Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporal changes of soil physical and hydraulic properties in strawberry fields

Even over short time intervals, soil properties are subject to variation, especially in managed soils. The objective of this study was to assess the temporal changes of soil physical and hydraulic properties in strawberry fields cultivated under surface drip fertigation in Turuçu, Brazil. Intact core samples were collected from the near surface soil layer of seedbeds to determine the total porosity (TP), macroporosity (MA), matrix porosity, bulk density (BD), available water capacity (AWC), field capacity, wilting point and Dexter’s S index. Aggregate samples were collected from the arable layer to determine the aggregate size distribution and aggregate mean weight diameter. All samples were collected from 15 strawberry fields and at four different times during the 2007–2008 strawberry growing cycle. Although soil pore‐solid relations are expected to adjust soon after seedbed construction, their variation was only evident after >13 weeks. Even though values of TP and MA decreased with time, and those of BD increased near the end of the growing cycle, all the soils maintained their capacity to support root activity as indicated by critical values of Dexter’s index (S > 0.03). The amount of relatively large aggregates (9.51–2.00 mm) and AWC increased towards the end of the strawberry cultivation cycle. With changes in soil structure improving soil physical quality, strawberry development benefitted. We showed that if farmers gradually increase the amount of water through fertigation to a maximum value occurring at the end of crop cycle instead of applying water at a constant rate, water and energy use efficiency in agriculture would improve.
The Relationships Between BTEX, NOx, and O3 Concentrations in Urban Air in Gdansk and Gdynia, Poland

This paper presents the results of atmospheric air quality research conducted in the areas of two shipyard cities: Gdansk and Gdynia (Poland), in the period between March and December 2011. The purpose of the research was focused on determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) compounds in atmospheric air. Passive sampling technique, with Radiello® diffusive passive samplers, was used for BTEX sample collection from atmospheric air. The monthly average concentrations of BTEX compounds in the air surrounding the monitoring stations in Gdansk and Gdynia from March to December 2011 were as follows: benzene: 0.14–2.37 µg/m3, toluene: from 0.46 to 5.35 µg/m3, ethylbenzene: from 0.14 to 0.88 µg/m3, xylenes: from 0.67 to 3.02 µg/m3. Additionally, the results of the air quality assessment conducted in 2007–2011 in the monitored area are presented in relation to air concentrations of benzene (as a representative of BTEX compounds), nitrogen oxides, and tropospheric ozone. Based on the relationship between benzene concentration and nitrogen oxides concentration, the influence of the aforementioned chemicals on tropospheric ozone concentration was estimated in the urban area of Tricity by using data from Gdansk and Gdynia.
Solution Structure of Some ? 3 Iodanes: An 17 O NMR and DFT Study

The structure of a series of I-O bonded bis(acyloxy)iodoarenes and benzoiodoxolones in chloroform solution has been investigated by 17 Ο NMR spectroscopy and by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, employing the PBE0 functional together with the LANL2DZ basis set extended with polarization (d) and diffuse (p) functions. This combined approach allowed us to ascertain that, although these classes of λ 3 iodanes maintain in chloroform solution their solid state "T-shaped" structure, a degenerate [1,3] sigmatropic shift of iodine between the two oxygens of the acyloxy groups occurs in solution. The energy barrier involved in this process differs in the two classes, thus causing significant differences in the 17 Ο NMR spectra, at room temperature, of the two classes of compounds.
Transport Properties of VOx Multi-Walled Nanotubes

Microwave cavity perturbation technique was used to measure high-frequency (60 GHz) conductivity of VOx multi-walled nanotubes in a wide temperature range of 4.2–80 K. We found that conductivity of VOx nanotubes monotonically increases with temperature. Furthermore, two contributions to high-frequency conductivity can be distinguished: quasi-metallic linear term and thermally activated conductivity with the activation energy EA=150 ± 10 K.
GENETIC VARIABILITY, HERITABILITY AND GENETIC ADVANCE FOR VEGETABLE YIELD AND ITS COMPONENT TRAITS IN ETHIOPIAN KALE (Brassica Carinata A.) IJPBCS GENETIC VARIABILITY, HERITABILITY AND GENETIC ADVANCE FOR VEGETABLE YIELD AND ITS COMPONENT TRAITS IN ETHIOPIAN KALE (Brassica Carinata A.)

