Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
REAL CONVERGENCE AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION WITH FOCUS ON THE NEW MEMBER STATES

Our paper aims to analyse the dynamics of real economic convergence and the impact of several macroeconomic and institutional factors on this process, within the EU countries for the period 1995-2018. Employing cross-sectional and panel data techniques, this paper examines both the level and dynamics of absolute and conditional convergence within the EU28 countries and identifies key drivers of economic growth within the EU28 and subsequent groups (the EU15 versus New EU Member States group), by taking into consideration the impact of the recent global economic crisis. We find that the real convergence process is quite uneven and unstable over the 1995-2018 period. Our results confirm the negative effects of the recent global economic crisis on per capita GDP growth, suggesting a weakening of the convergence process at the EU28 level, especially at the level of New EU Member States. In addition, we find that investment, the openness of the economy and the quality of the institutional framework represent the main drivers of real convergence within the EU countries.
Atomization enthalpy and enthalpy of formation of gaseous Si4 from mass spectrometric equilibrium measurements

Recent experimental and theoretical studies have allowed us to calculate new thermal functions for the Si2 and Si3 molecules. We have determined the atomization enthalpies and enthalpies of formation of Si2 and Si3 from mass spectrometric data and have combined them with reevaluated previously published mass spectrometric data using a consistent set of ionization cross sections and thermal functions. The selected atomization enthalpy and enthalpy of formation for the Si2 molecule are ΔHa,0=319±7 and ΔHf,0=584±7 kJ mol−1, the corresponding values for Si3 are 705±16 and 649±16 kJ mol−1. Reevaluated values for Si4 are 1151±22 and 654±22 kJ mol−1. Experimental literature values (Neumark and co‐workers) for the electron affinities of Si2–Si4 have been combined with the present results to obtain enthalpies of formation and binding energies for the anions Si−2–Si−4. The experimental atomization enthalpies are compared to recent theoretical studies.Recent experimental and theoretical studies have allowed us to calculate new thermal functions for the Si2 and Si3 molecules. We have determined the atomization enthalpies and enthalpies of formation of Si2 and Si3 from mass spectrometric data and have combined them with reevaluated previously published mass spectrometric data using a consistent set of ionization cross sections and thermal functions. The selected atomization enthalpy and enthalpy of formation for the Si2 molecule are ΔHa,0=319±7 and ΔHf,0=584±7 kJ mol−1, the corresponding values for Si3 are 705±16 and 649±16 kJ mol−1. Reevaluated values for Si4 are 1151±22 and 654±22 kJ mol−1. Experimental literature values (Neumark and co‐workers) for the electron affinities of Si2–Si4 have been combined with the present results to obtain enthalpies of formation and binding energies for the anions Si−2–Si−4. The experimental atomization enthalpies are compared to recent theoretical studies.
Effect of capsaicin from red pepper (Capsicum sp) on the deposition of carotenoids in egg yolk

The objective of this study was to compare the deposition of carotenoids in egg yolk in the presence of different levels of capsaicin in the diet of hens. A yellow corn basal diet was prepared and corresponded to the control treatment; the other five treatments were with red carotenoids as follows: Oleoresin and Biored (commercial unsaponified and saponified extracts of red pepper respectively) and three with red pepper meal (Guajillo) with different levels of capsaicin (0.76, 12.26 and 35.26 mg kg−1 diet). The level of total carotenoids was 20–25 mg kg−1 diet in the five treatments. The total carotenoids in egg yolks (30 ± 0.34 mg kg−1) of red pepper diets with three levels of capsaicin were not statistically different. However, the carotenoid content was lower in egg yolks of commercial preparations (saponified, 26 ± 0.86 mg kg−1; unsaponified, 24 ± 0.85 mg kg−1). The highest level of capsaicin had a significant effect on the deposition of capsanthin and zeaxanthin during the 3 weeks of feeding. For the commercial saponified preparation (Biored) and the unsaponified pepper in the presence of capsaicin the colour obtained was the one preferred by the consumer (9.34 ± 0.05). Oleoresin was a poor pigment. It is concluded that capsaicin had a positive effect on the deposition of carotenoids in egg yolk without affecting the productivity parameters. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry
Do Tourism Sectors Contribute to Gross Regional Domestic Product in Sukabumi City?

