Journals of Rzeszow University - Open Journal System
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Spatial working memory in hypothyroidism – an observational study on different ranges of thyroid stimulating hormone
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Hypothyroidism is associated with cognitive impairments. Clinically, subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is very common and patients often experience symptoms such as forgetfulness or memory deficits. Despite achieving normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels through levothyroxine (LT-4) treatment, patients still report persistent complaints of lack of memory. Previous imaging studies have shown abnormalities in some cognitive domains, particularly in spatial working memory (SWM), that are characteristic of SCH. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate SWM function across different ranges of TSH in patients with SCH.
Material and methods. This cross-sectional study included a total of 136 participants. Group 1: 36 controls, group 2: 33 newly diagnosed patients with SCH (TSH levels ≥2.5 mIU/L), group 3: 32 patients with SCH (elevated TSH levels ≥4.0 mIU/L) having L-T4 treatment, group 4: 35 euthyroid (TSH levels <4.0 mIU/L) but ongoing LT-4 treatment. The SWM task was performed for an assessment of SWM function, using a computerized battery (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery-CANTAB).
Results. Our results report a statistically significant difference in the key parameters of SWM task among all groups.
Conclusion. Our findings indicate that patients with SCH show better performance in SWM when their TSH levels decrease with LT-4 treatment, in comparison to patients who were newly diagnosed. The present study suggests a TSH level of 2.5 mIU/L may be the optimal threshold for initiating LT-4 treatment in patients with SCH
Public knowledge of cancer in southern Poland
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Due to the constantly growing number of cancer cases in Polish society, our study aimed to check the respondents’ knowledge of the broadly understood topic of cancer. The aim was to check the knowledge of Polish society and compare it according to age, gender, level of education, place of residence, and marital status.
Material and methods. Our study was held in Podkarpackie and Malopolskie voivodeiship where participants completed a questionnaire containing 31 questions on the topic of cancer. The survey was completed by 360 people, 248 women, and 112 men. The study locations were diverse and the interviewees came from different backgrounds, age groups, and education.
Results. The study revealed generally high awareness of cancer among 360 respondents, with 93% of whom recognized the importance of early detection, but significant gaps were identified in knowledge about prevention methods, including vaccina tions (36%) and viral causes (50%). Older adults and those with lower educational levels showed significantly lower awareness (p<0.05), highlighting the need for targeted educational initiatives.
Conclusion. The survey we conducted clearly shows that the state of knowledge about cancer in Polish society is not yet fully sat isfactory. The conclusion that arises from our survey concerns the dissemination of knowledge about primary cancer prevention
Czerń, licha strawa i mrówczy trud. Trzy obrazy topicznej skromności Galla Anonima
Get PDFIn the dedicatory letter to Book II of his Chronicle, Gallus Anonymus, like many other contemporary writers, demonstrated his exemplary modesty. For this purpose, he made use of three allegorical images justifying the act of writing by an unskilled author. He equated himself with a colour of black – ugly in itself but useful for diversifying paintings; with a poor dish served just for the sake of change; and finally with an ant – much smaller than a camel, but working hard, to the best of its capability. All these motifs have an old literary tradition and reveal the author’s erudition. The “poor dish” motif can be is a borrowing from one of the works of Gregory the Great. The main idea of these allegorical pictures is variety (“varietas”). According to the first two of them it is perceived as a value in itself. The style of Gallus’s Chronicle forces us into deep consid- eration of his inclination to literary “varietas”. It is expressed in emphasizing contrasts and sudden changes, in antithetical oppositions and strong exaggerations. It is possible that similar aesthetic inclinations were based on Gallus’s fundamental beliefs concerning the real order of things and the vicissitudes of human fate.W liście dedykacyjnym poprzedzającym II księgę kroniki Gall Anonim, jak wielu współczesnych mu pisarzy, zamanifestował swą przykładną skromność. Posłużył się w tym celu trzema alegorycznymi obrazami uzasadniającymi pisarskie wysiłki osób bez kwalifikacji. Przyrównał się do czerni, która, choć niepiękna, przydaje się do urozmaicenia malarskich kompozycji, do lichej potrawy podawanej dla samej odmiany, wreszcie do mrówki, która choć dużo mniejsza od wielbłąda, pracuje pilnie i stosownie do możliwości. Wszystkie trzy motywy mają odległą tradycję literacką i dokumentują erudycję autora. Wątek lichej strawy stanowi zapożyczenie z jednego z dzieł Grzegorza Wielkiego. Ideą przewodnią tych alegorycznych obrazów jest rozmaitość („varietas”), postrzegana – jak wynika z dwóch pierwszych – jako samoistna wartość. Stylistyka kroniki każe istotnie liczyć się z Gallowym upodobaniem do literackiej „varietas” wyrażającym się w akcentowaniu kontrastów i gwałtownych zmian, antytetycznych przeciwstawieniach i silnych przejaskrawieniach. Niewykluczone, że podobne inklinacje estetyczne znajdowały oparcie w fundamentalnych przekonaniach kronikarza o prawdziwym porządku rzeczy i zmiennych kolejach ludzkiego losu
