bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public acceptability change of urban road pricing schemes
Authors: Gehlert T. , Nielsen O. A. , Rich J. , Schlag B.
Published: July 2008

Previous research has demonstrated the low public acceptability of urban road pricing schemes, in particular before being implemented. However, acceptability has changed positively in cities that have introduced road pricing. The reasons for these acceptability changes are unclear. One reason for the acceptability change after the implementation of road pricing could be people's successful reduction of their car use in line with the psychological theory of cognitive dissonance. Therefore, this study investigated public acceptability changes, private car use reductions and their relationship in response to urban road pricing. Data from the AKTA road pricing experiment in Copenhagen, Denmark was used. This dataset provides the unique possibility to link driver's acceptability change with their car use reductions. In contrast to previous studies the majority of participants in AKTA (and in Copenhagen in general) supported road pricing before the start of the field experiment. However, no change in public acceptability was observed as a consequence of the experiment. Global positioning system-based car use indicators as well as subjective reports about car use reductions show that car drivers have reduced their car use in response to road pricing. However, only limited support for a relationship between acceptability change and reductions in car use was found. The implications of these results are discussed.
Improving and optimising road pricing proposals for Copenhagen
Authors: Larsen M. K. , Nielsen O. A.
Published: July 2008

The question whether to introduce toll rings or road pricing in Copenhagen has been discussed intensively during the last 10 years. The main results of previous analyses are that none of the systems would make a positive contribution at present, when considered from a socio-economic view. Even though quite a number of proposed charging systems have been examined only a few pricing strategies have been investigated. This paper deals with the optimisation of different designs for a road pricing system in the Greater Copenhagen area with respect to temporal and spatial differentiation of the pricing levels. A detailed transport model was used to describe the demand effects. The model was based on data from a real test of road pricing on 500 car drivers. The paper compares the price systems with regard to traffic effects and generalised costs for users and society. It is shown how important it is to evaluate different temporal and spatial charge settings for a given road pricing system. In particular, the kilometre-based system could be considerably improved. By optimising the system it became profitable with regard to generalised user costs. However, even though the best toll ring could be considerably improved, it did not reach break-even with regard to generalised user costs.
Cambridge's experience of road user charging: lessons learned
Authors: Ison S. , Hughes G. , Tuckwell R.
Published: July 2008

In the early 1990s Cambridgeshire County Council considered the implementation of a road user charging scheme for the city of Cambridge, UK. This involved the trial of a congestion metering scheme, a form of road user charging. Cambridge presented an ideal opportunity for the implementation of a road user charging scheme not least in terms of its congestion problem, the free-standing nature of the city and the fact that at the time, the local authority in the form of the council was sympathetic to the objectives of road user charging. The scheme did not, however, proceed and many reasons have been put forward as to why this was the case—issues such as not all the alternatives having been exhausted, the level of sophistication of the proposed scheme and the lack of a similar scheme to consider elsewhere. Fifteen years later, Cambridgeshire is once again considering the whole issue of road user charging. As such, the aim of this paper is to assess how the authority is proceeding this time round: what type of technology is being considered; how the politicians are presenting the concept to the local population and what are they doing differently from the first time round, in terms of consultation; and most importantly, what provision for alternative means of transport will be made and how this relates to the potential success of any road user charging scheme? The paper aims to conclude on what lessons can be learnt in terms of other cities considering the implementation of a road user charging scheme.
National road pricing: a critique and an alternative
Authors: Metz D.
Published: July 2008

Road pricing is widely advocated as a response to growing traffic congestion. There are, however, a number of significant impediments to implementing a nation-wide scheme including the choice and costs of the technology, concerns about equity and public acceptability, as well as the likelihood that the reduction in congestion brought about by road pricing would be undone by induced traffic. It is suggested that an alternative to road pricing would be to provide road users with advance information about journey times, uncertainty about which is the main detriment associated with congestion, by taking advantage of current developments in in-vehicle navigation devices and real time traffic information.
Diffractive backlight grating array for mobile displays
Authors: Kimmel Jyrki , Levola Tapani , Laakkonen Pasi
Published: July 2008

Abstract— The display backlight unit (BLU) is the most power‐consuming subunit in mobile liquid‐crystal displays. The state‐of‐the‐art BLUs utilize scattering, refractive, and reflective microstructures to generate a uniform distribution of white light through the display. More effective means of transmitting light through the display color filters could be obtained by using diffraction, but previously proposed diffractive backlights do not fully utilize all the possibilities to design gratings effectively for optimal color separation and outcoupling. This paper presents a new pixelated diffractive backlight grating array as an approach for overcoming these obstacles in BLU design. A model array was fabricated to couple out red, green, and blue primary colors from the respective subpixel locations. The results show that it is possible to manufacture such an array and that the light couples out as intended, giving a starting point to design mobile‐display modules with low light‐transmission losses.
Facts and Myths about Suicide: A Study of Jewish and Arab Students in Israel
Authors: Katz-Sheiban Bracha , Eshet Yovav
Published: July 2008

