bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new concept of fusion neutron monitoring for PF-1000 device
Authors: Jednorog Slawomir , Laszynska Ewa , Bienkowska Barbara , Ziolkowski Adam , Paduch Marian , Szewczak Kamil , Mikszuta Katarzyna , Malinowski Karol , Bajdel Marcel , Potrykus Pawel
Published: May 2018

The power output of plasma experiments and fusion reactors is a crucial parameter. It is determined by neutron yields that are proportional and directly related to the fusion yield. The number of emitted neutrons should be known for safety reasons and for neutron budget management. The PF-1000 is the large plasma facility based on the plasma focus phenomenon. PF-1000 is operating in the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion in Warsaw. Neutron yield changes during subsequent pulses, which is immanent part of this type device and so it must be monitored in terms of neutron emission. The reference diagnostic intended for this purpose is the silver activation counter (SAC) used for many years. Our previous studies demonstrated the applicability of radio-yttrium for neutron yield measurements during the deuterium campaign on the PF-1000 facility. The obtained results were compared with data from silver activation counter and shown linear dependence but with some protuberances in local scale. Correlation between results for both neutron monitors was maintained. But the yttrium monitor registered the fast energy neutron that reached measurement apparatus directly from the plasma pinch. Based on the preliminary experiences, the yttrium monitor was designed to automatically register neutron-induced yttrium activity. The MCNP geometrical model of PF-1000 and yttrium monitor were both used for calculation of the activation coefficient for yttrium. The yttrium monitor has been established as the permanent diagnostic for monitoring fusion reactions in the PF-1000 device.
Best Practice of Selecting Strategic International Agency Banking
Authors: Chan Leslie Soon-Lim
Published: May 2018

International agency or correspondent banking (corbanking) is cross border bank to bank businesses that agent banks act on behalf of principals. Despite drastic changing banking environment, corbanking remains from doing business by mainly fee based, packaging reciprocal products and services, and so on. Corbanking is therefore identified as an alternative to serve clients worldwide in a strategic low cost way. Best practice to identify for entering corbanking relationships and selecting their correspondents are the themes of this paper, which are useful for financial institutions to make strategic and operational decisions for their expansion. Eighteen determinant factors to establish corbanking relationships and nineteen selection criteria of correspondents were identified through literature reviews, case studies, and exploratory surveys. Empirical surveys were conducted on 43 sample banks in Australia, which were further categorized in ten bank groups. Analytical methods included descriptive statistics and stepwise least square regression with case studies. The findings were: the most significant factor for financial institutions to enter correspondent banking systems was the bank size and a lower ranking factor was location not physically present, whereas there was different consensus for different bank groups about the selection criteria for agents overseas.
Physical Activity in Prevention of Risk and Disability in Some Neurological Diseases
Authors: Opara Józef
Published: May 2018

The question of the role of physical activity in preventing disability in neurological diseases is the issue which is not in doubt. There is well known that physical activity in Parkinson`s disease and in Multiple Sclerosis patients is less than is the case in the general population.

Numerous scientific studies have confirmed the low physical activity of people with PD and MS. Improving physical activity delays the progress of physical disability and has the effect on increasing the quality of life in those two diseases.

In this paper an descriptive review of the literature devoted to the effect of physical activity on risk of PD and its impact on disability progression in PD and MS has been presented. The different recommendations for physical activity and different methods of assessment have been described.
Assessing the Quality of Aging - Presentation of Research Tool
Authors: Knapik Andrzej
Published: May 2018

Background: The analysis of demographic tendencies indicates a continuing process of extending life expectancy in numerous societies. Alongside the decline in fertility, the continuing process of extending life expectancy is the primary cause for the aging of societies. An increasing percentage of the elderly require defining the welfare among older people and its factors.

Aim: This article presents various views on successful aging and introduces the authorial Successful Aging Index model, which was the basis for a questionnaire diagnosing the quality of aging. The author’s intention was to create a diagnostic tool for said process.

Conclusions: Presented tool according to the author can be very useful for diagnosing the course of successful aging. However, this requires additional empirical testing.
Reactive oxygen radicals – the therapeutic effectiveness of antioxidants
Authors: Skiba Marta , Pedrycz Agnieszka , Cichacz Beata
Published: May 2018

Oxidative stress occurring in cells is a consequence of an excessive activity of reactive oxygen forms, resulting from an imbalance between the release of free oxygen radicals and their removal from the cell by antioxidant systems. 90% of reactive oxygen radicals emerge in mitochondrial respiratory chain during an incomplete four-electron oxygen reduction. The remaining 10% originate from different reactions occurring in the cell. The established compounds are characterised by a short half-life and are highly reactive. Sparse quantities of free oxygen radicals have a positive effect on cell functions. Oxidative stress leads to damage in cellular membranes, enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins, as well as DNA. Therapy with antioxidants as exogenous dietary supplements aims at preventing or reducing the risk of development of diseases involving the presence of the oxygen radicals. Whether the antioxidant therapy will bring positive or negative effects depends on numerous factors that need to be considered before their inclusion in the applied treatment.
Childlessness – psychological consequences of decisions taken while experiencing infertility
Authors: Dembińska Aleksandra
Published: May 2018

