Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FTIR time-series of biomass burning products (HCN, C 2 H 6 , C 2 H 2 , CH 3 OH, and HCOOH) at Reunion Island (21° S, 55° E) and comparisons with model data

Abstract. Reunion Island (21° S, 55° E), situated in the Indian Ocean at about 800 km east of Madagascar, is appropriately located to monitor the outflow of biomass burning pollution from Southern Africa and Madagascar, in the case of short-lived compounds, and from other Southern Hemispheric landmasses such as South America, in the case of longer-lived species. Ground-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) solar absorption observations are sensitive to a large number of biomass burning products. We present in this work the FTIR retrieval strategies, suitable for very humid sites such as Reunion Island, for hydrogen cyanide (HCN), ethane (C 2 H 6 ), acetylene (C 2 H 2 ), methanol (CH 3 OH), and formic acid (HCOOH). We provide their total columns time-series obtained from the measurements during August–October 2004, May–October 2007, and May 2009–December 2010. We show that biomass burning explains a large part of the observed seasonal and interannual variability of the chemical species. The correlations between the daily mean total columns of each of the species and those of CO, also measured with our FTIR spectrometer at Reunion Island, are very good from August to November ( R g 0.86). This allows us to derive, for that period, the following enhancement ratios with respect to CO: 0.0047, 0.0078, 0.0020, 0.012, and 0.0046 for HCN, C 2 H 6 , C 2 H 2 , CH 3 OH, and HCOOH, respectively. The HCN ground-based data are compared to the chemical transport model GEOS-Chem, while the data for the other species are compared to the IMAGESv2 model. We show that using the HCN/CO ratio derived from our measurements (0.0047) in GEOS-Chem reduces the underestimation of the modeled HCN columns compared with the FTIR measurements. The comparisons between IMAGESv2 and the long-lived species C 2 H 6 and C 2 H 2 indicate that the biomass burning emissions used in the model (from the GFED3 inventory) are probably underestimated in the late September–October period for all years of measurements, and especially in 2004. The comparisons with the short-lived species, CH 3 OH and HCOOH, with lifetimes of around 5 days, suggest that the emission underestimation in late September–October 2004, occurs more specifically in the Southeastern Africa-Madagascar region. The very good correlation of CH 3 OH and HCOOH with CO suggests that, despite the dominance of the biogenic source of these compounds on the global scale, biomass burning is their major source at Reunion Island between August and November.
Comparison of iterative desmearing procedures for one-dimensional small-angle scattering data

Two simple iterative desmearing procedures – the Lake algorithm and the Van Cittert method – have been investigated by introducing different convergence criteria using both synthetic and experimental small-angle neutron scattering data. Implementing appropriate convergence criteria resulted in stable and reliable solutions in correcting resolution errors originating from instrumental smearing, i.e. finite collimation and polychromaticity of the incident beam. Deviations at small momentum transfer for concentrated ensembles of spheres encountered in earlier studies are not observed. Amplification of statistical errors can be reduced by applying a noise filter after desmearing. In most cases investigated, the modified Lake algorithm yields better results with a significantly smaller number of iterations and is, therefore, suitable for automated desmearing of large numbers of data sets.
Development of a Prototype Nutrient Sensing System for Livestock Slurries

The scientific literature has shown good relationships between the nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) status and the physical/chemical properties of both cattle and pig slurries. In particular, the ammoniacal nitrogen and the potassium contents of the slurries correlated with their electrical conductivities. The best indication of the available phosphorus was given by total solids and specific gravity. Based on these findings, a prototype sensing system to measure the physical and chemical properties was designed, built and tested on 41 slurries. The system was able to detect the effect of dilution on any given slurry; and to estimate ammoniacal nitrogen in all slurries and phosphorus in cattle slurries. It established the feasibility of the approach and provided a basis for the development of subsequent versions for installation on slurry tankers.
Effects of Soil Fertility Management on Growth, Yield, and Water-Use Efficiency of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Selected Soil Properties

