Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Degree of Crosslinking on Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Membranes

Asymmetric poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membranes were prepared by the phase inversion technique, and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. The degree of crosslinking of the membrane was controlled by varying the crosslinking conditions. The effects of the degree of crosslinking on the swelling characteristics, contact angles, critical surface tensions, and pervaporation characteristics were examined. A method for the evaluation of the degree of crosslinking, which needs only the gluaraldehyde concentration of the crosslinking solution to be measured after the crosslinking reaction, is proposed, and was found useful. The degree of swelling of PVA membrane for water decreases abruptly as the degree of crosslinking increases. However, the degree of swelling for ethanol is nearly independent of the degree of crosslinking. The critical surface tension of the membrane increases more or less within the range of 37.0–40.0 dyn cm−1 with increasing degree of crosslinking below 30%. But, it is nearly constant at 40.5 dyn cm−1 above 30%. The wetting behavior of the membrane may not be greatly affected by the degree of crosslinking. The selectivity factor and permeate flux of the membrane in the pervaporation of the ethanol-water mixture of 95 wt% ethanol concentration decrease similarly with increasing degree of crosslinking. The pervaporation characteristics seem to be closely related to the swelling behavior. The degree of crosslinking is an important variable for swelling behavior and pervaporation characteristics.
EFFECT OF APPLIED VOLTAGE ON VIABILITY OF BACTERIA DURING SEPARATION UNDER ELECTROPHORETIC CONDITIONS

Simple quantitative tests were performed to assess the viability of bacteria cells during capillary electrophoretic process. The results have shown that Gram-negative E. coli cells were more sensitive to electric field treatment in comparison to Gram-positive S. aureus. In comparison to a reference sample (0 kV) only 3.4% and 0.7% of the E. coli cells survived the applied voltage treatment (20 kV and 30 kV, respectively). S. aureus strains were more resistant to the electric field: 33–35% and 10–30% survived voltage of 20 and 30 kV, respectively. Such significant differences can be attributed to different cell wall composition where more peptidoglycan layers present in Gram-positive cells make them more rigid and resistant to external conditions.
New Sesquiterpene Coumarin Ethers from Achillea ochroleuca. 13C-NMR of Isofraxidin-Derived Open-Chain, and Bicyclic Sesquiterpene Ethers

On obtient a partir des racines d'Achillea ochroleuca, outre les ethers d'isofraxidine connus, 4 nouveaux derives: l'epoxyfarnochrol, l'oxofarnochrol, l'isodrimartol A et l'acetyl isodrimartol A. On discute les spectres RMN du 13 C des derives isoles a partir d'Achillea et d'Artemisia
Schlieren Visualization of Multicyclic Flame Acceleration Process in Valveless Pulsed Detonation Combustors

Turbulent flame acceleration process has been studied in a two-dimensional valveless pulsed detonation combustor (PDC) using Schlieren flow visualization, ionization probes, and companion high-frequency pressure instrumentation. Experiments were conducted using near stoichiometric propane-air mixtures in a 76.2 mm × 76.2 mm, 1.68 m long modular detonation tube with the windowed combustor under multicyclic conditions within the PDC operating in a valveless mode. The effect of the presence of the obstacle was investigated at various stages of the flame acceleration process in aerodynamically confined environment. Amplification of the leading shock waves through the interaction of the obstacle enhances the flame acceleration process owing to the reduction of post-shock induction time and the hydrodynamic instabilities at the baroclinic interface. The internal configuration of the combustor including the obstacle plays a major role of the flame acceleration due to the shock amplification pattern. Sequences of schlieren images also show the flow drifting and blowdown processes confirming that the gasdynamic valves are successfully operative in the valveless PDC.
A general equation of state for polymeric materials