AI w społeczeństwie – potencjał, zagrożenia i granice zaufania
No full textThe article discusses current issues related to artificial intelligence (AI). So far, no consistent and universally accepted definition of AI has been established within the scientific community. The very term “intelligence” in relation to machines remains controversial, as many aspects of intelligence—such as emotions and consciousness—are still considered uniquely human traits. Moravec points out that while computers excel at complex calculations, they struggle with simple cognitive tasks. AI is a key component of Industry 4.0, which is based on automation and digitalization. However, it brings not only benefits. Numerous AI system failures have already led to accidents and disasters. Automation also impacts the labor market, threatening various professions—both physical and intellectual. In education, AI can be helpful in many cases but may also exacerbate learning-related issues. The phenomenon of “AI hallucinations” is particularly significant in educational contexts. When using AI, one should follow the principle of limited trust, similar to traffic rules. Tools themselves are neither good nor bad—the key lies in how and for what purpose humans use them.Artykuł porusza aktualne zagadnienia związane ze sztuczną inteligencją. Do tej pory nie udało się wypracować spójnej i powszechnie akceptowalnej definicji w środowiskach naukowych. Nadal kontrowersyjny pozostaje sam termin „inteligencja” w odniesieniu do maszyn, ponieważ wiele cech inteligencji, takich jak emocje i świadomość, nadal przypisuje się wyłącznie ludziom. Moravec zauważa, że komputery są dobre w złożonych obliczeniach, lecz słabe w prostych zadaniach poznawczych. AI jest kluczowym elementem przemysłu 4.0, opartego na automatyzacji i cyfryzacji. Przynosi jednak nie tylko korzyści. Liczne awarie systemów AI doprowadziły już do wypadków i katastrof. Automatyzacja wpływa też na rynek pracy, zagrażając wielu zawodom – zarówno fizycznym, jak i umysłowym. W edukacji AI może być pomocne w wielu przypadkach, ale też pogłębić problemy związane z uczeniem się. Istotne znaczenie w kontekście edukacyjnym ma zjawisko „halucynacji AI”. W korzystaniu z AI należy kierować się zasadą ograniczonego zaufania, tak jak w ruchu drogowym. Narzędzia same w sobie nie są ani dobre, ani złe – kluczowe jest to, jak i w jakim celu są wykorzystywane przez ludzi
Kapitał cyfrowy jako czynnik konkurencyjności przedsiębiorstw – wyzwanie dla przedsiębiorstw i systemu edukacji
No full textThe article discusses the importance of digital capital as a key factor in the competitiveness of enterprises and the challenges faced by the education system in Poland. In the era of rapid digital transformation, the ability to effectively use information and communication technologies (ICT) and the digital competencies of employees are becoming the foundation of competitive advantage. The article emphasizes that the education system should adapt to labor market needs by educating young people in both technical and soft skills. The 2024 reform of the ICT curriculum places greater emphasis on the development of digital competencies and computational thinking. The article also highlights the growing demand for digital capital in enterprises, which are increasingly investing in the development of their employees’ skills, leading to greater innovation and higher revenues.Artykuł omawia znaczenie kapitału cyfrowego jako kluczowego czynnika konkurencyjności przedsiębiorstw oraz wyzwań, przed którymi stoi system edukacji w Polsce. W dobie szybkiej transformacji cyfrowej umiejętności efektywnego wykorzystania technologii informacyjno-komunikacyjnych (TIK) oraz kompetencje cyfrowe pracowników stają się fundamentem przewagi konkurencyjnej. W artykule podkreślono, że system edukacji powinien dostosować się do potrzeb rynku pracy, kształcąc młodych ludzi w zakresie zarówno umiejętności technicznych, jak i miękkich. Wprowadzona w roku 2024 zmiana podstawy programowej przedmiotów informatycznych kładzie większy nacisk na rozwój kompetencji cyfrowych oraz myślenia komputacyjnego. W artykule wskazano również na rosnące zapotrzebowanie na kapitał cyfrowy w przedsiębiorstwach, które inwestują w rozwój kompetencji swoich pracowników, co przekłada się na wzrost innowacyjności i przychodów
Cyrus the Younger in Syria and Mesopotamia, Abrokomas, and the Great King’s Defensive Strategy (401 BC)
