bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow injection spectrofluorimetric determination of iron(III) in water using salicylic acid
Authors: Asan Adem , Andac Muberra , Isildak Ibrahim
Published: April 2010

A simple and fast flow injection fluorescence quenching method for the determination of iron in water has been developed. Fluorimetric determination is based on the measurement of the quenching effect of iron on salicylic acid fluorescence. An emission peak of salicylic acid in aqueous solution occurs at 409 nm with excitation at 299 nm. The carrier solution used was 2 × 10−6 mol L−1 salicylic acid in 0.1 mol L−1 NH4+/NH3 buffer solution at pH 8.5. Linear calibration was obtained for 5–100 μg L−1 iron(III) and the relative standard deviation was 1.25 % (n = 5) for a 20 μL injection volume iron(III). The limit of detection was 0.3 μg L−1 and the sampling rate was 60 h−1. The effect of interferences from various metals and anions commonly present in water was also studied. The method was successfully applied to the determination of low levels of iron in real samples (river, sea, and spring waters).
Visual spectroscopy detection of triclosan
Authors: Kysliak Olexander , Smyk Natalia
Published: April 2010

The azo coupling reaction with 2-aminonaphthalene-4,8-disulfonic acid (I) was used to develop a new cheap and rapid method of triclosan (II) determination in hygiene products. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 2.0−100 × 10−6 mol L−1. The detection limit was 2.0 μmol L−1.
Use of a diazocoupling reaction for sensitive and selective spectrophotometeric determination of furosemide in spiked human urine and pharmaceuticals
Authors: Tharpa Kalsang , Basavaiah Kanakapura , Vinay Kanakapura
Published: April 2010

Two simple, sensitive, and selective spectrophotometric methods for the determination of 5-(aminosulfonyl)-4-chloro-2-((2-furanylmethyl)amino)benzoic acid (furosemide, FUR) are described. The methods are based on acid hydrolysis of FUR to free primary aromatic amine and diazotization followed by coupling with N-1-napthylethylene diamine (NEDA) (method A) or 4,5-dihydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid (chromotropic acid, CTA) (method B). The colored reaction product can be measured spectrophotometrically at 520 nm (method A) or 500 nm (method B). Beer’s law is obeyed over the ranges of 1.75–21.0 μg mL−1 and 2.5–30.0 μg mL−1, for method A and method B, respectively. Apparent molar absorptivities and Sandell’s sensitivities (in L mol−1 cm−1 and μg cm−2 per 0.001 absorbance unit, respectively) were 1.34 × 104 and 0.0253 using NEDA as the coupling agent, and 8.5 × 103 and 0.0389 using CTA for the same purpose. Analysis of solutions containing seven different concentrations of FUR gave a correlation coefficient of 0.9979 using NEDA and 0.9984 using CTA, while the slope and the correlation coefficient of the regression equation were calculated. The reaction stoichiometry in both methods was evaluated by the limiting logarithmic method and was found to be 1: 1 (diazotized FUR: NEDA or diazotized FUR: CTA). The methods were successfully applied to the determination of FUR in spiked human urine and in pharmaceutical formulations. The recovery of FUR from spiked urine was satisfactory resulting in the values of (109.4 ± 4.37) % using NEDA and (113.0 ± 4.74) % using CTA. Results of the analysis of pharmaceuticals demonstrated that the proposed procedures are at least as accurate and precise as the official method while a statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant difference between the results obtained by the proposed methods and those of the official method.
Activity and regenerability of dealuminated zeolite Y in liquid phase alkylation of benzene with 1-alkene
Authors: Horňáček Michal , Hudec Pavol , Nociar Andrej , Smiešková Agáta , Jakubík Tibor
Published: April 2010

HY-zeolite and its deep-bed dealuminated and EFAL-extracted forms were tested in liquid phase alkylation of benzene with 1-hexadecene in a batch reactor at 120°C. Deep-bed dealumination of the HY-sample at 560 °C followed by careful selective extraction of extra-framework aluminium by hydrochloric acid increased the catalytic activity as well as oxidative regenerability of Y-zeolite.
Liquid chromatographic determination of meloxicam in serum after solid phase extraction
Authors: Ouarezki Radia , Guermouche Moulay-Hassane
Published: April 2010

A liquid chromatographic method for the determination of meloxicam in serum has been developed. The technique includes a solid phase extraction of the serum samples on [poly (divinylbenzeneco-N-vinylpyrrolidone)] as a solid phase extraction sorbent. After conditioning, the cartridge was loaded with 1 mL of acidified serum containing an internal standard. Elution was carried out using 1 mL of water-acetonitrile (φ r = 1: 1) mixture. After evaporation of the eluate to dryness and reconstitution of the residue with 0.1 mL of methanol, the samples were analyzed on a Symmetry C18 column. Mobile phase consisted of 1 % aqueous acetic acid/THF/acetonitrile (φ r = 60: 30: 10) + 0.1 mL of 1-octane sulfonic acid. Detection was carried out using a photodiode array detector. Full validation of the proposed method is provided. Linearity of the method was proven over the range of 0.01–10 φg mL−1 of meloxicam. Meloxicam assay was accurate and reliable with average intra- and inter-day precisions lower than 5.0 % and the intra- and inter-day accuracy higher than 97 %. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) found were 0.003 μg mL−1 and 0.01 μg mL−1, respectively. The proposed method was successfully utilized to quantify meloxicam in serum.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of New Functionalized Epothilones for Prodrug Design and Tumor Targeting
Authors: Dietrich Silvia Anthoine , Riediker Linda , Gertsch Jürg , Altmann Karl-Heinz
Published: April 2010

