bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epistemological shell of the econometric findings
Authors: Madzar Ljubomir
Published: July 2010

The paper is a continuation of the dialogue relating to the study cited as the first item in the reference list to this article. It contains further comments on that study as well as responses to the authors? reply to the previously given comments, published in a special issue of the Ekonomski anali cited as the second item of the reference list. The principal issue of this exchange is the treatment of previous non-econometric work in the field of macroeconomic interrelationships and of the corresponding changes in the economy of Serbia. The postulate advanced in this text is the same as the one in the previous critical review of the study by Arsic et al. (2005a) and consists in the statement that econometric analysis of empirical characteristics of the Serbian economy should respect and incorporate knowledge accumulated through the use of non-econometric techniques before the study was produced. Econometricians should do that by framing appropriately their maintained hypotheses, by selecting structural specification of the various relations in the model and through interpreting the results obtained in the form of econometric estimates. A number of critical observations are reiterated regarding the way some relations are structurally specified. Among such criticized relations are the model?s production function having imports as the only argument and the import function. Imports are judged as inappropriate in the role of the argument in the production function because they not only contribute to production through technological complementarities but also reduce it through the demand segment of the system, by capturing a good deal of domestic demand and stifling a number of sectors of domestic economy. Imports are financed, among other, by several ephemeral, short-lived sources such as donations, foreign indebtedness and privatization receipts. Imports are therefore not sustainable and their enormous increase within a limited time interval boils down to a destructive blow, to a dangerous shock to the domestic economy similar to the Dutch disease. Critical remarks are also given regarding the import function in which the sum of wages and salaries is adopted as a measure of the aggregate demand.
The dual role of equilibrium price in competitive economies with asymmetric information
Authors: Trifunovic Dejan
Published: July 2010

This paper analyses equilibrium in competitive markets with asymmetrically informed agents. In contrast to Walrasian equilibrium, where equilibrium price is only an indicator of relative scarcity, in the models studied in this paper equilibrium price has two additional roles. It conveys and aggregates the private information of agents in the economy. Each agent infers the private information of other agents by studying the equilibrium price. This implies that agents in this setting have higher cognitive capabilities than Walrasian agents. The equilibrium concept used to describe these additional roles of equilibrium price is called Rational Expectations Equilibrium (REE).
Modeling inflation uncertainty in transition economies: The case of Russia and the former Soviet Republics
Authors: Erkam Serkan , Cavusoglu Tarkan
Published: July 2010

This study investigates the linkage between inflation and inflation uncertainty in seven transitional economies (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation and the Ukraine) which experienced hyper-inflation until the mid-1990s. This linkage is investigated in the ARCH modeling framework by using both conventional Granger noncausality testing and the Holmes-Hutton approach, which has significant small- and large-sample power advantages over the former. The results support the Friedman- Ball hypothesis in Azerbaijan, the Russian Federation and the Ukraine. The Cukierman-Meltzer hypothesis is favored in the Kyrgyz Republic and in the Russian Federation using a different model. In Azerbaijan, greater inflation uncertainty preceded lower rates of inflation, indicative of the strong monetary stabilization policies pursued in this economy.
Government revenue-expenditure nexus: Evidence from several transitional economies
Authors: Konukcu-Önal Debi , Tosun Nil
Published: July 2010

Budget deficits and the debate on the sources of deficit finance have been on the agenda of public economics ever since the 1980s. However recently in the post-communist countries fiscal imbalances appear to be an important problem due to prolonged periods of growing poverty resulting from the transition process. Poverty alleviation policies considerably affect the revenue and expenditure decisions of governments, which are subject to hard budget constraints in an open transitional economy and do not have room for departing from sound fiscal policies. The public finance literature provides a vast number of studies analyzing the relationship between public revenues and expenditures. These studies are mostly characterized by efforts to reveal the attitude of the fiscal authority towards maintaining the budget balance. In this respect, budgetary dynamics in which past government revenues have predictive power on the current level of government expenditures are accepted as evidence of the so-called tax-and-spend hypothesis. On the other hand, the revenue-expenditure nexus running from expenditures to revenues is known in the literature as the spend-and-tax hypothesis. The objective of this study is to analyze empirically the relationship between government revenues and expenditures in four of the transitional economies, i.e. Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation. The empirical findings of this study, which are based on Granger causality tests, indicate evidence supporting the tax-and-spend hypothesis in Belarus and the Russian Federation and fiscal synchronization in Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic. The empirical support for the tax-and-spend hypothesis in these economies implies that increasing government revenues may not end up with lower budget deficits due to their stimulating effect on the demand for public goods and services.
Dual income tax: An option for the reform of personal income tax in Serbia?
Authors: Randjelovic Sasa
Published: July 2010

Contemporary tax theory and practice provides two fundamental concepts for taxation of personal income: scheduler and global. Several systems have been derived from these basic models, including combined, flat, dual and negative income tax. Dual income tax, the subject of this paper, requires progressive taxation of income from employment and proportional taxation of income from capital. However, strict application of this system significantly violates the principle of equitability of taxation, both horizontally and vertically.
Determination analysis of temperature regimes, functional characteristics and sliding curves of a hydrodynamic clutch
Authors: Krstic Bozidar , Babic Milun , Lazic Vukic , Raicevic Vladimir , Despotovic Milan , Milosavljevic Dragan , Krstic Vojislav
Published: July 2010

