Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quinine catalysed asymmetric Michael additions in a sustainable solvent

Diethyl carbonate is shown to be a suitable, sustainable solvent in which to carry out quinine catalysed asymmetric Michael additions of malononitriles to enones. Both malonitrile and α-substituted malononitriles can be used as substrate and the results suggest that π–π stacking interactions between the (hetero)aromatic rings of the catalyst and substrates are important in determining the degree of asymmetric induction.
Developing a Slow-release Nitrogen Fertilizer from Organic Sources: II. Using Poultry Feathers

The structure of feather keratin protein was modified in attempts to develop a slow-release N fertilizer of 12 weeks duration or longer by steam hydrolysis to break disulfide bonds, enzymatic hydrolysis with Bacillus licheniformis (Weigmann) to break polypeptide bonds, and steam hydrolysis (autoclaving) to hasten mineralization followed by cross- linking of the protein by a formaldehyde reaction to control the increased rate of mineralization. Release of N in potting substrate within elution columns from ground, but otherwise untreated, raw feathers occurred mainly during the first 5 weeks with a much smaller release occurring from weeks 8 to 12. Steam hydrolysis resulted in an increase of N during the first 5 weeks and a decrease during weeks 8 to 11. Cumulative N release over 11 weeks increased from 12% in raw feathers to 52% for feathers steam hydrolyzed for 90 minutes. This favored an immediately available fertilizer but not a slow- release fertilizer. Microbial hydrolysis with B. licheniformis resulted in a modest reduction of N release during the first 5 weeks and a small increase during weeks 8 to 11. Both shifts, while not desirable for an immediately available fertilizer, enhanced the slow-release fertilizer potential of feathers but not sufficiently to result in a useful product. Steam hydrolyzed feathers cross-linked with quantities of formaldehyde equal to 5% and 10% of the feather weight released less N during the first 5 weeks, more during weeks 6 and 7, and less during weeks 9 to 12 compared to raw feathers. The first two shifts were favorable for a slow-release fertilizer while the third was not.
White-light emission from a single-emitting-component Ca9Gd(PO4)7:Eu2+,Mn2+ phosphor with tunable luminescent properties for near-UV light-emitting diodes

Ca9Gd(PO4)7 and Ca9Gd(PO4)7:xEu2+,yMn2+ were synthesized by solid-state reaction. The refinement confirmed that Ca9Gd(PO4)7 belongs to space group R3c (No. 161) with unit cell parameters a = 10.4526 A, c = 37.3769 A, V = 3536.61 A3, and Z = 6. Upon the excitation from 250 to 430 nm, the Ca9Gd(PO4)7:xEu2+,yMn2+ phosphors exhibit a broad blue-green emission band at 490 nm and a red emission band at 645 nm, which originate from the Eu2+ and Mn2+ ions, respectively. The varied emitted color from blue-green through white and eventually to red can be achieved by properly tuning the relative ratio of the Eu2+ to Mn2+ ions in the phosphors through the energy transfer from the Eu2+ and Mn2+ ions. The energy transfer from Eu2+ to Mn2+ was demonstrated to be a resonant type via a dipole-quadrupole reaction by the luminescence spectra, energy transfer efficiency, and decay curves of the phosphors. Furthermore, the critical distance of the Eu2+ and Mn2+ ions has also been calculated. More importantly, compared to the multiple emitting components of white LEDs system, single-emitting-component phosphors would enable easy fabrication with perfect stability and color reproducibility.
FIBER CONTENT, PARTICLE-SIZE DISTRIBUTION AND SOME RELATED PROPERTIES OF FOUR PEAT MATERIALS IN EASTERN CANADA

The effects of dispersion and sieving on the determination of fiber content was studied using four peat materials selected for their range of properties. In addition, a method of particle-size analysis of peat materials and chemical characterization data of the particular-size fraction are presented. Controlling the sieving operation effected a reduction in the coefficient of variation of the fiber content data to 2.7% as compared with 26.7% for the conventional rubbed fiber method. The somewhat more effective dispersion of the peat in 0.025 M pyrophosphate than in water did not compensate for the associated disadvantage of increased ash content of the pyrophosphate-treated samples. Thus, the recommended procedure involves dispersion of peat in water for 16 h. The proportion of the 100-mesh (0.15-mm) fraction reflected both the stage of decomposition and the botanical origin of the peat materials. Thus, particle-size fraction would be useful in the characterization of peat materials. Cation exchange capac.
CONSUMER EVALUATION OF PORK APPEARANCE WITH DIFFERING PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PACKAGING CONDITIONS

