bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Self-Efficacy Beliefs in the Academic Performance of Latina/o Students in the United States: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Manzano-Sanchez Harold , Outley Corliss , Gonzalez Jorge E. , Matarrita-Cascante David
Published: March 2018

This review had three aims: (a) examine the relationship between self-efficacy (SE) and academic performance (AP) in Latina/o students, (b) identify the types of measures of SE and AP that have been used, and (c) identify the differences between global and specific measures of SE in predicting academic performance in Latina/o students. Twenty-seven articles were included in the analysis. Major findings included the following: (a) significant and positive relationship between self-efficacy and academic performance in Latina/o students, at all educational levels, and through different types of measurements of self-efficacy and academic performance; (b) particular performance domains or content, or task-specific variables, were more favorable in the examination of the relationship between self-efficacy and academic performance than global domains; (c) Latina/o is not a homogeneous group; therefore, acculturation process, immigration status, family’ experience on higher education, affective variables, and parents’ and teachers’ support were also factors that significantly correlated with Latina/os’ academic achievement.
Examining Behavioral Consultation Plus Computer-Based Implementation Planning on Teachers’ Intervention Implementation in an Alternative School
Authors: Long Anna C. J. , Sanetti Lisa M. Hagermoser , Lark Catherine R. , Connolly Jennifer J. G.
Published: March 2018

Students who demonstrate the most challenging behaviors are at risk of school failure and are often placed in alternative schools, in which a primary goal is remediating behavioral and academic concerns to facilitate students’ return to their community school. Consistently implemented evidence-based classroom management is necessary toward this goal; yet, many teachers report not having the necessary knowledge or skills to effectively manage behavior in their classroom. Implementation Planning (IP) is a proactive and efficient implementation support that has evidence of being effective when delivered by a consultant during behavioral consultation. The primary aim of this multiple baseline design study was to extend the findings on consultant-mediated IP by evaluating the effect of a self-guided, computer-based version of IP on teacher treatment integrity of classroom management plans. Unlike previous studies of consultant-mediated IP, results from this study indicated a minimal effect across dimensions of teachers’ implementation, and thus also on student disruptions.
Qualitative Assessment of Face Validity and Cross-Cultural Acceptability of the Faces Pain Scale: “Revised” in Cameroon
Authors: Young James R. , Sih Colette , Hogg Melanie M. , Anderson-Montoya Brittany L. , Fasano Heather T.
Published: March 2018

The Faces Pain Scale–Revised (FPS-R) is a self-report pain scale validated in numerous countries, but not in Cameroon. We postulated that while cultural factors influence pain perception and expression, the FPS-R should remain culturally acceptable for pediatric use. A convenience sample of 36 pediatric patients, aged 4 to 16 years, representing three primary language groups, was enrolled at Mbingo Baptist Hospital (MBH). Pre- and postanalgesia FPS-R scores and vital signs were obtained. Audio-recorded cognitive interviews were performed with each participant. Written questionnaires were also provided to physicians, nurses, and caretakers to further explore cultural perceptions of pain. Four independent reviewers analyzed interview transcripts and questionnaires using inductive reasoning and identified common themes pertaining to gender differences, societal roles, and pain perception. Basic comprehension of the FPS-R was present across language groups, vital sign changes corresponded with FPS-R alterations, and the FPS-R appears intuitive for pediatric use.
The Formation of Environmentally Friendly Intentions of SME Owner-Managers in an Emerging Country: The Case of Tunisian’s Textile–Clothing Industry
Authors: Tounés Azzedine , Tornikoski Erno T. , Gribaa Fafani
Published: March 2018

We have little empirical evidence about the environmentally friendly, intention of owner-managers of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging country context despite recent developments of proenvironmental, practices. The main objective of our study is to address this gap by exploring the antecedents of environmentally friendly intentions among SME owner managers in, emerging market context. To achieve this objective, we test our, hypotheses in the textile–clothing industry in Tunisia. The textile–clothing industry represents high ecological risk due to the waste discharged into the environment. Our empirical observations confirm that the reasoned action approach is particularly robust to predict environmentally friendly intentions of SME owner-managers in an emerging market context.
Perceptions of Healthy Eating Among Hispanic Parent–Child Dyads
Authors: Lilo Emily A. , Muñoz Marlene , Cruz Theresa H.
Published: March 2018

Limited research exists exploring the perceptions of healthy and unhealthy eating among Hispanic families, yet understanding their perceptions could inform public health practice with regard to nutrition and obesity prevention. This study conducted an exploratory analysis of interview data collected from 25 parent–child dyads as part of a program evaluation to learn more about both parent and child beliefs and practices regarding healthy eating, and in particular fruit and vegetable consumption. Families described an incomplete knowledge regarding healthy eating, specifically how to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and the benefits of healthy eating as well as risks of unhealthy eating. Parents in particular seemed to identify many of the foods to avoid but were unclear about healthier alternatives. Children focused more on the benefits of healthy eating, while parents spoke more about the risks of unhealthy eating and the challenges of eating vegetables, particularly among families where child weight was also raised as a concern.
Enrolling Underserved Women in mHealth Programs: Results From Text4baby Outreach Campaigns
Authors: Bushar Jessica A. , Fishman Jodie , Garfinkel Danielle , Pirretti Amy
Published: March 2018

