Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth and yield response of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to colour plastic mulching and different drip irrigation levels

An experiment was carried out during Rabi (October, 2016 to January, 2017) to examine the effect of different plastic color mulches viz., white on black, silver on black and complete black on growth and of yield of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) variety Arka Komal under different drip irrigation levels. The irrigation levels used were 60, 80, 100 and 120 per cent of ET. The trial consisted of sixteen treatments replicated four times. The experiment was laid out in spilt plot design. Among coloured plastic mulches, white on black plastic mulch produced highest plant height (38.68 cm), number of branches (6.00), yield per plant (252.71 g) and yield per hectare (11.14 t ha-1). Among the irrigation levels, 80 per cent ET recorded highest values for plant height (33.73 cm), number of branches (7.13), yield per plant (300.67 g) and yield per hectare (14.06 t ha-1). The interaction effect revealed that white on black plastic mulch with 80 per cent ET exhibited better plant height(33.73 cm), number of branches (7.13), yield per plant (300.67 g) and yield per hectare (14.06 t ha-1) compared to other treatments.
Chemical Analysis of Flesh and Some Body Parts of Different Fresh Fish in South West Nigeria

Fresh fish samples from major fish producing areas in South West, Nigeria were analyzed for their chemical composition in terms of their body parts and flesh. The three fresh fish samples; Mackerel, Croacker and Cat Fish were dissected into bone, flesh and skin parts under hygienic condition and analyzed for their proximate and mineral contents. Result obtained indicated that the bone and skin contrary to general believes contained higher distribution of nutrients like fat and protein as well as mineral content like calcium when compared to that of the flesh. The protein content was highly concentrated in the skin and least in the flesh. The skin contained 26.77%, 27.20% and 28.00% protein for cat, croacker and mackerel fish while the flesh contained 14.60%, 15.22% and 18.28% fish respectively. However, the mineral contents were uniformly distributed in the body parts except for calcium contents which are highly concentrated in the bone.
Diffuse reflectance infrared spectra of kaolinite and kaolinite/alkali halide mixtures. Curve-fitting of the OH stretching region

Diffuse reflectance infrared spectra of kaolinite and binary mixtures of this clay with alkali halides have been analysed using curve-fitting and deconvolution. For caesium chloride and caesium bromide, decomposition of the hydroxyl stretching region has made it possible to correlate the positions and intensities of bands due to structural hydroxyl groups of kaolinite, or to intercalated water, with the degree of intercalation. One of these bands, arising from uncoupled inner surface OH stretching in kaolinite, is not identifiable in spectra of the uncomplexed clay or mixtures where intercalation did not occur. A new band revealed by curve-fitting spectra of intercalated samples is attributed either to water at the interface between the clay and the alkali halide, or to an FeO—H impurity in the kaolinite. Key words: kaolinite, infrared, curve-fitting.
Urinary activities of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and its isoenzyme B in cadmium-exposed rats

This paper aims to assess the relationship between the urinary activity of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and its isoenzyme B (NAG-B) and cadmium (Cd) concentration in the urine as well as to evaluate which of these lysosomal enzymes may be a more useful biomarker for the monitoring of Cd-induced tubular damage. For this purpose we have used an experimental model in rats chronically exposed to Cd in which we noted damage to the proximal tubules, including lysosomes. In rats intoxicated with 5 mg Cd/dm 3 , the urinary activities of NAG and NAG-B increased after 12 weeks of treatment, while at 50 mg Cd/dm 3 - activities increased already after the 1 st week. The urinary Cd excretion in Cd-exposed rats, st week. The urinary Cd excretion in Cd-exposed rats, st but not in the non-exposed ones, positively correlated with the activities of NAG and NAG-B. A positive correlation which was observed between NAG and NAG-B activities was stronger in Cd-exposed animals than in those not exposed. The results of the present and our previous histopathological and histoenzymatic studies, confirm the usefulness of total NAG and NAG-B as sensitive markers of proximal tubular injury for the monitoring of chronic exposure to Cd. Taking into account the strong correlation between the total NAG and its isoenzyme B, similar correlation coefficients between their activities and Cd concentration in urine and simplicity of total NAG determination compared to that of NAG-B, one can conclude that the determination of total NAG is suitable for the monitoring of exposure to Cd. As the urinary activity of total NAG is a sum of activities of several isoenzymes, which may be influenced by various factors, and the intralysosomal localization of NAG-B, we hypothesize that NAG-B should be recommended as a sensitive and useful marker for routine monitoring of chronic exposure to Cd.
Influence of plant density and term of harvest on yield and chemical composition of sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.).

