bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of self-compacting concrete with different types of additives
Authors: Grdic Zoran , Despotovic Iva , Toplicic-Curcic Gordana
Published: December 2008

Self-compacting concrete is one of 'the most revolutionar development' in concrete research; this concrete is able to flow and to fill the most restacted places of the form work without vibration. There are several methods for testing it's properties in the fresh state: the most frequently used are slum-flow test, L-box and V-funnel. This work presents properties of self-compacting concrete, mixed with different types additives: fly ash, silica fume, hydraulic lime and a mixture of fly ash and hydraulic lime.
Simple daily ET0 estimation techniques
Authors: Trajkovic Slavisa , Stojnic Vladimir
Published: December 2008

A reliable estimation of the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is of critical importance for irrigation systems' design. The goals of this research are: firstly, comparison of the evaporation methods, and secondly, analysis whether the evaporation of a Class A pan can be used as a substitution for FAO-56 PM method. In the paper, a comparison of the evaporation methods is done on the basis of the daily data from the Griffith station, Australia. It can be concluded that the Christiansen method is in better agreement with the FAO-56 PM method than the FAO-24 pan method. One of the reasons for a better agreement is a larger number of climatic parameters used than in FAO-24 pan method. The research has demonstrated that the evaporation data can be used as a substitution for FAO-56 PM ET0.
The engineer Hrista Stamenkovic proposal for triangular reinforcement of support walls
Authors: Radojicic Vladimir
Published: December 2008

This paper presents and a brief overview of Mr Hrista Stamenkovic's proposal of the triangular reinforcement in supporting walls exposed to horizontal forces (earthquake, wind). The reinforcement triangular allows total exploitation of reinforcement in compression and tension, is that, the most rational and the most economical design with the highest degree of safety will be achieved.
Program for calculation of a deflection of a uniform loaded square plate using Gauss-Seidel method for solution of Poisson differential equation
Authors: Lipkovski Jana , Penava Davorin
Published: December 2008

In this work we will consider a simply supported square plate of side L that is subjected to a load q per unit area. The deflection w in the z-direction is the solution of the Poisson differential equation. For simplicity, we suppose that the loading is uniform so that q is constant. The program is written for computing the deflections w at a set of points with n intervals along each side of the square plate. In this case, we employ a program that uses the Gauss-Seidel method to approximate the solution of Poisson's equation. The program is written for kmax applications through all interior grid points.
The appliance of interval calculus in estimation of plate deflection by solving Poisson's bisquared partial differential equation
Authors: Djordjevic Djordje , Petkovic Dusan , Zivkovic Darko
Published: December 2008

The work analyzed the appliance of interval calculus connected to estimation of elements deflection done by reinforced concrete. The simply supported reinforced concrete plate was taken as an example. The plate was loaded by load per unit area. Knowing that there are several parameters that influence the plate deflection, we showed the calculus where the mentioned parameters were given at a certain interval. The results (the final values of deflection) we also got in the form of intervals so it was possible to follow the direct influence of a change of one or more entering parameters on deflection values by using one model and one caculus.
Dissociative electron attachment in alcohols and ethers: Its relatioship to Rydberg states
Authors: Ibanescu Bogdan , Allan Michael
Published: December 2008

A dramatic difference was observed in the reactivity of alcohols and ethers toward free electrons. Whereas the lowest core-excited state of the negative ion - a 2(n,3s2) Feshbach resonance - of the alcohols readily dissociates by losing a hydrogen atom, ethers show no observable signal from this resonance. This difference in reactivity has a parallel in the anomalous shapes and energies of the parent states of the Feshbach resonances, the 1(n,3s) Rydberg states of the neutral alcohols and ethers. We explained this anomaly by means of potential surfaces of the alcohols and ethers calculated using the TD-DFT method as a function of the dissociation coordinate. The lowest excited state of alcohols was found to be repulsive, as a consequence of an avoided crossing between the 3s and 3px Rydberg configurations, whereas a barrier to dissociation was found in the ethers. Rydberg-valence mixing and avoided crossings are decisive in determining the shapes of the potential surfaces. It is concluded that the reactivities of alcohols and ethers toward free electrons are rationalized by assuming that the potential surfaces of the daughter Feshbach resonances closely follow those of the parent Rydberg states, i.e., the lowest Feshbach resonance is repulsive, but a barrier occurs in ethers. The potential surfaces of both the Rydberg states and the Feshbach resonances thus differ dramatically from the non-dissociative surface of the grandparent 2(n-1) positive ions, despite the nominally non-bonding character of the Rydberg electrons.
Measurements and correlations between several atmospheric parameters
Authors: Kolarz Predrag , Filipovic Dusan
Published: December 2008

