Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Grafting of Polymers from Clay Nanoparticles via In Situ Free Radical Surface-Initiated Polymerization: Monocationic versus Bicationic Initiators

Surface-initiated polymerization (SIP) from clay nanoparticles was compared between surface-bound mono- and bicationic free radical initiators. Distinct properties in molecular weight (MW), extent of exfoliation, and particle morphology were observed as a consequence of using two different initiator architectures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the clay intercalated with monocationic initiator has a larger d spacing and gave a more ordered structure. IR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and qualitative thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the attachment of both initiators. XRD further showed that the SIP product from the bicationic initiator retained some intercalated structure while a highly exfoliated structure is achieved by the SIP through the monocationic initiator. Consequently the monocationic initiator gave a higher MW polymer. We have found that well-dispersed intercalated clay particles and efficient monomer diffusion are crucial factors in performing a successful SIP and in achiev.
Gas hydrates in CO 2 -bearing fluid inclusions and the use of freezing data for estimation of salinity

During cooling of CO 2 -bearing fluid inclusions the clathrate compound carbon dioxide hydrate (CO 2 .5.75H 2 O) freezes out prior to the freezing of the remaining aqueous solution to ice. When crystallized in aqueous solution, gas hydrates form pure compounds of the encaged species and H 2 O molecules and reject from the hydrate lattice any salts or ions in solution. Thus the residual aqueous solution, after clathration, is more saline than the original solution, and measurement of the salinity using depression of the fusion temperature of ice by salt will give an inaccurate estimate of the salinity of that solution. Although the formation of CO 2 hydrate in CO 2 -bearing fluid inclusions, or any gas hydrates in fluid inclusions, invalidates use of the depression of the fusion temperature of ice for estimating the salinity of the aqueous solution, the depression of the temperature of decomposition of the CO 2 hydrate in the presence of CO 2 liquid and CO 2 gas can be a useful measure of salinity, provided CH 4 and other gases are not present in the inclusion.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract in the Clarification of Surface Waters

Moringa oleifera is a plant whose seeds have protein or polypeptide with coagulant properties. The present study evaluated the effect of Moringa oleifera seed (MOS) extract as primary coagulant and its mixture with aluminum sulfate in the treating of superficial waters with turbidities between 72 and 118 NTU obtained from Náinari lagoon located in Northwestern México. An average of 88.9% turbidity removal was achieved when MOS extract was used as primary coagulant with a dosage of 250 mg/l. In combination with aluminum sulfate reached 96.5% of clarification, and moreover is obtained saving 66% of chemical coagulant. The MOS extract is a viable alternative to diminish the use of chemical coagulants in the clarification of surface waters. KeywordsCoagulants; Wastewater; Polypeptide; Water Treatment; Turbidity
The effect of nitrogen and boron soil applications on raspberry leaf N, B and Mn concentrations and on selected soil analyses

Abstract Four years after yearly applications of N (0, 67, 134 and 268 kg/ha in a N rate trial) soil pH and soil extractable K, Ca and Mg were reduced. Boron application (1 kg/ha in a N x B interaction trial) increased hot water extractable soil B and soil extractable Mg. Old and new cane leaf N concentration was increased by N application but B application resulted in only a very small effect. Both N and B applications increased leaf B concentrations. Leaf Mn was increased by N application, probably because of the reduced soil pH. Boron had little effect on leaf Mn. It was concluded that leaf tissue is not suitable for determining the requirements of N and B fertilizer because of the instability of B concentrations in the leaves within and between seasons. Sampling of new cane leaves in July showed promise for diagnosing Mn requirements since the concentration during that month was relatively stable in three separate years of sampling.
Relationship between Internet dependency and mental health of adolescents: The psychology of internet use

