bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of lactation order and live weight on milk yield and fertility traits in domestic Balkan goat
Authors: Memisi N. , Zujovic M. , Tomic Z. , Petrovic M.P.
Published: July 2010

The goal of investigation in the domestic Balkan goat was to establish the effect of body weight and lactation number on milk yield and fertility. Research was done in herds belonging to private farmers, during a one-year period, on a total of 578 goats. Investigated herds were monitored also by lactation number, i.e. kidding number (lactations 1,2 and 3 individually, lactation 4 and following lactations investigated together). Body weight and milk yield were measured, while fertility was determined as the number of live born kids per 100 goats. Goats were also sorted into groups by age and body weight, while the interval within groups and between groups was 5 kg. Average total milk yield in the investigated population of the domestic Balkan goat was 177.5 kg. A statististically significant difference (P<0,01) was established for milk yield depending on body weight and age, except for goats in lactation 1 (P<0,05). In lactation 3 and 4, goats with body weights over 45 kg, comprising 30.23% of the total number in these groups, had the highest milk yields (over 200 kg). Pertaining to lactation number, i.e. kidding number, as well as body weight in both years of investigation, lowest fertility was found in lactations 1 and 2 (112%), and in goats with lowest body weight (25-30 kg), while this considerably increased lactation 4 and later lactations (136%), and body weights of over 40 kg (140%).
Molecular-phenotypic analysis and efficiency of crossing on meat production in local chicken strains
Authors: Aly O.M. , Abdel-Rahman S.M.
Published: July 2010

DNA was extracted from blood of developed local stains of chicken; Bandara, Gimmizah, and their crossing (Bandara x Gimmizah and Gimmizah x Bandara). RAPD-PCR technique was applied to detect genetic similarity as a band sharing (BS) among chicken hybrids and their parents using nine short oligonucleiotides primers. The genetic similarity as BS-values was calculated and ranged from 68 to 91%. Bandara male with Gimmizah female appeared positive heterosis at 8 wks of age. However, evidence from this study indicated that crossing of the developed local hens is capable of rapidly improving the body weight of their progeny during the marketing age. This study reflected the ability of RAPD-PCR for establishing the association between genetic similarity as a band sharing and heterosis (hybrid vigor).
Acute toxicity of metal cyanides to Indian major carp Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Authors: Hosetti B.B. , Dube P.N. , Prashanth M.S. , Shwetha A.
Published: July 2010

Static renewal bioassay tests were carried out to determine the acute toxicity (LC50) of metal cyanides to the Indian major carp Labeo rohita. The 96 hour LC50 value for the sodium cyanide, zinc cyanide and copper cyanide to the fish L. rohita were 0.32 mg/L 0.35 mg/L, and 1.1 mg/L respectively. Among the metal cyanide tested, sodium cyanide is found to be more toxic than the other cyanide complexes. In general behavioral responses of the fishes exposed to cyanide included uncontrolled swimming, erratic movements, loss of balance, moving spiral fashion with sudden jerky movements, vertical movements lying on the sides of the test chamber and rapid flapping of the opercular movements with opened mouth finally settles to the bottom.
Isolation and partial characterization of protease from Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853
Authors: Izrael-Zivkovic Lidija , Gojgic-Cvijovic Gordana , Karadzic Ivanka
Published: July 2010

Enzymatic characteristics of a protease from medically important, referent strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 were determined. According to SDS PAGE and gel filtration it was estimated that molecular mass of the purified enzyme was about 15 kDa. Other enzymatic properties were found to be: pH optimum 7.1, pH stability between pH 6.5 and pH 10; temperature optimum around 60?C while the enzyme was stable at 60?C for 30 min. The inhibition of the enzyme was observed with the metal chelators such as EDTA and 1,10- phenanthroline, suggesting that the protease is a metalloenzyme. Further more it was determined that enzyme contains one mole of zinc ion per mole of enzyme. The protease is stable in the presence of different organic solvents, which enable potential use for synthesis of peptides.
X-ray spectroscopy study of ThO2 and ThF4
Authors: Teterin Anton , Ryzhkov Mikhail , Teterin Yury , Kurmaev Ernst , Maslakov Konstantin , Ivanov Kirill , Fedorenko Victor , Elohina Lyudmila
Published: July 2010

The structure of the X-ray photoelectron, X-ray O(F)Ka-emission spectra from ThO2 and ThF4 as well as the Auger OKLL spectra from ThO2 was studied. The spectral structure was analyzed by using fully relativistic cluster discrete variational calculations of the electronic structure of the ThO8 D4h) and ThF8 (C2) clusters reflecting thorium close environment in solid ThO2 and ThF4. As a result it was theoretically found and experimentally confirmed that during the chemical bond formation the filled O(F)2p electronic states are distributed mainly in the binding energy range of the outer valence molecular orbitals from 0-13 eV, while the filled O(F)2s electronic states - in the binding energy range of the inner valence molecular orbitals from 13-35 eV. It was shown that the Auger OKLL spectral structure from ThO2 characterizes not only the O2p electronic state density distribution, but also the O2s electronic state density distribution. It agrees with the suggestion that O2s electrons participate in formation of the inner valence molecular orbitals, in the binding energy range of 13-35 eV. The relative Auger OKL2-3L2-3 peak intensity was shown to reflect quantitatively the O2p electronic state density of the oxygen ion in ThO2.
Hydrogen-rich PBS protects cultured human cells from ionizing radiation-induced cellular damage
Authors: Qian Liren , Li Bailong , Cao Fei , Huang Yuecheng , Liu Shulin , Cai Jianming , Gao Fu
Published: July 2010

