bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOME INDICES’ DETERMINATION OF RAW AND PASTEURIZED COW MILK BY UKRAINIAN MANUFACTURERS USING UNIQUE EXPRESS METHODS
Authors: M. Bogatko Nadia , V. Bukalova Natalia , P. Lyasota Vasil , P. Artemenko Lyudmyla , M. Bogatko Leonid , I. Bakhur Tetiana , M. Prilipko Tetiana , V. Zabarna Inna , B. Savchuk Lubov , А. Tkachuk Svetlana
Published: October 2019

According to the Regulation (EC) of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union No. 852/2004 and No. 853/2004 “Оn the hygiene of foodstuffs” dated April 29, 2004, Ukrainian producers of both pasteurized and raw cow's milk should be guided by regulatory acts, in particular, DSTU 2661:2010 “Drinkable cow’s milk. General technical conditions” and DSTU 3662:2015 “Cow’s milk-raw. Technical conditions”, which are harmonized to the requirements of the EU, and are regulating the safety and quality of milk for adhering to the proper sanitary and hygienic requirements of their primary production and industrial processing, and use modern, effective developed and tested rapid control methods of milk and dairy products for their falsification.
Taking into account that today the falsification of milk as pasteurized and raw is not a rare occurrence, it is especially important to develop and introduce new express methods for the detection of various chemical reagents in dairy products that impair their quality and can affect their safety.
We have developed simple, effective, reliable express methods: the determination of the number of somatic cells in milk by using Reagent N; detection of milk falsification by sodium bicarbonate using an alcoholic solution of bromocresol green with a mass concentration of 0.01%; as well as by alkaline detergents using an alcoholic solution of bromotymol blue with a mass concentration of 0.02%.
Determination of the number of somatic cells in cow's milk by express method using Reagent N gave a 99.8% confidence in qualitative indices. The colour and consistency of milk varies, depending on the number of somatic cells – from liquid with bright orange to the formation of a jelly-like clay dark-raspberry colour which is easily removed from the hole of the dairy plate.
An express method for detecting falsification of milk by sodium bicarbonate has the following advantages over existing commonly used methods: the results are specific, with a reliable qualitative index of 99.9%, consisting in changing the colour of the circular layer of milk, depending on the amount of baking soda added to it. In the absence of sodium hydro-carbonate, the colour of the circular layer of milk has a dark green colour, and if it is present, it acquires a dark blue-green colour of varying intensity.
The express method of the milk falsification determining by alkaline detergents is easy to implement, and its results give specific qualitative indicators of 99.9%. Depending on the amount of alkaline detergents added to the container with milk (up to 1, 5, 10%), the milk acquires a blue colour varying intensity.
OPTIMIZATION OF TOTAL SOLUBLE PROTEIN PRODUCTION BY Trametes sp. isolate B7 AND ENZYMATIC DEGRADATION OF SYNTHETIC DYES
Authors: Vandelun Ado Benjamin , Anthony Onilude Abiodun , Joseph Amande Tivkaa
Published: October 2019

Filamentous fungi as a source of bioproteins for biotechnological applications are preferred over bacteria and yeasts due to their excellent yield and total volume of production. Fungal laccases are useful because of high redox potentials and low substrate specificity to xenobiotics. However, challenges for large-scale utilizations are low enzyme yield and high cost of production. Saw-dust of Terminalia superba abounds locally and was utilized as alternative substrate for production using various optimization processes. Trametes sp. isolate B7 was isolated and identified using molecular techniques. Optimum pH and temperature for total soluble protein (TSP) and laccase activity were pH 5.0 (3.6 mg/mL, 2356 U/mL) and 25oC (2.3 mg/mL, 2395 U/mL), respectively. Enhanced production of TSA occurred in Cu2+ (2.70 mg/L) and Ca2+ (2.50 mg/L) at 3 mM. Laccase activity was recorded at 1 - 2 mM Cu2+ (2379 U/mL) and 3 - 4 mM Ca2+ (2385 U/mL). Productions of TSP and laccase activity were higher using ammonium sulphate and ammonium chloride respectively. Glucose induced the best TSP and laccase activity of 3.6 mg/mL and 2395 U/mL respectively. TSP and laccase activity were best on day 14 (3.6 mg/mL) and day 18 (2395 U/mL) respectively. Percentage degradation of synthetic dyes using crude laccase 1000 U/mL (and 2000 U/mL) were: Remazol Brilliant Blue Royal 100% (77%), Phenol red 28% (36%), Congo red 75% (64%), and Malachite green 62% (28%) respectively. The ability of laccase to degrade Phenol red and other synthetic dyes without using enzyme mediators made it a valuable tool for biotechnological applications.
EFFECT OF ZINC METAL AT HIGH CONCNETRATION ON SECONDARY METABOLIC PATHWAYS IN PENICILLIUM CHRYSOGENUM STRAIN
Authors: Bourzama Ghania , ENNAGHRA Nadjet , Soumati Boudjma , Benoune Saliha , Atriche Nesrine
Published: October 2019

