bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Damping of Inter-Area Oscillation in Power Systems by Static Var Compensator (SVC) Using PMU-Acquired Remote Bus Voltage Angles
Authors: Varma Rajiv K , Gupta R. P. , Auddy Soubhik
Published: November 2007

This paper presents a novel concept of Static Var Compensator (SVC) damping control using a weighted sum of bus voltage angles of remote generators that are responsible for causing inter-area oscillations in power systems. These remote bus voltage angle signals are acquired through Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). A time domain simulation study on a 39-bus New England multi-machine system is utilized to show that an SVC auxiliary damping control, based on the derivative of these remote bus voltage angles, is superior to the conventionally employed local signals in damping inter-area oscillations. The effect of transmission delay in the acquisition of remote signals is also presented and a simple mechanism to compensate this delay is proposed and validated. The robustness of the delay compensator is finally shown for a wide range of signal transmission delays. The designed SVC controller shows a superior performance in damping the inter-area oscillations despite the signal transmission delays.
Decision Tree Based Fault Classification Scheme for Protection of Series Compensated Transmission Lines
Authors: Parikh Urmil B. , Bhalja Bhavesh R. , Maheshwari Rudra Prakash , Das Biswarup
Published: November 2007

Series compensation at the midpoint of a transmission line creates problems to conventional protection approaches. A new fault classification technique has been developed for a transmission line with a series capacitor at the midpoint, having different percentages of compensation varying from 25% to 75%. The proposed technique requires three line currents and voltages at each end and computes fundamental phasors of these quantities using a modified version of Full Cycle Discrete Fourier Transform. Using these phasors, the absolute values of three phase impedances are calculated for faulted phase identification. Moreover, the involvement of the ground in the fault is identified using a zero sequence component of the fault current. Using a PSCAD/EMTDC software package, a large test data (28,800) set has been generated with different types of faults and system variables, which includes fault resistances, fault inception angles, fault positions (before and after series capacitor) and variable loading conditions along with wide variations in the source impedances at both ends of a transmission line. The proposed scheme is tested on the said data set and the results are found to be promising. The results indicate that the proposed technique is fast, accurate and robust for a wide variation in system and fault conditions.
Identification of External Power System Linear Dynamic Equivalents as MIMO Feedback Blocks for the Study System
Authors: Shakouri G. Hamed , Lesani Hamid , Ranjbar Ali Mohammad , Radmanesh Hamidreza
Published: November 2007

The necessity of dynamic equivalents for power system analysis has been well known since the expansion of large interconnected power networks, and has been discussed during the last decades. The present paper proposes a new method for constructing dynamic equivalents of power systems. In this method, at the first step the ``study system" is modeled completely via a single machine-infinite bus modeling procedure. Then the ``external system" is identified as a MIMO feedback block of this model in such a manner that can include dynamic effects of the latter on the behavior of the former. The method is successfully experimented on a part of the Iranian southern network.
Dual Subordination: Muslim Sexuality in Secular and Religious Legal Discourse in India
Authors: Ahmed Aziza
Published: November 2007

Muslim women and Muslim members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community face a specific form of dual subordination in relation to their gender and sexuality. A Muslim woman might seek solace from India's patriarchal religious judicial structures only to find that the secular system's patriarchal structures likewise aid in their subordination and create a space for new forms of such subordination. Similarly, a marginalized LGBT Muslim might attempt to reject an oppressive religious formulation only to come to find that the secular Indian state might criminalize a particular form of sexuality. This analysis explores how Indian laws "give meaning" to sexuality through the legal structures manifested by state and religious regulatory bodies and argues that both religious and state legal institutions need to be reformed to create a legal environment that furthers rather than inhibits a full realization of sexual rights.
Iranian Law and Women's Rights
Authors: Kar Mehrangiz
Published: November 2007

Agitation for women's rights in Iran is entwined with broader movements for freedom and reform that critique the Islamic Republic's shari'a law as discriminatory. Despite the foundation of these reform efforts in the social realities of contemporary Iran, anyone who critiques laws governing the rights of women is prone to the charge of insulting the sanctity and foundation of Islam and subject to harsh penalties. Reform efforts will be hamstrung until there is a foundation for open discourse and debate in Iran. Thus, human rights such as the right to freedom of expression and related rights must be seen as the fundamental basis for successful political and legal reform in Iran  whether that reform is based in liberal Islam or secularism.
Islamism, Re-Islamization and the Fashioning of Muslim Selves: Refiguring the Public Sphere
Authors: Ismail Salwa
Published: November 2007

This article explores the political implications of Muslim public self-presentation and forms of self-fashioning associated with the ongoing processes of re-Islamisation in both Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority societies. It sketches how projects of the Muslim public self contribute to a refiguring of the public sphere. The argument put forward is that public practices of self-reform grounded in religion and presented in pietistic terms are political by virtue of being tied to projects of societal reform and because they have a bearing on the public sphere and public space. Proceeding from the premise that the public sphere is not neutral and that the subjectivities inhabiting it are shaped by power relations, the article examines the ways in which projects of Muslim public selves are imbricated in the material conditions of the settings in which they develop and as such are underpinned by dynamics of power and contestation.
Application of Desiccant Technology for Concentrating Liquid Foods - Experimental Investigation
Authors: Gandhidasan Palanichamy , Abualhamayel Habib I.
Published: November 2007