Prediction of the high strain rate response of polymer and polymer-composite materials is necessary in a variety of important defence and industrial applications. The response of such materials is dominated by the interchain van de Waal's bonding and this implies that a general form for the pressure-volume relation should exist. Well-validated molecular modelling has allowed the form of such relations to be explored. A relation that links pressure, volume and energy for polymers via a generalised potential function is presented and demonstrated for materials of interest. The parameters used in the relation can all be determined from the chemical structure of the polymer, and additivity rules are used to apply the model to unreacted PBX material from its components. Good agreement with experimental data is found.
Corrosion behavior of ZnNiAl2O3 nanocomposite coatings obtained by electrodeposition from alkaline electrolytes

The aim of this work was to investigate the anti‐corrosive properties of nanocomposite ZnNi coatings containing Al2O3 nanoparticles, prepared from alkaline commercial electrolytes (pH 13), (PERFORMA 280.5, COVENTYA S.A.S, France), by electrodeposition on carbon steel (OL37). The corrosion resistance of the coatings prepared with different concentrations of Al2O3 (5, 10, and 15 g/L) was evaluated in 0.2 g/L Na2SO4 solution (pH 5) by open circuit potential (OCP) measurements, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The results of electrochemical measurements were corroborated with those obtained by using X‐ray diffraction analysis. The obtained results show that the introduction of Al2O3 nanoparticles in the plating bath generally brings an increase in corrosion resistance of ZnNi layers and put in evidence the existence of an optimal Al2O3 concentration. Under the examined conditions, the optimal concentration determined from polarization measurements was proven to be 5 g/L Al2O3. The highest value of the polarization resistance, Rp, obtained from impedance measurements corresponds also to ZnNi with 5 g/L Al2O3, which is in agreement with the results obtained from polarization and XRD measurements.
Probing Inter- and Intramolecular Interactions of Six New p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene-Based Bipyridyl Podands with Langmuir Monolayers

Six hydrophobic p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes bearing at the lower rim two bipyridyl moieties and two alkyl or alkylaryl moieties or free hydroxyl groups in alternate positions were synthesized. The behavior of these molecules in Langmuir films was studied using surface pressure (Π) and surface potential (ΔV) measurements performed as a function of film compression (compression isotherms) or as a function of time. For chosen calixarenes, Brewster angle microscopy in monolayers was utilized. The results obtained revealed that the calixarene lateral nonbipyridyl groups, different for each molecule, determined the intermolecular interactions in monolayers. On the contrary, since no significant differences could be observed in calixarene conformational reorganization, it was concluded that the bipyridyl groups, common for all molecules, dominated this process. Molecular mechanics simulations using HyperChem have supported the above interpretations.
Landauer conductance of tunnel junctions: strong impact from boundary conditions

We present model calculations for the Landauer conductance of tunnel junctions. The tunnelling of free electrons through a rectangular potential barrier is considered. The conductance of a finite number of barriers was calculated using a transfer matrix method. The periodic arrangement of the same barriers was described by a Kronig–Penney model to calculate the band structure and, from that, the conductance of a point contact in the ballistic limit. Comparison of the results showed the importance of the boundary conditions. Caused by resonant scattering in the superlattice, the conductance is overestimated by an order of 1/t, the transmission coefficient of the single barrier. In the case of metallic multilayers, these interferences are of minor importance. In conclusion, the application of the Landauer formula to periodic lattices to describe the tunnelling conductance of a single barrier is not appropriate.
Mercury distribution in maritime sediment and its correlation with the Posidonia oceanica prairie in a coastal area affected by a chlor‐alkali complex

Abstract Mercury concentrations in marine sediment over a large coastal area located opposite a chlor‐alkali complex were measured. The values range from 0.12 μg/g to 6.48 μg/g, d.w. In the same area mercury levels in some organs of the marine phanerogam Posidonia oceanica were measured (leaves 0.022–0.075 μg/g, f.w.; rhizomes 0.033–0.235 μg/g, f.w.; roots 0.080–0.249 μg/g, f.w.). A distinct correlation between the mercury content of the sediment and that present in the different parts of the plant was observed, suggesting a possible use of Posidonia oceanica as a biological indicator.
The umbric epipedon in the N Apennines, Italy : an example from the Vallombrosa Forest