The present study was carried out to estimate the genetic variability for vegetable yield and yieldrelated traits among Ethiopian kale accessions. The experiment was carried out using 7x7 simple lattice design at Debre zeit Agricultural Research Center during 2017 main cropping season. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (p<0.01) among accessions for all traits except days to second leaf picking. High genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation were estimated for the number of leaves per plant, fresh leaf weight, dry leaf matter content, fresh biomass and leaf yield. High broad sense heritability coupled with high Genetic advance as the percent of mean were obtained for the number of leaves per plant, fresh leaf weight, dry leaf matter content, leaf width, leaf petiole length, leaf petiole thickness, fresh biomass and leaf yield. It can be concluded that variation generated for these traits is mainly due to genetic and moderate role of environmental factors and these were the most important for selection criteria in developing high yielding Ethiopian kale accession. In general, the present study revealed the presence of variability among accession for most studied traits.
Gyrolaser semi-conducteur à cavité externe

A well known technique for gyrometry is to use Sagnac effect in a ring laser cavity, with a mixture of Helium and Neon as gain medium. Gyrometric qualities of this type of laser has been shown many times. But on an industrial point of view, the fact that the gain medium is a gas is the source of the limitations of the system. Other solutions based on Nd :YAG cristal have shown that it is possible to get a Sagnac signal in other kind of gain medium. However, the quality of the frequency response is limited by the long fluorescence time (230 μs) of this gain medium. Semi-conductor gain medium, through its much shorter luminescence time (3 ns) offers great opportunity of gyrometry. The possibility of electrical pumping could also give a string cost reduction. The goal in this thesis is to study the possibility of a ring laser gyroscope based on a semi-conductor gain medium in a free space cavity. The gain medium dynamic is strongly different from previously quote gain media. First we will have to study stability conditions of gyrometric behavior of such a system, and also gyrometric performance one can expect. Influence of phase-amplitude coupling, specific to semiconductor, will be shown. Second, experiment shows that we have been able to get a gyrometric behavior in ring cavity with a 1/2-VCSEL thanks to a suitable laser cavity geometry and a feed back loop to control laser intensities in order to counteract mode competition which take place in semiconductor gain medium.
Structural Evolution of Fly Ash Based Geopolymers in Alkaline Environments

The effects of immersion in alkaline solutions on the gel structure and pore network of fly ash based geopolymers are investigated. Immersion in carbonate or hydroxide solutions of up to pH 14 results in very little leaching of framework components (Si or Al) from the geopolymer gel, and a largely unchanged mesoporous gel structure. Higher concentrations, up to 8 M NaOH, cause more damage to the gel framework as species are leached into solution and the pore network collapses. Crystallization of small quantities of zeolites from the initially X-ray amorphous gel is also observed. The zeolitic products formed are in general the same products that are observed in geopolymers cured at elevated temperatures for extended periods of time, suggesting that the reactions taking place during alkaline immersion are to some extent a continuation of the initial geopolymerization process.
Rheological Properties of 1,4-Polyisoprene over a Large Molecular Weight Range

The dynamic viscoelastic properties of anionically polymerized model 1,4-polyisoprene (PI) with 6−8% 3,4 microstructure and in the range of molecular weights between 1.5 × 103 and 3.2 × 106 g/mol were reanalyzed using linear rheology. Viscosities obtained in the zero shear-rate limit, η0, up to sufficiently high molecular weight PI samples indicated a clear transition to the pure reptation regime. All characteristic molecular weights, dividing the [η0,M]-interval in three different regimes could be obtained in high accuracy and a new “triangle” is proposed. The experimental data were analyzed in terms of the empirical Winter-relaxation BSW-model description for both dynamic moduli. The BSW parameters are determined and interpreted in terms of the packing model where possible. Limitations of the packing model are detected and discussed. Additionally, the parameters of the assumed distribution of relaxation times are compared to predictions of microscopic dynamic theories and useful correlations made. The p.
Photothermal Efficiencies of Nanoshells and Nanorods for Clinical Therapeutic Applications

