővült tudásunk az elmúlt 15 év során. Az áttekintett kutatások fő kérdései, hogy a környezeti tényezők mellett mely gének mely változatai gyakorolnak befolyást a csecsemők kötődési viselkedésére, ezek hogyan befolyásolják a kötődés egyéni változatosságát, s milyen kölcsönhatásban lehetnek a környezeti tényezőkkel. Áttekintjük a bizonyítékokat, amelyek azt sugallják, hogy az idegrendszerben kifejeződő bizonyos gének különböző változatai hozzájárulhatnak a gondozói környezetre való eltérő csecsemőkori érzékenységhez (gén−környezet kölcsönhatások), továbbá hogy a gondozói viselkedés korai eltérései különbözőképpen befolyásolhatják egyes, a kötődés fejlődésében fontos gének működését (epigenetikai hatások).
A kötődés kulturális különbségei
Authors: Fülöp Márta , Szabó Zsófia Éva
Published: April 2017

Jelen tanulmány a kötődéselméletet a kulturális összehasonlító vizsgálatok tükrében mutatja be. A kötődés jelenségét univerzálisnak fogadja el, de a klasszikus elmélet által leírt legfőbb fejlődési kritériumokat és a különböző kötődési mintázatok megnyilvánulásait kulturálisan meghatározottnak tekinti. Áttekintést nyújt azon vizsgálatokról, amelyek az elmúlt mintegy hat évtizedben a kötődés kultúrközi különbségeinek témakörében születtek.

Elsőként tárgyalja az úgynevezett étikus vizsgálatokat, amelyek a kulturális különbségeket elsősorban a különböző kötődési mintázatok előfordulási gyakoriságában ragadják meg, majd sorra veszi az émikus megközelítéseket, amelyek a kötődéselmélet számos alaptételét kérdőjelezik meg, így például az anya—gyerek kapcsolat monotropizációját, illetve etnocentrikusnak tekintik az anyai érzékenység megnyilvánulási kritériumait. A tanulmány azt a nézetet képviseli, hogy a kötődési folyamatok a gyermeket körülvevő biológiai és társadalmi környezethez történő legjobb alkalmazkodást szolgálják, és ha a társadalmi-kulturális közeg az euro-amerikaitól eltérő, akkor a kötődés folyamatai is eltérőek lesznek.
Az ego-központú szociális háló és a kötődési stílus összefüggései
Authors: Berán Eszter , Unoka Zsolt , Soltész Péter , Rácz Anna , Kardos Péter , Pléh Csaba
Published: April 2017

Háttér

Dunbar társas agy hipotézise szerint az emberi intelligencia és beszédképesség az evolúció során elsősorban azért fejlődött ki olyan magas szinten, hogy az egyén átlássa és kezelni tudja a mintegy 150 főt magában foglaló csoportokban kialakuló bonyolult kapcsolati rendszereket. Kutatásunkban azt vizsgáltuk, hogy a nagy csoporton belüli, szoros kapcsolatokból álló kisebb csoportok mérete összefüggésben áll-e a személy kötődési stílusával. Ugyanakkor kíváncsiak voltunk arra is, hogy a vonás jellegű kötődési stílus hogyan függ össze a szociális hálóban található személyek — alterek — iránti kötődéssel, valamint arra, hogy az ego-nak az egyes altertípusokhoz való kötődésében találhatók-e eltérések.

Módszerek

Vizsgálatunkat egy 200 személyt magában foglaló mintán végeztük, akik online töltötték ki kérdőívünket. A kapcsolati háló feltérképezéséhez megkértük a résztvevőket, hogy soroljanak fel minden olyan személyt, akivel személyes kapcsolatban voltak az elmúlt hónapban. Ezután az egyes kapcsolatok értékelését kértük különféle dimenziók mentén, például hogy milyen gyakran találkoznak személyesen, érzelmileg menynyire állnak közel egymáshoz, és hogy hogyan értékelik kapcsolatuk kötődési jellemzőit. Ezenkívül a személyek saját magukra vonatkozóan is kitöltötték az ECR-R kérdőívet.