The use of internet is very common and has become an interesting behavioral addiction type among young people is assumed to have an influence on psychological well-being. This study was carried out to examine the relationship between different dimension of mental health and internet dependency. Present study has a significant contribution in the planning and implementation of preventive psychological counseling services and sustains the psychological well-being of adolescents. 200 adolescents studying in various colleges of Raebareli and Lucknow completed the Young’s Internet addiction test and mental health questionnaire (MH38). The correlation and regression analyses were employed for the analysis and interpretation of data. The results of correlation analysis showed that internet addiction was significantly negatively related to the negative dimensions of mental health (anxiety, depression and LBEC) and negatively related to positive dimensions of mental health. Further the results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that internet dependency was significantly positively predicted anxiety, depression and LBEC and significantly negatively predicted general positive affect. In conclusion, adolescents with high Internet use will have high level of anxiety, depression, less emotional and behavioural control and low positive affect. Implication, limitations and some areas of future research related to mental health and internet dependency were also discussed.
Particle back-transport and permeate flux behavior in crossflow membrane filters

Particle residence time distributions in a membrane channel are interpreted to elucidate mechanisms of particle transport and colloidal fouling in membrane filtration. A comparison of particle size distributions in the membrane feed suspensions and deposited cakes provides evidence for selective particle transport and accumulation on membranes. These data support a previously hypothesized minimum in particle back-transport from the membrane as a function of particle size. The back-transport of smaller particles is apparently due to Brownian diffusion, while larger macrocolloids are controlled by an orthokinetic mechanism such as shear-induced diffusion. In all cases, cake specific resistances measured in the dead-end mode were higher than those of the corresponding feed suspensions. Also, cake specific resistances measured under a crossflow were higher than those in the dead-end mode. Further, the specific resistance of particle deposits on membranes increased with shear rate and decreased as the initial .
Dispersion Sources for Compact Geometries on Microchips

Folding the separation channel in a microchip device generally introduces an additional geometrical contribution to analyte dispersion through lateral variations in both migration distance and field strength. The geometrical dispersion generated depends on the ratio of the analyte transverse diffusion time to the time that the analyte band spends traversing the turn. A one-dimensional model has been developed which predicts the amount of excess dispersion introduced by turns in microchip channels. This model accounts for migration length differences, field strength differences, and transverse diffusion effects and accurately describes the experimental data. The introduction of turns into the channel on a microchip is shown to reduce separation efficiency compared to the same separation length in a straight channel, especially for molecules with small diffusion coefficients. Several methods to reduce geometrical dispersion are examined including the manipulation of channel width and analyte velocity and th.
Eﬃcient Inference for Nonparametric Hawkes Processes Using Auxiliary Latent Variables

The expressive ability of classic Hawkes processes is limited due to the parametric assumption on the baseline intensity and triggering kernel. Therefore, it is desirable to perform inference in a data-driven, nonparametric approach. Many recent works have proposed nonparametric Hawkes process models based on Gaussian processes (GP). However, the likelihood is non-conjugate to the prior resulting in a complicated and time-consuming inference procedure. To address the problem, we present the sigmoid Gaussian Hawkes process model in this paper: the baseline intensity and triggering kernel are both modeled as the sigmoid transformation of random trajectories drawn from a GP. By introducing auxiliary latent random variables (branching structure, P´olya-Gamma random variables and latent marked Poisson processes), the likelihood is converted to two decoupled components with a Gaussian form which allows for an eﬃcient conjugate analytical inference. Using the augmented likelihood, we derive an eﬃcient Gibbs sampling algorithm to sample from the posterior; an eﬃcient expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm to obtain the maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate and furthermore an eﬃcient mean-ﬁeld variational inference algorithm to approximate the posterior. To further accelerate the inference, a sparse GP approximation is introduced to reduce complexity. We demonstrate the performance of our three algorithms on both simulated and real data. The experiments show that our proposed inference algorithms can recover well the underlying prompting characteristics eﬃciently.
Material properties and their interrelation in chemically modified clear wood of Scots pine