Epothilones are potent antiproliferative agents, which have served as successful lead structures for anticancer drug discovery. However, their therapeutic efficacy would benefit greatly from an increase in their selectivity for tumor cells, which may be achieved through conjugation
with a tumor-targeting moiety. Three novel epothilone analogs bearing variously functionalized benzimidazole side chains were synthesized using a strategy based on palladium-mediated coupling and macrolactonization. The synthesis of these compounds is described and their in vitro biological
activity is discussed with respect to their interactions with the tubulin/microtubule system and the inhibition of human cancer cell proliferation. The additional functional groups may be used to synthesize conjugates of epothilone derivatives with a variety of tumor-targeting moieties.
Novel Cruciform Structures as Model Compounds for Coordination Induced Single Molecule Switches
Authors: Grunder Sergio , Huber Roman , Wu Songmei , Schönenberger Christian , Calame Michel , Mayor Marcel
Published: April 2010

We have synthesized various molecular cruciforms consisting of two different crossing ?-systems and comprising crosswise arranged thiol- and pyridine-anchor groups. With these model compounds we strive towards the investigation of a new switching concept based on the potential dependent
coordination of pyridines to gold electrodes in an electrochemical set-up. Integration of these cruciform molecules between both electrodes of a mechanically controlled break junction in a liquid environment gave insight into their single molecule transport properties. These studies allowed
individual transport characteristics to be assigned to the bar subunits of the cruciforms but also revealed the remaining experimental challenges to realize the suggested switching concept.
Self-Assembly of Iron Oxide-Poly(ethylene glycol) Core–Shell Nanoparticles at Liquid–Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Isa Lucio , Amstad Esther , Textor Marcus , Reimhult Erik
Published: April 2010

Nanoparticles (NPs) play an increasingly important role in the fabrication of functional advanced materials. Two major steps need to be carried out in order to achieve control of the material properties. First of all, the properties of the single NPs have to be under control, especially
in relation to colloidal stability; aggregation and corrosion negate all the benefits associated to the nanoscopic dimensions. Secondly, the assembly process has to be controlled to achieve a material with the desired properties. We propose here to use stabilized ceramic NPs consisting of
a magnetite core, coated by a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) shell and study their assembly at polar/non-polar liquid interfaces, en route to fabricating functional NP membranes. These NPs show extraordinary stability in aqueous solutions achieved by anchoring linear PEG chains through an end-terminating
nitroDOPA group to their surface. Furthermore, the core and shell sizes of these NPs can be independently varied with ease. We first describe the details of the NP synthesis and stabilization in bulk solutions, discussing the PEG molecular weight needed to achieve bulk stability. Subsequently,
we demonstrate self-assembly of these particles at liquid–liquid interfaces (SALI) into monolayers of stable properties. SALI has been chosen as path for the assembly given its suitability for fabricating two-dimensional materials. We report here results from pendant drop tensiometry
which illustrate the kinetics of NP adsorption at the liquid–liquid interface and highlight the role played by the molecular weight of the PEG shell in the interfacial assembly. In particular we show that the requisites to ensure particle stability at a liquid interface are more stringent
compared to the bulk case.
Fluorescence Sensors for Lithium Ions and Small Peptides
Authors: Rochat Sébastien , Severin Kay
Published: April 2010

Simple but powerful chemosensors were developed by taking advantage of self-assembly processes. First, we will describe a turn-on fluorescent sensor for the pharmacologically important lithium ion. The sensor can be used in purely aqueous solution, and it displays a very high selectivity
for lithium over sodium and magnesium ions. It is based on a metallacrown receptor unit, which can be assembled in situ from simple building blocks. Furthermore, we will describe a cross-reactive sensor array for the detection of small peptides. The individual sensors of the array are
formed by mixing metal complexes with fluorescent dyes.
Enantioselective Rhodium-Catalyzed C–C Bond Activations
Authors: Seiser Tobias , Cramer Nicolai
Published: April 2010

The catalytic activation of carbon–carbon single bonds represents a major challenge in organometallic chemistry. Strained ring substrates occupy in this respect a privileged role as their inherent ring strain facilitates the desired metal insertion. Employing symmetrically substituted
tert-cyclobutanols, an enantioselective rhodium(i)-catalyzed ?-carbon elimination creates alkyl-rhodium species bearing all-carbon quaternary stereogenic centers. Downstream reactions enable access to a wide range of synthetically versatile products such as substituted cyclohexenones,
lactones and indanols with excellent enantioselectivities of up to 99% ee.
New Tools in Bio-NMR: Indirect Detection of Nitrogen-14 in Solids
Authors: Ulzega Simone
Published: April 2010

This paper presents an overview of recently developed methods for the indirect detection of 14N nuclei (spin I = 1) in spinning solids by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These methods exploit the transfer of coherence from a neighboring 'spy' nucleus with
spin S = ½, such as 13C or 1H, to single- or double-quantum transitions of 14N nuclei. The two-dimensional correlation methods presented here are closely related to the well-known heteronuclear single- and multiple-quantum correlation (HSQC and
HMQC, respectively) experiments, already widely used for the investigation of molecules in liquids. Nitrogen-14 NMR spectra exhibit powder patterns characterized by second- and third-order quadrupolar couplings which can provide important information about structure and dynamics of molecules
in powder samples.
Density Functional Theory for the Study of the Multimode Jahn-Teller Effect
Authors: Zlatar Matija , Gruden-Pavlović Maja , Schläpfer Carl-Wilhelm , Daul Claude
Published: April 2010