This research investigates the knowledge and myths regarding suicide among students in Israel, and examines whether they are affected by ethnic origin, gender, and religiosity. A random sample of 450 undergraduate students from two colleges was asked to fill out the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ). Knowledge was measured by five SOQ items (α = 0.57) and myths of suicide by 20 SOQ items (α = 0.67). The level of Israeli students' knowledge about suicide is generally good ( X̅ X = 3.21; SD = 0.58). There are significant differences, however, between the Jewish ( n = 266) and Arab ( n = 154) students in knowledge about basic facts of suicide in Israel [( X̅ XArabs = 3.04; X̅ XJews = 3.32; t (419 0.95) = 4.63, p < .001)]. Although both groups share the same educational milieu, the Arab students tend more to believe that suicide rates are higher in Israel, and even more so among people of Asian African origin and minorities. They also perceive suicide by shooting to be the most popular suicide method. There are also significant differences between those groups with respect to their belief in suicide myths [( X̅Arabs = 2.91; SD = 0.40; X̅Jews = 3.17, SD = 0.41; t (419, 0.95) = 6.31, p < 0.01)]. Arabs tend more to relate suicide to lower religious affiliation, mental illness and chronic tendency, and to believe that the victim's relatives know nothing about the coming suicide. No significant differences were found based on religiosity or gender. Discussion focuses on the influence of the different cultural characteristics of lifestyle and the social control systems among Jews and Arabs in Israel on perceptions toward suicide.
Linking Hsp90 function to micro-environmental and stochastic variation in floralorgans of Iris pumila L.
Authors: Tucic Branka , Manitasevic S. , Vuleta A. , Matic Gordana
Published: July 2008

Hsp90 is an environmentally responsive molecular chaperone that was found to play a key role in buffering against genetic and non-genetic perturbations in the model organisms Arabidopsis and Drosophila. Here we analyzed the buffering capacity of Hsp90 against two kinds of non-genetic factors - stochastic noise and micro-environmental varia?tion of floral organ traits in naturally growing Iris pumila plants. We found no statistical association between the endog?enous level of Hsp90 and the floral organ radial symmetry produced by stochastic developmental noise. Conversely, floral organ plasticity in response to micro-environmental variation tended to be greater with decrease in Hsp90b isoform expression.
On the possibility of using biological toxicity tests to monitor the work of wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Zoric Jelena , Simic V. , Petrovic Ana
Published: July 2008

The aim of this study was to ascertain the possibility of using biological toxicity tests to monitor influent and effluent wastewaters of wastewater treatment plants. The information obtained through these tests is used to prevent toxic pollutants from entering wastewater treatment plants and discharge of toxic pollutants into the recipient. Samples of wastewaters from the wastewater treatment plants of Kragujevac and Gornji Milanovac, as well as from the Lepenica and Despotovica Rivers immediately before and after the influx of wastewaters from the plants, were collected between October 2004 and June 2005. Used as the test organism in these tests was the zebrafish Brachydanio rerio Hamilton - Buchanon (Cyprinidae). The acute toxicity test of 96/h duration showed that the tested samples had a slight acutely toxic effect on B. rerio, except for the sample of influent wastewater into the Cvetojevac wastewater treatment plant, which had moderately acute toxicity, indicating that such water should be prevented from entering the system in order to eliminate its detrimental effect on the purification process.
Trazenje pravde i melanholija - vreme pravde u svetlu jednog psihopatoloskog slucaja
Authors: Siberten-Blan Gijom
Published: July 2008

(francuski) Consid?rant la justice, non comme un concept juridico-politique ou comme une id?e morale, ni comme l'objet d'institutions sociales particuli?res, mais comme un signifiant entrant la construction symbolique et imaginaire de la subjectivit? individuelle et collective, cet article pose le probl?me de la "structure de demande" sp?cifique (Lacan) capable de d?terminer un tel signifiant. L'hypoth?se propos?e et discut?e ici est double: d'une part cette structure peut ?tre d?crite ? partir de son exacerbation pathologique dans ce que la psychiatrie du d?but du XXe si?cle a distingu?, au sein des syndromes parano?aques, comme "d?lire de qu?rulence", de "revendication" ou de "passion de justice"; d'autre part, ce type de formation d?lirante peut lui-m?me faire l'objet d'une ?tiologie analytique en ?tant rapport? aux conditions ?conomiques et structurales identifi?es par Freud pour le deuil pathologique et la m?lancolie, dont la revendication passionnelle de justice constituerait une tentative psychique de r?solution. La th?se qui en d?coule est que, dans la m?lancolie comme dans la qu?rulence, le point nodal de la probl?matique motivant le signifiant de justice est une impasse, en forme de double bind, dans le rapport du sujet au temps, impasse dont la figure d'Hamlet offre une incarnation embl?matique.
Contemporary theories of democracy
Authors: Mladenovic Ivan
Published: July 2008