A single tube, stainless steel, liquid desiccant falling film evaporator was built and tested with the calcium chloride solution as the liquid desiccant to concentrate liquid foods. Experiments were conducted in the above setup with sugar solutions as the liquid food. To minimize water vapor mass transfer resistance, non-condensibles were removed from the system by a vacuum pump. No steam was used to drive this evaporator.The liquid food was heated to about 48ºC when the ambient temperature was 40ºC. The single tube double falling film evaporator was tested to determine the effect of desiccant concentration, temperature, and flow rate on the evaporation rate. The effect of liquid food concentration, temperature, and flow rate on evaporation rate was also studied. An uncertainty and error analysis for the experimental data was performed. It was demonstrated that liquid desiccants could provide enough energy, through heat of absorption, to evaporate a liquid food in a falling film evaporator with vapor transfer lines.
Whey Protein Isolate-Starch System- A Critical Review
Authors: Pogaku Ravindra , Eng Seng Chan , Boonbeng Lee , Kallu Upender Reddy
Published: November 2007

The two biopolymer proteins and polysaccharides are the key structural entities in food and pharmaceutical products. The design for liquid and semi-solid foods processing involves a complex and combined operations of heat transfer and fluid mechanics. These are strongly influenced by the thermal transitions and the rheological behavior of processing foods. In the present review a systematic discussion about the gelation, rheology of modified starches, and whey protein isolates are highlighted with an emphasis on various physico-chemical interactive effects. The studies are extended to protein and polysaccharide interactions and phase separations involved in the mixed system. Then the review has been made on protein-polysaccharide mixed gel systems citing few examples from the literature with respect to calorimetric and rheological characterization. Modeling studies developed by researchers are presented. Further the studies are directed towards the importance and exploitation of starch - whey protein isolate system in food processing and pharmaceutical industry.
Influence of Product-entrapped Air and Venting on Lethal Effect in Model Domestic Pressure Canner Studies
Authors: Wambura Peter , Anderson John C , Walker Lloyd T.
Published: November 2007

Effects of entrapped air during thermal processing on lethal effect were evaluated in three domestic canners with quart mason jars. Entrapped air volumes in ceramic-bead products were established with various fillings of water into a dry matrix. Alternate periods of venting included 5, 10, and 15 mins. Process pressure was monitored throughout each of the 54 runs. Venting times and lack of continuous venting demonstrated little impact. Higher lethal effects were noted when the least product-entrapped air was modeled. Differences were noted between pressure processes monitored by the dial gauge versus the calibrated weighted-devices with more variation of the dial gauge system due to the manual control basis.
Contrasting Temperature Profile Development in Three Domestic Pressure Canners Operated without Venting
Authors: Wambura Peter , Anderson John C , Walker Lloyd T.
Published: November 2007

Effects during thermal processing of entrapped air on lethal effect were evaluated in three domestic canners with quart mason jars. Entrapped air volumes in ceramic-bead products were established with various fillings of water into a dry product matrix. Lethal effects were determined using thermocouples positioned near the bottom, middle, and top of the model product and others outside the jars. Two canners (All American and Mirro models) were continuously vented during the process while the third (National Presto) was not  but was vented de facto until the lid lock moved up under the influence of escaping gases. Higher lethal effects were noted when least product-entrapped air was modeled.
Microstructural Characteristics of Dried Carrot Pieces and Real Time Observations during Their Exposure to Moisture
Authors: Smith Bronwen G , James Bryony J , Ho Christine A.L.
Published: November 2007

The effects of different drying methods on the cellular structure of carrots were examined. Carrots were dried by vacuum drying, freeze drying and oven drying in combination with microwave pre-drying. Dried and fresh untreated samples were analysed by light microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The cellular structure of vacuum dried as well as microwave pre-dried samples was found to be very different from that of fresh samples. Most, if not all, of the original microstructure was lost during drying with these techniques, though traces of original structure were preserved on external surfaces. Most of the original microstructure was preserved in the freeze dried carrot. ESEM was also used to observe the behaviour of the dried samples in an atmosphere of increasing humidity and showed that dried tissues did not regain their original cellular structure though some turgidity was regained by the freeze dried samples.
Simplified Kinetics and Colour Formation in Sucrose Solutions Based on A-Dicarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Smejkal Quido , Fiedler Thorsten , Kurz Tomas , Kroh Lothar
Published: November 2007

