Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the pressure dependency of phase equilibria in colloidal model systems

In this thesis the experimental studies of pressure jumps effect on several systems, representing a cross-section of soft matter materials. The phase behaviour of colloidal dispersions and polymeric micellar solutions using temperature and pressure as variables are presented in the first part. The second part addresses the correlation between temperature dependency of polymer viscosity and the diffusion time of a nanoscopic probe dissolved in this polymer. As the first subject-matter, the interplay between percolation and phase separation effect appearing in an adhesive hard sphere (AHS) system, represented by octadecyl coated silica particles dissolved in toluene, is discussed. The transitions to the percolated and the biphasic states are obtained and they are in agreement with theoretical predictions. For concentrations higher than around 12-14vol%, the increase of the forward scattering intensity is found to be governed by the proximity of the spinodal line. But it is the percolation effect that controls the time scale at which the forward scattering intensity increases. For lower concentrations two approaches to determine spinodal line were proposed. Depending on the way of spinodal determination the system is expected to undergo phase separation either through nucleation or spinodal decomposition process. In the first scenario the sample starts to reveal the non-ergodic behaviour while forming nuclei (the denser phase), and the spinodal lies below the percolation line in the phase diagram. In the latter scenario the spinodal is expected to lie between binodal and percolation lines, and while system is decomposing, the sample volume spanning network is formed, which gives rise to non-ergodic behaviour attributed to the percolated state. This is the first study of competition between percolation and phase separation addressed with time-resolved measurement. In the next chapter the temperature- and pressure-dependent behaviour of the water and water-DMF solutions of polymeric micelles composed of poly(ethylene-copropylene- b-(ethylene oxide)) (PEP-PEO) block copolymer is described. It is found that the micellar radius of gyration for the water solution decreases while approaching the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), which is obtained by increasing temperature and pressure. However, in water-DMF dispersion there is no change in micellar radius 4 until the phase separation sets in. In the first case applying pressure has similar effect as increasing temperature (although there is no simple linear dP/dT relation), and in the latter case it acts as lowering of temperature. In the last part the temperature dependence of diffusion of rubrene in the poly(ethylene-co-propylene) (PEP) polymer melt is investigated by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Its correlation with temperature dependence of polymer viscosity is found. This is a proof that the changes in rubrene diffusion while varying temperature are solely due to temperature variation of PEP viscosity.
Amorphous (Glassy) Carbon, a Promising Material for Sodium Ion Battery Anodes: a Combined First-Principles and Experimental Study

We present a comparative, combined ab initio and experimental study of sodium and lithium storage in amorphous (glassy) carbon (a-C) versus graphite. Amorphous structures are obtained by fitting stochastically generated structures to a reference radial distribution function. Li insertion is thermodynamically favored in both graphite and a-C. While sodium insertion is thermodynamically unfavored in graphite, a-C possesses multiple insertion sites with binding energies stronger than Na cohesive energy, making it usable as anode material for Na-ion batteries. Binding energy of Na is predicted to be stronger than the Na cohesive energy for Na concentrations corresponding to a capacity of about 200 mAh/g. These results are confirmed by experimental measurements using highly amorphous carbon, in which a specific capacity of 173 mAh/g for Na is obtained after 100 cycles.
Phosphorus quantification in fertilizers using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS): a methodology of analysis to correct physical matrix effects

The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative method to determine phosphorus in fertilizers of different matrix compositions using the laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. The LIBS spectra were acquired on 26 samples of organic and inorganic fertilizers by using a low cost, portable, gated CCD system in the atmospheric environment. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used as the reference technique. A method was developed to remove the outlier spectra and perform the baseline correction and peak normalization. By applying the proposed corrections, the linear correlation between LIBS and ICP increased from R = 0.76 to R = 0.95. An average error of 15% found in cross-validation of LIBS quantification appeared feasible for P quantification in fertilizers. Two reference samples with different matrix compositions were also analyzed, and the absolute error in the quantification was below 5%. Further, no significant fluctuation was found in P quantification when LIBS was performed over 150 days.
VITEXIN DERIVATIVES AS CHEMICAL MARKERS IN THE DIFFERENTIATION OF THE CLOSELY RELATED SPECIES PASSIFLORA ALATA CURTIS AND PASSIFLORA QUADRANGULARIS LINN

