Byzantine Themes in Polish High School Liberal Arts Education

The authors focus how Byzantine motifs are presented in the teaching of humanities subjects. The question of the presence of Byzantine motifs is essentially one about the presence of Byzantine heritage in Polish culture. With reference to two school subjects – Polish and History – the authors seek to establish what Polish school students are taught about the reach of Byzantine culture. Present-day teaching of both political and cultural history is underpinned by Occidentalism. Only occasionally is attention paid to the “Eastern” features of Poland’s past. A good example of this is the treatment of one of the most important Polish literary texts, the school perennial, Bogurodzica. This draws on Greek religious hymns, contain words originating in the Greek liturgy, and also alludes to a particular type of icon. Accordingly, the connections between the oldest Polish literary text and Byzantine culture are very clear. However, when classroom teachers discuss Bogurodzica with their pupils, detailing the above-mentioned features, are they aware that this text is an epitome of the presence of Byzantine motifs in Polish literature? Apparently not. With regard to the teaching of history, Byzantine motifs can be approached from at least three angles; in terms of imperial political events, in terms of religious (Eastern rite) aspects of Byzantine culture, and finally in terms of awareness of connections between Polish culture and Eastern rite Christianity, as well as Eastern nations and states viewed as heirs of Byzantine culture. In Polish history there has been a side-lining of the nation’s break with Eastern Christianity even though during certain periods this was the faith of half the Commonwealth’s inhabitants. The marginalisation of this topic does not simply impose a limit on knowledge but it prevents the understanding of particular aspects of our history

N-heterocyclic carbenes : the design concept for densely packed and thermally ultra-stable aromatic self-assembled monolayers

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) on metal substrates are currently one of the most promising systems in context of molecular-scale engineering of surfaces and interfaces, crucial for numerous applications. Interest in NHC SAMs is mainly driven by their assumingly higher thermal stability compared to thiolate SAMs most broadly used at the moment. Most of the NHC SAMs utilize imidazolium as an anchoring group for linking molecules to the metal substrate via carbene C atom. It is well established in the literature that standing up and stable NHC SAMs are built only when using bulky side groups attached to nitrogen heteroatoms in imidazolium moiety, which, however, leads to monolayers exhibiting much lower packing density compared to thiolate SAMs. Here, by combined X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and temperature-programmed secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis, we demonstrate that using NHCs with small methyl side groups in combination with simple, solution-based preparation leads to the formation of aromatic monolayers exhibiting at least doubled surface density, upright molecular orientation, and ultra-high thermal stability compared to the NHC SAMs reported before. These parameters are crucial for most applications, including, in particular, molecular and organic electronics, where aromatic SAMs serve either as a passive element for electrode engineering or as an active part of organic field effect transistors and novel molecular electronics devices

Do the short die young? Evidence from a large sample of deceased Polish adults

Body height is associated with various socioeconomic and health-related outcomes. Despite numerous studies, the relationship between stature and longevity remains uncertain. This study explores the association between self-reported height and lifespan. Data from 848,860 adults who died between 2004 and 2008 in Poland were collected. After excluding a small proportion of records due to missing data or errors, we examined records for 848,387 individuals (483,281 men, age range: 20–110 years; 365,106 women, age range: 20–112 years). Height was expressed as standardized residual variance derived from linear regression in order to eliminate the variance of year of birth on height. After the elimination of the cohort effect, five height classes were designated using centiles: very short, short, medium, tall and very tall. The differences between sexes and among classes were evaluated with two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s test. The effect size was assessed using partial eta squared (η2). Pearson’s r coefficients of correlation were calculated. The effect of sex on lifespan was nearly 17 times stronger than the effect of height. No correlation between height and lifespan was found. In conclusion, these findings do not support the hypothesis that taller people have a longevity advantage. We offer tentative explanations for the obtained results

The Effect of Boron Content on Wetting Kinetics in Si-B Alloy/h-BN System

In this work, the effect of boron content on the high-temperature wetting behavior in the Si-B alloy/h-BN systems was experimentally examined. For this reason, hypoeutectic, eutectic and hypereutectic Si-B alloys (Si-1B, Si-3.2B and Si-5.7B wt.%, respectively) were produced by electric arc melting method and then subjected to sessile drop/contact heating experiments with polycrystalline h-BN substrates, at temperatures up to 1750 °C. Similar to pure Si/h-BN system, wetting kinetics curves calculated on a basis of in situ recorded drop/substrate images point toward non-wetting behavior of all selected Si-B alloy/h-BN couples. The highest contact angle values of ~ 150° were obtained for hypoeutectic and eutectic Si-B alloys in the whole examined temperature range. © 2018, The Author(s)

The Origin of Culturally Diversified Individuals Buried in the Early Iron Age Barrow Cemetery at Chultukov Log-1 (Upper Altai) in Light of the Analysis of Stable Oxygen Isotopes

