Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Catalysis over porous anodic alumina catalysts

Porous alumina films with a high pore surface density, of the order of 10[sup 10]/cm[sup 2], were prepared on Al metal by the galvanostatic anodic oxidation of Al metal in a thermostated, nonstirred bath of H[sub 2]SO[sub 4] solution, 15% w/v, at various bath temperatures and current densities that resulted in different oxide film thicknesses, in order to be used as catalysts. Structural features such as pore base diameter, porosity, and total and specific real surface were determined by means of kinetic data obtained from the Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] film growth. The catalytic behaviour of the porous anodic Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] films was investigated by using the decomposition of HCOOH as a test reaction in the temperature range 270-390[degrees]C. The catalytic decomposition of HCOOH was found to be a dehydration reaction of zero order with respect to the partial pressure of HCOOH at an operation pressure of 1 atm. After some initial catalyst deactivation, the kinetic parameters of the catalytic dehydration, namely activation energy, frequency factor, total activity (referred to a constant geometric film surface area), and specific activity (expressed either per g of oxide mass or per m[sup 2] of real surface) at 350[degrees]C were found to be stronglymore » affected by film thickness and bath temperature. Anodic Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] films modified by hydrothermal treatment gave consistently higher values of the kinetic parameters, while the span of their variation with film thickness was significantly reduced in comparison to the untreated films. Also, the initial deactivation was prevented to a significant extent. This catalytic behaviour was satisfactorily explained on the basis of the microcrystalline nature of the oxide, the presence of electrolyte anions incorporated inside the oxide bulk during film growth, and the heterogeneity of the oxide surface present along the walls of conical pores. 33 refs., 10 figs., 1 tab. « less
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Polycaprolactone-block-Polystyrene via Macromolecular Chain Transfer Reagents

e-Caprolactone (CL) was enzymatically polymerized with 2-mercaptoethanol as the initiator, both in an oil bath and under microwave (MW) irradiation. The polymerization performed under MW irradiation maintaining equal conditions led to higher yields and less formation of side products, i.e., a higher chemoselectivity was observed. The resulting polyester with a terminal -SH moiety had a Μ n of 3 600 g mol -1 , determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and was used as a chain transfer reagent. Subsequent copolymerization with styrene in different ratios led to polycaprolactone-block-polystyrene. SEC analysis and polarization microscopy of crystallized samples with different styrene contents proved the formation of block copolymers.
P-type oxide-based thin film transistors produced at low temperatures

P-type thin-film transistors (TFTs) using room temperature sputtered tin and copper oxide as a transparent oxide semiconductor have been produced on rigid and paper substrates. The SnOx films shows p-type conduction presenting a polycrystalline structure composed with a mixture of tetragonal β-Sn and α-SnOx phases, after annealing at 200 °C. These films exhibit a hole carrier concentration in the range of ≈ 1016-1018 cm-3, electrical resistivity between 101-102 Ωcm, Hall mobility of 4.8 cm2/Vs, optical band gap of 2.8 eV and average transmittance ≈ 85 % (400 to 2000 nm). Concerning copper oxide CuxO thin films they exhibit a polycrystalline structure with a strongest orientation along (111) plane. The CuxO films produced between an oxygen partial pressure of 9 to 75% showed p-type behavior, as it was measured by Hall effect and Seebeck measurements. The bottom gate p-type SnOx TFTs present field-effect mobility above 1.24 cm2/Vs (including the paper p-type oxide TFT) and an on/off modulation ratio of 103 while the CuxO TFTs exhibit a field-effect mobility of 1.3×10-3 cm2/Vs and an on/off ratio of 2×102.
An Integrated Framework to Quantify the Impact of Competency Factors on Project Performance