Colour formation in technical and model sucrose solutions was investigated resulting in a novel kinetic approach of MAILLARD reaction during thermal processing of sugar solutions. Presented results describe new aspects of the non-enzymatic browning reaction (MAILLARD reaction). Two temperature depending pathways of colour formation were found. Both reaction mechanisms are based on the formation of a-dicarbonyl compounds, the key intermediates of colour formation.Discussing temperature dependence of colour formation, a change on MAILLARD reaction mechanism takes place at 100.4 °C. Above this temperature the colour formation is strongly accelerated. Activation energy of the non-enzymatic browning energy for temperatures from 65 ° to 100.4 °C amounts 77 kJ/mol. In this temperature range, D-glucosone is the most important a-dicarbonyl compound for studied reaction systems. Above 100.4 °C, activation energy is equal to 112 kJ/mol and 3-deoxyosone is the dominant colour formation intermediate. Achieved results bridge the gap between the termination step of a MAILLARD reaction i.e. of colour formation (represented by its activation energy) and intermediates formation (reaction kinetics). In particular, a change of colour formation mechanism with reaction temperature was confirmed by specific formation of two a-dicarbonyl compounds, responsible for MAILLARD reaction in technical sugar solutions.
Fuzzy Identification and Modeling of a Gum-Protein Emulsifier in a Model Mayonnaise Color Development System
Authors: Samhouri Murad , Abughoush Mahmoud , Herald Thomas
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to employ iota-carrageenan (IC) and wheat protein (WP) as an emulsifier alternative to egg yolk in a model mayonnaise system. A solution of 0.1% IC and 4% WP was prepared and used as an emulsifier in five different mayonnaise formulas. All mayonnaise treatments were evaluated and compared based on lightness and yellowness (i.e., L and b values respectively) at 4, 23, and 40°C. In addition, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was used to model and identify the properties of the resulted mayonnaise, with the temperature and ratios. Experimental validation runs were conducted to compare the measured values and the predicted ones. The L value of the mayonnaise produced from different emulsifiers decreased at the lower storage temperature. The b-value was significantly the highest for mayonnaise formulated from 100% egg yolk. The comparison showed that the adoption of this neuro-fuzzy modeling technique (i.e., ANFIS) achieved a very satisfactory prediction accuracy of about 98%.
Combined Effects of Heat and PEF on Microbial Inactivation and Quality of Liquid Egg Whites
Authors: Zhao Wei , Yang Ruijin , Tang Yali , Lu Rongrong
Published: November 2007

Combined effects of heat and pulsed electric fields treatment (20 and 40oC, 0-800 µs at 30 kV/cm) on microbial inactivation inoculated in egg whites were studied. Pulsed electric fields treatment time and processing temperature had profound effects on microbial inactivation. Pulsed electric fields treatment with a bipolar pulse (2 µs wide), an intensity of 30 kV/cm, a frequency of 100 Hz, the processing temperature of 40 oC and treatment time for 800 µs, was sufficient to achieve pasteurization conditions using S. enteritidis , E. coli and S. aureus, common spoilage and pathogenic micro-organisms in egg products. This treatment produced a non-significant (p>0.05) increase in foaming capacity and stability and an increase (p<0.05) in emulsifying capacity and stability. Surface free sulfhydryls and hydrophobicity of egg white proteins increased with the increment of the PEF treatment time due to the partial unfolding of egg white proteins. Almost 50 % of trypsin inhibitory activity of ovomucoid in liquid egg white was decreased when the treatment time extended to 800 µs. These results suggested that combined treatment of heat and pulsed electric fields could be applied to process liquid egg whites to get desired products.
Proximate Composition of the Apple Seed and Characterization of Its Oil
Authors: Yu Xiuzhu , van de Voort Frederick R. , Li Zhixi , Yue Tianli
Published: November 2007

Apple seeds, a common byproduct of apple processing, have been examined for their overall proximate composition, fatty acid and amino acid composition of the lipid and protein components, respectively, as well as their key mineral constituents. Proximate analysis indicated that apple seeds are rich in oil content and protein ranging from 27.5 to 28% and 33.8 to 34.5% respectively, comparing favorably with oilseeds. GC analysis indicated high levels of linoleic acid (~49%) with the other dominant fatty acids being oleic, palmitic and stearic acids, ranging from ~39, 7 and 2% respectively. Amino acid analysis indicates that there are substantial amounts of sulfur containing amino acids in the apple seed. The apple seeds also contain significant amounts of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron, in the order of 720, 650, 510, 210 and 110 mg/100g, respectively. Based on the proximate composition of the apple seeds, if adequate amounts are available as a process byproduct, apple seeds could have value-added potential as a source of edible oil, with the oil cake potentially serving as an animal feed supplement.
Current and Future Prevalence of Obesity and Severe Obesity in the United States
Authors: Ruhm Christopher J
Published: November 2007

