Dynamics of the universe with disformal coupling between the dark sectors

We use the dynamical analysis to study the evolution of the universe at late time for the model in which the interaction between dark energy and dark matter is inspired by disformal transformation. We extend the analysis in the existing literature by supposing that the disformal coefficient depends both on the scalar field and its kinetic terms. We find that the dependence of the disformal coefficient on the kinetic term of scalar field leads to two classes of the scaling fixed points that can describe the acceleration of the universe at late time. The first class exists only for the case where the disformal coefficient depends on the kinetic terms. The fixed points in this class are saddle points unless the slope of the conformal coefficient is sufficiently large. The second class can be viewed as the generalization of the fixed points studied in the literature. According to the stability analysis of these fixed points, we find that the stable fixed point can take two different physically relevant values for the same value of the parameters of the model. These different values of the fixed points can be reached for different initial conditions for the equation of state parameter of dark energy. We also discuss the situations in which this feature disappears.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figure

Designing research on personal information management : the "guided tour" technique

Zasadniczym celem artykułu było sformułowanie listy dylematów, które należy rozstrzygnąć w procesie projektowania badań, aby umożliwić wykorzystanie techniki oprowadzania (ang. guided tour) w badaniach indywidualnego zarządzania informacją. Najpierw przedstawiono koncepcję i podstawy epistemologiczne techniki oprowadzania oraz zaproponowano jej definiowanie poprzez wskazanie koniunkcji cech konstytutywnych. Przeanalizowano dotychczasowe zastosowania tej techniki w badaniach indywidualnego zarządzania informacją oraz omówiono wybrane podobne techniki stosowane także w innych dyscyplinach i obszarach badawczych. W konsekwencji za proponowano wspomniane wcześniej dylematy i zasygnalizowano podstawowe możliwości ich rozwiązywania.The main goal of this article was to formulate a list of dilemmas that need to be addressed to enable the use of the guided tour technique in individual information management research. First, the concept and epistemological basis of this technique were introduced and the conjunction of its constitutive features was proposed. Then the applications of this technique in individual information management research were discussed and some similar techniques used in other disciplines and research areas were analysed. As the result, the list of the aforementioned dilemmas was proposed and some basic ways of solving them were suggested

The potential of online library catalogues for supporting opportunistic acquisition of information pertaining scholarly literature

The article includes a description and analysis of empirical research, which by comparative means looked to determine the potential of various solutions for academic libraries in configuring the interfaces of online catalogues in support of opportunistic acquisition of information pertaining to scholarly literature. The research consisted of experiments using 22 different search instructions and an analysis of the results of other encountered sources. The research was carried out from May to July 2007 in 33 Polish libraries based on 8 different computer systems. The research allowed for the establishing of links between applied solutions in OPAC, the form of search instruction and the chances of discovering publications which are not able to satisfy the needs of an intentional and deliberate search, but can satisfy or even inspire other information needs of library users

Conflicts within the area of mediation in scholarly communication : business and ideology

Celem artykułu jest zachęcenie do szerszej i racjonalnej refleksji na temat reguł funkcjonowania systemu komunikacji naukowej i konsekwencji rozwoju otwartego dostępu. Obszar pośredniczenia, czyli przestrzeń między nadawcą i odbiorcą komunikatu naukowego, jest potraktowany jako niezbędna strefa pozytywnych działań, w której w trakcie i przy okazji transferu wiedzy dokonuje się wiele ważnych dla nauki procesów, wymagających nakładu środków, pracy i kompetencji. Zwrócono uwagę na względność otwartości dostępu i historyczne uwarunkowania rozwoju tej formy udostępniania dorobku nauki. Przedstawiono podstawowe modele biznesowe publikowania w trybie otwartego dostępu. Na tym tle omówiono najważniejsze skutki (już widoczne oraz potencjalne) rozwoju otwartego dostępu dla zmian podmiotów funkcjonujących w obszarze pośredniczenia i dla relacji między nimi, a w konsekwencji także dla całego systemu komunikacji naukowej.The main goal of the paper is to foster wider and rational consideration regarding the rules the system of scholarly communication is based on as well as the consequences of open access developments. The area of mediation – the sphere between senders and recipients in scholarly communication – is seen as an indispensable area where some important value is added while data, information and knowledge is transferred through space and time, which requires financing, work and competency to work properly. The relativity of the adjective „open” in „open access” phrase is stressed and a little historical background of open access is provided. Furthermore, three prevalent types of open access business models are presented and some important consequences (both noticeable today and potential) of their implementation for relations among subjects operating within the area of mediation in scholarly communication are shortly discussed

Antiarrhythmic activity of novel S-enantiomers of pyrrolidin-2-one derivatives with adrenolytic properties