The aim of this paper is two-fold: first, to analyze several contemporary theories of democracy, and secondly, to propose a theoretical framework for further investigations based on analyzed theories. The following four theories will be analyzed: pluralism, social choice theory, deliberative democracy and participatory democracy.
O fanatizmu
Authors: Kindjic Zoran
Published: July 2008

(nemacki) Sich auf Hegels Auffassung des Fanatismus st?tzend, versucht der Verfasser dieses Ph?nomen zu verstehen. Er weist darauf hin, dass f?r Fanatismus nicht nur der Einsatz f?r das abstrakte Allgemeine und die Verkehrung der moralischen Position in das eigene Gegenteil, sondern auch die Ausschliesslichkeit und ?bertriebene Leidenschaft charakteristisch ist. Fanatismus und Individualismus gegen?berstellend, betont der Autor, dass es sich in beiden F?llen um eine Egoposition handelt. Im Unterschied zum starken, extrovertierten individualistischen Ego, handelt es sich im Fall des Fanatismus um das schwache, inferiore Ego. Statt der falschen Alternative einer einseitigen Bevorzugung von Einzelnem oder Allgemeinem, sollte dialektisch Einzelnes und Allgemeines vermittelt werden. Es ist unm?glich den Fanatiker durch Argumente von der Falschheit seiner Position zu ?berzeugen. Die einzige Weise, dass er auf sie verzichtet, ist es, eine religi?se Transformation zu erleben.
Verification of structures for utilization of waste multicomponent electrolytic systems
Authors: Suljkanovic Midhat , Ahmetovic Elvis
Published: July 2008

Determination of process structure of thermal utilization of mineral mat?ters from waste streams, is a multi-variant problem. These processes are energy-intensive and it is very important to determine the process structures for realization of the required processes in the starting phases of process development. The structure of the process system, beside the system equilibrium, depends on vector parameters of the feed stream. In this work a newly developed methodology for determination of process variants of thermal utilization of mineral salts from a hypothetical three-component AX-BX-H2O system is presented. The methodology is created on starting synthesis problem for which a set of types of process units for realization process and type of desired crystal product is determined. The methodology includes process decomposition in two subsystems: concentration (saturation) subsystem and crystallization subsystem. Concentration of feed stream is realized in isothermal conditions of water evaporation and crystallization process using various techniques: isothermal water evaporation, cooling of solution in vacuum and cooling of solution through contact surface. Determination of physical feasible processes is performed by simulation of the process superstructure in which each particular process structure is a special case of the created process superstructure. Realization of mentioned activity is provided by creating algorithms and programming software (process simulator) in which the equation system of the superstructure mathematical model is solved for various variants of set of specified variables. The created methodology and possibilities of the created process simulator are presented in the illustrative case study of waste stream utilization of the NaCl-KCl-H2O system. In addition to this, for conditions of total heat integration of subsystems is demonstrated that a small change of salt concentration of feed stream can require transfer non-cyclic in cyclic process structure.
Performances of continuous dryer with inert medium fluidized bed
Authors: Arsenijevic Zorana , Grbavcic Zeljko , Garic-Grulovic Radmila
Published: July 2008

A fluid bed dryer with inert particles represents a very attractive alternative to other drying technologies according to the main efficiency criteria, i.e. specific water evaporation rate, specific heat consumption and speci?fic air consumption. A high drying efficiency results from the large con?tact area and from the large temperature difference between the inlet and outlet air. A rapid mixing of the particles leads to nearly isothermal conditions throughout the bed. A fluid bed dryer with inert particles was used for drying of slurries. Experiments were performed in a cylindrical column 215 mm in diameter with glass spheres as inert particles. In this paper, results of drying experi?ments with slurries of Zineb fungicide, copper hydroxide, calcium carbo?nate and pure water used as the feed material are presented. In our fluidized bed we successfully dried a number of other materials such as: fungicides and pesticides (Ziram, Propineb, Mangozeb, copper oxy-chloride, copper oxy-sulphate, Bordeaux mixture), other inorganic compounds (calcium sulphate, cobalt carbonate, electrolytic copper, sodium chloride), and a complex compound (organo-bentonite). The effects of operating conditions on dryer throughput and product quality were investigated. Main performance criteria, i.e. specific water evaporation rate, specific heat consumption and specific air consumption, were quantified. Temperature profile along the bed was mapped, and nearly isothermal conditions were found due to thorough mixing of the particles. Analysis of drying and energy efficiencies as a function of inlet and outlet air temperature difference was performed for deeper insight in dryer behavior and for optimizing dryer design and operation from an energy point of view. A simple mathematical model based on an overall heat balance predicts the dryer performance quite well. The industrial prototype with fluid bed of 0.8 m in diameter and capacity 650 kg of evaporated moisture per hour was realized on the basis of presented investigations on pilot unit. The most important results are 50% decrease in energy consumption and no-additional grinding of dried product in comparison with old tunnel drying technology.
Influence of packaging and conditions of storaging on content of mineral water Guber-Srebrenica
Authors: Blagojevic Dragana , Lazic Dragica , Skundric Branko , Skundric Jelena , Vukic Ljiljana
Published: July 2008