Analysis of output quality of power transmitters is possible in position when characteristics are determined earlier. This is the reason why we focused on determination of these characteristics for a concrete power hydro-transmitter. This means that the investigation task primarily consisted of determination of functional characteristics, defining of the sliding curves and temperature regimes of a concrete hydrodynamic clutch. Results of velocity and pressure field investigations in the working space of this clutch, obtained by use of the same test setup, are the basis for determination and analysis of the functional characteristics, sliding curves and temperature regimes. In this work we also analyzed function of the hydrodynamic transmitter in assembly with an internal combustion engine, as well as a process of acceleration and deceleration of a vehicle with this assembly in it.
Energy efficiency of residential buildings in Serbia
Authors: Sumarac Dragoslav , Todorovic Maja , Djurovic-Petrovic Maja , Trisovic Natasa
Published: July 2010

In this paper, presented is the state of the art of Energy Efficiency (EE) of residential buildings in Serbia. Special attention is paid to energy efficiency in already existing buildings. The average energy consumption in residential buildings in Serbia is over 150 kWh/m2 per year, while in developed European countries it is about 50 kWh/m2 per year. In this paper examined is the contribution of ventilation losses, through the windows of low quality, regardless whether they are poorly made, or made from bad materials, or with no adequate glass. Besides ventilation losses, which are of major importance in our buildings, special attention is paid to transmission losses, which are consequence of the quality and energy efficiency of the facade. All of the above statements are proved by measurements obtained on a representative building of the Block 34 in New Belgrade, built in the eighties of the last century. In addition to measurements performed the calculation of energy consumption for heating during winter has been made. The results of two different methods of calculation of energy consumption for heating are compared with the values obtained by measuring.
Energetic analysis of hard facing and weld cladding of an air powered drop hammer damaged ram
Authors: Lazic Vukic , Jovanovic Milorad , Sedmak Aleksandar , Aleksandrovic Srbislav , Milosavljevic Dragan , Krstic Bozidar , Cukic Rajko
Published: July 2010

This paper studies problems of hard facing of damaged and initially cracked mechanical engineering heavy parts of complex geometry such as large rams of air powered drop hammers. During long-term exploitation, these parts are subjected to thermal fatigue due to cyclic temperature changes and variable impact compression. Taking into consideration high ram costs and difficulties to purchase ram, the necessity of its reparation becomes obvious. The choices of the most suitable technologies of hard facing and welding of an initially cracked ram are also studied here. Besides the techno-economic analysis, an energetic analysis is performed as an additional criterion in assessment of the proposed technology.
The influence of brake pads thermal conductivity on passenger car brake system efficiency
Authors: Milenkovic Predrag , Jovanovic Sasa , Jankovic Aleksandra , Milovanovic Milan , Vitosevic Nenad , Djordjevic Milan , Raicevic Mile
Published: July 2010

In phase of vehicle braking system designing, besides of mechanical characteristics, it is also necessary to take under consideration the system?s thermal features. This is because it is not enough just to achieve proper braking power, for the brake system to be effective but equally important thing is the dissipation of heat to the environment. Heat developed in the friction surfaces dissipate into the environment over the disk in one hand and through the brake linings and caliper, in the other. The striving is to make that greatest amount of heat to dissipate not threw the brake pads but threw disc. The experimental researching of heat transfer process taking place at vehicle brakes was made in the R&D Center of ?Zastava automobili? car factory in order to increase the efficiency of brake system. The standard laboratory and road test procedures were used, according to factory quality regulations. The modern equipment such as thermo camera, thermo couples, torque transducers, signal amplifiers, optical speed measuring system and laptop computer were used. In this paper will be shown the part of the experimental researching, which refers to the thermal conductivity of brake pad friction linings.
The influence of the magnetic field on the ionized gas flow adjacent to the porous wall
Authors: Savic Slobodan , Obrovic Branko , Despotovic Milan , Gordic Dusan
Published: July 2010

This paper studies the influence of the magnetic field on the planar laminar steady flow of the ionized gas in the boundary layer. The present outer magnetic field is homogenous and perpendicular to the body within the fluid. The gas of the same physical characteristics as the gas in the main flow is injected (ejected) through the contour of the body. The governing boundary layer equations for different forms of the electroconductivity variation law are transformed, brought to a generalized form and solved numerically in a four-parametric approximation. It has been determined that the magnetic field, through the magnetic parameter, has a great influence on certain quantities and characteristics of the boundary layer. It has also been shown that this parameter has an especially significant influence on the non-dimensional friction function, and hence the boundary layer separation point.
Nonlinear transient heat conduction analysis of insulation wall of tank for transportation of liquid aluminum
Authors: Zivkovic Miroslav , Nikolic Aleksandar , Slavkovic Radovan , Zivic Fatima
Published: July 2010