A six new analogs of MG-1(S), 1-[2-hydroxy-3-(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)propyl]-pyrrolidin-2-one, with adrenolytic properties were tested for electrocardiographic and antiarrhythmic activity in model ventricular arrhythmias associated with coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in the non-working isolated perfused rat heart and additionally in barium chloride - induced arrhythmia in vivo. All tested compounds slightly decreased the heart rate, prolonged P-Q, Q-T intervals and QRS complex. The antiarrhythmic effects of all tested compounds were weaker than the reference compound MG-1(S)

Międzynarodowa pomoc żywnościowa – kierunki zmian

Wciąż istniejący problem głodu na świecie skłania społeczność międzynarodową do podejmowania prób jego rozwiązania. Jednym z takich działań jest udzielanie pomocy żywnościowej w wymiarze międzynarodowym, skierowanej głównie do krajów rozwijających się. Analiza udzielanej pomocy żywnościowej w długim okresie pozwala zidentyfikować prawidłowości dotyczące wzrostu znaczenia pomocy nadzwyczajnej oraz odchodzenia od zakupów bezpośrednich jako sposobu nabywania żywności. Tendencje te są widoczne również u dwóch głównych dostawców pomocy żywnościowej – USA i Unii Europejskiej. Obserwowane kierunki zmian są uwarunkowane między innymi podejmowanymi inicjatywami na poziomie ponadnarodowym, które znajdują odzwierciedlenie w regulacjach głównych donatorów

Technological Resources versus Non-Technological Resources

The purpose of this study is to help show that using technology as an instructional strategy will benefit students’ knowledge on certain concepts. Improving focus and engagement will lead to increased knowledge of students. This study’s participants included ten randomly selected second-graders. They focused on the concept of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional shapes. At the beginning of this study, they were given a pre-assessment (see Appendix A) to show their current knowledge. When this study was completed, a post-assessment (see Appendix B) was given. Comparing the results of these two assessments helped to show that using technology, during teacher-led instruction, benefited the subjects’ focus and understanding

STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING OPERATING EXPENSES IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ENTERPRISES IN KAZAKHSTAN

Effective operational cost management is a critical concern for enterprises striving to maintain competitiveness while advancing sustainable development goals. This study investigates how non-state enterprises in Kazakhstan manage operating expenses in alignment with sustainability principles, particularly emphasizing the potential of blockchain-supported multiple offsetting systems. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design combined survey responses from 43 professionals across key industries with qualitative data from 15 structured interviews. Survey results indicate that most enterprises maintain a strong cost-monitoring culture (87% agreement), yet only moderate integration of sustainability in operational decision-making (71%). Awareness of blockchain-based cost optimization remains limited (43%), although 66% of respondents expressed openness to exploring blockchain-enabled financial settlements. A multiple linear regression model was estimated to identify drivers of blockchain readiness. The analysis revealed that cost strategy sophistication (β = 0.562, p < 0.01) and sustainability orientation (β = 0.391, p < 0.05) were statistically significant predictors, together explaining 41% of the variance in blockchain adoption readiness (Adjusted R² = 0.41, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings reinforced these insights, revealing themes around decentralized cost-sharing, blockchain’s potential to improve inter-enterprise trust, and concerns over implementation complexity and regulatory uncertainty. The study concludes that while blockchain-based offsetting systems offer scalable, cost-effective solutions, successful adoption depends on technical training, policy incentives, and broader institutional support

In Vivo Anti-inflammatory Activity of Lipoic Acid Derivatives in Mice

Background: In mammals lipoic acid (LA) and its reduced form dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) function as cofactors for multienzymatic complexes catalyzing the decarboxylation of α-ketoacids. Moreover, LA is used as a drug in a variety of diseases including inflammatory diseases. The aim of the study was to examine anti-inflammatory properties of LA metabolites.Material/methods:The present paper reports the chemical synthesis of 2,4-bismethylthio-butanoic acid (BMTBA) and tetranor-dihydrolipoic acid (tetranor-DHLA). BMTBA is one of the biotransformation products of LA, while tetranor-DHLA is an analogue of DHLA. Structural identity of these compounds was confirmed by 1H NMR. These compounds were assessed for their anti-inflammatory activity in mice. For this purpose, the zymosan-induced peritonitis and the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema animal models were applied.Results/conclusions: The obtained results indicated that the early vascular permeability measured at 30 min of zymosan-induced peritonitis was significantly inhibited in groups receiving BMTBA (10, 30, 50 mg/kg). The early infiltration of neutrophils measured at 4 hours of zymosan-induced peritonitis was inhibited in the group receiving BMTBA (50 mg/kg) and tetranor-DHLA (50 mg/kg). The results indicated that the increase in paw edema was significantly inhibited in the groups receiving BMTBA (50, 100 mg/kg) and tetranor-DHLA (30, 50 mg/kg). In summary, the present studies clearly demonstrated that both BMTBA and tetranor-DHLA were able to act as anti-inflammatory agents. This is the first study examining in vivo the anti-inflammatory properties of LA metabolites