Mineral waters are found in nature in greater depths most often in reduction conditions, so after surfacing their content alters in contact with oxygen, which is caused by oxidation of certain components. Due to this, efforts were made to make these waters more stabile so they could be used after certain time. This work monitors the stability of Guber (Argentaria)-Srebrenica water exposed to light and with addition of ascorbic acid. The methods of analysis and the parameters analyzed are: gravimetric (SO2-4, suspended solids, total dry residue at 180?C), conductometry (electric conductivity), volumetric (Al3+), spectrometric (SiO2) and atomic-absorption spectrophotometry (Fe2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, K+, Ca2+, Na+ i Cu2+). Obtained results of water analysis, after retaining water in PET (polyethylentereftalate) and glass bottles, in certain time intervals, show that significant changes of concentration of Fe2+, Al3+, K+, Ca2+, pH value and electric conductivity occurred. Concentration of iron Fe2+ has been slightly changed after 120 days, in sample stabilized with 0,2 g ascorbic acid, while concentrations of Al and K+ were changing the same as without adding of stabilizer. Samples of water in glass packaging without added stabilizer are less stable compared to samples which were retained in PET packaging.
Systematic analysis of trimazolin hydrochloride as adrenergic vasoconstrictor
Authors: Nikolic Goran , Savic Ivana , Bankovic Vladimir
Published: July 2008

Trimazolin-hydrochloride, which is used as a pharmaceutically active component (adrenergic vasoconstrictor) for the production of decongestive preparations, was investigated in this paper by performing systematic analysis. In domestic and foreign pharmacopoeias, as well as in scientific and patent literature, there are no data on trimazolin and the methods of its investigation. Systematic analysis involves two investigation phases. A complete physicochemical characterization of the synthesized substance was done by previous investigation. In the second phase, a chemical structure of the synthesized pharmacologically active substance was confirmed to a certain degree of certainty by using the absorption spectroscopic methods (FTIR, UV-VIS, 1H-NMR). The spectroscopic methods used proved to be successful at identifying and investigating the purity of trimazolin hydrochloride. Liquid (RP-HPLC) chromatography was used for the analysis of trimazolin hydrochloride in the nasal preparation (Adrianol). The method of titrimetric analysis was developed with the aim of quantitative determination of trimazolin hydrochloride in decongestive preparations.
Correlation between mechanical properties and structural changes of the sintered Cu-4 at% Ag alloy during thermomechanical treatment
Authors: Rangelov Ivana , Nestorovic Svetlana , Markovic Desimir
Published: July 2008

Influence of thermomechanical treatment on micro structure and strength (hardness and microhardness) of the sintered copper based Cu-4 at% Ag alloy was investigated using Vickers hardness and microhardness measurements, and optical microscopy. After sintering at 790?C, samples of Cu-4 at% Ag alloy were subjected to thermomechanical treatment by cold rolling with 20, 40 and 60% deformation degrees, and annealing below and over the recrystallization temperature. It was shown that microstructure of Cu-4 at% Ag alloy changed with thermomechanical treatment, which directly causes changes of mechanical properties. Optical microphotograph of the sintered Cu-4 at% Ag alloy shows relatively homogeneous structure with spherical pores presented. The strength (hardness and microhardness) of the sintered Cu-4 at% Ag alloy during cold rolling increases with deformation degree due to deformation strengthening. Maximum values of hardness and microhardness were for 60% deformation. The porosity still exists in spite of the fact that compacting was carried out during the cold rolling. The hardness and microhardness continue to increase after annealing at temperature bellow recrystallization temperature due to anneal hardening effect which occurs in a temperature range of 160-350?C. It was concluded that solute segregation to dislocations, analogous to the formation of Cottrel atmosphere in interstitial solid solutions, is primarily responsible for anneal hardening phenomenon. Annealing at higher temperatures (higher than 400?C) results in strength decrease due to beginning of alloy recrystallization.
Synthesis of nanostructured conducting polyaniline in the presence of 5-sulfosalicylic acid
Authors: Janosevic Aleksandra , Ciric-Marjanovic Gordana
Published: July 2008