Abstract The mechanical and physical properties of modified wood were assessed experimentally. Timber studs with a cross-section of 45 mm×70 mm were modified on a semi-industrial scale by four different methods: 1) acetylation (AC) with acetic anhydride; 2) modification with methylated melamine formaldehyde resin (MMF); 3) heat treatment in vegetable oil (HT); and 4) furfurylation (FA). Sapwood of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) with test specimen dimensions of 10×10×200 mm3 was investigated. A total of 2449 specimens were included in the study. The following properties and their correlations were studied: density, modulus of elasticity (MOEdyn) measured dynamically, equilibrium moisture content (EMC), and swelling behaviour. The properties were measured at humidity levels of 30%, 65%, and 90% RH, while the temperature was kept constant at 23°C. Significant changes in material properties took place. AC increased the density and reduced MOEdyn, EMC and swelling strain. FA increased the density and the swelling coefficient and reduced EMC and swelling strain. HT reduced the EMC, while MMF modification increased it.
Eigen value analysis studies on hydrogen-bonded mesogens

A new method is proposed for the physical investigation of hydrogen-bonded liquid crystals based on eigen value analysis and statistical covariance. Mesogenic p,n-alkyl benzoic acid (nBA) where n = 5–10 and non-mesogenic heptyl p-hydroxybenzoate (7HB) are used to obtain the hydrogen bonded liquid crystals. Intermolecular interactions result in the hydrogen bond between the proton donor (COOH) of nBA and proton acceptor (OH) of 7HB. Molecular interactions involving the various functional groups are studied by exploring the Fourier transform infrared spectral data to the maximum eigen value analysis. Furthermore, maximum eigen value of the liquid crystal textures recorded as a function of temperature is used to identify the mesomorphic characteristics of the samples. Results obtained from this method are in good agreement with literature.
Surface Functional Groups on Oil-Palm-Shell Adsorbents Prepared by H3PO4 and KOH Activation and their Effects on Adsorptive Capacity

In this study, surface functional groups on the oil-palm-shell adsorbents prepared by phosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4 ) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation were detected using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy Oil-palm shell is an abundantly available carbonaceous by-product from palm-oil processing mills in some tropical countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Preparation of adsorbents from oil-palm shell is an economical and environmentally friendly utilization of these solid wastes. To develop more specialized and effective adsorbents from oil-palm shell, studies were carried out to investigate the effects of impregnation conditions on the textural and chemical characteristics of the prepared adsorbents. Adsorption and desorption tests of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and ammonia (NH 3 ) gases were used to evaluate the adsorptive capacities of the oil-palm-shell adsorbents. From the experimental results, it was found that surface functional groups, which were determined by the concentration of impregnation solution and the soaking time, had a significant influence on the adsorptive capacity due to the occurrence of chemisorption. Moreover, mechanisms of chemical activation of oil-palm shell using H 3 PO 4 and KOH for the evolution of porosity and the formation of surface functional groups were also proposed based on the phenomena observed.
Ceramic nanovector based on layered double hydroxide: attributes, physiologically relevant compositions and surface activation

Abstract Since 2001, intercalated or biohybridised ceramics based on layered double (M2+,M3+) hydroxide nanoparticles (LDHN) have been evaluated as a passive vector for drug and non-viral gene delivery. This paper identifies the attributes of LDHN as a passive delivery platform, judiciously selects and discusses issues in synthesis of physiologically relevant compositions, and demonstrates surface activation of (Mg2+,Al3+) LDHN; the latter a critical first step in the surface functionalisation process for active targeting. After a description of the layered double hydroxide (LDH) structure and unique attributes of LDHN as a passive platform, the advantages and issues of a robust LDHN surface functionalisation process for active targeting are identified. Next, the judicious selection of physiological relevant (Mg2+,Fe3+) and (Zn2+,Fe3+) LDH compositions is made, and their synthesis by precipitation and potential difficulties are discussed. Finally, the surface activation of (Mg2+,Al3+) LDHN is demonstrated by a bimolecular, nucleophilic substitution type reaction using acryloyl chloride.
Homogeneous synthesis of linoleic acid-grafted chitosan oligosaccharide in ionic liquid and its self-assembly performance in aqueous solution