The umbric epipedon is a diagnostic surface horizon recognized by both the World Reference Base for Soil Resources and the U.S. Soil Taxonomy. It is mainly characterized by a dark color, a moderate to high content of OM, and a base saturation of less than 50%. In the N Apennines, Central Italy, forest soils over 600-700 m a.s. l. often have this epipedon. This paper stresses the morphological, chemical, and biological properties of the epipedon, specifically in the Vallombrosa Forest, where considerable work has been done in the last decade. Here, the umbric epipedon forms on sandstone, in high forests of Abies alba, Fagus sylvatica, and Castanea sativa. It does not have homogeneous properties throughout its thickness and often is divided into two distinct genetic horizons, A1 and A2. The A1 horizon is thinner, darker, and richer in OM, more base-saturated, and biologically more active than the underlying A2 horizon. The mean residence time of the bulk OM amounts to about a century in the A1 horizon, versus half a millennium in the A2. In both A1 and A2 horizons, the non-humic fraction prevails in the OM; this could account for the high susceptibility of the umbric epipedon to degrade when the forest is clear-cut or undergoes extensive uprooting due to windstorms or heavy snow loads. Significant discrepancies between the two A horizons have been found in regard to the microbial community. Umbric epipedons which developed under different tree species show minor differences, mainly concerning the microbial community.
VARIATIONAL ANATOMY OF PROFUNDA FEMORIS ARTERY AND ITS BRANCHES: A CADAVERIC STUDY

: BACKGROUND: Accurate knowledge of anatomical variations regarding origins of the profunda femoris, medial and lateral femoral circumflex femoral arteries are important for clinicians in the present modern era of interventional radiology. Our aim of this study was to observe and identify the variations in origin of the Profunda femoris artery and its circumflex branches. MATERIALS & METHODS: 66 femoral triangles were dissected on 33 cadavers (Both sides). The profunda femoris vessel and its medial and lateral circumflex arteries were dissected and identified. The distance of the site of origin of Profunda Femoris Artery was measured from mid- inguinal point (MIP) in centimetres with scale, thread, and digital callipers. The sites of origin of Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery and Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery were also studied and the distances of origin of each of them were measured from the origin of the Profunda Femoris Artery and from the mid- inguinal point. All the data were interpreted in tables. RESULTS: The data from the study was analyzed using statistical methods and analyzed by using the statistical package SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 16.0 for windows in present study for analyzing the data contingency table were created first and then analyzed by using the Pearson’s chi-square test. The present study encountered that, in approximately 50% cases the profunda femoris artery originated from the lateral aspect of the common femoral artery. The lateral and medial circumflex femoral artery commonly originated from the profunda femoris nearly close to its origin from common femoral artery. CONCLUSION: This knowledge of variation and position would be very useful in preventing the iatrogenic injury to these vessels during surgical procedures of the femoral triangle. So, this study would be useful for the clinician for surgical and therapeutic intervention. The medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA) originated from the Profunda Femoris Artery. in on of common The and circumflex femoral originated from the profunda femoris nearly close its from common femoral interestingly in this study 7% cases (3 out of on left the medial circumflex femoral artery directly originated from the common femoral and it was more proximal than the of profunda femoris from common femoral This knowledge of variation and position would be very useful in preventing the iatrogenic injury to these vessels during surgical procedures of the femoral triangle. Also the aforesaid anatomical facts should be considered before planning different diagnostic and therapeutic interventions on the femoral artery and its branches. So, this study would be useful for the clinician for surgical and therapeutic intervention. Further the same study can be carried out in large number of sample in the future.
Comparison of Wheat Straw Lignin Preparations - I. Chemical and Spectroscopic Characterizations

Alkali lignin was isolated from wheat straw and compared to two lignin preparations isolated from the same sample by a procedure which allowed to show an heterogeneity of rnonomeric composition between lignin fractions isolated from poplar wood. Using C NMR-, UV-, IRspectroscopy and nitrobenzene oxidation, no significative difference in monomeric composition was found in the case of wheat; difference of condensation degree between these fractions was however suggested by nitrobenzene oxidation. Arabinoxylans, proteins and silica were found in each preparation and a very close association between lignin and polysaccharides is suggested.
Rapid method for the determination of cation-exchange capacity of calcareous and non-calcareous soils