The aim of this article is to present the results of original research into psychological consequences for women choosing intentional childlessness as a way of coping with infertility. The study included 87 women who decided to remain childless. Tools used in the study were: the original Attitudes towards Own Infertility Scale; the HDS-M Scale (Zigmond, Snaith); the original Scale for Assessment of Hope as an Emotional State; the Satisfaction with Life Scale SWLS (Diener et al.); the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (SES). Significant correlations were found between variables included in the study were found. The analysis comparing psychological variables with sociodemographic variables showed that only the length of time since diagnosis is related to the level of hope. The analysis comparing childless women with those undergoing infertility treatment revealed statistically significant differences in the level of acceptance of one’s infertility (higher in childless women) and in the perception of social support and its types (women undergoing infertility treatment perceived a higher level of support) The cluster analysis indicated that there are three characteristics on which the effectiveness of coping with infertility depend. The conclusions of the study are extremely important in the process of preparing preventive psychology programs for women who make a conscious decision to remain childless.
What mental health promotion do university students need?
Authors: Sokołowska Ewa , Zabłocka-Żytka Lidia , Kluczyńska Sylwia , Wojda-Kornacka Joanna
Published: May 2018

Our aim was to find out what university students expect of mental health promotion. 610 young people were asked a few open questions. 81% of respondents expressed an interest in mental health promotion activities. They associated promotional activities with physical, social and/or emotional health care. Basically, these positive expectations are in agreement with the biopsychosocial model of mental health formulated by the WHO (2005). No interest in the idea of promotion (11%) is caused by the erroneous assumption that mental health promotion is targeted at people with mental disorders; therefore, a mentally healthy person does not benefit from participating in such a programme.
Gamification in education – practical solutions for educational courses
Authors: Skok Katarzyna
Published: May 2018

Gamification can be defined as the use of game design elements in non-game contexts. The aim of this article is to present practical solutions for a gamified educational course. The solutions are based on mechanisms used in online games and on the results of empirical research on motivation. The first part of the article analyzes theories of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The second part discusses the motivational aspects of one of the most popular games (World of Warcraft). The final part presents a detailed sample project for a gamified educational course. It proposes that – among classical solutions – a monetary schedule of reinforcement as well as a number of features based on the natural needs to cooperate and compete be included.
Towards a revision of the genus Otiorhynchus Germar, 1822 subgenus Choilisanus Reitter, 1912 with descriptions of new species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae: Otiorhynchini)
Authors: Białooki Piotr Z.
Published: May 2018

New species of the subgenus Otiorhynchus (Choilisanus) are described: pectorosus sp. n., octangularis sp. n., impetrativus sp. n., megapterygius sp. n., analemmus sp. n., thermophilus sp. n., robustisetis sp. n., umbraticus sp. n., sculptiventris sp. n., plagigerulus sp. n., and imperspicabilis sp. n., all from Asia Minor.
The Associative Structure of the Mental Lexicon: Hierarchical Semantic Relations in the Minds of Blind and Sighted Language Users
Authors: Mikołajczak-Matyja Nawoja
Published: May 2018

This paper concerns the role of hierarchical semantic relations: class inclusion and partwhole relations as factors organising the mental lexicon, and the dependence of their importance on visual perception and visual memories, as demonstrated by the results of a free association task. 58 blind and 58 sighted language users were instructed to give associations for a list of 75 Polish nouns. Semantic analysis showed that more than 40% of the whole corpus of answers was related to stimuli through the part-whole or class inclusion relations. The results of the analysis indicated many similarities, concerning both types of relations, in the feedback obtained from the blind and sighted respondents. However, the blind participants showed a significantly stronger tendency to respond with inclusive terms (hyperonyms of the stimuli) than the sighted respondents. Th e results were interpreted in terms of the specificity of the compensation processes.
The Effect of Powder Ball Milling on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Sintered Fe-Cr-Mo-Mn-(Cu) Steel
Authors: Kulecki P. , Lichańska E.
Published: May 2018