This paper aims to find out the contribution of tourism sectors to Gross Regional Domestic Product in Sukabumi City. Tourism sectors studied in this paper consist of number of Tourist Attractions, number of Hotels, number of Hotel Guests and number of Restaurants with Regional Income Revenue (PAD) is considered to be the intermediation to Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). Sampling technique used was purposive sample with primary data taken from Department of Tourism and Development Planning Agency in Sukabumi City from 2014 to 2018. The data analyses through quantitative research using statistical analysis and processed by E-Views 8. The result confirms that all tourism sectors except number of Hotel Guests partially does not have a significant influence while as simultaneously have a significant influence to Regional Income Revenue. Further, Regional Income Revenue has a significant influence on Gross Regional Domestic Revenue (GRDP). Based on the result, some actions need to be implemented in order to boost the hotel guests in Sukabumi City.
Effect of Shearing on Crystallization of Palm Oil-Based Fat Blends

The effect of shearing on the polymorphic behavior of palm oil-based fat blends with low (LT-Fat) and high (HT-Fat) trans-fatty acid contents during storage was investigated. A shear stress was applied to fat blends at 5°C or 10°C by the flat-crush method or after rapid or slow cooling by the syringe-extrusion method. The fat networks were evaluated by cryo-scanning electron microscopy (SEM), polarized light microscopy, and solid fat content measurement, and the polymorphic transition from the β′-form to the β-form under thermal thawing between 5°C and 20°C was investigated by X-ray diffraction. Transition to the β-form of LT-Fat with shearing was retarded compared with that without shear. SEM revealed that with shearing, LT-Fat built complex networks involving both fine reticulation and a tight structure, whereas without shearing, the structure was nearly uniform. These results suggest that the non-uniformly network achieved by shearing could suppress the localization of specific triacylglycerides, preventing transformation into the β-form.
First Direct Study of the Ammonolysis Reaction in the Most Common Alkaline and Alkaline Earth Metal Hydrides by in Situ SR-PXD

We report on the first in situ synchrotron radiation powder X-ray diffraction study (SR-PXD) of the ammonolysis reaction of selected alkaline and alkaline earth metal hydrides (i.e., LiH, NaH, KH, MgH2, and CaH2). The investigation was performed using an in situ SR-PXD pressure cell at an initial NH3 pressure of 6.5 bar in a range of temperature between room temperature (RT) and 350 °C. The results of this work give new important insights into the formation of metal amides and imides starting from the corresponding metal hydrides. LiH was observed to react with NH3 to form LiNH2 already at RT, and then it decomposes into Li2NH at 310 °C through the formation of nonstoichiometric intermediates of the Li1+xNH2–x form. The formation of NaNH2 takes place nearly at RT (28 °C), and it melts at 180 °C. As for LiH, KH reacts with NH3 at RT to surprisingly form, what it seems to be, cubic KNH2. However, we believe this phase to be a solid solution of KH in KNH2. At high temperature, the possible formation of sever.
Conditions for stability of bubble nuclei in solid surfaces contacting a liquid‐gas solution

We first consider the conditions under which pockets of a gaseous phase, i.e., bubble nuclei, would be in stable equilibrium in the roughness of the walls of a container of liquid‐gas solution or in the walls of small, solid particles suspended in the liquid phase. It is shown that if there are a sufficient number of such nuclei, then in an arbitrarily large, closed volume of solution maintained at constant temperature and pressure, these tiny bubble nuclei can be in a thermodynamically stable equilibrium state when the gas concentration in the liquid phase is only slightly greater than the equilibrium value and the contact angle is small. The conditions under which these bubble nuclei result in the appearance of macroscopic bubbles is then considered. It is shown that small superheats would result in macroscopic bubble appearance in such a system. Physically, the stable equilibrium state of the bubble nuclei results from the mutual competition of the bubble nuclei for the dissolved gas of the liquid phase.
The viscosity of fluidized beds