The Jahn-Teller (JT) theorem states that in a molecule with a degenerate electronic state, a structural distortion must occur that lowers the symmetry, removes the degeneracy and lowers the energy. The multideterminental-DFT method performed to calculate the JT parameters for JT active
molecules is described. Within the harmonic approximation the JT distortion can be analyzed as a linear combination of all totally symmetric normal modes in any of the low symmetry minimum energy conformation, which allows the intrinsic distortion path (IDP) to be calculated, exactly from
the high symmetry point to the low symmetry configuration. Results obtained by the approach described here give direct insight into the coupling of electronic structure and nuclear movements.
Absolute Dissociative Electron Attachment Cross Sections in Acetylene and its Deuterated Analogue
Authors: May Olivier , Fedor Juraj , Allan Michael
Published: April 2010

An instrument for the measurement of absolute dissociative electron attachment cross sections was constructed and applied to two prototype molecules, acetylene (C2H2) and deuterated acetylene (C2D2). The isotope effect at the first dissociative
electron attachment band at 3 eV was determined–the cross section for C2D?/C2D2 is 14.4 times smaller than that for C2H?/C2H2. The results play a central role in validating recent theoretical
work of Chourou and Orel. The dominant fragments at the second dissociative attachment band around 8 eV are the light fragments H? or D?. These bands exhibit weaker isotope effects.
Segmented Publics and Islamist Women in Yemen
Authors: Yadav Stacey Philbrick
Published: April 2010

The gradual but marked Islamization of the public in Yemen since unification in 1990 is often treated as a dynamic that marginalizes women and limits their opportunities for political activism. By retheorizing the spatial features of public activism, however, this article demonstrates that this Islamization has been brought about in part through the activism of women themselves, conducted in ways that are spatially private but substantively public in intent and effect. This contributes what may be conceived of as a “segmented” public. Their success in shaping the national debate on women’s political participation through such segmented public activism has provided Islamist women with the political leverage to begin undermining segmentation, further expanding the range of opportunities for women’s activism.
Women’s Shi‘i Ma’atim in Bahrain
Authors: Pandya Sophia
Published: April 2010

In this study I examine the evolving function of the ma’tam (pl. ma’atim), or Shi‘i religious center, in Bahraini Shi‘i women’s lives. Th e role of the ma’tam has changed in Bahraini society, especially in the case of women’s ma’atim. While men’s ma’atim have always been sites of political relevance, according to the women I interviewed it is only in the last few decades that women have used their ma’atim for purposes other than religious and social. In the past, Bahraini Shi‘i women used this space to grieve the martyrdom of figures from Shi‘i sacred history. Now they have begun to employ it for secular education of all kinds—legal, social, health—and even for political purposes. I focus on the ways in which education, and the Shi‘I Islamic resurgences that took place in Iran and Iraq, influenced Bahraini Shi‘i women in their interpretation of religion and their uses of religious space.
Belly Dancing and the (En)Gendering of Ethnic Sexuality in the “Mixed” Brazilian Nation
Authors: Karam John Tofik
Published: April 2010

This article asks how Syrian-Lebanese men and non-Middle Eastern Brazilian women have enacted their relationship to belly dancingin São Paulo. While men and women of Arab origins have usually framed the dance as an essential link to their ethnic heritage, non-Arab female enthusiasts have generally treated it as a universal dance for women. I examine the interplay between these claims through performances in Syrian-Lebanese country clubs, a Brazilian belly dance festival, and the Brazilian Orientalist soap opera, O Clone (The Clone). As contractors, folk dancers, or spectators, Syrian-Lebanese men have joined with non-Middle Eastern women in reinforcing their respective ties to the belly dance phenomenon. These moves across gender and ethnic lines, I argue, not only reveal Syrian-Lebanese men’s complicity in the marginalization of Arab women through the belly dance, but in so doing, also show the reproduction of the sexual and racial hierarchies in Brazilian nationalist ideology.
Contraceptive use among ‘at‐risk’ women in a metropolitan area in Ghana
Authors: OPOKU BAAFUOR
Published: April 2010

Engaging in risky sexual behaviors puts a woman at increased risk of acquiring unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Barrier contraceptives protect against both. Field workers interviewed 1,070 such ‘at‐risk’ women aged 18–35 years who had at least three coital acts per week and at least two sex partners in the previous three months to establish the prevalence of contraceptive use in the Kumasi metropolis in Ghana. Awareness and use of contraception applied to 96.4 and 50% of these women, respectively. The male condom was the commonest form of contraception (32%) followed by the pill (16%). Mean coital acts per week were 3.6 while mean new partners in the previous three months were 2.7. About 12 and 42% engaged in anal and oral sex, respectively. Almost 4% were using norethisterone in various dosages as emergency contraception. Low use of safe contraceptives and risky sexual practices are of concern among this population.
DNA Barcoding for Honey Biodiversity
Authors: Valentini Alice , Miquel Christian , Taberlet Pierre
Published: April 2010