Maize was grown for two cropping years to investigate the supplementary effect of inorganic fertilizer with cow dung on growth, yield, water-use efficiency, and soil properties. Five treatments were imposed: unfertilized control and four different fertilization packages comprising two different levels of inorganic fertilization with cow dung as supplements, sole inorganic fertilizer, and sole cow dung. Results analyzed after the two cropping years showed significant differences in growth and yield. A reduction in yield was observed for the unfertilized plots, whereas yields in the plots of supplemented inorganic fertilizer with cow dung increased and were significantly at par with the sole inorganic fertilizer plot. Water-use efficiency was improved for the fertilized plots. Significant improvement was observed in the water-stable aggregates with plots that received cow dung as organic manure either in part with inorganic fertilizer or as sole cow dung.
Kinetic Study of Barite Carbothermic Reduction in Presence of Sodium Carbonate as Catalyst

The catalytic reduction of barite in the presence of sodium carbonate has been investigated to evaluate the effect of catalyst amount on reaction mechanism. Different amounts of sodium carbonate ranging from 2.5-10.0 wt. % were doped on coke and the test samples containing stoichiometric mixes of barite and coke powders were isothermally heated in air atmosphere. The catalytic effect of sodium carbonate was studied by isothermal experiments performed at different temperatures and reduction times. The conversion–time data were analyzed by using a modified kinetic model and the influence of catalyst content on kinetic parameters was evaluated. The results show that the addition of 7.5 wt. % sodium carbonate significantly decreases activation energy. Finally, the article concludes that catalyst amount has a negligible role on gasification of coke if the reduction process is carried out at high temperature close to 1100°C. The obtained results can be useful in industrial practice.
The crystal structure of polypivalolactone

A detailed investigation on the crystal structure of polypivalolactone (PPL) has been performed by X-ray diffraction technique. The dimensions of the monoclinic unit cell are : a = 9.05, b = 11.58, c = 6.03 A; (fibre axis), β = 121.5°. The space group is P21/b. In a previous work CARAZZOLO proposed, on the basis of a rough approach, a (T2G2)2 chain model with a distortion of about 12° from all trans and gauche conformations, in addition to a statistical occurrence of enantiomorphous macromolecules in the crystal. Although the (T2G2)2 conformation type has been confirmed, the model is not isodistorted, the distortion beeing related only to the COO and CH2C(CH3)2 bonds (16 and 19° respectively); in addition it is possible to exclude the statistical variance previously proposed. The details of the conformation are discussed and compared with similar features of the crystal structure of poly(ethylene adipate). A stabilization of this conformation by a preferred intramolecular arrangement of the main dipoles CO is suggested. Mit Hilfe der Rontgenbeugung wurde die Kristallstruktur von Polypivalolacton ermittelt. Die Gitterkonstanten der monoklinen Elementarzelle sind : a = 9,05, b = 11,58, c = 6,03 A; (Faserachse), β = 121,5°. Die Raumgruppe ist P21/b. CARAZZOLO hat in einer fruheren Arbeit neben einem statistischen Auftreten von enantiomorphen Makromolekulen auf Grund einer groben Naherung ein (T2G2)2-Kettenmodell vorgeschlagen, wobei eine Abweichung von ungefahr 12° im Vergleich zu der trans- und der gauche-Kettenformation vorliegt. Obwohl die (T2G2)2- Kettenkonformation bestatigt worden ist, besitzt das Modell keine Abweichung, mit Ausnahme der COO, CH2C(CH3)2- Bindungen, die eine Verdrehung von 16° bzw. 19° aufweisen. Das statistische Auftreten enantiomorpher Makromolekule kann ausgeschlossen werden. Die Einzelheiten der Struktur werden diskutiert und mit der alnlichen Konformation der Kristallstruktur des Polyathylenadipats verglichen. Die Stabilisierungsmoglichkeit der (T2G2)2-Konformation durch eine intramolekulare vorzungsrichtung der CO-Dipole wird vorgeschlagen.
CHARACTERIZATION OF COMPOST GRADES ORIGINATED BY DRY FRACTIONATION FOR VARIOUS PARTICLE SIZE OF COMPOST PRODUCED BY SOME AGRICULTURE RESIDUES