A water-soluble amphiphilic derivative of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) modified with linoleic acid (LA)-grafted COS (LCOS) has been synthesized in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([BMIM]Ac). The effects of the ionic liquid on the degree of substitution (DS), surface activity, and self-assembly behavior of LCOS have been investigated. The results showed that the ionic liquid homogeneous system led to a relatively higher DS compared with the product synthesized in a traditional organic solvent. Furthermore, the LCOS synthesized in the ionic liquid had better surface activity (cmc = 1.1 × 10−4 g·mL−1), and could also self-assemble into nanomicelles with better-defined spherical shape and a narrower particle size distribution (30–40 nm) in aqueous solution. These results suggest that an effective and environmentally friendly synthesis method for COS derivatives has been established and, moreover, the obtained LCOS micelles meet the basic requirements for use as an improved drug transduction vector. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41727.
Measurement and analysis of ammonia emission from a pig farm in the northeast of China

Abstract China is the largest swine production country in the world. The fast development has consequently brought various environmental issues which have already seriously threatened the environmental quality. This study is aimed to measure the concentrations of NH3 in the pig houses in the selected pig farm, try to conclude characteristics on the concentration change and the correlation between the concentrations and the environmental factors. The NH3 concentration was monitored in two fattening pig houses. The concentrations fluctuated between 11.0 and 26.9 ppm, 11.0 and 28.5 ppm respectively during the measurement periods, peaking at the early morning and in the afternoon before cleaning. The concentrations of NH3 correlated to the indoor temperature in winter, whereas, there was no correlation between relative humidity and NH3 concentrations.
CONTROLS AND CONSEQUENCES OF SULFATE REDUCTION RATES IN RECENT MARINE SEDIMENTS

A brief review has been given of the process of bacterial sulfate reduction in respect to other processes in ocean sediments. In particular, rates of sulfate reduction have been discussed in the context of control mechanisms and geochemical consequences. It is concluded that besides temperature and pressure, which are cosmopolitan parameters influencing most biological processes, the rate of sulfate reduction is dependent on (1) total organic carbon preserved in sediment; (2) state of complexing of the organic matter and its availability for biogenic degradation. These two parameters are in turn influenced by (3) the environment of deposition and (4) the rate of sediment accumulation. Correlations are presented that show a direct relationship between rate of sulfate reduction and rate of sediment accumulation. The consequences of different rates of sulfate reduction on pyrite formation and isotope fractionation are discussed.
COMPARISON OF PREDICTIVE CORRELATIONS FOR THE NORMAL BOILING DENSITY OF NONPOLAR FLUIDS

Seven empirical correlations for the calculation of the normal boiling density of non polar pure fluids are studied for their accuracy and applicability. One of the correlations is specific only for the normal boiling density, five are based on the corresponding states method (these need the critical parameters and acentric factor as inputs), and the other is a new kind of correlation that uses the Lennard-Jones molecular parameters and the acentric factor as input data. As reference, we take the value for the normal boiling density given by the specific correlation functions proposed in the DIPPR project for 252 nonpolar fluids, grouped into 17 families. In view of the results, we recommend the use of the Yamada-Gunn expression because of its simplicity and because other, less simple, models represent no clear improvement over its accuracy. We also recommend the use of the molecular-parameter model because it gives very good results for some families of fluids.
The politics of identity and notions of home: how Serbian Londoners perceived Brexit

