Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Catalytic properties of hybrid alumina-Pt films produced on FeCrAl steel in a comparison test on 2-methylol-3butyn-2-ol conversion and oxidation of cyclohexane

The higher thermal resistance and the mechanical strength of the catalytic element carriers produced on metal substrates contribute to the further interest of the automotive industry on them despite that they show a smaller development of the surface compared to the ceramic carriers. The present work was focused on testing the catalytic properties of oxide films obtained as a result of the high-temperature oxidation of 0H18J5 steel foil under mixture of oxygen and argon which were coated with platinum by reactive dc magnetron sputtering. Hybrid coatings obtained by the oxidation of metal foil prior coated with aluminum nanofilms and then with platinum and the aluminumplatinum composites were also tested. The catalytic activity of the obtained coatings was tested by the pulse method in 2methylol-3-butyn-2-ol decomposition reaction and the flow method in the process of cyclohexane oxidation. A catalytic test enabling the parameters of cyclohexane oxidation (temperature, time of reaction, cyclohexane concentration in zone of reaction) using the air to be controlled was developed for this flow method. The tests being carried out revealed an influence of different configuration of oxide films and platinum on their catalytic properties. Moreover, a high activity of alumina-Pt systems in the process of cyclohexane reheating with the air was confirmed.
Impact of Irrigation Thresholds on Total Anthocyanin Content in Cranberries

The impact of irrigation thresholds based on soil water potentials on total anthocyanin content (TAcy) of cranberry fruit was studied at two sites. Two methods based on spectrophotometric measurements were compared: the acidic solvent extraction (ASE) method and the pH-differential method. TAcy was greater by 21–29 percent when irrigation was managed using a wetter threshold, −5.5 and −6.0 kPa, in comparison with a drier threshold, from −6.5 to −10.0 kPa. The pH-differential method resulted in significantly greater TAcy measurements than the ASE method, although the ASE method was faster and simpler to use.
A simple method to reduce optical cross‐talk effects in chemical imaging with planar optodes

A simple and universal method to minimize optical cross‐talk in chemical imaging with planar optodes used for metabolic investigation of benthic interfaces is presented. Cross‐talk can lead to smeared images and flattened gradients and therefore to erroneous analytical results. To minimize the cross‐talk effect, an additional optical filter layer is coated on the downside of the transparent support. Cross‐talk light traveling in the support and decoupled by scattering media is absorbed to a higher extent than the virtual signal. The extent of cross‐talk and its reduction was evaluated by imaging the luminescence intensity of sensor layers with sharp edges and isolated points. The influence of cross‐talk on the accuracy of oxygen determination by lifetime measurements was investigated by analyzing aerated and de‐aerated zones of a planar optode placed on a scattering media. The presented method is compared qualitatively with methods previously described to reduce optical cross‐talk effects.
Characterization of Oxidation processes: ozonation and the AOP O3/H2O2

The influence of water quality parameters (dissolved organic matter and alkalinity) on the efficiency of the ozone/hydrogen peroxide (O3/H2O2) advanced oxidation process (AOP) relative to the corresponding conventional ozonation process was investigated. In natural waters with a high natural organic matter content (≥3 mg/L), O3 decomposition is controlled by radical‐type chain reactions. Thus, the overall OH radical oxidation capacity is nearly independent if conventional ozonation is replaced by O3/H2O2 AOP. In contrast, when the organic matter content in the natural water is low (≤1 mg/L), the addition of H2O2 considerably enhances the oxidation capacity by OH radicals. A constant ratio between the OH radical and O3 concentration (Rct) was found during both treatments, making it possible to predict the oxidation of micropollutants with O3 and OH radicals if the rate constants of both oxidants are known. The oxidation of atrazine during ozonation and the combined process O3/H2O2 could be accurately predicted in natural waters.
Evaluation of a New Particle Trap in a Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometer for Online Measurement of Aerosol Composition