The effect of ball milling powder mixtures of Höganäs pre-alloyed iron Astaloy CrM, low-carbon ferromanganese Elkem, elemental electrolytic Cu and C-UF graphite on the sintered structure and mechanical properties was evaluated. The mixing was conducted using Turbula mixer for 30 minutes and CDI-EM60 frequency inverter for 1 and 2 hours. Milling was performed on 150 g mixtures with (in weight %) CrM + 1% Mn, CrM + 2% Mn, CrM + 1% Mn + 1% Cu and CrM + 2% Mn + 1% Cu, all with 0.6%C. The green compacts were single pressed at 660 MPa according to PN-EN ISO 2740. Sintering was carried out in a laboratory horizontal furnace Carbolite STF 15/450 at 1250°C for 60 minutes in 5%H2 – 95%N2 atmosphere with a heating rate of 75°C/min, followed by sintering hardening at 60°C/min cooling rate. All the steels were characterized by martensitic structures. Mechanical testing revealed that steels based on milled powders have slightly higher mechanical properties compared to those only mixed and sintered. The best combination of mechanical properties, for ball milled CrM + 1% Mn + 1% Cu was UTS 1046 MPa, TRS 1336 MPa and A 1.94%.
The Effects of Post-Sintering Treatments on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mn-Mo Steel
Authors: Fiał Ch.
Published: May 2018

The effect of heat treatment on density, hardness, microstructure and tensile properties of Fe-0.85Mo-1.3Mn-0.6C sintered steel were investigated. Pre-alloyed Astaloy 85Mo, ferromanganese and UF4 graphite powders were mixed for 60 minutes in a Turbula mixer and then pressed in single-action die at 660MPa to produce green compacts (according to PN EN ISO 2740).The compacts were sintered in a specially designed semi-closed container at 1120 or 1250°C for 60 minutes in N2. The chemical composition of the sintering atmosphere was modified by adding getter and/or activator into the container. Two different types of heat treatment in nitrogen were carried out: sinteraustempering at 525°C for 60 minutes; and sinterhardening with additional tempering at 200°C for 60 minutes. The slightly better combination of strength and plasticity of steel for both sintering temperatures were achieved after sinterhardening+tempering variant. Average values of 0.2% offset yield stress, ultimate tensile strength and elongation after sintering in 1250°C, were 415MPa, 700MPa, and 2.0%, respectively.
Aristotelian Moral Psychology and the Situationist Challenge
Authors: Croom Adam M.
Published: May 2018

For some time now moral psychologists and philosophers have ganged up on Aristotelians, arguing that results from psychological studies on the role of character-based and situation-based influences on human behavior have convincingly shown that situations rather than personal characteristics determine human behavior. In the literature on moral psychology and philosophy this challenge is commonly called the “situationist challenge,” and as Prinz (2009) has previously explained, it has largely been based on results from four salient studies in social psychology, including the studies conducted by Hartshorne and May (1928), Milgram (1963), Isen and Levin (1972), and Darley and Batson (1973). The situationist challenge maintains that each of these studies seriously challenges the plausibility of virtuous personal characteristics by challenging the plausibility of personal characteristics more generally. In this article I undermine the situationist challenge against Aristotelian moral psychology by carefully considering major problems with the conclusions that situationists have drawn from the empirical data, and by further challenging the accuracy of their characterization of the Aristotelian view. In fact I show that when properly understood the Aristotelian view is not only consistent with empirical data from developmental science but can also offer important insights for integrating moral psychology with its biological roots in our natural and social life.
Emotional Frankness and Friendship in Polish Culture
Authors: Szarota Piotr , Cantarero Katarzyna , Matsumoto David
Published: May 2018

According to Wierzbicka (1999), one of the core values of Polish culture is sincerity and emotional frankness, in this study we tested this assumption analyzing display rules operating between friends. 100 respondents completed modified version of the Display Rule Assessment Inventory (Matsumoto, Yoo, Hirayama, & Petrova, 2005). Results show that Polish participants endorse more expression with close friends than with acquaintances and strangers. The obtained differences between those groups were quite large and similar to a pattern typical for collectivistic cultures. On the other hand, we reported high level of overall expressivity, typical of individualism. Such a high expressivity was found for all studied emotions, but pride, which is consistent with previous research on self-presentational modesty in Polish culture (e.g. Dabul, Wosińska, Cialdini, Mandal, & Dion, 1997).
Partner’s body odor vs. relatives’ body odor: a comparison of female associations
Authors: Sorokowska Agnieszka , Butovskaya Marina , Veselovskaya Elizaveta
Published: May 2018

People positively appraise odors of individuals who are genetically different from themselves. Here we analyzed the relationship between perceived similarity of body odor to the judges’ relatives and their partners, and characteristics attributed to the odor donor. Seventy-six women were asked to smell one of the scents of twenty-nine men, and rate variables related to potential sexual interest in odor donor. We hypothesized that characteristics related to potential sexual interest would be associated with odor donors smelling similar to a partner, rather than with odor donors smelling similar to a relative. We found that perceived similarity to a partner’s scent was positively correlated with ratings of variables related to potential sexual interest in odor donor, whereas the resemblance to a close relative’s scent did not correlate with these assessments.
Temperament, stress, and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Maryniak Agnieszka , Hasiec Andrzej , Duda Bartosz , Orczykowski Michał , Szumowski Łukasz
Published: May 2018