Environmental pollution by heavy metals is a recent global problem threatening human life through the food chain. The used of fungi provides an alternative solution to eliminate these heavy metals. The current study aims to study the change of secondary metabolic pathways of fungal strain tolerant of Zinc metal. Penicillium chrysogenum selected strain was isolated from the sand of beaches polluted with Zinc at East Algerian area. The optimization of Penicillium chrysogenum strain was carried out on Czapek Yeast Agar medium (CYA) at different temperature and pH values. The effect of Zinc on the production of secondary metabolites by Penicillium chrysogenum strain was determined on solid medium, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) plate and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results revealed that Penicillium chrysogenum strain can develop in a wide range of temperature and pH with an optimum of 28 ° C and 6. It is capable to tolerate high concentrations of Zinc (up to 1400 mg.l-1).This study showed that high concentrations of Zinc (1200 and 1400 mg.l-1) have a positive effect on antibiotic production, but they have a negative effect on the mycotoxin production except to neoxaline.
Trends in Referrals to a Pediatric Transgender Clinic
Authors: Handler Ted , Hojilla J. Carlo , Varghese Reshma , Wellenstein Whitney , Satre Derek D. , Zaritsky Eve
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVES:

We characterized referral trends over time at a transgender clinic within an integrated health system in Northern California. We identified the transition-related requests of pediatric transgender and gender-nonconforming patients and evaluated differences in referrals by age group.

METHODS:

Medical records were analyzed for all patients <18 years of age in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health system who were referred to a specialty transgender clinic between February 2015 and June 2018. Trends in treatment demand, demographic data, service requests, and surgical history were abstracted from medical charts and analyzed by using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS:

We identified 417 unique transgender and gender-nonconforming pediatric patients. The median age at time of referral was 15 years (range 3–17). Most (62%) identified on the masculine spectrum. Of the 203 patients with available ethnicity data, 68% were non-Hispanic. During the study period, the clinic received a total of 506 referrals with a significant increase over time (P < .001). Most referrals were for requests to start cross-sex hormones and/or blockers (34%), gender-affirming surgery (32%), and mental health (27%). Transition-related requests varied by age group: younger patients sought more mental health services, and older patients sought hormonal and surgical services. Eighty-nine patients underwent gender-affirming surgeries, mostly before age 18 and most frequently mastectomies (77%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The increase in referrals supports the need for expanded and accessible health care services for this population. The transition-related care of patients in this large sample varied by age group, underscoring the need for an individualized approach to gender-affirming care.
Додатні ряди, множини підсум яких є канторвалами
Authors: Виннишин Ярослав , Маркітан Віта , Працьовитий Микола , Савченко Ігор
Published: October 2019

Наводиться конструкція континуальної сім'ї додатних рядів, множини неповних сум яких є канторвалами (об'єднанням ніде не щільної множини і множини, яка є нескінченним об'єднанням відрізків). Кожен ряд даної сім'ї має властивість $$\sum\limits_{n=1}^{\infty}a_{n}=1,~~~\overline{\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}}\frac{a_n}{\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}a_{n+k}}=+\infty,$$ причому для будь-якого $\varepsilon>0$ в цій сім'ї існує ряд, міра Лебега множини неповних сум якого є більшою за $1-\varepsilon$.
Political Leadership – Framework of the Discussion
Authors:   Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Poland), Pałecki Krzysztof
Published: October 2019

The ability to manage other people’s behavior has always intrigued philosophers. The fate of each human being and each community depend – in a way that is not easy to measure – on other people. Who are these “other people”? Why can they determine the direction of our thoughts and actions? What relation takes place between them, those who manage, and us, who are willing to be obedient? Which part of our social subjectivity are we willing to give up for the sake of these “others”? Such and many more important questions mark what may seem as an undefined framework of a never-ending, inconclusive discourse. However, once we decide to take an active part in this discourse, we need to take a responsibility to frame the subject matter, at the very least in a conventional manner, remaining aware that when each argument and each statement are equally relevant in terms of their content value, none is worth attention since they all are deprived of their explanatory value.
The Attributes of the Fourth Estate. In the Area of Medial Theories and Politics
Authors: Hofman Iwona
Published: October 2019