We have developed a new analyzer for the online measurement of aerosol composition: a particle trap laser desorption mass spectrometer (PT-LDMS). The main components of the instrument include an aerodynamic lens, a particle trap enclosed by a quartz cell, a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS), a vacuum chamber incorporating the above components, and a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser (wavelength 10.6 μm). The aerodynamic lens generates a beam of submicron particles, which is focused on a small area on the particle trap. The particle trap consists of custom-made mesh layers, the structure of which was newly designed using engineering techniques for micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS). A large number of mesh frames are well arranged in the trap, and particles can be efficiently captured after multiple impactions on the frames. The CO2 laser is used to vaporize aerosol compounds captured on the particle trap. The evolved gas confined within the quartz cell is analyzed using an electron impact ionization (EI) QMS to quantify the chemical composition of the particles. The concept of the PT-LDMS and first evaluation of its performance are presented, specifically focusing on the structure and performance of the particle trap.
Electrospray methodologies for characterization and deposition of nanoparticles

of Dissertation . ii Acknowledgements . iv List of Figures . x List of Tables . xvi Chapter 1: Background and Overview.1 1.1 Background.2 1.1.1 Nanoparticle Interactions in a Liquid . 5 1.1.2 Nanomaterials Charging with Electrospray.7 1.1.3 Charge Neutralization Methods.10 1.2 Overview.12 1.2.1 Objectives . 13 1.2.2 Outline . 15 1.3 References.17 Chapter 2: Soft X-Ray Charger (SXC) System for Use With Electrospray for Mobility Measurement of Bioparticles . 26 2.1 Abstract.27 2.2 Introduction.28 2.3 Experimental Section.31 2.3. 1 Materials . 31
Pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition from CH2F2, C2H2F4, and CHClF2

Pulsed plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition films have been grown from 1,1,2,2-C2H2F4, CH2F2, and CHClF2. C 1s x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates a prevalence of C¯–CF species in the films from C2H2F4 and CH2F2, whereas CF2 species dominate the films from CHClF2. The CFx species distributions for the films are largely controlled by the competition between CF2-producing and HF elimination reactions in the pulsed plasmas. Dominance by HF elimination produces films with high C¯–CF and CF concentrations (e.g., CH2F2), whereas dominance by CF2-producing reactions leads to films with higher CF2 concentrations (e.g., CHClF2). The % CF3 in the film is lowest for the precursor having the lowest F:H ratio, CH2F2. Little or no hydrogen was detected in the deposited films. Pulsed plasma films from all three precursors gave dielectric constants of 2.4, with loss tangents on the order of 10−2. Dielectric measurements of pulsed plasma films from hexafluoropropylene oxide gave a dielectric constant of 2.0±0.
The Nature of Diatomic Sulfur in Comets

Diatomic sulfur was first discovered in comets during the close approach to Earth of comet IRAS-Araki-Alcock (C/1983 HI). The spatial distribution of S 2 was restricted to within a few hundred kilometers of the nucleus, consistent with S 2 being a parent molecule. This molecule has been detected in comets Hyakutake (C/1996 B2), Lee (C/1999 HI), and recently in Ikeya-Zhang (C/2002 CI), leading to the conclusion that S2 is ubiquitous in comets.
Constraints on structural models of ferrihydrite as a nanocrystalline material

Abstract Recently, Michel et al. (2007a) have presented a structure for ferrihydrite that we show to be incorrect. We do this by comparing (1) the sample form factor without adjustable parameters from powder X-ray diffraction data using a recently developed method with (2) exactly simulated (Debyesum method) theoretical sample form factors for the recently proposed structure (including vacancy, particle size and shape, and positional disorder effects). Michel et al. (2007a) used pair distribution functions (PDFs) extracted from synchrotron diffraction data fitted with calculated PDFs using adjustable scale and peak shape parameters. The PDF method gives consistent short-range (coordination sphere) correlations but under-emphasizes intermediate-range correlations that represent more stringent constraints on the structure. Main characteristic diffraction peaks of six-line ferrihydrite (lines 2, 3, and 4) are not reproduced by the proposed structural model. We expect our method to offer rigorous tests of proposed structures of any nanocrystalline materials.
Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange in a Zn(II)-based Metal–Organic Framework