Public health practitioners have increasingly leveraged technology-based communication to get health information into the hands of hard-to-reach populations; however, best practices for outreach and enrollment into mobile health (mHealth) programs are lacking. This article describes enrollment results from campaigns focused on enrolling underserved pregnant women and mothers in Text4baby—a free, mHealth service—to inform outreach strategies for mHealth programs. Text4baby participants receive health and safety information, interactive surveys, alerts, and appointment reminders through at least three weekly texts and a free app—timed to users’ due date or babies’ birth date. Text4baby worked with partners to implement national, state, and community-based enrollment campaigns. Descriptive statistics were used to compare baseline enrollment prior to a campaign with enrollment during a campaign to generate enrollment estimates. Enrollment rates were calculated for campaigns for which the number targeted/reached was available. National television campaigns resulted in more than 10,000 estimated enrollments. Campaigns that were integrated with an existing program and text-based recruitment had the highest enrollment rates, ranging from 7% to 24%. Facebook advertisements and traditional media targeting providers and consumers were least effective. mHealth programs should consider text-based recruitment and outreach via existing programs; additional research is needed on return on investment for different outreach strategies and on the effectiveness of different outreach strategies at reaching and enrolling specific target populations.
What Can We Learn From Point-of-Care Blood Glucose Values Deleted and Repeated by Nurses?
Authors: Corl Dawn , Yin Tom , Ulibarri May , Lien Heather , Tylee Tracy , Chao Jing , Wisse Brent E.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Hospitals rely on point-of-care (POC) blood glucose (BG) values to guide important decisions related to insulin administration and glycemic control. Evaluation of POC BG in hospitalized patients is associated with measurement and operator errors. Based on a previous quality improvement (QI) project we introduced an option for operators to delete and repeat POC BG values suspected as erroneous. The current project evaluated our experience with deleted POC BG values over a 2-year period.

Method:

A retrospective QI project included all patients hospitalized at two regional academic medical centers in the Pacific Northwest during 2014 and 2015. Laboratory Medicine POC BG data were reviewed to evaluate all inpatient episodes of deleted and repeated POC BG.

Results:

Inpatient operators choose to delete and repeat only 0.8% of all POC BG tests. Hypoglycemic and extreme hyperglycemic BG values are more likely to be deleted and repeated. Of initial values <40 mg/dL, 58% of deleted values (18% of all values) are errors. Of values >400 mg/dL, 40% of deleted values (5% of all values) are errors. Not all repeated POC BG values are first deleted. Optimal use of the option to delete and repeat POC BG values <40 mg/dL could decrease reported rates of severe hypoglycemia by as much as 40%.

Conclusions:

This project demonstrates that operators are frequently able to identify POC BG values that are measurement/operator errors. Eliminating these errors significantly reduces documented rates of severe hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and has the potential to improve patient safety.
Evaluation of the Area of the Lisfranc Ligament Damaged by Screw Fixation
Authors: Fernandez Isaac , Weiss William M. , Panchbhavi Vinod K.
Published: March 2018

Background. A cannulated screw is currently the standard fixation method to reduce and stabilize diastasis at the lisfranc joint following injury. Currently, there is no literature examining the area of the lisfranc ligament damaged by screw placement. The objective of this investigation is to define the area of the ligament damaged by fixation with a 3.5-mm cannulated screw. Materials and Methods. Twelve cadaveric feet were dissected to identify the Lisfranc ligament metatarsal insertion site and origin on the medial cuneiform. A 3.5-mm cannulated screw was then passed over the course of the ligament and removed. The Lisfranc joint was then dissected to measure the dimensions of the ligament and damage from screw passage at the origin and insertion using imaging software. Results. Mean injury area on the metatarsal was 3.49 mm2 and the area of injury for the cuneiform was 3.33 mm2. The mean percent of the area damaged was calculated to be 1.75% and 2.43% at the cuneiform and metatarsal, respectively. Conclusion. A proportionally small area of the Lisfranc ligament is disrupted following screw fixation, but the implications of this on ligament healing and outcomes remain to be elucidated.