In some patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the causative agent of attack is stress (AF associated with adrenergic activity). In others, AF usually begins during relax or sleep (AF associated with vagal nerve dominance). This study aimed to investigate the individual factors associated with the adrenergic or vagal type of AF. This study included 138 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Sixty-eight patients reported that AF was frequently triggered by stress (sympathetic-type AF) and 70 patients reported that AF usually began during relaxation or sleep (vagal-type AF). Gender, age, ejection fraction, and temperament were compared across the two groups. Temperament was evaluated using the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour-Temperament Inventory. The groups differed only in temperament. Patients with sympathetic-type AF had a higher score for emotional reactivity (p = 0.002) and perseverance (p = 0.002) temperament traits and a lower score for endurance (p = 0.003) than patients with vagal-type AF and than the average in population.
The Affective Self-regulation of Covert and Overt Reasoning in a Promotion vs. Prevention Mind-set
Authors: Kolańczyk Alina , Roczniewska Marta
Published: May 2018

The main hypothesis of studies presented in this article is that episodic implicit evaluations (affects) toward task-relevant objects determine thinking and decisions by actively placing them within or outside the scope of attention. In these studies we also aimed to test the impact of regulatory focus on implicit evaluations and goal pursuit. We applied the Promotion-Prevention Self-control Scale as a measure of mind-set during thinking in the Wason Selection Task (WST) in Study 1 and Island Decision Game (IDG) in Study 2. Directly after learning of the tasks, participants evaluated (in affective priming paradigm) objects that constituted the task’s content. The findings are in line with the hypothesis stating that goals influence the way in which objects are automatically evaluated. The effects of promotion mind-set were more pronounced in both studies. Promotion-focused individuals positively assessed objects that serve as a confirmation. The implicit evaluations by prevention-oriented individuals disclosed their falsifying approach to the WST. The positive implicit evaluation of correct objects suggests their sensitivity to information useful for falsification and is consistent with their tendency to cautiously self-control thinking.
Many faces of optimism. Proposal of five profiles of optimistic attitudes in research on Polish sample.
Authors: Czerw Agnieszka
Published: May 2018

Optimism is one human characteristic which for many years has been of central interest to psychology. This variable is usually treated as a one-dimensional human trait. This text presents a different view of optimism. It includes a discussion of a multidimensional questionnaire for the measurement of optimism: the Optimistic Attitude Questionnaire (OAQ). The OAQ measures four dimensions of optimism: achievement orientation, incaution, positive thinking, and openness. The results of a k-means clustering procedure that was conducted on a group of 766 adults are presented as well. The results of the analysis reveal five different profiles: global optimists, pessimists, cautious optimists, moderate optimists, and risk-takers. The obtained profiles are significantly different from each other - for example, with respect to the age of the participants and their evaluations of life satisfaction.
Ischemic Stroke Due to Middle Cerebral Artery M1 Segment Occlusion: Latvian Stroke Register Data / Išēmisks Insults Sakarā ar Arteria Cerebri Media M1 Segmenta Oklūziju: Insulta Reģistra Dati
Authors: Valante Ramona , Blimhena Inese , Miglāne Evija , Millers Andrejs , Balodis Artūrs , Pūcīte Elīna
Published: May 2018

The occlusion of middle cerebral artery (MCA) is the most common cause of ischemic stroke. A retrospective single centre analysis of ischemic stroke was conducted using data from the Latvian Stroke Register in the period from January 2013 till December 2014. The study included 478 patients who had confirmed MCA occlusion using computed tomography angiography (CTA). Half of the patients were males - 237 (49.6%), average age 69.51, average age of females was 74.58 years. Cardioembolic stroke was the most common cause of MCA M1 segment occlusion in 294 (61.5%) cases. Small cerebral artery occlusion was not a cause of M1 MCA occlusion. The reperfusion therapy group consisted of 209 patients and the conservative therapy group of 269 patients. Both groups presented similar neurological status when they were admitted to hospital. However, the reperfusion therapy group had better neurological status (NIHSS 6.82) than in the conservative therapy group (NIHSS 8.2) at the time period when patients were discharged from hospital (p < 0.05). There were more cases of good functional outcome (39.2%) and less of poor (34.5%) in the reperfusion group, as well as less mortality - 7.6%. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) is the most common site of stroke and the most common cause of its occlusion is cardioembolism. There is high incidence of recurrence of stroke due to M1 MCA occlusion. Both groups presented a similar neurological status on admission, but more improvement was seen in the reperfusion therapy group after discharge of patients from hospital. The functional outcome was also better in the reperfusion therapy group.
The role of cartilage and bone allografts in nasal reconstruction
Authors: Grosu-Bularda Andreea , Manea Claudiu , Lazarescu Luana , Lascar Ioan
Published: May 2018