: Composts are varied in their properties because of the variation in the raw materials and composting management. The current study aims to apply the dry fractionation for three end-product composts of rice straw, bagasse and cotton stalks. In addition to the un-fractioned compost (G0), the fractionation distributed particles into 6 grades in particle size, namely, G1 > 2.8, G2= 2 –2.8, G3= 1.7-2, G4= 1-1.7, G5= 0.6-1, G6= 0.43-0.60 and G7 < 0.43 mm. The compost grades were characterized for agrochemicals and biological properties depending on various particle size. Composted rice straw (SC) displayed the smallest particle size (0.69 mm) with the most homogeneity (2.19 mm) followed by compost of bagasse (BC) and cotton stalk (CC) with particle size 1.15 and 1.26 mm and homogeneity 2.64 and 2.68 mm, respectively. Except bulk densities or pH, the general overall trend indicated significant decreases in electrical conductivity, organic matter, C/N ratio, nitrogen and microbial activity as particle size decrease. The fractions of finest particle size recorded an improvement in the germination present and embryo radicals of cress seeds as compared coarser fractions. From the research that has been conducted, it is possible to conclude that dry fractionation is an appropriate simple technique can be implemented to reform custom-made composts improve and/or overcome less maturity, salinity, orientation, agrochemicals variation and/or financial issues encountered with stakeholders in the field of waste recycling.
A methodological approach to investigate the pH effect on biosorption process: experimental and modeling procedures

A methodological approach to study and model equilibrium of heavy metals in biosorption processes has been proposed and discussed. Four cases of copper biosorption are here reported and discussed as examples of application: biosorption of copper onto Sphaerotilus natans, Rhizopus oligosporus, calcium alginate and olive mill residues (OMR) have been here described and discussed. Several empirical and semi-empirical models have been proposed and summarised, to consider the pH effect on the heavy metal up-take. The proposed models, originated from Langmuir isotherm, may be useful to fit experimental data avoiding pH control during biosorption tests and simply monitoring its equilibrium value. The adsorption isotherms were built considering experimental procedures at constant pH (in standard manner) and in pH edge conditions. Both empirical and semi-empirical models were able to fit these experimental results. The pH-edge experimental procedure coupled with the proposed pH-related models is proposed as useful tools to investigate and model biosorption processes with single heavy metals in solution.
Understanding the effects of various edible coatings on the storability of fresh cherry

n this work, cherries, which have a very short shelf life, were packaged after being coated with various edible coatings [whey protein isolate (WPI), chitosan and shellac]. The changes in gas composition, weight loss, Brix, pH, electrical conductivity and firmness were measured periodically up to 11 days after harvest to compare the effects of the applied coatings. Fourier transform near‐infrared (FT‐NIR) spectroscopymeasurements were also taken individually. After storage, the gas composition within trays was about 1–10% O2 and 14–47% CO2. The lowest weight loss (25.56%) was observed in the shellac‐coated cherries, while the highest loss (48.58%) occurred in the control group. Coated cherries exhibited a significantly lower pH and electrical conductivity than the uncoated ones. The control group presented the highest total soluble solid (TSS) values (21.29) and shellac coating had (17.25) the lowest. At the end of storage, the highest ascorbic acid (AA) content was 0.64 mg/100 ml in the shellac‐coated cherries, and the lowest AA content of 0.40 mg/100 ml was measured in the control group. Firmness was maintained by coating, especially with shellac (3.734 N), whereas the control had the lowest firmness measured (2.138 N) at the end of storage. There were differences between the absorbance spectra for the coated and control cherries at the end of storage. This research concludes that shellac coating is more effective in reducing the respiration rate and maintaining the quality parameters of cherries than chitosan and WPI coatings. Major benefits of coatings were observed in lessening the weight‐loss process and in maintaining firmness, which were also supported by the FT‐NIR measurements. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible Association of the Equilibrium Unfolding Intermediate of λ Cro Repressor

An extended differentiated scanning calorimetry study of the wild-type Cro repressor and of its V55C mutant has revealed a significant concentration dependence of the melting profiles, even though the two polypeptide chains forming the active repressor molecule are covalently bound within the mutant. An analysis of the temperature dependencies of the partial molar heat capacity suggests that in both cases equilibrium unfolding occursviaa highly-populated intermediate state corresponding to polypeptide tetramers. The results of thermodynamic analysis are confirmed by direct glutaraldehyde cross-linking experiments. Judging by heat effects and circular dichroism data, this intermediate state regains about 50% of the ordered structure and melts co-operatively.
GaSb molecular beam epitaxial growth on p-InP(001) and passivation with in situ deposited Al2O3 gate oxide