This paper deals with transient nonlinear heat conduction through the insulation wall of the tank for transportation of liquid aluminum. Tanks designed for this purpose must satisfy certain requirements regarding temperature of loading and unloading, during transport. Basic theoretical equations are presented, which describe the problem of heat conduction finite element (FE) analysis, starting from the differential equation of energy balance, taking into account the initial and boundary conditions of the problem. General 3D problem for heat conduction is considered, from which solutions for two- and one-dimensional heat conduction can be obtained, as special cases. Forming of the finite element matrices using Galerkin method is briefly described. The procedure for solving equations of energy balance is discussed, by methods of resolving iterative processes of nonlinear transient heat conduction. Solution of this problem illustrates possibilities of PAK-T software package, such as materials properties, given as tabular data, or analytical functions. Software also offers the possibility to solve nonlinear and transient problems with incremental methods. Obtained results for different thicknesses of the tank wall insulation materials enable its comparison in regards to given conditions.
Experimental and artificial neural network approach for forecasting of traffic air pollution in urban areas: The case of Subotica
Authors: Vujic Bogdana , Vukmirovic Srdjan , Vujic Goran , Jovicic Nebojsa , Jovicic Gordana , Babic Milun
Published: July 2010

In the recent years, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been used to predict the concentrations of various gaseous pollutants in ambient air, mainly to forecast mean daily particle concentrations. The data on traffic air pollution, irrespective of whether they are obtained by measuring or modelling, represent an important starting point for planning effective measures to improve air quality in urban areas. The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical model for predicting daily concentrations of air pollution caused by the traffic in urban areas. For the model development, experimental data have been collected for 10 months, covering all four seasons. The data about hourly concentration levels of suspended particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 ?m (PM10) and meteorological data (temperature, air humidity, speed and direction of wind), measured at the measuring station in the town of Subotica from June 2008 to March 2009, served as the basis for developing an ANN-based model for forecasting mean daily concentrations of PM10. The quality of the ANN model was assessed on the basis of the statistical parameters, such as RMSE, MAE, MAPE, and r.
Overview of a new method for designing high efficiency small hydro power plants
Authors: Babic Milun , Gordic Dusan , Jelic Dubravka , Koncalovic Davor , Milovanovic Dobrica , Jovicic Nebojsa , Despotovic Milan , Sustersic Vanja
Published: July 2010

Significant number of research projects in the area of renewable energy sources (especially for small hydro power plants) has been made within the Department for Energy and Process Engineering and Regional Euro Energy Efficiency Center at Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (University of Kragujevac, Serbia) since early eighties. The results are various; numerous domestic and international recognition and technical performance tell about the success of the research. Research projects have been following the technical and technological development of research equipment and economy growth. This has led to the development of software for designing turbines of SHP plants. In order to notify the public about possibilities of our software, in this paper is briefly described a mathematical model and procedures for calculating and designing of SHPP for known conditions. As an argument for assessing the validity and potential of our research results is shown constructed SHP plant ?Bosnia 1?, 2 x 100 kW power.
Unsteady plane MHD boundary layer flow of a fluid of variable electrical conductivity
Authors: Boricic Zoran , Nikodijevic Dragisa , Milenkovic Dragica , Stamenkovic Zivojin , Zivkovic Dragan , Jovanovic Milos
Published: July 2010

This paper is devoted to the analysis of unsteady plane laminar magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) boundary layer flow of incompressible and variable electrical conductivity fluid. The present magnetic field is homogenous and perpendicular to the body surface. Outer electric filed is neglected and magnetic Reynolds number is significantly lower then one i.e. considered problem is in induction-less approximation. Free stream velocity is an arbitrary differentiable function. Fluid electrical conductivity is decreasing function of velocity ratio. In order to solve the described problem multiparametric (generalized similarity) method is used and so-called universal equations are obtained. Obtained universal equations are solved numerically in appropriate approximation and a part of obtained results is given in the form of figures and corresponding conclusions.
On Rough Subgroup of a Group
Authors: Liang Xiquan , Li Dailu
Published: July 2010

On Rough Subgroup of a Group

This article describes a rough subgroup with respect to a normal subgroup of a group, and some properties of the lower and the upper approximations in a group.
On the Lattice of Intervals and Rough Sets
Authors: Grabowski Adam , Jastrzębska Magdalena
Published: July 2010

On the Lattice of Intervals and Rough Sets

Rough sets, developed by Pawlak [6], are an important tool to describe a situation of incomplete or partially unknown information. One of the algebraic models deals with the pair of the upper and the lower approximation. Although usually the tolerance or the equivalence relation is taken into account when considering a rough set, here we rather concentrate on the model with the pair of two definable sets, hence we are close to the notion of an interval set. In this article, the lattices of rough sets and intervals are formalized. This paper, being essentially the continuation of [3], is also a step towards the formalization of the algebraic theory of rough sets, as in [4] or [9].
Responsabilità sociale e gestione etica dell'impresa tra profitto e primato della persona umana
Authors: Comite Ubaldo
Published: July 2010

Responsabilità sociale e gestione etica dell'impresa tra profitto e primato della persona umana