Hydroxyl radicals play an important role in ionizing radiation-induced cellular damage, while hydrogen can selectively reduce hydroxyl radicals in vitro. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that hydrogen-rich PBS may be an effective radioprotective agent in vitro. Compared to cells pretreated without hydrogen, we demonstrated that treating cells with hydrogen-rich PBS before irradiation could significantly inhibit IR-induced apoptosis, increase viability of human intestinal crypt cells, significantly increase endogenous antioxidant, and decrease malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine concentrations of human lymphocyte AHH-1 cells. It is concluded that hydrogen has a potential as an effective and safe radioprotective agent.
Introducing formalism in economics: The growth model of John von Neumann
Authors: Gloria-Palermo Sandye
Published: July 2010

The objective is to interpret John von Neumann's growth model as a decisive step of the forthcoming formalist revolution of the 1950s in economics. This model gave rise to an impressive variety of comments about its classical or neoclassical underpinnings. We go beyond this traditional criterion and interpret rather this model as the manifestation of von Neumann's involvement in the formalist programme of mathematician David Hilbert. We discuss the impact of Kurt G?del's discoveries on this programme. We show that the growth model reflects the pragmatic turn of the formalist programme after G?del and proposes the extension of modern axiomatisation to economics.
Subprime crisis and instability of global financial markets
Authors: Radonjic Ognjen , Zec Miodrag
Published: July 2010

In order to prescribe adequate remedies to treat the current financial crisis one has to understand what in the first place went wrong. An age ago, older generations wrote that disease could not be cured without an accurate diagnosis. In contrast to mainstream 'efficient markets hypothesis' we argue that Minsky's financial instability hypothesis gives numerous valuable insights into sources and possible consequences of current global financial crisis. Furthermore, two decades ago Hyman P. Minsky predicted possible developments and perils of ever growing process of securitization of illiquid assets.
Sleep disturbances in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Smiljkovic Tatjana
Published: July 2010

Introduction Sleep problems, common in Parkinson's disease (PD), are the consequence of the neurodegenerative process, as well as of neurochemical changes on one side, and of drug intake on the other side. Objective To estimate the frequency of sleep problems and its correlation with the disease, therapy and demographic factors in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Methods The study enrolled 65 consecutive patients who fulfilled criteria for idiopathic PD. The original questionnaire was performed to obtain demographic, disease and treatment data. The patients were tested with standardized scales: unified PD rating scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn and Yahr staging scale (HY scale). Mini mental stage examination (MMSE) was performed for the evaluation of cognitive status. Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS) was applied for the assessment of sleep problems. Results There were 37 male and 28 female patients. Negative correlations (p<0.01) were found between mean total PDSS and mean total UPDRS, as well as the mean scores of each part of UPDRS and HY stage. There was no difference in PDSS scores regarding gender. Analyzing each item in the PDSS scale, the lowest score was obtained for item 8 (nocturia). We did not find any difference in total PDSS scores between the patients on d-agonist and those who did not take d-agonist. Regarding amantadin, intake there were differences between groups for items concerning nocturnal motor symptoms. Conclusion Patients in advanced stages of the disease and worse motility have more prominent sleep problems. Drug therapy has important impact on sleep quality in patients with PD. .
Correlation between central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure in various age groups
Authors: Marjanovic Ivan , Kontic Djordje , Hentova-Sencanic Paraskeva , Markovic Vujica , Bozic Marija
Published: July 2010

Introduction The Pascal Dynamic Contour Tonometer (DCT) is an ophthalmic investigational device which directly calculates the dynamic pulsatile fluctuations in intraocular pressure (IOP) using a piezoelectric pressure sensor embedded in the devices tip. Objective The aim of this study was to compare IOP results obtained with Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), and their correlation with central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients of various age groups. Methods We studied 37 patients (17 male and 20 female), divided into three age groups: younger than 40 years; 40-60 years old, and older than 60 years. In the first and second group there were patients rarely and in the third mostly diagnosed and medicamentously compensated glaucoma. In topical anesthesia, first we measured CCT, with ultrasound pachimeter, then IOP with DCT and GAT. Results Statistically significant difference between measurements of IOP with the DCT and GAT appeared in all groups: I mean diff. -1.71?}1.27 mm; p<0.0001; II mean diff. -1.19?}1.06 mm; p<0.0001; III mean diff. -1.69?}1.67 mm; p<0.0001. CCT was in indirect correlation with the values of IOP measured both with the DCT and GAT in the first and third, while it was in the direct correlation with these values in the second group. Conclusion CCT had no influence on IOP measurements both with the DCT and GAT in none of the groups. The DCT cannot replace GAT, but it is a reliable device for the measurement of IOP particularly in corneal deformations (keratoconus, after corneal refractive surgery, corneal scars, etc.). .
Comparative evaluation of sealing ability of different obturation materials
Authors: Melih Irena , Jakovljevic Ankica , Popovic Milica , Pesic Dragana
Published: July 2010