“Compulsive” exchange takes place between a barium-soil and magnesium sulphate solution because Ba2+ ions are removed from solution by precipitation of barium sulphate. This phenomenon provides a basis for the very convenient routine method for cation-exchange capacity determination in soils described here. An EDTA titration is used to measure the amount of magnesium exchanged from a standard solution by a Ba-soil, which enables the cation-exchange capacity to be calculated. Advantages of the method are its speed and that the sample does not have to be washed exhaustively, so avoiding possible hydrolysis. It compares favourably with standard A.O. A.C. procedure and is much more widely applicable. Soils rich in organic matter, e.g., peats, or with much calcium carbonate, can be handled without difficulty.
Steady-state denitrification in aggregated soils: a mathematical model

SUMMARY A model is presented which calculates steady-state denitrification rates as a function of more readily-measured soil parameters: the soil moisture characteristic, the probability distributions of aggregate size and oxygen reduction potential, the nitrate concentration, and the moisture tension. The model does not depend on curve-fitting. It indicates that aggregates of intermediate size may be more efficient denitrifiers than very large ones. It provides a theoretical explanation for the reported observation of proportionality between denitrification rate and calculated anaerobic fraction of incubated soil cores. This proportionality extends over some five orders of magnitude and appears to be independent of moisture tension. Calculated whole-soil denitrification rates are affected principally by soil texture, structure and moisture tension, and less so by nitrate concentration. In addition to predicting denitrification rates, the model may be extended to predict the fraction of the gaseous products of denitrification emitted as nitrous oxide.
Distribution and Bioavailability of Trace Elements in Livestock and Poultry Manure By-Products

“Depending on the degree of intensification of livestock feeding, animal manures have turned from a precious resource into a waste product. ” (Eck and Stewart, 1995) Intensive confined livestock and poultry production systems generate large quantities of manure by-products, which have the potential for being recycled on arable land. Protecting the quality of the environment is a major consideration when developing management practices to effectively use manure by-products as a nutrient resource and soil conditioner in agricultural production system. To date, most of the environmental problems associated with land application of manure by-products have centered on the contamination of groundwater and/or surface water with two major nutrients, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). With increasing use of trace elements (metal is substituted for trace elements for brevity throughout the text) as nutritional supplement in the form of feed additive in intensive animal production industries, manure application has emerged as an important source of certain metals (e.g., As, Cu, and Zn) input in soils. Unlike application of sewage sludge, where application rate is limited based on allowable metal loadings, regulations governing livestock and poultry manure by-products are generally based on total N and/or P loading. Both sewage sludge and manure by-products are applied on land to primarily benefit from their N and/or P content but without regard to metals in the latter. The danger lies in accumulation of manure-borne metals since they virtually don't degrade with the potential of eventually becoming phytotoxic. In order to reduce the risk of offsite contamination, it is prudent to propose that land application guidelines for manure by-products be developed that consider their total composition rather than just only specific component (i.e., N and/or P). The present review aims to examine the impact of increased usage of certain metals, especially As, Cu, and Zn, in livestock and poultry production on the quality of manure by-products in relation to their distribution in soils and their subsequent bioavailability to plants. The review first discusses the various sources, concentration, and distribution of these metals in manure by-products. The beneficial effects of manure addition to overcome the deficiency of these metals in soils and the detrimental effects of manure-borne metals on plant growth and microbial functions are also examined. The practical implications of manure-borne metals on environmental contamination are discussed in relation to management guidelines for the safe and beneficial use of manure by-products in agricultural soils.
Dynamic Shear Modulus of Isotropic Elastomers

