bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some implications of an experimental reading comprehension task
Authors: Lalovic Dejan , Stankovic Sanda
Published: December 2008

Standardized reading comprehension tests (RCTs) are indispensable instruments in language abilities assessment. Nevertheless, we do not have such an instrument in Serbian. In the present paper, we attempted to verify the basic assumptions of the RCT conception we proposed: the reading material consisting of a relatively large selection of short newspaper articles followed by a single multiplechoice question each, displayed in temporal succession, not simultaneously. We argued that RCT consisting of such item form and content, as well as the administration procedure, should be of equal or even better construct validity than well-known RTCs in foreign languages, also possessing some other practical advantages. These assumptions were implemented in a computer-ran experimental reading comprehension task (ERCT), in a student sample. ERCT psychometric properties analyses showed good discriminability and somewhat less than preferable reliability. The structure and strength of ERCT x other intelligence tests correlations suggest ERCT belonging to the core of verbal abilities tests. Different strategies subjects employed showed no impact on major performance measure ? number correct answers. Our findings obtained by ERCT implementation support the RCT conception we propose. We therefore suggest possible further research towards the construction of standardized RCT in Serbian.
Dust plasma analogue for interstellar 217.5 nm extinction
Authors: Stefanovic I.
Published: December 2008

The new ultraviolet (UV) extinction measurements of carbonaceous nanoparticles in the range from 140 nm to 260 nm are presented. The plasma polymerized hydrocarbon nanoparticles were already proposed as a new astro analogue, which describe the infrared (IR) extinction spectra in an excellent way. We use the same particles to find the possible carrier of the 'mysterious' UV 217.5 nm extinction 'bump' of interstellar media (ISM).
Spherical trigonometry of the projected baseline angle
Authors: Mathar R.J.
Published: December 2008

The basic vector geometry of a stellar interferometer with two telescopes is defined by the right triangle of (i) the baseline vector between the telescopes, of (ii) the delay vector which points to the star, and of (iii) the projected baseline vector in the plane of the wave front of the stellar light. The plane of this triangle intersects the celestial sphere at the position of the star; the intersection is a circular line segment. The interferometric angular resolution is high (diffraction limited to the ratio of the wavelength over the projected baseline length) in the two directions along this line segment, and low (diffraction limited to the ratio of the wavelength over the telescope diameter) perpendicular to these. The position angle of these characteristic directions in the sky is calculated here, given either local horizontal coordinates, or celestial equatorial coordinates.
Computing strong metric dimension of some special classes of graphs by genetic algorithms
Authors: Kratica Jozef , Kovacevic-Vujcic Vera , Cangalovic Mirjana
Published: December 2008

In this paper we consider the NP-hard problem of determining the strong metric dimension of graphs. The problem is solved by a genetic algorithm that uses binary encoding and standard genetic operators adapted to the problem. This represents the first attempt to solve this problem heuristically. We report experimental results for the two special classes of ORLIB test instances: crew scheduling and graph coloring.
A group decision-making aggregation process
Authors: Halouani Nesrin , Chabchoub Habib , Martel Jean-Marc
Published: December 2008

Within the frame of decision aid literature, decision making problems with multiple sources of information have drawn the attention of researchers from a wide spectrum of disciplines. In decision situations with multiple individuals, each one has his own knowledge of the decision problem alternatives. The use of information assessed in different domains is not a seldom situation. This non-homogeneous information can be represented by values belonging to domains with different nature as linguistic, numerical and interval valued or can be values assessed in label sets with different granularity and multigranular linguistic information. Decision processes for solving these problems are composed by two steps: aggregation and exploitation. The main problem to deal with non-homogeneous contexts is the aggregation manner of the information assessed in these contexts. The purpose of this paper is to address this problem and establish a procedure to aggregate individual opinions into a common decision to deal with non-homogeneous contexts. This process combines at the same time numerical, interval valued and linguistic information. Since subjectivity, vagueness and imprecision enter into the assessments of experts, the 2-tuple fuzzy linguistic representation model is used to deal with the fuzziness of human judgment.
Financial claims and product market competition: An explanation for permitting banks to hold equity in firms
Authors: Pao Shin-Heng , Lin Jyh-Horng
Published: December 2008

This paper examines financial claims for lending if banks are permitted to hold equity in productive firms. We demonstrate that in situations where an oligopolistic product market has relatively high competition, e.g., quasi-competitive behavior, equity holding by banks is likely to do little damage. However, where the product market has relatively high collusion, e.g., corporative behavior, equity holding by banks are very unlikely to hold equity in firms. Our findings provide an alternative argument that lifting the Glass-Steagall Act restricting banks from holding equity in firms should give little cause for concern.
Characterization of ternary complexes of meloxicam-HPβCD and PVP or L-arginine prepared by the spray-drying technique
Authors: El-Maradny Hoda , Mortada Sana , Kamel Ola , Hikal Ahmed
Published: December 2008

Characterization of ternary complexes of meloxicam-HPβCD and PVP or L-arginine prepared by the spray-drying technique