Diurnal atmospheric air-ion concentrations have been investigated at a site where synchronous aerosol, ozone, temperature and relative humidity measurements were also made. Air-ions, temperature and relative humidity were measured with Gerdien type Cylindrical Detector of Air-Ions (CDI-06) made in the Institute of Physics, Belgrade. Ozone and aerosols were measured with commercial instruments owned by the Institute of Public Health, Belgrade. Typical daily variations of the measured parameters were analyzed and showed that air-ions of both signs and ozone are positively correlated, while aerosols show strong inverse correlation with air-ions. Also, concentrations of air-ions and ozone are decreasing with temperature while aerosol concentration and humidity are increasing. These processes could be explained concerning properties of the specified parameters, measuring place properties and weather conditions.
Development of time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopic technique for the analysis of biomolecules
Authors: Terzic M. , Marinkovic B.P. , Sevic D. , Jureta J. , Milosavljevic A.R.
Published: December 2008

Our developments of the time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence (TR-LIF) detection system for biomolecules are presented. This system is based on the tunable (320 nm to 475 nm) Nd:YAG laser pulses used to excite various biomolecules. The detection part is the Streak System for Fluorescence Lifetime Spectroscopy (Hamamatsu, Japan). The system consists of a C4334-01 streakscope, as a detector, DG 535 digital pulse/delay generator, C5094-S Spectrograph and HPD-TA System, as a temporal analyzer. The TR-LIF spectrometer is designed primarily to study the temperature and pressure effects on fluorescence behavior of biomolecules upon excitation with a single nanosecond pulse. The design of this system has capability to combine laser-induced breakdown (LIB) with fluorescence, as well to study optodynamic behavior of fluorescence biomolecules.
The Albian-Cenomanian Kotroman Formation of Mokra Gora (Western Serbia)
Authors: Banjac Nenad , Jovanovic Divna , Dulic Ivan , Ljubovic-Obradovic Darivojka
Published: December 2008

Cretaceous deposits in the wider area of Mokra Gora village (western Serbia) were studied previously during basic, thematic mapping and detailed metallogenic investigations. These former studies neither distinguished the clearly defined formations, nor defined the lower rank lithostratigraphic units. The oldest Cretaceous formation in the area of Mokra Gora, the 'Basal series', lies above peridotite and serpentinite and below the 'Hemipelagic series' (RADOICIC 1995, and references therein). This study preliminary defines the 'Basal series' as a formation and proposes the lithostratigraphic term 'Kotroman Formation'. The stratigraphic column of the Kotroman Formation consists of three separate members of lower rank. The ferruginous sandstone and conglomerate of the Kamisna Member occupy the lower part, nodular bedded marly limestone of the Urosevici Member are in the middle part and thin bedded bioclastic limestone of the Jatare Member made up the upper part of the formation. Fossils are represented by sporadic assemblages of mollusks, foraminifers, algae, brackish water charophytes and ostracodes, which indicate an Albian-Cenomanian age of the formation.
Approaches in breeding for high quality protein maize
Authors: Denic Miloje , Chaque Pedro , Fato Pedro , Senete Constantino , Mariote David , Haag Wayne
Published: December 2008

Maize is the principal crop and major staple food in the most African and South American countries. The main problem in human nutrition in developing countries, and in livestock feed in developed countries, is insufficient production and poor quality of cereal proteins. In the case of maize, due to the very low content of essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan in grain endosperm, biological value is very low, which is main limiting factor of common maize in human nutrition and feeding of monogastric animals. Quality protein maize (QPM) can help in solving of this problem. Maize production also faces serious constraints caused by agro-ecological conditions and poor socio-economic situation. To alleviate the effect of the constraints, selected genotypes with more desirable traits and appropriate field-plot techniques to create multiple-stress conditions, were used. It was found that, in downy mildew nursery distance up to 35 m from spreader plot is providing sufficient down load of spores for plant infection, provided that the testing breeding materials are planted towards to down-stream direction of the dominant wind. Using these breeding approaches large number of early, white and flint synthetics, composites and inbred lines were created with resistance or tolerance to downy mildew (DMR), maize streak virus (SR) and drought (DT). Created genotypes exhibited very good kernel modification and yield potential under low and normal inputs. In the case of synthetics and composites, besides tolerance to multiple stress factors, they were competing in yield with local QPM and normal maize checks. In the case of created inbred lines high combining ability was exhibited both in non-conventional and conventional maize hybrids. Trial data revealed that in the most cases the best entries were over-yielding the best checks.
'Landscape shape interpolation' for defining spatial pattern of beech genetic diversity in Serbia
Authors: Ivetic Vladan , Isajev Vasilije , Mladenovic-Drinic Snezana
Published: December 2008