Negli ultimi anni si è andato affermando in maniera crescente il concetto di responsabilità in ambito pubblico e privato. In tal senso, sia le imprese che le amministrazioni pubbliche hanno avviato in diversi contesti programmi di responsabilità sociale. Il punto di riferimento di imprenditori e manager non sono più, semplicemente, gli azionisti e gli investitori ma, accanto a questi stanno progressivamente subentrando altre categorie di soggetti ai quali, nel terzo millennio, l'impresa deve rendere conto, ovvero: lavoratori, fornitori, risparmiatori, cittadini, istituzioni sociali. L'attenzione sta dunque passando dagli shareholder agli stakeholder e da qui la necessità di munirsi di adeguati strumenti. La definizione di responsabilità sociale più diffusa è stata esplicitata dall'Unione Europea che l'ha definita come "Integrazione volontaria delle preoccupazioni sociali e ecologiche delle imprese nelle loro operazioni commerciali e nei loro rapporti con le parti interessate", integrazione da intendersi come risposta alle esigenze di innovazione delle pratiche di governo dell'impresa e del territorio. Attraverso la Responsabilità Sociale di Impresa si intende fare riferimento ad un modello di governance allargata, in base al quale chi governa l'impresa ha responsabilità che si estendono dall'osservanza dei doveri fiduciari nei riguardi della proprietà ad analoghi doveri fiduciari nei riguardi, in generale, di tutti gli stakeholder. Si tratta, dunque, di un concetto che si sta diffondendo rapidamente come approccio innovativo alla gestione aziendale, la cui valutazione globale non si limita più ad analizzare aspetti di carattere economico, ma tiene conto di valori quali la tutela ambientale, la salvaguardia della salute, il rispetto dei diritti umani, in altri termini dell'apporto sociale dell'attività posta in essere. Ancora, nella gestione d'impresa occorre coniugare due valori fondamentali: la creazione del profitto e il primato della persona umana, con particolare attenzione al suo sviluppo. Nell'impresa che viene gestita "eticamente" il perseguimento del profitto tende a collocarsi in un quadro più ampio di "creazione di valore" per tutti i soggetti che, direttamente o indirettamente, sono associati all'azienda. Guidare l'impresa con responsabilità significa farla crescere e conseguentemente far progredire la società nel suo insieme. In tal senso, il contributo intende proporre una riflessione sul concetto di Responsabilità Sociale di Impresa complessivamente inteso, in rapporto all'etica degli affari.
The History of Greek Catholic Church in Slovakia
Authors: Šturák Peter
Published: July 2010

The History of Greek Catholic Church in Slovakia

This contribution deals with history of Greek Catholic Church since 1818 till present time. It is concerned, among others, with history of the Eparchy of Prešov, with very long and very complicated way of its development. The most important event in the history of the Greek Catholic Church in Slovakia was a visit of Holy Father John Paul II in Prešov and commemoration of bishop-martyr Pavol Peter Gojdiĉ.
Der Ritus der Priesterweihe nach dem Archijeratikon von Prešov
Authors: Boháč Vojtech
Published: July 2010

Der Ritus der Priesterweihe nach dem Archijeratikon von Prešov

Der Artikel behandelt den Ritus der Priesterweihe in der Eparchie Prešov nach der Ordnung der zwei Archijeratika, die in der Geschichte der Eparchie benutzt wurden. Der erste Archijeratikon wurde 1740 in Zamošt' herausgegeben, der zweite Archijeratikon wurde 1973 vom Römischen apostolischen Stuhl herausgegeben. Durch den Vergleich der Riten der Priesterweihe in beiden Archijeratika wird eine Kontinuität der Riten sehr deutlich, die sich nur wenig Unterscheiden.
Critical Issues and Common Pitfalls in Designing and Conducting Impact Studies in Education
Authors: Song Mengli , Herman Rebecca
Published: July 2010

Drawing on our five years of experience developing WWC evidence standards and reviewing studies against those standards as well as current literature on the design of impact studies, we highlight in this paper some of the most critical issues and common pitfalls in designing and conducting impact studies in education, and provide practical guidance on addressing these issues and avoiding common pitfalls. This paper serves as a quick reference guide for researchers who design and conduct impact studies in education and related fields. Information presented in this paper may also help research users make better informed judgments about the quality of the research and the credibility of the evidence produced from the research.
Surgical management and outcome of schwannomas in the craniocervical region
Authors: Cavalcanti Daniel D. , Martirosyan Nikolay L. , Verma Ketan , Safavi-Abbasi Sam , Porter Randall W. , Theodore Nicholas , Sonntag Volker K. H. , Dickman Curtis A. , Spetzler Robert F.
Published: July 2010

Object

Schwannomas occupying the craniocervical junction (CCJ) are rare and usually originate from the jugular foramen, hypoglossal nerves, and C-1 and C-2 nerves. Although they may have different origins, they may share the same symptoms, surgical approaches, and complications. An extension of these lesions along the posterior fossa cisterns, foramina, and spinal canal—usually involving various cranial nerves (CNs) and the vertebral and cerebellar arteries—poses a surgical challenge. The primary goals of both surgical and radiosurgical management of schwannomas in the CCJ are the preservation and restoration of function of the lower CNs, and of hearing and facial nerve function. The origins of schwannomas in the CCJ and their clinical presentation, surgical management, adjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery, and outcomes in 36 patients treated at Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) are presented.