Oxidative polymerizations of aniline with ammonium peroxydisulfate in aqueous solution of 5-sulfosalicylic acid (SSA), were performed at the constant molar ratio [oxidant]/[monomer] = 1.25, by using various initial molar ratios of SSA to aniline. It was shown that the ratio [SSA]/[aniline] has a crucial influence on the molecular structure, morphology, and conductivity of synthesized polyaniline5-sulfosalicylate (PANI-SSA), as well as on the yield and temperature profile i.e. the mechanism of polymerization process. The yield of PANI-SSA was 80 - 86% for [SSA]/[aniline] ratios in the range 0.25-1.0. Granular PANI-SSA was obtained by the oxidative polymerization of in situ formed anilinium 5-sulfosalicylate ([SSA]/[aniline] = 1.0). The initial induction period was followed by the rapid exothermic polymerization of aniline during the oxidation of anilinium 5-sulfosalicylate with peroxydisulfate. Nanostructured PANI-SSA was synthesized by the oxidation of the mixture of dianilinium 5-sulfosalicylate and aniline ([SSA]/[aniline] = 0.25), which proceeds in two exothermic phases well separated with an athermal period. The presence of nanocylinders (nanorods, possibly nanotubes), with the average diameter of 95-250 nm and the length of 0.5-1.0 ?m has been revealed by scanning electron microscopy. It was concluded that PANI nanocylinders are formed when reaction solution has the initial pH > 3.5. Electroconductivity of synthesized polyanilines was in the range 0.01-0.17 S cm-1, and it increases with increasing molar ratio of SSA to aniline. Molecular structure of synthesized polyanilines was investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. Besides the characteristic bands of standard PANI in emeraldine form (benzenoid, quinonoid, and semiquinonoid units), the band attributable to substituted phenazine structural units was observed at -1415 cm-1 in the FTIR spectrum of nanostructured PANI-SSA sample.
Single mode and polarization independence in the strained silicon-on-insulator rib waveguides
Authors: Milosevic Milan , Matavulj Petar , Mashanovich Goran
Published: July 2008

In this paper we investigate the most popular silicon waveguide structures in the form of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) rib waveguide. Single mode and birefringence free conditions in these relatively small waveguides are discussed and the influence of the top oxide cladding stress is analyzed. Field profiles for a wide range of waveguide cross section shapes and dimensions are systematically considered. Design guidelines for this type of SOI waveguides are presented.
Physicochemical investigation of medieval ceramics from excavation site Novo Brdo
Authors: Cugalj Snezana , Damjanovic Ljiljana , Holclajtner-Antunovic Ivanka , Mioc Ubavka
Published: July 2008

Artefacts produced or treated at high temperatures provide information about manufacturing techniques. Well preserved ceramic objects are therefore excellent chronological markers as well as general markers of society development. In order to determine provenance of pottery fragments, archaeologists classify samples according to their physical characteristics, decoration and aesthetic style. However, a more objective multidisciplinary approach, based on undoubted results, is necessary to complete this study. In this work we have investigated 27 samples of medieval ceramics from excavation site Novo Brdo, using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). Novo Brdo was large and rich mining and trading center of Serbia in XIV and XV century. A large number of ceramic samples found during the systematic excavation of this archaeological site allow good choice of samples for both destructive and nondestructive analysis. Combining results obtained by different experimental techniques, i.e. by FT-IR spectroscopy, after deconvolution of the spectra, and XRPD analysis, we have determined mineralogical composition and technology of production of investigated pottery. Estimated temperature of firing ranged from 800 to 900 ?C, which is in agreement with the presence of high-temperature minerals like gehlenite and anorthite. Firing was preformed in the oxidation atmosphere since hematite, which is formed only in oxidation atmosphere, is detected in all investigated samples. Cross sections showed presence of defects and inhomogeneity of investigated ceramic, which indicates fast and incomplete firing procedure. All these findings indicate that investigated pottery was produced in the domestic workshops. The obtained results will be used to build up the National database for medieval ceramics as well as the database for the Balkan region.
Application of micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography for routine analysis of different materials
Authors: Injac Rade , Karljikovic-Rajic Katarina , Strukelj Borut
Published: July 2008

Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) has become a popular mode among the several capillary electro-migration techniques. Most drug analysis can be performed by using MEKC because of its wide applicability. Separation of very complex mixtures, determination of drugs in the biological materials, etc., can be successfully achieved by MEKC. This review surveys typical applications of MEKC analysis. Recent advances in MEKC, especially with solid-phase extraction and large-volume sample stacking, are described. Modes of electrokinetic chromatography including MEKC, a separation theory of MEKC, environmental friendly analysis, and selectivity manipulation in MEKC are also briefly mentioned.
Doxorubicin-induced myocardial failure in rats with malignant neoplasm: Protective role of fullerenol C60(OH)24
Authors: Injac Rade , Djordjevic Aleksandar , Strukelj Borut
Published: July 2008

