Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation between bulk and surface properties of ternary Ag–Sn–Zn liquid alloys and concerned binaries

A correlative study of the bulk and surface properties of the ternary Ag–Sn–Zn liquid alloys has been undertaken by extending the descriptions of concerned binaries (Ag–Sn, Sn–Zn, and Ag–Zn), obtained from statistical mechanical theory in the frame-work of quassi-lattice approximations. An improved model, in which the selection of binary compositions involves the correlation of one particular component with other components of the ternary system, has been used to compute the free energy of mixing of Ag–Sn–Zn system. The concentration dependence of the surface tension and surface composition has been explained by obtaining expression for the activity coefficients and extending the surface description of binary systems. It is worth mentioning that same set of interaction energies as those used for the bulk and surface calculations of the concerned binaries has been used to investigate the concentration dependence of free energy of mixing, surface tension (σ) and surface composition of the ternary system. The theoretical investigation of binary systems suggest the presence of short range order in Ag–Sn and Ag–Zn systems leading to the formation of intermetallic compounds (Ag3Sn in Ag–Sn and AgZn in Ag–Zn) in the melt. Sn–Zn system is characterized by the existence of diatomic tin in the melt. The concentration dependence of the free energy of mixing of Ag–Sn–Zn system for three cross section (Ag : Sn = 1 : 1, 1 : 3 and 3 : 1) has been clearly explained by our theoretical model. There is slight decrease in σ for Ag : Sn = 1 : 1 up to x Zn ≈ 0.4 whereas sharp decrease up to 50% Zn is observed in case of Ag : Sn = 3 : 1. The σ for Ag : Sn = 1 : 3 remains almost constant up to x Zn ≈ 0.25. The surfaces of Ag–Sn–Zn system for all three cross section (Ag : Sn = 1 : 1, 1 : 3 and 3 : 1) are quite enriched with Sn-atoms. The degree of segregation is lowest in Ag : Sn = 3 : 1.
Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests for Arsenate Removal in Iron Oxide Packed Bed Columns

Arsenate breakthrough in column studies with a porous granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) was investigated in model waters and groundwaters. In this study, the use of rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs) initially designed for simulating the removal of organic compounds by granular activated carbon was extended for arsenate adsorption onto GFH. Adsorption kinetic studies and a comparison of laboratory RSSCT performance versus pilot-scale performance suggests that proportional diffusivity (PD) RSSCT scaling approaches are more valid than constant diffusivity (CD) approaches for arsenate onto GFH. Adsorption densities from column tests ( qcolumn ) were calculated at the point in the breakthrough curve when arsenate equaled 10 μg/L in the column effluent. For a simulated 2.5 min empty-bed contact time (EBCT), a model water (pH=8.6) had qcolumn values of 0.99 to 1.5 mgAs/gGFH versus 0.02 to 0.28 mgAs/gGFH with a comparable pH and EBCT in a natural groundwater. The differences were attributed to the silica, pho.
Simple pyrolysis of urea into graphitic carbon nitride with recyclable adsorption and photocatalytic activity

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was produced on a large scale by the pyrolysis of urea under ambient pressure without additive assistance. The retainable pyrolysis-generated self-supporting atmosphere and the reaction temperature are two necessary conditions. This g-C3N4 as photocatalyst shows recyclable adsorption and photocatalytic activity under visible light.
Thermodynamic analysis of micellization in PEO–PPO–PEO block copolymer solutions from the hydrogen bonding point of view

A thermodynamic approach is suggested to study the micellization mechanism of poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO–PPO–PEO) triblock copolymers solutions from the hydrogen bonding point of view. Using Flory–Huggins theory, an association model is presented to describe hydrogen bonded (HB) chains, which are bridged by hydrogen bonds between water molecules and segments of the copolymer. The entropic change due to hydrogen bonding is formulated and the individual contribution of EO–water (EO–W) and PO–water (PO–W) hydrogen bonding to the micellization are derived respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is applied to obtain the information of hydrogen bonds. During the temperature-dependent micellization of P105 block copolymer solutions, rapid disruption of PO–W hydrogen bonds is observed by FTIR and the calculated entropy relating to PO–W hydrogen bonds increases drastically compared with that of EO–W hydrogen bonds. The results demonstrate that PO–W hydrogen bonds play a dominant role in micellization.
Differential Responses of Conventional and Bt-Transgenic Cotton to Potassium Deficiency