Introduction Root canal filling materials are intended to prevent microleakage and passing of microorganisms and their toxins along the root canal space and into the periradicular tissues. Objective Objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare apical leakage of root canals obturated using a modified warm vertical condensation technique and different materials. Methods Sixty-five extracted single-root teeth were prepared according to the crown-down/ step-back technique. Each canal was rinsed with 3% NaOCl during and after the preparation. The teeth were divided into 3 groups. Every group was obturated by the same technique, but with different materials: RealSeal system (SybronEndo), gutta-percha with AH Plus (Dentsply Maillefer) and gutta-percha with Acroseal sealer (Septodont). The remaining 20 teeth were in the control group. The teeth were immersed in 1% methylene blue for 72 hours. After that period, the roots were split longitudinally, and dye penetration was measured using a stereomicroscope. Results Dye penetration occurred in all groups. The least dye penetration occurred in the RealSeal group (0.33?}0.29 mm), while the highest dye penetration occurred in the Acroseal group (1.11?}0.52 mm). According to the Student's t-test, Acroseal showed significantly more leakage (p<0.001) than RealSeal and AH Plus materials. The microleakage of RealSeal system was not significantly different (p>0.05) from that of AH Plus sealer with gutta-percha. Conclusion The results suggested that new material Resilon (RealSeal) and conventional combination AH Plus with gutta-percha had the least apical dye penetration and provided the best sealing.
The impact of cognitive impairment at admission on short-term functional outcome of elderly hip fracture patients
Authors: Dubljanin-Raspopovic Emilija , Matanovic Dragana , Bumbasirevic Marko
Published: July 2010

Introduction The number of patents with dementia increases among hip fracture patients. Cognitive dysfunction is defined as a premorbid state which is potentionally negatively related to short-term functional outcome. Objective To assess the relationship between cognitive status on admission and functional gain during an early rehabilitation period in elderly hip fracture patients. Methods Forty-five elderly patients with surgically treated hip fracture were examined. Cognitive status was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) at admission; functional status was assessed by the motor subscale of Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at admission and before discharge, while absolute functional gain was determined by the motor FIM gain (FIM discharge - FIM admission). Absolute functional gain was analyzed in respect to cognitive status. Results Both cognitively impaired and cognitively intact hip fracture patients exhibited overall FIM motor improvements, as well as functional gains in specific FIM motor areas (p<0.01). Absolute functional gain, however, was higher in 1) cognitively intact compared to cognitively impaired patients (p<0.01), and 2) cognitively moderately impaired patients compared to severely cognitively impaired patients (p<0.01). No difference in functional gain was detected between the patients with moderately cognitively impaired compared to the cognitive intact patients (p>0.05). Conclusion The systematic use of MMSE identifies cognitively impaired hip fracture patients, and effectively predicts their short-term functional outcome. A higher admission cognitive status is related to a more favorable short term rehabilitation outcome. In spite of cognitive impairment, elderly patients with hip fracture can benefit from participation in rehabilitation programmes. The systematic identification of cognitively impaired hip fracture patients at admission facilitates optimal treatment and rehabilitation, and thus enables the best achievable outcome to be reached.
Choledochoduodenal fistula of ulcer etiology
Authors: Colovic Radoje , Grubor Nikica , Perisic Mirjana , Micev Marjan , Latincic Stojan , Colovic Natasa
Published: July 2010

Introduction Choledochoduodenal fistulas are very rare and in most cases are caused by a long-lasting and poorly treated chronic duodenal ulcer. They may be asymptomatic or followed by symptoms of ulcer disease, by attacks of cholangitis or bleeding or vomiting in cases of ductoduodenal stenosis. The diagnosis is simple and safe, however treatment is still controversial. If surgery is the choice of treatment, local findings should be taken into consideration. As a rule, intervention involving closure of fistula is not recommended. Case Outline The authors present a 60-year-old woman with a long history of ulcer disease who developed attacks of cholangitis over the last three years. Ultrasonography and CT showed masive pneumobilia due to a choledochoduodenal fistula. . As there was no duodenal stenosis or bleeding, at operation the common bile duct was transected and end-to-side choledochojejunostomy was performed using a Roux-en Y jejunal limb. From the common bile duct, multiple foreign bodies of herbal origin causing biliary obstruction and cholangitis were removed. After uneventful recovery the patient stayed symptom free for four years now. Conclusion The performed operation was a simple and good surgical solution which resulted in complication-free and rapid recovery with a long-term good outcome. .
Repair of vesicovaginal fistula caused by radiation therapy with labia maiora skin flap
Authors: Stanojevic Dusan , Djordjevic Miroslav , Martins Francisko , Rudic Jovan , Stanojevic Marija , Bizic Marta , Majstorovic Marko , Kojovic Vladimir
Published: July 2010