AbstractA novel 3D Zn(II)-based metal-organic framework [Zn2(odpt)(bpy)(H2O)](bpy)0.5 (1) (H4odpt = 4,4′-oxidiphthalic acid, bpy = 4,4′-bipydine) has been hydrothermally synthesized, and characterized by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse spectrum, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Compound 1 shows highly efficient photocatalytic activity on the degradation of individual methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO), while exhibits a preferential photocatalytic degradation of MO in the MO/MB mixture under UV light irradiation. The possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed, which was confirmed by trapping experiments of radicals via the addition isopropanol as radical scavenger, and compound 1 exhibits excellent recyclability and stability, which can achieve good degradation efficiency to MB for five runs.
Lifetimes and eigenstates in atmospheric chemistry

The time scales and mode of the atmosphere's response to chemical perturbations are defined by the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the system. The eigenstates of a simplified one-box CH4-CO-OH system are analyzed. The longest time constant (smallest eigenvalue) always exceeds the lifetime defined by the steady-state loss frequency for CH4, the longest lived gas. Thus, the extent of a CH4perturbation—the methane response time—is always longer than predicted by the steady-state lifetime and is independent of size of the perturbation in the linear limit. This lengthening of the atmospheric recovery time can be diagnosed by how close we are to a chemically unstable troposphere, i.e., how much OH production exceeds that minimum needed to oxidize just the global emissions of CH4, CO, and other hydrocarbons and species.
Comparative pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of intranasal and rectal midazolam formulations relative to buccal administration in rabbits

Midazolam (MDZ) is effective in treating seizures in a medical emergency service. However, intravenous (i.v.) administration requires skillful trained personnel. Alternative routes such as rectal, buccal, sublingual, or intranasal administration are established choices for drug application in an out-patient service. The aim of this work was to use rabbit as a model to compare the pharmacokinetics of midazolam and its 1′-hydroxy metabolite (1′-OH-MDZ) via i.v. , rectal, intranasal and buccal administration with novel formulations. A single-dose, randomized, open-label, four-period crossover pharmacokinetic study was conducted with a three-day washout period between each segment. CYP3A activities were compared by studying the enzyme kinetics of midazolam in rabbit (CYP3A6) and human (CYP3A4/5) liver microsomes to qualify rabbit as a model species to predict human metabolic activity. From this study, a comparable apparent Km (7.86 vs. 8.66 μM) but a slightly higher Vmax (2117 vs. 1361 pmol min−1 mg−1) was observed in rabbits, and this resulted in a 1.72-fold higher intrinsic clearance. Midazolam had comparable bioavailability among 4 routes tested (60–70%) which is higher than oral (35–44%) administration. The absorption was faster in intranasal and rectal (∼10 min) than the buccal administration (∼20 min). The in vivo study also indicated that female rabbits had around 2-fold higher activity (1′-OH-MDZ/MDZ) in CYP3A6 than the male rabbits suggested that male rabbits may be closer to human in CYP3A activity. Overall, the rectal and intranasal formulations under current development might have the potential for administering midazolam in an out-patient emergency service when i.v. administration is not an option.
Alternative strategies for removing bromate

Stage 1 of the Disinfectants-Disinfection By-Products Rule specifies a maximum contaminant level of 10[mu]g/L for bromate ion, a by-product of the ozonation of natural water containing bromide ion. Several options for removing bromate after its formation are evaluated: reduction with ferrous iron (Fe[sup 2+]), reduction on the surface of activated carbon, ultraviolet irradiation, and high-energy electron beam irradiation. For all the processes, bromide was found in the treated water, which indicates that the dominating mechanism of bromate removal is chemical reduction. If Fe[sup 2+] is introduced after preozonation, it may function both as a reducing agent for bromate and as a coagulant for dissolved organic carbon removal.
The scientific research obstacles from the faculty members’ viewpoint at the Humanitarian Colleges of Alquds University