ABSTRACT Bacillus thuringensis (Bt) transgenic (insect-resistant) cotton cultivars senesce prematurely under potassium (K+) deficiency, more often than conventional cultivars, in the North China Plain. To verify if Bt-transgenic cotton was more susceptible to K+ deficit, two transgenic cultivars, ‘CCRI 41’ and ‘DP 99B’, and two conventional cultivars, ‘CCRI 35’ and ‘CCRI 36’, selected from widely used cultivars in China, were used in a seedling hydroponic study. The culture solution K+ concentration was 0.5 mM for high K+ and 0.02 mM for low K+ conditions. Seedlings of all four cultivars accumulated more dry matter and K+ when grown at high K+ than low K+ conditions. However, under low K+ condition, the dry weight and K+ content of Bt-transgenic cultivars CCRI 41 and DP 99B were lower than those of the conventional cultivars CCRI 36 and CCRI 35. The results indicated that Bt-transgenic cultivars CCRI 41 and DP 99B were more sensitive to K+ deficiency than conventional cultivars CCRI 36 and CCRI 35, which could be the reason for premature senescence symptoms observed from fields of Bt-transgenic cotton under K+ deficiency. Seedlings of all four cultivars had a higher K+ use efficiency (KUE) under low K+ than high K+ conditions, but the KUE did not account for the differential responses between Bt-transgenic and conventional cultivars at the low K+ concentration. The K+ depletion results did not reveal the mechanism for the above differential responses in Vmax and Km of the seedlings either. Further experiments with more cultivars are needed to clarify the differential mechanisms in these genotypes.
Dynamics of Partial Wetting and Dewetting in Well-Defined Systems

By analyzing the assumptions of the hydrodynamic, molecular-kinetic and molecular-hydrodynamic theories of wetting dynamics, we formulated qualitative criteria for their applicability on the basis of the wetting−dewetting asymmetry of the dynamic contact angle/velocity dependence ϑ/V presented on characteristic theoretical scales. The quantitative test concerns the physical plausibility of the values of the microscopic dynamic parameters obtained from the fit of the theoretical equations to experimental data. New ϑ/V data were obtained and used to compare theory and experiment under well-defined conditions close to the assumptions of the theoretical models. The advancing and receding of methanol, ethanol, 1-butanol, and 1-octanol on the amorphous fluoropolymer AF 1600 were studied. The small AFM roughness (0.3−0.4 nm/μm2), static angle hysteresis between 3 and 7°, and reproducibility within ±0.2° of the dynamic contact angles at different contact line positions demonstrate the good quality of the solid su.
Design Framework for Electrokinetically Enhanced Dewatering of Sludge

Electrokinetic (EK) dewatering involves the application of a (direct current) voltage across sewage sludge, driving water under an electrical gradient from the positive electrode (anode) to the negative electrode (cathode). Researchers have shown the technique to be efficient means of driving off water from the sludge, thus improving strength and reducing volume. This paper presents an integrating framework for EK dewatering under constant voltage and constant current conditions, founded on the mathematics of simple electrical circuits and demonstrated by laboratory experimentation. The derived equations and experimental results showed that electroosmotic flow rate decreases with time when dewatering with constant voltage and is constant when constant current conditions are maintained. Having a linear relationship between flow and time, EK dewatering with constant current not only enhances the sludge dewatering efficiency, but also has the advantage of simplifying design procedures.
A Comparative Analysis of Thermal Performance And Emission Characteristics of Methyl Esters of Karanja And Jatropha Oils Based on A Variable Compression Ratio Diesel Engine