Ternary complexes of meloxicam (ME) (a poorly water soluble anti-inflammatory drug) with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and either a hydrophilic polymer, namely, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) or a basic amino acid such as L-arginine, were prepared by the spray-drying technique. The solubilizing efficiency, physical properties and dissolution behaviour of each ternary system of ME-HPβCD with either PVP or L-arginine were compared with those of the corresponding binary system of ME-HPβCD. Tablets compressed from the ternary system of ME-HPβCD-L-arginine were compared with plain and commercial tablets. Phase solubility experiments suggested the formation of an inclusion complex of AL type. Ternary system of ME-HPβCD-L-arginine exhibited a stability constant 30.3 times higher than the binary system of ME-HPβCD, while the ternary system of ME-HPβCD-PVP increased the stability constant 2.2 times only. The prepared complexes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and infra red spectroscopy. Ternary solid complexes indicated the presence of strong interactions between the components. The dissolution behaviour of ME from different ternary complexes was higher than its dissolution from the binary system. Tablets compressed from ternary complexes of ME-HPβCD-L-arginine highly improved drug release compared to plain and commercial tablets.
The Halophytic Vegetation in South-East Bulgaria and Along the Black Sea Coast
Authors: Tzonev Rossen , Lysenko Tatiana , Gusev Chavdar , Zhelev Petar
Published: December 2008

The Halophytic Vegetation in South-East Bulgaria and Along the Black Sea Coast

The paper presents results of a syntaxonomic analysis of the herbaceous phytocoenoses on the salt steppes, meadows and marshes in Southeastern Bulgaria, and along the Southern Black Sea Coast. The halophytic vegetation is distributed mostly in the Tundzha Lowland and the large salt lakes along the Black Sea Coast, where the saline soils occupy large territories. Most syntaxa identified in the paper are well-known and wide-spread in Central and Eastern Europe (Salicornietum prostratae, Suaedetum maritimae, Juncetum maritimaeetc.), but there are also some specific vegetation types, which are presented by endemic associations asPetrosimonio brachiatae-Puccinellietum convolutae, Bupleuro tenuissimae-Camphorosmetum monspeliacae.The most widespread one isDiantho pallidiflori-Puccinellietum convolutae.It demonstrates a big variation in the appearance and the dominant structure of the described phytocoenoses. The comparision of the Bulgarian halophytic vegetation with other places in Europe shows its similarities with these vegetation types distributed in the Eastern Mediterranean and Central and Eastern Europe.
The Tall-Herb and Tall-Grass Plant Communities of the Class Mulgedio-Aconitetea in the Subalpine Belt of the Krivánska Malá Fatra MTS (Slovakia)
Authors: Šibíková Ivana , Šibík Jozef , Jarolímek Ivan
Published: December 2008

The Tall-Herb and Tall-Grass Plant Communities of the ClassMulgedio-Aconiteteain the Subalpine Belt of the Krivánska Malá Fatra MTS (Slovakia)

The following paper reports the results of phytosociological research of tall-herb and tall-herb plant communities within the classMulgedio-Aconiteteain the subalpine belt of the Krivánska Malá Fatra Mts. The data set of 209 relevés was sampled and analysed using numerical classification and ordination. Major ecological gradients were interpreted using Ellenberg's indicator values and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. Ten associations within five alliances were distinguished and characterised:Aconitetum firmi, Digitali ambiguae-Calamagrostietum arundinaceae, Helianthemo grandiflorae-Calamagrostietum arundinaceae, Potentillo aurei-Calamagrostietum arundinaceae, Allio victorialis-Calamagrostietum villosae, Festucetum carpaticae, Adenostylo alliariae-Athyrietum alpestris, Aconito firmi-Adenostyletum alliariae, Geranio robertiani-Delphinietum elatiandAconito firmi-Rumicetum alpini.Relationships between the floristic composition of the communities and environmental variables were analysed by canonical correspondence analysis.
Reading Instruction Time and Homogeneous Grouping in Kindergarten: An Application of Marginal Mean Weighting Through Stratification
Authors: Hong Guanglei , Hong Yihua
Published: December 2008

A kindergartner’s opportunities to develop reading and language arts skills are constrained by the amount of time allocated to reading instruction. In the meantime, the student’s engagement in learning tasks may increase if the instruction has been adapted to his or her prior ability through homogeneous grouping. This study investigates whether the grouping effects on kindergartners’ reading growth depend on the amount of reading instruction time and the intensity of grouping. To answer the study’s research questions requires causal inferences about concurrent multivalued instructional treatments. The authors develop a procedure of applying the method of marginal mean weighting through stratification to multilevel educational data. Results from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten cohort data set lend support to the theoretical hypothesis that when teachers allocate a substantial amount of time to reading instruction, homogeneous grouping helps kindergartners to gain more in reading. The authors find no effect of homogeneous grouping when the total amount of reading time is limited. They also find that the benefit of increasing reading instruction time becomes evident only if kindergarten teachers adapt instruction through homogeneous grouping.
Pressure Work Effect on Natural Convection Flow from a Vertical Circular Cone with Suction and Non-Uniform Surface Temperature
Authors: Alim MA , Alam Md M , Chowdhury Md MK
Published: December 2008

Laminar free convection from a vertical circular cone maintained at non-uniform surface temperature with effects of suction and pressure work are considered. Non-similarity solutions for boundary layer equations are found to exist when the surface temperature follows the power law variations with the distance measured from the leading edge. The numerical solutions of the transformed non-similar boundary layer equations are obtained by using a finite difference method with Keller Box scheme. Solutions obtained in terms of skin-friction, local rate of heat transfer, velocity and temperature profiles for the values of Prandtl number, pressure work parameter and temperature gradient are displayed in both graphical and tabular forms.Keywords: Free convection, Viscous dissipation, Boussinesq approximation, Temperature gradient, Pressure work.Journal of Mechanical Engineering Vol.36 Dec. 2006 pp.6-11DOI = 10.3329/jme.v36i0.805
Effect of Inlet and Outlet Locations on Transverse Mixed Convection Inside a Vented Enclosure
Authors: Saha Sumon , Islam Md. Tofiqul , Ali Mohammad , Mamun Md. Arif Hassan , Islam M Quamrul
Published: December 2008