Introduction Vesicovaginal fistula can occur after delivery, gynaecologic or urologic surgery, irradiation therapy or as destruction caused by a tumour or trauma. The main problem after irradiation is decreased elasticity of the tissue around the fistula. We present our experience in the treatment of three patients with vesicovaginal fistula using a labia maiora skin flap. Case Outline From May 2007 to January 2008 three patients with vesicovaginal fistula were treated using labia maiora skin flap. The fistulae occurred after mean 19 months (11, 20 and 26 months) following irradiation therapy applied to treat malignant disease. The mean age of the patients was 54 years (47, 53 and 62 years). The mean diameter of the fistulae was 3.5 cm (2, 4 and 4.5 cm). Using transvaginal approch, all devitalized and fibrous tissue was removed with the closure of the bladder wall. The labia maiora skin flap with good vascularization was transposed to close the defect and anastomozed to the vagina. The mean follow-up was 16 months (13, 17 and 18 months). Labia maiora skin flap size was mean 3.7 cm (2.6, 3.7 and 4.8 cm). We achieved satisfactory outcome in all patients. There were neither postoperative complications nor fistula recurrence. Conclusion Labia maiora skin flap presents a good alternative for surgical treatment of vesicovaginal fistula. The flap is more adequate for larger defects and for the repair of fibrously changed vaginal wall which is present after irradiation therapy. .
Complicated distal femoral epiphyseolysis treated by Ilizarov method: Case report
Authors: Jovanovic Vesna , Vukasinovic Zoran , Seslija Igor
Published: July 2010

Introduction Injuries of the distal femur are rare in children; however, they are frequently associated with complications. They are almost always physeal, most frequently Salter-Harris type II epiphyseolysis. The treatment of such injuries is similar in all physeal injuries. It is intended to provide growth plate recovery by gentle reduction and stable fixation thus preventing secondary complications, and also to provide decompression of the segment to solve the compartment syndrome and recover the neurovascular structures. Case Outline A seven-year old boy presented with a right knee injury while sleigh riding. He was admitted three weeks following the injury with distal femoral epiphysiolysis associated with peroneal palsy. A day after admission to our Institute the reduction was performed using the Ilizarov device. Physical therapy was started immediately after surgery, as well as walking with weight bearing on the operated leg. Five months after surgery the patient was anatomically and functionally recovered. Conclusion The presented method is recommended in the treatment of such injuries because of several reasons; reposition is simple and complete, there is no need to open the fracture site, fixation is stable, the growth plate is preserved, there is no need for additional external immobilisation, and physical therapy involving walking with weight bearing on the operated leg may be started immediately after surgery. .
Position of anticholinergic drugs in the treatment of childhood asthma
Authors: Stojkovic-Andjelkovic Andjelka , Obradovic Slobodan , Vuletic Biljana , Radlovic Vladimir
Published: July 2010

Anticholinergic drugs block muscarinic effect of acetylcholine on the receptors of postjunctional membranes and so inhibit the answer of the postganglionic parasympathetic nerve. The loss of M2 muscarinic receptors function occurs in asthmatics and it contributes to bronchial hyperresponsiveness and it is not a chronic feature of asthma, instead it characterizes asthma exacerbation. The loss of M2 muscarinic receptor function in children and adults happens during antigen bronchoprovocation or during exposition of asthmatics to ozone. After inhalation, ipratropium bromide (IB) can be found in a small quantity in circulation and it links less readily to muscarinic receptors on airway smooth muscles as related to its absorption after intravenous application. In the stepwise approach of asthma inhaled anticholinergics is recommended if the symptoms of the disease cannot be adequately controlled by a regular inhalation of antiinflammatory drugs with ?2-agonist and oral steroids. The improvement of the airway inspiratory capacity is more elevated than the improvement of FEV1 after inhalation of IB. IB has similar effect as salbutamol and it is recommended to control a stable chronic obstructive disease. During our numerous investigations and up-to-date experience in the usage of 5-7 ?g/kg/body mass of IB repeated every 4-6 hours in combination with salbutamol, we did not notice adverse effects of the drug in infants. IB is recommended for hospital treatment of children. .
Creep transition stresses in a thin rotating disc with shaft by finite deformation under steady-state temperature
Authors: Pankaj Thakur
Published: July 2010

Creep stresses and strain rates have been derived for a thin rotating disc with shaft at different temperature. Results have been discussed and presented graphically. It has been observed that radial stress has maximum value at the internal surface of the rotating disc made of incompressible material as compared to circumferential stress and this value of radial stress further increase with the increase of angular speed. With the introduction of thermal effect, it has been observed that radial stress has higher maximum value at the internal surface of the rotating disc made of incompressible material as compared to circumferential stress, and this value of radial stress further increases with the increase of angular speed as compared to the case without thermal effect. Strain rates have maximum values at the internal surface for compressible material. Rotating disc is likely to fracture by cleavage close to the inclusion at the bore.
Thermomechanical modelling the resistance welding of PbSb alloy
Authors: Kalaba Dragan , Sedmak Aleksandar , Radakovic Zoran , Milos Marko
Published: July 2010