Honey is produced by honeybees from nectar and from secretions of living plants. It reflects the honeybees’ diet and the local plant communities. Honey also shows different plant compositions in different geographical locations. We propose a new method for studying the plant diversity and the geographical origin of honey using a DNA barcoding approach that combines universal primers and massive parallel pyrosequencing. To test this method we use two commercial honeys, one from a regional origin and one composed of a worldwide mix of different honeys. We demonstrate that the method proposed here is fast, simple to implement, more robust than classical methods, and therefore suitable for analyzing plant diversity in honey.
The Transformation of Environment into Landscape: The Historical Ecology of Monumental Earthwork Construction in the Bolivian Amazon
Authors: Erickson Clark L.
Published: April 2010

Although the Neotropics are recognized as a region rich in biological diversity, the origin, evolution, and maintenance of this phenomenon continues to be debated. Historical ecologists and landscape archaeologists point out that the Neotropics have a long, complex human history that may have been a key factor in the creation, shaping, and management of present day biodiversity. The construction of monumental earthworks referred to as ring ditches of the Bolivian Amazon and surrounding regions in late prehistory had considerable impact on the fauna, flora, soils, and topography of forest islands. Patterned landscape features, historical documents, energetics, and historical ecology are used to understand the transformation of forest islands into anthropogenic built environments.
A Systematic Review of Occupational Exposure to Particulate Matter and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Fang Shona C. , Cassidy Adrian , Christiani David C.
Published: April 2010

Exposure to ambient particulate air pollution is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however the link between occupational particulate exposures and adverse cardiovascular events is less clear. We conducted a systematic review, including meta-analysis where appropriate, of the epidemiologic association between occupational exposure to particulate matter and cardiovascular disease. Out of 697 articles meeting our initial criteria, 37 articles published from January 1990 to April 2009 (12 mortality; 5 morbidity; and 20 intermediate cardiovascular endpoints) were included. Results suggest a possible association between occupational particulate exposures and ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality as well as non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and stronger evidence of associations with heart rate variability and systemic inflammation, potential intermediates between occupational PM exposure and IHD. In meta-analysis of mortality studies, a significant increase in IHD was observed (meta-IRR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06–1.26), however these data were limited by lack of adequate control for smoking and other potential confounders. Further research is needed to better clarify the magnitude of the potential risk of the development and aggravation of IHD associated with short and long-term occupational particulate exposures and to clarify the clinical significance of acute and chronic changes in intermediate cardiovascular outcomes.
Chitosan Based Polyelectrolyte Complexes as Potential Carrier Materials in Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Hamman Josias H.
Published: April 2010

Chitosan has been the subject of interest for its use as a polymeric drug carrier material in dosage form design due to its appealing properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity and relatively low production cost from abundant natural sources. However, one drawback of using this natural polysaccharide in modified release dosage forms for oral administration is its fast dissolution rate in the stomach. Since chitosan is positively charged at low pH values (below its pKa value), it spontaneously associates with negatively charged polyions in solution to form polyelectrolyte complexes. These chitosan based polyelectrolyte complexes exhibit favourable physicochemical properties with preservation of chitosan’s biocompatible characteristics. These complexes are therefore good candidate excipient materials for the design of different types of dosage forms. It is the aim of this review to describe complexation of chitosan with selected natural and synthetic polyanions and to indicate some of the factors that influence the formation and stability of these polyelectrolyte complexes. Furthermore, recent investigations into the use of these complexes as excipients in drug delivery systems such as nano- and microparticles, beads, fibers, sponges and matrix type tablets are briefly described.
Lysostaphin: A Staphylococcal Bacteriolysin with Potential Clinical Applications
Authors: Bastos Maria do Carmo de Freire , Coutinho Bruna Gonçalves , Coelho Marcus Lívio Varella
Published: April 2010

Lysostaphin is an antimicrobial agent belonging to a major class of antimicrobial peptides and proteins known as the bacteriocins. Bacteriocins are bacterial antimicrobial peptides which generally exhibit bactericidal activity against other bacteria. Bacteriocin production is a self-protection mechanism that helps the microorganisms to survive in their natural habitats. Bacteriocins are currently distributed into three main classes. Staphylococcins are bacteriocins produced by staphylococci, which are Gram-positive bacteria of medical and veterinary importance. Lysostaphin is the only class III staphylococcin described so far. It exhibits a high degree of antistaphylococcal bacteriolytic activity, being inactive against bacteria of all other genera. Infections caused by staphylococci continue to be a problem worldwide not only in healthcare environments but also in the community, requiring effective measures for controlling their spread. Since lysostaphin kills human and animal staphylococcal pathogens, it has potential biotechnological applications in the treatment of staphylococcal infections. In vitro and in vivo studies performed with lysostaphin have shown that this staphylococcin has potential to be used, solely or in combination with other antibacterial agents, to prevent or treat bacterial staphylococcal infectious diseases.
A Monitoring and Advisory System for Diabetes Patient Management Using a Rule-Based Method and KNN
Authors: Lee Malrey , Gatton Thomas M. , Lee Keun-Kwang
Published: April 2010

Diabetes is difficult to control and it is important to manage the diabetic’s blood sugar level and prevent the associated complications by appropriate diabetic treatment. This paper proposes a system that can provide appropriate management for diabetes patients, according to their blood sugar level. The system is designed to send the information about the blood sugar levels, blood pressure, food consumption, exercise, etc., of diabetes patients, and manage the treatment by recommending and monitoring food consumption, physical activity, insulin dosage, etc., so that the patient can better manage their condition. The system is based on rules and the K Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifier algorithm, to obtain the optimum treatment recommendation. Also, a monitoring system for diabetes patients is implemented using Web Services and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) programming.
External Costs as Driving Forces of Land Use Changes
Authors: Loehr Dirk
Published: April 2010