The present experimental investigation is concerned with the comparative evaluation of karanja and jatropha methyl esters (biodiesel) as an alternative fuel in a diesel engine based on the thermal performance and emission characteristics. The experiments are conducted on a single-cylinder, four-stroke, direct-injection, variable compression ratio (CR), and compression ignition engine and the experimental parameters considered include the engine torque, injection pressure, and CR. Comparative measures of brake thermal efficiency (BTHE), brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), exhaust gas temperature, smoke opacity, and HC, CO, and NOX emissions are presented and discussed. It is observed that, at full torque, BTHE is lower by 4.4% and 4.5% and BSFC is higher by about 6% and 15% for karanja and jatropha biodiesel, respectively, compared to that of diesel. At a torque of 20 Nm, CO emission levels for karanja are higher by 9% compared to jatropha but lesser by about 11% in comparison with that of diesel. Results show that thermal performance of the engine fuelled with both the biodiesels is generally comparable to that when the engine is fuelled with pure diesel. At higher compression ratios, the engine fuelled with both the biodiesels gives lesser emissions and better performance compared to that of diesel.
New Liquid Crystalline Stilbene Derivatives Containing 1,2-Dienylalkoxy Chains

New liquid crystalline stilbene derivatives containing 1,2-dienylalkoxy chains 1 (n = 7, 9, 11) have been synthesized and their mesomorphic properties have been measured by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and absorption spectroscopy. The effect of terminal alkoxy chain length and polimerisable function on the mesomorphic behaviour is discussed.
Using the UHF technique to investigate PD produced by defects in solid insulation

The partial discharges produced by internal defects in solid insulation have been investigated using the ultra high frequency (UHF) technique. The work has shown that the discharges produced by a virgin cavity generate a UHF signal that may be detected using this UHF technique. The discharges are observed as a series of UHF pulses that occur less frequently as time progresses. The reduction in the number of UHF pulses has been attributed to a progressive change from the streamer discharge mechanism, that is observed with a virgin cavity, to the Townsend mechanism, which occurs when the cavity has been exposed to prolonged discharge activity. It also has been shown that the discharges associated with tree formation generate a detectable UHF signal. The paper describes a method of distinguishing between the streamer discharges and the discharges that cause treeing. >
A carbon-coated Li3V2(PO4)3 cathode material with an enhanced high-rate capability and long lifespan for lithium-ion batteries

A facile sol–gel approach combined with a carbon-coating technique via high-temperature thermally decomposing C2H2 has been developed for the synthesis of a Li3V2(PO4)3/C (LVP/C) cathode material employing the biomass of phytic acid as an eco-friendly phosphorus source. The effects of the carbon-coating on the structural, morphological and electrochemical properties of LVP have been investigated. Compared with pristine LVP, the LVP/C composite presents a higher discharge capacity of 127 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C, better rate capability and long-term cyclability in the voltage range of 3.0–4.3 V. Even at a high charge–discharge rate of 5 C, it can still deliver a reversible capacity of 107 mA h g−1 over 400 cycles without obvious fading, demonstrating great potential as a superior cathode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Sodium Storage and Transport Properties in Layered Na2Ti3O7 for Room‐Temperature Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Layered sodium titanium oxide, Na2Ti3O7, is synthesized by a solid‐state reaction method as a potential anode for sodium‐ion batteries. Through optimization of the electrolyte and binder, the microsized Na2Ti3O7 electrode delivers a reversible capacity of 188 mA h g−1 in 1 M NaFSI/PC electrolyte at a current rate of 0.1C in a voltage range of 0.0–3.0 V, with sodium alginate as binder. The average Na storage voltage plateau is found at ca. 0.3 V vs. Na+/Na, in good agreement with a first‐principles prediction of 0.35 V. The Na storage properties in Na2Ti3O7 are investigated from thermodynamic and kinetic aspects. By reducing particle size, the nanosized Na2Ti3O7 exhibits much higher capacity, but still with unsatisfied cyclic properties. The solid‐state interphase layer on Na2Ti3O7 electrode is analyzed. A zero‐current overpotential related to thermodynamic factors is observed for both nano‐ and microsized Na2Ti3O7. The electronic structure, Na+ ion transport and conductivity are investigated by the combination of first‐principles calculation and electrochemical characterizations. On the basis of the vacancy‐hopping mechanism, a quasi‐3D energy favorable trajectory is proposed for Na2Ti3O7. The Na+ ions diffuse between the TiO6 octahedron layers with pretty low activation energy of 0.186 eV.
SPHERICAL TOP MOLECULES AND THE MOLECULAR SYMMETRY GROUP