Methods

Between 1989 and 2009, 36 patients (mean age 43.6 years, range 17–68 years) with craniocervical schwannomas underwent surgical resection at BNI. The records were reviewed retrospectively regarding clinical presentation, radiographic assessment, surgical approaches, adjuvant therapies, and follow-up outcomes.

Results

Headache or neck pain was present in 72.2% of patients. Cranial nerve impairments, mainly involving the vagus nerve, were present in 14 patients (38.9%). Motor deficits were found in 27.8% of the patients. Sixteen tumors were intra- and extradural, 15 were intradural, and 5 were extradural. Gross-total resection was achieved in 25 patients (69.4%). Adjunctive radiosurgery was used in the management of residual tumor in 8 patients; tumor control was ultimately obtained in all cases.

Conclusions

Surgical removal, which is the treatment of choice, is curative when schwannomas in the CCJ are excised completely. The far-lateral approach and its variations are our preferred approaches for managing these lesions. Most common complications involve deficits of the lower CNs, and their early recognition and rehabilitation are needed. Stereotactic radiosurgery, an important tool for the management of these tumors as adjuvant therapy, can help decrease morbidity rates.
The role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, aquaporin-4, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in blood-brain barrier disruption and brain edema after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Higashida Tetsuhiro , Kreipke Christian W. , Rafols José A. , Peng Changya , Schafer Steven , Schafer Patrick , Ding Jamie Y. , Dornbos David , Li Xiaohua , Guthikonda Murali , Rossi Noreen F. , Ding Yuchuan
Published: July 2010

Object

The present study investigated the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), aquaporin-4 (AQP-4), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability alterations and brain edema formation in a rodent traumatic brain injury (TBI) model.

Methods

The brains of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (400–425 g) were injured using the Marmarou closed-head force impact model. Anti–AQP-4 antibody, minocycline (an inhibitor of MMP-9), or 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2, an inhibitor of HIF-1α), was administered intravenously 30 minutes after injury. The rats were killed 24 hours after injury and their brains were examined for protein expression, BBB permeability, and brain edema. Expression of HIF-1α, AQP-4, and MMP-9 as well as expression of the vascular basal lamina protein (laminin) and tight junction proteins (zona occludens-1 and occludin) was determined by Western blotting. Blood-brain barrier disruption was assessed by FITC-dextran extravasation, and brain edema was measured by the brain water content.

Results

Significant (p < 0.05) edema and BBB extravasations were observed following TBI induction. Compared with sham-operated controls, the injured animals were found to have significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced expression of HIF-1α, AQP-4, and MMP-9, in addition to reduced amounts (p < 0.05) of laminin and tight junction proteins. Edema was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased after inhibition of AQP-4, MMP-9, or HIF-1α. While BBB permeability was significantly (p < 0.01) ameliorated after inhibition of either HIF-1α or MMP-9, it was not affected following inhibition of AQP-4. Inhibition of MMP reversed the loss of laminin (p < 0.01). Finally, while inhibition of HIF-1α significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the expression of AQP-4 and MMP-9, such inhibition significantly (p < 0.05) increased the expression of laminin and tight junction proteins.

Conclusions

The data support the notion that HIF-1α plays a role in brain edema formation and BBB disruption via a molecular pathway cascade involving AQP-4 and MMP-9. Pharmacological blockade of this pathway in patients with TBI may provide a novel therapeutic strategy.
TCCA-Promoted Solvent-Free Chemoselective Synthesis of Thiosulfonates on Grinding
Authors: Xu Yali , Peng Yong , Sun Junhui , Chen Jiuxi , Ding Jinchang , Wu Huayue
Published: July 2010

Trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) is an inexpensive and efficient reagent for solvent-free chemoselective synthesis of thiosulfonates by grinding, providing a metal-free new methodology for the oxidation of disulfides. The important features of this method are that it is reasonably fast, very clean, high yielding, has a simple workup and is environmentally benign.
Synthesis of Complexes of Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), La(III) and Cu(II) with a Schiff Base Macrocyclic Ligand Containing Pyridine
Authors: İlhan Salih , Temel Hamdi
Published: July 2010

1,5-bis(2-formylphenyl)pentane (synthesised from 1,5 dibromopentane and salicylaldehyde). reacts with 2,6-diaminopyridine to give a new macrocyclic ligand that gives Cu(II), Ni(II), Pb(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and La(III) complexes by reaction with Cu(NO3)2·3H2O, Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, Pb(NO3)2, Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, Cd(NO3)2·4H2O and La(NO3)3·6H2O respectively. The ligand and its metal complexes have been characterised by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR, UV-Vis spectra, magnetic susceptibility, conductivity measurements and mass spectra. All complexes are diamagnetic and the Cu(II) complex is binuclear.
Synthesis and Structure of Dimethyl 3,6-Diphenyl-1,2- Dihydro-1,2,4,5-Tetrazine-1,2-Dicarboxylate
Authors: Rao Guo-Wu , Lu Xiao-Jing , Hu Wei-Xiao
Published: July 2010