The term “Fourth Estate” is becoming more and more common and acquires various connotations. It seems that processes of mediatisation of politics and tabloidisation of the media greatly contribute to phenomenon. Numerous examples of that sort are provided by the permanent election campaigns in Poland, mutual relationship between different types of media and political public relations, as well as the relationship between the media and the ruling coalition.
Why is it so Difficult to Define Terrorism?
Authors: Wojciechowski Sebastian
Published: October 2019

The term ‘terrorism’ is among the most frequently used words. It accompanies us on an everyday basis. It is apparently understood in a similar manner throughout the world, but it is actually interpreted and defined in different ways. “All vogue words appear to share a similar fate: the more experiences they pretend to make transparent, the more they themselves become opaque”. Terrorism is no exception to that rule. This has become particularly apparent following the events of September 11, Bali, Madrid and London. Terrorism is characterized not only by its manifold nature and complexity but also by the problem with its definition.
European Parliament Election: Why do Poles not Vote?
Authors:   Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland), Marszałek–Kawa Joanna
Published: October 2019

A study of the Euro-barometer performed at the end of January and beginning of February 2009 showed that not even 34% of the surveyed in all the 27 countries of the European Union declares the desire to cast their vote in the approaching election to the Euro-community. 15% of the respondents answered that they would de! nitely not vote in the coming election. The participation in the European Parliament Elections has fallen from election to election. This tendency persists and no signs of improvement of the situation can be seen. In 1994, 56.8% of the entitled to vote participated in the elections in all the member countries. Ten years later, only 45.6% of voters cast their votes. New member countries with low level of interest in European matters have considerably contributed to the fall in the level of legitimisation of the European Parliament.
Process of European Integration and Values of Globalization
Authors: Chodubski Andrzej
Published: October 2019

Generally idea of united Europe has to guarantee peace and stabilization on it territory. At what there is dispute in aspect of stated of this territory. It notices itself, that borders of Europe wasn’t definite; it treats this particularly it concerns eastern border, which was movable. Trying to show borders of Europe usually it calls itself three conceptions. First from cancellation oneself to empire of Charles Great. Ruler that created monarchy in conditions of threat expansion of Arabs. That notion came into being European also, which fighting knights with Arabias invasions on Pyrenean Peninsula were de! ned. Heirs of Great Charles, Ottons, divided own territory on four large regions: Italy, Germany, Gaul and Sclavinia. Eastern border came to river Elbe: with run of years Otton’s territory included Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland. Second conception was built on so-called eastern schisms from 16th July of 1054 year. Christian world divided (orthodox) and western (roman catholic onto eastern order, called also catholic). Line of division ran resource from Adriatic to Danube, existing in XX century called state Yugoslavia; on Balkans they be shaped then Slavic communities; Serbians as well as Bulgarians tied with Orthodox Church, Slovenians and Croats with Catholicism. Alongside with Christianization civilization border shi! ed beyond Danube reaching for Arctic borders of continent. In Catholic circle there were Hungarians, western Slavs (Czechs, Slovaks, poles), Balts, Estonians and Finns; meanwhile in circle of order orthodox church found themselves Romanians and eastern Slavs (Ukrainians, Byelorussian).2 Russian diplomatist Wasilij Tatiszew on beginning XVIII age advanced third conception, recognizing mountains and river Ural for eastern border of Europe; he showed, that one should Russia to Europe.
Turkey: Social Engineering Secular Project
Authors:   University of Wrocław (Poland), Sus Paweł
Published: October 2019

Turkey is a country that lies on two continents. It is o! en regarded as a bridge between Europe and Asia, or between East and West. This in fact implies that its inhabitants participate in two separate and somewhat conicting sets of political values. On the one hand, those are the values of western liberal democracy. As a country in which periodic elections are held and there is a competition between political parties, Turkey is a democracy at least in the procedural or formal sense. On the other hand, there are oriental values related to the authoritarian political culture that goes back to the Ottoman Empire and to political Islam, that are often regarded as incompatible with democracy. The in uence of these values on the Turkish political system has made some scholars to argue that a fully- edged liberal democracy is impossible in this country. Furthermore, the existence of these different sets of values had often in the past led to a political confrontation. For decades there has been a struggle in Turkey between the secular center, represented by the Kemalist establishment, and the peripheral political religious movements.
Book review: Ludwik Habuda, “Decentralization vs. Centralization of Administration in the Structure of the Division of the Country” [Decentralizacja vs centralizacja administracji w strukturze zasadniczego terytorialnego podziału kraju], Wydawnictwo Adam
Authors: Popławski Mariusz
Published: October 2019

Professor Ludwik Habuda is a grand specialist in the field of broadly understood research on local and regional self-governments. The value of his studies is even greater as he tackles with issues concerning not the current legal status of such bodies, but he tries to get to the core of the problem by concentrating on a more demanding topic – the key features of a decentralized and a centralized structure.
Report from the National Academic Conference “Local Government: What It Should Be Like?”
Authors:   Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland), Marszałek–Kawa Joanna
Published: October 2019

