Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON THE DECOMPOSITION OF PLANT MATERIAL IN SOIL

Summary Soil samples taken during an experiment on the decomposition of 14C-labelled ryegrass in soil under field conditions (see Part I) were air-dried, irradiated, exposed to CHCl3 or CH3Br vapours, oven-dried or autoclaved. After these treatments the soils were inoculated, incubated, and the output of CO2 measured. All these methods of partially (or, in some cases, completely) sterilizing soil rendered a small heavily labelled fraction of the soil organic matter decomposable. This fraction is postulated to be the soil biomass. Treatments involving heat or irradiation rendered small additional amounts of the soil organic matter decomposable (by processes other than the killing of organisms). Incubating unsterilized soil with partially sterilized soil did not decrease evolution of CO2. This suggests that partial sterilization does not increase mineralization by destroying toxic substances that inhibit microbial growth, or by disturbing a host: predator balance in the unsterilized soil. The longer the labelled ryegrass was allowed to decompose in the field, the less labelled-CO2 was evolved after partial sterilization. In contrast, the same amount of unlabelled-CO2 was evolved from a soil that had been incubated 1 or 4 years with ryegrass. The labelled part of the biomass is considered to be largely zymogenic (with a half life of approximately 1.5 years), the unlabelled part largely autochthonous, remaining almost constant over the 3-year period. It is suggested that the size of the soil biomass can be roughly estimated from the size of the flush of CO2 after CHCl3 vapour treatment. Calculated on this basis, 2.3–3.5 Per cent the unlabelled-C in these soils (i.e. the C present in the soil before the labelled ryegrass was added) was in the biomass. Of the original ryegrass C added, 10–12 per cent was in the biomass after 1 year, decreasing to 4 per cent after 4 years.
On the nature and temperature dependence of the fundamental band gap of In2O3

The onset of optical absorption in In2O3 at about 2.7 eV is investigated by transmission spectroscopy of single crystals grown from the melt. This absorption is not defect related but is due to the fundamental band gap of In2O3. The corresponding spectral dependence of the absorption coefficient is determined up to α = 2500 cm−1 at a photon energy hν = 3.05 eV at room temperature without indication of saturation. A detailed analysis of the hν dependence of α including low‐temperature absorption data shows that the absorption process can be well approximated by indirect allowed transitions. It is suggested that the fundamental band gap of In2O3 is of indirect nature. The temperature dependence of the fundamental band gap is measured over a wide range from 9 to 1273 K and can be well fitted by a single‐oscillator model. Compared to other semiconductors the reduction of the gap with increasing temperature is exceptionally strong in In2O3.
Composition and Sensory Qualities of Wines Prepared from White Grapes by Fermentation with and without Grape Solids

Wines were prepared from seven harvests representing six white grape varieties. The must of each harvest was divided into 3 or 5 equivalent lots. Lots were fermented dry at 16 C from juice clarified by settling, from turbid juice with double the normal amount of suspended solids, and from the entire destemmed, crushed grape mass inoculated with yeast and maintained in contact with the pomace for 24, 48, or 120 hours. The expert panel of tasters judged wines prepared from clarified juice to be much higher in quality and desirable aroma than any of the other wines. Chemical analyses were essentially identical for the wines prepared from clarified juice or turbid juice, but the wines from turbid juice were much lower in quality and considered harsher (higher ratings for astringency and bitterness). The major quality difference between wines from these two treatments was due to the fresh, clean, delicate, fruity, characteristic odor called fermentation bouquet in wines from the clarified samples and its decrease or absence, plus off odors (particularly hydrogen sulfide) in wines from the turbid samples. The wines with increasing pomace contact exhibited increasing total phenol content coupled with increasing astringency rating. Pomace contact sufficient to give additional total phenol (as gallic acid) of about 100 mg/L from grape solids of seeded white grapes gave just recognizably increased astringency in white table wines. The wines with up to 5 days of pomace contact during fermentation at low temperature did not resemble red wines in flavor or odor, but remained similar to normal dry white wines, although with generally lower quality. Bitterness ratings did not parallel astringency or phenol content, and there appeared to be higher bitterness in intermediate levels of pomace contact and phenol content.
Examination of Turkey?s and European Union Member States? Health Indicators with Multidimensionel Scaling -

Objective: It is aimed to examine the position of European Union member states and candidate countries and display possible similarities or dissimilarities between them, from the point of their health indicators. Material and Methods: From the World Health Report for the period 1998–2004, the Core Health Indicators have been obtained for 25 countries and multidimensional scaling analysis have been performed by using related variables. Results: Stress value was found 0,02 for 2 dimensional configuration. As a result of multidimensional scaling analysis it has been seen that, countries have been formed in three groups in two dimensional space, according to related variables. Conclusion: Turkey showed clear difference from the other countries except Slovakia, Hungary and Czech Republic, in the first dimension especially with regard to main health indicators and in the second dimension especially with regard to health accounts. Key Words: Multidimensional scaling, Health indicators, Euclidian space
A Conversational Analysis of Expressing Love Topics in Some Mobile Phone Calls Among Mosuli Speakers