The experiments carried out in 2006-2007 referred to the growth of marjoram plants, its yields and chemical composition depending on the plant density and harvest time. Four plant densities (setting spacing 20 × 40 cm, 30 × 30 cm, 30 × 40 cm and 40 × 40 cm) as well as two harvest times (beginning of flower bud forming and full blooming) were applied. The lowest density favored the plant tillering, which apparently affected the herb yield. Plants growing at the lowest density (40 × 40 cm spacing) had the largest fresh and air-dried herb yields (0.71 and 0.18 kg m -2 , respectively). Herb of plants grown at denser spacing contained more total nitrogen and nitrates (V) as well as less po- tassium, than that of plants grown at lower density. The herb harvest at full flowering stage turned out to be favourable because of significantly lover nitrates concentration as compared to other stages. The contents of essential oil was significantly higher in the full flowering stage than in those harvested in the bud formation stage. Plants growing at denser spacing produced more oil. Trans-sabinene hydrate and terpinene-4-ol were domi- nating components of marjoram essential oil.
The detective as veteran : the trauma of war in the work of Raymond Chandler

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Oxygen as an Antioxidant

New reaction scheme is suggested for the initiated nonbranched-chain addition of free radicals to the multiple bond of the molecular oxygen. The scheme includes the reaction competing with chain propagation reactions through a reactive free radical. The chain evolution stage in this scheme involves a few of free radicals, one of which (tetraoxyl) is relatively low-reactive and inhibits the chain process by shortening of the kinetic chain length. Based on the proposed scheme rate equations (containing one to three parameters to be determined directly) are deduced using quasi-steady-state treatment. The kinetic description with use the obtained rate equations is applied to the γ -induced nonbranched-chain processes of the free-radical oxidation of liquid o-xylene at 373 K and hydrogen dissolved in water containing different amounts of oxygen at 296 K. In these processes the oxygen with the increase of its concentration begins to act as an oxidation autoingibitor (or an antioxidant), and the rate of peroxide formation as a function of the dissolved oxygen concentration has a maximum. The heat effects are compared for the overall reactions of dissociation of simple alkylperoxyl (exothermic) and alkoxyl (endothermic) free radicals in the gas phase. Possible nonchain pathways of the free-radical oxidation of hydrogen and the routes of ozone decay from the energetic standpoint via the reaction with the hydroxyl free radical in the upper atmosphere (including the addition yielding the hydrotetraoxyl free radical, which can be an intermediate in the sequence of conversions of biologically hazardous UV radiation energy) were examined. The energetics of the key radical-molecule reactions is considered.
Investigation of Attenuation Behaviour and Wave Propagation of Gas Insulated Transmission Lines (GIL)

Measurements on a 400 kV GIL with a length of approximately 900 m have been performed in Kelsterbach near Frankfurt, Germany. Travelling waves have been generated by operation of an earthing switch and measured at different locations along the Gas Insulated Transmission Line (GIL). The propagation velocity of the travelling waves in the GIL has been investigated by analysing the steep front signals at different measuring locations. By means of different terminations and setups allowing or avoiding outcoupling of travelling waves onto the external feed-in system, the internal damping of such a transmission system has been investigated. The resistive and inductive behaviour of the burning arc in the switching gap of the earting switch was taken into account. The results have been compared to theoretical calculations which are based on the frequency dependent line parameters of the GIL. The advantage of the availability of different measuring points at such long transmission systems for the detection of an internal flashover is explained.
Occurrence of pharmaceuticals in surface waters: analytical method development and environmental risk assessment

The present work illustrates the development of an analytical method, based on offline solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography–electron spray ionisation–single quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) for the simultaneous determination of pharmaceuticals belonging to various therapeutic classes (analgesics/anti-inflammatories, lipid regulators, antibiotics, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, psychomotor stimulants, glucocorticoid steroids, disinfectants, beta-blockers, H2 receptor antagonists and oestrogens) in surface waters. The method developed was applied for the analysis of pharmaceutical residues in surface waters from different sampling points along the aquatic systems of Lake Pamvotis and the River Kalamas, close to the city of Ioannina (Epirus, Greece), while the monitoring programme was carried out during the four seasons of the year. According to the results obtained, the majority of the compounds were detected in discrepant concentrations. The concentrations for all the compounds ranged from levels below quantification limit to 3506 ng/L, with caffeine and salicylic acid being the ubiquitous compounds. The results of the monitoring contributed substantially to the knowledge on the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in Greece and more specifically in surface waters of the region of Epirus. Regarding the environmental risk due to the presence of target compounds in surface waters, this was estimated calculating risk quotients (RQs) for different aquatic organisms (algae, daphnids and fish). The results denoted a possible threat for the aquatic environment, rendering in this way the RQ method as a helpful tool for a first approach. Extensive study is needed for triclosan, salicylic acid, sulfamethoxazole and erythromycin in order to better correlate their occurrence and potential toxic effects in aquatic life and humans.
Construction of Porous Solids from Hydrogen-Bonded Metal Complexes of 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic Acid