The apparent shear viscosities of a number of fluidized systems have been estimated using an empirical approach based on the shape of spherical-cap bubbles rising in real liquids. Values range between 4 and 13 poise, and agreement with direct experimental results is very good. On a determine les viscosites apparentes de cisaillement d'un certain nombre de systemes fluidises en utilisant une methode empirique basee sur la forme que possedent des bulles a calotte spherique qui s'elevent dans des liquides reels. On a trouve que les valeurs des viscosites variaient entre 4 et 13 poises, ce qui concordait tres bien avec les resultats d'experiences directes.
Optical and electrical characteristics of a single surface DBD micro-discharge produced in atmospheric-pressure nitrogen and synthetic air

Basic opto-electrical characteristics of a single micro-discharge generated in a surface DBD reactor with a coplanar electrode arrangement were studied with nanosecond time resolution. The discharge electrode geometry based on machinable glass–ceramic was optimized in order to get a system free of the circulating dielectric liquids that are frequently used to insulate and cool metallic electrodes. The build-up and decay of UV–vis–NIR emission by a single micro-discharge unaffected by concurrent or preceding discharge events was inspected during the first 10 µs of the micro-discharge evolution in nitrogen and in synthetic air. Obtained emission waveforms show a great similarity between the surface and volume streamers. The streamer volume-averaged N2(A) concentrations of ∼8 × 1014 cm−3 were estimated at t = 1 µs decay time and concentrations of ∼(2–4) × 1015 cm−3 were estimated during the streamer propagation phase in nitrogen.
Exciton diffusion and charge-carrier generation in two-layer organic photoreceptors with azo and phthalocyanine sensitizer

Two-layer organic photoreceptors consisting of a dye sensitizer acting as the charge generation layer (CGL) and a hole transport layer (HTL) have been investigated by steady- state photoconduction measurements and time-of-flight experiments. With these techniques effects of exciton diffusion, charge-carrier generation, charge injection and charge transport can be studied. The measurements were carried out with (i) single generation layers consisting of azo-pigment dispersion and titanylphthalocyanine pigment dispersion and (ii) with two-layered photoreceptors using azo and TiOPc as charge generation layer and TDAPB and hexa(hexylthio)triphenylene (HHTT) as charge transport materials. We found that in the Phthalocyanine/HTL-system the efficiency for charge injection into the HTL is transport-limited due to the hole mobility of the Titanylphthalocyanine dispersion, whereas the efficiency in the azo/HTL receptor is limited by the diffusion of excitons and (or) holes towards the CGL/HTL-interface. We draw to the conclusion that illumination of the Phthalocyanine sensitizer leads to the formation of charge-transfer excitons which subsequently dissociate into free charges. In contrast to this, the azo-pigment as a sensitizer seems to form strongly bound excitons. Hence no dissociation in free charge-carriers occurs except on the CGL/HTL-interface where the hole transport molecules act as electron donors. From steady-state photocurrent measurements we calculate diffusion lengths belonging to the diffusion of excitons and monitory charge-carriers respectively.
INTERACTION OF METHYLENE BLUE WITH REDUCED CHARGE MONTMORILLONITE

Interaction of methylene blue (MB) with reduced charge Li−montmorillonites (RCM) in the aqueous suspensions was investigated using visible absorption spectroscopy. Dye cation agglomeration and protonation at the clay surface depended very sensitively on layer charge density. With increasing layer charge reduction, the content of agglomerates of MB cations decreased in favor of monomers and the protonated form of MB. Lower negative charge density on the clay basal surface induces a greater distance between neighboring MB cations sorbed at the clay surfaces, which suppresses dye agglomeration. Since each form of MB absorbs visible light at a different wavelength, different layer charge densities induce different colors of the resulting clay−dye suspension. Therefore, visible spectra of MB−smectite suspensions may be a simple but extremely sensitive method for the detection of layer charge density of smectites.
Biodegradation of Hexachlorocyclohexane by two species of Bacillus isolated from contaminated soil