Transverse mixed convection is studied numerically in a vented enclosure with constant heat flux from uniformly heated bottom wall. An external airflow enters the enclosure through an opening in one vertical wall and exits from another opening in the opposite wall. The two-dimensional mathematical model includes the system of four partial differential equations of continuity, linear momentum and energy, solved by the finite element method. Flow fields are investigated by numerical simulations for air flowing with a Reynolds number in the range 50 â¤ Re â¤ 1000, for Richardson numbers: 0 â¤ Ri â¤ 10. Four different locations of inlet and outlets are introduced to analyze the effect of heat transfer in terms of velocity and temperature fields within the enclosure. The computational results show that the location of inlet and outlets alters significantly the temperature distribution in the flow fields and the heat transfer across the heated wall of the cavities. Empirical correlation is developed for relations using Nusselt number, Reynolds number and Richardson number, based on the enclosure height.Â Â  Keywords: Mixed convection, finite element method, vented enclosure, Richardson number.Journal of Mechanical Engineering Vol.36 Dec. 2006 pp.27-37DOI = 10.3329/jme.v36i0.808
Durability and Tribological Properties of Thermally Sprayed WC Cermet Coating in Full Film and Partial EHL Contacts
Authors: Nuruzzaman DM , Nakajima A , Mawatari T
Published: December 2008

Durability and tribological properties of thermally sprayed WC-Cr-Ni cermet coating were investigated experimentally under full film and partial elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) conditions. By means of the high energy type flame spraying (Hi-HVOF) method, the coating was formed onto the axially ground and circumferentially ground roller specimens made of thermally refined carbon steel. The WC cermet coated steel roller was mated with the carburized hardened smooth steel roller under full film EHL condition and carburized hardened rough steel roller under partial EHL condition. It was found that, in general, the coating on the circumferentially ground substrate shows a lower durability compared with that on the axially ground substrate and this difference appears more distinctly for the higher contact pressure for both full film and partial EHL conditions. It was also found that there are significant differences in the tribological properties of WC cermet coating depending on the contact pressure. In addition, depending on the lubrication condition, remarkable differences in the tribological properties were found.Keywords: WC cermet, Full film EHL, Partial EHL, Durability, Tribological propertiesÂ Journal of Mechanical Engineering Vol.36 Dec. 2006 pp.38-43DOI = 10.3329/jme.v36i0.809
Characteristics of Thermally Sprayed WC Cermet Coating under Lubricated Rolling with Sliding Contact
Authors: Nuruzzaman DM , Nakajima Akira , Mawatari Toshifumi
Published: December 2008

The characteristics of thermally sprayed WC-Cr-Ni cermet coating under lubricated rolling with sliding contact condition were examined experimentally. Experiments were performed using a two-roller testing machine. The coating was formed onto the blasted or ground roller specimens made of thermally refined carbon steel or induction hardened carbon steel by high energy type flame spraying (Hi-HVOF). A mirror-like finished cermet coated steel roller was mated with a non-coated carburized hardened steel roller. In the case of thermally refined steel substrate and for the mating surface roughness Rmax=0.1 Î¼m, coating on the ground substrate showed lower durability than that on the blasted substrate. For the mating surface roughness Rmax=3.0 Î¼m, coating on the ground substrate showed an extremely short life as compared with that on the blasted substrate. In general, durability of cermet coating was greatly increased due to the increase in the coating thickness. In the case of induction hardened steel substrate, coating on the blasted or ground substrate showed high durability for both Rmax=0.1 Î¼m and 3.0 Î¼m. Coefficient of friction and oil film thickness were markedly influenced by the mating surface roughness but these were hardly affected by the substrate material. In addition, depending on the mating surface roughness, significant differences in the surface roughness of coated roller and depth of flaking on the coated roller were found. Keywords: WC cermet, Mating surface roughness, Substrate surface kind, Substrate materialdoi:10.3329/jme.v37i0.815Journal of Mechanical Engineering Vol.37 June 2007, pp.18-23
Numerical Investigation on the Effects of Vortex Shedding on Boundary Layer Unsteadiness
Authors: Hasan ABM Toufique , Das Dipak Kanti
Published: December 2008

The interaction between an initially laminar boundary layer developed spatially on a flat plate under the influence of vortex shedding induced from a rotating circular cylinder has been simulated numerically. The rotational speed of the cylinder is varied to generate the vortex shedding of different intensities. Also the flat plate is kept at different positions from the cylinder. Due to asymmetry in the flow field, the present problem is governed by unsteady Navier-Stokes equations which are simulated numerically by finite element method. Computations are carried out for low Reynolds number range up to 1000. Instantaneous development of the flow field, unsteady boundary layer integral parameters, and wall skin friction are presented on different streamwise locations over the plate. From the computation, it is observed that the vortex shedding substantially affects the boundary layer development. The disturbed displacement and momentum thicknesses of the plate increase up to 1.6 times and 2.6 times of the undisturbed flow, respectively. Also the plate shape factor approaches a value of 1.5 which is typical for turbulent flow. This interaction strongly depends on the rotating speed of the cylinder, the relative positions of the cylinder and the plate and also on Reynolds number of the flow. Keywords: Vortex shedding, finite element, boundary layer, wall skin friction.doi:10.3329/jme.v37i0.817Journal of Mechanical Engineering Vol.37 June 2007, pp.33-39
Determination of Cutting Parameters for Peripheral End Milling using Discrete Handbook Data
Authors: Azeem Abdullahil
Published: December 2008