The reaction of M(II) acetate hydrate (M = Co, Ni, and Zn) with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic (BTC) acid yields a material formulated as M3(BTC)2·12H2O. These compounds are isostructural as revealed by their XRPD patterns and a single crystal structure analysis performed on the cobalt containing solid [monoclinic, space group C2, a = 17.482 (6) A, b = 12.963 (5) A, c = 6.559 (2) A, β = 112.04°, V = 1377.8 (8) A, Z = 4]. This solid is composed of zigzag chains of tetra-aqua cobalt(II) benzenetricarboxylate that are hydrogen-bonded to yield a tightly held 3-D network. Upon liberating 11 water ligands per formula unit a porous solid results, M3(BTC)2·H2O, which was found to reversibly and repeatedly bind water without destruction of the framework. The proposed 1-D channels of the monohydrate have a pore diameter of 4 × 5 A, which is typical of those observed in zeolites and molecular sieves. The successful inclusion of ammonia into the porous solid was demonstrated. Larger molecules and others without a reactiv.
The Effect of Long-Term Annual Application of Biosolids on Soil Properties, Phosphorus, and Metals

The USEPA Part 503 rule did not directly specify the amount of sludge-borne P that can be applied but allowed application rates based on the recommended N requirement of a crop. Monitoring of long-term application of biosolids is important to protect both soil and water quality. Biosolids and ammonium nitrate were annually applied for 13 yr to winter wheat at six plant available N (PAN) rates: 0, 45, 90, 180, 269, 536 kg N ha -1 yr -1 . Biosolids application did not increase soil pH but increased levels of total C, total N, NH 4 -N, NO 3 -N, and electrical conductivity (EC). Soil concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Mo, and Zn were greater in biosolid-treated plots but were <24% of their respective cumulative pollutant loading rates. Application of biosolids increased plant micronutrient B, Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations. The addition of biosolids to the Norge soil (fine-silty, mixed, active, thermic Udic Paleustoll) increased Mehlich 3 plant available P (M3P) and water soluble P (WSP) and these P levels were well correlated with biosolids application rate. Application of biosolids at rates of ≥2 times the recommended agronomic rate of 90 kg PAN ha -1 resulted in M3P concentrations that exceeded an environmental threshold of 200 mg kg -1 established by the USDA-NRCS for the land application of manures in Oklahoma non-nutrient limited watersheds. Significant relationships were found between the ammonium oxalate P saturation index (PSI ox ) and M3P as well as between PSI ox and WSP. It appears the repeated long-term application of biosolids above the N agronomic rate should be avoided and application should be based on other criteria such as an agronomic P threshold, an environmental P threshold, or a P site index.
Impact of Internals on the Gas Holdup and Bubble Properties of a Bubble Column

Most industrial applications involving bubble columns require the addition of internals for heat exchanging. However, most academic research on bubble columns has been performed in hollow (empty) ones. Hence, the impact of internals on the hydrodynamics of a bubble column has been insufficiently studied in the open literature. Accordingly, this study focuses on investigating the effect of internals that mimic those used in methanol synthesis (5% covered cross-sectional area) and the Fischer−Tropsch (FT) process (22% covered cross-sectional area) on the local gas holdup, gas−liquid interfacial area, bubble chord length, and bubble velocity distributions. The investigations have been performed using a four point optical probe in an 8 in. diameter column. An air−water system was used with superficial gas velocities up to 20 cm/s. An increase in gas holdup and interfacial area was obtained upon insertion of the internals, although the impact of the less dense internals (5% covered area) was not significant. H.
Quantifying Interfacial Electric Fields and Local Crystallinity in Polymer–Fullerene Bulk‐Heterojunction Solar Cells

The challenges of experimentally probing the physical and electronic structures of the highly intermixed organic semiconductor blends that comprise active layers in high‐performance organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells ultimately limit the fundamental understanding of the device performance. We use Fourier‐transform IR (FTIR)‐absorption spectroscopy to quantitatively determine the interfacial electric field in blended poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT):phenyl‐ C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) thin films. The interfacial electric field is ≈0.2 V nm−1 in the as‐spun film and blends annealing at temperatures as high as 150 °C, which is the optimal annealing temperature in terms of OPV performance. The field decreases to a negligible value upon further annealing to 170 °C, at which temperature PCBM changes from amorphous to crystalline and the open‐circuit voltage of the solar cell decreases from 0.62 to 0.4 V. In addition, our measurements also allow determination of the absolute degree of crystallinity within the acceptor material. The roles of interfacial field and local crystallinity in OPV device performance are discussed.
Three-dimensional actuators transformed from the programmed two-dimensional structures via bending, twisting and folding mechanisms