Levels of Evidence: Level V: Cadaveric study
The Illusion of Political Tolerance: Social Desirability and Self-Reported Voting Preferences
Authors: Brown-Iannuzzi Jazmin L. , Najle Maxine B. , Gervais Will M.
Published: March 2018

Tolerance for diversity in America is often indexed by direct measures, such as self-reported “willingness to vote” polls. However, pressures to be or appear unprejudiced may bias such estimates, yielding misleading and overly optimistic inferences about tolerance in America. The current research investigated the degree to which direct and indirect measures of political candidate preferences converge and diverge across six target groups varying in acceptability of stigmatization (atheists, African Americans, Catholics, gay men and lesbians, Muslims, and women) and across relevant participant demographics. Overall, participants ( N = 3,000, nationally representative) reported less willingness to vote for target groups when measured indirectly, relative to directly. Additionally, the divergence between the direct and indirect measures was especially evident for social groups for which overt stigmatization is normatively inappropriate. This research provides a vital benchmark that quantifies the gulf between the direct and indirect measures of tolerance for various oft-stigmatized groups in America.
Band-limited beam propagator and its application to seismic migration
Authors: Liu Shaoyong , Gu Hanming , Han Bingkai , Yan Zhe , Liu Dingjin , Cai Jiexiong
Published: March 2018

The ray-tracing technique under the high-frequency assumption has been widely used in seismic wave propagation and migration. However, the practical use of conventional ray tracing is limited in complicated media especially when seismic data are band limited. Besides, the ray-tracing method also suffers from shadow zones in complex media. To alleviate these problems, we have developed a band-limited beam propagator and we apply it in seismic wave propagation and migration, which is flexible to implement and can be friendly to extract angle gathers. To derive the band-limited beam propagator, the band-limited ray-tracing method is adopted to compute the central ray of the beam. These rays in the first Fresnel zone are weighted to obtain the band-limited ray based on the assumption of a local plane wave. Then, the band-limited ray is extended to the band-limited beam propagator using the paraxial approximation. Because the beam propagator has a certain beam width perpendicular to the central ray, it has better illumination than the conventional ray-tracing method, and it could partially alleviate the problem of shadow zones. Finally, we use the band-limited beam propagator to develop a band-limited beam migration and analyze the angle gathers in complicated areas. Numerical examples on synthetic models indicate that the proposed band-limited beam propagator outperforms the conventional ray method in terms of illumination. Its applications in migration determine that it could enhance the imaging quality and produce better angle gathers in a complex area.
Steepest descent integration: A novel method for computing wavefields radiated from borehole sources
Authors: Xu Yihe , Wang Baoshan , Xu Tao
Published: March 2018

Borehole sources, including chemical explosives, air gun, water gun, and piezoelectric transducers in the borehole, generate seismic waves inside and outside the borehole. Modeling the wavefield is of key importance in acoustic logging, crosshole tomography, mining geophysics, and deep sounding seismic for interpretation of amplitude information of real data and prediction of energy-radiation patterns. Classic methods for modeling the wavefield inside a borehole, such as real-axis integration, are challenged by highly oscillatory integrals encountered when modeling the wavefield outside the borehole. We have developed a novel method, called steepest descent integration (SDI), which evaluates the oscillatory wavenumber integration by numerically integrating along the steepest descent path. The oscillation along the new integration path is significantly reduced. The contributions of poles and branch cuts are added if they are located between the steepest descent path and the real axis. The SDI is applicable to arbitrary frequency and source-receiver distance. Comparison with real-axis integration shows that the method can compute highly oscillatory integrals with better efficiency and accuracy. In addition, the SDI is more numerically robust because it generates no spurious arrivals, which are evident in the real-axis integration. Analysis of numerical examples at different source-receiver distance shows that SDI is more efficient when computing far-field seismograms. This SDI can also be used to compute highly oscillatory integral in other wave-propagation problems.
3D forward modeling of magnetotelluric fields in general anisotropic media and its numerical implementation in Julia
Authors: Han Bo , Li Yuguo , Li Gang
Published: March 2018

We have developed a finite volume (FV) algorithm for magnetotelluric (MT) forward modeling in 3D conductivity structures with general anisotropy. The electric and magnetic fields are discretized on a conventional staggered grid, which cannot directly address the full-tensor conductivity. To overcome this difficulty, an interpolation scheme is used to average different components of the electric field to the same position. We formulate the algorithm in pure matrix form and implement it in a new language, Julia, making the programming process highly efficient and leading to a code with excellent readability, maintainability, and extendability. The validity of the FV Julia code is demonstrated using a layered 1D anisotropic model. For this model, the FV code provides accurate results, and the computational cost is reasonable. Being preconditioned with the electromagnetic potential ([Formula: see text]) system, the iterative solvers including quasi-minimal residual and biconjugate gradient stabilized exhibit a good convergence rate for a wide range of periods. The direct solvers MUMPS and PARDISO are highly efficient for small model sizes. For a relatively large model size with 2.18 millions unknowns, the linear system of one period can be solved by MUMPS within 360 s with multiple threads involved in the computation, and the memory usage is only 11.6 GB in the “out-of-core” mode. We further calculated MT responses of a 3D model with dipping and horizontal anisotropy, respectively. The results suggest that the electrical anisotropy can have significant influence on the MT response.
Automatic velocity analysis using high-resolution hyperbolic Radon transform
Authors: Chen Yangkang
Published: March 2018

