Superconductivity near the Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit in the high-entropy alloy superconductor (ScZrNb)1−x_{1-x}(RhPd)x_x with a CsCl-type lattice

Theoretical analysis of the electronic structure of the high-entropy-type superconductor (ScZrNb)$_{1-x}$(RhPd)$_x$, $x \in (0.35, 0.45)$ is presented. The studied material is a partially ordered CsCl-type structure, with two sublattices, randomly occupied by Sc, Zr, Nb (first sublattice) and Nb, Rh, and Pd (second sublattice). Calculations were done using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method with the coherent potential approximation (KKR-CPA) and take into account the substitutional disorder. Our total energy calculations confirm the preference for the partially ordered structure over the fully random {\it bcc}-type one. Electronic densities of states $N(E)$, dispersion relations, and McMillan-Hopfield parameters $\eta$ (electronic contribution to electron-phonon coupling) are studied as a function of composition. The computed increasing trends in $N(E_F)$ and $\eta$ with $x$ are opposite to what we expected based on the experimental results, where the decrease in the critical temperature with increasing $x$ was found. Very strong electron scattering due to disorder is observed, as the electronic dispersion relations are strongly smeared. As a result, the computed electronic lifetimes $\tau$ are very short, leading to a small mean-free path of electrons of the order of interatomic distance, which puts (ScZrNb)$_{1-x}$(RhPd)$_x$ near the Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit. The trend in $\tau(x)$ is similar to the trend observed experimentally in $T_c(x)$, suggesting that disorder may be the factor that influences $T_c$ in this series of alloys.Comment: 13 pages, 12 figures, accepted in Physical Review

A Literary Voice of Generation X? David Foster Wallace on Popculture

The article treats on the life and work of American postmodern writer David Foster Wallace. The subject is undertaken in context of appearance of his writing in the Polish translation (by Jolanta Kozak). The author aims to present Wallace as a potentially interesting writer in the field of Polish literary studies. Next to describing him as a popcultural phenomenon, she puts stress on matters of the texts themselves, such as postmodern irony and psychological issues, corresponding with the writer’s actual experience

Effects of Religion on Life

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between religion and various factors of life, which include life satisfaction, optimism, pessimism, self-esteem, neuroticism, openness to experience, family support, and altruism. Participants include students from Northern Kentucky University as well as samples from different churches. The hypothesis of this study is that religion will be positively related to some factors (e.g., life satisfaction) and negatively related to others (e.g., openness to experience)

Development of the competences of representatives of different generations in the market of education and training services

Cel badań. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie najistotniejszych różnic pomiędzy przedstawicielami różnych pokoleń w zakresie wartości i oczekiwań związanych z miejscem pracy. W ramach niniejszego opracowania zaprezentowane zostaną metody budowania wiedzy i kompetencji. Wskazane zostaną również najnowsze trendy oraz konkretne narzędzia, po jakie można sięgać w procesie kształcenia, by uczynić go maksymalnie wydajnym. Metoda. Na potrzeby artykułu dokonano przeglądu literatury przedmiotu oraz analizy wybranych narzędzi budowania kompetencji, z perspektywy ich funkcjonalności oraz adekwatności dla przedstawicieli różnych pokoleń. Wyniki. Przeprowadzone analizy wskazują, że poszczególne pokolenia różnią się pomiędzy sobą w zakresie wartości, oczekiwań i celów życiowych, sposobów komunikacji, czy metod pozyskiwania wiedzy o otaczającym świecie. Stąd też niezbędne jest wykorzystywanie w procesie edukacji narzędzi i metod dostosowanych do przedstawicieli różnych generacji. W ramach artykułu wskazane zostały przykładowe metody i narzędzia, które mogą stanowić realne wsparcie w procesie budowania kompetencji. Wnioski. Przed systemem edukacji, zarówno oświatowym, jak i tym związanym z rynkiem usług szkoleniowych, staje ogromne wyzwanie, polegające na konieczności sprostania różnicom pokoleniowym. O ile tradycyjne formy nauczania były efektywne jeszcze kilkanaście lat temu, tak teraz ich potencjalny odbiorca, żyjący w zgoła innym otoczeniu społecznym, uzna je nie tylko za mało atrakcyjne, ale również za mało skuteczne.Aim. The article presents the most important differences between particular generations, their values and expectations related to the workplace. It also describes methods of increasing knowledge, and the latest trends and specific tools which can be used in the education process to make it as efficient as possible. Method. For this article, a review of the literature and analysis of selected tools for increasing competences was made from the perspective of their functionality and adequacy for different generations. Results. Different generations are diametrically different in a range of values, expectations and life goals, methods of communication or methods of acquiring knowledge about the surrounding world. Therefore, in the education process it is necessary to use tools and methods adapted to representatives of each generation. The article provides examples of methods and tools which can be a real support in the process of increasing competences. Conclusions. A huge challenge faces the education system, both in school and related to the training services market. While traditional forms of teaching were effective in the past, now their potential recipient, living in a completely different social environment, will find them not only unattractive, but also not very effective

Superconductivity in bismuth pyrochlore lattice compounds RbBi2 and CsBi2: the role of relativistic effects

Superconducting properties of two bismuthide intermetallic compounds, RbBi2 and CsBi2, were studied by means of experimental measurements and ab initio calculations. We show that in both compounds the superconductivity emerges from the pyrochlore Bi lattice and its formation is heavily influenced by relativistic effects. Based on our analysis of the effect of spin-orbit coupling on the electron-phonon coupling we suggest a possible criterion for finding new superconducting materials by looking for structures featuring relativistically-stabilized hypervalent networks of heavy p-block elements

Gender-Specific Differences in Concentrations of Biochemical Parameters in Persons over the Age of 90

The ageing process is a phenomenon leading to an emergence of a web of interrelated biological processes producing significant changes in the human body. The aim of the paper was to analyse gender-specific differences with regard to selected biochemical parameters in longevity. The study was conducted in Poland in 2017. The study population comprised of long-lived individuals, both living at home and staying at residential care homes. There were 90 people of both genders (69 women and 21 men) aged between 90 and 103 years (mean = 92.36; SD = 2.98). The biochemical markers of longevity in the studied patients were identified by assessing their pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory status in various metabolic aspects. The analysis of biochemical variables revealed numerous statistically significant differences, both in the study group as a whole and between the genders. The ageing process is extremely complex, but understanding it will allow for a real intervention in life extension. Research into the processes involved in ageing and longevity will enable a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for them, and to enjoy those processes in good health