Land conversion is often not carried out in a sustainable way. The loss of arable land and biodiversity, concern about food security and rising costs of infrastructure due to urban sprawl are just some of the problems under discussion. This paper compares Germany, China and Cambodia. The article points out that, despite huge differences in institutions and governance, unsustainable land use changes mostly have some patterns in common: The beneficiaries of land conversion are often well-organized actors, whereas the costs of land conversion are often shifted to poorly organized groups and to society as a whole. A sustainable land use policy has to look for a better coupling of benefits and costs of land use changes. In order to achieve this goal, the article suggests completing the planning law with a suitable economic framework.
Lie Symmetry Preservation by Finite Difference Schemes for the Burgers Equation
Authors: Chhay Marx , Hamdouni Aziz
Published: April 2010

Invariant numerical schemes possess properties that may overcome the numerical properties of most of classical schemes. When they are constructed with moving frames, invariant schemes can present more stability and accuracy. The cornerstone is to select relevant moving frames. We present a new algorithmic process to do this. The construction of invariant schemes consists in parametrizing the scheme with constant coefficients. These coefficients are determined in order to satisfy a fixed order of accuracy and an equivariance condition. Numerical applications with the Burgers equation illustrate the high performances of the process.
Chiroptical Properties of Amino Acids: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Adrian-Scotto Martine , Antonczak Serge , Bredehöft Jan Hendrik , Hoffmann Søren V. , Meierhenrich Uwe J.
Published: April 2010

Amino acids are involved in many scientific theories elucidating possible origins of life on Earth. One of the challenges when discussing the evolutionary origin of biopolymers such as proteins and oligonucleotides in living organisms is the phenomenon that these polymers implement monomers of exclusively one handedness, a feature called biomolecular homochirality. Many attempts have been made to understand this process of racemic symmetry breaking. Assuming an extraterrestrial origin of the molecular building blocks of living organisms, their susceptibility to asymmetric photolysis by the absorption of circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation in interstellar space was proposed. In order to predict whether the interaction of circularly polarized light with various racemic amino acids can induce an enantiomeric excess, we investigated the electronic and chiroptical properties of the amino acids valine and isovaline by a molecular modelling approach based on quantum chemistry (Density Functional Theory). The average spectra of both L-valine and L-isovaline have been produced on the basis of Boltzmann population analysis using computed spectra for the various conformations of each amino acid.
NUMERICAL MODEL OF AVIATION GEARBOX TEST RIG IN A CLOSED LOOP CONFIGURATION
Authors: Markowski Tadeusz , Noga Stanislaw , Rudy Stanislaw
Published: April 2010

The development of computer techniques and computational systems based on the finite element method allows one to conduct a free vibration analysis of large systems like an aviation gearbox test rig. The object of this paper is to present a free vibration analysis of a gear fatigue test rig working in a closed loop configuration. A numerical model of the test rig based on the finite element method is presented in this paper. The base model contains all the essential structures of the real system. After the numerical results of the natural frequencies of the rig were obtained, they were then verified by the experimental results on a real object. Numerical analysis was performed using the ANSYS code.

Santrauka

Baigtiniu elementu metodu paremtas kompiuterines technikos ir kompiuteriniu sistemu kūrimas leidžia atlikti laisvuju svyravimu analize tokios dideles sistemos, kaip aviacines pavaru dežes, testavimo irenginys. Šio darbo tikslas buvo atlikti pavaru dežes nuovargio bandymu irenginio, veikiančio uždaro kontūro konfigūracijoje, laisvuju svyravimu analize. Taip pat pateikiamas testavimo irenginio skaitinis modelis, kurio veikimas yra pagristas baigtiniu elementu metodu. Pagrindinis modelis turi visas tikrosios sistemos svarbiausias struktūras. Gavus irenginio savuju dažniu kiekybinius rezultatus, buvo patikrinti realaus objekto eksperimentiniai rezultatai. Naudojantis ANSYS sistema buvo atlikta skaitine analize.
OPTIMAL CONTROL OF FLAPPING WING ACCOUNTING FOR NONSTEADY EFFECTS
Authors: Kravchenko Diana
Published: April 2010

The optimization of flapping wing trajectory for the minimization energy consumed by the wing and associated with induced power losses is considered in this paper. An aircraft with such a wing is assumed to move in a horizontal direction at constant velocity. The flapping wing moves up and down at constant velocity. Unsteady vortex wake influence is analyzed. Comparison of the efficiency coefficients is performed for the steady case, as well as for the one with the sinusoidal and optimal control for the flapping wing. Also, comparison with another type of the thrust creation (propeller) is performed. Santrauka Šiame tyrime svarstomas plasnojančio sparno trajektorijos optimizavimas tam, kad būtu minimizuota sparno sunaudota energija bei jos itakoti galios nuostoliai. Manoma, kad orlaivis su tokiu sparnu juda pastoviu greičiu horizontalia kryptimi. Plasnojantis sparnas aukštyn ir žemyn juda pastoviu greičiu. Analizuotas nestacionaraus sūkuriu pedsako poveikis. Taip pat palygintas koeficientu efektyvumas stacionariu atveju bei esant sinusoidiniam ir optimaliam sparno valdymui.
INTERPRETATION OF NEURAL NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES FOR PREDICTION AND MANAGEMENT OF RISK FACTORS
Authors: Kharchenko Volodimir , Alexeiev Oleh
Published: April 2010