The therapeutic utility of the anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin is limited due to its cardiotoxicity. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of fullerenol C60(OH)24 in preventing single, high-dose doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats with malignant neoplasm. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that fullerenol C60(OH)24, has strong antioxidative potential. Experiment was performed on adult female Sprague Dawley rats with chemically induced mammary carcinomas. All 32 rats (2-5 groups) received i.p. applications of 1-methyl-l-nitrosourea (MNU; 50 mg/kg body weight) on the 50th and 113th day of age. Animals were randomly divided into five groups as follows: (1) Untreated control group - rats received saline only; (2) Cancer control group - rats received MNU and saline; (3) Dox group - rats received MNU and Dox 8 mg/kg; (4) Full/Dox group -rats received MNU and Full 100 mg/kg 30 min before Dox 8 mg/kg; (5) Full group - rats received MNU and Full 100 mg/kg. Tumor incidence was 4.94 +- 0.576 per rat. The animals were sacrificed 2 days after the application of doxorubicin and/or fullerenol, and the serum activities of CK, LDH and ?-HBDH, as well as the levels of MDA, GSH, GSSG, GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, GR and TAS in the heart, were determined. The results obtained from the enzymatic activity in the serum show that the administration of a single dose of 8 mg/kg in all treated groups induces statistically significant damage. There are significant changes in the enzymes of LDH and CK (p < 0.05), after an i.p. administration of doxorubicin/fullerenol and fullerenol. Comparing all groups with untreated control group, point to the conclusion that in the case of a lower oc-HBDH/LDH ratio, results in more serious the liver parenchymal damage. The results revealed that doxorubicin induced oxidative damage and that the fullerenol antioxidative influence caused significant changes in MDA, GSH, GSSG, GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, GR and TAS level in the heart (p < 0.05). Ultra structural analysis of heart tissues from rats treated with doxorubicin and indicated that the hearts of the rats were protected from doxorubicin-induced subcellular damage. Doxorubicin/fullerenol rats did not appear to show significant cardiac damage although occasional focal loss of cristae in the mitochondria was observed. Therefore, it is suggested that fullerenol might be a potential cardioprotector in doxorubicin-treated individuals.
Studies on Zn(II) monohydroxyphenyl mesoporphyrinic complexes: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Boscencu Rica , Socoteanu Radu , Oliveira Anabela , Ferreira Vieira
Published: July 2008

A series of four Zn(II) complexes with asymmetrical porphyrinic ligands were synthesized: [5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenyl-21H,23H-porphinato]Zn(II) (Zn(II)TPPOHP), [5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenyl-21H,23H- -porphinato]Zn(II) (Zn(II)TPPOHM), [5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenyl- -21H,23H-Zn(II)-porphinato]Zn(II) (Zn(II)TPPOHO) and the well-known (5,10,15,20- -tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphinato]Zn(II) (Zn(II)TPP) as reference, in a 1:1 mole ratio. In all cases, the free-base porphyrin served as a tetradentate ligand through the four pyrrole nitrogen atoms. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, which fully confirmed the structure of the complexes. UV-Vis showed that the spectral absorption of the four complexes was blue-shifted by at least 50 nm compared to that of the free ligands. Also important structural data were obtained from several different NMR experiments (including 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, DEPT, COSY, HMBC and HMQC). Influences of external substituents on the porphyrin ring were observed. .
Ni(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with ligand containing thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone moiety: Synthesis, characterization and biological investigation
Authors: Chandra Sulekh , Tyagi Monika
Published: July 2008

The synthesis of nickel(II), palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone of p-tolualdehyde are reported. All the new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements, mass, 1H-NMR, IR and electronic spectral studies. Based on the molar conductance measurements in DMSO, the complexes may be formulated as [Ni(L)2Cl2] and [M(L)2]Cl2 (where M = Pd(II) and Pt(II)) due to their non-electrolytic and 1:2 electrolytic nature, respectively. The spectral data are consistent with an octahedral geometry around Ni(II) and a square planar geometry for Pd(II) and Pt(II), in which the ligands act as bidentate chelating agents, coordinated through the nitrogen and sulphur/oxygen atoms. The ligands and their metal complexes were screened in vitro against fungal species Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium odum, using the food poison technique. .
Psychological predispositions of teachers for encouraging the pluralist cognitive style in teaching
Authors: Djurisic-Bojanovic Mirosava
Published: July 2008

The aim of the presented research was to determine in which measure teachers possess the psychological predispositions for democratic functioning as a condition for education for democracy. Two groups of personal characteristics were singled out: (a) predispositions for anti-democratic behavior, arbitrarily labeled weak ego characteristics, and (b) strong ego characteristics as predispositions for democratic behavior. The readiness of teachers to develop the democratic style of teaching was tested via their readiness to accept plurality of ideas, as the acceptance of legitimacy of the existence of different explanations of many phenomena and readiness to consider the argumentation for disagreeing or opposed views within controversial issues. The research was conducted on the purposeful, convenient sample during the school year 2006/2007 in primary and secondary schools in several towns in Serbia (N=158). The scales in accordance with Likert's procedure were applied for each individual characteristic. The results show that the majority of teachers have a positive attitude towards the acceptance of plurality of ideas. The assumptions about a significant negative correlation between the acceptance of plurality of ideas and weak ego characteristics were confirmed, as well as about a significant positive correlation with strong ego characteristics. This paper discusses the pedagogical implications of the obtained findings.
Proximal Metatarsal Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus: Comparison of Outcome for Moderate and Severe Deformities
Authors: Okuda Ryuzo , Kinoshita Mitsuo , Yasuda Toshito , Jotoku Tsuyoshi , Shima Hiroaki
Published: July 2008