This study examines past patterns and projects future prevalence rates of obesity and severe obesity among US adults. Trends in body mass index (BMI), overweight (BMI?25), obesity (BMI?30), class 2 obesity (BMI?35), class 3 obesity (BMI?40) and class 4 obesity (BMI?45) of 20-74 year olds are obtained using data from the first National Health Examination Survey and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Quantile regression methods are then used to forecast future prevalence rates through 2020. By that year, 77.6% of men are predicted to be overweight and 40.2% obese, with class 2, 3 and 4 obesity prevalence rates projected at 16.4%, 6.3% and 3.1%. The corresponding forecasts for women are 71.1%, 43.3%, 25.3%, 12.8% and 5.6%. The large growth predicted for severe obesity represents a major public health challenge, given the accompanying high medical expenditures and elevated risk of mortality and morbidity. Combating severe obesity is likely to require strategies targeting the particularly large weight gains of the heaviest individuals.
The Effect of a Short-term PETTLEP Imagery Intervention on a Cognitive Task
Authors: Wright Caroline J , Smith Dave K
Published: November 2007

Based on neuroscience research, the PETTLEP model was developed by Holmes and Collins (2001). The model provides imagery guidelines which identify seven key factors (physical, environment, task, timing, learning, emotion, perspective) that should be included when developing interventions to maximise functional equivalence. This study explored the effect of a short-term PETTLEP imagery intervention, compared to `traditional' imagery, on a computer game: Need for Speed Underground 2 (EA games). Eighty participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: PETTLEP imagery group, `traditional' imagery group, physical practice group and control group. After three practice attempts, pre-tests consisted of five attempts at the game. The game involved completing timed laps by manoeuvring a vehicle around a track using the computer's arrow keys. The PETTLEP group completed individualised response training, and then performed imagery sitting in front of the computer screen and repeatedly imaging themselves completing the task. The `traditional' imagery group was sat in a separate room, given individualised stimulus training and instructed to relax and close their eyes during imagery. The physical practice group performed the actual task. Each intervention lasted for forty-five minutes, immediately followed by the post-test, which again consisted of five attempts at the game. A group x test ANOVA showed that the PETTLEP imagery group and physical practice group both improved significantly from pre-test to post-test (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the magnitude of their improvements. The traditional imagery and control groups showed no increase in performance from pre-test to post-test (p>0.05). The results strongly support the use of PETTLEP in enhancing performance on a cognitive task. Contrary to previous studies, PETTLEP was as effective as physical practice. This finding could have important implications for athletes returning from injury, suffering from over-training and for use in pre-performance routines. Therefore, sports psychologists should maximise the functional equivalence of their imagery interventions to have the greatest positive effect on performance on such cognitive tasks, at least in the short term. Future research needs to focus on applying short-term PETTLEP interventions to different tasks, varying in cognitive complexity. Assessing the effectiveness of PETTLEP imagery used in various combinations with physical practice would also be a useful addition to the literature.
Suppression and Reversal of Drop Formation in a Model Paint Film
Authors: Weidner David E , Schwartz Leonard W , Eres Murat H
Published: November 2007

When a paint film is applied to the underside of a horizontal substrate, instabilities will lead to the formation of pendant drops. For sufficiently thick coatings, the drops may even detach from the coating before the coating dries. But even for thin paint films, with sufficiently high evaporation rates and viscosity, drop formation will lead to coating irregularities with thick regions (corresponding to the center of the drop) adjacent to much thinner regions (corresponding to troughs between drops.) In this paper we present a mathematical and numerical model based on the lubrication approximations for the drying of paint films on the underside of horizontal substrates. The paint is modeled as a multicomponent liquid with one non-volatile and one volatile component, termed the ``resin'' and ``solvent'' respectively. Our model includes the effects of surface tension and gravitational forces, and we show that surface tension gradient effects due to solvent evaporation must be considered to correctly model the post-application flow of certain paints. Simulations are given for an array of parameters, and they show that surface tension gradients can dramatically affect the post-application behavior of a model paint film, generally causing the suppression and reversal in drop growth, consequently leading to a more even final coating layer.
Parameter Estimation Using Sliding Mode Observers: Application to the Monod Kinetic Model
Authors: Drakunov Sergey V , Law Victor J.
Published: November 2007

In this paper a technique borrowed from modern control theory, called sliding mode observers, is used as the vehicle for nonlinear parameter estimation. The observer is a dynamic system derived from the original state equations that guides, in real time, parameter values from initial estimates to optimal ones. This is done by driving errors between the estimated and "data" states to zero. Observers are developed and demonstrated for the Monod model for biokinetics, which has been used widely in bioprocess design for both aerobic and anaerobic bio-processes under both toxic and non-toxic conditions. The Monod model has four parameters; often, two of the parameters (y, yield and b, decay coefficient) are assumed or calculated from other sources such as from thermodynamic considerations. The other two parameters (k, maximum specific uptake rate of the substrate and ks, the half saturation constant for growth) are determined from experimental data. The determination of these parameters is often performed using nonlinear regression or related methods and it has been demonstrated that these are particularly difficult parameter estimation problems. Examples are presented where only k is unknown and when both k and ks are to be determined. One case where the data are corrupted with noise is considered.The primary objective of the paper is to introduce the methodology of sliding mode observers for nonlinear parameter estimation to the chemical and process engineering communities.
Coordination Failure in Foreign Aid
Authors: Halonen-Akatwijuka Maija
Published: November 2007