The species of Passiflora are widely used in folk medicine as mild sedatives and tranquilizers. P. alata and P. quadrangularis are distributed throughout South America, with widespread occurrence in Brazil and Colombia. Due to the difficulty in making a botanical distinction between these species, especially in the absence of flowers and fruits, the use of chemical markers for these plants offer an alternative method of identification. This work describes the isolation and identification of the major flavonoids and saponins from the leaves of P. alata and P. quadrangularis, as well as rapid and efficient HPLC-DAD methods for comparison of these compounds in both species. Vitexin derivatives are proposed as chemical markers in the identification of P. alata and P. quadrangularis and the detection of adulterations in raw material.
Urban vs. Marine Based Oil Pollution in the Strait of Johor, Malaysia: A Century Record

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) constitute a class of organic pollutants in the environment that come from combustion of organic matter and petroleum products and from natural sources. Reconstruction of PAH history from two sedimentary cores of the Strait of Johor in peninsular Malaysia showed predominance of urban over marine-based sources of oil pollution. Laboratory analysis of the cores found oil pollution from city-sourced material since 1910 and 1940 in the near-shore and offshore samples, respectively. Using hopane as molecular biomarker of petroleum pollution, this study found a predominance of Southeast Asian-originated oil and its derivatives. This study concludes that crankcase oil, asphalt, street dust and urban sediments considerably contribute to oil pollution of the study area.
A comparison between the walkley‐black and a dry combustion method for determining organic carbon in a humic brown soil, Papua New Guinea

Abstract Regression equations for the relationship between Walkley‐Black carbon and carbon by dry combustion in a tropical humic brown clay soil were variable in four different vegetation regimes. In one case, statistically different correlation coefficients were obtained for grassland surface and the corresponding subsurface soils. Calibration of the Walkley‐Black method against dry combustion carbon is recommended for each treatment in soil fertility studies as soil organic matter might have a different composition and hence carbon recovery value because of treatment.
Monitoring of urban air pollution from MODIS aerosol data: effect of meteorological parameters

Remote sensors designed specifically for studying the atmosphere have been widely used to derive timely information on air pollution at various scales. Whether the satellite-generated aerosol optical thickness (AOT) data can be used to monitor air pollution, however, is subject to the effect of a number of meteorological parameters. This study analyses the influence of four meteorological parameters (air pressure, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity) on estimating particulate matter (PM) from MODIS AOT data for the city of Nanjing, China during 2004–2006. After the PM data were correlated with the AOT data that had been divided into four chronological seasons, a minimum correlation coefficient of 0.47 was found for the winter season, but a much stronger correlation (r > 0.80) existed in summer and autumn. Similar analyses were carried out after all observations were clustered into four groups based on their meteorological similarity using the K-Means analysis. Grouping caused more observations to be useable in the monitoring of air pollution than season-based analysis. Of the four groups, three had a correlation coefficient higher than 0.60. Grouping-based analysis enables the pollution level to be determined more accurately from MODIS AOT data at a higher temperature and relative humidity, but a lower air pressure and wind velocity. The accuracy of monitoring air pollution is inversely related to the pollution level. Thus, remote sensing monitoring of air pollution has its limits.
The Tax Asymmetry Motive to Hold Corporate Cash

Dividends and share repurchases are taxed, but raising funds does not offer a symmetric tax advantage. Hence, it is preferable for the firm to retain cash if the funds may be needed later. The paper formalizes this cash accumulation motive in a corporate finance model that trades off the advantages of saved personal taxes against agency and corporate tax costs of keeping cash inside the firm. Calibration of the model reveals an optimal average cash level of 24% of net asset value, about half of which is explained by the tax asymmetry motive. We present empirical evidence for the tax asymmetry motive by verifying a positive relation between the effective dividend tax rate and corporate cash holdings. We also show theoretically and empirically that this motive is more important for firms with high volatility, low agency cost, and low corporate tax rates. ∗We are grateful to Christian Riis Flor and Remy Praz for helpful comments and suggestions. The paper has also benefited from comments of participants of the Finance Workshop at SDU Odense and seminar participants at Copenhagen Business School. All authors acknowledge support from the FRIC Center for Financial Frictions (grant no. DNRF102) and Ramona Westermann gratefully acknowledges financial support from the Danish Council for Independent Research (grant no. DFF–6109–00157B). †Copenhagen Business School, Solbjerg Plads 3, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark. Email: jdn.fi@cbs.dk ‡Copenhagen Business School, Solbjerg Plads 3, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark. Email: krm.fi@cbs.dk §Copenhagen Business School, Solbjerg Plads 3, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark. Email: rw.fi@cbs.dk
Complete equation of state for [beta]-HMX and implications for initiation