Background: We compared the results of a distal soft-tissue procedure with a proximal crescentic osteotomy of the first metatarsal for moderate and severe hallux valgus. Materials and Methods: The series consisted of 54 feet treated with this procedure. The average followup was 30 months. Fifty-four feet were divided into two groups including Group M (moderate) (24 feet, preoperative hallux valgus angle of 40 degrees or less and preoperative intermetatarsal angle of less than 18 degrees) and Group S (severe) (30 feet, preoperative hallux valgus angle of greater than 40 degrees or preoperative intermetatarsal angle of 18 degrees or greater). Results: The difference between Group M and S was not significant with regard to the age of patients, duration of followup, or postoperative pain and function scores on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale. However, postoperative alignment score in Group M was significantly greater than that in Group S ( p = 0.038). Postoperative hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles in Group S were significantly greater than those in Group M, respectively ( p = 0.025, p = 0.001). The prevalence of recurrent hallux valgus (hallux valgus angle of 20 degrees or greater) in Group S was significantly higher than that in Group M ( p = 0.013). Conclusion: This procedure is an effective method for relieving pain and improving function regardless of the severity of hallux valgus. However, the correction of moderate hallux valgus is likely to be better than that of severe hallux valgus.
Complete Tendon Transfer and Inverse Lambrinudi Arthrodesis: Preliminary Results of a New Technique for the Treatment of Paralytic Pes Calcaneus
Authors: Wenz Wolfram , Bruckner Thomas , Akbar Michael
Published: July 2008

Background: Paralytic pes calcaneus is commonly associated with myelomeningocele and continues to be one of the most difficult deformities to treat. The purpose of the present study is to describe and report the preliminary results of a new procedure to dynamically correct paralytic pes calcaneus. Materials and Methods: Since 2002, the senior surgeon operated on six patients with myelomeningocele and developed a new procedure to dynamically correct paralytic pes calcaneus. This new procedure combines a complete tendon transfer (tibialis anterior and posterior, peroneus brevis and longus, and extensor digitorum and hallucis longus) to the Achilles tendon and an additive triple arthrodesis. The extent of the calcaneus deformity was evaluated by measuring the talocalcaneal angle. The mean followup was 32 months. Results: Excellent results were achieved in five of the six patients with a mean age of 17.5 years. Using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot scale, pain and function improved from an average of 41.6 preoperatively to 72.0 postoperatively. The deformity as assessed by the talocalcaneal angle, the calcaneal pitch, and the talometatarsal I angle improved after surgery significantly ( p < 0.004). After 12 months, an additional surgery was required in two patients due to disabling drop-foot. Conclusion: This new surgical technique to correct paralytic pes calcaneus including complete tendon transfer and triple arthrodesis is promising. Although this is a technically demanding procedure, it provides an excellent functional result without the residual complications associated with ankle arthrodesis.
This Is Not Our Culture! Discourse of Nostalgia and Narratives of Health Concerns in Post-Socialist Tanzania
Authors: Kamat Vinay
Published: July 2008

Oral accounts of the past play an important role in the construction of cultural memories as they are reconstructed in dynamic social contexts. Based primarily on participant observation in a peri-urban village in Dar es Salaam, and life-history interviews with twenty-five elderly residents, this article focuses on reminiscing and cultural understandings of neo-liberal policies in Tanzania's post-socialist context. The article examines how people use narratives to understand and to give meaning to their individual experiences in the context of broader socio-cultural, economic and political changes. Narrators' oral life-histories and illness narratives reveal the ways in which the transition from Tanzania's unique form of socialism (Ujamaa) to Western-style neo-liberalism has led to the erosion of social cohesion at the community level, disrupted existing social support networks and limited access to healthcare. Participant observation and analysis of discursive data draw attention to the fact that the expression ‘This is not our culture!’ and its attendant sentiment ‘Life is hard!’ have become formulaic pronouncements, especially among poor and socially excluded people. These expressions indicate a loss of community values, and a decrease in respect and deference towards the elderly in the post-socialist era that is inextricably bound up with the hardships engendered by neo-liberal economic policies.
From Scotch Whisky to Chinese Sneakers: International Commodity Flows and New Trade Networks in Oshikango, Namibia
Authors: Dobler Gregor
Published: July 2008

After the end of the colonial period, international commodity flows into Africa at first continued to reproduce patterns of colonial domination. In the last ten years, however, important shifts have become visible. New commodity chains bypassing the old colonial powers have developed and are changing the way Africa is integrated into the global economy. This article looks at four trade networks that converge in Oshikango, a small trade boom town in northern Namibia. It describes how trade in Scotch whisky, Brazilian furniture, Japanese used cars and Chinese sneakers into Oshikango is organized. Whisky trade follows old colonial patterns; furniture trade relies on new South-South business contacts backed by political lobbying; in the used car trade, goods from the North are traded by networks of Southern migrant entrepreneurs; Chinese consumer goods are brought into Africa by Chinese migrants who bridge the cultural gap between the markets. Trade in Oshikango highlights the importance of new trade routes for Africa. Migrant entrepreneurs play an important role in these trade routes. A closer look at them shows, however, that their importance is largely due to opportunities arising from their place in the international system, not to a group's inherent cultural or social characteristics.
Derrida and Policy: Is Deconstruction Really a Social Science?
Authors: McQuillan Martin
Published: July 2008