This study aims at analyzing some mobile telephone conversations among Mosuli dated couples. It tries to show the linguistic interactional strategies used in expressing love topics, i.e. how couples start, maintain and terminate their calls, the features that signal the conversation as love talk, and the sex differences involved in such type of conversation. The study hypothesizes that couples' telephone conversation involves using the methods of normal telephone conversation management with some modification. In addition, a standard formula is adopted in starting and ending the conversation. Besides, the topics raised by lovers are of a special kind. Finally, males have the highest proportion than females in revealing love topics, using direct elicitation and directive. The study has come up with certain findings that confirm the hypotheses raised. However, almost in contrast to the last raised hypothesis, it has been found that females appear to have the highest proportion in revealing topics, raising direct questions, and adopting directive exchanges. key words: conversational analysis/ expressing love topics/ mobile phone calls/ dated couples Received: 20/2/2013 ; Accepted: 30/5/2013
Predicting a new photocatalyst and its electronic properties by density functional theory

A new material CuBiW2O8 is reported here which is suitable for photocatalysts for solar-to-hydrogen generation by splitting water through photoelectrochemical approach. By density functional theory total energy calculations along with extensive mineral database search of relevant oxides, the crystal structures of CuBiW2O8 has been determined, which agrees well with the experimental result. We have analyzed the thermodynamical stability of this material. Its stability was found to be comparable to other well-known oxides, such as CuWO4. The band structure calculation reveals that it has a suitable band gap. In addition to this, density of states and optical absorption calculations show favorable features of a photocatalyst.
Charge density waves modulation in different chains of NbSe3

Using low temperature (LT) scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) under ultra-high vacuum (UHV), we studied charge density waves (CDW) modulations in different chains of NbSe 3 at 5 K and 78 K. Both the underlying molecular lattice and two (one) CDW superlattice (s) were observed simultaneously at 5 K (78 K) with atomic resolution. Three types of chains were present in topographical constant current images showing different bias voltage dependence. Different from the early STM observation, at 5 K, the modulation of LT-CDW in chain I is found to be 2-3 times more important than that in chain II.
Modeling and Control of a Microthermal Cycler for DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction

We have developed a microthermal cycler composed of a microreactor integrated with a platinum sensor/heater and automation equipment/software such as a data acquisition system, a control program, and a graphical user interface. From the control point of view, we have analyzed the dynamic characteristics of the fabricated microreactor and found some interesting dynamic features. On the basis of the analysis, we suggest an appropriate model structure and estimate the model parameters using the prediction error identification method. Requirements for high-performance operation are discussed, and a nonlinear control strategy is proposed to linearize the nonlinear dynamics of the microthermal cycler. We determine the parameters of the nonlinear controller using the optimal tuning method. The developed microthermal cycler shows excellent control performances and performs a successful DNA polymerase chain reaction.
Histopathogical study of dermatological lesions in HIV reactive patients

Background: Skin lesions are commonly encountered in HIV patients (>90%). Several skin diseases have proved to be sensitive and useful indicators of progression of HIV infection. Although these conditions may be seen in general healthy population, their occurrence in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is often atypical, more severe and explosive. Objective: The present study was carried out to categorize the prevalence of different skin lesions in HIV positive patients, their clinical and histopathological analysis and role of skin biopsy in their diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A total 60 known HIV positive patients with the symptomatic skin lesions were included and their histopathological and clinical correlation and biopsy were analyzed. Results: Maximum patients were between 31 and 40 years (41.6 %). Papular lesions and dermatitis are the most common lesions seen in patients having CD4 count > 350 and viral and fungal infections are most common lesions seen in patients having CD4 count < 350. Out of 60 cases, 10 (16.6%) show features of papular lesions (including Pruritic Papular eruptions, Psoriasis, Seborrhoic dermatitis, Scaly lesion, Eosinophilic folliculitis, Lichen planus), 8(13.3%) show features of dermatitis (including Atopic Dermatitis, Ashy Dermatitis, Urticaria, hyperpigmented patch, Chronic Non-specific dermatitis), and 8 (13.3%) show features of bacterial infections (including Chanchroid, Hansen, TBVC, Folliculitis, pustular lesion, lupus vulgaris, syphilis, pyoderma gangrenosum). Histopathological examination showed high sensitivity of 88.8% and specificity of 96.0% in diagnosis of papular lesions. Conclusions: Morphological pattern of skin lesions in HIV is often nondiagnostic. Histopathological correlation is therefore pivotal in the accurate diagnosis of many HIV induced skin diseases. The histopathological examination of such lesions helps in confirming the diagnosis as they have high sensitivity and specificity values.
Complete coverage of reduced graphene oxide on silicon dioxide substrates