The study aimed to identify the scientific research obstacles from the faculty members’ view point at the Humanitarian Colleges of Alquds University. A scientific research obstacles questionnaire consisting of (45) items has been used to collect data from a stratified random sample, numbered (63), member. The results of the study showed no statistically significant differences in the averages of the scientific research obstacles according to professional rank, years of experience, and the number of researches, while the differences were statistically significant to the nature of the work, for the benefit of academic work, the study developed a set of recommendations.
Composting and Phytoremediation Treatment of Petroleum Sludge

Composting and phytoremediation using elephant grass (Penninsetum purpureum) were compared in experiments aimed at investigating the potential of both techniques in the treatment of petroleum sludge. The compost consisted of poultry manure and sawdust. N-P-K fertilizer was used for biostimulation of indigenous microbes. It also served to enhance the growth of the elephant grass. The sludge was mixed with agricultural soil and both techniques were then utilized for treatment. The total hydrocarbon content (THC) of the sludge-soil mixture before treatment was 64,494 mg/kg. After an 84-day treatment period, the composting treatment recorded 47% reduction in THC, the phytoremediation treatment showed 69% THC reduction, while the combination of composting and phytoremediation had 29% THC reduction. Microbial numbers corroborated the THC reduction observed. The results of the study show considerable promise for the deployment of elephant grass in phytoremediation treatment of petroleum sludge.
Local Transfer Coefficients in Corrugated Plate Heat Exchanger Channels

An electrochemical mass transfer technique has been employed to calculate values of the local transfer coefficients within a corrugated plate heat exchanger channel. The Reynolds number range tested was 150 to 11,500 for the following corrugation angles: 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°. The integral mass transfer results reveal that particularly at low corrugation angles, such as 30°, ‘pure’ laminar flow does not occur within the tested Reynolds number range. Three-dimensional maps of the local transfer coefficients also provide evidence for the nature of the fluidmotion. The research clearly shows that a core of fluid flows along the troughs of the corrugations, over the entire Reynolds number range investigated. At high Reynolds numbers, a peak at the base of the corrugation trough supports the theory that these crossing troughwise streams induce swirling FLow.
Tuning Surface Morphology of Inorganic Supports for Adsorptive Immobilization of Enzymatic Active Substances

A comprehensive study of composite carbon–mineral supports was performed to determine specific features of the adsorptive immobilization for such enzymes as glucoamylase and invertase. The catalytic properties (activity and stability) of immobilized enzymes were found to depend significantly on the morphology of the carbon layer synthesized on the support surface. After tuning the surface morphology towards immobilizing enzymes, a layer of catalytic filamentous carbon (CFC) was found to ensure the highest stability and activity of the prepared biocatalysts due to its mesoporous structure and optimal hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance. The supports used for immobilization of enzymes can be arranged in the following order of observed enzymatic activity and stability: supports coated by graphite-like carbon layer ≈ non-carbonized supports << CFC-coated supports.
Visible light‐driven metal‐oxide photocatalytic CO2 conversion

In this work, nine photocatalysts were prepared by a conventional solid‐state reaction method. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, surface area measurements based on the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller theory, and scanning electron microscopy. The tested materials (BaBiO3, Bi2WO6, SrTiO3, KNbO3, NaNbO3, Sr4Nb2O9, YInO3, CaIn2O4, and YFeO3) showed great potential for use as photocatalysts in the efficient reduction of CO2 into a renewable hydrocarbon fuel as well as in water splitting. Our results showed that among the nine tested photocatalysts, three could generate CH4. In particular, it was observed that KNbO3, as a result of its high surface area and the suitable band gap, showed the highest CH4 generation, (86.842 ppm g−1 h−1). Some of the tested photocatalysts could generate H2 and O2 at a very promising rate; Sr4Nb2O9 and NaNbO3 were the best two photocatalysts, with an average O2 production rate of 69.476 ppm g−1 h−1 and 57.928 ppm g−1 h−1, respectively. Further, NaNbO3 showed the highest H2 production average with a rate of 220.128 ppm g−1 h−1. The photocatalysts presented herein represent a significant improvement because of the reactor type and the preparation techniques implemented in this study. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Communication Skills And Mathematical Problem Solving Ability Among Junior High Schools Students Through Problem-Based Learning