Consumers (n = 116) evaluated color (pink intensity), appearance (wet/dry), overall acceptability and purchase intent of normal, PSE and DFD pork loin slices in PVC and in vacuum packages. Packaging x muscle condition affected (p < 0.05) appearance, overall acceptability and consumer purchase intent of pork slices. Color differences were perceptible to consumers between packaging treatments. PVC-packaged pork was pinker than vacuum-packaged pork. Vacuum-packaged, PSE pork appeared drier than PVC-packaged PSE pork. Normal pork was more acceptable than PSE pork regardless of packaging. DFD pork acceptability was not different from that of normal pork when vacuum packaged. In general purchase intent paralleled consumer evaluation of overall acceptability. Instrumental color data and pH for samples evaluated are also presented.
Visible Light-Sensitive Cu(II)-Grafted TiO2 Photocatalysts: Activities and X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Analyses

We investigated the role of Cu(II) ions and their associated structural features, such as chemical state and environment, in the Cu(II)-grafted TiO2 photocatalyst by means of 2-propanol oxidative decomposition under visible light and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements. The 2-propanol decomposition activity under visible light (1 mW cm−2, 450−580 nm) was highly reproducible (three repetitions). The XAFS results indicated that the Cu(II) is incorporated in a distorted amorphous CuO-like structure, having a five-coordinated square pyramidal form. The distorted CuO formed clusters and attached to the TiO2 surface. The chemical state and environment of the Cu(II) ions were not changed, even after the photocatalytic oxidative reaction. Thus, Cu(II)-grafted TiO2 can be regarded as a stable photocatalyst. In addition, in situ XAFS measurements were performed under visible light in the presence of 2-propanol and absence of oxygen. Under these conditions, Cu(I) was generated. However, the latter co.
Multiwall carbon-nanotube-doped ion conducting polymer electrolyte for electrochemical application

Electrical, structural and optical properties of a composite containing a polymer electrolyte (namely polyethylene oxide complexed with sodium iodide) and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) are reported. The films of these composites were ‘solution casted’ using the viscous solution of polyethylene oxide (PEO) complexed with sodium iodide (NaI) in desired ratios and characterised using various techniques. The conductivity versus composition plot in PEO:NaI shows conductivity maxima at 12 wt% NaI concentration while in MWCNTs doped polymer electrolyte it occurs at 40 wt% MWCNTs concentration. The surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the enhancement in amorphous reason by MWCNTs doping which is a well-known favourable condition for conductivity enhancement. The differential scanning calorimetry shows that dispersal of MWCNTs reduces the crystallinity of polymer electrolyte that is well-supported by our polarised optical micrographs and SEM measurements.
Remote sensing of desert dust over Kuwait: long–term variation

Abstract Aerosol optical measurements acquired with satellite–borne TERRA/Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro–radiometer (MODIS) sensor were analyzed over Kuwait. The study focuses on the seasonal variation of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and their relationship with meteorological parameters during the 7–year period from 2000 through 2007. The mean values of AOT, wind speed (V), air temperatures (T), diurnal temperature range (AT) and water vapor content (WVC) in the near-infrared (NIR) region were high during spring (April–May), while those of the Angstrom wavelength exponent α were low. These low values of α indicate the presence of large aerosol particles (dust). Spectral analysis shows a significant annual variation in the AOT and meteorological parameters. The second (semi–annual), third (4–month) and fourth (3–month) harmonics of the annual variation are also evident. The fourth harmonic is well defined in WVC (NIR) spectra. The power spectral densities of the exponent α, ΔT and RH have a similar spectral power ~1.9. The cross–correlation functions between the time series of the wavelength exponent and each of the meteorological parameters exhibit annual and biennial cycles. The atmosphere over Kuwait is relatively dust free 3 months after WVC (NIR) peaks.
Engineering polymers with variable topology – bipyridine adducts of cadmium dithiophosphates