Eredmények

Szignifikáns pozitív kapcsolatot találtunk az ECR-R szorongást mérő alskáláján elért pontszám és a szimpátiacsoport mérete között. Az ECR-R két alskálája szignifikáns kapcsolatban van az összalteren mért ego-alter kötődési stílusokkal: minél alacsonyabb az ECR-R szorongás és elkerülés alskáláján elért érték, annál magasabb az ego-alter szinten mért, az egyes alterekhez való biztonságos kötődés, és annál alacsonyabb a bizonytalan kötődés értéke. Az ego-szinten mért és az ego-alter szinten mért kötődés összefüggései altertípusonként vizsgálva eltérést mutatnak.

Következtetések

A kötődési kapcsolat biztonságossága összefüggést mutat a kapcsolati háló szerkezetével, és annak méretével is, s mint ilyen fontos jellemzője lehet a kapcsolati háló szerveződésében megfigyelhető egyéni különbségeknek. Az általános, vonás jellegű kötődési stílus eltérő módon határozza meg a szociális háló egyes kapcsolati típusába tartozó személyekhez való kötődést. Az egyes altertípusokhoz fűződő eltérő kötődés arra utal, hogy a vizsgált személyek több, eltérő kötődési modellt használnak különböző személyes kapcsolataik értékelésekor, ami felnőttek körében megkérdőjelezi a monotropikus modell érvényességét.
Közös figyelem, atipikus anyai viselkedés és kötődés
Authors: Tóth Ildikó , Füleki Alexandra , Szerafin Ágnes Kata , Lakatos Krisztina , Gervai Judit
Published: April 2017

Háttér és célok

A közös figyelem képességének jellemzően 9 hónapos kori megjelenését követően a csecsemő triádikus (felnőtt—csecsemő—tárgy) interakciók során oszthatja meg a tárgyakkal, eseményekkel kapcsolatos élményeit egy másik személlyel. E képesség fejlődési ütemében megfigyelhető egyéni változatosságot a csecsemő adottságai mellett a gondozói környezet szocio-emocionális jellemzői is befolyásolhatják az interakciók minőségén keresztül.

Módszer

Kutatásunkban a csecsemők 9 hónapos korában, részben kötött játékhelyzetben figyeltük meg anya—csecsemő párok triádikus helyzet létrehozására irányuló kezdeményező viselkedését, valamint közös fi- gyelmi tevékenységét. A viselkedési jellemzőket az egyéves korban mért kötődés minőségével és az anyai érzelmi kommunikáció atipikusságának mértékével vetettük össze.

Eredmények

Ahol több párhuzamos (egyszerű) közös figyelem jellemezte az interakciót, ott az anya kevesebb időt töltött passzív monitorozással, viszont többször hívta fel a csecsemő figyelmét a tárgyra dinamikus animálással, és többször pillantott a csecsemő arcára kezdeményezés közben. Ugyanakkor a fejlődésben újabb minőségi lépést jelentő koordinált (megosztott) közös figyelem legerősebb prediktorának a csecsemő összetett, az anya és a tárgy közti tekintetváltással is együtt járó válasza bizonyult. A közös figyelem viselkedések nem függtek össze az anyai atipikus viselkedéssel és a dezorganizált kötődéssel. A párhuzamos — nem koordinált — közös figyelem magas aránya viszont a bizonytalanul kötődő diádok interakciójában volt leginkább jellemző, ami az inszenzitív, a gyermek érdeklődését korlátozó gondozói viselkedés befolyására utalhat.

Következtetések

A 9 hónapos kori interakciók során megfigyelt koordinált közös figyelem vélhetően inkább a csecsemő fejlődési üteme által meghatározott készségek (pl. tekintetváltogatás), mint az anya egyéni viselkedésének függvénye. Ez magyarázhatja, hogy — ellentétben a párhuzamos közös figyelemmel — a korai koordinált közös figyelem egyéni variabilitása nem mutatott kapcsolatot a kötődés minőségével, amelyet elsősorban a gondozói viselkedés alakít.
Kötődés, korai maladaptív sémák és szubjektív betegségélmény emlőrákkal küzdő nőknél
Authors: Désfalvi Judit , Hámori Eszter , Horváth Julia , Dank Magdolna , Nagy László
Published: April 2017