Construction companies measure their performance by how well a construction project delivers relative to their goals. The performance of construction projects is governed by merging many events and interactions with different participants and processes in a constantly changing environment. Many such occurrences and interactions are defined as "competencies”. These competencies are the inputs that can be quantified and used to distinguish between the poorestperforming and best-performing projects. Evaluation of project performance has gained significant attention in the construction domain. Within this conversation, one difficulty is that project management literature review does not provide a coherent nor commonly accepted definition of project success. A project's success could be defined differently depending on the stakeholders, since every individual has a subjective set of success requirements. Thus, determining whether a project is a success is a complex problem and a project cannot always be seen as a total successful or complete failure. In the current construction industry, much effort has been spent on precisely measuring and controlling individual performance metrics (i.e. cost) and determining performance indices for them. However, there have been far fewer comprehensive indices that evaluate project performance across numerous performance metrics such as cost, schedule, safety, quality, and communication. Many previous studies have used these performance metrics as ex-post lagging measures to assess the performance of completed projects. Yet, these metrics do not leverage any opportunity to improve the success probability early in the project and serve only as a historic review. What is crucial, but often missed, is that the performance of a construction project is driven by diverse and numerous leading factors that occur among and across project phases. These factors are defined in this research as “competency factors. ”
Beiträge zum Studium einiger Heterocyclen, II. Über die Herstellung einiger 2-Anilino-4-chlormethyl-und 2-Anilino-4-formyl-thiazole

Durch Umsetzung von symm. Dichloraceton mit N-Aryl-thioharnstoffen erhalt man die Hydrochloride von 2-Anilino-4-chlormethyl-thiazolen; die N-Acetyl-derivate der freien Basen lassen sich mit Hilfe der Sommelet-Reaktion in die entsprechenden 2-Anilino-4-formyl-thiazole uberfuhren. Eigenschaften und Struktur der entstandenen Verbindungen werden beschrieben.
The Electronic Properties of Nanomaterials Elucidated by Synchrotron Radiation–Based Spectroscopy

The use of synchrotron radiation–based spectroscopy to investigate electronic and bonding structures of nanostructured materials is reviewed with focuses on the X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), valence-band photoemission spectroscopy (VB-PES), and scanning photoelectron microscopy (SPEM) measurements. This review addresses the current status of synchrotron radiation–based nanoscale characterization of carbon-based and ZnO nanomaterials. Current research works that are relevant to this rapidly evolving experimental area and implications in nanoscience and nanotechnology are emphasized.
Crystal structure of a vivianite-type mineral: Mg-rich erythrite, (Co2.16Ni0.24Mg0.60)(AsO4)2 · 8 H2O

The crystal structure of erythrite from Bouzaer, south Morocco, was refined through single crystal X-ray diffraction data, within monoclinic space group C2/m, with the following unit cell constants: a = 10.187(1) Å, b = 13.470(1) Å, c = 4.755(1) Å, β = 104.971(2)°, V = 630.3(2) Å3. Transition metal and magnesium cations are randomly distributed over two special positions Me(1) and Me(2), making up single and dimerical octahedral groups, connected by (AsO4) tetrahedra groups, in order to form infinite sheets down b. Such sheets are held together within the three-dimensional framework owing to the presence of an intricate hydrogen bond network. An infrared spectrum was collected in order to achieve information on the HOH bending modes of the erythrite.
Characterization of virulence factors targeting Apis mellifera: Varroa Toxic Protein and LarvinA

CHARACTERIZATION OF VIRULENCE FACTORS TARGETING APIS MELLIFERA: VARROA TOXIC PROTEIN AND LARVINA Madison Turner University of Guelph, 2020 Advisors: Ernesto Guzman Rod Merrill Apis mellifera populations are declining due to a variety of factors, including the parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, and the bacterial disease, American foulbrood (AFB). This thesis describes the biochemical characterization of two important virulence factors: LarvinA from AFB, and Varroa Toxic Protein (VTP) from the mite. LarvinA was kinetically characterized and confirmed to be a functional C3-like mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase toxin. N-terminal deletions and single-residue variants led to the identification of novel interactions between the α1-helix and the active-site of LarvinA, including the role of net charge in cell entry. Next, VTP was purified using glutathione-based affinity and size-exclusion chromatography. Analysis of the primary sequence and circular dichroism spectra revealed that VTP is primarily an α-helical protein; however, it is thermally labile based on the temperature analysis of the protein. These findings can be combined with future studies to elucidate novel therapeutics.
Novel Lorentz Force Velocimetry system based on bulk high-temperature superconductors