Velocity analysis is crucial in reflection seismic data processing and imaging. Velocity picking is widely used in the industry for building the initial velocity model. When the size of the seismic data becomes extremely large, we cannot afford the corresponding human endeavor that is required by the velocity picking. In such situations, an automatic velocity-picking algorithm is highly demanded. We have developed a novel automatic velocity-analysis algorithm that is based on the high-resolution hyperbolic Radon transform. We formulate the automatic velocity-analysis problem as a constrained optimization problem. To solve the optimization problem with a hard constraint on the sparsity and distribution of the velocity spectrum, we relax it to a more familiar L1-regularized optimization problem in two steps. We use the iterative preconditioned least-squares method to solve the L1-regularized problem, and then we apply the hard constraint of the target optimization during the iterative inversion. Using synthetic and field-data examples, we determine the successful performance of our algorithm.
Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcal enterotoxins in foodborne diseases
Authors: PEXARA A , BOURRIEL A , GOVARIS A
Published: March 2018

Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) is one of the most significant foodborne diseases. It is a mild intoxication, which is caused by the ingestion of food containing one or more preformed staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs). The toxic dose of SEs in human is usually ranged from 20 ng to 1 μg. SEs are proteins produced by Staphylococcus spp in various parts of the environment, including foods. Although several staphylococci can produce SEs, the majority of SFP cases is attributed to S. aureus. Traditionally, five antigenic SE types have been recognized: SEA, SEB, SEC, SED and SEE. During the 1990's, new SEs (SEG, SEH, SEI and SEJ) were reported and their genes were described. Several studies revealed that SEH, SEG and SEI were, also, involved in the gastroenteric syndrome. More recent data have indicated the presence of "new" SE genes and new SEs, designatedas "staphylococcal enterotoxin-like" (SEI). The role of SEI in food poisoning has not yet been clarified. In contrast to S. aureus,SEs are remarkably heat resistant (D-values of 3-8 min at 121 ° C). They may be present in foods even when viable cells of S. aureus are absent. The enterotoxins are, also, resistant to proteolytic enzymes. It is generally accepted that toxic levels of SEs are produced in foods when S. aureus concentration exceeds 105 cfu/ml. S. aureus can grow at a temperature range of 7-48.5°C, with optimum30-37°C, a pH range of 4.2-9.3, with optimum 7-7.5, minimum aw of 0.86, and up to 15% NaCl. SEs can be produced at a temperature range of 10-46 ° C, with optimum 40-45 ° C, a pH range of 4.8-9.0, with optimum 5.3-7.0, and aw range of 0.86-0.99,with optimum 0.90. Among the foods implicated in SFP are usually milk, dairy products and meat. SEA and SED are usuallyidentified in foodborne outbreaks, while SEC is an important cause of SFP associated with the consumption of dairy products.The European regulation has set criteria for presence of SEs in cheeses, milk powder and whey powder (Regulation EC, 2073/2005).If population of coagulase-positive staphylococci in samples exceeds 105 cfu/g, these samples should be further tested for thepresence of SEs. In this case, SEs must not be detected in 25 g of the products.
Feline leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum (syn. L. chagasi)
Authors: CHATZIS M , SARIDOMICHELAKIS MN , KOUTINAS AF
Published: March 2018

From the beginning of the 20th century, feline infections by at least eight different Leishmania species have been sporadically reported, worldwide. In the Mediterranean countries, feline infection imposed by L. infantum, the aetiological agent of canine leishmaniosis and human visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, is of particular importance, because cats may represent a "secondary reservoir" of the parasite in the nature. Although the prevalence of the infection may be as high as 60%, most infected cats are resistant and remain asymptomatic, while only occasionally, they may present cutaneous and/or ocular lesions, and perhaps systemic clinical signs. In feline leishmaniosis, ulcers and nodules, usually localized at mucocutaneous junctions, planum nasale, face and ear pinnae, constitute the mainstream of cutaneous lesions. In a small number of cases, exfoliative dermatitis and pododermatitis have been noted, whereas a cause-and-effect relationship, between feline leishmaniosis and the presence of papules, crusts and generalized alopecia remains speculative. Ocular lesions, such as those associated with conjunctivitis, (ulcerative) keratitis, posterior or anterior uveitis, chorioretinitis and panopthalmitis are relatively common. The only systemic signs that have been constantly associated with feline leishmaniosis are peripheral lymphadenomegaly, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and chronic nephritis that may lead to chronic renal failure. The most consistent laboratory abnormality is hyperglobulinaemia that is usually polyclonal. Feline leishmaniosis can co-exist with various other infectious and non-infectious diseases that may alter its clinical picture and/or influence the immunological response of the infected cat. Diagnosis is usually based on the results of cytology,histopathology, immunohistochemistry, culture, serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Apart from the advantages and limitations inherent to each of these methods, their diagnostic value depends on many factors, such as the biological sample being used, the reagents and the particular technique employed. Leishmania amastigotes can be detected by applying bone marrow, lymph node, spleen, cutaneous and ocular cytology, histopathology, and/or immunohistochemistry, which are 100% specific. Serology may underestimate or even overestimate the frequency of the infection in the endemic areas, depending on the methodology and the cut-off value, whereas PCR, that can be performed on the tissues mentioned before, plus the peripheral blood may be a better option for epidemiological studies. Although a uniformly effective treatment for symptomatic cats has not been established yet, long-term allopurinol administration, along with the management of any concurrent diseases, is the only treatment to suggest at moment.
Digestibility and nitrogen balance of pig diets containing gradually increasing levels of rapeseed meal
Authors: KARGOPOULOS A , DOTAS V , NIKOLAKAKIS I , DOTAS D
Published: March 2018