Dimethyl 3,6-diphenyl-1,2-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-1,2-dicarboxylate was prepared from methyl chloroformate and 3,6-diphenyl-1,2(or 1,4)-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine and its structure elucidated by X-ray analysis. This reaction yields the title compound rather than dimethyl 3,6-diphenyl-1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-1,4-dicarboxylate. The 2,3-diazabutadiene group in the central six-membered ring of tetrazine is not planar and the tetrazine ring has a twist conformation.
Acid Catalysed Reaction of Indanones, Tetralones and Benzosuberone with Neopentyl Glycol and other Alkanediols under Forced Conditions
Authors: Imai Masao , Morais Goreti Ribeiro , al-Hindawi Bassam , al-Sulaibi Mazen A. M. , Meetani Mohammad , Thiemann Thies
Published: July 2010

Upon reaction with an excess of 2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diol (neopentyl glycol, NPG) under acid catalysis, indanones and tetralones yield indenes and dihydronaphthalenes, respectively. The reaction can also be carried out with butane-1,3-diol.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of 3-Cyano-2-(1H-Indol-3-yl)Pyridine Derivatives by a Multicomponent Reaction
Authors: Geng Li-Jun , Feng Guo-Liang , Yu Jiu-Gao
Published: July 2010

Preparation of a series of 3-cyano-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)pyridine derivatives through the one-pot multicomponent coupling of aromatic aldehydes, aromatic ketones, 3-(cyanoacetyl)indole and ammonium acetate is studied in the present article. All these compounds were obtained in good yield and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, IR and elementary analysis.
Oxidative Carbonylation of Aniline with a Mesoporous Silica Gel Immobilised Se-Functionalised Ionic Liquid Catalyst
Authors: Ma Yubo , Shi Feng , Deng Youquan
Published: July 2010

A series of BMImBF4-templated mesoporous silica gel immobilised Se-functionalised ionic liquids have been prepared. The catalysts were characterised by BET, FTIR and ICP-AES, and the results showed that the content of Se increased from 2.7 to 4.76 wt% with pore volume increasing from 0.83 to 1.26 cm3 g−1. Preliminary tests of this catalyst system on the carbonylation of aniline to afford methyl phenyl carbamate (MPC) indicated that good catalytic activity (higher than 74% aniline conversion with 99% MPC selectivity) could be achieved with higher than 150 mol h−1 mol−1 turnover frequency (TOF). TOF and aniline conversion slightly increased with increasing the content of Se from 2.7 to 3.0 wt%, then decreased when the content of Se increased to more than 3.0 wt%, this suggested that 2.7 to 3.0 wt% Se content should be appropriate for MPC synthesis. The appropriate Se content could be obtaineded by adjusting the range of pore volume of mesoporous silica gel from 0.83 to 0.85 cm3 g−1. In addition, the recycling test indicated that there was almost no deactivation of the catalyst when it was reused four times.
One Step Synthesis of Biotinylated Amino Acids
Authors: Feng Siliang , Li Senhao , Kang Xiaoyu , Liu Keliang
Published: July 2010

A rapid method is reported for the preparation of biotinylated 4-amino-D-phenylalanine(D-Aph) with Fmoc as the protecting group at the α-amino. Different coupling reagents and conditions were studied to get the biotinylated compound. Coupling reagents like 1-[bis(dimethylamino)methylene]-1H-benzotriazolium 3-oxide hexafluorophos-phate and BOP were found to be very efficient. Biotinylated Boc-L-Aph and biotinylated Fmoc-L-lysine were also successfully prepared by this method.
Contemporary Art and Environmental Aesthetics
Authors: Clark Samantha
Published: July 2010

Aesthetic debates within contemporary art have been tangential to the debates in environmental aesthetics since the 1960s. I argue that these disciplines, having evolved separately in response to the limitations of traditional aesthetics, may now usefully inform each other. Firstly, the dematerialisation of art as the focus of aesthetic experience may have environmentally useful consequences. Secondly, Gablik's ‘connective aesthetics’, like Berleant's ‘aesthetics of engagement’, folds aesthetic experience into the social as a kind of environmental aesthetics. Thirdly, contemporary art's flexible readings of ‘framing’ can respond to ‘frameless’ natural environments, and finally, Kester's ‘dialogical aesthetics’ may be enriched by Berleant's systematic account of ‘contextual aesthetics’.
The Origins of the Russian Chernozem Soil (Black Earth): Franz Joseph Ruprecht's 'Geo-Botanical Researches into the Chernozem' of 1866
Authors: Fedotova Anastasia A.
Published: July 2010