The analysis carried out, as well as the systematisation and generalisation of flight safety problems, has allowed us to propose a model for a flight safety management system and to define directions for priority research. To solve flight safety problems, it is suggested to use the integrated methods of flight safety management on the basis of basic and partial criteria totality, where it is possible to take into account simultaneously the probabilistic indices of the system and informative indices, which are connected by means of using neural networks. Santrauka Atliktas tyrimas, taip pat skrydžio saugumo problemu susisteminimas bei apibendrinimas leido numatyti skrydžiu saugumo valdymo sistemos tobulinimo kelius, nustatyti prioritetines ju tyrimo kryptis. Siekiant užtikrinti skrydžiu sauguma, siūloma taikyti integruotus skrydžiu saugumo valdymo metodus, kurie remiasi baziniu bei daliniu kriteriju visuma; čia galima kartu ivertinti sistemos tikimybinius bei informacinius duomenis, kuriu jungiamaja grandimi yra neuroniniai tinklai.
WHETHER GLOBALIZATION IN FORM OF FDI ENHANCES NATIONAL WEALTH: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM LITHUANIA
Authors: Tvaronavičienė Manuela , Kalašinskaitė Kristina
Published: April 2010

Presented paper aims to suggest theoretical framework, application of which would allow indicating if foreign direct investment (FDI) facilitates or hinders economic development of host country economy. Central ideas elaborated in the article are as follows. The first, necessity of cost‐benefit analysis of FDI inflow is emphasized. As state policy favourable for foreign capital means costs, instrument for benefit estimation is required. Neoclassical and industrial organization theories are being employed for FDI effects evaluation purpose. Assumption about changing effect of FDI after medium‐term period of 6–7 year passes has been raised and tested. Data of Lithuanian manufacturing branch and its three main comprising manufacturing sectors for the 1996–2007 period have been employed. Results of application of elaborated theoretical framework lead to corollary about different impact of FDI on various sectors of economy and high probability of diminishing positive initial impact after medium‐term time span passes. Santrauka Straipsnyje siūlomas originalus, teoriškai pagristas modelis, skirtas nustatyti, kaip laikui begant kinta tiesioginiu užsienio investiciju (TUI) poveikis šalies šeimininkes ekonominiam vystymuisi. Autoriai, vertindami TUI poveiki, taiko sanaudu ir naudos analizes principa. Kadangi valstybes politika, palanki užsienio investicijoms, dažniausia reiškia šalies sanaudas joms pritraukti, kyla ekonominiu instrumen‐tu, reikalingu TUI ekonominiam naudingumui ivertinti, sukūrimo problema. Jai spresti pasitelkiamos neoklasikine ir industrines organizacijos teorijos. Straipsnyje iškeliama ir tikrinama prielaida, kad TUI poveikis šalies šeimininkes ekonominiam vystymuisi pakinta po TUI atejimo praejus vidutiniam, t. y. 5–6 metu, laikotarpiui. Tirti naudojami 1996–2007 m. laikotarpio Lietuvos trijupagrindiniupramones sektoriu duomenys. Sukurto modelio taikymo rezultatai leidžia atskleisti nevienoda TUI poveiki skir‐tingiems ekonomikos sektoriams bei leidžia teigti, jog pradinis teigiamas TUI poveikis vietines ekono‐mikos vystymuisi turi tendencija mažeti po investavimo praejus 5–6 metams.
ALLOCATION RULES WITH OUTSIDE OPTION IN COOPERATION GAMES WITH TIME‐INCONSISTENCY
Authors: Stein Harald D.
Published: April 2010

In game theory agents have the possibility to make binding agreements. The agents are assumed to determine their strategies based on intended but bounded rationality. The field of strategic games provides the possibility to an agent to understand the optimality of his behaviour. In coalition and network games stability, Pareto‐efficiency and fairness of agreements is investigated. The paper shows the relationship between the different fields of game theory in the case of 3 agents. On that basis it shows the ubiquity of time‐inconsistency in dynamic setting due to bounded rationality, deception and environment changes. The paper explains why allocation rules like the Shapley‐based Aumann‐Drèze‐value and the Myerson‐value for coalition structures must be modified in dynamic setting in order to consider the influence of excluded agents, the outside option. An accordingly modified allocation rule is introduced and investigated. It is shown that the “Aumann‐Drèze‐value” and the “Myerson‐value for coalition structures” remains relevant for the case that the switching of the partner is connected with high costs. It is shown through the example of enterprise cooperation in supply chains that low partner switching costs require the introduced allocation rule that considers the outside option. Santrauka Žaidimu teorijoje agentai turi galimybe sudaryti isipareigojančius susitarimus. Agentai, kaip yra mano‐ma, numato savo strategijas riboto racionalumo salygomis. Strateginiu žaidimu sritis sudaro galimybe agentui suvokti optimalios elgsenos krypti. Straipsnyje tyrinejamas ryšys tarp skirtingu žaidimu teo‐rijos sričiu tuo atveju, kai susitarimuose dalyvauja trys agentai. Atskleidžiamas neišvengiamas agentu elgsenos nesuderinamumas del riboto racionalumo, apgavysčiu bei aplinkos pokyčiu. Straipsnyje aiš‐kinama, kad žaidimu teorijos numatomos agentu susitarimu taisykles turetu būti modifikuotos siekiant ivertinti papildomu susitarimu alternatyvu galimybe.
CO-INTEGRATION AND CAUSALITY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: FURTHER EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FOR NIGERIA
Authors: Ighodaro Clement A. U.
Published: April 2010