This paper looks at the attitudes of Serbian Londoners to Brexit and at the motives behind their voting decisions at the 2016 EU referendum in Britain. It aims to understand why these people voted the way they did and what this means for their identities and their sense of belonging. Based on two-year-long ethno- graphic research and in-depth interviews with forty Serbian Londoners, this paper finds that Serbian Londoners were divided on Brexit and that economic status and income were not the most important factors for understanding voting decisions, but rather social and cultural capital. Their differences in attitudes to Brexit and degrees of openness to others can further be explained by Bonikowski’s (2017) argument that there may be a common repertoire of dispositions towards the na- tion that transcends national boundaries, which explains similarities in national- isms among different countries. The paper also considers whether Spivak’s (1987) concept of strategic essentialism can be applied to understanding how Serbian Londoners perceived Brexit. Finally, it sheds light on the ambivalent role of living in London – both a cosmopolitan and a British city – and what impact this may have on these participants’ sense of belonging.
Estabilidade de compostos bioativos em polpa congelada de amora-preta (Rubus fruticosus) cv. Tupy

O Brasil e considerado um dos principais paises consumidores de frutas, ocupando a terceira posicao mundial. A diversidade de frutas destinadas ao mercado e cada vez maior, mas suas propriedades e atividades nao estao totalmente determinadas. No entanto, a partir do inicio da decada de 90, a grande oferta de frutas vem justificando estudos direcionados ao desenvolvimento de novos produtos, que, na maioria das vezes, concentra na fruta in natura e na polpa suas maiores formas de consumo. Este trabalho teve por objetivo elaborar polpa de amora-preta da cultivar Tupy, e armazena-la sob diferentes condicoes de temperaturas (-10, -18 e -80 oC) durante 6 meses, e avaliar a estabilidade de seus principais fitoquimicos apos o processamento e durante o periodo de armazenamento. Os resultados demonstraram que a temperatura de -10°C foi suficiente para nao causar alteracoes significativas com relacao a fenois totais, antocianinas totais, capacidade antioxidante e acidez titulavel (2 meses). A temperatura de -18°C foi suficiente para nao causar alteracoes significativas nas polpas com relacao a: fenois totais e capacidade antioxidante (4 meses), antocianinas totais (2 meses) e β-caroteno (6 meses). Na temperatura de -80°C, poucas foram as alteracoes causadas na polpa armazenada por 6 meses, sendo observado apenas pequenas alteracoes em solidos soluveis, acido hidroxibenzoico. Nos carotenoides totais e individuais nenhuma das tres temperaturas fpi suficiente para evitar as perdas. Nos tocoferois, apenas na polpa armazenada a -80°C por 2 meses nao houve alteracao. E o acido ascorbico foi totalmente degradado nos 6 meses de armazenamento nas duas temperaturas (-10 e -18°C). Os compostos que mais contribuiram para o poder antioxidante da amorapreta cv. Tupy foram os compostos fenolicos.
The Modes of Dental Caries Prevention with Xylitol

The importance of dietary factors in the etiology of dental caries has been acknowledged, and the role of proper nutrition in improving the health of the population cannot be disputed [1]. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) acknowledges the benefits of sugar substitutes, particularly xylitol as caries preventive strategies on the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs. Thus, the AAPD has intended a policy about the use of xylitol-based products in caries prevention [2].
On the Estimation of Cost of Equity using Industrial CAPM Approach

This paper is an attempt to empirically investigate the industrial risk premium and realized return relationship by extending hybrid CAPM of Bodnar, Dumas, and Marston (2004). The inclusion of the industry risk premium offers more sophisticated results. Fama and Macbeth (1973) methodology are applied to test this relationship. The results indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship of the industry risk premium for Pakistan, India, and Brazil, whereas, it is insignificant for China, Russia, and South Africa. It is also seen that other risk premiums are insignificant for the said countries if industry risk premium is considered. The results also indicate that industry risk premium is only significant for those countries where the firms are mostly operated through the family business environment like Pakistan, India, and Brazil. This may lead to conclude that the industry risk premium can be used as the agency cost of minatory shareholders and controlling shareholders. This study provides an insight for the global investors, FPI holders, local and global mutual fund managers, to incorporate this industry risk premium into the existing CAPM framework especially for the countries where the business is managed as a family environment.