From 20 to 21 April 2009, in the cinema room of the Town Hall in Toruń, there was a two-day National Academic Conference entitled “Local Government: What it Should be Like?”. The conference was organised by the Institute of Political Studies at the University of Nicolaus Copernicus (UMK). The session’s initiator, as well as the academic director, was Prof. PhD (Prof. Dr Hab.) Alfred Lutrzykowski, a specialist and an expert of the subject of local governments. The organiser of the session chose as his main goal to explain the idea of local government in a state, as well as to define the direction of local governments development in Poland and in the world. Local government is an important and inseparable element, which decides about the level of democracy of both society and the state. It constitutes an arena, on which both smaller and bigger interests of various social groups are defined, but it is also an area in which the interests can be fully presented.
Diplomacy in the postmodernity
Authors:   University of Wrocław (Poland), Łoś–Nowak Teresa
Published: October 2019

Considerations devoted to postmodern diplomacy should be preceded by reflection on the phenomenon of postmodernity, because everything, what it expresses, creates some kind of depth of causative powers of changes, which aff ect diplomacy, traditionally connected with state, its foreign policy, raison d’état, reasons and interests, to realisation of which it should serve. The diplomat’s mandate is still a mandate coming from state, which they represent and on behalf of which they act. However, on the other hand, diplomatic functions are more and more often attributed to non-state subjects, which have different objectives and tasks to accomplish.
Relations between European Parliament with the national parliaments of the EU member states
Authors:   Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland), Marszałek–Kawa Joanna
Published: October 2019

According to Montesquieu tripartite system, formed in the European constitutionalism, the organs of authority, in a democratic state, affect each other in an inhibitory way, balancing mutually. Traditionally, it is understood that the executive power is performed by the Head of State (monarch, president) and government, legislative power belongs to the parliament, whereas the judicial power is exercised by independent courts. Analyzing the political reality of member states it is necessary to note, that the executive participates in the national legislative processes more actively, for example, through executing constitutionally granted right of legislative initiative (usually together with deputies), by issuing acts with the power of law, or incorporating Community directives into the internal legal order.
E-Voting as a New Form of Civic Participation in Democratic Procedures
Authors:   Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland), Musiał–Karg Magdalena
Published: October 2019

Times are changing. The second half of the 19th century and the following years stood for rapid development of various tools based on electricity. Expansion of telecommunication and progress of electronic media constitute important elements of this period. It may be said, we now live in the Internet era, and there is a perception that anyone who does not jump on the technology bandwagon is going to be left far behind. The growth of online interactions can be observed by the inconceivable increase in the number of people with home PC and Internet access.
Sarmatism as Europe’s founding myth
Authors:   Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland), Orzeł Joanna
Published: October 2019

“More and more phenomena are assuming a political dimension, and the surrounding world of politics is beginning to overwhelm us. Despite its grounding in rationality, and despite eff orts to adapt it to the changing forms of social life, it systematically yields to derealisation. The key notions in this area, such as liberty, equality, democracy, raison d’état, revolution, counter-revolution, are becoming increasingly disconnected, receive variegated explanations and interpretations in political practice, are readily subject to manipulation.” Cultural myth expresses a collective, emotionally charged belief in the veracity of a conceptual content, a memory, and simultaneously provides a model, a set of rules for social behaviour. Leszek Kołakowski draws attention to the ubiquity of mythological thinking in contemporary culture in which it addresses the universal need to fi nd meaning and continuity in the world and its values. Myth is then a particular mode of perception, cognition, and understanding of reality, part of man’s mentality, his national and cultural identity.
Silesia Agglomeration – Identity in Transition Supranational Identifications in Multi–Cultural Europe
Authors:   University of Opole (Poland), Riedel Rafał
Published: October 2019

Silesia has always been a challenge for scientists as well as politicians, most importantly however – its people. Not many analysts and practitioners succeeded in coping with this challenge. Strategic character of this land made its inhabitants hostages to geopolitical interests of states representing diff erent cultures, languages and religions. Remaining at the front line of (what Samuel Huntington would call) civilizations, Silesia was expossed to this long-lasting process which resulted in specifi c type of identity, which the author dares call hybrid identity. It also resulted in a number of paradoxes, like for example unique model of modernization based on industrial infrastructure development accompanied by adequate work culture and civilizational patterns from one side, and from the other side closing Silesian communities in tribalism and traditionalism.
Contemporary Polish Diaspora in the Republic of South Africa and its attitude towards politics
Authors:   University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland), Żukowski Arkadiusz
Published: October 2019