The energy levels and wavefunctions of spherical top molecules are classified using the appropriate molecular symmetry group, and the spatial three-dimensional rotation group K (spatial). We use these groups here for the molecules CH4, SF6 and C60 as examples, and the appropriate molecular symmetry groups are T d(M), O h(M) and I h(M) respectively. We consider rotational, vibrational and nuclear spin state symmetries. Nuclear spin statistical weights, perturbation restrictions, and optical selection rules obtained using these symmetries are also discussed. The concept of an equivalent rotation is generalized to apply to spherical top molecules and this unifies the symmetry treatment of spherical top molecules with that used for molecules of lower symmetry. It accords with the approach used by Hougen for the methane molecule [see, for example, Hougen, J.T. , 1971, J. chem. Phys., 55, 1122]. We also try to make clear the distinction between +/- parity which is the symmetry under E*, and the g/u label which i.
Flashover of contaminated nonceramic outdoor insulators in a wet atmosphere

This paper deals with the flashover mechanism and performance of contaminated nonceramic (also known as composite and polymeric) outdoor insulators under wet conditions. Two types of wetting that occur in service, namely fog and rain, were considered. Different profiles of line insulators having weathersheds made from material families such as, high temperature vulcanizing (HTV) silicone rubber (SR) and ethylene propylene (EP) diene monomer rubber, were evaluated. The results demonstrate that the performance, and hence the relative ranking of nonceramic line insulators is influenced by the wetting mode and insulator geometry; that flashover of contaminated insulators can occur with rain at a much lower contamination severity than with fog; and that the mechanism of contamination flashover under rain is significantly different from that under fog condensation. New insulator profiles have been identified and tested to show that they can provide improved flashover performance, when compared to existing designs. This work proves that a comprehensive evaluation of outdoor insulator performance can be obtained by performing flashover tests that include more than one form of wetting, and hence illustrates the limitations of current standard contamination tests that employ only one form of insulator wetting.
Na/ClDipoleCouplesAgonistBindingtoKainate ReceptorActivation

-glutamateforactivation.Although,externalanionsandcationsapparentlycoactivatekainatereceptors(KARs)inanidenticalmanner,ithasyettobeestablished how ions of opposite charge achieve this. An additional complication is that KARs are subject to other forms of cationmodulationviaextracellularacidification(i.e.,protons)anddivalentions.Consequently,othercationspeciesmaycompetewithNa toregulatethetimeKARsremainintheopenstate.HerewedesignedexperimentstounravelhowexternalionsregulateGluR6KARs. WeshowthatGluR6kineticsareunaffectedbyalterationsinphysiologicalpHbutthatdivalentandalkalimetalionscompetetodeterminethetimecourseofKARchannelactivity.Additionally,Na andCl ionscoactivateGluR6receptorsbyestablishingadipole,accountingfortheircommoneffectonKARs.Usingchargedaminoacidsastetheredions,wefurtherdemonstratethatthedockingorderisfixedwithcationsbindingfirst,followedbyanions.Together,ourfindingsidentifythedipoleasanovelgatingfeaturethatcouplesneurotransmit-terbindingtoKARactivation.
High-field single electron emission rates and their influence on the Paschen characteristics in compressed gases

By means of a newly developed statistical avalanche counting technique which enables high-field, single electron emission rates (SEERS) to be measured from unsparked freshly prepared surfaces having various thicknesses of oxide film, it is established for the first time that SEERS increases, for a given electric field, with an increase in the bulk modulus (hardness) of the material cathodes; also remarkably the thicker the oxide layer, the higher the SEERS. These trends are reflected in the Paschen sparking characteristics which show that the gaseous electric strength decreases with increase in the bulk modulus and increase of oxide layer thickness of the cathode material; and thus the increase in SEERS. This former trend is opposite to that established more than forty years ago. Other hitherto unobserved phenomena like a gas pressure effect, switching from a low to a high electron emission mode and vice versa, the influence of deliberate sparking and the total absence of spark conditioning are reported. Analysis of SEERS by the more successful Richardson-Schottky rather than the Fowler-Nordheim equation shows that the low electric field intensification factors derived increase with the bulk modulus of the cathode material and ultimately are determined by the polishing procedure.
Pedogênese de uma seqüência de solos desenvolvidos de arenito na região de Piracicaba (SP)

