Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the 1319 and 1338 nm Dual-Wavelength Emission of Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Ceramic and Crystal Lasers

The 1319 and 1338 nm dual-wavelength operation of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) ceramic and single-crystal lasers was experimentally compared. It was found that, although the single-crystal lasers preferably to oscillate at 1319 nm under strong pumping, the ceramic lasers tend to operate at 1338 nm, indicating the existence of a subtle difference between the 4F3/2–4I13/2 transitions of the Nd3+ ions in the Nd:YAG crystal and ceramic lasers.
New features in the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices: analytical groups, scanner data and web-scraping

Harmonised consumer price indices (HICPs) for food, industrial goods, services and energy are measures the ECB uses for its more detailed analysis of inflation in the euro area. With the release of HICPs for January 2019, these analytical groups – special aggregates – have been improved. They are now calculated from a more detailed classification of products. Another recent enhancement is the extended use of price data collected in form of supermarket scanner data and via web-scraping. JEL Classification: C82, E31
Poly (3, 4-ethylendioxithiophene) (PEDOT) oxidation: activation energy and conformational energy

The oxidation kinetics of films of the conducting polymer PEDOT-C1O4 after electrochemical reduction by polarization at increasing cathodic potential was studied by potential steps. The response i/t presents a maximum at intermediate oxidation times. At the maximum the reaction occurs under chemical kinetic control following the expected current variations from the Chemical and Electrochemical Kinetics, when reactant concentrations or temperatures are changed. The obtained activation energy of the oxidation present two ranges as a function of the cathodic potential of prepolarization: constant values after prepolarization at low cathodic potentials and a lineal variation after prepolarization at increasing high cathodic potentials. According with the conformational relaxation model during electrochemical reduction the polymer shrinks, closes and packs the conformational structure. The activation energy for the subsequent oxidation includes two terms: the constant chemical activation energy and the conformational energy required to relax the packed polymeric structure. The conformational energy only appears after prepolarization at more cathodic potentials than the closing potential where more packed conformations were obtained. The conformational activation energy accounts the energetic requirements to relax and unfold the polymeric chains generating the required free volume to lodge balancing counterions; meanwhile the chemical activation energy accounts the energetic requirements for the electrochemical reaction to occur.
Enhanced Microwave Absorption Properties of Urchin-like Fe/α-Fe2O3 Composite Synthesized by a Simple Thermal Oxidation

The urchin-like structure of Fe/α-Fe2O3 composite has been prepared by a simple thermal oxidation method. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The microwave absorption property of the Fe/α-Fe2O3 composite was measured by vector network analysis (VNA). The excellent microwave absorption property of Fe/α-Fe2O3 composite was achieved due to the relatively low permittivity and unique isotropic antenna-like morphology. When the matching thickness is 2.5 mm, the optimal reflection loss of Fe/α-Fe2O3 reaches about −41.2 dB at 5.2 GHz. A possible mechanism of the improved microwave absorption properties of the composites was discussed.
Interfacial Tension Measurements of the (H2O + CO2) System at Elevated Pressures and Temperatures†

Interfacial tension measurements are reported for the (H2O + CO2) system at pressures of (1 to 60) MPa and temperatures of (298 to 374) K. The pendant drop method was implemented using a high-pressure apparatus consisting of a view cell, fitted with a high-pressure capillary tube for creating pendant H2O drops in the CO2 bulk phase. The reported results have a relative standard deviation in most cases of less than 1.0 % and are in good agreement with literature values at low pressures. However, at higher pressures (up to 45 MPa), there is a significant scatter in the published data; the reasons for this are discussed. Measurements in the present work extend the pressure range of available data up to pressures of 60 MPa.
Doping of TiO 2 Polymorphs for Altered Optical and Photocatalytic Properties

This paper reviews recent investigations of the influence of dopants on the optical properties of TiO2 polymorphs. The common undoped polymorphs of TiO2 are discussed and compared. The results of recent doping efforts are tabulated, and discussed in the context of doping by elements of the same chemical group. Dopant effects on the band gap and photocatalytic activity are interpreted with reference to a simple qualitative picture of the TiO2 electronic structure, which is supported with first-principles calculations.
Effects of Processing on the Proximate Components and Amino Acid Profile of Bauhinia Monandra (Kurz) Seed