Rapeseed meal (RSM), a by-product of extracted rapeseed oil production, is a potential protein source for use in pig diets. To determine the best levels of RSM inclusion in diets of fattening pigs as well as the digestibility and energy value of diets containing gradually increasing levels of RSM, a digestibility trial was conducted. The trial was performed according to a 4x4 Latin square experimental design, with 4 Large White x Landrace castrated male pigs weighing on average 47.3kg. The animals were housed in metabolism cages during the whole period the duration of which was a total of 66 days. The experiment was divided into 5 periods, an adjustment period and 4 experimental periods, during which pigs consumed 4 experimental diets. The diet C (control) was a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal, while the other experimental diets included RSM at levels 90 (low- L), 180 (medium- M) and 270 (high- H) g.kg-1 of feed, respectively. Each experimental period consisted of 10 preliminary days during which the animals were adapted to the diets, followed by a 4 days period for collection of faeces, urine and feed refusal. The gradual increase in the level of RSM in the experimental diets resulted in a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the apparent digestibility of CP, but only for the diet with the highest level of RSM, compared to the control diet and this one with the lowest level of RSM . Any increase in the level of RSM in the experimental diets resulted in significant (P<0.05) increase on the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of CF and very significant (P<0.01) increase in diets M and H, compared to the control and diet L. Similar were the effects of RSM levels in the diets on the apparent digestibility coefficient of NDF, ADF and cellulose. As conclusion, the gradual increase in the level of RSM in the fattening pigs’ diets did not significantly affect ADC of DM and gross energy, caused a significant reduction in the ADC of CP, and a significant improvement in the ADC of CF as well.
The Category of Alterity as a Factor of the Ecological / Non-ecological Mode of Communication (Based on Mass Media Texts)
Authors: Кислякова Е. , Kislyakova E. , Шаховский В. , Shahovskiy V.
Published: March 2018

The article treats the issue of ecological / non-ecological communication within the discourse of mass media with regard to fluctuating interrelation of the Self and the Other. The system of the interrelation of the Self and the Other represents the communicative category of alterity. It is proved that to foster the ecological mode of the verbal interaction it is essential to form an adequate image of the Other: as a constituent of any discourse it has to be adequate to the communicative situation.
B.S. Muchnik — the Founder of the Psycho-Stylistic Theory of Written Communication
Authors: Бобылев Б. , Bobylev B.
Published: March 2018

The article provides an account of the career and principal results of B.S. Muchnik, a founder of the modern practical stylistics and the theory of editing. It gives a summary of the psycho-stylistic theory of written communication, which was proposed by Muchnik on the basis of a large-scale experimental study that utilised objective psychological methods developed by him. It then focuses on the practical importance of the theory, on the basis of which a series of methodological papers and textbooks have been published by Muchnik. The article further addresses the originality and considerable analytic and instructive power of the communicative logic of text which, as convincingly argued by Muchnik, should be taught both at school and at the university level.
The Role of Communications in the Implementation of the Client-Oriented Approach in the Company’s Activities
Authors: Мельникова И. , Mel'nikova Irina
Published: March 2018

The article considers the role of communications in the implementation of the client-oriented approach in the company’s activities. The author summarized the methods of obtaining information about the basic values of consumers. Methods for investigating customer expectations are analyzed. Methods for creating additional utility for the consumer are defined. Significant for consumer parameters of communication with employees of organization were researched. Forms and mechanisms of intraorganizational communications are defined. The tasks of communication in the organization are formulated.
MICROSTRUCTURAL STUDY AND RECRYSTALLIZATION KINETICS OF DEFORMED COMMERCIAL COPPER WIRES
Authors: Fellah Lahcene , Diha Abdallah , Boumerzoug Zakaria
Published: March 2018