We analyze allocation of foreign aid to different sectors in a recipient developing country. Donors tend to favor social sectors over other public expenditure programs. Due to incomplete information coordination failure occurs. The donors may concentrate too much on the priority sectors leaving the lower priority, yet important, sectors lacking of funds. Alternatively there may be gaps in services in the priority areas because of the information problem. We find that the more similar preferences the donors have, the more scope there is for coordination failure.
Bank Fragility and Growth Expectations
Authors: Proto Eugenio
Published: November 2007

Banks supply liquidity to insure individuals against possible short-term consumption shocks. The higher this level of illiquidity insurance the lower the investments in long run assets, and the higher the risk of a bank run generated by a real negative shock. If individuals are sufficiently risk averse, competitive banks trade off liquidity insurance for portfolio risk. High growth expectations, typical of emerging economies, increase the optimal liquidity supply even when this increases the risk of a bank run. On the contrary, deposit contracts offered when economic performances are very uncertain (like in less developed economies), and where output fluctuations are milder (like in developed economies), are less exposed to the risk of a bank run. In this setting, a bail-out in case of crisis is ex-ante Pareto efficient even if it always increases the risk of crisis.
The Unpleasant Effects of Price Deregulation in the European Third-Party Motor Insurance Market: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Scalera Domenico , Zazzaro Alberto
Published: November 2007

In some European countries, the liberalization of the motor insurance market in the 1990s led to substantial increases in fares and claims throughout the whole decade. In this paper we argue that these phenomena are due to the impact of liberalization on companies' optimal incentives to fight fraud. By developing a circular city competition model with a cost-reducing stage prior to the price game and a settlement stage following it, we show that price deregulation entails decreasing monitoring investments and increasing claims both in the short and long run. Even equilibrium premiums may steadily increase if the ``competition effect" connected to new entries is outweighed by a ``monitoring effect" that raises marginal costs.
Strategic Use of Copyright Protection to Deter Entry
Authors: Kim Jin-Hyuk
Published: November 2007

Copyright protection can be used to raise entry barriers by impairing the demand. When there is a complementary market in addition to the copyrighted goods market, the incumbent prefers stronger copyright protection than is needed to maximize the sales profit in the primary market. Although strong protection can reduce demand substitution by copies, it makes it more difficult for the entrant to reach a large audience and become established. In some cases, the entrant may choose to opt out of copyright protection.
Does the Minimum Wage Cause Inefficient Rationing?
Authors: Luttmer Erzo F.P.
Published: November 2007

By not allowing wages to clear the labor market, the minimum wage could cause workers with low reservation wages to be rationed out while equally skilled workers with higher reservation wages are employed. This paper exploits overlapping CPS panels to more precisely identify those most affected by the minimum wage, a group I refer to as the "unskilled." I test for inefficient rationing by examining whether the reservation wages of employed unskilled workers in states where the 1990-1991 federal minimum wage increase had the largest impact rose relative to reservation wages of unskilled workers in other states. I find that proxies for reservation wages of unskilled workers in high-impact states did not rise relative to reservation wages in other states, suggesting that the increase in the minimum wage did not cause jobs to be allocated less efficiently. However, even if rationing is efficient, the minimum wage can still entail other efficiency costs (e.g., from employment reductions).
Foreign Direct Investment, Endogenous Tariffs, and Preferential Trade Agreements
Authors: Blanchard Emily J
Published: November 2007

This paper examines the complementarity between international trade and investment policies, and argues that preferential trade agreements may be a particularly effective means for harnessing the tariff liberalizing potential of foreign direct investment. A simple two country model demonstrates that export-platform foreign investment induces unilateral tariff liberalization by the investment-source country, suggesting that international capital mobility may substitute partially for multilateral forums such as the WTO in achieving efficient tariffs. A multi-country extension of the model in which countries can compete for foreign investors via subsidies then develops an efficiency argument in favor of discriminatory tariff allowances such as Article XXIV of the GATT or the Generalized System of Preferences. When small countries can earn preferential tariff treatment from a large trading counterpart by encouraging local export-platform investment (or by discouraging import competing investment), the equilibrium tariff level will be lower when discriminatory tariffs are possible rather than when they are not.
Oligopoly, Endogenous Monopolist and Product Quality
Authors: Gayer Amit
Published: November 2007

This paper investigates an oligopolistic market with vertical product differentiation, where qualities are represented by a uni-dimensional interval. We examine the Nash equilibrium in the oligopoly game with a finite number of consumers, where each firm uses its technology and can offer a range of quality-price pairs, and firms' profits are determined by the consumers' selection choice. We show that under the standard conditions on consumers' preferences at most one firm with a positive profit can be active in equilibrium. In contrast, we present an example of a duopoly game with a continuum of consumers, in which both firms yield positive profits in an equilibrium. Finally, we analyze in the linear case the question of existence.
The Budget Process and Legislative Behavior: Individual Amendments, Support for the Executive and Government Programs
Authors: Limongi Fernando , Figueiredo Argelina
Published: November 2007