A thermodynamically consistent equation of state for {beta}-HMX, the stable ambient polymorph of HMX, is developed that fits isothermal compression data and the temperature dependence of the specific heat computed from molecular dynamics. The equation of state is used to assess hot-spot conditions that would result from hydrodynamic pore collapse in a shock-to-detonation transition. The hot-spot temperature is determined as a function of shock strength by solving two Riemann problems in sequence: first for the velocity and density of the jet formed when the shock overtakes the pore, and second for the stagnation state when the jet impacts the far side of the pore. For a shock pressure below 5 GPa, the stagnation temperature from the jet is below the melt temperature at ambient pressure and hence insufficient for rapid reaction. Consequently for weak shocks a dissipation mechanism in addition to shock heating is needed to generate hot spots. When the stagnation temperature is sufficiently high for rapid reaction, the shock emanating from the hot spot is computed, assuming aconstant volume burn. For initial shocks below 20 GPa, the temperature behind the second shock is below 1000K and would not propagate a detonation wave. This analysis, based solely on the equation of state of the explosive, can serve as a check on mesoscale simulations of initiation in a plastic-bonded explosive.
Structural Change in China during 1978-2005: A Revi ew

This paper studies the industrialization of China a d documents some stylized facts for the structural transformation of the Chinese economy du ring 1978-2005. We present a set of sectoral accounts for China and lay out a sectoral growth accounting exercise, linking sectoral total factor productivity (TFP) growth rat es to the institutional reforms throughout the period. We find that high TFP growth rates in a griculture and industry are the primary factors driving growth in these sectors. On the oth er hand, the service sector experienced significant capital deepening (increases in the cap ital-labor ratio) between 1993 and 2005. At the aggregate level, we find that growth in TFP factor has been the most important component of growth in output per working-age perso n in the post-1978 era in China.
Rule of thumb modelling of biofilm reactors.

Biofilm reactors are very complex systems, the modelling of which requires sophisticated kinetic relationships concerning the highest number of species in reaction and computer simulation. In fact, the process engineer needs a rule of thumb method able to predict the output variables after modification of the operational variables. Such a “simplissime” model is derived by considering a plate reactor coated with a biofilm through which the substrates are diffusion transported and eliminated with a zero order intrinsic reaction. When the liquid-biofilm resistance is neglected, conversion depends on one parameter only, the meaning of which can be displayed. Moreover, in many cases, the flow pattern influence can be neglected. This “simplissime” model was shown accurate enough in fitting various experimental data and it can even be used as a design tool.
Auditors’ Brand-Name Reputation, Audit Office Size and the Impact of Client Importance on Audit Quality at the Office Level: Evidence from China

This study examines whether an audit office’s high degree of economic dependence on a client impairs audit quality in China, a developing country characterized by weak investor protection and a low risk of litigation for auditors. Using performancematched discretional accruals as a proxy for audit quality, we find evidence that client importance at the audit-office level has a negative impact on audit quality, especially for those vital few clients of an audit office. However, such a conclusion holds only for small offices of non-Big4 accounting firms. Our results indicate that auditors’ brand-name reputation and the size of an audit office play essential roles in mitigating the negative impact of client importance on audit quality at the office level. Our findings suggest that investors and regulators should pay more attention to the audit quality of small audit offices of non-Big4 auditors when they provide audit services to their vital few clients.
Effect of co-cropping Sedum alfredii with different plants on metal uptake.

Plants with different root system such as maize, ryegrass and soybean were respectively co-cropped with Sedum alfredii, a Cd and Zn hyperaccumulator, in a pot experiment with heavy metal contaminated soil, aiming to investigate the effect of different combined system on metal uptake by the two co-cropped plants. Under the conditions of the pot experiment, co-crop with maize and soybean increased Zn uptake by S. alfredii from 15345mg/kg for mono-crop to 18673, 17266mg/kg, respectively for the two co-crops. Co-crop with ryegrass had no significant effect on Cd, Pb and Zn uptake by S. alfredii. Co-crop with S. alfredii significantly decreased Cd and Zn uptake by maize and ryegrass. Considering with biomass production, Cd/Pb/Zn total uptake (per half pot) by the hyperaccumulator co-cropped with maize and soybean was 1.68～1.87 times of that mono-crop. The metal uptake by the hyperaccumulator can be improved by co-cropping.
A new mixed divalent metal phosphate with zeolite thomsonite framework topology