Combining the physical principle of actuators with the basic concept of photonic crystals, colour-tunable three-dimensional (3D) photonic actuators were successfully fabricated. By controlling the d-spacings and the refractive index contrasts of the self-assembled 3D colloidal photonic crystals, colours of the photonic actuators were tuned. Various shapes of these 3D actuating objects were constructed by transforming the programmed 2D structures via bending, twisting and folding mechanisms. These 2D structures were first programmed by breaking the symmetry. The selective swellings were then applied as driving forces to control the shapes and colours of the photonic actuators. Scroll photonic actuators had been first demonstrated by bending the traditional 2D cantilever structure (K.-U. Jeong, et al., J.Mater.Chem., 2009, 19, 1956). By breaking the symmetry of a cantilever structure perpendicular to its long axis, polypeptide-/DNA-like 3D helical photonic actuators were obtained from the programmed 2D structure via twisting processes. Both left- and right-handed scrolls and helices with various colours can be achieved by changing the polarity of solvents. Different types of 3D actuators, such as cube, pyramid and phlat ball, were also demonstrated via the folding mechanism. The reversible 3D photonic actuators transformed from the programmed 2D structures via the bending, twisting and folding mechanisms may be applied in the field of mechanical actuators, and optoelectronic and bio-mimetic devices.
Langmuir and Dubinin–Radushkevich analyses on equilibrium adsorption of activated carbon fabrics in aqueous solutions

The present study investigated the adsorption of phenol, iodine and tannic acid onto activated carbon fabrics in aqueous solutions. The carbon fabrics were made of polyacrylonitrile with different extents of activation in steam. The increasing extent of activation is accompanied by increasing carbon porosity as well as liquid-phase adsorption capacity. Langmuir and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) models were employed to analyze the equilibrium adsorption data. The fractional filling of carbon micropores and the mean free energy for adsorption were estimated according to these models. It is suggested on the basis of the present work that the mesopore fraction of the fabrics, the extent of carbon activation, and the adsorbate size are important as well as competitive factors determining the adsorption capacity. Both the equilibrium constant and free energy for adsorption increase with the mesopore fraction, indicating that the mesopores promote the adsorption onto high energy sites, whereas the fraction filling micropores decreases with the extent of carbon activation and the size of the adsorbates. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry
Evidence for the formation of lignin-hexenuronic acid-xylan complexes during modified kraft pulping processes

Abstract The finding that hexenuronic acid (HexA) groups can be selectively removed from kraft pulps by acid hydrolysis has provided an opportunity to reduce bleaching chemicals. However, there is evidence that the acid hydrolysis is not uniform. In this report, we evaluate the kinetics of acid hydrolysis of HexA in a xylan sample enriched with HexA, a conventional kraft pulp, and three modified kraft pulps: anthraquinone pulp (Kraft-AQ), polysulfide pulp (PS), and polysulfide-anthraquinone pulp (PS-AQ). We found that HexA present in the xylan and conventional kraft pulp behaved similarly toward the acid hydrolysis throughout. On the other hand, HexA present in the Kraft-AQ, PS-AQ and PS pulps was heterogeneous toward acid hydrolysis and the reaction can be separated into two pseudo-first-order kinetic phases, each of which has a different rate constant. The kinetic data provide evidence for the formation of lignin-HexA-xylan complexes during modified kraft pulping processes.
Status and prospects of Al2O3-based surface passivation schemes for silicon solar cells

The reduction in electronic recombination losses by the passivation of silicon surfaces is a critical enabler for high-efficiency solar cells. In 2006, aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanolayers synthesized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) emerged as a novel solution for the passivation of p- and n-type crystalline Si (c-Si) surfaces. Today, high efficiencies have been realized by the implementation of ultrathin Al2O3 films in laboratory-type and industrial solar cells. This article reviews and summarizes recent work concerning Al2O3 thin films in the context of Si photovoltaics. Topics range from fundamental aspects related to material, interface, and passivation properties to synthesis methods and the implementation of the films in solar cells. Al2O3 uniquely features a combination of field-effect passivation by negative fixed charges, a low interface defect density, an adequate stability during processing, and the ability to use ultrathin films down to a few nanometers in thickness. Although various methods can.
Numerical study of the dependence of thermally stimulated currents in disordered solids on initial trap occupancy

In the paper a numerical investigation of thermally stimulated currents (TSCs) in disordered solids, which are characterized by continuous energy distribution of trapping states, is presented. The set of stiff differential equations governing TSCs is solved with the use of Gear's algorithm. The dependence of TSC curves on the initial trap occupancy as well as on the carrier recombination time is examined. It is concluded that the Fritzsche-Ibaraki method of TSC analysis, ameliorated by other authors, applies solely for almost complete trap filling and high carrier recombination rate. In the case of small trap filling the method of analysis the TSCs proposed by the present authors may be more adequate.