The article challenges the contention that individual amendments are crucial for a system of exchanging favors with the Administration by members of Congress interested in distributive policies as a way of guaranteeing their reelection. By analyzing funds allocated through Congressional amendments, their distribution in different government programs, and roll-call votes in the Brazilian House of Representatives from 1996 to 2001, the authors show that: individual amendments are not prioritized either by Congress in the budget's approval or by the Administration in its implementation; there are no differences between the agenda dictated by the Administration and that of the legislators; and party affiliation explains both House floor votes and the implementation of individual amendments and is thus an explanatory variable in the Executive-Legislative relationship.
Sensory and instrumental evaluation of physical characteristics of laboratory -made chocolate
Authors: Jovanovic Olga , Pajin Biljana
Published: November 2007

Sensory evaluation of chocolate, as a complex multicompound system, is one of the ways to define and control its physico-chemical characteristics, i.e. quality. Chocolate quality depends on structure and ingredients percentage that influence its appearance, taste and behaviour in the production processes and storage. The aim of this work was to compare certain quality factors of laboratory-made chocolate with added emulsifier-blooming inhibitor, determinated by sensory and instrumental analyses. Sensory evaluation of chocolate samples was made according to ISO 6685:1985 method (total score system). This ISO standard method was supplemented with QDA method for determination of mouth feel. The results of colour sensory evaluation showed good agreement with whiteness obtained on a MOM Colour 100 instrument by Hunter system evaluation. This showed that the sensory analysis, in comparison with instrumental determination of some quality factors, is an objective method.
Cultivation of tea fungus on malt extract medium
Authors: Cvetkovic Dragoljub , Markov Sinisa
Published: November 2007

The possibility of application of malt extract as a source of carbohydrate in a medium for tea fungus was investigated. The beverage obtained on such medium was compared with that prepared in a traditional way with sucrose medium. The presence of easily adoptable sugars, glucose and fructose, as dominant in malt medium results in a very effective fermentation, which gives much more sour beverage for the same time and makes it possible to reduce the fermentation period. The obtained beverage has satisfactory sensorial characteristics.
Synthesis, physico-chemical characterization and biological activity of copper(ii) and nickel(ii) complexes with l-benzoyl-2-methylbenzimidazole derivatives
Authors: Podunavac-Kuzmanovic Sanja , Leovac Vukadin , Cetkovic Gordana , Markov Sinisa
Published: November 2007

Chlorides of copper(II) and nickel(ll) react with 1-benzoyl-2-methylbenzimidazole or 1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-2-methylbenzimidazole to give complexes of the type [M(L)nCln(H20)?Cln (M = Cu or Ni; L = (1-benzoyl-2-methylbenzimidazole or 1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-2-methylbenzimidazole; n=O, 1 or 2). The complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity magnetic susceptibility measurements and IR spectra. These studies suggest that all the complexes possess an octahedral stereochemistry. The antibacterial activity of (1-benzoyl-2-methylbenzimidazole or 1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-2-methylbenzimidazole and their complexes was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Bacillus sp.
Low-calorie marmalades
Authors: Pavlovic Sasa , Tepic Aleksandra , Vujicic Biserka
Published: November 2007

The number of people suffering from insulin-dependent (Diabetes Melitus type I) and insulin-independent (Diabetes Melitus type II) is huge, and the number of potential diseased is in permanent rise. For that reason products with reduced amount of sugar have become very popular. Factory "Srbijanka" Valjevo manufactures reduced?sugar marmalades from apricot peach, strawberry, apple and orange. Low?metoxyl pectins and high-grade locust bean gum were used as gelation agents. Sensory evaluation and energy value of these marmalades were determined and all samples were highly graded. All marmalades belonged to the group of low-calorie (dietetic) products.
Influence of maltodextrin dextrose equivalent value on rheological and dispersion properties of sunflower oil in water emulsions
Authors: Dokic Petar , Dokic-Baucal Ljubica , Sovilj Verica , Katona Jaroslav
Published: November 2007

Effect of dextrose equivalent (DE) of maltodextrin present in continuous phase on flow along with dispersion properties of sunflower oil in water emulsions has been investigated. Both, rheological and disperse characteristics of the emulsions were greatly influenced by continuous phase viscosity and thus by the DE value of maltodextrin.. The smaller DE value the greater high shear viscosity and the smaller the droplet size. Irrespective of the amount and DE value of maltodextrin used was, all the emulsions showed a pseudoplastic behaviour.
Properties of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose stabilized emulsion in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate
Authors: Sovilj Verica , Saletic Jelena , Petrovic Lidija , Dokic Petar
Published: November 2007