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) has the advantage of an aqueous and industrial-scale production route. No other approaches can rival the RGO field effect transistor platform in terms of cost (<US$1) and portability (millimetre scale). However the large deviations in the electrical resistivity of this fabricated material prevent it from being used widely. After an ethanol chemical vapor deposition (CVD) post-treatment to graphene oxide with ethanol, carbon islets are deposited preferentially at the edges of existing flakes. With a 2-h treatment, the standard deviation in electrical resistance of the treated chips can be reduced by 99.95%. Thus this process could enable RGO to be used in practical electronic devices.
Influence of the industrial drying processes of pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum cv. Bola) for paprika on the carotenoid content

The effects of drying pepper fruits of the Bola variety during paprika elaboration on their initial carotenoid content have been studied by comparing two industrial drying processes, slow drying by wood combustion and fast drying using hot air. The main carotenoids in the fruits were quantified before and after both industrial drying processes. The drying system with wood combustion provokes an increase in the concentration of some pigments, which could be interpreted as reflecting synthesis. During fast drying there was no increase in the concentration of any pigment so that only the degradative losses were measurable. The importance of the drying stage is evident since, depending on the temperature and time employed, either an increase in the concentration of some pigments or a decrease due to degradation will be favored
A novel method to predict the glass transition of 70% glycerol aqueous solution

Vitrification has been used to successfully cryopreserve cells and tissues for over 60 years. Glass transition temperature (T g) of the vitrification is a critical parameter, which has been investigated experimentally. In this study, an isothermal–isobaric molecular simulation (NPT-MD) is proposed to investigate the glass transition and T g of such vitrification solution. The cohesive energy density, solubility parameter (δ) and bulk modulus of the solution during the process of the glass transition are investigated as well. The results indicate that these properties as functions of temperature can give a definite inflexion; thus, these properties can be used to predict T g more accurately than the heat capacity (C p ), density (ρ), volume (V) and radial distribution function (rdf). At the same time, the predicted values of T g agree well with the experimental results. Therefore, molecular dynamics simulation is a potential method for investigating the glass transition and T g of the vitrification solutions.
Survival of Ceriodaphnia dubia (Crustacea, Cladocera) Exposed to Different Screens Against Natural Ultraviolet Radiation

The current increase of penetration of natural ultraviolet radiation (uvr) in southern south America affects water bodies because the uvr can penetrate the water column. in this scenario, the zooplankton develops photoprotective strategies such as vertical migrations against uVR or synthesis of photoprotec - tive substances. The present study was done using a population of Ceriodaphnia dubia. that was collected from small shallow wetland near Temuco, chile. The specimens were exposed for 7 to 9 hours to natural ultraviolet radiation, and with different colored nylon as protection against uvr, the experiment was done during the southern summer of 2006. The results revealed that in the presence of protection against uvr provided by colored nylon, the mortality was low, whereas under exposure to uvr and covering by trans - parent nylon total mortality was observed. The relation between mortality and the dose of uV that can penetrate the different colored nylon is represented by LC 50 in uv (280-400 nm) and uvb (280-320 nm), within intensities of 234.82 and 14.96 kJ/m 2 , respectively.
Thermodynamic study on solar thermochemical fuel production with oxygen permeation membrane reactors

Thermodynamic analysis is performed on a conceptual oxygen permeation membrane reactor driven by concentrated solar energy (heat) for isothermal H2O splitting for the purpose of solar fuel derivation. By way of a plug‐flow reactor model, kinetic and thermodynamic factors responsible for conversion rate, reactor dimension, and solar‐to‐fuel efficiency are analyzed for the case of pump‐assisted and methane‐assisted scenarios. The pump‐assisted case achieves the same solar‐to‐fuel efficiency (2.9% at 1500 °C) as isothermal solar thermochemical cycling, while the methane‐assisted case attains much higher efficiencies at much lower temperatures, whose net solar‐to‐fuel efficiency reaches 63% at around 900 °C. The theoretical framework developed in this study can be applied to the solar thermochemical splitting of other gases such as CO2 and can be further extended to the co‐splitting of H2O and CO2 for syngas production driven by solar energy only (i.e., without the participation of hydrocarbon fuels). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization, and swelling behavior of superabsorbent hydrogel from sodium salt of partially carboxymethylated tamarind kernel powder-g-PAN