O trabalho abordou a formacao de solos com horizonte B textural e teve por objetivo identificar os processos pedogeneticos envolvidos na formacao de lamelas, do gradiente textural abrupto, assim como suas implicacoes sobre os atributos fisicos, quimicos e mineralogicos do solo. O estudo foi desenvolvido numa topossequencia de solos derivados de arenito: o perfil (P1), ocorrendo na parte alta do relevo (topo); perfil (P2), na faixa intermediaria (terco medio da encosta), e perfil (P3), no terco inferior da encosta. As analises realizadas foram: granulometrica, quimica, mineralogica e micromorfologica. Os perfis apresentaram sequencia de horizontes do tipo A-E-Bt, tendo sido classificados como Alissolos Cromicos. Os solos foram classificados como quimicamente acidos, com mineralogia da fracao argila mostrando predominio de caulinita. Os materiais analisados evidenciaram uniformidade quanto a granulometria, diâmetro medio, arredondamento e relacao zircao/turmalina das areias, assim como no aspecto morfologico, apontando para formacao autoctone do solo. Os processos pedogeneticos responsaveis pela formacao do gradiente textural foram a degradacao das argilas em condicoes de oxirreducao e a lessivagem. O primeiro processo foi constatado em microdominios no contato E/Bt, onde se notaram cores de gleizacao, indicando encharcamento temporario. Neste caso, a formacao do horizonte albico deveu-se principalmente a destruicao do topo do horizonte Bt. As lamelas nada mais seriam do que herancas do horizonte Bt no horizonte albico. A presenca de cerosidade, associada aos cutas de iluviacao no exame micromorfologico, revelou a participacao do processo de lessivagem contribuindo para a diferenciacao textural.
Numerical investigation of the plasma flow through the constrictor of arc-heated thrusters

A modelling study is performed to investigate the plasma flow through the constrictor of medium-power arc-heated thrusters. The Roe scheme is employed to solve the governing equations, which take into account the effects of compressibility, Joule heating and the Lorentz force, as well as the temperature and pressure dependence of the gas properties. The modelling results show that the gas flow within the constrictor is choked by the combined effects of friction and arc heating. The computed total pressure drop within the constrictor due to friction and arc heating is about twice the dynamic head at the constrictor outlet. The effects of the arc current, inlet pressure and mass flow rate, and the constrictor length and diameter on the gas flow characteristics within the constrictor are presented and discussed. Further, it is shown that the choking effects caused by arc heating reduce the flow rate more strongly for argon and nitrogen working gases than for hydrogen working gas.
The Effect of Bronopol on the Freezing Point and Impedance of Milk Samples

Preferred sample-handling guidelines for the testing of raw milk samples cryoscopically require refrigeration followed by analysis within 24 hours. When this practice cannot be followed, the use of a broad-spectrum preservative, such as bronopol, is an acceptable alternative. Cryoscopy’s primary function is to detect added water in milk by measuring its freezing point. This study was designed to quantify the effect of adding a preservative to a milk sample that will be tested cryoscopically. Using raw milk, pasteurized whole milk, and reagent grade water, 11 different concentrations of bronopol were tested 5 times each on a cryoscope, and these results were compared to the baseline readings of the unadulterated samples. The results show a direct, measurable correlation between bronopol concentration and freezing point depression of the samples. When used at the manufacturer’s suggested concentration of approximately 0.44 mg/mL, bronopol depresses the freezing point by 10 – 20 m°H. Impedance testing is used in the dairy industry to estimate shelf life, and as a secondary method to detect adulterated milk products. Impedance methods detect the conversion of nonelectrolytic compounds in milk (i.e., sugars) into ionic compounds (i.e., lactic acid) as a byproduct of microbial metabolic activity. Using an impedance technique to measure the resistance values of the same samples tested on the cryoscope, it was shown that as the bronopol concentration increased from 0 to 1.62 mg/mL, the ohms reading decreased from 1803 to 369. The study clearly demonstrates the quantitative effects of bronopol on freezing point and impedance measurements of milk.
FTIR AND UV-VISIBLE SPECTRAL STUDY ON NORMAL BLOOD SAMPLES

Spectroscopic techniques can be effectively employed as a diagnostic tool in clinical chemistry and it can be an alternate method in clinical analysis. The study of blood by spectroscopic techniques can be used not only for understanding the biological nature of the disease, but also for the diagnosis of the disease. In the present work, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopic technique is employed to study the spectral differences in the serum of normal blood samples.