Many food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical products exist in the form of emulsions. A common problem with emulsions is their instability. One method of effective protection against coalescence of the particles is to raise the viscosity and lower surface tension by adding a polymer and low-molar-mass surfactant. Interaction between polymer and surfactant could change the adsorption layer around the oil droplets in emulsion which effects emulsion stability. In this paper, the influence of low-molar-mass anionic surfactant, sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), on the properties of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) stabilized emulsion, has been investigated. Changes of viscosity and rheological properties of emulsion caused by the HPMC-SDS interaction in continuous phase were measured and stability of emulsions was observed during two months of storage. Significant increase in viscosity and stability of the emulsions was found at SDS concentrations leading to HPMC-SDS interaction in the continuous phase. Stability of emulsions changed with time and was influenced by the HPMC-SDS interaction.
Synthesis of some D-homo-D-aza estratriene derivatives
Authors: Petrovic Julijana , Sakac Marija , Penov-Gasi Katarina , Pejanovic Vjera , Jovanovic-Santa Suzana
Published: November 2007

In this paper two synthetic routes for obtaining D-homo-D-aza estratriene derivatives were described. Namely, starting from 3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-oximino-17-one (1) 3-methoxy-17-aza-D-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-triene (5) was synthesized in two step. Another D-aza derivative was synthesize, starting from 3-methoxy-17-oxo-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-nitrile (6). For that purpose, the seco-cyanoaldehyde was converted into its 17-ethylenacetal 7 followed by subsequent reduction of the nitrile function with sodium borohydride in the presence of cobalt chloride hexahydrate. Finally, under acidic conditions the obtained 16-amino-17-ethylenacetal 8 was transformed into 3-metoxy-17-aza-D-homoestra-1,3,5(10),17(17a)-tetraene (9).
Antimicrobial activity of cobalst(II) complexes with 2-aminobenzimidazole derivatives
Authors: Podunavac-Kuzmanovic Sanja , Cvetkovic Dragoljub , Cetkovic Gordana
Published: November 2007

Cobalt(II) chloride reacts with 2-aminobenzimidazole derivatives to give complexes of the formula [CoL2Cl2], where L=2-aminobenzimidazole 1-benzyl-2-aminobenzimidazole and 1-(4-methylbenzyl)-2-aminobenzimidazole. All the ligands and their cobalt(II) complexes were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp. Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina lutea and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for all ligands and their complexes. It was found that tested compounds were more active against gram-positive than gram-negative bacteria. None of the compounds were significantly effective against yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, except 2-aminobenzimidazole complex, which moderately inhibited the growth of yeast. 1-(4-methylbenzil)-2-aminobenzimidazole was found to be slightly active against Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The same ligand showed the lowest MIC value of 60 (g/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as 125 (g/ml, against Bacillus sp. and Sarcina lutea. The MIC value of its cobalt(II) complex was 60 (g/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cobalt(II) complex with 1-benzyl-2-aminobenzimidazole showed the lowest MIC value of 60 (g/ml against Staphylococcus aureus. The effect of ligand and complex structure on the antimicrobial activity was discussed.
Physico-chemical characterization and anti- microbial activity of copper(II) complexes with 2-amino and 2-methylbenzimidazole derivatives
Authors: Podunavac-Kuzmanovic Sanja , Markov Sinisa , Vojinovic Ljiljana
Published: November 2007

Copper(II) chloride, in warm ethanolic solution, reacted with 2-amino and 2-methylbenzimidazole derivatives to give complexes of the formula CuL2Cl2?nH2O, where L=1-benzyl-2-aminobenzimidazole 1-(4-methylbenzyl)-2-aminobenzimidazole, 1-benzyl-2-methylbenzimidazole and 1-(4-methylbenzyl)-2-methylbenzimidazole( n=1 or 2). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis of the metal, molar conductivity magnetic susceptibility measurements and IR spectra. The molar conductivities of copper(II)complexes in dimethyl formamide (DMF) corresponding to a 1:1 type of electrolyte indicate that in all the complexes one of the coordinated chloride ions has been replaced by DMF molecule. The room temperature effective magnetic moments and IR data of the complexes suggest that all Cu(II) complexes have a tetrahedral configuration, which is realized by participation of the pyridine nitrogen of two organic ligand molecules and two chloride anions. The antimicrobial activity of the ligands and their complexes against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp. Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina lutea and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated. The effect of copper complexation on the ligand antimicrobial activity is discussed.
Investigation of coagulation activity of natural coagulants from seeds of different leguminose species
Authors: Sciban Marina , Klasnja Mile , Stojimirovic Jelena
Published: November 2007

