Economic Cooperation of the People's Republic of China with the Independent South Sudan

The subject of the paper is economic cooperation between the People's Republic of China and South Sudan during the first decade of independence of the African state. The introduction discusses the methodological assumptions of the paper. The first section is devoted to discussing cooperation between countries in the in the oil sector. This is the main area of economic cooperation between states and the oil is the dominant commodity for trade. Its extraction and import by China are systematically hindered due to internal and external conflicts of South Sudan. The second section discusses other aspects of economic cooperation between states. The principles on which economic cooperation is based on are presented. The main areas of interest of Chinese enterprises in South Sudan were outlined. The most important economic agreements concluded between countries were indicated. Development and humanitarian aid provided by China to South Sudan were discussed. The possibilities and requirements necessary to deepen economic cooperation between countries were analyzed. The purpose of the paper is to discuss, analyze and asses cooperation of the People's Republic of China with independent South Sudan. The main research problem is contained in the question of how economic relations between countries are shaped and what conditions have the greatest impact on them. The main research hypothesis is that economic relations between China and South Sudan are characterized by clear asymmetry and focus on the oil sector. They are above all conditioned by a large difference in the economic potential of states and their roles in the global economic system. The possibility of strengthening and developing economic cooperation mostly depends on the stability of South Sudan

Life script and specificity of patients emotional sphere with depression through a prism of projective psychodiagnostics. Part II. Fairy tales about the beautiful

The article discusses the results of the study into life script and emotional sphere of people with depressive disorders. Such methods as projective research, as well as psycholinguistic and narrative analysis, were used. The theoretical foundations of this study are based on a wide range of psychological tenets, highlighting the main reason for the formation of a maladaptive personality, characterized by rigid relationships with the world, other people, and / or the person themself. This reason lies in the previous decisions made on the person’s future existence, which are formed under the influence of life conditions or upbringing. As the research method, there was used the projective technique "Personal Fairy Tale", which was introduced by E.K. Ageenkova and J.A. Fondo. Personal fairy tales by the people suffering from depressive disorders were used as the research material. The primary analysis of personal fairy tales reveals two types of fairy tales that are characteristic only of people with depressive disorders: "fairy tales about the beautiful" and "fairy tales about the sad". Using psycholinguistic and narrative approaches, there were identified the following personal features of patients who wrote "fairy tales about the beautiful": 1) their mental state is noted to be egocentric and vulnerable, characteristic of young children, which is expressed in an immature worldview, infantile attitudes, and in the need for other people to treat them enthusiastically; 2) naivety, expressed in the perception of the world as beautiful and idealized; 3) insufficient social interest in other people and lack of mutually beneficial cooperation with them, the deficit in emotional empathy; 4) unstable self-esteem, completely dependent on the appraisal by other people; 5) attitudes, implemented in passively "waiting for a miracle", which is expressed in real life in the form of the motto "I am the object of love". Patients who wrote "fairy tales about the sad" are characterized by the following personal features: 1) they do not have the ability to express their negative emotions, but the ability for cognitive analysis of difficult life situations remains; 2) there is insufficient social interest in other people and lack of the need to initiate and maintain communicative relationships; 3) the receptive orientation of the character dominates (as defined by E. Fromm), i.e. there are immature attitudes, characterized by the position of dependency towards the world, sensitivity to loss and by fear of losing other people’s love; 4) there is no desire to fight for life, which is expressed in passive acceptance of difficulties which are "ruining and destroying life". The regularities found by analyzing the two types of patients’ personal fairy tales assume that the worldview by the patients with depressive disorders candiffer significantly, despite the similarity of depressive symptoms. It is essential to conduct a phenomenological study of a patient's personality in order to select adequate methods of psychotherapy and provide appropriate psychological assistance.В статье рассмотрены результаты исследования жизненного сценария и эмоциональной сферы лиц с депрессивными расстройствами с использованием методологии проективного исследования, а также психолингвистического и нарративного анализа. Теоретические основания исследования базируются на широком спектре положений психологии, в которых отмечается, что причиной формирования неадаптивной личности, характеризующейся ригидной системой отношений с миром, другими людьми и/или самой собой, являются принятые ранее решения в отношении своего дальнейшего существования, которые формируются под влиянием жизненных условий или воспитания. В качестве метода исследования была использована проективная методика «Персональная сказка», предложенная Е. К. Агеенковой и Ю.А. Фондо, а в качестве материала исследования — персональные сказки лиц, страдающих депрессивными расстройствами. Первичный анализ персональных сказок позволит выявить два типа сказочных сюжетов, характерных только для лиц с депрессивными расстройствами: «сказки о прекрасном» и «сказки о печальном». С применением психолингвистического и нарративного подхода были выявлены следующие личностные о собенности пациентов, написавших «сказки о прекрасном»: 1) отмечается наличие эгоцентричной ранимой психики маленьких детей, выраженной в наличии инфантильного мировосприятия, младенческого мироощущения и потребности в восторженном отношении к ним окружающих людей; 2) наивность, выраженная в восприятии мира как прекрасного и идеализированного; 3) недостаток социального интереса к другим людям и отсутствие взаимовыгодного с ними сотрудничества, недостаток эмоциональной эмпатии; 4) нестабильная самооценка, полностью находящаяся в зависимости от оценок других людей; 5) жизненная позиция, заключающаяся в пассивном «ожидании чуда» в реальной жизни и выраженная в девизе «Я — объект любви». Пациенты, написавшие «сказки о печальном», характеризуются следующими личностными особенностями: 1) у них отсутствует способность выражать негативные эмоции, но сохраняется когнитивный анализ трудных жизненных ситуаций; 2) наблюдается недостаток социальногоинтереса к другим людям и отсутствие потребности в инициировании и поддержании коммуникативных отношений; 3) доминирует рецептивная (получающая) ориентация личности (по определению Э. Фромма), т. е. имеет место инфантильное мироощущение, характеризующееся иждивенческой позицией по отношению к миру, чувствительностью к утрате и страхом потери любви со стороны окружающих; 4) отсутствует стремление бороться за жизнь, которое выражается в пассивном принятии «разрушающих и уничтожающих жизнь» трудностей. Обнаруженные закономерности при анализе двух типов персональных сказок лиц позволяют заключить, что мировосприятие пациентов с депрессивными расстройствами может существенно различаться, несмотря на схожесть депрессивной симптоматики. Подчеркнута необходимость феноменологического изучения личности больного с целью выбора адекватных методов психотерапии и оказания соответствующей психологической помощи