Knowledge about spatial distribution of genetic diversity is very important for foresters in order to make right decisions during establishing of management plans for conservation, afforestation or reforestation. Advanced molecular technologies provide us with efficiently measured genetic information's which can be analyzed powerful statistical tools. Landscape Shape Interpolation analysis was applied on protein based marker data sets from six natural populations of Balkan beech. Results indicate existence of three genetically distinct groups: 1) Djerdap, Kopaonik, Zubin potok and Ivanjica; 2) Bor and 3) Pirot. These results were compared with results of UPGMA clustering of sampled population based on NEI original distances, Principal Coordinate Analysis and Monmonier's Maximum Difference Algorithm Analysis. Landscape Shape Interpolation analysis represent a powerful tool in spatial genetic diversity research. Combining of Landscape Shape Interpolation analysis results with digitalized maps of investigated area in some of numerous GIS applications will for certainly improve visualization of results and provide better understanding of causal factors of genetic diversity.
Contested citizenship: Between national and social rights in post-war Knin, Croatia
Authors: Leutloff-Grandits Carolin
Published: December 2008

The paper deals with the post-war, postsocialist region of Knin in Croatia and discusses the 'grand plan' of Croatian national engineering after the war in the 1990s and its (partial) 'failure' at the local level. Building on concepts of social security and citizenship as an analytical frame, it shows that the Croatian nationality became not only an ideological perspective, but a practical means to achieving social rights, including access to housing. However, this logic was rather shortsighted. While many Croatian settlers as well as Croatian returnees came to Knin with enthusiasm, they became frustrated by the limited access to social and material benefits in the post-war, postsocialist situation and the diminishing power of national rights from 1998 on. The region of Knin became marginalized and 'de-modernised' and many 'national winners' became social losers. With the fragmentation of national solidarity, people in the Knin region started to construct a (fragile) local society, giving hope for the emergence of civil processes.
Philo-Semitism in Serbia 1940 and after
Authors: Pickus David
Published: December 2008

This paper analyses Serbian philo-Semitism, or friendship toward and appreciation of the Jews. Its primary focus is on Nasi Jevreji, an anthology of statements supporting the Jews that appeared in 1940. It also examines the recurrence of philo-Semitic themes in post World War Two writings. The main arguments is that philo-Semitism played (and plays) an instrumental role in the formation of modern Serbian identity. In particular, expressions of warmth and friendship toward Serbian Jews served to vindicate a conviction that Serbia was a virtuous and generous nation. At the same time, philo-Semitic discourse carried its own ambiguities with it, both in regard to Serbian attitudes toward Jews in general, as well as conflicting Jewish responses to the friendship offered. This paper also studies these ambiguities, and concludes with an evaluation of the meaning of Serbian philo-Semitism in general.
Legal clinic gender sensitive method for law students
Authors: Petrusic Nevena , Konstantinovic-Vilic Slobodanka , Zunic Natalija
Published: December 2008

In this paper, the authors discuss models of integrating gender issues, gender perspective and some gender aspects into the university education. In that context, the authors particularly focus on the concept of clinical legal education in legal clinics offering a specific practical model of teaching gender studies. Legal clinics provide for an innovative approach to gender education of prospective legal professional. The teaching method used in these legal clinics is aimed at raising students' awareness of gender issues and common gender-related biases. In the recent period, the Legal Clinic at the Law Faculty in Nis has achieved excellent results in the Clinical legal education program on the women's rights protection, which clearly proves that legal clinics have good prospects in general legal education.
The place of women in police education the situation and perspective of women's human rights
Authors: Spasic Danijela
Published: December 2008

In this paper, the author attempts to establish, based on specific characteristics and on the openness of police education in Serbia and other Western Balkan countries, the extent to which equal rights of women and men concerning the accessibility to police education are respected, as well as their rights concerning the possibility of finding a job, building a career and their professional orientation in the police. All of that in light of respecting women' s human rights granted by the most important international documents on human rights, especially by the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Analyzing the situation of women in police education and within the police of different countries, first of all in those of Europe and the Western Balkans, and especially in Serbia, the author will establish the degree of conformity, but also the gap between de jure and de facto situations.
VDS info and victim support service: The analysis of the service's work in 2007
Authors: Kovacevic-Lepojevic Marina , Radakovic Danica
Published: December 2008

The aim of this paper is to present the work of the victim support service, VDS info and victim support, which is functioning within the Victimology Society of Serbia. The paper contains the analysis of the Service's data that relates to the period from January 1st until December 31st 2007. At the beginning, data is presented on the forms of victimization, with a particular emphasis on violence in the work place and domestic violence. This is followed by presenting the forms and quality of the assistance and support provided to victims by the Service. The authors particularly focus on the analysis of the victims' experiences with the institutions and organizations they contacted before or after contacting the Service.
Transport systems and policies for sustainable cities
Authors: Vucic Vukan
Published: December 2008