Chultukov Log-1 is a large barrow cemetery, located in the valley of Lower Katun river (Northern Altai, Russia), in which various cultural traditions of the Scythian era are represented (Pazyryk, Karakoba, Bystrianka). The main goal of this study was to determine whether the individuals buried in the cemetery and representing different cultural traditions are uniform in terms of their geographical origin. In order to reconstruction of origin of individuals an analysis of the isotopic composition of oxygen was performed within bone apatite phosphates from well preserved samples. To verify the state of preservation of human and animal osseous remains, diagenetic indices were calculated based on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer spectra (FTIR). One of the most important conclusions is the identification in the cemetery of individuals probably originating from the north. The most probable scenario is population movements of the Bystrianka culture people from the steppe and piedmont zones to the south, to the mountainous valley of Lower Katun river in the Northern Altai, where they assimilated with the North Pazyryk communities. In the opposite, the contact of the inhabitansts of the Norhern Altai with the south was not connected with the people\u27s movements, but rather with the trade and the common genesis of the North Pazyryk groups and the Pazyryk culture from Central and South-Eastern Altai. Some people of local origin had different eschatological beliefs and accordingly buried their dead in stone boxes (Karakoba type)

Shifts in Female Facial Attractiveness during Pregnancy

It has been proposed that women’s physical attractiveness is a cue to temporal changes in fertility. If this is the case, we should observe shifts in attractiveness during pregnancy—a unique physiological state of temporal infertility. The aim of this study was to examine how women’s facial attractiveness changes during the subsequent trimesters of pregnancy and how it compares to that of nonpregnant women. Sixty-six pictures of pregnant women (22 pictures per trimester) and 22 of nonpregnant women (a control group) were used to generate four composite portraits, which were subsequently assessed for facial attractiveness by 117 heterosexual men. The results show considerable differences between facial attractiveness ratings depending on the status and progress of pregnancy. Nonpregnant women were perceived as the most attractive, and the attractiveness scores of pregnant women decreased throughout the course of pregnancy. Our findings show that facial attractiveness can be influenced by pregnancy and that gestation, even at its early stages, affects facial attractiveness. Considerable changes in women’s physiology that occur during pregnancy may be responsible for the observed effects

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions catalyzed by complexes of zinc and iron

W trakcie przeprowadzonych badań zbadana została aktywność katalityczna ligandów PyBOX, BOPA, IPO, DPEDA w reakcjach asymetrycznego transferu wodoru, a także asymetrycznego hydrosililowania. W reakcjach zastosowano kompleksy cynku i żelaza jako tańszą alternatywę dla związków metali szlachetnych (rutenu, rodu czy irydu). Badania wykazały, że kompleksy wymienionych ligandów nie są aktywne w reakcjach transferu wodoru, mimo udowodnionej, wysokiej aktywności w reakcjach hydrosililowania z użyciem metali takich jak cynk, żelazo, miedź czy kobalt. W badaniach sprawdzano także możliwość zastosowania katalizatora Trosta w reakcjach asymetrycznej redukcji. Testy katalityczne ujawniły wysoką aktywność tego katalizatora w reakcjach hydrosililowania. Obserwowano całkowite konwersje substratów w czasie poniżej 3 godzin, jednak enancjoselektywność reakcji była na poziomie 0-60% ee.The studies on catalytic activity in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) and asymmetric hydrosilylation (ASH) using PyBOX, BOPA, IPO and DPEDA ligands were performed. The reactions involved use of zinc and iron complexes as a cheaper alternative for noble metals compounds (i.e. ruthenium, rhodium or iridium). The research revealed that complexes of the mentioned ligands were inactive in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions, even though they have been previously proved to be efficient catalysts in asymmetric hydrosilylation reactions based on zinc, iron, copper or cobalt compounds. Trost's catalyst was also tested for the first time as a catalyst in asymmetric hydrosilylation of ketones. Catalytic tests have shown high activity of the ProPhenol-ZnEt2 complex in hydrosilylation reactions. Full conversions of various substrates were observed usually within 3 hours, yet the stereoselectivity of these reactions was unsatisfactory

Synthesis and reduction of alkoxy- and aryloxy-acetophenone derivatives.

Przeprowadzono syntezę szeregu ketoeterów metodą Williamsona. Aryloksylowe pochodne acetofenonu otrzymano z wydajnościami w granicach 38 do 89%. Podjęto również próby otrzymania pochodnej alkoksylowej, lecz nie przyniosły one zamierzonych efektów. Otrzymane związki poddano redukcji do alkoholi drugorzędowych z wykorzystaniem borowodorku sodu. Redukcja zachodziła z wydajnością niemal ilościową. W toku syntez otrzymano trzy nowe związki, które nie zostały opisane wcześniej w literaturze (3c, 4c, 4e). Wszystkie otrzymane związki zostały scharakteryzowane przy pomocy spektroskopii w podczerwieni oraz spektroskopii NMR.Series of ketoethers, aryloxy- acetophenone derivatives was synthetized, using Williamson method. An effort to synthesize alkoxy- derivatives was also made, nevertheless unsuccessfully. The yields ranged from 38 up to 89%. The resulting products were reduced in non-asymmetric way, using sodium borohydride. The yields of reductions were almost quantitative. In the course of syntheses three new compounds were obtained (1c, 2c, 2e). All synthesized compounds were characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy

Correlation between creative personality and creative thinking with the locus of control among a community of dancers aged 18-25.