The analytical modelling of the PbSb alloy resistance spot welding process has been developed on the basis of mathematical analysis of thermomechanical conservation laws. The numerical solution of partial differential equations, obtained by such modelling, has been achieved by the finite element method. Thermomechanical equilibrium equations are derived, including specific properties, typical for PbSb alloys. The paper utilizes the basic experimentally proven assumption, that the temperature fields govern all processes during welding. Full agreement is evident between the experimental and analytical data.
Threshold of permanent cornea thermal damage due to incidental continuous wave CO2 laser irradiation
Authors: Tahir Mayada
Published: July 2010

Cornea thermal damage due to incidental continuous wave CO2 laser irradiation is studied numerically based on bio-heat equation. The interaction of laser with tissue leads to a rapid temperature increased in target and the nearby tissue. As the temperature of the eye surface reaches 44?C, a sensation of pain will cause aversion response of the reflex blink and/or shifting away from the source of pain. The aim of the work is to predict numerically the threshold limit of incidental laser power that causes damage to the anterior part of the cornea, which can be healed within 2-5 days as long as damage is not exceeding the outer part of the eye (epithelium). A finite element analysis is used to predict temperature distribution through the cornea where the necroses region can be obtained using thermal dose equation. The thermal dose that required for damaging the cornea is predicted from previously published experimental data on rhesus monkeys and used later as a limit for shrinkage to human cornea. The result of this work is compared by international standard of safety and a good nearby result is obtained which verified the result of this work.
Determination of flow pattern and its effect on NOx emission in a tangentially fired single chamber square furnace
Authors: Khalilarya Shahram , Lotfiani Amin
Published: July 2010

Tangentially fired furnaces are vortex combustion units which have become more attractive in the field of power station firing systems in recent years. Although the application of tangentially fired furnace continuously increases, they have not yet been adequately investigated. The present work provides a numerical study of flow pattern and its effect on NOx emission in a single chamber square tangentially fired furnace. Details of the flow field, along with temperature and species concentration contour maps are obtained from the solution of the conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy, and transport equations for scalar variables in addition to the equations of the turbulence model. Four cases with different inlet air velocities are studied. Combustion in a natural gas-fired horizontal furnace with circular cross-section is simulated to verify the simulation methodology and the solution algorithm. Results are compared with those of the existing references and good agreement is observed. Calculations for the tangentially fired furnace show that while the vortex created in the center of the furnace becomes stronger as the burner outlet air velocity increases, its size remains almost unchanged. Highest-temperature regions are favorably far from the furnace walls so that erosion and local over-heating can be minimized. According to the results, higher inlet air velocities lead to more uniform temperature distributions with lower peak temperatures, which in turn result in remarkable reduction of NOx emission of the furnace.
Numerical analysis of the flue gas-coal particles mixture flow in burner's distribution channels with regulation shutters at the TPP Nikola Tesla - A1 utility boiler
Authors: Zivkovic Nikola , Cvetinovic Dejan , Eric Milic , Markovic Zoran
Published: July 2010

Pulverized coal particles concentration distribution across the burner's distribution channels, especially where plasma torches are installed, is one of the key issues for efficient implementation of plasma system for liquid fuel free combustion support at the pulverized coal fired boilers. The possibility of pulverized coal particles concentration increase at the lower burner channels of TPP Nikola Tesla - A1 boiler using regulation shutters is analyzed experimentally and numerically. Subject of present work is two-phase flue gas-particles mixture flow in burner's distribution channels with regulation shutters installed at the TPP Nikola Tesla - A1 boiler. Aim of this work is to optimize position of implemented system of shutters to achieve desired concentration and velocity distribution in channels with plasma torches, using numerical modelling. Experimental investigation was performed for the verification of proposed mathematical model for the prediction of the analyzed two-phase flow. Based on verified model, numerical parametric analysis was done. Obtained results of gas phase velocity field, coal particles concentration field, velocity and concentration profiles clearly show the dependence between shutters position and the coal particles mass flow rate and concentration distribution at the outlet cross-section of the burner's distribution channels. According to the numerical optimization results suitable modification of the shutter system is proposed.
Influence of ambience temperature and operational-constructive parameters on landfill gas generation: Case study Novi Sad
Authors: Vujic Goran , Jovicic Nebojsa , Petrovic-Djurovic Maja , Ubavin Dejan , Nakomcic Branka , Jovicic Gordana , Gordic Dusan
Published: July 2010