Zaangażowanie Chińskiej Republiki Ludowej w misję pokojową w Mali

Przedmiotem artykułu jest zaangażowanie Chińskiej Republiki Ludowej w Wielowymiarową Zintegrowaną Misję Stabilizacyjną Narodów Zjednoczonych w Mali. Składa się on ze wstępu, czterech części i zakończenia. We wstępie omówione zostały założenia metodologiczne artykułu. W części pierwszej przedstawiono współpracę Chińskiej Republiki Ludowej z Mali. Druga część oświęcona została sytuacji bezpieczeństwa i misjom ONZ w Mali. W trzeciej części przeanalizowano powody angażowania się Chin w misje pokojowe ONZ i w misję w Mali. W czwartej części zaprezentowano działania chińskiego kontyngentu wojskowego w ramach misji w Mali. W zakończeniu zamieszczono najważniejsze wnioski i podsumowania oraz perspektywy dalszego zaangażowania ChRL w misję pokojową w Mali

Examination of Painting Technique and Materials of Liu Kang's Seafood and Hidden Self-Portrait

This paper is a part of an ongoing research that aims to present the painted oeuvre of pioneering Singapore artist Liu Kang through the lens of conservation science instruments. The study concentrates on the painting Seafood from the National Gallery Singapore collection. The painting was created in 1932 and represents Liu Kang’s early artistic period, “Paris”. The painting was studied using complementary examination techniques. The imaging methods, including digital microscopy, NIR, XRR and RTI, revealed a hidden painting underlying the existing composition. XRR and NIR provided strong evidence that the image underneath is a portrait of a man while RTI revealed its texture. A comparative stylistic study of the hidden portrait was conducted with two other of Liu Kang’s self-portraits from the same period. The study exposed some similarities, leading to the conclusion that the hidden painting is Liu Kang’s self-portrait. Results of these imaging techniques initiated a further in-depth study to characterise and compare the pigments used in the creation of Seafood and that of the hidden self-portrait. The pigments of these two paintings were identified by means of IRFC, SEM-EDS, FTIR, PLM and XRF. Additionally, the in-depth study increased our understanding of both pictures and contributed to the growing body knowledge about Liu Kang’s “Paris” period

Aggression and Belief in a Just World Among Adolescents from Belarus and Ukraine: A Comparative Analysis

In connection with the spread of a culture of violence in modern society the problem of aggressive behavior of adolescents takes on new impetus. For a comprehensive consideration of this problem, one should take into account not only the intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects of the personality relations system, but also its relations with the world, which can be expressed in the two forms of the belief in a just world — general belief in a just world and personal belief in a just world. 70 Belarusian and 109 Ukrainian adolescents completed two questionnaires: the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire and the Just World Scale by C. Dalbert. It was found that Belarusian adolescents are characterized by lower aggression compared to Ukrainian ones. The relationship between aggression and the two forms of belief in a just world (general and personal belief in a just world) is negative among Belarusians and Ukrainian adolescents. Belarusian and Ukrainian adolescents on average believe that the world is “rather fair”. This indicates a similar view of the world among adolescents in both cultures