The integration of high carrier mobility materials into future CMOS generations is presently being studied in order to increase drive current capability and to decrease power consumption in future generation CMOS devices. If III–V materials are the candidates of choice for n-type channel devices, antimonide-based semiconductors present high hole mobility and could be used for p-type channel devices. In this work we first demonstrate the heteroepitaxy of fully relaxed GaSb epilayers on InP(001) substrates. In a second part, the properties of the Al2O3/GaSb interface have been studied by in situ deposition of an Al2O3 high-κ gate dielectric. The interface is abrupt without any substantial interfacial layer, and is characterized by high conduction and valence band offsets. Finally, MOS capacitors show well-behaved C–V with relatively low Dit along the bandgap, these results point out an efficient electrical passivation of the Al2O3/GaSb interface.
Preparation of polyethylene in solution

Polyethylene was prepared in a homogeneous system at 120°C. Several catalytic systems were employed, all using a soluble vanadium compound. The first consisted of an alkylaluminum compound in conjunction with the vanadium compound and a “promoter. ” This promoter, which is believed to act as an oxidizing agent to reactivate dead catalyst sites, was a polyhalo compound with esters of trichloroacetic acid preferred. The promoter was added continuously throughout the polymerization. Polyethylene so produced had a narrow Mw/Mn ratio close to the theoretical ratio of 2.0 for a single catalyst site. Up to 266 polymer chains were produced per vanadium atom. In the second system, the cocatalyst was an AlBr3(AlCl3)–(C6H5)4Sn[(C6H5)3Bi] combination. The continuous addition of a promoter such as methyl trichloroacetate was necessary, presumably to reactivate dead catalytic sites. By this procedure, yields up to 6.6 kg of polymer per millimole of vanadium and 30–60 chains per vanadium atom were achieved. The product had a narrow Mw/Mn ratio of 2.4 by gel-permeation chromatography (GPC). A study of the interactions of the catalyst compounds indicated that CCl3COOR does oxidize di- and trivalent vanadium.
Breakdown simulation of electronegative gases in non-uniform field

Gas breakdown in electronegative gases and short non-uniform field gap is studied with a set of equations taking into account the spatio-temporal changes of the conductivity along the discharge axis and the variation of the neutral species density due to hydrodynamic processes. This simulation from a precise configuration to a general conclusion shows how the spark formation is controlled by electron energy dissipation, and in particularly the fraction of this energy which dissipates as thermal energy and by the attachment process via the field redistribution.
Evaluation of Potent Odorants in Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) and Muskmelons (Cucumis melo) by Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis

The volatile components of cucumbers and muskmelons were analyzed by a technique which reveals the odorants having the highest odor units (ratio of the concentration to the odor threshold). (E/Z)-2,6-Nonadienal, followed by (Z)-2-nonenal and (E)-2-nonenal were the most significant odorants of cucumbers. The flavor of muskmelons was more complex. Methyl 2-methylbutanoate, (Z)-3-hexenal, (E)-2-hexenal, and ethyl 2-methylpropanoate were identified as the primary odorants.
Application of Superabsorbent Polymers for Improving the Ecological Chemistry of Degraded or Polluted Lands

About 3.5 billion ha of land, which amounts to almost 30% of the total solid land of the world, has been degraded by human activities. The ecological restoration of these lands is a major challenge for mankind since they are the only option left for increasing the amount of arable land and producing food for the ever growing worldwide population. One common feature of these degraded lands is the fact that their organic soil matter is degraded also. Rainfall therefore, changes from a blessing to a menace since it is not kept in the soil and therefore causes erosion. A solution for the restoration of these lands could be the application of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) to these soils. These substances are like ‘artificial humus’ as they are hydrophilic and contain carboxylic groups. This enables them to bind cations and water. They have the following advantages for the restoration of degraded lands. They increase the plant available water in the soil which enables the plants to survive longer under water stress. SAP amendment to soils reduces the evapotranspiration rate of the plants. They induce a significantly higher growth rate in plants growing on SAP amended soil. They bind heavy metals and mitigate their action on plants. They mitigate the effects of salinity. The benefits of SAP amendment to soils substantially outweigh their costs.
The role of electronic interaction in the use of Ag and Mn3O4 hybrid nanocrystals covalently coupled with carbon as advanced oxygen reduction electrocatalysts