Three (3) methods of processing were adopted to investigate the effects of processing on the nutritional value of Bauhinia monandra (Kurz) seeds. These processing methods were boiling (in water), toasting and soaking. The raw Bauhinia monandra seed sample were boiled with tap water in seed to water ratio of 1:10 w/v at the rate of 5kg:10 litres in a 15litres metal cooking pot for 10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes respectively and sundried to constant weight and milled before being taken to the laboratory for analysis. Toasting was done for 10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes respectively using a hot open pan and heated with fire from a stove burning with blue flame. The seeds were stirred constantly to prevent charring. The seeds were cooled and milled. The last processing method involved the soaking of the raw Bauhinia seed in a bowl containing seed to water ratio of 1:10 (w/v) at the rate of 5kg to 10litres which completely submerged the seeds in tap water at room temperature (30+2oC) and for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours respectively and sun-dried to constant weight. The seed samples were then milled. The proximate composition and amino acid contents of the milled representative samples of the raw seed and three processed seed sample (boiled, roasted and soaked) were determined in the laboratory according to AOAC (1980) procedure (moisture content, ash, lipids, crude fibre (CF) and nitrogen few extract (NFE) while the nitrogen/crude protein was determined by the method of Pearsons’ (1976). the total amino acid composition was determined by the method described by Spackman et al (1958). Results obtained indicated that processing methods had significant influence on the proximate composition of Bauhinia monandra (Kurz) seeds. Bauhinia seeds processed by soaking in tap water retained more of its nutrient than seeds processed by other means. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013. v2n12p144
EFFECT OF IRRIGATION TREATMENTS OF YIELD AND QUALITY ON SOYBEAN AND MAIZE GROWN UNDER DIFFERENT INTERCROPPING PATTERNS

Two field trials were conducted in 2010 and 2011 to determine the effect of regimes irrigation on yield and its components for the maize-soybean intercropping patterns. The experimental was based on split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plots consisted of three different irrigation regimes,(I1 )irrigation during all groth stage as control treatment,(I2) withholding irrigation at the flowering stage and (I3) withholding irrigation at the pod stage. The sub-plots included three intercropping patterns( T1)=growing soybean on both sides of beds (140 cm) and planting one row of maize on the back of the bed (50cm between hills,1 plant) ,(T2)=growing soybean on both sides of beds and planting one row of maize on the back of the bed and leave another bed (50cm between hills, 2 plants) and( T3)= growing soybean on both sides of beds and planting one row of maize on back of the bed and leave another bed (25cm between hills, 2plants) Data showed that: 1Whole irrigation gave the highest yield and yield components of maize/soybean intercropping. Whereas, withholding irrigation at the early flowering stage gave the lower yield and yield components. 2Intercropping maize with soybean surpassed yield and yield components when used all beds, 50 cm between hills and left one plant /hill. 3Interactions effect of irrigation x intercropping on maize indicated that, the treatments of I1 X T1 gave the highest values for all traits studied, whereas, the lowest value was recorded with I2 x T3. 4Results showed that, Land Equivalent Ratio was the highest with the treatment of I1 x T1 (1.24, 1.16 and 1.20) in both seasons and the combined analysis, respectively, also, the same interaction recorded the highest net return (3303.07, 2750.35 and 3026.71) in both seasons and the combined analysis,respectively.
Formation of hydrophobic coating on glass surface using atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma in ambient air

Non-thermal plasmas under atmospheric pressure are of great interest in material surface processing because of their convenience, effectiveness and low cost. In this paper, the treatment of a glass surface for improving hydrophobicity using a non-thermal plasma generated by a dielectric barrier corona discharge (DBCD) with a needle array-to-plane electrode arrangement in atmospheric air is conducted, and the surface properties of the glass before and after the DBCD treatment are studied using contact angle measurement, surface resistance measurement and the wet flashover voltage test. The effects of the plasma dose (the product of average discharge power and treatment time) of DBCD on the surface modification are studied, and the mechanism of interaction between the plasma and glass surface is discussed. It is found that a layer of hydrophobic coating is formed on the glass surface through DBCD treatment, and the improvement of hydrophobicity depends on the plasma dose of the DBCD. It seems that there is an optimum plasma dose for the surface treatment. The test results of thermal ageing and chemical ageing show that the hydrophobic layer has quite stable characteristics.
Effect of reduction treatment on structural properties of TiO2 supported Pt nanoparticles and their catalytic activity for formaldehyde oxidation

A series of highly active Pt/TiO2 catalysts were prepared by impregnation and deposition precipitation methods with different reduction processes. Their catalytic activities were evaluated by catalytic decomposition of formaldehyde (HCHO) at room temperature. The effects of reduction treatment on structural properties and catalytic activity were studied. Reduced Pt/TiO2 catalysts showed large differences in structural properties (such as particle size, oxidation state, surface content and electronic property of Pt nanoparticles, and surface oxygen) and catalytic activity for HCHO oxidation compared with the unreduced ones. Nearly 100% HCHO conversion was achieved on the former. Especially, sodium borohydride reduced Pt/TiO2 catalysts even with 0.1% Pt loading showed nearly complete oxidation of HCHO. Well-dispersed and negatively charged metallic Pt nanoparticles, and rich chemisorbed oxygen are probably responsible for their high catalytic activities.
Evaluation of Fiber Content Relative to Other Measures of Compost Stability