Nasal reconstruction is challenging, considering surgical techniques complexity and difficulties in remodelling a tridimensional structure. Reconstructive requirements are: correct deformity evaluation, selecting the most suitable treatment option, respecting the principle of aesthetic subunit, appropriate reconstruction of each affected nasal layer, long-term stabile functional and aesthetic results. Reconstructive procedures range from simple to very complex. Conventional techniques can fail in restoring a satisfactory appearance in severely disfigured patients, for whom a new possibility arises: Vascularized Composite Allografts (VCA) transplantation.

In this paper, we focus on nasal skeletal framework restoration. Structural defects may require a large amount of reconstructive material obtained usually from cartilage or bone autografts. Autologous cartilage is the gold standard in nasal architectural recovery, but in some cases, autologous graft sources are not available, imposing the necessity to use alternative solutions represented by the allografts or alloplastic materials. We analysed the specific features of skeletal allografts used in nasal reconstruction.

With current clinical experience, the use of cartilage and bone allografts (especially irradiated cartilage homografts) shows a promising reconstructive option for nasal structural defects. For extensive facial defects, including midface deformities, impossible to restore with traditional surgical techniques, a new reconstructive era was open through the development of the VCA field.
Integration of Educational and Research Constituents of the Process of Specialists’ Professional Training in the Universities of Developed Countries
Authors: Sbruieva Alina
Published: May 2018

In the article the characteristic of strategies of the integration of educational and research constituents of the process of specialists’ professional training in the universities of developed countries has been given. The relevance of the problem in the context of requirements to the graduate represented in the European qualifications framework (EQF) and formulated in the Dublin Descriptor of the EQF has been proved. The conclusion has been made about the strategies of integration of educational and research activities of the university as a multilevel and multidimensional system of interconnected, interdependent, and interrelated components. The study proves that the systemic character of research-oriented strategies is achieved by an interrelation of activities at all levels of implementation, and the inclusion of these strategies into the others, directed at increasing efficiency of educational process (development of E-learning, flexible curriculum, formation of a single university educationalresearch community, development of the university campus as a broad educational environment, etc.). The strategies of solving research problem in the context of defining the mission of the higher education institution and its full realization; development of curricular and methodological foundations of research-oriented learning; development of research activity strategies aimed at integration of educational and research constituents of the process of specialists’ training; professional staff development aimed at formation of readiness to research-oriented learning, and modernization of organizational structures of the university able to realize the mission of the university have been characterized.
Stories of Transition From G. I. Joe, G. I. Jane & Their Classmates: Using Critical Incident Narratives to Promote Social Integration in the Us First-Year Experience
Authors: Nguyenvoges Shelbee R.
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this case study research aims to bridge gaps in the current research by exploring how both veteran and nonveteran adult and higher education (AHE) learners make sense of their educational journey and identity, in and out of the classroom, during their first-year experience (FYE) course at a community college (CC) in the Southwest region. Combining critical incident technique (CIT) and narrative inquiry, the researcher is able to investigate veteran and nonveteran AHE learners’ personal critical incident narrative testimonies to make sense of individual identity and values. Relevant literature on the topic of FYE’s and transition for veteran and nonveteran learners underscore potentially problematic issues in the current scholarship. The theoretical framework from which this research was undertaken, methodology, findings and discussion reveal how nonveteran and veteran AHE learners identify a ‘third side’ or common ground in 1) the fight to pursue AHE, 2) the negotiation of new roles and 3) the influence of family on identity. To conclude, implications for future research and conclusions to advance understandings about veteran AHE learners have been offered. Ultimately, participant responses reveal common or ‘third sides,’ and how these ‘third side’ spaces contribute towards a collaborative learning environment in an FYE. General experiences of transition into the higher education setting for veteran and nonveteran learners are also shared in the findings.
Teaching Staff Advanced Training: European Experience
Authors: Kovalchuk Vasyl
Published: May 2018

The issue of teaching staff advanced training is paid much attention in many countries. In the Republic of Moldova progressive professional credits system is used. Credits are scored not only in assigning teaching degrees or issuing a certificate of continuing professional education, but also for teachers’ evaluation at the educational institution. Advanced training of teaching staff in France is provided by various institutions of postgraduate education, university institutes and regional centers of education in order to help teachers to renew their professional knowledge and at the same time to refocus it on the level of consciousness according to the real problems of school and the community. The feature of teaching staff advanced training in France is that it is teachers’ personal matter and duration of all periods of training should come to one year during all professional career. In Finland, teaching staff advanced training is organized directly in schools under aegis of the National Board of Education, the National Centre for Advanced Training in Education, departments of teacher education and other faculties of higher educational institutions on credit system basis. Among the topical forms there are targeted, cascade, common (cooperative) teaching and learning by own example. In the UK, advanced training takes place in two models: the course model based on higher educational establishments and school based in-service education. The main purpose of advanced training system is to familiarize teachers with theoretical and practical innovations in educational activities, progressive teaching technologies, and consolidate their skills of independent acquisition of knowledge necessary for their professional development.
Pedagogical Strategies for Training Future Technicians in American Aviation Schools
Authors: Pazyura Natalia
Published: May 2018