This article analyses the contribution of the Austrian-born Russian scientist, Franz Joseph Ruprecht (1814-70) to the development of geobotany in general and to the controversial issue of the origins of the very fertile chernozem (Black Earth) of the steppe region of the Russian Empire. On the basis of careful field work and microscopic analysis of samples of chernozem, Ruprecht argued, in an important article published in St Petersburg in 1866, that the organic matter in the soil was decomposed steppe grasses. Thus, the chernozem was of steppe origins, not forest or peat as had been assumed by most scientists prior to his researches. Ruprechtt's work laid the basis for the later, and better known, work on the chernozem by pioneering soil scientist Vasilii Dokuchaev (1846-1903). The article places Ruprecht's researches in the context of contemporary social, economic, and political as well as scientific developments.
Prehistory of Southern African Forestry: From Vegetable Garden to Tree Plantation
Authors: Showers Kate B.
Published: July 2010

Desiccationist discourses and fears dominated official concern in nineteenth and early twentieth century southern Africa grassland ecosytsems. When scientific forestry arrived in Cape Town, government bureaucracies changed and Africa's first forestry department was created. Yet there were few trees in southern African grassland ecosystems requiring a forest service. Tree planting was advocated. The introduction of alien trees and their spread from coast to interior preceded that of the concept of forestry. The earliest source of tree planting materials was Cape Town's Dutch East India Company's garden, established in 1652. Gardens as the primary source of trees and planting information was formalised in the nineteenth century with the rise of botanical gardens. Missionaries and settlers planted fruit and fuel trees for subsistence, and ornamentals for aesthetics while defining new frontiers. Despite officially sponsored tree planting competitions, it was private plantations of eucalyptus and acacia trees to supply the needs of mines, industry and the wattle bark export market, and not afforestation campaigns, that led to significant tree cover. Tree introductions did change southern African hydrologies, but not in the way imagined by anti-desiccationist campaigners: streams dried up and water tables dropped. Tree planting was regulated as a threat to South African water supplies in the late twentieth century, and plans were made to 'deforest' the landscape to enhance water storage.
The Nature Conservation Movement in Post-War Japan
Authors: Knight Catherine
Published: July 2010

Like many other developed or developing nations, Japan has found itself faced with the challenge of finding the balance between the economic and social needs of its nation on the one hand and the protection of its natural environment on the other, something that has been particularly challenging in the post-war decades of high economic growth rates. In this process, the national nature conservation movement has played an important role in counter-balancing the power of the pro-development forces in Japan. However, owing to a number of factors, both social and political, its influence has remained limited. This paper explores those factors, and outlines recent developments which may lead to both a greater emphasis on the greater participation of non-governmental organisations in the political process, and a greater emphasis on the protection of the natural environment.
Book Reviews
Authors: Barca Stefania , Withers Charles
Published: July 2010

Chad Montrie, Making a Living: Work and Environment in the United States (Stefania Barca)
Elizabeth Baigent and Robert J. Mayhew (eds.), English Geographies 1600-1950: Historical Essays on English Customs, Cultures, and Communities in Honour of Jack Langton (Charles Withers)
Principal Component Analysis of HPLC Retention Data and Molecular Modeling Structural Parameters of Cardiovascular System Drugs in View of Their Pharmacological Activity
Authors: Stasiak Jolanta , Koba Marcin , Bober Leszek , Bączek Tomasz
Published: July 2010

Evaluation of relationships between molecular modeling structural parameters and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) retention data of 11 cardiovascular system drugs by principal component analysis (PCA) in relation to their pharmacological activity was performed. The six retention data parameters were determined on three different HPLC columns (Nucleosil C18 AB with octadecylsilica stationary phase, IAM PC C10/C3 with chemically bounded phosphatidylcholine, and Nucleosil 100-5 OH with chemically bounded propanodiole), and using isocratically acetonitrile: Britton-Robinson buffer as the mobile phase. Additionally, molecular modeling studies were performed with the use of HyperChem software and MM+ molecular mechanics with the semi-empirical AM1 method deriving 20 structural descriptors. Factor analysis obtained with the use of various sets of parameters: structural parameters, HPLC retention data, and all 26 considered parameters, led to the extraction of two main factors. The first principal component (factor 1) accounted for 44-57% of the variance in the data. The second principal component (factor 2) explained 29-33% of data variance. Moreover, the total data variance explained by the first two factors was at the level of 73-90%. More importantly, the PCA analysis of the HPLC retention data and structural parameters allows the segregation of circulatory system drugs according to their pharmacological (cardiovascular) properties as shown by the distribution of the individual drugs on the plane determined by the two principal components (factors 1 and 2).
Neuroprotective Properties of Chitosan and Its Derivatives
Authors: Pangestuti Ratih , Kim Se-Kwon
Published: July 2010

Neuronal cells are extremely vulnerable and have a limited capacity for self-repair in response to injury. For those reasons, there is obvious interest in limiting neuronal damage. Mechanisms and strategies used in order to protect against neuronal injury, apoptosis, dysfunction, and degeneration in the central nervous system are recognized as neuroprotection. Neuroprotection could be achieved through several classes of natural and synthetic neuroprotective agents. However, considering the side effects of synthetic neuroprotective agents, the search for natural neuroprotective agents has received great attention. Recently, an increasing number of studies have identified neuroprotective properties of chitosan and its derivatives; however, there are some significant challenges that must be overcome for the success of this approach. Hence, the objective of this review is to discuss neuroprotective properties of chitosan and its derivatives.
Microheterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Bernal Eva , Marchena María , Sánchez Francisco
Published: July 2010