The Paper re - examined co‐integration and causality relationship between energy consumption and economic growth for Nigeria using data covering the period 1970 to 2005. Unlike previous related study for Nigeria, different proxies of energy consumption (electricity demand, domestic crude oil consumption and gas utilization) were used for the estimation. It also included government activities proxied by health expenditure and monetary policy proxied by broad money supply though; emphasis was on energy consumption. Using the Johansen co‐integration technique, it was found that there existed a long run relationship among the series. It was also found that all the variables used for the study were I(1). Furthermore, unidirectional causality was established between electricity consumption and economic growth, domestic crude oil production and economic growth as well as between gas utilization and economic growth in Nigeria. While causality runs from electricity consumption to economic growth as well as from gas utilization to economic growth, it was found that causality runs from economic growth to domestic crude oil production. Therefore, conservation policy regarding electricity consumption and gas utilization would harm economic growth in Nigeria while energy conservation policy as regards domestic crude oil consumption would not. Santrauka Tyrinejamas energijos suvartojimo ir ekonominio augimo tarpusavio ryšys bei priežastingumas Ni‐gerijoje, remiantis 1970–2005 m. statistiniais duomenimis. Naujai, lyginant su ankstesniais Nigerijos tyrimais, parenkami energijos vartojimo matavimo būdai (elektros energijos paklausa, vietines naftos žaliavos suvartojimas, duju utilizavimas). Straipsnyje atsižvelgiama i socialine ir monetarine valstybes politika, kurios atspindi valstybes gerove. Pritaikius Johansen tarpusavio priklausomybes metodabuvo gauta, kad tarp visu energijos vartojima atspindinčiu rodikliu ir ekonominio augimo yra netiesioginis priežastinis ryšys. Manoma, kad elektros bei dujunaudojimo apribojimas stabdytu Nigerijos ekonomini augima, o naftos žaliavos vartojimo masto mažinimas nepaveiktu tolesnes šalies pletros.
THE STATE OF COMPETITION OF THE TURKISH BANKING INDUSTRY: AN APPLICATION OF THE PANZAR‐ROSSE MODEL
Authors: Aktan Bora , Masood Omar
Published: April 2010

This paper examines the competitive structures of the Turkish banking industry over the period 1998–2008 and investigates the factors that can explain differences in the degree of competitiveness. The Panzar‐Rosse method is used to test for the competitive nature of the industry, which also gives the measure of competition, the H‐statistic, is related to a number of industry controls and prevailing banking structures. Our results indicate that the banking industry in Turkey is in an equilibrium state, further they are in long run equilibrium. We also found that the banks in Turkey are operating as a whole under conditions of monopolistic competition. However, the banks were able to achieve high records of profitability in monopolistically competitive markets. Santrauka Straipsnyje tyrinejamos konkuruojančios struktūros ir veiksniai, darantys itaka skirtingam rinkos žai‐deju konkurencingumo laipsniui Turkijos bankininkystes sektoriuje 1998–2008 m. Bankininkystes sek‐toriaus konkurencijai ivertinti taikomas Panzar‐Rosse metodas. Rezultatai leidžia teigti, kad bankininkystes sektorius Turkijoje yra pusiausvyros būsenos, pereinančios i ilgalaiki etapa. Taip pat nustatyta, kad bankai Turkijoje veikia monopolines konkurencijos salygomis. Šiomis salygomis Turkijos bankai sugeba pasiekti aukštapelninguma.
WOMEN FEEL MORE PESSIMISTIC THAN MEN: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM TURKISH CONSUMER CONFIDENCE INDEX
Authors: Küçükaslan Ashi , Çelik Sadullah
Published: April 2010