The synthesis and crystal structure of [Zn(10 − x)Cox(PO4)8(HPO4)2](C3N2H12)4(H2O)3 (x ≈ 3.45) (ZCP-THO), which is the first mixed cobalt and zinc phosphate with zeolite THO topology, are described. ZCP-THO is characterized by means of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. The structure has a 3-D 8-ring channel system with protonated 1,3-propanediamine cations and water molecules occupying the channel junctions. The structure collapsed after the removal of the organic template by heating.
Efficiency of Seven Different Cultivated Plant Species for Phytoextraction of Toxic Metals from Tannery Effluent Contaminated Soil Using EDTA

Phytoextraction of two toxic metals, namely sodium and chromium, was studied using seven cultivated plants—Brassica campestris L. (mustard), Brassica juncea (L.) Czan. (Indian mustard), Triticum aestivum L. (wheat), Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. (millet), Trifolium alexandrianum L. (Egyptian clover), Helianthus annuus L. (sunflower), and Spinacea oleracea L. (spinach)—in greenhouse trials. Soil used was untreated (control), or contaminated with tannery effluents with and without application of EDTA. Maximum dry weights of plants were observed in control soil, followed by contaminated soil without EDTA while in EDTA treated soil, biomass of plants showed a reduction with increasing amount of EDTA in soil. The greatest dry weights were observed in Sorghum bicolor followed by Helianthus annuus and Spinacea oleracea. In almost all plants, sodium uptake in both shoots and roots was reduced with EDTA application. The highest amounts of metals were observed in Spinacea oleracea followed by Brassica spp. Only the seeds of Spinacea oleracea accumulated significant amounts of sodium. Chromium bioaccumulation was greater in all plants and the coefficients of extraction were higher than sodium. The application of EDTA significantly enhanced chromium uptake in all plants, but increasing the amount of EDTA did not show a significant effect. Like sodium, maximum uptake was observed in Spinacea oleracea followed by Brassica spp. A greater bioaccumulation of chromium was observed in seeds of Spinacea oleracea followed by Trifolium alexandrianum and Brassica spp. The uptake and bioconcentration of chromium was significantly enhanced under the influence of EDTA treatment and a good root to shoot translocation was also observed. It is suggested that lower doses of EDTA are suitable for phytoextraction of chromium in high biomass producing plants like Spinacea oleracea and Brassica spp. Later on, the proper disposal of these plants along with seeds is required.
Modern Methods for Lipid Analysis by Liquid Chromatography: Mass Spectrometry and Related Techniques

Research into novel techniques for LC/MS continues to be a lively field, most notably regarding electrospray ionization and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization for analysis of lipids. This growing interest precipitated publication of this volume. A valuable reference and resource, Modern Methods is essential for those interested in moving into the field of lipid analysis using modern instrumentation. It describes previous work that helped establish the foundation of the discipline and demonstrates new data that is quickly defining a new level of "state-of-the-art." Described herein are the methods that will be applied to lipids into the next decade and hopefully beyond.
Influence of Demographic Factors on Satisfactory Use of Electronic Libraries in Northern Nigeria Universities

Purpose: The advent of ICT has come to change the role of libraries in terms of provision of information resources and services. This study examines the influence of users’ demographic characteristics on satisfaction with the use of elibraries in Northern Nigeria universities. Design/methodology/approach: The survey research design was adopted. Eight universities were purposively selected. The study population was 7,028 users, of which 1,406 were randomly sampled. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Four hypotheses were tested using independent t-test and Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient. Key finding(s): The study found no significant gender difference in satisfaction with e-libraries; status difference in the satisfaction with e-library; as well as a negative correlation between age and user-satisfaction, and negative correlation between the users’ level of study and satisfaction with e-library. Research limitation(s): This study is limited to purposively selected eight Nigerian universities with student sample only. Practical implication(s): Though gender, age and status explained user satisfaction with e-libraries, the level of study which was statistically significant appeared to be more significantly related to user satisfaction with e-libraries when all variables were in the model. There is a need for separate orientation programs using females who are specialist in computer and information literacy
Determination of pyrazine and flavor variations in peanut genotypes during roasting

During peanut roasting, pyrazine compounds correlate highly with roasted flavor and aroma. Although roast color measurement is used to predict roasted flavor in peanuts, there are known variations between roast color and flavor development among genotypes. A method for measuring pyrazines using headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was developed and 4 peanut genotypes were roasted and analyzed under a variety of time-temperature combinations. Peanut genotypes differed in roasted flavor and aroma, regardless of roast color. Florida MDR 98 formed the highest levels of pyrazines under the same roasting conditions, followed by Florunner, Georgia Greene, and SunOleic 97R, respectively. Of all pyrazines tested, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine was most highly correlated to roasted peanut flavor and aroma.