The article is devoted to the question of improvement of quality and efficiency of professional training of future technicians in aviation industry in the American educational establishments. Main attention is paid to the studies of pedagogical technologies, which are used for the sake of qualitative and efficient training of specialists of aviation industry. The main purpose of vocational education and training is to help students to develop a way of thinking that would enable them in understanding the technical systems and master learning at the conceptual level. It is a well known fact that researches of pedagogical technologies are aimed at the development of mental models. They are important because: first - they make possible a reduction of time for training.That is rather essential taking into account the fact how much time the “transformation” of a student’s level of knowledge from a novice to an experienced worker takes. The researches of pedagogical technologies help to find a optimum ways for acquisition of expert type of thinking. Secondly, pedagogical technologies help to cut down expenses on training. This is especially topical during professional training of technicians, who are to better understand structural, functional, behavioral aspects of technical systems. In addition, they must effectively operate in troubleshooting in the system which also shortens financial expenses on the maintenance of equipment.
Health Habits and Their Formation Among Today’S Young People of School Age in Poland
Authors: Michalska Aleksandra
Published: May 2018

This paper presents the impact of health education on life expectancy and adaption to modern conditions. The acquisition of healthy attitude in the first and second decade of life influences the development of trade, economic status and helps efficiently cope with stress. The article highlights the impact of “health literacy”, the school environment and family upbringing and subsequent persistence in health. Organization of education should be started from childhood. Unfortunately many teachers and parents cannot supply information about sanitary education, correct sanitation, healthy nutrition and physical activity. Disciples who lack support and knowledge can be exposed under pressure of contemporary risky operations. Pediatric population makes up to 30 % of the whole population. In the first and second decade of life the baby is shaped and strengthens previously instilled habits. Stage of puberty is the most favorable moment for proper physical development of young people. During this period perpetuate conscious health behaviors, but at the same time there are health risk behaviors. These behaviors affect the quality and duration in health. Measures of health policy on school-age children should be focused primarily on prevention and health promotion.
Development of Formal Agricultural Education in Canada (Based on the Analysis of Scientific Periodicals of the 19th – Early 20th Centuries)
Authors: Havrylenko Kateryna
Published: May 2018

The article states that one of the world leaders in agricultural sector training is Canada, which has gained a great scientific and practical experience. The paper examines the role of periodicals of the 19th – early 20th centuries, preserved in the Canadian book funds for the establishment and development of formal agricultural education of this country and for the popularization of the scientific information among the general public. The impressive work of the Canadiana project on preservation of periodicals of the given period, launched by Canadian library collections has been emphasized. These periodical materials have been analyzed and an attempt of old agricultural publications classification has been made. The importance of comprehensive informational analysis of the existing periodicals roles for better understanding of the transformations and changes that have occurred in Canadian formal agricultural education has been outlined as well as the need of researching the role of universities in the scientific community of the past and of our time has been stressed. The importance of a detailed study of the saved periodicals for an objective analysis of contemporary formal agricultural education and its role in the society in order to improve the training of agricultural sector specialists in the country according to the best historical examples has been noted as well as the need in the retrospective analysis of higher education development in Canada for further implementation of the results into the national educational system has been indicated.
Linguistics Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses: Experience of Lancaster University (UK)
Authors: Komochkova Olga
Published: May 2018

The article deals with peculiarities of undergraduate and postgraduate linguistic courses at Lancaster University. It has been stated that the latter is considered to be one of the best higher education institutions both in the UK and worldwide. Being a relatively new higher education institution (founded in 1964), it can already boast its academic reputation. According to data of British surveys it has been found out that Lancaster University is extremely popular among students. Speaking about linguistic achievements it should be mentioned that Lancaster University’s linguistic centre, spanning four generations of researchers, has been recently awarded The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. It has been revealed that degree programmes at Lancaster University are flexible and provide students with the opportunity to master a wide range of subject areas to complement their main specialism as well as numerous optional modules selected to satisfy various education needs and inclinations of students. Teaching approach at the University is research-driven and research stimulated, that is why much curriculum time is dedicated to carrying out research projects. Students are significantly motivated towards self-study as most of study time (81–89 %) is dedicated to independent learning. Lectures, seminars and similar are given only 11–19 %. Positive aspects of British experience in professional training of future linguists have been outlined.
The Verification of Influence of the Point „C“ Position from Given Interval to Solving Systems with Highspeed Feedback
Authors: Bajčičáková Ingrida , Jurovatá Dominika
Published: May 2018