With clinical trials for photothermal tumor ablation using laser-excited tunable plasmonic nanoparticles already underway, increasing understanding of the efficacy of plasmonic nanoparticle-based photothermal heating takes on increased urgency. Here we report a comparative study of the photothermal transduction efficiency of SiO2/Au nanoshells, Au2S/Au nanoshells, and Au nanorods, directly relevant to applications that rely on the photothermal response of plasmonic nanoparticles. We compare the experimental photothermal transduction efficiencies with the theoretical absorption efficiencies for each nanoparticle type. Our analysis assumes a distribution of randomly oriented nanorods, as would occur naturally in the tumor vasculature. In our study, photothermal transduction efficiencies differed by a factor of 3 or less between the different types of nanoparticle studied. Both experiment and theory show that particle size plays a dominant role in determining transduction efficiency, with larger particles mo.
A Self‐Standing High‐Performance Hydrogen Evolution Electrode with Nanostructured NiCo2O4/CuS Heterostructures

An efficient self‐standing 3D hydrogen evolution cathode has been developed by coating nickel cobaltite (NiCo2O4)/CuS nanowire heterostructures on a carbon fiber paper (CFP). The obtained CFP/NiCo2O4/CuS electrode shows exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance and excellent durability in acidic conditions. Remarkably, as an integrated 3D hydrogen‐evolving cathode operating in acidic electrolytes, CFP/NiCo2O4/CuS maintains its activity more than 50 h and exhibits an onset overpotential of 31.1 mV, an exchange current density of 0.246 mA cm−2, and a Tafel slope of 41 mV dec−1. Compared to other non‐Pt electrocatalysts reported to date, CFP/NiCo2O4/CuS exhibits the highest HER activity and can be used in HER to produce H2 with nearly quantitative faradaic yield in acidic aqueous media with stable activity. Furthermore, by using CFP/NiCo2O4/CuS as a self‐standing electrode in a water electrolyzer, a current density of 18 mA cm−2 can be achieved at a voltage of 1.5 V which can be driven by a single‐cell battery. This strategy provides an effective, durable, and non‐Pt electrode for water splitting and hydrogen generation.
A interação no ensino clínico de enfermagem: reflexos no cuidado à pessoa com hipertensão arterial.

Objetivo identificar os conhecimentos e atitudes no autocuidado em saude entre usuarios que receberam ensino clinico de enfermagem para a hipertensao arterial, atraves de intervencoes de cuidado interativo junto a pacientes e familiares no contexto terapeutico, a partir do nivel de conhecimentos e atitudes dos hipertensos, com vistas ao desenvolvimento do processo de educacao em saude. Metodos Trata-se de uma pesquisa acao com abordagem qualitativa realizada com pacientes hipertensos hospitalizados por acidente vascular encefalico, tendo a hipertensao arterial como fator de risco mais fortemente associado com o desenvolvimento desse agravo de saude. Os participantes foram entrevistados acerca do conhecimento que possuiam a respeito de seu adoecimento antes e apos a realizacao de atividades de educacao em saude individualizadas com base na teoria do Interacionismo Simbolico. Resultados Constatou-se que os entrevistados, apos participarem do processo educativo, demonstraram em suas falas conhecimentos mais amplos sobre a hipertensao arterial, o que os motivou a buscarem mudancas de habitos que tragam melhorias a sua qualidade de vida. Conclusao Atraves da utilizacao do Interacionismo Simbolico, a educacao em saude se mostrou uma estrategia para o empoderamento e autonomia do sujeito hipertenso com relacao ao seu tratamento, podendo ser integrada ao cuidado de Enfermagem.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE ADSORPTION KINETICS AND THERMODYNAMICS OF DYES ONTO ACID ACTIVATED LOW COST CARBON