This work aims to investigate the microstructure after cold-wiredrawing process of commercial copper and its recrystallization kinetics under isochronal annealing. In this paper, the samples studied are commercial copper wires reduced at six different reductions by a wiredrawing at room temperature. Optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and DSC were used as characterization techniques. The samples were annealed under Argon atmosphere with four different heating rates by using DSC. The Kissinger, Ozawa, Boswell, and Starink methods were used to determine the recrystallization kinetics. The results showed that the cold-wiredrawing had caused the elongation of grains along the main axis of the wires also showed the existence of slip bands. It has been found, on the one side, that the recrystallization temperature increased and shifted to higher temperatures as the heating rate increased, which means that this reaction is thermally actived; On the other sidethe recrystallization temperature clearly shifted to lower temperatures as the deformation increased, which indicated that recrystallization is profoundly enhanced by high deforming.We noted a decrease in the activation energy values when the reduction increases, the activation energy for the most reduced materials were lower than that in the less reduced wires.
Corrosion behaviors of the iron-based and Ni-based brazing filler metals brazed on the stainless steels in a solution of 3.5MASS% NaCl
Authors: Sunada Satoshi , Hataheyama Masahiko , Motoya Haruna , Nunomura Norio
Published: March 2018

The corrosion resistance was studied electrochemically for an iron-based brazing filler metal F300 and a Ni-based brazing filler metal Ni613. Both austenitic stainless steel SUS316 and ferritic stainless steel SUS444 were used as base metals for these brazing filling metals. F300 showed a higher corrosion rate than those of Ni613 and both base metals and was less corrosion-resistive. While Ni613 showed a stronger depression effect of an anodic reaction than those of base metals, F300 showed little depression effect of the reaction. As an Fe-Ni phase dissolved preferentially in F300 and a finite laminated corrosive morphology was observed, the corrosion progression along a depth direction was suggested. These corrosion behaviors depend on the difference of chemical composition of these brazing filler metals.
Ruminations on Literature in a Globalised Context
Authors: Das Rahul Peter
Published: March 2018

A critical appraisal of the term and concept of “world/global literature,” examining inter alia the two opposing notions of particularity and commonality/universality associated with it, the issue of selection and who has the authority to select, and the problem of the language interface.
The Problem of Universal Values and Intercultural Space – New /Old Predicament of Anthropology
Authors: Brocki Marcin
Published: March 2018

The discussion over universal vs. cultural relative values hits the core of anthropological knowledge. Although cultural relativism served as an almost irrefutable basis for anthropological practice of understanding the Other, several factors of a recent origin have started to undermine the obvious. The “Arab spring,” the “Occupy” movements, the debate over female circumcision that attracts global attention, local uses of the relativistic arguments in political contexts and the debates over universality of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all of these trigger a new discourse on the universality of human values. Universality turns our attention to the problem of translatability of cultures – without an assumption that there is shared, intercultural space and a certain level of commensurability between cultures, any rapport would be impossible. The translation problem directs us toward a discussion on cross-cultural communication and the universality of values and their hierarchies. The discussion has showed that values are not constant residua within intercultural space but rather they are part of an interpretive activity of the participants of a cross-cultural interaction.
Values – the Core of Culture
Authors: Dyczewski Leon
Published: March 2018

Cultural values are formed by a particular community and not individually. Any member of a given community comes across these values and may assume an individual attitude towards them. Discovering values and exploring them is a defining characteristic of a free, thinking, and active individual. In the culture of any society there are values on which there is a general agreement; they are the basis of its identity; actions of social institutions and individuals focus upon them; they create a stimulating environment; their implementation binds society together; they unite what is fragmented and universalize what is individual and temporary. Such values are called central or native values (A. Kłoskowska) or higher values (S. Ossowski). They determine the quality of a given society and its cultural specificity. In any culture individuals seek self-fulfilment, but it always happens in the social context. Due to the fact that culture always has both social and individual character, a social group maintains the same culture and at the same time develops it. Each new generation enters the heritage of previous generations and adds something new to it but in compliance with values that have already been provided. Material products and behaviours are subject to constant change, many become forgotten, but values that are the basis for their formation remain and continue to stimulate new actions. This means that culture is a social message and a creation that requires human effort of adhering to what has already been valuable to individuals and society but at the same time creating something new that is in close correlation with the existing heritage. Fidelity to roots “is always creative, ready to descend into the depths, open to new challenges, alert to the ‘signs of the times’ […] Fidelity to roots means above all the ability to create an organic synthesis of perennial values, confirmed so often in history, and the challenge of today’s world” ( John Paul II 2000: 204). So far, significant changes in individual and social life in the European culture have taken place with the dissemination of the following
Confucian Way of Tan Kah Kee: Pursue Excellence, Strive for Perfection
Authors: Gacek Łukasz
Published: March 2018

This paper aims at analyzing achievements of Tan Kah Kee, the unique figure of the overseas Chinese community in Southeast Asia. He lived up to Confucian standards, underlining the importance of knowledge that could transform the position of a country in different areas. Tan focused his attention on improving educational standards in China. Therefore he set up the Jimei Schools and Xiamen University (the first university in China founded by the overseas Chinese).
Information Culture in Intercultural Space. Moderation of Values
Authors: Jaskuła Sylwia
Published: March 2018