A legújabb kutatások szerint a kötődésnek kiemelt szerepe lehet a rosszindulatú daganatos megbetegedéssel összefüggő stresszel való megküzdésben. A bizonytalan kötődés kapcsolatban áll a rákos megbetegedés során átélt depresszióval és szorongással, míg a biztonságos kötődés a betegséggel való aktív megküzdéssel társul (Nicholls, Hulbert-Williams és Bramwell, 2014). A vizsgálatok többsége azonban a kategorizációs modellben nem tudott különbséget kimutatni a normatív minták és a rákbetegek között a kötődési típusok arányában. Hiányoznak a betegségélmény és a kötődési mintázat összetevőit komplexebb szinten vizsgáló kutatások. Vizsgálatunkban e hiány egy részének pótlását céloztuk meg. Két kötődésmérő eljárás alkalmazásával térképeztük fel a kötődési mintázatokat és a korai maladaptív kapcsolati sémákat emlőrákos nők (n=38) két életkori csoportjánál. Vizsgáltuk a pszichés tüneteket, valamint a szubjektív betegségélményt és az ezzel való megküzdés összefüggéseit. Eredményeink szerint a szomatizáció és a depresszív tünetek gyakorisága mindkét életkori csoportban magasabb, az ellenségesség pedig jelentősen alacsonyabb volt a magyar egészséges átlaghoz képest. A kötődés Túlzott foglalkozás a kapcsolatokkal skálájának értékei jelentősen magasabbak voltak a fiatalabbak korcsoportjában. A korai maladaptív sémák hasonló mintázatúak voltak a két életkori csoportban. A mélyinterjúk kvalitatív elemzése rávilágított a betegségélmény és a megküzdés egyéni jellemzőire. Ezek alapján felállítottunk egy hipotetikus modellt a kapcsolati mintázatok, a betegségélmény és a megküzdés összefüggéséről, ami támpontul szolgálhat az intervenció tervezéséhez.
Precarious employment in Chile: psychometric properties of the Chilean version of Employment Precariousness Scale in private sector workers
Authors: Vives-Vergara Alejandra , González-López Francisca , Solar Orielle , Bernales-Baksai Pamela , González María José , Benach Joan
Published: April 2017

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to perform a psychometric analysis (acceptability, reliability and factor structure) of the Chilean version of the new Employment Precariousness Scale (EPRES). The data is drawn from a sample of 4,248 private salaried workers with a formal contract from the first Chilean Employment Conditions, Work, Health and Quality of Life (ENETS) survey, applied to a nationally representative sample of the Chilean workforce in 2010. Item and scale-level statistics were performed to assess scaling properties, acceptability and reliability. The six-dimensional factor structure was examined with confirmatory factor analysis. The scale exhibited high acceptability (roughly 80%) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.83) and the factor structure was confirmed. One subscale (rights) demonstrated poorer metric properties without compromising the overall scale. The Chilean version of the Employment Precariousness Scale (EPRES-Ch) demonstrated good metric properties, pointing to its suitability for use in epidemiologic and public health research.
BIOCHAR AS SOIL CONDITIONER IN THE SUCCESSION OF UPLAND RICE AND COWPEA FERTILIZED WITH NITROGEN
Authors: MIRANDA NEYTON DE OLIVEIRA , PIMENTA ALEXANDRE SANTOS , SILVA GUALTER GUENTHER COSTA DA , OLIVEIRA ERMELINDA MARIA MOTA , CARVALHO MARY ANNE BARBOSA DE
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT The effects of biochar and nitrogen application on yields of upland rice and cowpea and on soil fertility were determined in a greenhouse in Macaíba, RN, Brazil. The trial consisted of the succession of two crops in a completely randomized design and a factorial scheme, with four replicates. Initially, four doses of biochar and four doses of nitrogen were tested for cultivation of rice. Subsequently, four doses of biochar and two doses of nitrogen were tested in half of the pots maintained for planting cowpea. Soil was sampled after rice harvest for half of the pots and at end of the trial for the remaining pots. We evaluated the following parameters: mass of hundred grains of rice, dry shoot mass, panicle number, number of filled spikelets and of empty spikelets, and grain production. Determinations for cowpea were: pod number per pot, grain number per pod, and grain production per pot. Measured soil parameters were: pH, contents of organic carbon, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable sodium percentage. Biochar addition did not influence yield components of upland rice and cowpea, but resulted in increased soil N retention, which influenced rice dry shoot mass, spikelets sterility, panicle number, and grain mass. Biochar also promoted increased soil pH, potassium content, and exchangeable sodium percentage and decreased calcium and magnesium concentrations.