Researches in the area of landfill gas generation and energy utilization are currently underway and widespread in the world for several reasons: reducing effects of greenhouse gases, possibilities for utilizing alternative energy sources, reducing conventional energy resources exploitation, and environmental protection. First part of this research is conducted with an aim to establish the influence of meteorological parameters, primarily ambience temperature, on the methane generation processes at Novi Sad landfill. The second part of the research refers to functional characteristics of landfill such as the waste age, closing practice, and the age of certain parts of landfill body, as well as the waste depth and quantity of generated methane. Based on several years of investigation, it is concluded that methane generation varies in the range of 0-34 vol.% m3/m3, and that seasonal variations have significant influence on methane generation. At low temperatures, during winter, methane generation and migration is stagnant while in summer periods, due to higher temperatures, the process of methane generation is more intensive.
Dynamic stochastic accumulation model with application to pension savings management
Authors: Melichercik Igor , Sevcovic Daniel
Published: July 2010

We propose a dynamic stochastic accumulation model for determining optimal decision between stock and bond investments during accumulation of pension savings. Stock prices are assumed to be driven by the geometric Brownian motion. Interest rates are modeled by means of the Cox-Ingersoll-Ross model. The optimal decision as a solution to the corresponding dynamic stochastic program is a function of the duration of saving, the level of savings and the short rate. Qualitative and quantitative properties of the optimal solution are analyzed. The model is tested on the funded pillar of the Slovak pension system. The results are calculated for various risk preferences of a saver.
Inventory models with stock- and price-dependent demand for deteriorating items based on limited shelf space
Authors: Chang Chun-Tao , Chen Yi-Ju , Tsai Tzong-Ru , Shuo-Jye Wu
Published: July 2010

This paper deals with the problem of determining the optimal selling price and order quantity simultaneously under EOQ model for deteriorating items. It is assumed that the demand rate depends not only on the on-display stock level but also the selling price per unit, as well as the amount of shelf/display space is limited. We formulate two types of mathematical models to manifest the extended EOQ models for maximizing profits and derive the algorithms to find the optimal solution. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the models developed and sensitivity analysis is reported.
Modification of TOPSIS method for solving of multicriteria tasks
Authors: Markovic Zoran
Published: July 2010

This paper describes the possible modifications of one of the multi-criteria analysis methods that possess certain advantages in cases of solving the real business problems. We will discuss the TOPSIS method, whereas the modification reflects in change of the determination manner of the ideal and anti-ideal points in criteria environment, in standardization of quantification and fuzzycation of the attributes in cases of criteria expressed by linguistic variables.
A new ice sheet model validated by remote sensing of the Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Ren Diandong , Fu Rong , Karoly David , Leslie Lance , Chen Jianli , Wilson Clark
Published: July 2010

Accurate prediction of future sea level rise requires models that accurately reproduce and explain the recent observed dramatic ice sheet behaviours. This study presents a new multi-phase, multiple-rheology, scalable and extensible geofluid model of the Greenland ice sheet that shows the credential of successfully reproducing the mass loss rate derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), and the microwave remote sensed surface melt area over the past decade. Model simulated early 21st century surface ice flow compares satisfactorily with InSAR measurements. Accurate simulation of the three metrics simultaneously cannot be explained by fortunate model tuning and give us confidence in using this modelling system for projection of the future fate of Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS). Based on this fully adaptable three dimensional, thermo-mechanically coupled prognostic ice model, we examined the flow sensitivity to granular basal sliding, and further identified that this leads to a positive feedback contributing to enhanced mass loss in a future warming climate. The rheological properties of ice depend sensitively on its temperature, thus we further verified modelâŹs temperature solver against in situ observations. Driven by the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis atmospheric parameters, the ice model simulated GrIS mass loss rate compares favourably with that derived from the GRACE measurements, or about −147 km3/yr over the 2002–2008 period. Increase of the summer maximum melt area extent (SME) is indicative of expansion of the ablation zone. The modeled SME from year 1979 to 2006 compares well with the cross-polarized gradient ratio method (XPGR) observed melt area in terms of annual variabilities. A high correlation of 0.88 is found between the two time series. In the 30-year model simulation series, the surface melt exhibited large inter-annual and decadal variability, years 2002, 2005 and 2007 being three significant recent melt episodes.
Clinical outcome following stimulation with highly purified hMG or recombinant FSH in patients undergoing their first treatment cycle of IVF or ICSI
Authors: BJERCKE SVERRE , TANBO TOM , ÅBYHOLM THOMAS , OMLAND ANNE , OPØIEN HANS KRISTIAN , FEDORCSAK PETER
Published: July 2010