A series of 1∶1 adducts formed between Cd(S2P(OiPr)2)2 and the bifunctional ligands 4,4′-bipyridine (1), trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (2), 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (3), trans-1,2-bis(2-pyridyl)ethylene (4), 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (5) and 4,4′-dipyridylsulfide (6) demonstrate variable polymer topology (linear, zigzag and arched) and cadmium atom coordination geometry (cis- and trans-N2S4) depending on the nature of the bridging ligand and steric influences of the ligands. Increasing the steric bulk of the Lewis acid, to Cd(S2P(OCy)2)2, results in comparable topologies with bipyridine ligands 1, 2, and 4 but, precludes polymer formation in the adduct formed with 5, a dimer being formed instead.
Studies on varying n-alkanethiol chain lengths on a gold coated surface and their effect on antibody-antigen binding efficiency

Self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of n-alkanethiols of different chain lengths (n = 2, 3, 6, 11, 16) on a gold surface are used to immobilize antibodies which in turn bind to a antigen. The antibody and antigen used in this study have similar molecular weights i.e. ∼150 kDa. The antibody [1.5 μg cm−2] immobilized varied with the surface packing density of the SAM of carboxylic acid-terminated n-alkanethiols of different lengths. In comparison, the efficiency of antibody immobilization was lowest on the loosely packed SAM of n-alkanethiols (n ≤ 3) and the highest on the densely packed SAM of n-alkanethiols (n ≥ 11). However, increased immobilization of antibodies with increasing chain length of the n-alkanethiols [n > 11], did not result in a corresponding increase in antigen binding. An attempt to explain this phenomenon based on packing density and an orientation of the captured antibody is presented.
Drying Kinetics and Sorption Isotherms of the Nejayote

Abstract The nixtamalization is an alkaline cooking process in corn tortillas industry that uses large quantities of water (5:1 corn weight) and producing a byproduct called nejayote. In this work, drying kinetic of insoluble fraction from nejayote was obtained using a hot air cabinet dryer at 60, 75, and 90°C. The air rate and water content were 1.5 m/s and 0.028 kg of water/kg of dry air, respectively. Sorption isotherms were measured by the COST method with sulfuric acid solutions at 30, 45 and 60°C. Results showed a difference in drying kinetics/drying time between drying temperatures of 60 and 75°C, and practically no difference between 75 and 90°C. This was probably due to the development of a superficial crust on the product. The shape of sorption curves was as expected; no temperature effect was identified but it is a common behavior for products with high sugar content. Finally the sorption isotherm was predicted based on primary chemical compounds (carbohydrates, proteins, crude fiber, and calcium hydroxide).
Copper and nickel complexes of 1,8-disubstituted derivatives of 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane

The stereoselective synthesis of various 1,8-disubstituted derivatives of 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) has been achieved and copper and nickel complexes prepared. For the 1,8-dibutyl derivative, the square-planar nickel(II) complex exists as two diastereoisomers, as revealed by crystallographic analysis. The structure of the copper(II) complex of this ligand confirmed that a strong in-plane ligand field was conserved in square-planar complexes notwithstanding the dialkylation at nitrogen. The structures of the copper(II) complexes of two 1,8-dicarboxymethyl derivatives of cyclam also reveal primary N4 co-ordination with carboxyl oxygens occupying the elongated axial sites. The tricyclic ligand 1,5,8,12-tetraazatricyclo[10.2. 2.25,8]octadecane is readily prepared from one of these diacids and the copper complex is kinetically stable in solution with respect to attack by hydrogen sulfide and to acid-catalysed dissociation.
Utilisation d’un nouveau bio-floculant extrait du cactus marocain dans le traitement des rejets chargés de chrome (VI) par le procédé de coagulation floculation