The article focuses, first and foremost, on attitude of the Polish Diaspora in the RSA towards socio-political situation in country of settlement. In solving problem particular attention is drawn to the attitude of the Polish Diaspora to political transition in South Africa. Relation to this process is portrayed by engagement of the Polish Diaspora in building new political order after apartheid – multiethnic democracy called New South Africa, among others through its participation in parliamentary elections, referendums and membership in political parties. Conclusions concentrate on conditions and effects of the Polish Diaspora participation in political life in country of settlement.
What American people can tell – freedom of speech in United States
Authors: Dziduszko–Rościszewska Anna
Published: October 2019

Freedom of possessing and expressing own ideas and opinions and their dissemination is one of the fundamental rights, that entitled to each person. In addition to this, the freedom enables searching and getting information. Thanks to it, the right to express your own identity, selfrealization and aspiring to truth are guaranteed. It is one of the basic premise and the necessary condition to realize the idea of democracy. In the United States, the cradle of civil rights and modern democracy, the freedom of expression is guaranteed in the First Amendment to American Constitution (Bill of Rights), enacted in 1789 (came into force in 1791). On its virtue, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of (…) the freedom of speech, or of the press (…).” Although the record suggested that this freedom is absolute, (not restricted of any legislation), the later jurisdiction of the US Supreme Court (by case law) isolated categories of utterances that have not been contained by the First Amendment. ! e essential issues are answers on the following questions: in the name of what values Congress can limit the First Amendment? And where is the border of freedom of speech? One of the expressions that are not protected by the law is fi ghting words and hate words. The second are libel and slanders that are understood as a infringement of somebody’s rights.
A rigid view of sovereignty in international diplomacy
Authors: Stankiewicz Wojciech
Published: October 2019

Sovereignty is a broad based concept which grants enormous powers to heads of states within their boundaries. That power may sometimes pave the way for the abuse of sovereignty. There are many cases throughout history where the States tended to use their sovereign powers beyond their limits and tried to extend their sovereignty in an abusive manner, either within or outside their territory.
Book review: Sebastian Żukowski, “Cosmopolitism And Postmodernism Versus The World Order”, Żurawia Papers, vol. 13, Institute of International Relations, University of Warsaw, Warsaw 2009, pp. 149
Authors: Chełminiak Marcin
Published: October 2019

The beginning of the 21st century was a period in which the international order was still in the phase of transformation. The bipolar system, which fell into disintegration along with the end of the Cold War, did not trigger the end of history as some had expected.  e international community faced new challenges which will probably require new, more effective instruments. The new conditions of the evolution of the international order pose difficult questions to be answered by analysts of international relations. The questions relate to the analysis of the present order as well as the directions of its short, middle – and long-term development.  e international order, as with most of the elements in the theory of international relations, may be analysed from the perspective of various research schools. In Polish literature on the subject it has been viewed mainly from the angle of the classical paradigms: realistic, liberal or normative.
From undivided state power to the system of deconcentrated and decentralised state power. The political transformation of Poland
Authors:   Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland), Lutrzykowski Alfred
Published: October 2019

This paper is not an attempt to present the process of political changes that occurred in Poland after the end of the Second World War. Its aim is to indicate and explain the characteristics of the process of political change which after 1945 turned Poland into a totalitarian socialist state, and from 1989 led to the construction of the democratic state. The fate of Poland and other Eastern European countries was decided by the strategic interests of the great powers. The memory of the victims of war and democratic axiology gave way to the calculations and domination of force. Many nations were deprived of subjectivity and the possibility of sovereign choice in their future development. In Poland the place of the sovereign nation had been taken by a small group of politicians who became the plenipotentiaries of the Soviet leadership. The creation of the totalitarian system was an essential precondition for the implementation of the Stalinist model of society entirely dominated by the Communist Party, the state described as socialist, and its apparatus of repression. The rule over the nation, although it was called the dictatorship of the proletariat, was a dictatorship over the enslaved society. Only the gradual erosion and finally the collapse of the centre of communist world, created in this part of Europe the possibility to choose freely the model of collective life. The victory of the Polish Solidarity and the fall of Berlin Wall alike symbolize the overcoming the post-Yalta order and the return of these nations to the European, democratic idea of social order. After 1989 the political solutions in which power is protecting the needs, interests and aspirations of each individual as well as the common good, considered the summum bonnum, were chosen. This power is by its very nature decentralised.
Participation of the Presidents Wojciech Jaruzelski and Lech Wałęsa in the Process of Cabinet Formation in Poland
Authors:   Maria Skłodowska-Curie University in Lublin (Poland), Leszczyńska Krystyna
Published: October 2019