Biodegradation of α, β, γ and δ hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers was studied in broth medium and soil microcosm by Bacillus circulans and Bacillus brevis isolated from contaminated soil. Degradation of α and γ isomers by both the bacterial isolates was higher than thermodynamically stable β and δ isomers. However, B. circulans was found more effective than B. brevis for β and δ isomers. Maximum rate of degradation was recorded at 150 mg/L followed by 100 and 50 mg/L. Soil microcosm study revealed maximum degradation of HCH isomers in the treatment containing natural soil, pesticide and bacterial inocula than the treatment having sterilised soil, pesticide and bacterial isolates. Chloride release was positively co-related with HCH degradation in broth medium as well as in soil microcosm, suggesting that B. circulans and B. brevis hold promising potential by having efficient enzyme(s) required for dechlorination of HCH from contaminated sites.
The impact of ICT capital and use on economic growth

This paper investigates how ICT capital and usage affects economic growth which is currently received considerable attention in the information society and its potential impacts on the economic growth. A sample of MENA and OECD countries including developing, emerging, and developed countries is used in this study to determine the impact of ICT on economic growth during the last 15 years using panel data analysis. This research provides statistical evidence for the impact of labor and capital on economic growth as reported in several previous studies. However, this impact differ between regions and level of development. It is observed that the impact of ICT on economic growth for OECD, emerging and advanced economies is higher than its impact in MENA and developing countries. This is contradicting to the impact of non-ICT capital where the impact of non-ICT capital on economic growth for OECD and advanced economies is much smaller than its value for MENA and developing countries. In addition, both mobile service and fixed broadband service as a measures for ICT usage show positive and significant impact on economic growth. This impact appears in OECD countries and advanced economies only but not appears in MENA countries and developing economies.
Production of concrete paving blocks using electroplating waste - Evaluation of concrete properties and solidification/stabilization of waste

The determination of the effectiveness of the immobilization of blasting dust (waste generated in galvanic activities) in cement matrix, as well of mechanical, physical and microstructural properties of concrete paving blocks produced with partial replacement of cement was the objective of this work. The results showed that blasting dust has high percentage of silica in the composition and very fine particle size, characteristics that qualify it for replacement of cement in manufacturing concrete blocks. The replacement of Portland cement by up to 5% residues did not cause a significant loss in compressive strength nor increase in water absorption of the blocks. Chemical tests indicated that there is no problem of leaching or solubilization of contaminants to the environment during the useful life of the concrete blocks, since the solidification/stabilization process led to the immobilization of waste in the cement mass. Therefore, the use of blasting dust in the manufacture of concrete paving blocks is promising, thus being not only an alternative for proper disposal of such waste as well as a possibility of saving raw materials used in the construction industry.
Crystal structure of methylphenylsulfoxide, C7H8OS

C7H8OS, orthorhombic, Pna21 (no. 33), a = 8.2607(4) Å, b = 5.5020(3) Å, c = 15.3395(8) Å, V = 697.2 Å, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0241, wRref(F ) = 0.0633, T = 200 K.
Reactive vibrational excitation spectroscopy of formic acid in solid argon: Quantum yield for infrared induced trans→cis isomerization and solid state effects on the vibrational spectrum.

Formic acid molecules are trapped in two predominant local environments (sites) when isolated in an argon matrix at 8 K. Using narrowband tunable infrared (IR) radiation, we performed site-selective excitation of various vibrational modes of the lower-energy trans conformer. For all excited modes, ranging from 7000 to 2950 cm−1, we detected site-selective isomerization to the higher-energy cis form. By measuring the IR absorption of a selected band of the cis conformer as a function of the excitation frequency, the reactive vibrational excitation (RVE) spectra were obtained. The trans→cis isomerization quantum yields for the excited modes were determined. Remarkably, very high absolute values were obtained for the quantum yield (up to 40%) at excitation energies above the reaction barrier. The efficiency of the photoinduced isomerization is essentially independent of the excited vibrational mode in a broad energy interval. Even when the excitation energy was below the reaction barrier, IR-induced rotation.
Penetration of poly(ethylene glycol) into wood cell walls of red pine