The purpose of this study was to examine the communication skills and mathematical problem solving ability among junior high school students through problem-based learning. This study involved 120 seventh grade students. This study used two kinds of tests and attitude scale, namely: communication skills test, problem solving ability test, and attitude scale. The result of this study showed that problem-based learning (PBM) was better, compared to conventional learning in improving students’ mathematical communication skills. Judging from the learning and school factors, the study indicated that problem-based learning (PBM) had a more significant influence on improving students’ mathematical communication skills. Based on the learning factors and gender differences, the finding indicated that problem-based learning (PBM) had a significant influence on improving communication skills and mathematical problem solving ability, both on male and on female students. Problem-based learning (PBM) was significantly better at improving students' mathematical problem solving abilities compared to conventional learning. Problem-based learning (PBM) has an impact on the formation of students’ positive attitudes towards mathematics.
Removal of aqueous ammonium by biochars derived from agricultural residuals at different pyrolysis temperatures

Abstract Water contamination by ammonium ions presents huge risks to the ecosystems. This work evaluated the potential of biochar as an alternative adsorbent to remove ammonium from aqueous solutions. Nine types of biochars were converted from three types of agricultural residuals at three pyrolysis temperatures. Batch sorption experiment showed that all the biochars effectively removed ammonium ions from water. The biochars produced at low pyrolysis temperatures, however, showed higher sorption of ammonium. The low-temperature biochars showed relatively fast sorption kinetics of ammonium, which reached equilibrium around 10 h. Sorption isotherms showed that the low-temperature biochars had high sorption capacities to the ammonium, and the Langmuir maximum capacities were all higher than 200 mg/g. Batch sorption experiments also showed the sorption of ammonium onto the biochar was affected by pH and temperature, but not by ionic strength. The biochar showed good sorption ability to ammonium in aqueous solutions under all of the tested conditions. Findings from this work indicated that biochar could be used as an alternative adsorbent for the treatment of ammonium in water.
Environmental influences on grape aroma potential

Understanding the source of wine volatile compounds and the mechanisms that influence their formation through grape growing, winemaking and storage is essential for wine businesses when developing strategies to produce wines with specific sensory attributes that appeal to target markets. The objective of this research was to develop a greater understanding of the environmental influences that drive flavour formation in grapes and translate this information into awareness of the limitations of site and region in producing wines to specification. A novel analytical method was developed utilising headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) for the analysis of wine volatiles by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS). The analytical technique was able to resolve and identify a substantially larger number of volatile compounds than current single dimensional GC-MS methodologies. While developing this method it became clear that there was a need to develop a greater understanding of wine matrix effects on SPME-based analyses of volatile compounds found in grape juices and wines of which ethanol and glucose had the greatest effect. Furthermore, the impact of shipping conditions in relation to wine composition and sensory characteristics was investigated to ensure sample integrity across the experiments. The HS-SPME GC × GC-TOFMS methodology was applied in conjunction with descriptive sensory analysis to field studies exploring the effects of site, viticultural management, and winemaking on wine composition and sensory characteristics. This study identified that site was a major influence on Cabernet Sauvignon wine composition and sensory characteristics leading to an extensive study exploring the composition and sensory attributes of a number of commercially produced Cabernet Sauvignon wines from ten wine growing regions of Australia. The results of the studies have enabled the integration of sensory and chemical data Australian Cabernet Sauvignon wines which has revealed potential chemical markers of sensory attributes and compositional characters that are associated with Australian wine regions.