From this short, synthetic review of participation of Presidents in cabinet formation in 1989 – 1995 results that W. Jaruzelski was fully loyal towards processes of democratic changes in Poland. The position of the first, in the history of third RP, head of state was weakened by fiasco of C. Kiszczak mission of government formation; the politician indicated by the President appeared ineffective. But W. Jaruzelski accepted C. Kiszczak failure with dignity and he engaged himself in the process of formation of T. Mazowiecki cabinet although he had constitutional instruments to block it. “President Jaruzelski, Siwicki (Ministry of Defence) and I spread a protective umbrella over this Cabinet against »hardliners« in Poland and abroad.”. L. Wałęsa, benefiting from social consent, very actively took part in the process of formation of solidarity cabinets both before and after he became the head of state. He, with the substantive help of his closest and most trusted associate – prof Lech Falandysz – forced through a favourable for himself interpretation of art 61 of Small Constitution. Because of this, ministers from MoD, MIA, MFA in Pawlak and Oleksy’s Cabinets were appointed by the head of state. It should be stressed that L. Wałęsa helped to promote two prominent politicians: J.K Bielecki and W. Pawlak.
On the need of reconstruction of the research area in the international relations. Reflections of the political–normative, systemic and metaphorical nature
Authors:   University of Wrocław (Poland), Łoś–Nowak Teresa
Published: October 2019

At the turn of the 21st century, under the influence of “quick transformation” undergone by the international relations, we have rather to do with “a carnival” of theoretical approaches competing with each other. Undoubtedly, it hampers the discourse about the research area within the scope of what is usually de" ned as international relations, and about epistemological condition of the discipline with over 100 years of tradition. In this theoretical chaos there are being posed questions if the international relations are “clearly de" ned domain of intellectual reflection, if they have specific features distinguishing” them against other social sciences, or if it is possible to create universal mega-theory in the international, dynamic, diverse and energetic environment, and if yes, then further questions are appearing. They concern two issues: ontological beings around which the international relations, seen as “autonomous,” scientifically clear discipline, would consolidate, and methods of acquiring knowledge about it. Those who doubt, especially philosophers and sociologists, pose also questions if and how much it is possible to get objective knowledge, that is not burdened with the reflex of subjective system of values, ideas and experiences of a researcher.
The level of Poland’s social and economic development in the aspect of the european union’s inner cohesion
Authors:   Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland), Willa Rafał
Published: October 2019

Each enlargement of the European Communities (EC) and later the European Union (EU) has had an indisputable in! uence on inner cohesion of the organization itself. The participants of the integration processes have included the countries deviating from the previous Member States by the level of the economic development, the structures of their economies, macroeconomic conditions, etc. This differentiation has taken its toll especially on the functioning and the expenses of common policies (mainly transfer ones) as well as the execution of the integration reinforcement plans such as the European Economic and Monetary Union. In this aspect the most serious consequences were caused by the admission of countries that were much weaker economically, especially Ireland, Greece, Spain and Portugal. These countries had to go through a long way of reforms in order to become rightful members of the organization and for their integration with the Communities to become a mutual success. A big part of the expenses connected with these reforms was financed by the common budget thanks to the structural funds and the Common Agricultural Policy.
Russia and the European Union’s new member states: their cooperation and rivalry in the field of energy
Authors:   University of Warszawa (Poland), Gardocki Sylwester
Published: October 2019

Relations between Russia and the European Union are particularly important in the sphere of the production, transmission and use of energy resources as it is in this field where Russia possesses its key strategic assets, and the European Union heavily relies on supplies of oil and natural gas from this country. Russia wants to be perceived as a superpower by the European Union countries and believes that having such a status will contribute to its further progress. In order to accomplish this goal it should take advantage of its superior position in the field of power industry. In the past, both in the times of czarism and the Soviet Union, Imperial Russia built its status as a world power primarily by using its military potential to expand its territory. We compare this tradition to Russia’s present attitude, the latter is undoubtedly less dangerous and it may become the basis for mutually advantageous cooperation.
Transformations in the Ownership of The Szczecin and Świnoujście Seaports Authority between 1991 and 2000
Authors:   Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland), Kamola–Cieślik Małgorzata
Published: October 2019