How might we begin to think about deconstruction in relation to the formulation of political policy? Once we begin to ask this question the whole idea of policy as such is put in question and conversely the limitations of philosophy as the basis for political decision making quickly become apparent. Through a consideration of this problem and by reference to a number of key tropes in Derrida's later writings, this essay begins the task of thinking about the deconstruction of policy and of asking what the future role of deconstructive thought might be.
Initial kinetics of the direct sulfation of limestone
Authors: Hu Guilin , Shang Lei , Dam‐Johansen Kim , Wedel Stig , Hansen Jens Peter
Published: July 2008

The initial kinetics of direct sulfation of Faxe Bryozo, a porous bryozoan limestone was studied in the temperature interval from 873 to 973 K in a pilot entrained flow reactor with very short reaction times (between 0.1 and 0.6 s). The initial conversion rate of the limestone—for conversions less than 0.3%—was observed to be significantly promoted by higher SO2 concentrations and lower CO2 concentrations, whereas O2 showed negligible influence. A mathematical model for the sulfation of limestone involving chemical reaction at calcite grain surfaces and solid‐state diffusion of carbonate ions in calcite grains is established. The validity of the model is limited to the initial sulfation period, in which nucleation of the solid product calcium sulphate is not started. This theoretical reaction‐diffusion model gives a good simulation of the initial kinetics of the direct sulfation of Faxe Bryozo. The intrinsic rate of the direct sulfation of the limestone is estimated to have an activation energy of about 25 kJ/mol and reaction orders of about 0.9 and −0.75 for SO2 and CO2, respectively. The diffusivity of carbonate ions in the surface layer of the calcite grain is estimated to be about three orders of magnitude higher than the diffusivity of carbonate ions in the inner lattice of calcite grain and have an activation energy of about 202 kJ/mol. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Photometric membership and metallicities of red giant candidates in selected open clusters
Authors: Clariá J.J. , Piatti A.E. , Mermilliod J.‐C. , Palma T.
Published: July 2008

As part of a long‐term project to determine abundances and astrophysical properties of evolved red stars in open clusters, we present high‐precision DDO photoelectric observations for a sample of 33 red giant candidates projected in the fields of nine Galactic open clusters. These data are supplemented with UBV photoelectric photometry of 24 of these stars as well as with CORAVEL radial‐velocity observations for 13 red giant candidates in four of the clusters. We also present Washington photoelectric photometry of a small sample of red giant candidates of the open cluster Ruprecht 97. The likelihood of cluster membership for each star photometrically observed and for 23 additional red giant candidates with UBV and DDO data available in the literature, is evaluated by using two independent photometric criteria. Nearly 82% of the analysed stars are found to have a high probability of being cluster giants. Photometric membership probabilities show very good agreement with those obtained from CORAVEL radial velocities. While E (B –V) colour excesses were determined from combined B – V and DDO colours, calibrations of the DDO system were used to derive MK spectral types, effective temperatures and metallicities. The derived DDO metallicities range between values typical of moderately metal‐poor clusters ([Fe/H] = –0.19) to moderately metal‐rich ([Fe/H] = 0.25) ones. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Possible third body effects in the period changes of four Algol binaries: RY Aqr, SZ Her, RV Lyr and V913 Oph
Authors: Soydugan F.
Published: July 2008

An investigation of the orbital period changes of the neglected eclipsing binaries, RY Aqr, SZ Her, RV Lyr and V913 Oph, is presented based on all published minima times. Although the explanation of magnetic activity on the surface of the secondaries of the studied Algols is still open, the preferred light‐time effect due to the unseen components around the systems seems more plausible in explaining the tilted sinusoidal variations with relatively high‐amplitudes. The minimal mass values of possible tertiary components have been estimated to be about 1.06, 0.25, 0.78 and 2.85 M⊙ for RY Aqr, SZ Her, RV Lyr and V913 Oph, respectively and the results indicate that their contributions to the total light of the eclipsing pairs are measurable with high accuracy photometric and spectroscopic data, if they exist. Applegate's (1992) model has been discussed as an alternative mechanism assuming that the cooler components have magnetic cycles. It is found that the model parameters of RY Aqr and V913 Oph are consistent with the required values in Applegate's model. In addition to the first detailed orbital study on these systems, a statistical survey on the character of the O – C variations of classical Algols has revealed that about 50 percent of the systems show cyclic behavior. This means that the presence of possible third bodies around classical Algols should be tested with careful analysis using new data. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photometric study of 9 doubtful open clusters
Authors: Maciejewski G. , Niedzielski A.
Published: July 2008

We present results of a photometric investigation of 9 poorly studied apparent open clusters. While the aim of our survey was to determine structural and astrophysical parameters for these objects, they were found not to be physical groups of stars. BV wide‐field CCD photometry combined with the near‐infrared JHKS data from the 2MASS and proper motions were used to study their nature. Detailed analysis of radial density profiles, morphology of decontaminated colourmagnitude diagrams, and proper motion distributions indicate that these stellar ensembles are projective chance alignments of physically unrelated stars. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)