Abstract Penetration of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with a wide range of molecular weights into cell walls of red pine wood was investigated. The study included bulking measurements and visualization of diffusion of brominated PEG by scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled to an energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer (STEM-EDXA) and a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ToF-SIMS). Both bulking and visualization techniques were in agreement, showing that all molecular weights of the polymer (PEG 1000, PEG 8000, and PEG 20000) are capable of penetrating cell walls. ToF-SIMS was more sensitive than STEM-EDXA, allowing visualization of lower amounts of brominated PEG. A trend to higher concentrations of PEG in the middle lamellae was observed.
Effect of Continuous Rice–Wheat Rotation on Soil Properties from Four Agro‐ecosystems of Indian Punjab

In Indian Punjab, rice–wheat is a dominant cropping system in four agro‐ecosystems, namely undulating subregion (zone 1), Piedmont alluvial plains (zone 2), central alluvial plains (zone 3), and southwestern alluvial plains (zone 4), varying in rainfall and temperature. Static and temporal variabilities in soil physical and chemical properties prevail because of alluvial parent material, management/tillage operations, and duration of rice–wheat rotation. A detailed survey was undertaken to study the long‐term effect of rice–wheat rotation on soil physical (soil separates, bulk density, modulus of rupture, saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivities, soil water content, and suction relations) and chemical (organic carbon, pH, electrical conductivity) properties of different textured soils (sandy clay loam, loam, clay loam, and silty clay loam) in these four zones of Punjab. Soil samples (of 0‐ to 30‐cm depth) from 45 sites were collected during 2006 and were analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The results showed that sand content and pH increased whereas silt and organic carbon decreased significantly from zones 1 to 4. Compared to other textures, significantly greater organic carbon, modulus of rupture, and pH in silty clay loam; greater bulk density in clay loam, and greater saturated hydraulic conductivity in sandy clay loam were observed. Irrespective of zone and soil texture, in the subsurface soil, there was a hard pan at 15–22.5 cm deep, which had high soil bulk density, modulus of rupture, more silt and clay contents (by 3–5%) and less organic carbon and hydraulic conductivity than the surface (0–15 cm) layer. These properties deteriorated with fineness of the soil texture and less organic carbon content. Continuous rice–wheat cropping had a deleterious effect on many soil properties. Many of these soils would benefit from the addition of organic matter, and crop yields may also be affected by the distinct hardpan that exists between 15 and 22.5 cm deep.
Precipitation and Transformation of Secondary Fe Oxyhydroxides in a Histosol Impacted by Runoff from a Lead Smelter

Secondary Fe(III) oxyhydroxides play a key role in controlling the mobility and bioavailability of trace metals in acidic, sulfate-rich soils, such as mining and smelter sites. Schwertmannite, jarosite, goethite, and ferrihydrite are the most common mineral phases identified in such soils. A good understanding of the precipitation and transformation of these minerals in soils is very important for predicting the mobility and long-term stability of trace metals associated with them. In the present study, bulk powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), synchrotron based micro- X-ray diffraction (µ-XRD), and micro X-ray fluorescence (µ-SXRF) spectroscopy were used to investigate precipitates fromthe surface horizon of an organic soil (Histosol) at a site that once contained a lead smelter. Soil samples were collected from 0 to ≈10 cm depth during both wet and dry seasons. Goethite and akaganeite were identified as the major mineral phases in this soil. Schwertmannite and jarosite were also occasionally identified, particularly in the soil samples from dry periods. The peaks in the akaganeite XRD pattern were significantly broadened and the relative intensities of some major peaks were distinctly different compared with the diffraction pattern of synthetic akaganeite, possibly due to the effects of pH and the incorporation of sulfate. The SEM and µ-XRD data support the hypothesis that the goethite in the precipitates is not the product of direct precipitation froms olution but the transformation of previously precipitated schwertmannite or akaganeite.
Structure of 2H‐TaS2

Tantalum disulfide, 2H-TaS2, Mr = 245.07, hexagonal, P63/mmc, a = 3.314 (1), c = 12-097 (1) A, V = 115.06 (5) A 3, Z = 2, Dx = 7.073 g cm-3, A(Mo K~) = 0.71073 A, /z = 485.3 cm-1, F(000) = 210, T= 295 K, RF = 0"032 for 210 observed reflections with I> 2.5tr(/). The structure determination confirms the structure known from powder data. Ta is in trigonal-prismatic coordination by S and the Ta--S distances are 2.468 (2) A.