The 20th century witnessed revolutionary developments in transportation technology with major impacts on the form and character of cities. Progress in increasing mobility has brought many benefits as well as serious problems, particularly in deterioration of livability and sustainability. Increase in auto ownership led to serious problems of chronic traffic congestion. Attempts to rebuild cities to provide full accommodation of private cars have led to serious problems of auto dependency and deterioration of cities. Experiences from recent decades have shown that urban transportation is much more complex than usually realized. Livable and sustainable cities require policies that lead to creation of a transportation system consisting of coordinated public transit and private cars, and encourages pedestrian environment and efficient, sustainable development. Great need for better understanding of the complex problems in implementing incentives and disincentives aimed at achieving intermodal balance is emphasized. Brief descriptions of cities which lead in achieving such livable conditions is followed by a summary of lessons and guidelines for the future.
How to achieve a sustainable future for Europe?
Authors: Blinc Robert , Najdovski Dimitrij , Bekteshi Sadik , Kabashi Skender , Slaus Ivo , Zidansek Aleksander
Published: December 2008

According to the Lisbon declaration from 2000 the goal of European Union is to become by 2010 the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-driven economy and by 2025 a sustainable knowledge society. The EU however faces some strong challenges on the road toward these goals and is evidently lagging behind both USA and Japan. Our analysis is based on six dimensions of these challenges, including the economic challenge, the demographic challenge, the scientific challenge, the challenge of higher education, the challenge of European governance and identity/system of values, and the environmental/ecotechnological challenge. We argue that if we are to provide a sustainable secure environment and prosperity for next generations, we have to act now at least with developments in particular in the direction of clean, cheap, and renewable energy sources with an emphasis on basic, curiosity driven research which through scientific breakthroughs, is the only realistic solution to solving world's energy requirements. Such an action could for example facilitate the transition from fossil fuels to solar power in a relatively short time of about two decades, and help EU achieve its declared sustainability targets.
Biogas: A renewable source of energy
Authors: Houdkova Lucie , Boran Jaroslav , Pecek Jan , Sumpela Pavel
Published: December 2008

First part of the paper deals with biogas produced in the process of anaerobic digestion. Possibilities of biogas utilization are commented briefly. Laboratory fermentation unit that was built at the Institute of Process and Environmental Engineering is described further on. The laboratory fermentation unit is used for digestion of new types of substrate and for process optimization. Finally, the biogas plant built in Sweden is described. Biogas produced there is treated and used as a fuel for public transport vehicles.
Exploring the technical and economic feasibility of using the urban water system as a sustainable energy source
Authors: de Graaf , van de , Miltenburg Ivo , van Bert , van de , van Wijk
Published: December 2008

The objective of this paper is to determine the technical and economic feasibility of an alternative energy system in which the urban water system functions as a source for sustainable energy supply. It is demonstrated that aquifer thermal energy storage supplemented with surface water heat collection in summer, yields sufficient heat to compensate total heat demand of a residential district. Using the urban water system as energy source makes natural gas supply obsolete, provides a CO2 reduction of 60% and is preferable in terms of costs compared to conventional gas based central heating installations. The feasibility of the urban groundwater system, urban surface water system, and the economic feasibility are determined in this paper. The local groundwater feasibility to supply the design discharge is determined by soil and aquifer characteristics from the national groundwater database, reference projects, and bore-hole data. A heat balance model is used to quantify effects on the water system. Internal rate of return calculation for the investments and full lifetime exploitation costs are used to determine the economic feasibility of the concept. In summer, there is a net water temperature decrease of 1.5-1.6 ?C. Water quality and ecological improvement take place because a lower temperature results in increasing oxygen content. Moreover, the expected water temperature increase by climate change can be prevented. The concept is economically feasible. Considering the full lifetime and all investment and exploitation costs, the concept is more profitable than a conventional system.
ORC technology for waste-wood to energy conversion in the furniture manufacturing industry
Authors: Moro Riccardo , Pinamonti Piero , Reini Mauro
Published: December 2008

Exploitation of low and medium temperature thermal sources, in particular those based on biomass combustion and on industrial residual heat recovery, has been increasingly investigated in the last decades, accordingly to the growing interest towards reduction in primary energy consumption and environmental issues. Organic Rankine cycle technology allows designing power plants that are less demanding in terms of auxiliaries, safety systems, maintenance and operating costs when compared to conventional water steam power plants. To support the preliminary technical and economic design of this kind of plants in different contexts, a simulation code of part load and off-design operation of an organic Rankine cycle unit for combined heat and power has been developed. In the paper, taking the real situation of a furniture manufacturing factory as a starting point, it is shown how all energy flows occurring all year long inside the combined heat and power plant, can be estimated on the basis of the thermal user duty time profile, the available biomass flow rate and the adopted operation strategy. This information is the basis in order to correctly evaluate the energetic, economic and environmental advantages of the proposed technical solution, with respect to a particular context, as it is shown in the concluding part of the paper.
Self organized critical dynamics of the sustainable development
Authors: Najdovski Dimitrij , Slaus Ivo , Zidansek Aleksander
Published: December 2008