Cutting speed and feed rate are the two main factors in determining cutting conditions in computer aided process planning, which are directly related to the tool life, machining cost and surface quality. There are experimental data available in the Handbook as the recommendations for academic study and practical applications. But the trends to characterize the data within the entire range and the determination of the intermediate data lying between the known data points are usually not clearly presented in such resources. This research focuses on building a "Composite Constrained Fitting Model" to determine the trends of the experimental cutting speed and feed data and thereby to obtain the intermediate data points. The model fits a composite curve through all the different curve segments, maintaining their boundary conditions and constraints on the coefficients to make its trend have valid physical interpretations.Keywords: Cutting speed, Feed rate, Fitting modeldoi:10.3329/jme.v37i0.818Journal of Mechanical Engineering Vol.37 June 2007, pp.40-46
Design and Non-Linear Analysis of a Parabolic Leaf Spring
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Ashiqur , Siddiqui Muhammad Tareq , Kowser Muhammad Arefin
Published: December 2008

Tapered cantilever beams, traditionally termed as leaf springs, undergo much larger deflections in comparison to a beam of constant cross-section that takes their study in the domain of geometric nonlinearity. This paper studies response of a leaf spring of parabolic shape, assumed to be made of highly elastic steel. Numerical simulation was carried out using both the small and large deflection theories to calculate the stress and the deflection of the same beam. Non-linear analysis is found to have significant effect on the beam's response under a tip load. It is seen that the actual bending stress at the fixed end, calculated by nonlinear theory, is 2.30-3.39% less in comparison to a traditional leaf spring having the same volume of material. Interestingly, the maximum stress occurs at a region far away from the fixed end of the designed parabolic leaf spring. Keywords: Parabolic leaf spring, End-shortening, Geometric nonlinearity, Equilibrium Configuration Path, Varying Cross-section.doi:10.3329/jme.v37i0.819Journal of Mechanical Engineering Vol.37 June 2007, pp.47-51
Influence of Spraying Process and Coating Thickness on Durability of WC Cermet Coating
Authors: Nakajima Akira , Nuruzzaman DM , Mawatari Toshifumi
Published: December 2008

doi:10.3329/jme.v37i0.826Â
Performance of Mechanical Face Seals with Surface Micropores
Authors: Razzaque M Mahbubur , Faisal M Tanvir Rahman
Published: December 2008

doi:10.3329/jme.v37i0.832
Simulation of fluid flow and mass diffusion in irradiator tube
Authors: Chowdhury Showkat Jahan
Published: December 2008

This paper presents a numerical study of fluid flow and mass transfer in an irradiator tube. Optical fibers and wires are drawn through a coating die to apply protective coating of synthetic materials, and then passed through a glass tube where UV light from the surrounding irradiators causes curing of the coating materials. During this curing process, fumes are generated which needs to be washed out of the tube before it diffuses to the glass wall and causes tube smoking, a problem faced in the industries. Calculations are done to study the effect of laminar and turbulent flow, flow rate and tube diameter. Numerical simulation for the purging air flow and mass transfer of the generated chemical species is done using a computational model and results are presented. The irradiator tube flow with a lip at exit, as normally used by the industry is first simulated. The mass concentration profiles show that the concentration of generated species near the glass tube wall is high, which explains tube smoking. Simulations are repeated without the lip, and the mass concentration near the tube wall is found to be much less, which suggests elimination of tube smoking problem. Computations are also done for larger tube diameter and without the lip, which gives lowest mass concentration near the glass wall. Experiments are carried out to verify the simulated results. Experimental results show that irradiator tube smoking occurs for lip condition, but by removing the lip the tube smoking problem can be eliminated, which is desirable.DOI: 10.3329/jme.v38i0.894 Journal of Mechanical Engineering Vol.38 Dec. 2007 pp.8-13
Capillary phenomena on a liquid surface
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Umemura Akira
Published: December 2008

Contraction of a liquid sheet of an incompressible Newtonian fluid in a passive ambient fluid is studied computationally to provide insights into the dynamics of capillary wave created during contraction. The problem composed of the Navier-Stokes system is associated with initial and boundary conditions that govern the time evolution of the capillary wave and the pressure and velocity fields within it. The correctness of the algorithm is verified with the data of experiment. It can be found that the prediction of the computation agrees well with the experiment. The algorithm is capable of capturing the capillary wave and therefore it is used to study the characteristic phenomena of that wave created on the surface of the liquid. Results show that the capillary wave is radiated from the tip of the liquid sheet caused by surface tension. The amplitude of the tip wave is much larger than any other waves and the asymptotic approach of the wave peaks can be observed during the propagation of waves. The tip wave contains the highest pressure and gradually the peak values of both high and low pressures decrease with the propagation of waves. Fluid velocity is motivated by both pressure due to surface tension and recirculation in peak and trough of the wave. During the contraction of the liquid sheet, the tip velocity is not uniform. Initially the length of the sheet increases a little and very soon the contraction occurs and continues. After long time, the gradient of tip velocity becomes very small. Keywords: Capillary wave, liquid sheet.DOI: 10.3329/jme.v38i0.900 Journal of Mechanical Engineering Vol.38 Dec. 2007 pp.45-51
EHL oil film thickness under rolling-sliding contact
Authors: Nuruzzaman DM , Sheikh MAA
Published: December 2008

The Elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) minimum oil film thickness is theoretically investigated under rolling with sliding contact. The effects of contact pressure, rolling speed and slip ratio on the EHL minimum oil film thickness are calculated numerically. It is found that for a range of contact pressure from 0.5 to 3.5 GPa, the minimum oil film thickness gradually decreases with the increase in contact pressure. As the rolling speed increases from 3500 to 4500 rpm, oil film thickness is increased. It is also found that the oil film thickness is not much influenced by the slip ratio. Keywords: EHL oil film thickness, Contact pressure, Rolling speed, Slip ratio. DOI: 10.3329/jme.v38i0.902 Journal of Mechanical Engineering Vol.38 Dec. 2007 pp.58-60
Nurse-midwifery education through graduate programs to provide a sufficient number of high quality nurse-midwives
Authors: Lee Kyung Hye
Published: December 2008

There is a decrease in the number of new midwives, resulting from the shutdown of midwifery education program in hospitals due to a decrease in birthrate in the Republic of Korea. To solve this problem, the current medical laws on midwifery education system in Korea should be revised; nurse-midwifery specialist programs must be established in educational institutes with nursing programs. To support this argument, the midwifery education programs of America, Europe, Australia, and Japan have been discussed, and a nurse-midwifery specialist curriculum at the master s level, based on the nurse-practitioner system of Korea, has been suggested. Since this assertion is very important and urgent for solving the future population problem of Korea and providing health care for women and children, it should be realized into action immediately.
Effects of Youth Tobacco Access and Possession Policy Interventions on Heavy Adolescent Smokers
Authors: Jason Leonard  A. , Pokorny Steven  B. , Adams Monica  L. , Topliff Annie , Harris Courtney  C. , Hunt Yvonne
Published: December 2008

This study evaluated the effects of tobacco PUP (Purchase, Use and Possession) laws on tobacco use patterns among students in twenty-four towns, which were randomly assigned into an experimental and a control group. The experimental group involved both PUP law enforcement and reducing minors’ access to commercial sources of tobacco, and the condition for the control group involved only efforts to reduce minors’ access to commercial sources of tobacco. The present study found that adolescents in the control group had a significantly greater increase in the percentage of youth who smoked 20 or more cigarettes per day when compared to the experimental group.
A New Method for the Determination of Nucleic Acid Using an Eu3+– nicotinic Acid Complex as a Resonance Light Scattering Probe
Authors: Guo Meng , Wang Lin-Tong , Wu Xia , Xu Wei , Yang Jing-He
Published: December 2008

This study found that in Tris-HCl buffer, the resonance light scattering (RLS) intensity of the Eu3+-nicotinic acid system can be greatly enhanced by nucleic acids and the enhanced intensity is proportional to the concentration of nucleic acid in the range of 7×10-8-1×10-5 g∙mL-1 for fsDNA, and its detection limit is 2×10-8 g∙mL-1. Based on this, a new method for the determination of nucleic acids is proposed. Synthetic and actual samples are determined satisfactorily. The interaction mechanism is also studied. It is thought that nucleic acid can bind with the Eu3+-nicotinic acid complex through electrostatic attraction and thus form a large Eu3+-nicotinic acid-nucleic acid complex.
Structure-Activity Relationship of Flavonoids Active Against Lard Oil Oxidation Based on Quantum Chemical Analysis
Authors: Yang Ji-Guo , Liu Ben-Guo , Liang Gui-Zhao , Ning Zheng-Xiang
Published: December 2008

In this study, the antioxidant activities of 15 flavonoids against lard oil oxidation were determined by using the Rancimat test. Quercetin, dihydromyricetin, luteolin and kaempferol showed the strongest antioxidant activity, with protection factor values (PF) of 11.50, 11.29, 4.24 and 2.49, respectively. The role of conjugated hydroxyl groups of the B and C ring is discussed. By using the following descriptors: ΔHf (the difference in heat of formation between flavonoids and their free radicals resulted after hydrogen atom donation) and HBC (the number of conjugated hydroxyl groups of the B and C ring), the result obtained in the antioxidant Rancimat test could be successfully explained.
DYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS AT REAL CONSTRAINTS
Authors: Pavelko Igor , Pavelko Vitalijs
Published: December 2008

The basic purpose of this article is consideration of the problems connected with the application of a method of concentrated weights in the tasks of mechanical system dynamics with non‐classic internal and external constraints. The method of concentrated weights is a convenient method to analyse the dynamic properties of elastic mechanical systems. It has relative simplicity of definition of the parameters of the equivalent discrete system and clearness of computing algorithms and provides comprehensible accuracy of definition of the lowest natural frequencies. A doubtless advantage of the method is its convenience of modelling non‐classic constraints of fastening and internal constraints between elements of complex systems. Such problems arise when making decisions about the practice tasks of the analysis of the dynamics of real systems. The method is used for the analysis of vibrations of a beam with variable parameters at the presence of elastic supporting of the beam and attached additional concentrated weight.

