On the reactions p + p -> p + Lambda + K^+ and p + p -> p + Sigma^0 + K^+ near thresholds

The cross sections for the reactions of the strange production p + p -> p + Lambda + K^+ and p + p -> p + Sigma^0 + K^+ near thresholds of the final states p Lambda K^+ and p Sigma^0 K^+ are calculated in the effective Lagrangian approach. Our approach is based on the dominant contribution of the one-pion exchange and strong interaction of the colliding protons in the initial state. The theoretical values of the cross sections agree reasonably well with the experimental data. The polarization properties of the Lambda and Sigma^0 hyperons are discussed.Comment: 15 pages, 1 Postscript figure, Latex, to appear in Eur. Phys. J

Initial-state nuclear effects in proton-nucleus collisions

Two important initial-state nuclear effects in hadron-nucleus collisions are considered. The ratios of inclusive differential cross sections for Drell-Yan dimuon production are calculated. The calculated results are compared to the E866 data. It is shown that consideration of multiple soft rescatterings of incident quarks in nuclei and initial-state quark energy loss effects allow to get a good agreement between the calculated results and the experimental data.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figure

The Personality and Political Activity of Otto von Bismarck Through the Eyes of the Russian Political Elite during the second half of the 19th century

The attention towards the figure of Bismarck, known as the "Iron Chancellor" was connected with the fact that when he was in the highest positions of the government the relations between the Russian Empire and Germany were developing along very dramatic lines.  Bismarck was one of the very few state officials who respected the Russian Empire and considered it as one of the most important participants in the European political game. According to his understanding, the views of the Russian political elite were very important to the governments of every European country. Taking into consideration these circumstances, it is important to trace the different aspects of the public opinion of the Russian political and intellectual elite which were expressed in the documents of the second half of the 19th century

Bismarck’s Foreign Policy from The Formation of The German Empire to the 1878 Congress of Berlin as Reflected in Russian Public Opinion

The paper provides an analysis of Bismarck's foreign policy from the establishment of the German Empire in 1871 to the Congress of Berlin in 1878, viewed through the lens of Russian public opinion. Throughout this period, Bismarck aimed to preserve equilibrium in Europe while prioritizing German strategic interests, particularly by thwarting the establishment of an anti-German coalition. The Three Emperors' League, comprising Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia, first presented an image of collaboration; nevertheless, it ultimately demonstrated ineffectiveness throughout the Balkan crises. The Herzegovinian insurrection of 1875 and the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 revealed significant tensions between Austria-Hungary and Russia, but Germany sought to navigate its alliances without substantial direct engagement. Gradually, Russian public opinion began to regard Germany as a dependable partner and recognized a clear diminishment of Bismarck's influence due to the absence of German support during the Eastern Crisis. The study elucidates the understanding of German policy by Russian publications and political spheres, ultimately concluding that Bismarck prioritized German interests over alliance obligations. In 1878, the Congress of Berlin exacerbated Russian grievances as German diplomacy imposed unfavorable geographical modifications contrary to Russian interests. The data clearly demonstrates the profound fragility of European alliances in the 19th century and the insufficiency of diplomatic agreements to resolve geopolitical conflicts