Meadows, Randers, and Meadows developed a computer model, which studied relations between global resources, production, and consumption. Their model solves a simple system of ordinary differential equations under different scenarios and predicts the future of variables like population, food production, and various measures of pollution and use of resources. Due to the complexities of the observed system, such a simple model can not take into account all significant parameters and therefore cannot be used for accurate long term predictions. Therefore we developed a neural network based model, which we tested with historical data to reproduce the Meadows results. We also used this model to cluster countries based on similarity as measured by the observed variables in an attempt to predict, which characteristics are most significant for their development.
Extremophiles: Link between earth and astrobiology
Authors: Stojanovic Dejan , Fojkar Oliver , Drobac-Cik Aleksandra , Cajko Kristina , Dulic Tamara , Svircev Zorica
Published: December 2008

Astrobiology studies the origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe. The most promising worlds in Solar system, beyond Earth, which may harbor life are Mars and Jovian moon Europa. Extremophiles are organisms that thrive on the edge of temperature, hypersalinity, pH extremes, pressure, dryness and so on. In this paper, some extremophile cyanobacteria have been discussed as possible life forms in a scale of astrobiology. Samples were taken from solenetz and solonchak types of soil from the Vojvodina region. The main idea in this paper lies in the fact that high percentage of salt found in solonchak and solonetz gives the possibility of comparison these types of soil with 'soil' on Mars, which is also rich in salt.
Body height and weight and nutritional status in adult population of Northwest Backa and Central Banat (Serbia, Vojvodina)
Authors: Pavlica Tatjana , Bozic-Krstic Verica , Rakic Rada , Simic Sinisa
Published: December 2008

Body height and weight are influenced by interaction of genetic and environmental factors but also depend upon the ethnic and socio-cultural characteristics of populations. The aim of the study is to determine the height, weight and nutritional status of adult population of Vojvodina, as well as to establish similarities and differences among various ethnic groups, i.e. the natives of Vojvodina and newcomers from different parts of former Yugoslavia. The investigation was conducted in 10 rural settlements of northwest Backa and central Banat. The investigation included 608 males (mean age 41.34 11.49) and 768 females (mean age 41.85 10.64). Data processing included standard statistical methods, while t-test was employed for testing differences among groups. In relation to ethnic group belonging, the analysis included Serbs, Hungarians and Montenegrins, while natives and newcomers from Bosnia and Herzegovina were analyzed in relation to the native land origin. The subjects of both sexes from central Banat have greater height than the subjects from northwest Backa. Hungarians of both sexes exhibit lower body height in comparison with all other groups, while Herzegovina newcomers have the greatest height values. For body weight, similar values are obtained in both of the areas. The average BMI in males equals 27.23 kg/m2 in Backa and 26.59 kg/m2 in Banat. In females, the values are lower and equal 26.12 kg/m2 in Backa and 25.29 kg/m2 in Banat. The population of this region is characterized by great height. Natives of both sexes show markedly lower height and weight values in relation to all three newcomers groups. The greatest number of male population falls in the category of overweight (46%). Females are mostly of normal weight (47.81%), while the number of overweight and obese females equals 34.67% and 14.42%, respectively.
Physiological and genetic basis of plant tolerance to excess boron
Authors: Kastori Rudolf , Maksimovic Ivana , Kraljevic-Balalic Marija , Kobiljski Borislav
Published: December 2008

Boron (B) deficit as well as excess may significantly limit the organic production in plants. In extreme cases they may kill the affected plants. Boron excess occurs primarily in arid and semiarid regions, in saline soils or in consequence to human action. Excessive boron concentrations retard plant growth and cause physiological and morphological changes (chlorosis and necrosis) first of all in leaf tips and then in marginal or intercostal parts of the lamina. Physiological mechanisms of plant tolerance to boron excess have not been studied in sufficient detail. The predominant opinion holds that they are based on restricted uptake and accumulation of boron in the root and aboveground plant parts. Significant differences in boron excess tolerance have been observed not only between different crops but even between different genotypes of the same crop. This has enabled the breeding of crop genotypes and crops adapted to growing on soils rich in available boron and intensified the research on the inheritance of plant tolerance to high B concentration. Sources of tolerance to high B concentration have been found in many crops (wheat, mustard, pea, lentil, eucalypt). Using different molecular techniques based on PCR (RAPD, SRAP), plant parents and progenies have been analyzed in an attempt to map as precisely as possible the position of B-tolerant genes. Small grains have been studied in greatest detail for inheritance of B tolerance. B tolerance in wheat is controlled by at least four additive genes, Bo1, Bo2, Bo3 and Bo4. Consequently, there exists a broad range of tolerance levels. Studies of Arabidopsis have broadened our understanding of regulation mechanisms of B transport from roots to above ground parts, allowing more direct genetic manipulations.
Oral candidiasis-adhesion of non-albicans Candida species
Authors: Bokor-Bratic Marija
Published: December 2008

Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused primarily by Candida albicans. However, in recent years, species of non-albicans Candida have been implicated more frequently in mucosal infection. Candida species usually reside as commensal organisms and are part of normal oral microflora. Determining exactly how transformation from commensal to pathogen takes place and how it can be prevented is continuous challenge for clinical doctors. Candidal adherence to mucosal surfaces is considered as a critical initial step in the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis. Acrylic dentures, acting as reservoirs, play an important role in increasing the risk from Candida colonisation. Thus, this review discusses what is currently known about the adhesion of non-albicans Candida species of oral origin to buccal epithelial cells and denture acrylics.
The presence of undesirable mould species on the surface of dry sausages
Authors: Veskovic-Moracanin Slavica , Karan Dragica , Milicevic Dragan , Stjepanovic Aleksandra
Published: December 2008

Transition from manufacture to the industrial way of meat production and processing, as well as contemporary concept of food quality and safety, have led to the application of starter cultures. Their application leads towards the streamlining of the production process in the desired direction, quality improvement and its harmonization, and thereby to its standardization. Application of moulds in the meat industry is based on positive effects of their proteolytic and lipolytic egzoenzymes which, as a consequence, leads to the creation of characteristic sensory properties ('flavor') of fermented products. Penicillium nalgiovense is a typical representative of moulds used in the production of fermented sausages-salamis from our region. Samples of 'zimska salama' (dry sausage), produced with Penicillium nalgiovense, were evaluated as hygienically unacceptable. Their sensory properties changed due to contamination of this mould during the ripening process. Micological analysis discovered the presence of Penicillium aurantiogriseum, which is a frequent mould contaminant in the meat industry. At the same time, thin layer chromatography revealed no possibility of metabolic activity of this mould in the creation of mycotoxins. However, the presence of this mould on the surface of 'zimska salama' is considered as undesirable due to formation of 'off flavor' in products. Such product is considered as hygienically unacceptable and cannot be used for the human consumption.
Effects of moulds on the safety and processing quality of Triticum aestivum
Authors: Saric Marija , Stojanovic Tatjana , Skrinjar Marija , Menkovska Mirjana
Published: December 2008

Wheat and wheat products are frequently subjected to mould infestations. Many of them are potential producers of various mycotoxins. Some of the consequences, due to the infestations by genus Fusarium and Alternaria, are mostly: yield loss, decrease of biological and technological quality, and unacceptable quality of infected kernels for the production and processing into human food because of the possible presence of mycotoxins. It is unknown whether and how the contaminated grains are distributed during milling into various flour streams and finished products. Wholegrain flours and related products contain all anatomic parts of kernels, including mycotoxins. It is a known fact that mycotoxins are resistant to thermal degradation, so they do not loose their toxicity during processing. Moulds from genus Fusarium spp. and Alternaria spp. synthesize mycotoxins, mostly zearalenon and ochratoxin A. The aim of the investigation was to examine mould contamination of wheat grain, as well as to identify the isolated species, especially those capable of producing toxins, and to determine their impact on technological quality, safety and sanitary condition of wheat. Six varieties of wheat, contaminated with moulds, were investigated. Each sample was separated manually into four fractions: sound kernels, black germ kernels, kernels infected slightly and those infected severely with Fusarium spp.
Nitrogen metabolism enzymes, soluble protein and free proline content in soybean genotypes and their F1 hybrids
Authors: Keresi Sanja , Malencic Djordje , Popovic Milan , Kraljevic-Balalic Marija , Miladinovic Jegor , Ilic Aleksandar
Published: December 2008

Nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activity, as well as free proline and soluble protein content were measured in eight soybean parent genotypes and six F1 hybrids. The aim of this study was to determine variability and the mode of inheritance for these parameters, and point out the genotypes of interest for future breeding programs. Analysed genotypes and their F1 hybrids expressed significant differences in activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase enzymes, as well as in soluble proteins and free proline contents. Since mode of inheritance for all investigated traits was in most cases dominance or heterosis, it can be concluded that these parameters are under control of dominant genes. The obtained results suggest that genotypes with favorable traits, such as variety Linda, line 1511, and F1 hybrids (Linda x LN92-7369) and (Balkan x BL-8), could be of interest as a good starting material for further breeding programs.
Genetic specificity of magnesium nutrition in sunflower
Authors: Kastori Rudolf , Marinkovic Radovan , Sekulic Petar , Maksimovic Ivana , Pucarevic Mira
Published: December 2008

Magnesium content was analyzed in five of the most grown sunflower hybrids in Serbia, as well as in different populations of wild sunflower species: Helianthus agrophyllus (5), Helianthus annuus (4), Helianthus neglectus (3), Helianthus petiolaris (5), Helianthus tuberosus (5). Magnesium content in the populations of wild sunflower species ranged from 317 to 824 mg/100 g DW. The highest magnesium content was found in Helianthus petiolaris and the lowest in Helianthus tuberosus. Different populations within each species differed significantly in magnesium content. The highest variation coefficient was found in Helianthus tuberosus and the lowest in Helianthus petiolaris. Magnesium concentration in hybrids was significantly different as well, and in two years it was in average between 575 and 813 mg/g DW. The results suggest that genetic variability between magnesium concentrations in wild species and hybrids of sunflower is very high. This should be taken into consideration when requirements for mineral nutrition are analyzed, as well as when wild species are included in breeding programs.
Evaluation of optimal time and parameters for measuring potentially mineralized nitrogen in soil
Authors: Kresovic Mirjana , Licina Vlado , Antic-Mladenovic Svetlana
Published: December 2008