Santrauka

Pagrindinis straipsnio tikslas – analizuoti atskiras problemas, susijusias su koncentruotų masių metodu mechaninių sistemų dinamikos uždaviniuose su neklasikiniais vidiniais ir išoriniais ryšiais. Koncentruotų masių metodu yra patogu analizuoti tamprių mechaninių sistemų dinamines savybes. Šio metodo savybės yra tokios: ekvivalentinės diskrečios sistemos parametrų paprastas nustatymas; aiškus skaičiavimo algoritmas; pakankamai tikslus laisvųjų virpesių žemo dažnio nustatymas. Modeliuojant neklasikinius vidinius ir išorinius elementų ryšius sudėtingoje mechaninėje sistemoje išryškėja neabejotini metodo privalumai. Tokios problemos iškyla analizuojant realias dinamines sistemas. Šių tyrimų metu metodas buvo panaudotas analizuoti sraigtasparnio sijos virpesius, kai kinta tampraus įtvirtinimo ir tampriai pritvirtintos koncentruotos masės parametrai.
CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT IS A GUARANTEE OF SUCCESS
Authors: Kulyk Mykola
Published: December 2008

Nacionalinis aviacijos universitetas (Ukraina) šiemet švenčia 75-sias įkūrimo metines. Per tą laikotarpį išleista apie 150 000 specialistų, kurie dirba netgi 150-yje pasaulio šalių! Universitete didelis dėmesys skiriamas mokslinei veiklai – pastoviai kuriamos ir diegiamos progresyvios mokslinės naujovės, įvairiapusiškai bendradarbiaujama su kitų šalių aviacijos mokslo institucijomis, dalyvaujama įvairiuose tarptautiniuose projektuose ir programose. Nuolatinė plėtra yra universiteto sėkmingos veiklos garantas. Pagrindinis devizas - VIVERE! VICERE! CREATE! (Gyvenk! Kurk! Laimėk!).
La situation économique du Ghana et	l'initiative PPTE : une convergence favorable
Authors: Barat Christophe , Massuyeau Benoît , Spielvogel Gilles
Published: December 2008

Résumé Grâce à ses bonnes performances économiques au cours des années 1980 et 1990, le Ghana s’est attiré la sympathie des institutions de Bretton Woods et leur soutien financier. Avec une alternance politique réussie ce pays conserve et renforce son crédit auprès des bailleurs de fonds ce qui lui permet de bénéficier d’une aide conséquente au moment où le nouveau gouvernement doit redresser une situation financière difficile. Cette aide se traduit notamment par un traitement particulièrement favorable de sa dette dans le cadre de l’initiative PPTE (Pays pauvres très endettés). Après un refus initial d’adhérer à celle-ci, les autorités ont revu leur position. Ce revirement s’explique d’autant plus facilement que les modalités de calcul de l’initiative, assortie à la renégociation des conditions de rééchelonnement en Club de Paris, lui permettent de bénéficier pleinement des réductions de dette tout en limitant au maximum les contraintes de ré-affectation prévues dans l’initiative.
Une approche politique du contrôle de l'eau au Moyen-Orient
Authors: Boëdec François
Published: December 2008

Résumé Plus de 50 ans après la création d’Israël, la paix régionale n’est toujours pas installée au Moyen-Orient. L’explosion actuelle de violence semble avoir fait disparaître toute trace d’un processus de paix. Nombreux sont les sujets de tension sous-régionaux. Parmi ceux-ci, le dossier du contrôle des ressources hydrauliques revêt un caractère particulier, même s’il dépasse le seul affrontement israélo-arabe. Dans les trois cas des bassins fluviaux du Nil, du Tigre et de l’Euphrate et du Jourdain, la paix hydraulique ne peut être séparée des autres chantiers d’une paix générale au Moyen-Orient.
Le Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) : une coopération réussie dans l'attente d'une politique régionale de l'eau
Authors: Colombani Philippe
Published: December 2008

Résumé Dans un contexte de double enclavement géographique et géopolitique, ainsi que de pauvreté, le Lesotho avec le LHWPa accepté de se transformer en un immense château d’eau au bénéfice de l’Afrique du Sud. Comme toutes les grandes infrastructures de ce type, un tel programme n’a pas échappé aux critiques, notamment des organisations non gouvernementales (ONG). La leçon tirée de l'expérience de ce gigantesque projet est double : une analyse complète de l’ensemble des paramètres du développement durable demeure indispensable avant de se lancer dans des aménagements de grande ampleur ; la gestion de l’eau repose également au moins autant sur la gestion de la demande que sur celle de l’offre.
La tarification de l'eau au Maroc : comment servir différentes causes ?
Authors: Tenneson Mathilde , Rojat Dominique
Published: December 2008

Résumé Les ressources en eau du Maroc sont limitées et subissent une pollution croissante. L’utilisation rationnelle de l’eau doit concilier l’équilibre financier des réseaux, la satisfaction des besoins (pour l’eau potable) ou la valorisation économique (pour l’irrigation), et la durabilité. La tarification de l’eau ne permet pas d’atteindre simultanément ces différents objectifs. Pour être efficace, elle doit être nuancée dans ses modalités et s’inscrire dans un cadre réglementaire et institutionnel cohérent, représenté, au Maroc, par la loi sur l’eau de 1995 et les agences de bassin.
La Côte d'Ivoire : plusieurs lectures pour une crise annoncée
Authors: Hugon Philippe
Published: December 2008

La Côte d’Ivoire est au cœur d’un conflit latent depuis 1999 qui, depuis la tentative de coup d’Etat du 19 septembre 2002, peut dégénérer en guerre civile exacerbée, voire en conflagration régionale. Ce processus s’inscrit dans la longue durée. Il peut être mis en regard à la fois de la trajectoire nationale d’épuisement du modèle de développement et des autres conflits africains. Les facteurs explicatifs sont nombreux. L’intelligibilité de la crise suppose de restituer les facteurs économiques au sein de processus d’enchevêtrement de plusieurs logiques et de différents terrains d’affrontement.
Peuplement et migration en Afrique de l'Ouest : une crise régionale en Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Bossard Laurent
Published: December 2008