Die Lorentzkraftanometrie (LKA) ist eine Technik zur Messung der Geschwindigkeit von elektrisch leitfahigen Flussigkeiten. Sie ist eine nicht-invasive Messtechnik, die besonders vorteilhaft fur heise, opake und aggressive Elektrolyte ist. Die LKA wurde fur Salzwasser als Modellelektrolyt erfolgreich mit Dauermagnetanordnungen (DM) ohne magnetischen Ruckschluss, aber mit gezielter Flussfuhrung (Halbach-Array) und hochprazisen Kraftmesssytemen (KMS) auf Basis der interferometrischen Messung der Auslenkung des Magnetsystems und der elektromagnetischen Kompensation der Auslenkung demonstriert. Um die LKA fur schwach leitfahige Elektrolyte zu erweitern, ist eine Magnetfelderzeugung von > 1 T erforderlich. Ein Hochtemperatursupraleiter-Bulk (Bulk-HTS) kann ein Magnetfeld von mehreren Tesla erzeugen und somit die LKA-Leistung deutlich verbessern und die bisher genutzten DM ersetzen. Diese Arbeit zielt deshalb darauf ab, Bulk-HTS's in der LKA unter Berucksichtigung der kritischen Verbindungen zwischen der Funktionalitat von Bulk-HTS's und dem KMS einzusetzen und ein LKA-System mit Bulk-HTS's zu entwerfen, herzustellen und zu testen. Die Ergebnisse wurden fur die Entwicklung eines neuartigen LKA-System auf Basis eines Bulk-HTS als Magnetfeldquelle und einer Torsionswaage als Kraftmesssystem genutzt. Dieses System - Superconducting High-precision Lorentz Force Measurement System (Super-LOFOS) - wurde dann erfolgreich aufgebaut und getestet. Bei Kuhlung mit flussigem Stickstoff bzw. Helium werden auf der Stirnflache des Super-LOFOS magnetische Flusdichten von B_T = 100 mT bzw. B_T = 1,2 T erzeugt. Damit erweitert die vorliegende Arbeit die Einsetzbarkeit der LKA fur gering elektrisch leitende und langsam stromende Fluide auf (σ · u) = 1-10) S s⁻¹, sowie macht hochprazise Kraftmessungen bis 1 nN unter kryogenen Bedingungen moglich. Daruber hinaus stellt das entwickelte Messsystem Super-LOFOS einen tragbaren Magnetfeldgenerator dar, der fur NMR- und MRT-Technologien, Drug Targeting, und magnetische Trennungsverfahren einsetzbar ist.
Evaluation of Biosurfactants and Surfactants for Crude Oil Contaminated Sand Washing

In this work, biosurfactants (rhamnolipid, surfactin) and commercial surfactants (SDS, Triton X-100) were evaluated for their ability to recover crude oil from sand in laboratory experiments. The rhamnolipid used in this study was produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC 1310, while the surfactin was produced by Bacillus subtilis NLIM 0110. Both biosurfactants were able to reduce surface tension to less than 27 from 72 mN/m with critical micelle concentration values of 50 and 118 mg/L for surfactin and rhamnolipid, respectively. It also demonstrated that the biosurfactants and surfactants are useful for the sand washing with removal percentages of 80%, 77%, 65%, and 61% at the room temperature for rhamnolipid, surfactin, Triton X-100, and SDS, respectively. At room temperature produced rhamnolipid removed the most oil from the sand (80%) compared to the rest of the candidates and also formed an excellent emulsification of crude oil (88%).
Modeling and Forecasting Extended Lactations of Holstein Friesian Dairy Cattle

MODELING AND FORECASTING EXTENDED LACTATIONS OF HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN DAIRY CATTLE Linaya Pot Advisor: University of Guelph, 2020 Dr. John P. Cant Lactation models were used to fit and forecast extended lactations to determine if cows suitable for extended lactations could be identified within their voluntary waiting period (VWP). Models were fitted to a dataset of daily milk yields (MY) (n = 651) from extended lactations > 305 days in milk (DIM). Models predicted 305-d MY after fits to data from only the first i DIM, where i was incremented from 30 to 300 DIM in weekly intervals. At least 90 DIM of data was needed by the model for a satisfactory fit. However, using 120 DIM of data was recommended for more accurate forecasting . Beyond 120-d there was a lessening impact of additional data on the improvement of fit statistics. Since a 120-d VWP is not optimal for all animals, it was suggested that model forecasts should be used as a tool to optimize lactation length only in suitable animals.
Chemistry of particle inception and growth during α-pinene ozonolysis