This article deals with the design of effective numerical scheme for solving three point boundary value problems for second-order nonlinear singularly perturbed differential equations with initial conditions. Especially, it is focused on the analysis of the solutions when the point c from given interval is not the centre of this interval. The obtained system of nonlinear algebraic equations is solved by Newthon-Raphson method in MATLAB. It also verifies the convergence of approximate solutions of an original problem to the solution of reduced problem. We discuss the solution of a given problem with the situation when the point c is in the middle of the given interval.
Improving Cognitive Skills of the Industrial Robot
Authors: Bezák Pavol
Published: May 2018

At present, there are plenty of industrial robots that are programmed to do the same repetitive task all the time. Industrial robots doing such kind of job are not able to understand whether the action is correct, effective or good. Object detection, manipulation and grasping is challenging due to the hand and object modeling uncertainties, unknown contact type and object stiffness properties. In this paper, the proposal of an intelligent humanoid hand object detection and grasping model is presented assuming that the object properties are known. The control is simulated in the Matlab Simulink/ SimMechanics, Neural Network Toolbox and Computer Vision System Toolbox.
Evaluation of Safety Parameters According to IEC Standards
Authors: Cuninka Peter , Strémy Maximilián
Published: May 2018

The article deals with different procedures for determining the safety integrity level and its applications. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the system and associate it with certain safety integrity level. In this article, we will use IEC 61508, IEC 61511 and IEC 62061 for comparison. The first standard is specified as the superior standard for all safety-critical systems. The second one acts as an extension of the superior standard in the field of functional safety. The last one is aimed at machinery safety.
Remote Dosimetry Monitoring Unit for Human Unfriendly Environment
Authors: Eliáš Andrej , Závacký Pavol
Published: May 2018

This article deals with the design of a mobile monitoring vehicle which is intended to measure radioactivity in the human unfriendly environmental conditions. The prototype of such unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) was successfully built and tested in our controlled environment.
Charged Particle Dynamics Inside Electrostatic Quadrupole Deflection System with Circular Electrodes and Rotationally Symmetric Design
Authors: Minárik Stanislav , Riedlmajer Róbert
Published: May 2018

This paper offers a theoretical study of special type of electrostatic quadrupole deflection system (EQDS) intended for ion beam optics. We deal with EQDS consisting of electrode pairs with rotational symmetry design. This systems was pre-designed for an ion beam modification and trajectory controlling. Basic assumptions for determination of transfer characteristics of such systems are analysed on the basic of charged particle dynamics.

We are especially interested in the electrostatic field distribution among electrodes inside the mentioned type of EQDS. Typical case of the Sturm-Liouville boundary value problem called Bessel`s differential equation arises in calculation of the electrostatic scalar potential with rotational symmetry. Bessel`s functions are particular solution of Laplace equation in this case. The scalar potential equations of motion for ions in this electrostatic field are found. The path of charge-particles in this field could be determined by solving the trajectory equation of motion in Cartesian coordinates.
Quantization of Energy in 1D Model of Crystal Lattice with Local Perturbations Induced by Ion-Beam Impact
Authors: Minárik Stanislav
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we propose theoretical basis for investigation of dynamics of acoustic phonons in a thin layers containing nano-scale structural inhomogeneities. One-dimensional (1D) model of a crystal lattice was considered to reveal specific features of the processes arising in such system of phonons in equilibrium state. Standard quantization of energy of 1D ionic chain vibrating by acoustic frequencies was carried out while the presence of foreign ions in this chain was taken into account. Since only two dimensions are dominant in thin layers, only longitudinal vibrations of the chain in the plane of the layer were considered. Results showed that foreign ions affect the energy quantization. Phonon-phonon interaction between two phonon`s modes can be expected if the mass of foreign ions implanted by ion-beam differs from the mass of ions in the initial layer.

We believe that the obtained results will help to understand the character of phonon systems in nanostructured thin layers prepared by ion-bem technology, and will allow better explain some thermal and electrical phenomena associated with lattice dynamics in such layers.
FGB -455 G>A and GP IIIa PIA1/A2 polymorphisms in a group of Romanian stroke patients
Authors: Petrişor Felicia Maria , Cătană Andreea , Mărginean Dragoş Horea , Trifa Adrian Pavel , Popp Radu Anghel , Pop Ioan Victor
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Being a multifactorial disease, stroke is one of a major causes of death and disability worldwide. Several genetic polymorphisms have been associated with stroke etiophatology and FGB −455 G>A and GP IIIa PIA1/A2 are among them. In the present study, we investigated the association between FGB −455 G>A and GP IIIa PIA1A2 polymorphisms and the risk of ischemic stroke in a group of Romanian stroke patients.