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-grafted sodium salt of partially carboxymethylated tamarind kernel powder (Na-PCMTKP-g-PAN, %G = 413.76 and %GE = 96.48) was prepared using the established optimal reaction conditions for ceric-initiated graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile onto Na-PCMTKP (DS = 0.15) in a homogeneous medium. The graft copolymer was hydrolyzed by 0.7N KOH solution at 90–95°C to yield the superabsorbent hydrogel H-Na-PCMTKP-g-PAN. The nitrile groups of Na-PCMTKP-g-PAN were completely converted into a mixture of hydrophilic carboxamide and carboxylate groups during alkaline hydrolysis, followed by in situ crosslinking of the grafted PAN chains. The products were characterized spectroscopically and morphologically. The swelling behavior of the unreported superabsorbent hydrogel, H-Na-PCMTKP-g-PAN, was studied by carrying out its absorbency measurements in low-conductivity water, 0.15M salt (NaCl, CaCl2, and AlCl3) solutions, and simulated urine (SU) at different timings. The swelling behavior of the hydrogel in different swelling media followed the second-order kinetics. The values of the various swelling characteristics were reported. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The use of Raman spectroscopy to characterize the carbon materials found in Amazonian anthrosoils

This manuscript presents the Raman characterization of the stable carbon materials found in a special type of soil, named Terra Preta de Indio (Indian Dark Earths). The Terras Pretas de Indios have been studied as a potential model for sustainable agriculture in the humid tropics. The stability of organic matter and the long-term high-level of ion exchange capacity in these soils are due to unusually high amount of black carbon. Here, we show how Raman spectroscopy can be used to characterize the stable carbon content in the Terras Pretas de Indios (TPI-carbons). The tangential stretching mode (G band) and the disorder-induced mode (D band) are analyzed in comparison to laboratory-produced amorphous carbons at different degree of disorder used here as reference materials. Statistical analysis show predominance of sp2 phase and crystallite sizes within the limit range between nanographite and amorphous carbons, while Raman mapping of a TPI-carbon grain shows that the surface is more disordered than the grain core. The analysis used here can also differentiate the TPI-carbon structures from different types of charcoal. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid precipitation of biochemicals

The production of uniform fine crystalline particles is highly desirable for pharmaceutical products in order to enhance stability and dissolution rates and, thereby, to favour high bioavailability. Precipitation under high-supersaturation conditions favours nucleation over growth processes and will result in smaller particles. Little fundamental information is available on the kinetics of nucleation and growth of organic compounds when precipitated under high-supersaturation conditions by the addition of a non-solvent. In order to accurately measure such rapid kinetics a technique for rapid mixing prior to any nucleation events is required. The authors report the use of a grid mixing device with a mixing time of less than 3 ms to measure the nucleation and growth rates of L-asparagine and lovastatin when precipitated by non-solvents at high supersaturation ratios. Nucleation induction times as small as 60 ms are observed, and the growth of asparagine at high supersaturation is found to be described by the same rate law as previously determined at low supersaturations.
Controlled‐release formulations for hydroxy urea and rifampicin using polyphosphate‐anion‐crosslinked chitosan microspheres

Physically crosslinked microspheres for the controlled delivery of rifampicin and hydroxy urea have been prepared with sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) anion crosslinkers. Chitosan with a constant degree of deacetylation (75 wt %) and a constant molecular weight (1134 kg/mol) has been found to be useful for the controlled release of selected drugs. The microspheres prepared with the SHMP anion crosslinker are more hydrophobic and compact in their shape and size than the microspheres prepared with the STPP anion crosslinker. The SHMP-anion-crosslinked microspheres show optimum loading at pH 3, whereas the STPP-anion-crosslinked microspheres show optimum loading at pH 4. The STPP-anion-crosslinked microspheres are suitable for the controlled release of rifampicin, but the SHMP-anion-crosslinked microspheres are suitable for the controlled release of hydroxy urea. The drug-release characteristics of the physically crosslinked chitosan microspheres are explained with respect to their size and the ionic interactions of the encapsulated drugs with the polymer matrices and anion crosslinkers. The initial burst release of the loaded drugs is Fickian in nature and follows first-order kinetics, but the controlled step of the drug release shows a non-Fickian nature and follows zero-order kinetics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1942–1956, 2007
A Comparative Evaluation of Maturity Parameters for Food Waste Composting

Four parameters, cation exchange capacity, volatile solids, humification index, and Corg/Norg ratio, were evaluated for three kinds of compost products. An appropriate index of compost maturity for three kinds of food waste compost was cation exchange capacity (ash-free basis). Cation exchange capacity based on ash-free organic matter increased up to 75 ~ 85 meq/100g organic matter during the composting period and finally showed an almost constant value. Volatile solids and humification index (HI) decreased rapidly while temperature increased at the beginning of composting period. Volatile solids decreased rapidly during the composting of ten days and then after little changed. There was a difficulty in evaluating food waste compost maturity using volatile solids content. Humification index may be a good candidate of compost maturity, but more research needs to be done before using it as a maturity index. The Corg/Norg ratio in water extracts was between five and six at the end of the composting periods r.