Poniższa praca ma na celu eksplorację i konfirmację powiązań pomiędzy osobowościątwórczą, myśleniem twórczym a umiejscowieniem poczucia kontroli wśród społecznościtancerzy w wieku 18-25 lat. Postanowiono zbadać tak specyficzną i wąską grupę by lepiejprzyjrzeć się praktycznym i namacalnym przejawom twórczości i kreatywności w wybranejgrupie zawodowej. Badana grupa została zebrana i przebadano internetowo, metodą ankietową,próbowano dotrzeć do tancerzy dzięki grupom internetowym i społecznościom szkół tańca naterenie miast Katowic i Krakowa. Myślenie twórcze i osobowość twórczą wraz z ichpodskalami zbadano kwestionariuszem KOMT, natomiast umiejscowienie poczucia kontrolizmierzono kwestionariuszem I-E. Wnioski z pracy wskazują, na brak związku pomiędzytwórczością a umiejscowieniem poczucia kontroli. Ponadto nie wykazano żadnych różnicmiędzypłciowych pomiędzy badanymi zmiennymi. Drobne różnice wystąpiły pomiędzytancerzami a populacją ogólną jeśli chodzi o poziom myślenia twórczego, który był niecowyższy u tancerzy oraz miejsce poczucia kontroli, która umiejscowiona była raczejwewnętrznie lub umiarkowanie.The following work aims to explore and confirm the links between the creative personality,creative thinking and the locus of control among the community of dancers aged 18-25. It wasdecided to examine such a specific and narrow group in order to better look at the practical andtangible manifestations of creativity in a selected professional group. The study group wascollected and surveyed online, using a survey method, attempts were made to reach the dancersthrough online groups and communities of dance schools in the cities of Katowice and Krakow.Creative thinking and creative personality along with their subscales were examined with theKOMT questionnaire, while locus of control was measured with the I-E questionnaire.Conclusions from the work indicate that there is no correlation between creativity and the locusof control. In addition, no gender differences were found between the variables studied. Therewere slight differences between the dancers and the general population in terms of the level ofcreative thinking, which was slightly higher in the dancers, and the place of the sense of control,which was rather internal or moderately located

Glutathione Contribution in Interactions between <i>Turnip mosaic virus</i> and <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> Mutants Lacking Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homologs D and F

Respiratory burst oxidase homologs (Rbohs) play crucial and diverse roles in plant tissue-mediated production of reactive oxygen species during the development, growth, and response of plants to abiotic and biotic stress. Many studies have demonstrated the contribution of RbohD and RbohF in stress signaling in pathogen response differentially modulating the immune response, but the potential role of the Rbohs-mediated response in plant–virus interactions remains unknown. The present study analyzed, for the first time, the metabolism of glutathione in rbohD-, rbohF-, and rbohD/F-transposon-knockout mutants in response to Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) infection. rbohD–TuMV and Col-0–TuMV interactions were characterized by susceptible reaction to TuMV, associated with significant activity of GPXLs (glutathione peroxidase-like enzymes) and induction of lipid peroxidation in comparison to mock-inoculated plants, with reduced total cellular and apoplastic glutathione content observed at 7–14 dpi and dynamic induction of apoplast GSSG (oxidized glutathione) at 1–14 dpi. Systemic virus infection resulted in the induction of AtGSTU1 and AtGSTU24, which was highly correlated with significant downregulation of GSTs (glutathione transferases) and cellular and apoplastic GGT (γ-glutamyl transferase) with GR (glutathione reductase) activities. On the contrary, resistant rbohF–TuMV reactions, and especially enhanced rbohD/F–TuMV reactions, were characterized by a highly dynamic increase in total cellular and apoplastic glutathione content, with induction of relative expression of AtGGT1, AtGSTU13, and AtGSTU19 genes. Moreover, virus limitation was highly correlated with the upregulation of GSTs, as well as cellular and apoplastic GGT with GR activities. These findings clearly indicate that glutathione can act as a key signaling factor in not only susceptible rbohD reaction but also the resistance reaction presented by rbohF and rbohD/F mutants during TuMV interaction. Furthermore, by actively reducing the pool of glutathione in the apoplast, GGT and GR enzymes acted as a cell first line in the Arabidopsis–TuMV pathosystem response, protecting the cell from oxidative stress in resistant interactions. These dynamically changed signal transductions involved symplast and apoplast in mediated response to TuMV