Improved methods for assessing compost stability are needed. We collected thirteen separate compost samples from a single windrow over a 91 d period. Initial assessment of compost stability used standard analyses, including total C and N concentration, C:N ratio, and inorganic N concentration. Compost C and N lability were assessed by measuring CO2 evolution during a 24 hr period, and also using a commercially available compost evaluation kit which includes both CO2 and NH3 release to establish a Maturity Index. We also estimated slowly degradable C fractions in the composts using neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and lignin methods developed for ruminant feed analysis. The relationship between stability and each compost constituent was evaluated using simple linear regression. Some widely-used parameters, like compost C:N ratio, changed very little during compost aging. Compost CO evolution showed a strong linear relationship with the compost age, with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.82. Likewise, fiber and lignin concentration increased during compost maturation as more easily available C was used by microbes (r2 = 0.70 to 0.80). The Solvita Maturity Index was related to the compost age (r2=0.59), but fluctuated due to temporary changes in windrow conditions. These results indicate that microbial respiration and fiber analysis can be used to establish relative differences in compost stability.
X-ray powder diffraction data for selected metal soaps

In order to better characterize metal soaps found in paint films or on metal surfaces, several metal soaps were synthesized and their X-ray powder diffraction patterns measured. Metal soaps were obtained from four different fatty acids found in drying oils, two saturated (palmitic and stearic acids) and two unsaturated (oleic and linoleic acids), and from copper, zinc, and lead, three metals that are typically found in metal alloys and paint systems. X-ray powder diffraction data are reported for the following compounds: palmitic acid, stearic acid, zinc palmitate, zinc stearate, zinc oleate, zinc linoleate, copper palmitate, copper stearate, copper oleate, lead palmitate, lead stearate, and lead oleate. Features that are characteristic of specific compounds were observed. Soaps obtained from different fatty acids with the same metal ion show differences, as do soaps obtained with the same fatty acid but with different metal ions. Differences were observed when X-ray powder diffraction data obtained for stearic acid and zinc stearate were compared to published data for these two compounds (PDF 38-1923 and 5-0079, respectively). In the case of stearic acid, differences could be explained by the fact that the specimen reported previously in PDF 38-1923 was likely contaminated with palmitic acid. In the case of zinc stearate, low angle data were missing from the original pattern PDF 5-0079 and peaks that were reported in other angular regions in fact consisted in more peaks that were not resolved due to broadening.
Optimization of Solvent Extraction of Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) Seed Kernel Oil Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract Extraction of seed kernel oil from moringa ( Moringa oleifera ) was investigated with hexane, petroleum ether and acetone as the first extraction medium at various kernel particle size, extraction temperature and residence time, which were called as independent variables. Central composite rotatable design (CCRD) of experiments was used to study the effect of solvent type, particle size, extraction temperature and residence time of solvent on the oil yield, which was called as dependent variable. The maximum oil yield of 33.1% for hexane, 31.8% for petroleum ether and 31.1% for acetone was obtained. Among the three solvents, hexane yielded the maximum oil from moringa seed kernels. Among three process parameters studied, particle size had the most significant effect on the oil yield followed by extraction temperature and time for all the solvents. Response surface methodology technique was used to optimize the independent variables for maximum oil extraction. From the optimized values of particle size (0.62 mm), extraction temperature (56.5°C) and residence time (7 h), maximum oil yield obtained was 33.5%, using hexane. Optimized values of independent variables for maximum yield were varied for other two solvents. This protocol provides improved opportunities for the medicinal use of moringa oil in addition to its popularity as a vegetable in south Asia.
Short Rotation Woody Crop Production Systems for Ecosystem Services and Phytotechnologies

While international efforts in the development of short rotation woody crops (SRWCs) have historically focused on the production of biomass for bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts, research and deployment over the past decade has expanded to include broader objectives of achieving multiple ecosystem services. In particular, silvicultural prescriptions developed for SRWCs have been refined to include woody crop production systems for environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration, water quality and quantity, and soil health. In addition, current systems have been expanded beyond traditional fiber production to other environmental technologies that incorporate SRWCs as vital components for phytotechnologies, urban afforestation, ecological restoration, and mine reclamation. In this Forests Special Issue titled Short Rotation Woody Crop Production Systems for Ecosystem Services and Phytotechnologies we explore the broad range of international current research dedicated to our topic. The issue can be found online at https://www.mdpi. com/journal/forests/special issues/woody crop production. There are a total of 18 papers in this book, reprinted from the online Special Issue.
Pyrolysis of Mixed Plastic Wastes for the Recovery of Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene (BTX) Aromatics in a Fluidized Bed and Chlorine Removal by Applying Various Additives