Cet article se propose de donner quelques éléments de perspective historique et prospective à la crise qui secoue la Côte d’Ivoire. Il souligne que ce problème a moins à voir avec les migrations qu’avec des problèmes agronomiques et environnementaux. Comme par le passé, des flux migratoires importants résulteront dans l’avenir de stratégies économiques des populations concernées. Mais les problèmes d’accès à la terre dans le Sud ivoirien étant désormais trop forts, d’autres zones de l’Afrique de l’Ouest connaîtront des dynamiques de peuplement rapides. La zone soudano-sahélienne de l’Afrique de l’Ouest mérite une attention particulière de ce point de vue. Pour préparer l’avenir et prévenir de nouvelles crises, la Côte d’Ivoire et ses voisins sahéliens ont tout intérêt à travailler ensemble à la valorisation et au peuplement de cette zone qui est le Nord de l’une et le Sud des autres.
La recherche pour le développement après Johannesburg
Authors: Girard Jean-François , Leroy Guillaume
Published: December 2008

Relever les défis pressants et complexes du développement durable va nécessiter, outre le financement du développement, l’élaboration et la diffusion de savoirs scientifiques et techniques qui concernent les sciences aussi bien physiques et biologiques que sociales et humaines. Dans cette perspective, un choix politique doit être clairement affiché et des moyens proposés en faveur du renforcement des capacités de recherche des pays du Sud, de la promotion des partenariats Nord-Sud et Sud-Sud, ainsi que de la mise en œuvre rapide des résultats de la recherche sur les enjeux prioritaires du développement.
Le “modèle” de l'effondrement libérien ou la tentation de la déconstruction en Afrique de l'Ouest
Authors: Châtaigner Jean-Marc
Published: December 2008

Le démarrage du conflit civil libérien en décembre 1989 a marqué le début d’une période d’instabilité durable pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest. L’absence de volonté et l’incapacité des pays de la région et de la communauté internationale à apporter une solution effective à ce conflit ont entraîné une déstabilisation en profondeur du Liberia, puis de l’ensemble des pays voisins, dont il est encore à ce stade difficile d’évaluer toutes les conséquences. La situation libérienne constitue " un modèle " de déconstruction dont on ne saurait sous-estimer la force d’attraction ou de contagion pour les autres pays de la région. La communauté internationale s’est contentée avec les sanctions contre le régime de Taylor de placer un cautère sur une jambe de bois. D’autres approches mériteraient maintenant d’être tentées pour permettre le retour d’une paix durable dans toute la région.
La politique africaine des Etats-Unis : une mise en perspective
Authors: Leriche Frédéric
Published: December 2008

Résumé Longtemps située dans un "angle mort" de la politique extérieure américaine, l’Afrique suscite l’intérêt de Washington depuis une décennie. Dans le nouveau contexte géopolitique global marqué par l’unilatéralisme américain, comment interpréter cette mutation ? L’Afrique semble désormais intégrée dans la stratégie globale américaine, en raison tant de ses ressources naturelles (le pétrole au premier chef), que de la lutte contre l’islamisme radical.
Le Millennium Challenge Account, évolution ou révolution dans l'aide publique au développement des Etats-Unis ?
Authors: Boissenin René
Published: December 2008

Résumé Le Millenium Challenge Account (MCA), proposé dès 2002 par le président George W. Bush, est un projet qui suscite actuellement beaucoup d’espoirs et quelques craintes. S'agit-il d'une révolution dans l'aide des Etats-Unis ? Oui, car il expérimente des principes encore peu pratiqués en tentant d'abstraire l'aide au développement des considérations politiques ou d'influence. D'un autre côté il n'y a pas à proprement parler d'innovation, mais seulement la prise en compte de certaines des dernières préoccupations des pays donateurs en matière d'aide au développement. La question est de savoir comment ce programme passera l'épreuve du Congrès des Etats-Unis en gardant l'essentiel de ses atouts.
Diego Garcia : enjeux de la présence américaine dans l'océan Indien
Authors: Oraison André
Published: December 2008

Résumé Dans l’archipel des Chagos, l’atoll de Diego Garcia est la seule base militaire anglo-américaine permanente dans l’océan Indien, en vertu d’un traité bilatéral de 1976. La base de Diego Garcia permet aux Etats-Unis de contrôler le trafic aérien et maritime sur environ 75 millions de km 2 . Cependant, elle n’a pas joué un rôle majeur dans la guerre d’Irak en avril 2003 et l’on peut parler d'un déclin au moins relatif par rapport à la guerre du Golfe de 1991. Parallèlement, l'archipel des Chagos est officiellement revendiqué depuis 1980 par l’île Maurice tandis que ses habitants – déplacés pour la plupart à Port-Louis – réclament depuis 1983 un droit de retour dans leurs îles natales. La communauté internationale n'a pas fini d'entendre parler de Diego Garcia sur le double plan politique et juridique.
De la guerre et de la paix en Afrique
Authors: Kipré Pierre
Published: December 2008

Résumé Cette contribution vise à s’interroger sur les voies possibles d’une éducation à la paix en Afrique en partant d’un essai d’anthropologie historique de la violence et de la guerre, puis en examinant les modes de retour à la paix ou de préservation de celle-ci dans n os sociétés d’hier, avant de risquer quelques propositions pour aujourd’hui, au moment où l’accès à une éducation de qualité pour tous est universellement admis.
Sénégal : des dérives du système des transports à la catastrophe du Joola
Authors: Lombard Jérôme
Published: December 2008