Dans ce travail, nous avons utilisé un nouveau floculant organique biodégradable extrait de jus de cactus (figuiers de barbarie, voir photo ci-dessous), dans un procédé physico-chimique (coagulation floculation) afin de traiter des rejets liquides chargés en chrome (VI). Ce bio floculant nous a permis de réduire la turbidité d’un effluent industriel, en passant de 100 NTU à des valeurs au dessous de 2 NTU. L’étude a été réalisée sur des échantillons pseudo industriels préparés au laboratoire et des échantillons industriels issus d’une unité de traitement de surface (chromage). L’étude comparative entres le floculant organique et le floculant industriel PPRQESTOLR 2515.TR (floculant à base d’acrylamide et acrylate de sodium), a montré que notre bio floculant aboutit à des résultats satisfaisants au niveau du pouvoir de floculation. Une neutralisation et coagulation avec la chaux, suivi par une floculation, puis une décantation, pour la solution du chrome (VI) réduit en chrome (III) a montré un effet très significatif sur l’abattement de la turbidité et un pourcentage de rétention de chrome (VI) de plus de 99,5 %. Les résultats obtenus sont très encourageants et incitent notre équipe de recherche à développer cet axe de recherche afin de mettre en place des procédés alternatifs propres pour le traitement des eaux d’une manière générale et qui en même temps permettent la valorisation des ressources naturelles nationales.
Preparation and Characterization of Mesoporous Silica and Lithium-Ion-Conductive Halocomplex Salt Composite

Composites of mesoporous SiO2 and LiAlCl4 were synthesized, and the change in ionic conductivity due to the formation of the composites was investigated. The electrical conductivity of the composite with the SiO2 : LiAlCl4 of 2 : 3 was the highest with a value of 2 x 10-6 S/cm at room temperature. A higher order of conductivity was observed for the composite compared to the non-composite LiAlCl4. In addition, it was found that the conductivity of the composites depends on the pore size of the mesoporous SiO2.
Runoff of Two Sulfonylurea Herbicides in Relation to Tillage System and Rainfall Intensity

The use of sulfonylurea herbicides is increasing because they are used at very low rates and offer greater weed management flexibility in pre- and postemergence programs. Information is needed on the off-site movement of these compounds under different tillage systems. Our objective was to evaluate the runoff potential of chlorimuron ethyl [(2-[[[((4-chloro-6-methoxy-pyrimidin-2-yl) amino]carbonyl]-amino]sulfonyl] benzoic acid)], nicosulfuron ((2[[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl) aminocarbonyl]aminosulfonyl]-N,N-dimethyl-3-pyridinecarboxamide)], and bromide in conventional (CT) and no-tillage (NT) production systems under simulated rainfall. The soil types were a Norfolk sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Paleudult) at a Coastal Plain location and a Pacolet sandy clay loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludult) at a Piedmont location. The first simulated rainfall event (30 min) consisted of a low (1.27 cm h -1 ) or high (5.08 cm h -1 ) rate applied 24 h after herbicide and bromide application. One week later, the high rainfall rate was repeated on all plots. Consistently greater runoff occurred with CT compared to NT. Runoff differences between tillage systems were more pronounced for the second rainfall simulation and also with the Piedmont soil. The average herbicide losses from the initial high rainfall simulation were 1.2 and 2.2% of the total application (0.014 kg ha -1 ) for CT and NT, respectively, at the Coastal Plain location. Similar results were obtained at the Piedmont location. Mean herbicide losses during the second rainfall simulation represented <0.2% of the applied rate. There were no detectable concentrations of either herbicide found in the sediment phase of runoff. On the basis of these results, it is not expected that chlorimuron or nicosulfuron pose a significant threat to the environment via transport in runoff.
Transcritical CO2 Heat Pump Dryer: Part 1. Mathematical Model and Simulation

In this study, a mathematical model and simulation code has been developed to investigate the performance of a transcritical CO2 heat pump dryer. The model takes into account detailed heat and mass transfer and pressure drop phenomena occurring in each component of the system. To take care of the variable heat transfer properties, the heat exchanger components were divided into several infinitesimal segments to examine the state, heat and mass balance and pressure drop for both refrigerant and air, and hence accurate results are expected. In Part 2 of the article, the model developed has been validated with experimental data and then the model was used to investigate effects of important operating parameters on the performance.
Differential uptake of dissolved and particulate organic carbon by the marine mussel
Perna viridis