The ability of seeds of plants: Phaseolus vulgaris, Robinia pseudoacacia Ceratonia siliqua and Amorpha fruticosa, to act as natural coagulants was tested using synthetic turbid water. This water was prepared by adding kaolin into tap water, just before the test. Active components were extracted from ground seeds with distilled water. The coagulation ability of this extract was assessed by the use of standard jar test measurements in water with various initial turbidity. Investigation of these natural coagulants was confirmed their positive coagulation activity. Of all plants that have been examined, the seed extract from Ceratonia siliqua appeared to be one of the most effective coagulants for water treatment. A dose of 20 mg/l of this coagulant resulted in 100% coagulation activity for clarification of water with 17.5 NTU initial turbidity.
Retention behaviour of estradiol derivatives in reversed phase HPLC
Authors: Acanski Marijana , Petrovic Slobodan
Published: November 2007

Retention behaviour ofestradiol derivatives has been studied by the reversed phase HPLC. LiChrosorb RP-18 column end eluents consisting of methanol respectively aceto-nitrile and water in various proportions, were used. It was shown that there is a linear relationship between the retention constant and the volume fraction of organic component in the mobile phase. The slopes and intercepts of lines are in agreement with the polarity of derivatives studied. Considerable effect on the chromatographic behaviour exerted the type and position of substituents in the molecule of estradiol derivative. Results obtained in these investigations are compared with results of the same derivatives obtained in previous investigations on octadecyl silica gel in TLC with eluent methanol-water in various proportions.
Preparation of kombucha from winter savory (Satureja Montana L.) in the laboratory bioreactor
Authors: Cvetkovic Dragoljub , Markov Sinisa
Published: November 2007

The possibility of obtaining kombucha from winter savory tea has been tested in the laboratory bioreactor by applying starter cultures and traditional way of inoculation. On the basis of the obtained results, it can be concluded that applying the inoculating method with the beverage from the previous process of biotransformation yielded kombucha beverage (capacity 15 I) from winter savory tea in the laboratory bioreactor. The application of defined starter culture from the isolate of yeast and acetic acid bacteria of local tea in the glass jar (capacity 5 I) gave 3 litres of kombucha beverage, which is acceptable according to the basic parameters and sensory characteristics. However, the application of the same starter culture in the laboratory bioreactor did not result in synchronized activity of yeast and bacteria.
Bioconversion of apigenin-7-O-β-glucoside in aqueous two-phase system
Authors: Ilic Sanja , Djakovic Sanja , Cvejic Jelena , Antov Mirjana , Zekovic Zoran
Published: November 2007

The study is concerned with the conversion of apigenin-7-O-?-glucoside into apigenin in polyethylene glycol 6000 / dextran 20000 aqueous two-phase system by ?-glucosidase. Apigenin was separated from apigenin-7-O-?-glucoside and ?-glucosidase by their partition into opposite phases. In 14% PEG / 22.5% DEX aqueous two-phase system obtained yield of apigenin in top phase was 108%.
Characteristics of the Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides strains from fresh vegetables
Authors: Dimic Gordana
Published: November 2007

Strains synthesizing extracellular polysaccharide dextran on a medium with 10% sucrose were isolated from different kind of vegetables (cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower, kohlrabi, carrot, green beans, red beet, pepper, eggplant, radish). Carbohydrate fermentation was examined using a bioMerieux API 50 CHL test system. Among micropopulations with characteristic spherical cell morphology, 94.9% belonged to Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides and 5.1% were identified as Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum. According to fermentation of pentoses L. mesenteroides strains were divided into three groups with a certain number of biotypes; 10 strains were tested on acid production. .
Zeolites as alcohol adsorbents from aqueous solutions
Authors: Cekova Blagica , Kocev Dragi , Kolcakovska Elena , Stojanova Daniela
Published: November 2007

The potential usage of zeolites as adsorbents for the removal of organic molecules from water was investigated in a series of experiments with aqueous solutions of lower alcohols. This could represent a simple solution to the problem of cleaning up industrial wastewater as well as recovering valuable chemicals at relatively low costs. Adsorption isotherms of the Langmuir type were applied, and calculations showed that the amount of propanol adsorbed on silicalite corresponded to approximately 70% of the pore volume. The adsorption process is simple, and recovery of the more concentrated products is easily done by heat treatment and/or at lowered pressures. Adsorption experiments with aqueous acetone showed that silicalite had approximately the same adsorption capacity for acetone as for n-propanol. Heats of adsorption were determined calorimetrically.
Determination of As(III) and As(V) in waters by chronopotentiometric stripping analysis
Authors: Svarc-Gajic Jaroslava , Suturovic Zvonimir , Marjanovic Nikola , Kravic Snezana
Published: November 2007

Arsenic is a naturally occurring toxic and carcinogenic element. The degree of the toxicity depends on its chemical form and the concentration. Application of a sensitive, selective, simple and rapid method for detection and monitoring of different oxidation states of arsenic in waters is of great importance because main route of population exposure is through drinking water. In this work chronopotentiometric stripping analysis (CSA) was used for the determination of As(III) and As(V) in tap, well, river and rain waters from Vojvodina (Serbia). Gold film electrode on the glassy carbon support was used as the working electrode. The experimental parameters of the technique were investigated and optimized. Detection limit of the method for the electrolysis time of 600 s was 2 ?g/dm3 of As(III).