Our research was done on brown forest soil with long-term experiments and with a system of fertilizing which is in use for 40 years. Experiment variants with an increasing dose of nitrogen fertilizer were chosen for this research. Two experiments have been performed: experiment in pots supplied with ammonium nitrate labeled with a stable isotope 15N (11.8%) and experiment in the field. The aim of the research was to establish which plant and soil parameters group (obtained in the controlled conditions and/or in the field) could be considered as reliable for evaluation of aerobic and anaerobic incubation and of the best time for estimation of potentially mineralized nitrogen in soil. According to the determined correlative dependence, it could be concluded that reliability of aerobic incubation should be estimated in October by plant and soil parameters from field, anaerobic incubation should be estimated in early spring (March) by plant and soil parameters, from controlled conditions (pots) and from field.
The occurrence of pests on lemon balm (Mellisa officinalis) and garden sage (Salvia officinalis)
Authors: Bokor Peter , Tancik Ján , Habán Miroslav , Marinkovic Branko , Polácek Milan
Published: December 2008

Production of medicinal plants is accompanied by many problems, out of which some are overcome. Problems in medicinal plant production, including the production of sage and lemon balm that cannot be avoided are pathogens, the presence of insects and weeds. During the summer of 2003 and 2004, the occurrence of animal pests and pathogens was investigated in the medicinal plants lemon balm (Mellisa officinalis) and garden sage (Salvia officinalis). The pathogens Alternaria alternata and Fusarium moniliforme and the insects Eupterix atropunctata and Empoasca pteridis (Homoptera, Cicadelidae) were identified as the cause of various damages to medicinal plants.
From Cattle to Goats: The Transformation of East Pokot Pastoralism in Kenya
Authors: Österle Matthias
Published: December 2008

Once the epitome of a perceived 'resistance to change' among East African pastoralists, Pokot pastoralism has changed rapidly and profoundly in recent years. In less than two decades, the pastoral economy of the eastern Pokot, which constitutes the focus of this contribution, transformed from specialized, highly mobile and subsistence-oriented cattle herding to largely sedentary and marketoriented keeping of small stock. The transformation process is embedded in a general trend towards economic diversification, sedentarization and social stratification. The article approaches the transformation of East Pokot pastoralism from a diachronic perspective and makes use of longitudinal data sets collected during several periods of long-term and short-term research between 1987 and 2005.
Risk Perception and Coping Strategies among the Karrayu Pastoralists of Upper Awash Valley, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Getachew Girum , Tolossa Degefa , Gebru Getachew
Published: December 2008

This research investigated the risk perceptions and coping mechanisms of Karrayu pastoralists of central Ethiopia. The concept of livelihood framework underpins the argument of the paper. First-hand data was generated by a survey of 100 households and use of qualitative participatory methods: time line, wealth ranking and seasonal calendars. The findings reveal that the Karrayu people who operate in seemingly similar contexts are not exposed to similar constraints and opportunities. The wealth status of a household is highly related to the differences in risk perceptions and coping strategies. Differences were documented among men and women, youth and adults, local people and government actors. The relatively well off and the destitute have different risk perceptions and responses. Differences in risk perception and diverse coping strategies among the Karrayu pastoralists were also highly gendered.
Indigenous Conflict Management and Resolution Mechanisms on Rangelands in Somali Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Bouh Ahmed Mohammed , Mammo Yared
Published: December 2008

Conflicts over the use of range resources are common in the pastoral areas of Ethiopia. This study explores the indigenous conflict management and resolution mechanisms that have been working among the pastoral communities in the Shinile zone. Moreover, it attempts to identify the nature and types, underlying causes and consequences of conflicts among pastoralists using range resources.
Biohybrid Devices and Encapsulation Technologies for Engineering a Bioartificial Pancreas
Authors: Fort Alexander , Fort Nicholas , Ricordi Camillo , Stabler Cherie L.
Published: December 2008

The use of cell-based treatments in the field of metabolic organs, particularly the pancreas, has seen tremendous growth in recent years. The transplantation of islet of Langerhans cells for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has allowed for natural glycemic control for patients plagued with hypoglycemia unawareness. The transplantation of islet cells into the portal vein of the liver, however, has presented challenges to the survival of the cells due to inflammation, vascularization, the need for systemic immunosuppression, and physical stress on the graft. New advances in the engineering of appropriate biohybrid devices and encapsulation technologies have led to promising alternatives to traditional methods.
Islet Graft Response to Transplantation Injury Includes Upregulation of Protective as Well as Apoptotic Genes
Authors: Rodríguez-Mulero Silvia , Montanya Eduard
Published: December 2008