The leading role that is attributable to economic indicators like consumer confidence has been well documented in the literature for many developed nations. Moreover, the relationship between high frequency financial market data has been a common research topic for world economies. However, there is hardly any study that attempts to search for the possible functional relationship between consumer confidence and financial market variables. This paper is a simple attempt to link these two brands of literature by focusing on the relationship between financial market variables and consumer confidence index before the global crisis has started. We have two distinctive points. First, we derive separate consumer confidence indices for men and women by employing micro‐level consumer confidence data from an emerging market (Turkish CNBC‐e consumer confidence index) for the period of January 2003 ‐ January 2008. Second, employing this data set, we do not only check for the existence of a relationship between consumer confidence and financial market variables (such as interest rates, exchange rates and stock exchange index) but also focus on the possibility of gender response. We find evidence of gender response difference as throughout the period women are more pessimistic than men‐due probably to lower levels of wealth‐and respond less to changes in exchange rates than men‐due probably to lower purchasing power. Santrauka Ekonominiu rodikliu kaip pirkejo pasitikejimo vaidmens svarba yra išsamiai pagrista daugelio išsivys‐čiusiu šaliu literatūroje. Be to, ryšys tarp aukšto finansu. rinkos svyravimo duomenu yra dažna tyrimu tema daugelyje pasaulio šaliu. Tačiau vargu ar galima būtu rasti tyrimu, kuriuose būtu bandoma surasti funkcini ryši tarp pirkejo pasitikejimo ir finansu. rinku rodikliu. Šis straipsnis ‐ tai meginimas susieti šias dvi rūšis, orientuojantis i ryši tarp finansu. rinku rodikliu ir pirkejo pasitikejimo indekso prieš prasi‐dedant pasaulinei krizei. Šiame straipsnyje pabrežti du išskirtiniai bruožai. Pirma, nustatomi atskiri mo‐teru ir vyru pasitikejimo indeksai naudojantis 2003 m. sausio men. ‐ 2008 m. sausio men. laikotarpio augančiu rinku mikrolygmens pirkejo pasitikejimo duomenimis (Turku CNBC‐e pirkejo pasitikejimo indeksas). Antra, naudojantis šia informacija tikrinamas ne tik esamas ryšys tarp pirkejo pasitikejimo ir finansu. rinku rodikliu (pavyzdžiui, palūkanu normos, valiutu kurso, akciju biržos indekso). Buvo rasta akivaizdžiu skirtumu tarp atsakymu, gautu iš skirtingu lyčiu atstovu. Visa laikotarpi moterys buvo pesi‐mistiškesnes nei vyrai, tikriausiai del žemo geroves lygio. Jos mažiau reagavo i valiutu kurso pokyčius nei vyrai del mažesnes perkamosios galios.
Thermodynamic variations in the decarbonation of low calcium fly ash-cement raw mix
Authors: Diouri A. , Boukhari A. , Rogez J. , Elkhadiri I.
Published: April 2010

In this paper, the authors analyse the decomposition of a low lime saturation factor (LSF) raw mix -obtained by adding low calcium fly ash to standard portland cement- when heated to around 1000 °C. The decarbonation temperatures and variation in enthalpy taking place during calcite decomposition were determined by DTA and isothermal calorimetric measurement. The resulting belitic clinker had a LSF factor ranging from 75 to 85%. The presence of fly ash was observed to retard the onset of decarbonation and lower the peak and final decarbonation temperatures. Decarbonation enthalpy was also found to decrease with fly ash content
Use of the microcrystalline limestone as building material: the "GrisPulpis"case
Authors: García del Cura M. A. , Benavente D. , Bernabéu A. , Fort R. , La Iglesia A. , Ordonez S.
Published: April 2010

Gris Pulpis is a Jurassic microcrystalline limestone found in the Maestrazgo Area of the Iberian Mountain Range (province of Castellón, Spain). This paper reports the results of a detailed study of the mineralogical, pelrographic and chromatic characteristics, as well as the durability, of this stone, classified as a commercial marble for its polish ability. The study determined the relationship between the structural characteristics of the stone, with a proliferation of stylolites and veins, and its physical properties. Its flexura I strength was found to be greater than would normally be expected in a structure with such a dense web of stylolites and veins. This is due to the structural and mineralogical properties of these stylolites, characterised by an extremely wavy design, scant mineral infillings and, occasionally, subsequent cementation. The characteristics of the porous media of homogeneous microcrystalline limestones such as Gris Pulpis largely explain the durability of this stone when exposed to freeze-thaw cycles and salt crystallisation. These arc the properties that make Gris Pulpis limestone, quarried in the Spanish Region of Valencia, a valuable building material for both architectural and civil engineering applications
Evaluation of consolidating and water repellent treatments applied to the miocene sandstone used in Tunisian Heritage Monuments
Authors: Zoghlami K. , Gómez-Gras D. , Álvarez A. , De Luxán M. P.
Published: April 2010

Summary The research reported in the present paper focused on the behaviour of the Miocene sandstone used to build the Roman aqueduct at Zaghouan-Carthage and other Tunisian Heritage monuments, after application of water repellent and consolidating treatments as a preliminary to restoration. Commercial consolidants and water repellents were used in the experiments: two ethyl silicate consolidants, Tegovakon (TV) and Keim-Silex OH (KSOH); two (siloxane) water repellents, Tegosivin THE 328 (THE) and Tegosivin HLJ00 (THE); and a dual (consolidate and water repellent) action substance, Keim- Silex H (KSH) (silicate acid ester base with siloxane). A mixed treatment consisting of successive coats of TV and THL (TVHL) was also applied. These organosilicate consolidants and water repellents acted on the porous structure of the sandstone, reducing total porosity and water vapour permeability. The water repellent THE was found to affect these properties least, with a pore size distribution that resembled the distribution in the untreated sandstone most closely. Water repellents diminish water absorption and consolidants increase mechanical strength. The TV-THL mix, which yielded results similar to those obtained with water repellents alone, was unable to prevent the substantial scaling that occurs during (RILEM) salt crystallisation-induced artificial ageing. The best results were found with the dual action consolidant! water repellent product (KSH), which improved the mechanical properties while affording protection from the decay caused by salts in artificial ageing trials. This substance was found to reduce water vapour permeability, however
Fatigue life prediction in a unidirectional glass-epoxy composite material subjected to off-axis cyclic loads
Authors: Revuelta D.
Published: April 2010

Most of today s fatigue analysis and design methods for composite laminates were developed primarily on the basis of experience with homogeneous metals. Such methods are subject to serious drawbacks, however, because the failure the modes of failure observed in metals. A theoretical model for predicting the fatigue life of continuous glass-fibre/epoxy composite materials under general loading conditions has been developed on the basis of fundamental fatigue failure modes and local failure criteria.