We used radiotracers in laboratory experiments to determine the organic carbon uptake by the marine mussel Perna viridis from different diets (phytoplankton and detritus) and from the dissolved phase (colloidal and low molecular weight organic carbon). Standard compounds (glucose, arginine, and leucine, and the carbohydrate macromolecular dextran with sizes ranging from 3–2,000 kDa) were used to study organic matter flux into the green mussels. Carbon absorption was significantly affected by the food type and quality. The highest absorption efficiency (AE, 80%) was from the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana, while the AE from Chlorella autotrophica was comparable with those from three types of algal detritus (20–30%). Mussels were able to directly ingest macromolecular dextran colloidal materials. Significant accumulation of these compounds was found both in the gills and the digestive glands of the mussels within the 12–17–h exposure period. Similarly, a significant accumulation of biogenic colloidal organic carbon (COC) and low molecular weight ultrafiltered organic carbon (UOC) was found. Uptake of UOC and COC resulting from the decomposition of different algal sources was comparable, with an uptake rate constant of 6.08 × 10–−4 L g−1 dry wt h−1 and an absorption efficiency of 0.0053%. A kinetic model was subsequently applied to quantitatively evaluate the carbon contribution from dissolved and particulate sources to general organic carbon uptake by the mussels. Mussels accumulated organic carbon predominantly from the particulate phase, with very little (<0.2%) coming from the DOC. However, the apparent ingestion and accumulation of colloids suggest that they can actively participate in the food chain dynamics in marine systems.
Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes and Protease Inhibitors in the Gingival Crevice

This thesis presents the results of a cross sectional clinical study of the PMN granule markers elastase and lactoferrin in conjunction with the major protease inhibitors alpha 1 antitrypsin and alpha 2 macroglobulin in the gingival crevice. 10 subjects with chronic adult periodontitis were selected. Each subject had GCF collected from a healthy site, a gingivitis site and a periodontitis site. The samples were analysed by ELISA. Analysis of the date confirmed that the sites were separated on the basis of clinical findings. With regard to the PMN granule markers, elastase was not able to discriminate between periodontal sites on the basis of absolute amounts or concentration whereas statistically significant differences were observed in relation to the absolute amount of lactoferrin at healthy and periodontitis sites. The relationship between lactoferrin and elastase changed significantly when comparing healthy and gingivitis sites with periodontitis sites, where a 10-fold decrease in the relative release of elastase was noted. It is proposed that this relationship of PMN granule markers may be a useful indicator of periodontal breakdown. In addition it may indicate basic changes in the dynamics of PMN activity in the gingival crevice in relation to the disease state. With regard to protease inhibitors, alpha 1 antitrypsin increased significantly in absolute amounts at sites of inflammation but remained unchanged in relation to its concentration. Alpha 2 macroglobulin increased at sites of inflammation in absolute amounts and was at highest concentration at sites of gingivitis. At sites of inflammation the amount of protease inhibitor relative to elastase increased. Thus, there was no evidence of a defective, host related protease inhibitor mechanism.
Ammonia volatilization from urea as influenced by soil temperature, soil water content, and nitrification and hydrolysis inhibitors

Residue cover influences temperature and water gradients in the soil profile. Changes in the physical environment of the soil influence NH₃ volatilization from urea-containing fertilizers. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of residue-cover-induced changes in soil water and temperature on NH₃ volatilization as impacted by urea treatment with a nitrification and urease inhibitor. Fertilizer treatments were urea, urea plus dicyandiamide (DCD), urea plus N-(n-butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), and urea plus NBPT and DCD. Following fertilizer application, the soil was either left bare or covered with corn (Zea mays L.) residue. Every 3 h over a 4-d period, water potential, soil temperature, CO₂ production, and NH₃ volatilization were measured. The influence of fertilizer treatments on soil pH was determined in a laboratory incubation experiment conducted over 8 d under controlled environmental conditions. Treatments were similar to the field experiment, with NH₃ volatilization, pH, and CO₂ production measured daily. The NH₃-volatilization rate in the field was highest 2 d after urea application at a time that corresponded with daily maximum soil temperature and decreasing soil water content. Residue cover reduced NH₃ volatilization. Volatilization of NH₃ as a result of urea application was not increased when urea was treated with DCD. Ammonia volatilization as a result of urea treatment with NBPT was reduced by 100 times over untreated urea. During an incubation experiment, soil pH increased from 6.5 to 7.2 in the urea-NBPT, and from 6.5 to 9.0 in the urea and urea-DCD treatments. Associated with the pH increase in the urea-NBPT treatment was a reduction in CO₂ production when compared with the untreated soil.