Résumé Dans la nuit du 26 au 27 septembre 2002, le chavirement du navire Le Joola a provoqué la mort de près de 2 000 morts. Dans une période de liberalisation des transports sénégalais, cette catastrophe souligne combien la déficience de l’autorité publique, dans l’organisation du système, est porteuse de graves conséquences. Elle soulève aussi le difficile problème de l’équilibre entre intérêt général et intérêts particuliers et esquisse quelques pistes de réflexion et de solutions pour sortir de l’impasse.
Estimation de l'évolution de la pauvreté monétaire dans le modèle Jumbo : premiers résultats
Authors: Cogneau Denis
Published: December 2008

Résumé Cet article présente une estimation régionale homogène de l’incidence de la pauvreté dans les pays de la zone franc en 2002 et de son évolution en 2003 et 2004. Il met en avant le rôle central de la lutte contre les inégalités et des politiques de redistribution dans la lutte contre la pauvreté dans les pays les plus riches (relativement) de la zone. En ce qui concerne l’Objectif du Millénaire en matière de pauvreté, la croissance annuelle moyenne de la consommation par tête nécessaire entre 2003 et 2015 pour l’atteindre paraît hors de portée des pays de la zone franc... à l’exception éventuelle du Sénégal.
Le fédéralisme au secours de l'Afrique ?
Authors: Pérouse de Montclos Marc-Antoine
Published: December 2008

Résumé En Afrique, le fédéralisme est souvent présenté comme une solution pour gérer des grands ensembles territoriaux, décentraliser des Etats fragiles et réconcilier des sociétés multiculturelles, notamment au sortir de guerres civiles. En pratique, cependant, les expériences contrastées du Nigeria et du Soudan montrent que les vertus intrinsèques d'un tel système sont très limitées par la forme que veulent bien lui donner des pouvoirs autoritaires.
Vers une paix et un développement durables en Afrique
Authors: Wiltzer Pierre-André
Published: December 2008

Résumé Forte de ses liens historiques et culturels avec l’Afrique, la France déploie aujourd’hui de nombreux efforts pour y promouvoir et y faciliter la paix et la sécurité. Cette sécurité exige toutefois des conditions qui vont au-delà des seuls moyens militaires. Des forces armées crédibles pour désamorcer ou circonscrire un foyer de tension n’ont pas vocation à remédier aux causes profondes de ces conflits qui, dans une large mesure, sont en rapport direct avec la pauvreté. La sécurité et le développement sont donc inextricablement liés.
Aide publique au développement et réformes des systèmes de sécurité : l'improbable rencontre du Dr Jekyll et de Mr Hyde
Authors: Châtaigner Jean-Marc
Published: December 2008

Résumé Les objectifs de promotion de la paix et de la sécurité sont désormais considérés comme "des piliers fondamentaux du développement et de la réduction de la pauvreté". Cette mutation renvoie à l’apparition dans les années 1990 du concept plus large de "sécurité humaine". Ce changement conceptuel ne peut pas être déconnecté des préoccupations des pays du Nord dans la lutte contre des menaces nouvelles. Cependant, il répond aussi à une demande des pays partenaires. Les programmes de réforme des systèmes de sécurité devront être gérés dans un cadre civil afin d’éviter toute confusion d’objectifs.
Côte d'Ivoire : la violence, juste avant la guerre
Authors: Galy Michel
Published: December 2008

Résumé Peut-on discerner, dans les violences ordinaires, des "patterns" des conduites conflictuelles à venir, des signes avant-coureurs et des seuils où les pensées et les actes s’infléchissent - et que l’on pourrait éventuellement influencer avant que ne survienne le pire ? C’est cette recherche délcate qui est effectuée ici à partir d’observations de terrain pour la Côte d’Ivoire d’avant septembre 2002.
Construire ensemble la société du savoir en Afrique
Authors: Chasseriaux Jean-Michel
Published: December 2008

Résumé Dans le contexte actuel de mondialisation et de transition vers une société du savoir, les connaissances scientifiques et techniques prennent une importance accrue dans le processus de développement. Leur production et leur utilisation pour et par les Africains et plus généralement les pays en développement ne peuvent être assurées de façon satisfaisante par le marché. L’aide publique au développement peut compenser cette défaillance. Dans cet esprit, l’Europe doit contribuer à construire une société africaine du savoir.
Les questions foncières en Afrique du Sud : perspectives et mécanismes de la réforme foncière, 1994-2004
Authors: Drimie Scott
Published: December 2008

Résumé L’Afrique du Sud a une politique de réforme foncière ambitieuse. Au lendemain de la suppression officielle de l’apartheid, le but de cette politique était de corriger les déséquilibres raciaux du régime foncier, de développer le secteur agricole et d’améliorer les conditions de vie des catégories les plus pauvres de la population. Cependant, malgré une dizaine d’années d’annonces et de mise en œuvre de la réforme foncière, celle-ci n’a fait que très peu de progrès.
La réforme des transports publics urbains à l'épreuve de l'intégration du secteur informel
Authors: Lomme Roland
Published: December 2008

Résumé Le cas des transports urbains est exemplaire des difficultés de la légalisation du secteur informel et de son intégration au processus de modernisation économique et sociale : en Afrique du Sud, comme dans d’autres pays en développement, le secteur informel a, dans ce secteur, concurrencé avec succès les prestataires attitrés du service public au point de les marginaliser.