Transformations in the ownership of state owned companies in Poland a! er 1989 played a pivotal role in the general political transformation which took place in Poland at that time. Those ownership changes were an essential element of the political transformation of Poland. The process of transforming the country’s economy from central economic planning to free market economy was started by Tadeusz Mazowiecki’s government. On October 9, 1989, the Council of Ministers accepted a document Guidelines and Directions of Poland’s Economic Policy which aimed at stabilizing the country’s economy and at transforming its economic system. " e stabilization programme was supposed to be implemented by January, 1990.3 " e second stage of the governmental plan was planned for the years 1990–1991 and one of its main tenets was a transformation of ownership rights. Krzysztof Lis, the government’s plenipotentiary for ownership transformation, was responsible for the organization and legislation of the process of privatizing Polish economy. T. Mazowiecki’s cabinet prepared both a draft for the new amendment of the legal act concerning state owned companies and a dra! of a new act about privatizing state owned companies.
Book Review: Kazimierz Łastawski, “The History of European Integration” [Historia integracji europejskiej], Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek, Toruń 2011, pp. 370
Authors:   Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland), Marszałek–Kawa Joanna
Published: October 2019

Great historical changes are not as a rule a result of single but long lasting series of events and coincidence of special circumstances. That was the case with the appearance of the European integration. This is how the author presents it in the discussed work. Namely, as a result of a long historical process. It makes the monograph valuable and its purpose is to serve as a scientifi c explanation of the sources, circumstances, reasons and proceeding of the fi rst integration in the history.
Problems connected with professional and academic careers in the so–called post–doctoral phase: Polish and French experiences
Authors:   Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland), Roszak Stanisław
Published: October 2019

First of all, I would like to highlight the fact that discussion about the system and mechanisms of self-development of young researchers in the post-doctoral phase in Poland has only just begun. The problem became very serious when we started to implement the guidelines of the Strategy of Bologna, which means introducing three educational stages: Bachelor’s degree (a er 3 years spent at the university), Master’s degree (a er next two years), and Doctorate degree (four years).
Debating the Concept of "Good Law"
Authors:   Jagiellonian University of Kraków (Poland), Pałecki Krzysztof
Published: October 2019

Establishing good law has been an old dream of humanity. Back in ancient times leaders such as Hammurabi, Solon, and especially Justinian the Great, and many others, while attempting to codify and reform the law, were driven by the ideal of “good law”. ! is same idea inspired Montesquieu in his De l’esprit des lois (“! e Spirit of the Laws”). Monumental legal acts in Napoleon’s times or the time of German unifi cation, as well as copying these acts into the legal systems of the countries of the Far East, for example, Japan, serve as additional examples on how tempted leaders have been able to implement the idea of “good law”, which, quite frequently, is directly stated in the preamble to leading legal acts.
Broken Europe. The International Order in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors:   Marie Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin (Poland), Pietraś Marek
Published: October 2019

After the collapse of the bipolar international system, a new line of “soft” division in Europe has been established in East-Central Europe. The article seeks to verify the hypothesis that Central and Eastern Europe is an international relations area but is not a cohesive, tightly-knit region united by common institutions, historical experience and the resulting awareness of a separate identity and a sense of community vis-à-vis the external world whereas the international order herein is a dynamic process undergoing evolution. Despite the passage of over twenty years since the collapse of the bipolar system, this process has not yet been completed.
The Struggle Over the Form of the Political System of the Karachay–Circassian Republic Among the Ruling Elites
Authors:   University of Gdańsk (Poland), J. Sieradzan Przemysław , Bodio Tadeusz ,   University of Warszawa (Poland)
Published: October 2019

Karachay-Circassia, is very small both in the territorial and demographic aspect and is widely considered as one of the most politically unstable state-subjects of the Russian Federation. This instability is implied by a combination of many factors occurring against a relatively stable historical and cultural background. This background consists of: multiethnicity, colonization and sovietization, deportations, migrations, ethnic segmentation of the society, ethno-clanishness, ethnic and territorial conflicts and the geopolitical situation. The latter has often decomposed the natural development of nation-creating and state-creating processes. Moreover, it has also been the main cause of numerous tragedies of the local populace which sometimes has put its very biological existence under threat.
Legal President’s Position in the Structure of State Organs (after 1993)
Authors:   University of Warszawa (Poland), Gardocki Sylwester
Published: October 2019

The difficult and dramatic birth of the Constitution of the Russian Federation in December 1993 does not mean that it is a statute burdened by numerous faults and chaotic as the situation in which it originated. This is quite a consistent constitutional act looking for a strong presidency model, similar to the Fifth French Republic. It is doubtful, however, that, according to an eminent scholar of Russian law, William E. Butler, at that time “enacting of the truly democratic constitution for the first time in Russian history” took a place.
Political Instability in the Countries of North Africa and its Impact on the Transport of Energy Materials
Authors:   the School of Business and Administration of the name of Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski in Gdynia (Poland), Zawadzki Józef
Published: October 2019