The catalytic effect of micelles, polymers (such as DNA, polypeptides) and nanoparticles, saturable receptors (cyclodextrins and calixarenes) and more complex systems (mixing some of the above mentioned catalysts) have been reviewed. In these microheterogeneous systems the observed changes in the rate constants have been rationalized using the Pseudophase Model. This model produces equations that can be derived from the Brönsted equation, which is the basis for a more general formulation of catalytic effects, including electrocatalysis. When, in the catalyzed reaction one of the reactants is in the excited state, the applicability (at least formally) of the Pseudophase Model occurs only in two limiting situations: the lifetime of the fluorophore and the distributions of the quencher and the probe are the main properties that define the different situations.
Why is the Ratio of Reflectivity Effective for Chlorophyll Estimation in the Lake Water?
Authors: Oki Kazuo
Published: July 2010

The reasons why it is effective to estimate the chlorophyll-a concentration with the ratio of spectral radiance reflectance at the red light region and near infrared regions were shown in theory using a two-flow model. It was found that all of the backscattering coefficients can consequently be ignored by using the ratio of spectral radiance reflectance, which is the ratio of the upward radiance to the downward irradiance, at the red light and near infrared regions. In other words, the ratio can be expressed by using only absorption coefficients, which are more stable for measurement than backscattering coefficients. In addition, the band selection is crucial for producing the band ratio when the chlorophyll-a concentration is estimated without the effects of backscattering. I conclude that the two wavelengths selected must be close, but one must be within the absorption range of chlorophyll-a, and the other must be outside of the absorption range of chlorophyll-a, in order to accurately estimate the chlorophyll-a concentration.
Microfluidic Systems for Biosensing
Authors: Liu Kuo-Kang , Wu Ren-Guei , Chuang Yun-Ju , Khoo Hwa Seng , Huang Shih-Hao , Tseng Fan-Gang
Published: July 2010

In the past two decades, Micro Fluidic Systems (MFS) have emerged as a powerful tool for biosensing, particularly in enriching and purifying molecules and cells in biological samples. Compared with conventional sensing techniques, distinctive advantages of using MFS for biomedicine include ultra-high sensitivity, higher throughput, in-situ monitoring and lower cost. This review aims to summarize the recent advancements in two major types of micro fluidic systems, continuous and discrete MFS, as well as their biomedical applications. The state-of-the-art of active and passive mechanisms of fluid manipulation for mixing, separation, purification and concentration will also be elaborated. Future trends of using MFS in detection at molecular or cellular level, especially in stem cell therapy, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, are also prospected.
Electromagnet Weight Reduction in a Magnetic Levitation System for Contactless Delivery Applications
Authors: Hong Do-Kwan , Woo Byung-Chul , Koo Dae-Hyun , Lee Ki-Chang
Published: July 2010

This paper presents an optimum design of a lightweight vehicle levitation electromagnet, which also provides a passive guide force in a magnetic levitation system for contactless delivery applications. The split alignment of C-shaped electromagnets about C-shaped rails has a bad effect on the lateral deviation force, therefore, no-split positioning of electromagnets is better for lateral performance. This is verified by simulations and experiments. This paper presents a statistically optimized design with a high number of the design variables to reduce the weight of the electromagnet under the constraint of normal force using response surface methodology (RSM) and the kriging interpolation method. 2D and 3D magnetostatic analysis of the electromagnet are performed using ANSYS. The most effective design variables are extracted by a Pareto chart. The most desirable set is determined and the influence of each design variable on the objective function can be obtained. The generalized reduced gradient (GRG) algorithm is adopted in the kriging model. This paper’s procedure is validated by a comparison between experimental and calculation results, which shows that the predicted performance of the electromagnet designed by RSM is in good agreement with the simulation results.
Empfehlungen zur Durchführung der Ganz körper-18F-FDG-PET und -PET/CT bei Kindern mit onkologischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Stauss J. , Pfluger T. , Juergens K. U. , Kluge R. , Amthauer H. , Juergens H. , Henze G. , Stoever B. , Hahn K. , Franzius C.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of these guidelines is to offer the nuclear medicine and the appropriate interdisciplinary team a framework for performing and reporting positron emission tomography (PET) and the combination with computed tomography (PET/CT) in children with malignant diseases mainly using the radiopharmaceutical 18F-fluorodeoxy-glucose (FDG). These guidelines are based on the recent guidelines of the Paediatric Committee of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) (57) and have been translated and adapted to the current conditions in Germany. The adaptation of CT-parameters using PET/CT in children is covered in a more detailed way than in the EANM guideline taking into account that in Germany already a good portion of PET examinations is performed using an integrated PET/CT-scanner. Furthermore, a CT-scan without adaption of the CT acquisition parameters would result in a not tolerably high radiation exposition of the child. There are excellent guidelines for FDG PET and PET/CT in oncology published by the German Society of Nuclear Medicine (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin, DGN) (42) and EANM (4). These guidelines aim at providing additional information on issues particularly relevant to PET and PET/CT imaging in children. These guidelines should be taken in the context of local and national current standards of quality and rules.