Objective. To test whether the clinical efficiency of recombinant FSH (rFSH) and highly purified human menotrophin (hMG) differs in terms of pregnancy and live birth rates during the first treatment cycle of IVF or ICSI. Design. Prospective cohort study. Setting. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital. Study population. Records of 1,136 infertile couples undergoing their first IVF (n = 682) or ICSI (n = 454) treatments were reviewed. The effect of hMG and rFSH was analyzed for the IVF and ICSI groups separately. Methods. Patients received long term down‐regulation with GnRH agonist and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with hMG or rFSH. Oocytes were fertilized by IVF or ICSI. Embryos were transferred on Day 2. Main outcome measures. Primary outcome measures were pregnancy and live birth rates, secondary outcome measures were duration of treatment, doses of hMG or rFSH applied, number of oocytes retrieved and the number and quality of embryos obtained. Results. Similar pregnancy and live birth rates were observed with hMG and rFSH. Compared to hMG, treatment cycles with rFSH were characterized by significantly shorter stimulation, lower gonadotrophin consumption, and increased number of oocytes and embryos. Conclusion. We conclude that rFSH and hMG are equivalent in terms of clinical efficacy.
William Swainson's ornithological collections
Authors: PARKINSON PHIL
Published: July 2010

The ornithological collections of William Swainson were largely disposed of in an auction and a private sale to the University of Cambridge before Swainson emigrated to New Zealand in 1840. Surviving documents tell us quite a lot about the bird collection although it is uncertain how much if any of it survives today. Much unpublished material, chiefly illustrative, documenting Swainson's ornithological work survives in libraries in New Zealand, and a newly rediscovered and long lost collection of ornithological drawings, part of the private sale of 1840 is discussed in relation to the larger collections in New Zealand.
The geographic variability of the Plains Bison. A reconstruction using the earliest European illustrations of both subspecies*
Authors: KRUMBIEGEL INGO , SEHM GUNTER G.
Published: July 2010

The subspecific division of the Plains Bison by one of the authors (Krumbiegel, 1980) into a Southern Plains Bison Bison bison bison (Linnaeus, 1758) and a Northern Plains Bison Bison bison montanae Krumbiegel, 1980, is here corroborated by reference to early illustrations and reports unknown to mammalogists, thereby proving that the authors' historiographical approach can be used in establishing taxonomic reconstructions of recently exterminated species or subspecies.
FitzRoy's foxes and Darwin's finches
Authors: BOURNE W.R.P.
Published: July 2010

There has been much speculation whether the development of Charles Darwin's ideas about the origin of species was influenced by the Captain of H.M.S. Beagle, Robert FitzRoy, who was both a scientist and religious fundamentalist. There is little evidence that FitzRoy ever had much influence on Darwin's ideas about the animals usually identified as the source of his views on the Galapagos, however. Little attention has been paid to the presence, at the end of the passage where Darwin first comments on their variation, of a reference to the occurrence of a similar phenomenon in the Falkland Fox Dusicyon australis, although the crew of the Beagle first encountered the fox two and a half years earlier. On examining their reports on the Falklands, which appears to be the first place where they had much time to study the animals of islands, it seems that initially it was FitzRoy who paid most attention to the fox, and speculated about its origin and variation. He commented on the similarity of the latter to that found in domestic animals, whereas Darwin thought it provided evidence for a “centre of creation” and questioned if it varied. The Falklands may also be one of the first places where Darwin encountered the co-existence of sibling species of finch.
John McCrady of South Carolina: pioneer student of North American Hydrozoa
Authors: STEPHENS LESTER D. , CALDER DALE R.
Published: July 2010

South Carolina naturalist John McCrady (1831–1881), a protégé of Louis Agassiz, was a pioneer in the study of Hydrozoa in North America. McCrady undertook investigations on hydrozoan life cycles, and provided thorough descriptions of most taxa. At least 20 of the families, genera, and species that he described and named are still recognised as valid. His ideas concerning classification and nomenclature within the Hydrozoa were remarkable for their time. As a result of the American Civil War, personal problems, cultural predilections, and preoccupation with other scientific interests, McCrady discontinued his hydrozoan research after 1860. Thereafter, his efforts in science were devoted to formulating a “Law of Development”, and to criticism of Darwinian theory.
John Locke on species
Authors: CAIN A.J.
Published: July 2010

The philosopher and natural scientist John Locke argued in his Essay concerning human understanding (1690) that there are no natural clear limits to species even of living things, only man-made arbitrary limits. He was convinced that the properties of so distinctive a substance as gold were at least in part variable; that ice and water were rightly separate species to those who had different names for them; that all sorts of living things produce on occasion monsters which are new species; and that a cat and a rat can miscegenate, producing something that is neither. For Locke and nearly all his contemporaries these difficulties were found in defining both inorganic and organic species, all natural (and indeed artificial) species being of the same sort. For Locke, the essences (inmost constitutions) of natural things were unknowable except by special revelation; and their taxonomy was necessarily of unanalysed entities, called in this paper a phenotaxonomy; whereas in such entities as geometrical figures, the definition did express the essence, giving the basis for a lysotaxonomy of analysed entities. The difficulties of reference in a phenotaxonomy pushed Locke towards the modern type-system.