The events that took place in Tunisia in early 2011, proved to be very important for the whole international environment. The northern part of Africa is signifi cant for the Western countries for natural resources which are available there for these reasons, stable and politically predictable, situation in the countries situated there is a strategically important element of a global security system. Tunisia since mid December 2010 has witnessed riots of young people throughout the country who, in the desperate acts of the self burning claimed democracy in their country, reduction of unemployment (13%), improving the living conditions and prospects for a better tomorrow for young people. „Jasmine Revolution”, the name given by the French journal Le Monde to the riots, led to the overthrowing of President Ben Ali, after 23 years of rule and his escape to Saudi Arabia.
Perspectives for the Treaty Closing the Korean War
Authors:   Independent Researcher (Poland), Jendraszczak Eugeniusz , Burdelski Marceli ,   Independent Researcher (Poland)
Published: October 2019

The Korean Peninsula has a strategic place in East Asia. According to Korean historic sources the early beginnings of Korean statehood can be traced back many centuries before Christ. Korean history, when considering some events, has some similarities to the history of Poland. Very often Koreans, during the official meetings compare their historic struggles with ours, for example times of partitions and fi ghting against numerous occupying powers. In the past due to its geographic location, Korea had to continuously withstand the expansion of its neighbours, especially China and Japan. Particularly painful was the period of fighting against the Japanese invader at the beginning of 20th century, when after the annexation of Korea, the Japanese were imposing the policy of assimilation and were trying to completely colonize this country. It has unleashed very strong nationalist sentiments within the Korean nation.
Maritime Operation "Atalanta" – the Example of the Effectiveness of the European Union Activities in Solving Problems of Think Failing States
Authors:   Naval University in Gdynia (Poland), Wardin Katarzyna
Published: October 2019

A very rapid technological development at the turn of the 20th and 21th century, and the transition from an industrial society to an IT society marked even more the division of the “rich North” and “poor South”. Drastic differences in the distribution of world income have caused intensifi cation of old problems such as illegal immigration in many parts of the world, smuggling weapons, drugs, organised crime and terrorism as well as the emergence of new challenges related to the rapid development of so called “falling or failed states” especially in some parts of the world. Among the categories of countries in international political relations, increasingly often it can be found the category of “falling or failed state”, which is not in a position to operate internally as well as on the international scene. Problems that are related to the status of the bankruptcy of a state unfortunately are not problems of such a state only, but this is a challenge for the entire international community and international organizations. For this reason the European Union, as a signifi cant participant in world policies, cannot remain passive against these challenges and threats so it should and shall take actions to help in the stabilization of the situation in such countries. The primary question to be asked is whether this aid and other activities are effective with respect to the future of those countries or whether it is only the ad hoc attempt trying to control the situation.
New Dimensions of the Political Communication. Chances and Limits
Authors:   Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Poland), Sasińska–Klas Teresa
Published: October 2019

Media and communication are subjects which are closely related. For quite some time in each public debate references are made to an increasing dependence between media and communication processes. Explicit attention is paid to a changing context of the communication process, and especially the process of political communication. The role of media in the process of public communication is, on the one hand, quite traditional; that is to inform the public, popularize information and mobilize citizens to action, all in the name of the public good. On the other hand, it is also noticeable that modern media play new roles such as providers of entertainment, scandals, sensation, enjoyment. All this brings a question: which of these functions tell us about the future of the media, and – consequently – how do they change the process of political communication in the public sphere? And is this what we want?
Philosophy and Politics in the Contemporary Age
Authors:   Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland), Szulakiewicz Marek
Published: October 2019

Political wisdom, judgement or genius do not stem from the spirit of science and is not the upshot of theoretical generalizations or learning. There is of course “political science” and “political philosophy” but politicians can properly act without them because it is neither the discovery of laws or generalizations in the field of politics nor “knowledge about political things” but “political sense” that is crucial for his actions. As Isaiah Berlin put it years ago: “What makes statesmen, like drivers of cars, successful is that they do not think in general terms – that is, they do not primarily ask themselves in what respect a given situation is like or unlike other situations in the long course of human history (which is what historical sociologists, or theologians in historical clothing, such as Vico or Toynbee, are fond of doing). Their merit is that they grasp the unique combination of characteristics that constitute this particular situation – this and no other. What they are said to be able to do is to understand the character of particular movement, of a particular individual, of a unique state of affairs, of unique atmosphere, of some particular combination of economic, political, personal factors; and we do not readily suppose that this capacity can literally be taught”. Therefore politics is not a quest for “general terms” or general features of political phenomena but a direct and individual insight into concrete reality. Being a politician takes not learning but talent, not expertise but intuition, not knowledge but sense; it takes looking not at general but the particular dimension of human actions. Politicians can be taunted for their posture as Napoleon, they can be uneducated as farmer George Washington or act against morality as Cardinal Richelieu but frankly speaking all these vices are unimportant in the political realm.