Batch experiments are carried out for the sorption of Congo red, Malachite green and Rhodamine B dyes onto acid activated carbon. The operating variables studied are initial dye concentration, pH, temperature and contact time. The equilibrium data are fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. From these the adsorption efficiency, adsorption energy, adsorption capacity, intensity of adsorption and dimensionless separation factor are calculated. The rate constant value for the adsorption process is calculated. The temperature thermodynamic parameters like G°, H°, and S° are calculated from the effect of temperature. The mechanism of dye adsorption for that dye onto carbon is investigated by using the experimental results.
Impact ionization in thin AlxGa1−xAs (x=0.15 and 0.30) p-i-n diodes

The electron and hole multiplication characteristics, Me and Mh, respectively, have been measured in two series of AlxGa1−xAs (x=0.15 and 0.30) p-i-n diodes where the i-region thicknesses, w, vary from 1.0 down to 0.025 μm. From these, the effective electron and hole ionization coefficients, α and β, respectively, have been determined and in the thicker structures agreement is found with data published previously in the literature. However, in the devices where w⩽0.1 μm, the dead space effect reduces multiplication below their bulk values at lower values of bias. As the bias is increased, α and β increase very rapidly suggesting that overshoot effects are compensating for the dead space.
Efficiency of nutrient utilization and reproductive performance of pre-pubertal anestrous dairy heifers supplemented with inorganic and organic chromium compounds

An on-farm trial was conducted to ascertain the effects of chromium supplementation on the nutrient utilization and reproductive performance of cross-bred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) pre-pubertal anestrous dairy heifers. Chromium was supplemented (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg−1 diet dry matter) as chromium chloride hexahydrate or chromium–yeast complex. The intake of the total digestible nutrients (P 0.05). Plasma concentrations of copper and zinc, which increased (P < 0.001) with chromium supplementation, declined quadratically (P < 0.05) as the dose of supplemental chromium increased. At the end of the supplementation, two, four and three heifers fed with 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg Cr kg−1 dry matter (as chromium chloride), respectively, developed Graffian follicles and showed estrus; the numbers were one, three and four in the corresponding groups fed with chromium–yeast complex and one, two and three heifers amongst them showed estrus. All the supplemented animals showing estrus conceived and no abortion was reported during the first trimester of their pregnancy. It was concluded that chromium supplementation could appreciably enhance the nutrient utilization and the reproductive performance in anestrous dairy heifers and inorganic trivalent chromium (CrCl3.6H2O) supplementation might be as useful as a chromium–yeast complex for this purpose. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Advances in Humanized Mouse Models to Improve Understanding of HIV-1 Pathogenesis and Immune Responses

Although antiretroviral therapy has transformed human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) from a deadly infection into a chronic disease, it does not clear the viral reservoir, leaving HIV-1 as an uncurable infection. Currently, 1.2 million new HIV-1 infections occur globally each year, with little decrease over many years. Therefore, additional research is required to advance the current state of HIV management, find potential therapeutic strategies, and further understand the mechanisms of HIV pathogenesis and prevention strategies. Non-human primates (NHP) have been used extensively in HIV research and have provided critical advances within the field, but there are several issues that limit their use. Humanized mouse (Hu-mouse) models, or immunodeficient mice engrafted with human immune cells and/or tissues, provide a cost-effective and practical approach to create models for HIV research. Hu-mice closely parallel multiple aspects of human HIV infection and disease progression. Here, we highlight how innovations in Hu-mouse models have advanced HIV-1 research in the past decade. We discuss the effect of different background strains of mice, of modifications on the reconstitution of the immune cells, and the pros and cons of different human cells and/or tissue engraftment methods, on the ability to examine HIV-1 infection and immune response. Finally, we consider the newest advances in the Hu-mouse models and their potential to advance research in emerging areas of mucosal infections, understand the role of microbiota and the complex issues in HIV-TB co-infection. These innovations in Hu-mouse models hold the potential to significantly enhance mechanistic research to develop novel strategies for HIV prevention and therapeutics.
Microbial Ecology of Crown Corrosion in Sewers