Subjects and methods: This case-control study included 148 patients with ischemic stroke and 150 healthy age, sex and ethnically matched unrelated controls. FGB −455G>A and GP IIIa PIA1A2 genotyping was carried out using PCR-RFLP. The association of FGB −455G>A and GP IIIa PIA1A2 polymorphisms and cardiovascular risk factors with ischemic stroke was tested using logistic regression analysis.

Results: Molecular analysis did not reveal an increased frequency of the FGB -455 G>A variant allele and GP IIIa PIA1/A2 variant allele in the study group compared to the control group (p = 0.140, OR = 0.750, 95% CI = 0.522 - 1.077; p = 0.823, OR = 0.944, 95% CI = 0.558 - 1.599 respectively). Furthermore, after performing logistic regression analysis adjusted for the known risk factors, a positive association with stroke was found in smokers (p = 0.026, OR = 1.800, 95% CI = 1.071 - 3.024)

Conclusions: No association was found between FGB −455 G>A and GP IIIa PIA1/A2 polymorphisms and ischemic stroke in the studied population.
Prevalence of virulence markers and pHS-2-like plasmids among Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri isolates originating from shigellosis cases in Romania
Authors: Cristea Daniela , Oprea Mihaela , Ciontea Adriana Simona , Antohe Felicia , Usein Codruta-Romanita
Published: May 2018

The surveillance of shigellosis is carried out under the auspice of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control which requires a reliable laboratory-based surveillance at national level. To date, little information is published about the members of Shigella spp. responsible for Romanian cases of shigellosis which hinders the understanding of the current epidemiology of shigellosis. Consequently, this retrospective study aimed to assess the diversity of virulence profiles displayed by the strains circulating in our region, by using key chromosome- and plasmid-associated markers, and to document the prevalence of pHS-2-like plasmid previously proposed as a potential marker for reactive arthritis.

The study focused on 65 Shigella sonnei and 49 Shigella flexneri clinical isolates, originated from local patients, recovered through the national surveillance system in 2009 - 2013. PCR assays were performed for the detection of ipaH, ipaBCD, ial, sen, set1A, set1B, sat, and pic genes, and a PCR-sequencing approach on plasmid preparations was used for identifying pHS-2-specific sequences.

Overall, the virulence markers ranged in prevalence from 21% (set1A, set1B, pic) to 100% (ipaH). S. flexneri isolates displayed a higher content of virulence markers than S. sonnei, the most common genotype, detected exclusively in S. flexneri serotype 2a isolates, being defined by the association ipaH+ipaBCD+ial+sen+sat+set1A+ set1B+pic. pHS-2-like plasmids were found in S. flexneri isolates of various serotypes suggesting the potential to trigger postinfection complications in specific subjects.

This study provided baseline data regarding the molecular characteristics of the Shigella strains from Romania, useful for defining the picture of shigellosis in our region.
Non-invasive Sampling for Assessment of Oxidative Stress and Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Beta-Thalassaemia Major Patients
Authors: Rahim Mohd. Rashdan Abd. , Tan Jin Ai Mary Anne , Mani Ravishankar Ram , Kuppusamy Umah Rani
Published: May 2018

Background: Beta-thalassaemia (β-thalassaemia) major patients are severely anaemic and require life-long blood transfusions for survival. These patients require iron-chelation therapy as a result of iron overload due to the monthly blood transfusions. The iron over load can cause oxidative damage and pro-inflammation and therefore, hasten mortality. Thus, regular monitoring of the oxidative stress and pro-inflammation status may be useful in these patients.

Methods: Measurement of biomarkers is usually performed on serum samples but the evaluation in non-invasive samples such as saliva would be more favourable in paediatric cases. In this study, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as oxidative indices such as lipid hydro peroxide, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), uric acid (UA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in a total of 65 β-thalassaemia major patients (all on iron chelation) and 55 healthy control subjects were assessed. All the above biochemical parameters, measured using well established assay techniques, were detectable in saliva samples.

Results: Non parametric analyses showed that lipid hydroperoxide (LH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were significantly higher in β-thalassaemia major patients. All other parameters were not significantly different between patient and control groups implying that iron chelation therapy was successful in attenuating oxidative stress. Strong positive correlation was observed between FRAP and UA levels. There was also a notable difference in tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) between the patients and healthy controls when analysed according to ethnicity and age. AOPP level in β+-thalassaemia homozygous patients were significantly higher than β+/β0-compound heterozygous and β0-thalassaemia homozygous patients.

Conclusion: Saliva may serve as a reliable, non-invasive sample which can be used to assess oxidative indices and pro-inflammatory cytokines in β-thalassaemia major patients.