We have investigated the dynamic mechanical behavior of two cross-linked polymer networks with very different topologies: one made of backbones randomly linked along their length; the other with fixed-length strands uniformly cross-linked at their ends. The samples were analyzed using oscillatory shear, at very small strains corresponding to the linear regime. This was carried out at a range of frequencies, and at temperatures ranging from the glass plateau, through the glass transition, and well into the rubbery region. Through the glass transition, the data obeyed the time-temperature superposition principle, and could be analyzed using WLF treatment. At higher temperatures, in the rubbery region, the storage modulus was found to deviate from this, taking a value that is independent of frequency. This value increased linearly with temperature, as expected for the entropic rubber elasticity, but with a substantial negative offset inconsistent with straightforward enthalpic effects. Conversely, the loss modulus continued to follow time-temperature superposition, decreasing with increasing temperature, and showing a power-law dependence on frequency.
Caracterización de películas comestibles a base de extractos pécticos y aceite esencial de limón Mexicano

Se elaboraron y caracterizaron películas biodegradables a base de extractos pécticos de bagazo o pomaza de limón mexicano, incorporados con glicerol y aceite esencial de limón. Mediante un diseño central compuesto se obtuvieron 20 películas (para bagazo o pomaza) por el método de casting. Se realizaron pruebas mecánicas y de permeabilidad al vapor de agua, para seleccionar una formulación con mayor resistencia y menor permeabilidad. La película seleccionada a base de extracto péctico de bagazo de limón (1,0% pectina, 0,75% glicerol, 500 mg/kg aceite esencial de limón) presentó una fuerza a la punción de 1.48 N·mm−1 y permeabilidad al vapor de agua de 5.17 × 10−11 g·s−1·m−1 Pa−1. La película seleccionada se caracterizó en cuanto a humedad, color, espesor, FTIR-ATR, TGA y SEM. La incorporación del aceite esencial de limón no afectó las propiedades funcionales de la película.
Optimizing the internal quantum efficiency of GaInN SQW structures for green light emitters

GaxIn1–xN/GaN single quantum well (QW) structures emitting in the range of 450 nm to 620 nm have been grown by MOVPE. Temperature and excitation power dependent photoluminescence (PL) was used to determine the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) for these structures. For the blue emitting QWs high IQE values on the order of 60% were achieved. Due to a reduced growth temperature, reduced growth rate and increased V/III ratio we obtained QWs with good morphology and high In content above 25%. Thinner QWs with high In content showed a clear improvement of IQE compared to QW-structures with larger thickness but smaller In-content emitting at the same wavelength. Between λpeak = 460 nm and 530 nm we observed a slight reduction in IQE with values of 58% at 490 nm and 40% at 525 nm. But towards λpeak = 620 nm IQE decreased due to the electric field induced separation of the electron and hole wavefunction down to 1%. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sexuelle Orientierung und Geschlechtsidentität – (k)ein Thema in der Psychotherapie?

Gisela Wolf und Erik Meyer zeigen Grundlagen der psychotherapeutischen Arbeit mit lesbischen, schwulen, bisexuellen, trans* und queeren Patient_innen auf. Zunachst fuhren die Autor*innen in die gesellschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen fur LSBT*Q-Personen in Deutschland ein und geben Beispiele fur homo-, bi- und trans*feindliche Diskriminierung und Gewalt sowie intersektionale Verschrankungen. Zusammenhange zwischen gesellschaftlicher Ausgrenzung, Selbstkonzept und Gesundheit werden dargestellt, wie auch spezifische Ressourcen von LSBT*Q-Menschen. Schlieslich thematisieren Wolf und Meyer den Wissensstand zu Schwierigkeiten von LSBT*Q-Personen in der Psychotherapie und stellen Moglichkeiten unterstutzender Psychotherapie mit LSBT*Q-Menschen vor. Hierzu werden Standards der Psychotherapie mit lesbischen, schwulen und bisexuellen sowie mit transgeschlechtlichen und gender-nonkonformen Patient_innen und affirmative psychotherapeutische Zugange aus unterschiedlichen Therapieschulen aufgezeigt.