The current role of information culture is combined with the change of the role of information in modern media civilization. This gives rise to new educational needs, including multicultural education, with relevant education in the field of information competence as its important element. In the new space of presence of a man, which is formed as a result of the interaction of real and virtual resources, these competences become more intercultural. At the same time, the diversity of cultures in space and their variability in time results in a lack of uniformity in the interpretation, perception and analysis of information, which leads to difficulty in defining a uniform model of culture and information competency. In this reality one of the main challenges facing today’s cultures becomes keeping up with the changes of the information society and the dynamics of contemporary information culture which are generated, exceeding the barriers of stability, sustainability and predictability.
Burmese Culture during the Colonial Period in the Years 1885-1931. The World of Burmese Values in Reaction to the Inclusion of Colonialism
Authors: Targosz Tobiasz
Published: March 2018

The colonial period in Burma marked the start of slow changes which would eventually turn a traditional society into a modern one. The changes in Burmese culture which took place in the colonial period were an important aspect of this transformation. In the period of British rule, Burmese culture found itself in an ambivalent situation, on the one hand opposing foreign models and ideas and, on the other, adopting numerous foreign cultural elements which, if treated as cultural tools, allowed for the protection of autotelic indigenous Burmese values.
Czy doktryna Dwóch Ciał Króla jest zaprzeczeniem demokracji ?
Authors: Zabdyr-Jamróz Michał
Published: March 2018

Does the doctrine of the King’s Two Bodies contradict democracy? The King’s Two Bodies in the Carnival of Democracy In my paper, I will try to show that the medieval doctrine of the King’s Two Bodies could have been a significant support for the Carnival of Democracy as described by L. Koczanowicz in his Politics of Dialogue. I critically refer to the author’s thesis that the doctrine of the King’s Two Bodies has a totalitarian character. I do this, however, on the very same grounds that Koczanowicz uses to develop his vision of non‑consensual democracy – one that is built on emotions, empathy and customs. In my view, the doctrine of King’s Two Bodies not only does not contradict this vision but supports it. It does so by conceptualization of the idea of power as an empty space (C. Lefort) and thus enables the development of numerous (proto)democratic practices in politics and law. These practices take shape of ceremonies of humiliating those in power – so important for Koczanowicz in his vision of Democratic Carnival. As an example of these practices I will refer to the annual ceremony of the State Opening of the UK Parliament, as well as other institutions that were developed in England/UK – as guarantees of the democratic rule of law – and were possible thanks to the idea of the King’s Two Bodies.
The Institutional Balance: a Janus-faced concept of EU constitutional law
Authors: Moskalenko Oleksandr
Published: March 2018

The concept of institutional balance is an original theory associated with the development of the EU institutional structure. This article offers a critical analysis of the different uses of the concept. While doing that, the article provides representative samples of the ways in which the concept has been used in the processes of the European integration, including its practical implementation by the European Court of Justice. Our argument is that, in its current state, the concept of institutional balance serves both reactive and transformative functions within the EU law. It emphasises the necessity to periodically check and adjust the power distribution architecture in response to new challenges of the EU evolution process. Moreover, it serves as a conceptual vehicle through which different power configurations within the EU context may be both criticized and legitimized.
Legitymizacja systemu instytucjonalnego Unii Europejskiej jako organizacji międzynarodowej sui generis
Authors: Kubin Tomasz
Published: March 2018

Legitimization of the institutional system of the European Union as an international organization sui generis The legitimacy of political power is one of the most important theoretical and research problems related to power as a social phenomenon and the very important issue of practice of its exercise, the functioning of the political institutions, political systems etc. Both scientific reflection and empirical research on legitimacy of political power are devoted mainly to this issue in relation to the state and its institutions. The purpose of the study is to present the issue of legitimacy of the European Union’s institutional system as a specific, sui generis, international organization. In the first part of the article the problem of “democracy deficit” and “legitimacy deficit” in the functioning of the EU and its institutions is synthetically showed. In the next part it has been identified the specific features of the EU as an international organization and its institutional system which have the key importance to the question of legitimacy. The last section contains conclusions, that is consequences resulting from the nature of the EU and its institutional system in the context of the problem of legitimacy.
Globalizacja tortur – o programie tajnych więzień CIA na świecie
Authors: Waśko-Owsiejczuk Ewelina
Published: March 2018

Globalization of torture – secret CIA prisons around the world A report published in December 2014 by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence sparked enormous excitement and discussion on many levels: legal, ethical, political. It confirmed information that had appeared in the media many years earlier. The purpose of this article is to analyze the key points of view on programs connected with the war on terror: CIA secret detention and extraordinary rendition, and the enhanced interrogation techniques. Important in this discussion is the formal presentation of “black sites,” which were facilitated by President George W. Bush and his associates. Analysis of the report of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence casts a shadow on the anti‑terrorism activities carried out by the CIA, and raises many questions: how far have Americans gone in violating international law, on the grounds of providing safety? Why, despite the low efficiency of secret CIA programs, were they continued? Last but not least, the rhetorical question is: will “world policeman” rise to the task and prosecute those responsible for the torture of people?
The Game of Ukraine: Conflict in Donbass as an Outcome of the Multilayered Rivalry
Authors: Lakomy Miron
Published: March 2018