Achieving synergy between inexpensive metals and metal oxides is a key challenge for the development of highly active, economical composites as next-generation catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). We have synthesized highly dispersed Ag and Mn3O4 nanocrystals covalently coupled with carbon black via a simple thermal decomposition of AgNO3 and Mn(NO3)2 precursors at elevated temperatures. The resulting Ag and Mn3O4 nanocrystals are located separately on the carbon, but in close proximity to each other. Electrocatalysis experiments in an alkaline solution reveal a remarkably improved electrocatalytic activity and prolonged long-term durability for the Ag–Mn3O4/C composite relative to the Ag/C (90 wt%). Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) demonstrate that the unique electronic structures of the composite could be tuned by the substantial electron transfer between the two nanoparticles through the common carbon support, which highly correlates with the enhanced ORR performance. The exact origin of the improved ORR activity may be associated with the favorable formation of monolayer Ag2O film and promoted active oxygen adsorption on the Ag surfaces as a result of the particle-to-particle ligand and ensemble effects between Ag and Mn3O4 phases in this composite.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACT IVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LEAVES SWEET BASIL ( Ocimum basilicum ) AGAINST DIARRHEA CAUSED BY Escherichia coliINVITRO

The effects of ethanolic extract of leaves sweet basil ( Ocimum basilicum) upon enterobaceriacea Eschericia coli in vitro were studied. At a ratio of 100 mg/ml, Ocimum basilicum caused a marked increase in zone of inhibition (mm) of the Eschericia coli growth. The sizes of inhibition zones were different and substantially increased according to concentration of extract and again the growth was completely inhibited in the highest concentration. A similar outcome was observed using 24 hours incubation period of bacterial growth. Furthermore, Ocimum basilicumhad dependent concentration effect on Eschericia coli inhibition; it extended the diameter of zone inhibition. Induction of zo ne inhibition was also time dependent. Surprisingly, the results of MIC showed that Ocimum basilicumextract had lower MIC (0.312 mg/ml) against E. coli which reversal the growth of bacteria mediated by sensitivity to this extract. Unlike outcome was observed using metronidazole, the results demonstrated that E. coli was more sensitive to ethanolic extract of Ocimum than metronidazole, which was resistance to metronidazole. These data demonstrate for the first time the role of Ocimum basilicumextract on diarrhea caused by Eschericia coli.
Effect of sulphiting and drying methods on physico-chemical and sensorial quality of dried apricots during ambient storage

Fresh mature and ripe apricots after preparations were pre-treated with potassium meta-bisulphite (KMS) at concentrations of 2-8% for 30, 45 and 60 min followed by drying in solar tunnel dryer and in open air. After completion of drying, the samples were packed in polyethylene pouches and evaluated for various quality parameters at 0, 6 and 12 months of ambient storage. KMS pre-treatment at concentration of 6% for 60 min prior to drying helped significantly in improving and maintaining the quality of dried apricots for up to 12 months of ambient storage. Solar tunnel drying resulted in hygienic product and reduced the drying time to 3-4 days compared with 14-16 days in open air drying. Residual free sulphur dioxide of apricots pre-treated at KMS concentration of 6% for 60 min was within the prescribed limits of the Fruit Product Order (1955) specifications for dried products.
Expansion of the plasma stability range in radio-frequency atmospheric-pressure glow discharges

Reliable applications of atmospheric-pressure glow discharges (APGDs) depend critically on their plasma stability. A common technique of ensuring APGD stability is to keep their operation well within their stability range by decreasing their discharge current. However, this reduces the achievable densities of the reactive plasma species and, thereby, compromises the application efficiency. In this letter, the use of high excitation frequencies in radio-frequency APGD is shown to substantially expand their stability range. It is also demonstrated that high-frequency operation introduces an added benefit of higher electron energy and greater electron density, thus enabling more abundant reactive plasma species and improved application efficiency.