Pancreatic islets are particularly vulnerable in the initial days after transplantation when multiple factors converge to damage the islet graft. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression profile of genes involved in damage and protection of β-cells in the initial days after syngeneic islet transplantation. We studied the expression of a set of selected genes involved in apoptosis (Bcl2, BclxL, Bax, Bad, Bid, and CHOP), cytokine defense, (SOCS-1 and SOCS-3), or free radical protection (Hmox1, Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, and Hsp70). Because hyperglycemia has deleterious effects on islet transplantation outcome, we studied its effect on the expression of these genes. Five hundred islets were syngeneically transplanted under the kidney capsule of normoglycemic or streptozotocin-induced diabetic Lewis rats. Gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR in grafts 1, 3, and 7 days after transplantation, and in freshly isolated islets. The expression of proapoptotic genes Bid and CHOP, as well as protective genes BclxL, Socs1, Socs3, Hmox1, and MnSod, was maximally increased 1 day after transplantation, and in most cases it remained increased 7 days later, indicating the presence of a protective response against cell damage. In contrast, the expression of Bcl2, Bax, Bad, Cu/ZnSod, and Hsp70 genes did not change. Hyperglycemia did not modify the expression of most studied genes. However, MnSod and Ins2 expression was increased and reduced, respectively, on day 7 after transplantation to diabetic recipients, suggesting that hyperglycemia increased oxidative stress and deteriorated β-cell function in transplanted islets.
Myoblast Xenotransplantation as a Tool to Evaluate the Appropriateness of Nanoparticular versus Cellular Trackers
Authors: Praud C. , Vauchez K. , Lombes A. , Fiszman M. Y. , Vilquin J.-T.
Published: December 2008

Myoblast transplantation is being considered as a potential strategy to improve muscle function in myopathies; hence, it is important to identify the transplanted cells and to have available efficient reagents to track these cells. We first validated a human to mouse xenotransplantation model warranting the complete and rapid rejection of the cells. We then used this model to assess the appropriateness of a nanoparticle reagent to track the transplanted cells. Human myoblasts were loaded with ferrite nanoparticles and injected into the tibialis muscle of immunocompetent mice. Upon collection and histological analysis of muscle sections at different time points, we observed the total disappearance of the human cells within 6 days while ferrite particles remained detectable and colocalized with mouse infiltrating and neighboring cells at the injection site. These results suggest that the use of exogenous markers such as ferrite nanoparticles may lead to false-positive results and misinterpretation of cell fate.
La Géorgie et ses « hôtes ingrats »
Authors: Gordadzé Thorniké
Published: December 2008

La notion d'autochtonie est en Géorgie un élément essentiel de la définition des droits politiques. Aussi, outre les Géorgiens, certaines "minorités nationales" cherchent-elles de leur côté à affirmer une antériorité de présence sur le territoire, ce qui conduit nécessairement à des conflits ; d'autres au contraire jouent le jeu de l' "invité reconnaissant". Si le registre de l'autochtonie est beaucoup plus universel qu'on ne le prétend parfois, il s'appuie dans le Caucase sur des particularités fortes : l'importance des rites de l'hospitalité dans les coutumes et la littérature, la concomitance du nationalisme géorgien avec l'imaginaire historique, enfin les théories soviétiques de la nationalité et de l'ethnogenèse et les politiques qu'elles fondaient. La mondialisation et, en conséquence, l'apparition en Géorgie de nombreux acteurs étrangers (investisseurs, agences bilatérales, organisations internationales) promettent de beaux jours à la thématique de l'autochtonie.
L'évolution du discours sur la ville : des institutions multilatérales d'aide au développement
Authors: De Ponte Giulia
Published: December 2008

Résumé Au cours des années quatre-vingt, la politique urbaine des organisations multilatérales d’aide au développement a semblé se structurer de façon presque unanime autour des notions de gestion urbaine et de partenariat. On remarque, pourtant, la persistance d’une incertitude forte sur le sens exact que le discours de ces organisations attribue aux deux termes en question. Cela a obligé le débat de se limiter soit à une réflexion théorique trop vague, soit à une discussion liée aux seuls résultats empiriques des programmes mis en œuvre. Dans cette situation, les commentateurs externes aux agences multilatérales ont souvent entrepris un travail d’interprétation des deux termes en question, en essayant d’en extrapoler la définition à partir des textes dans lesquels ils sont utilisés. Sans nier l’intérêt de ces approches, on essayera ici de suggérer un parcours différent. On retracera l’évolution historique du discours dont ces termes sont l’issue. On focalisera l’attention notamment sur les relations de filiation et de continuité ou de rupture qui caractérisent cette évolution, afin de comprendre dans lesquelles de ces relations s’enracine le sens des termes en question.