No full textThis article analyzes the strategic role of Abrokomas, a commander in the service of Artaxerxes II (404-359 BC), during the revolt of Cyrus the Younger in 401 BC and the subsequent campaign in Syria and Mesopotamia. Focusing on the movement and actions of Abrokomas and his forces, the study re-examines ancient literary sources (notably Xenophon, Diodorus, and others) alongside recent scholarship and epigraphic data to clarify his position and function within the Achaemenid defense. The article challenges earlier views that saw Abrokomas as a disloyal or opportunistic actor and instead situates him as part of a deliberate royal strategy. Initially tasked with military operations in Phoenicia and possibly Egypt, Abrokomas was redirected to Mesopotamia to anticipate and block potential routes of Cyrus and his army. The article reconstructs the routes taken by Persian forces, evaluates the debated positions of key satraps (notably the identification and role of Belesys versus Abrokomas as satrap of Syria), and situates these military maneuvers within the wider logistical framework of the Achaemenid Empire, including the use of the royal road network. Ultimately, the article argues that Abrokomas’ movements were not marked by hesitation, but reflect the King’s flexible and multi-directional strategy to contain Cyrus’ advance, culminating in the confrontation at Cunaxa (401 BC). The actions and misdirections of Abrokomas contributed to shaping the campaign’s outcome, and the article provides a reassessment of his reputation and of Persian defensive planning in the face of internal rebellion
More about Nwt/Nōd and Adiabene
No full textThe classical sources refer to Adiabene as Ἄδιαβηνή, which was rendered into Aramaic as Bēt Ḥadhyb/Ḥdyb, primarily by Syriac-Aramaic sources, such as the Synodicon of the Nestorian Church (from 410 CE onward), alongside a few Talmudic expressions. The etymology of both names is unclear. To expand the discussion, one can now rely on three further references for nwt. Two of them appear in unpublished Mandaean lead rolls, while the other is found in a magic bowl, known since 1993, written in Babylonian Aramaic square script. The three new references confirm that nwt or Nōd must be the official designation for Adiabene, at least in the Parthian period, with certainty at the beginning of the Sasanian period under Šābuhr I, and perhaps also later. The Semiticbased explanations provided by Lipiński, along with his attempt to read a participle Ntwn instead of nwt and his subsequent shift to ntw, are likely incorrect
Vorarbeiten zu einer Königsliste Kaukasisch-Iberiens 8. Das Ende des iberischen Königtums
No full textKing Vaxtang I of Caucasian Iberia, who was called Gorgasali in later Georgian tradition, died around A.D. 502. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Gurgenes, who ruled peacefully for more than twenty years under Sasanian rule. However, in the later years of the Roman Emperor Justin I, Gurgenes encountered difficulties. The Persian Great King Kavad I attempted to impose Zoroastrianism on the Iberians. In response, Gurgenes rebelled and sought assistance from the Byzantines. Unfortunately, their promise of support was insufficient, forcing Gurgenes to go into hiding. He fled to Roman Lazica with his wife, relatives, and many Iberian nobles. Eventually , they traveled together to Constantinople, where Gurgenes likely died soon after. He is believed to be the last king of Iberia. In the following decades, several members of Gurgenes’ family are mentioned: his eldest brother Peranius (not his son), his son Pacurius, and a nephew named Phazas, who served in the Roman military. None of them ever returned to Iberia. However, the Georgian historical tradition presents an entirely different account of these events. According to this version, Gurgenes was succeeded by Dač’i (“of high nobility”), who ruled the Iberians until his death. After Dač’i, four other individuals are said to have reigned as kings: Bakur II, P’arsman V, P’arsman VI, and Bakur III. This tradition asserts that the period of direct Sasanian rule did not begin until the early reign of the Great King Hormizd IV (r. 579-590)
Saint Mercurius’ Bier, the Acheiropoietos of Camulia and Mauricios’ Foundation of Arabissus. Early Byzantine Archaeology of Cappadocia in Coptic and Syriac Texts
No full textAt the end of the Coptic 8 th Miracle of Saint Mercurius the General, a martyr executed c. AD 250 in Caesarea Mazaca, we find a description of Kuris Hermapollo’s votive offering located at St. Mercurius’ sanctuary of Caesarea. It was a bier of pine wood logs adorned with carved ivory plaques and the Martyr’s icon fixed to it. In a Syriac historical compilation composed by an anonymous author from Amida (before 568/9) we learn about the Camoulia acheiropoietos icon of Jesus. We read in the text that during Christ’s lifetime a woman from Kamoulia near Caesarea found an image of Jesus on a linen cloth in a fountain of water in her garden. The story combines the two main varieties of the acheiropoietoi: a celestial image and its copy or imprint. The two most famous acheiropoietoi of the pre-iconoclastic period appeared roughly at the same time in the mid-6 th century in their own sanctuaries in Syria, Phrygia and Cappadocia. In both Coptic and Syriac texts we find some interesting words and phrases referring to the visual arts