This paper analyzes the war in Ukraine as an outcome of multilayered rivalry combined with unintentional mistakes committed by all possible sides. The first layer of competition concerns domestic differences visible between the Western and Eastern part of Ukraine. The second layer covers the regional rivalry between Poland and Russia, which has significantly contributed to the instability of Eastern Europe for several centuries. Finally, the third layer concerns the geopolitical game for influence between the West, led by the United States, and Russia along with several satellite states. Ukraine proved to be just another object of this competition, composed of such events as the Kosovo intervention, the Orange Revolution, the Caucasus war in 2008 and the Syrian chemical crisis.
Kościół katolicki w Polsce pod rządami komunistów
Authors: Bankowicz Bożena
Published: March 2018

Catholic Church in Poland under the rule of communists

After the Second World War in Poland was established communist regime. Polish Catholic Church has found in a difficult situation, because official ideology of state became atheistic Marxism‑Leninism. Formal principles of separation between state and Church, freedom of conscience and religion became a facade hiding the atheistic program of regime and its will of rooting out of religion and Church from society. It was already in September 1945 government revoked of the Concordat of 1925. Ruling communists have tried to defeat the Catholic Church one way or another, among them was Trojan Horse method through movement of so‑called “patriotic priests” that have approved the existing regime. On 25 September 1953 was arrested Primate Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński (in seclusion until October 1956). It might be introduction to the general crackdown on Church. After 1956 as a result of destalinisation and political thaw was improved situation of the Catholic Church in Poland. The election of Cracow Cardinal Karol Wojtyła as Pope (assumed name John Paul II) of 16 October 1978 increased the already powerful influence of the Church and his pilgrimages in Poland next years emphasized the historic links between Catholicism and the Polish nation, strengthening a conviction that communism is strange phenomenon in the country.
Bezpowrotnie utracony raj?
Authors: Gryglaszewska Anna
Published: March 2018

Irretrievably Lost Paradise? The Conquest of Mexico as a Painful Shock in the Works of Carmen Boullosa

The conquest of Mexico, which has an impact on the lives of its inhabitants today, is one of the main themes in the early works of writer Carmen Boullosa. In the novel Llanto. Novelasimposibles the author returns to the Aztec Empire to make a reinterpretation of the events of 1519–1521, while the second novel Duerme takes the reader to the days of the colonial era. Moctezuma II, who wakes up from his sleep in the second half of the twentieth century, becomes a postmodern figure. Claire, who reaches the New World on a pirate ship, becomes a witness to the exploitation of the indigenous population by the Spanish masters. Both characters are aware of the fact that the collapse of the empire means an irretrievable loss of the old world and its primary cultures.
Obóz „Goli otok” w relacji międzypokoleniowej
Authors: Taczyńska Katarzyna
Published: March 2018

Goli Otok Prison Camp in the Intergenerational Relationship. The Case of Tiha Gudac’s Documentary Film Goli

The issue this paper refers to concerns the camp for political prisoners established in 1949 in Yugoslavia on the island of Goli otok. The primary objective of my article is to show that documentary films are a significant space for reflection on Goli otok camp. In the context of postmemory, particularly noteworthy is the film Goli from 2014, directed by Tiha K. Gudac, born in 1982. The analysis of this documentary is to present how the memory of the Goli otok prison camp works in the film and how it is transmitted. The film author belongs to the generation of the descendants of Goli otok prisoners. Goli is an attempt to confront the inherited traumatic experience of her grandfather, which – although hushed and hidden for the rest of his life – directly affected the family relationships.
Czarnobyl w strefie postpamięci
Authors: Duda Anna
Published: March 2018

Chernobyl in the Postmemory Zone. The Guide Narration of Alexander Sirota – „the Mayor” of Pripyat

The goal of this article is to show how the memory of Chernobyl catastrophe is being reconstructed and later pass on by the guide with his narration. The example of Aleksander Sirota and his mother will show how big of a factor in constructingmemory of a ‘second generation’ is played by post‑traumatic creation of a close person, as well as accumulated video recordings and photographies taken before the accident. Also, comperative approach of confronting photos with authentic‘forgotten’ space of Pripyat city used by the tour guide will allow us to understand the level of influence in which visual aspect can affect reinterpretation of abandoned heritage. The same can be said of actual presence of a tourist in such environment and its effect on alteration of the memory of the event. The activity of Aleksander Sirota presented in this article will allow us to look at Chernobyl catastrophe through the lens of post‑memory discourse and will reveal how multilayered research issue it really is.
On the cards
Authors: Russell Meredith Jones
Published: March 2018

The head of Scotland's Active Healthy Kids Report Card discusses obesity with Meredith Jones Russell