A flow-tube reactor was used to study the formation of particles from α-pinene ozonation. Particle phase products formed within the first 3−22 s of reaction were analyzed on-line using a scanning mobility particle sizer and two particle mass spectrometers. The first, a photoionization aerosol mass spectrometer (PIAMS), was used to determine the molecular composition of nascent particles between 30 and 50 nm in diameter. The second, a nano-aerosol mass spectrometer (NAMS), was used to determine the elemental composition of individual particles from 50 nm to below 10 nm in diameter. Molecular composition measurements with PIAMS confirm that both the stabilized Criegee intermediate and hydroperoxide channels of α-pinene ozonolysis are operative. However, these channels alone cannot explain the high oxygen content of the particles measured with NAMS. The carbon-to-oxygen mole ratios of suspected nucleating agents are in the range of 2.25−4.0, while the measured ratios are from 1.9 for 9 nm particles to 2.5 an.
Role of Institutional Quality in Promoting Financial Inclusion

Despite evidence on the importance of financial inclusion, little is known about the role institutions play in fostering inclusion across countries. Using panel data corresponding to 125 countries for the period 2004-2015, this study sought to understand the country institutional characteristics associated with the ownership of deposit accounts. A standard regression model is estimated using fixed effects panel data techniques along a financial inclusion proxy and three measures of institutional quality. We provide the first empirical justification for the hypothesis that financial inclusion is non-negligibly driven by the institutional context. Specifically, rule of law is crucial in enhancing financial inclusiveness, more so in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) where it has a stronger positive effect relative to other regions. In view of the fact that formal finance can be used as a means of boosting economic growth and combating social exclusion, increasing transparency of the legal framework, having fair judicial proceedings and good administration are essential ingredients for raising financial inclusiveness. The evidence presented in this paper may therefore help with the sequencing of institutional reforms that could promote financial inclusion.
Mobile smartphone applications for healthcare practitioners

Mobile Smartphone Applications (apps) have emerged in the last decade as a potentially beneficial tool for doctors. This thesis employs a novel investigative approach based on Realist Evaluation to investigate their prevalence, the outcomes of their use, and uncovers the key causal mechanisms and contexts that influence their use. The first part of the thesis sets the scene for the investigation by explaining the need for this research in an environment where much has been claimed for and against app use, but with a limited evidence base on which to base such claims. A scoping study is used to assess the nature of the extant literature and identify key questions that need to be addressed about app use. The next stage sets the scene for the realist empirical portion of the thesis, by explaining the need to take a theory-based perspective of the issues. The rationale for employing a realist methodology is described in terms of the need to examine causal explanations and contextual elements, with reference to the methodological implications for the rest of the enquiry. The elicitation of initial programme theory is then undertaken to provide a theoretical starting point for the thesis. The final part of the thesis describes an interview study and a mixed-methods study, which in turn develop and then test theories relating to the decision to use an app. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the key findings, presenting an outline theoretical model as well as recommendations designed to enhance the development, implementation and safe use of apps.
Antifungal activity of chitosan and its application to control post‐harvest quality and fungal rotting of Tankan citrus fruit (Citrus tankan Hayata)

In this study, the antifungal activity of chitosan A (MW = 92.1 kDa) and B (MW = 357.3 kDa), with 94.2% N-deacetylation were examined at various concentrations against fungi including Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum, Botrydiplodia lecanidion and Botrytis cinerea. The effectiveness of these chitosans to control the post-harvest quality of Tankan fruit, a popular sub-tropical citrus fruit, was investigated. It was found that chitosan, depending on type and concentration, caused 25.0–90.5% growth inhibition on test organisms after 5 days of cultivation at 24 °C. Chitosan treatment significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the percentage decay of Tankan fruit during storage at 24 °C. After 42 days of storage at 13 °C, chitosan-coated Tankan fruits were firmer, exhibited less decay and weight loss, and showed higher titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and total soluble solids than the control fruit. Weight loss of Tankan fruits decreased as the concentration of chitosan was increased. On the other hand, chitosan A, regardless of concentration tested, was found to be more effective in retaining the firmness, titratable acidity and water content, total solid content and ascorbic acid content of Tankan fruits than chitosan B. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Young Adults’ Internet Use and their Relationships with their Parents