Give the accepted factual knowledge of the time, in assessing which Locke was not very critical, the wonder is not that he rejected the criterion of common parentage for members of the same living species, but that the naturalist John Ray accepted it.
The albums of Karel van Sint Omaars (1533–1569) (Libri picturati A 16–31, in the Jagiellon Library in Krakow)
Authors: WILLE H.
Published: July 2010

The Libri picturati A 16–31 now in the Jagiellon Library in Krakow were first recognised in 1936 by Hans Wegener, who attributed the collection to Clusius. A thorough study based on a codicological analysis of the collection, a comparison of the watercolours with the Kruydtboeck by Lobelius (1581) and a study of Clusius's correspondence from the library at the University of Leiden and the Arenberg archives in Edingen caused me to reach a different conclusion. The Libri picturati A16–31 is a collection commissioned by Karel van Sint Omaars, painted for the greater part by Jacques van Corenhuyse, annotated by Clusius and afterwards rearranged and supplemented by Karel van Arenberg.
Bathymetry Determination via X-Band Radar Data: A New Strategy and Numerical Results
Authors: Serafino Francesco , Lugni Claudio , Nieto Borge Jose Carlos , Zamparelli Virginia , Soldovieri Francesco
Published: July 2010

This work deals with the question of sea state monitoring using marine X-band radar images and focuses its attention on the problem of sea depth estimation. We present and discuss a technique to estimate bathymetry by exploiting the dispersion relation for surface gravity waves. This estimation technique is based on the correlation between the measured and the theoretical sea wave spectra and a simple analysis of the approach is performed through test cases with synthetic data. More in detail, the reliability of the estimate technique is verified through simulated data sets that are concerned with different values of bathymetry and surface currents for two types of sea spectrum: JONSWAP and Pierson-Moskowitz. The results show how the estimated bathymetry is fairly accurate for low depth values, while the estimate is less accurate as the bathymetry increases, due to a less significant role of the bathymetry on the sea surface waves as the water depth increases.
How to Find the Fries Structures for Benzenoid Hydrocarbons
Authors: Ciesielski Arkadiusz , Krygowski Tadeusz M. , Cyrański Michał K.
Published: July 2010

An efficient algorithm leading to the Fries canonical structure is presented for benzenoid hydrocarbons. This is a purely topological approach, which is based on adjacency matrices and the Hadamard procedure of matrix multiplication. The idea is presented for naphthalene, as an example. The Fries canonical-structures are also derived for anthracene, coronene, triphenylene, phenanthrene, benz[a]pyrene, and one large benzenoid system. The Fries concept can be convenient for obtaining Clar structures with the maximum number of sextets, which in turn effectively represent π-electron (de)localization in benzenoid hydrocarbons.
Philosopher or Philistine?
Authors: Lee Kerry
Published: July 2010

Integrating adult learning and technology is exceptionally challenging. The one certainty present for adult educators is that they can rely on change and therefore catering for learners’ needs, interests and abilities is no easy task. In order to be effective, an adult educator must be aware of their own philosophy to cater for this ever increasing diversity. Delivery styles and activities need to be reflective of the philosophy held by the educator and their institution. Although a philosophy may be an eclectic mix, there is usually a key underlying belief which is held by the educator and or institution. Learning will occur most naturally when discussion, activities and direction sit comfortably within their identified philosophy. When teaching approaches are contrary to an educator’s philosophy learning cannot be optimized. This chapter outlines well-known philosophies, and teaching approaches which are commonly utilized. By becoming aware of one’s philosophy an educator is thus better able to devise learning strategies and situations which cater for the ever changing learners’ needs.
Building User Communities of Interests by Using Latent Semantic Analysis
Authors: Xu Guandong
Published: July 2010

Nowadays Web users are facing the problems of information overload and drowning due to the significant and rapid growth in the amount of information and the large number of users. As a result, how to provide Web users more exactly needed information is becoming a critical issue in Web-based information retrieval and data management. In order to address the above difficulties, Web mining was proposed as an efficient means to discover the intrinsic relationships among Web data. In particular, Web usage mining is to discover Web usage patterns and utilize the discovered usage knowledge for constructing interest-oriented user communities, which could be, in turn, used for presenting Web users more personalized Web contents, i.e. Web recommendation. On the other hand, Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) is one kind of approaches that is used to reveal the inherent correlation resided in co-occurrence activities, such as Web usage data. Moreover, LSA possesses the capability of capturing the hidden knowledge at semantic level that can’t be achieved by traditional methods. In this chapter, we aim to address building user communities of interests via combining Web usage mining and latent semantic analysis. Meanwhile we also present the application of user communities for Web recommendation.
Collaborative Recommendation Systems and Link Analysis
Authors: Fouss François
Published: July 2010

Link analysis is a framework usually associated with fields such as graph mining, relational learning, Web mining, text mining, hyper-text mining, visualization of link structures. It provides and analyzes relationships and associations between many objects of various types that are not apparent from isolated pieces of information. This chapter shows how to apply various link-analysis algorithms exploiting the graph structure of databases on collaborative-recommendation tasks. More precisely, two kinds of link-analysis algorithms are applied to recommend items to users: random-walk based models and kernel-based models. These link-analysis based algorithms do not use any feature of the items in order to compute the recommendations, they first compute a matrix containing the links between persons and items, and then derive recommendations from this matrix or part of it.