A new effective patch radius expression obtained by using a modified tabu search algorithm for the resonant frequency of electrically thick circular microstrip antennae

A new, very simple expression for the effective patch radius is presented for the resonant frequency of electrically thick circular microstrip patch antennae. It is obtained by using a modified tabu search algorithm, and is useful for the computer-aided design (CAD) of microstrip antennae. The theoretical resonant frequency results obtained by using this new effective patch radius expression are in very good agreement with the experimental results available in the literature.     

AN INVESTIGATION ABOUT ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF BLACK CROCUS (STENBERGIA FISCHERIANA)

This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of black crocus (Stenbergia fischeriana), a poisonous herb, on some Gram (+) and Gram (−) microorganisms. Extracts of black crocus were prepared in acetone and tested against Corynebacterium xerosis UC9165, Micrococcus luteus A 2971, Mycobacterium smegmatis CCM 2067, Klebsiella pneumonia FML 5, Bacillus megaterium NRS, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Bacillus megaterium DSM 32, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 15753 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 with the disk diffusion method Black crocus had inhibitory activity on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Mycobacterium smegmatis CCM 2067, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 15753 and Klebsiella pneumonia FML 5 but has no inhibitory activity against other bacteria strains.     

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CENTRAL PLUME VELOCITY FOR THE CORRELATION OF LIQUID PHASE MIXING IN BUBBLE COLUMNS

The knowledge of the flow patterns of each phase of bubble column reactors is of considerable importance for the rational design and scale-up. The hydrodynamic models for the liquid phase have been reviewed. The models have been based on some form of pressure balance or energy balance. These two approaches have been compared and recommendations have been made regarding the range of applicability of the individual models. A comparison between the predicted and the experimental liquid velocities has been presented whenever possible. The range of variables has been pointed out for which further investigations are needed. The empirical and theoretical models for the mixing behavior of the different phases of bubble column reactors have also been reviewed.     

DETERMINATION OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ANATOLIAN CAROB POD (CERATONIA SILIQUA L.): SUGARS, AMINO AND ORGANIC ACIDS, MINERALS AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS

ABSTRACT

Carob pod is the fruit of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L. Fabaceae). The fruit and its products, sold both in large stores and local markets, contribute strongly to the diet of people living in the Mediterranean areas of Europe and Turkey. This study reports the composition of carob pods sampled in West and South Anatolia. Sucrose (437.3 mg/g dry weight), glucose (395.8 mg/g dry weight) and fructose (42.3 mg/g dry weight) were the major sugars identified and quantified in the fruit. Total phenolics (13.51 mg gallic acid equivalents [GAE]/g dry weight), proanthocyanidin (0.36 mg GAE/g dry weight), gallotannins (0.41 catechin equivalents [CE]/g dry weight) and flavanols (3.21 mg CE/g dry weight protein) content of the fruit were also determined. Gallic acid (3.27 mg/g dry weight) was the most abundant phenolic acid present in all three phenolic fractions (free, ester and glycoside) isolated from pods. Aspartic acid (18.25 mg/g dry weight protein) was the predominant amino acid in the pod protein fraction. Eight minerals were quantified in the fruit. Among the analyzed major minerals, K (9.70 mg/g dry weight) was the most abundant element present, and the pods were richer in Ca than in P and Mg. Levels of trace minerals were comparable to other plant species. The data are discussed in terms of the nutritional value of the carob pod.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The use of carob fruit and its food products in Turkey has been increasing in recent years. However, knowledge about the composition of carob fruit pod produced in Turkey as well as in Mediterranean countries is lacking. The present work describes a composition scale and the advantages to food technologists and consumers who use the fruit and its fruit products in their diets. The results of the study can also aid in the assessment of adequate compositional information for further studies.

     

SEED LIPIDS OF THE MIRACLE FRUIT (SYNSEPALUM DULCIFICUM)

The lipids from the Miracle Fruit seeds comprised 10.15% of the dry weight. The neutral lipids, phospholipids and glycolipids were separated by silicic acid chromatography and the fatty acid composition of each fraction determined. The non-saponifiable lipids, amounting to 1.6% of the neutral lipids were separated into several fractions by thin-layer chromatography and the components of each analyzed by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The hydrocarbon fraction contained the n-alkane series from C₁₇ to C₃₂ with the C₂₉ and C₃₁ members present in relatively large quantities.
The major triterpene alcohols were α-and β-amyrin and the major sterol was identified as δ⁷ spinasterol. Two short-chain alchols were also present.