Corrosion of sewer crowns is caused by sulfuric acid that is generated by a complex microbial ecosystem of several species that colonize exposed concrete. The microbial system is dominated by Thiobacillus thioxidans. This is a report of a study which investigated the characteristics of this system. The study involved monitoring surface pH and corrosion rates on new concrete in an experimental chamber exposed to sewer gases. After an initial period, corrosion-inducing microorganisms were well established. The corroding surfaces were flushed intermittently with sewage to determine whether this might serve as a control method. It was found that heavy and frequent flushing will be necessary to significantly reduce corrosion rates.
Edible Packaging Films Based on Fish Myofibrillar Proteins: Formulation and Functional Properties

Biopackaging materials based on fish myofibrillar proteins have been developed. The effects of protein concentration, pH, temperature and storage time before casting on the apparent viscosity of the film forming solution (FFS) were evaluated using experimental design methodology. The first objective was to determine a feasible experimental range for film-forming. The pH and protein concentration had strong interactive effects on FFS viscosity. During FFS storage before casting, partial degradation of high molecular weight protein components led to decreased viscosity, allowing thin layer casting. In the experimental range for film-forming, none of the conditions affected film functional properties. Standard conditions were determined at: pH 3.0, 2.0g protein/100g FFS, 25°C and 6 hr storage. The functional properties of the standard biopackaging were slightly better than those that determined for known protein-based films, with tensile strength close to those of low density polyethylene films.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Mulberry Leaves Powder on Chicken Meat Quality Stored during Cold Storage

This study was investigated the effects of supplementation diets with mulberry leaves powder on pH, TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) and VBN (volatile basic nitrogen) heating loss, WHC (water holding capacity), and drip loss of chicken meat. One hundred sixty broiler were fed diets for five weeks containing 0% mulberry leaves powder (Control), 1% mulberry leaves powder (T1), 2% mulberry leaves powder (T2), and 3% mulberry leaves powder (T3). At the end of this experiment, broiler were slaughtered, and stored at 4 o C for 10 d. As storage time increased, all treatment groups resulted in increased pH, TBARS, VBN and drip loss (p<0.05). The TBARS and VBN were significantly decreased by the supplementation of mulberry leaves powder compared to the control (p<0.05). T3 results in much better TBARS and VBN than other treatment groups. Especially, T3 was significantly (p<0.05) more effective in improving self life compared to other treatment groups. Heating loss and drip loss were no significantly different among treatment group. In conclusion, these data indicate that supplementation of 3% mulberry leaves powder were most effective in decreasing TBARS and
Effects of Stabilized Criegee Intermediate and OH Radical Scavengers on Aerosol Formation from Reactions of β-Pinene with O 3

The formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from reactions of O 3 with g -pinene, an exocyclic monoterpene prominent in the ambient atmosphere, was studied in an environmental chamber using a thermal desorption particle beam mass spectrometer for chemical analysis and a scanning mobility particle sizer for aerosol yield measurements. Potential reaction pathways for SOA formation were investigated in a series of experiments conducted using various scavengers for stabilized Criegee intermediates (SCI) and OH radicals, both of which are formed in the reaction. The major particulate products were compounds less volatile than pinic acid, a low-volatility dicarboxylic acid that was identified but was a minor component of the aerosol. The aerosol mass spectrum and yield were relatively insensitive to the identity of the SCI scavenger, indicating that association reactions of scavengers with SCI were not important in SOA formation. The mass spectrum of the aerosol also did not depend on the identity of the OH radical scavenger. SOA yields, on the other hand, were significantly larger when cyclohexane was used as an OH radical scavenger, compared to those measured for reactions conducted using alcohols or aldehydes. This dependence indicates that radical pathways play a major role in SOA formation in this reaction. Furthermore, the results show that reaction of OH radicals with scavengers used in laboratory studies can perturb the radical chemistry in such a way as to significantly impact SOA yields. We propose that this effect is due to increases in the ratio [hydroperoxy radicals]/[organic peroxy radicals] when alcohols or aldehydes are used as OH radical scavengers. This apparently enhances the rate of reaction of hydroperoxy radicals with key radical intermediates in SOA formation, effectively short-circuiting the reaction system into pathways leading to more volatile products.