Psychological methods in treatment of essential hypertension

Background: The article presents the results of research into the most commonly used methods of psychological support in the treatment of hypertensive patients, including relaxation and meditation techniques, mindfulness training, music therapy, yoga, aromatherapy and biofeedback techniques. Selected psychological aspects of adherence to the antihypertensive treatment are reviewed. Some notes about personality-oriented counselling and psychotherapy in the treatment of hypertension are raised. Material and methods: In the search for high quality studies, mainly PubMed and EBSCO databases were used, and the journals of such publishers as Elsevier, Hindawi and the American Psychological Association. Results: Studies on methods of psychological support in hypertensive treatment are mostly controversial due to the lack of assessment of the long-term effects of the intervention, and the complexity of the subject of the study. The most convincing is to use individually selected methods based on the development of mental self-regulation skills (Jacobson’s relaxation technique, meditation, biofeedback therapy and mindfulness training). Music therapy, yoga and aromatherapy can also be helpful for patients involved in antihypertensive treatment. Using methods of psychological help, one should take into account restrictions and contraindications, as well as take some precautions. In order to increase the effectiveness of the antihypertensive therapy, it is proposed to conduct health and educational programmes for hypertensive patients, as well as short training courses on communication skills for health care workers. Conclusion: Responsible use of individually selected assistive treatment psychological methods can be helpful for people with arterial hypertension

Postal or electronic voting? The analysis of the preferred voting methods in the context of failed electoral reform in Poland

The article discusses reasons for the failure of the 2020 postal-vote election reform in Poland and examines opinions of Poles on voting methods. The main goal is to answer the following research question: which of the alternative voting methods – postal or electronic – would Poles prefer? The approach is quantitative and based on the statistical analysis of voters’ attitudes towards alternative voting methods, in particular postal voting. The main finding is that out of all voting methods available, most Poles favor electronic voting as a potential alternative to voting in person. On a general level, the conclusions from the Polish case highlight the need to establish special requirements and standards for democratic elections during emergency situations. The unsuccessful implementation of all-postal voting in Poland is an example of how changes to the law should not be made, especially when public health and democratic standards are at stake. The paper presents practical implications and recommendations for state authorities and electoral administration while implementing electoral reforms, extending the list of available voting channels, and running elections – especially in extraordinary situations. This paper adds to the knowledge on alternative voting channels, including their implementation during a pandemic. The Polish case is also relevant for other countries as regards safe and democratic elections during emergency situations. Policymakers are expected to benefit from the insight, since the results originate in the opinion poll and identify voting channels favored by citizens

Self-reported chronotype and objective sleep timing in university student athletes and non-athletes

Objective: The aim of this paper was to test how sport participation and chronotype affect objectively measured sleep timing parameters on workdays. Material and Methods: The sample included 82 student athletes and 40 non-athletes who completed three-day wrist actigraphy monitoring and the Polish version of the Morningness−Eveningness Questionnaire. Results: Eveningness predicted later timing of falling asleep and mid-sleep, but not the wake-up time. Student athletes had earlier wakeup time and shorter sleep duration than non-athletes. Discussion: The results support the view that university students suffer insufficient sleep, especially those participating in extensive sport activity

Cognitive coping strategies and aggression in adolescents

Analiza czynników psychologicznych związanych z zachowaniami agresywnymi adolescentów stanowi ważny obszar badań. Celem badań było określenie związków między poznawczymi strategiami regulacji emocji a agresją fizyczną, gniewem i wrogością u polskich i ukraińskich adolescentów. W badaniu wzięło udział 70 adolescentów z Polski oraz 63 z Ukrainy w wieku od 11 do 15 lat. Wykorzystane narzędzia badawcze to Kwestionariusz Poznawczej Regulacji Emocji oraz Kwestionariusz Agresji Bussa–Perryʼego. Wykazano, że przede wszystkim strategie nieadaptacyjne były silnie związane z wrogością i w nieco mniejszym stopniu z gniewem. Chłopcy i dziewczynki wewnątrz swoich grup narodowościowych prawie nie różnili się pod względem wyników badanych zmiennych, co może świadczyć o tym, że płeć nie różnicuje poziomu agresji i częstotliwości wykorzystania poznawczych strategii radzenia sobie. Na podstawie uzyskanych wyników można stwierdzić, że głównym celem działań profilaktycznych powinien być rozwój umiejętności skutecznego radzenia sobie skierowany przede wszystkim na redukcję stosowania nieadaptacyjnych strategii regulacji emocji, takich jak obwinianie siebie, katastrofizowanie, ruminowanie i obwinianie innych.The analysis of psychological factors associated with aggressive behavior of adolescents is an important area of research. The aim of this study is to identify the relationships between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and physical aggression, anger and hostility in Polish and Ukrainian adolescents. The study involved 70 Polish and 63 Ukrainian teenagers aged 11 to 15. The research tools used in the study included the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire. It has been found that primarily maladaptive strategies are strongly associated with hostility and to a somewhat lesser extent with anger. Boys and girls hardly differ in the results of the studied variables within their cultures, which may indicate that gender does not differentiate the level of aggression and the frequency of using cognitive coping strategies. On the basis of the obtained results, it may be concluded that the main focus of preventive measures should be the development of effective coping skills. They should aim primarily at reducing the use of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies such as self-blame, catastrophizing, rumination and blaming others