Mixed plastic wastes are very difficult to mechanically recycle into new products because of their nonhomogeneity. Therefore, pyrolysis and gasification seem to be very effective in the extraction of energy from mixed plastic wastes in the form of oil and gas. In this study, a fraction of mixed plastic wastes was pyrolyzed in a bench-scale plant equipped with a fluidized-bed reactor and a char removal system. This study has two aims. The first is to find out the optimum reaction temperature for a high yield of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) aromatics. The second is to find out the best additive for chlorine removal. To find out the optimum reaction temperature for the maximum BTX content, experiments at a temperature range of 660−780 °C were carried out. The pyrolysis oils that were obtained from the experiments were composed of aliphatics and mono- and polyaromatic compounds. The reaction temperature had a positive effect on the BTX aromatics yield. The maximum BTX aromatics yield was obtained at 719.
Chemical constituents of the endophytic fungal strain Phomopsis sp NXZ-05 of Camptotheca acuminata

From the endophytic fungal strain Phomopsis sp. NXZ-05 of Camptotheca acuminataDecne. (Nyssaceae), six new compounds were isolated, including the ten-membered macrolides 1–4 and their (known) parent compound multiplolide A (7), as well as a new unsaturated fatty acid, (4E)-6,7,9-trihydroxydec-4-enoic acid (5) and its methyl ester 6. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and mass-spectrometric analyses, including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments and HR-ESI-MS, and their biological activities were elucidated.
Molecular Structure of Free Molecules of the Fullerene C70 from Gas-Phase Electron Diffraction

Electron-diffraction patterns of the fullerene C70 in the gaseous state at 810−835 °C have been recorded in experiments similar to those recently described for C60. The radial distribution curve calculated from the scattered intensity is entirely consistent with a molecule of D5h symmetry. With assumption of this symmetry, 12 parameters are required to specify the structure. Reliable values are thus much more difficult to obtain for these parameters than for C60 whose structure is completely defined by only two parameters. Six different models were found that give excellent fits to the diffraction data. The models may be divided into two types characterized either by a shorter (1.4+ A) or a longer (1.5+ A) equatorial bond. Despite this difference, however, the average length of the eight bonds is similar in all models (1.434 A; average deviation 0.006 A). Since no model could be favored on the basis of the electron-diffraction data alone, a best model was selected from considerations of theoretical energi.
Comparison study on the adsorption performance of methylene blue and congo red on Cu-BTC

AbstractCu-BTC, one of the metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), has been applied to remove the cationic dye methylene blue (MB) and anionic dye methyl orange (CR) from contaminated water. Liquid phase adsorption experiments were conducted and the maximum adsorptive capacity was determined. Various conditions were evaluated, including initial dye concentration, contact time, solution pH, and temperature. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were used to describe the equilibrium isotherm and isotherm constant calculation. It was found that the Cu-BTC adsorption capacities of MB and CR are much higher than those of the other types of MOFs and adsorbents. Maximum equilibrium adsorption capacities of 143.27 and 877.19 mg/g for MB and CR were achieved. Three simplified kinetic models including pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intra-particle diffusion equations were used to investigate the adsorption process. The pseudo-second-order equation was followed for adsorption of MB and CR on Cu-BTC. Te.
Removal capacity of water plant alum sludge for phosphorus in aqueous solutions

Abstract Alum sludge, which is a waste product from a potable water treatment process, was tested as an inexpensive alternate adsorbent for phosphorus in wastewater. The sludge was composed dominantly of sand size aggregates, and could remain stable in aqueous media. The majority of reactive Al in alum sludge was present as an amorphous phase, and seemed to be the major absorbent for P. The batch sorption test showed that the removal of P was influenced by the solubility of Al, Fe and organic carbon depending on pH condition. The acidic condition favored the removal of P, and there was a side effect in the P removal process such as dissolution of Al and organic C at acidic (pH < 4) and alkaline (pH < 8) conditions. The pH range from 4 to 6 was effective for all inorganic and organic phosphates with a low solubility of Al and organic C. The maximum adsorption capacity of alum sludge was calculated as 25,000 mg/kg for orthophosphate, and followed the order: orthophosphate > pyrophosphate > triphosphate > organic phosphate (adenosin). From the column test with a 30 mg/L orthophosphate solution at a flow rate of 3.0 ml/min, the alum sludge removed P to less than 1.0 mg/L over 250 pore volumes at initial pH 4, and 200 pore volumes at initial pH 5, respectively.