YOUNG ADULTS’ INTERNET USE AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR PARENTS Thomas Dean Esufali Advisor: University of Guelph, 2020 Dr. Susan S. Chuang This study explored problematic Internet use (PIU) among Canadian female young adults (YAs) within a University setting (i.e., undergraduate) and its influence on their relationships with their mothers and fathers. More specifically, the focus of this study was on YAs’ perceptions of their parents’ level of monitoring, communication, and conflict and how these constructs were related to PIU. Data were obtained using an online questionnaire filled out by 98 female University students, who were between the ages of 18 and 25. Findings indicated that YAs who showed signs of PIU experienced both higher levels of perceived conflict and monitoring with both mother and fathers. Similar with previous research, it was found that regardless of YAs’ levels of PIU, YAs’ perceived that they were monitored more by their mothers than their fathers. More research needs to be conducted as PIU is a growing concern, not only with the YA cohort, but also among other age groups, as technology and social media increasingly becomes an important part of everyday lives.
Determination of K33/K11 Ratio of a Polar-Nonpolar Mixture Showing Injected Smectic Phase

Abstract The ratio of the bend to splay elastic constant of a binary liquid crystalline mixture (5CB/ME6O.5) which show injected smectic phase, has been determined by Freedericksz transition in nematic phase, results of which have been reported here. It has been found that K3/K1 values show a divergence as the injected smectic phase is approached. The K3/K1 values also show a minimum near equimolar concentration, which is similar to the minimum in other physical properties of this mixture at this concentration found by previous workers.
Electron Transfer-Induced Hydrogenation of Anthracene Catalyzed by Gold and Silver Nanoparticles

Anthracene hydrogenation in aqueous micellar solutions is catalyzed at room temperature by ionic-surfactant-protected gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs) with well-controlled particle sizes. When sodium borohydride was used as the hydrogen source in the presence of these NPs, the only product obtained in the reaction is 9,10-dihydroanthracene. During the course of the reaction, a blue shift in the surface plasmon resonance band of silver NPs was more prominent and lasted longer than that of gold NPs. The difference in the optical property of metal NPs was related to the charging of their surfaces, indicating that the metal NPs play a role as the nanoelectrode storing electrons from hydrides. At the same time, a remarkable size-dependence of catalytic activity was found for both gold and silver NPs. Mechanism about the electron transfer-relaying effects of metal NPs is proposed for the hydrogenation reaction.
Organic Reactions in Ionic Liquids: Knoevenagel Condensation Catalyzed by Ethylenediammonium Diacetate

The moisture and air stable ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazonium tetrafluoroborate [bmim]BF4 and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazonium hexafluorophosphate [bmim]PF6 were used as ‘green' recyclable alternatives to volatile organic solvents (VOCs) for ethylenediammonium diacetate (EDDA) catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation between aldehydes or ketones with active methylene compounds. Both aldehydes and ketones gave satisfactory results. The ionic liquids containing catalyst EDDA were recycled several times with no decreases in yields and reaction rates. In the case of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, the reactions led to the formation of 3-substituted coumarins under standard reaction conditions.
Critical Soil Zinc Deficiency Concentration and Tissue Iron: Zinc Ratio as a Diagnostic Tool for Prediction of Zinc Deficiency in Corn

ABSTRACT Zinc (Zn) fertilizer application is most economic if based on soil test and plant analysis information. The aim of this study was to determine the soil test [diethylenetrinitrilopentaacetate (DTPA) and ethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (EDTA) extractable] Zn-critical levels and tissue Fe/Zn ratio for corn (Zea mays L.). A greenhouse experiment with 12 soil series and two Zn fertilizer treatments (0 and 15 mg Zn kg−1 as zinc sulfate) was conducted. Critical Zn deficiency levels were determined using the Cate-Nelson procedure. Relative corn yield varied from 0.59 to 1.64. Critical deficiency levels based on the Cate-Nelson method were 1.50 and 1.17 mg kg−1 for DTPA and EDTA-extracted soil Zn, respectively. No accurate critical deficiency level could be established using the shoot Zn concentrations. The critical iron (Fe)/Zn ratio in the corn shoot was 3.9. Values greater than 3.9 indicate hidden Zn deficiency and probable response to applied Zn.
Corrosion process of silver in environments containing 0.1 ppm H2S and 1.2 ppm NO2

The effects of sub‐ppm levels of nitrogen dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, and the adsorbed water on the corrosion of silver were studied in order to get a better understanding of the atmospheric corrosion process. An in situ mass balance was taken to monitor the kinetic behavior and the surface and the corrosion film were analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).