Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zinc Removal from Soil by Washing with Saponin Obtained from Sapindus mukorossi

This study explores the possible application of a biodegradable plant-based surfactant saponin obtained from Sapindus mukorossi or soapnut, for washing zinc from contaminated soil. Batch experiments were conducted by varying pH, surfactant concentration and soil: solution ratio and compared to SDS, a synthetic surfactant. It was observed that soapnut was more efficient than SDS due to its lower pH. Also, the surfactants were more effective at higher concentrations. Soapnut solution removed more than 73% zinc while SDS solution could only wash out up to 31% of the total zinc from the soil under similar experimental conditions. pH played a very important role in zinc removal and at pH 4, both soapnut and SDS removed nearly similar amount of zinc. Analysis of the FT-IR data suggested that saponin did not interact chemically with zinc, offering an option for reusing the surfactant after precipitating the zinc by using NaOH at pH of 10.3. Damage to the soil was found to be negligible. This study concludes that soapnut can be used as a washing agent for removal of Zn from high iron soil with minimal damage to the soil.
Modification and validation of Folin-Ciocalteu assay for faster and safer analysis of total phenolic content in food samples

Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C) is a routine assay in several laboratories around the world and has been widely employed for total phenolic content (TPC) quantification from food samples. F-C assay was modified to obtain a system reaction safer, as well as decrease the use of reagents, energy expenditure and time-consuming. After evaluating alternatives solvents and supports, and the effect of the binomial time/temperature, the modified F-C assay was as follows: 40% ethanol as solvent, 20 minutes at room temperature (25±2°C) using 50% F-C reagent and 5% sodium carbonate solution. The modified F-C assay was linear in 2.5-50.0 µg/mL range to gallic acid. Limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.195 and 0.591 µg/mL, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) 0.06-3.28%) and accuracy (93.28-104.28%) were also demonstrated. The assay was robust for F-C reagent (45-55%) and sodium carbonate (4.5-5.5%) changes. The modified assay was employed to analyse food samples containing phenolic compounds and the results corroborated with conventional assay. The modified F-C assay demonstrated to be reproducible, robust, fast, easy, inexpensive, safe and reliable for quantify phenolic compounds in food samples. The employment of ethanol in F-C assay decreases the environmental impact and, consequently, makes the analysis safer than conventional F-C assay. Furthermore, the modified F-C assay is conducted under milder conditions (time/temperature), which is particularly helpful for numerous analyses. Thus, the modified and validated F-C assay can be used as a routine assay in quality control and chemical profiling for natural product extracts and foods.
Physicochemical and Sensory Evaluation in Sautéed Caps and Stems of Edible Mushrooms

ABSTRACT Mushrooms are considered as a delicacy with high nutritional and sources of nutrients such as digestible proteins, carbohydrates, fiber and certain vitamins, as well as minerals and antioxidants. This study evaluates physicochemical and sensory quality of sautéed cap and stems of shimeji, brown Paris, white Paris and shiitake mushrooms. The values ranged on dry weight basis for: moisture: (80.99–89.44 g.100 g−1), ash (6.23–13.70 g.100 g−1), protein (14.57–37.81 g.100 g−1) and lipid (0.074–0.40 g.100 g−1). Shimeji and brown Paris caps presented high protein values and lipid content in was similar in mushrooms. Moisture and ash varied according to mushroom species, but white Paris mushroom presented the highest ash score in caps and stems. Shimeji caps and white Paris stems received the highest scores in sensory evaluation. This study highlighted the need to know nutritional parts and varieties of mushrooms.
Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for assessing genetic diversity among the parental lines of hybrid rice ( Oryza sativa L.)

The present scientific study was carried out at Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai with the objective of studying the genetic divergence among 51 restorer and five maintainer lines in terms of grain quality and fertility restorer genes (Rf3, Rf4 and Rf7) using 55 primers of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Among them, 37 SSR markers were found to be polymorphic and the number of amplified fragments ranged from one to five. The highest polymorphic information content (PIC) value (more than 0.60) was observed for eight primers viz., AB 443, RM 3, RM 29, RM 226, RM 228, RM 304, RM 1812 and RM 3873 and average PIC value was 0.444. Cluster analysis using NTSYS generated dendrogram divided all the 56 parental lines into two distinct groups viz., maintainer line (Group I) and restorer line (Group II) at 76% coefficient of similarity. Maintainer line group consisted of five genotypes (COMS 23B, COMS 24B, COMS 25B, CRMS 31B and CRMS 32B) and restorer line group had 51 genotypes. Further, at 80% similarity, all fifty one restorer lines were again grouped into nine clusters. With higher polymorphism revealed by SSR markers, parental lines having the similar genetic background from pedigree information were grouped into different clusters. The combination of pedigree analysis and SSR markers could be a more reliable method to study the diversity and grouping of parental lines of hybrid rice. Hybridization between diverse restorer and CMS groups identified from this study would be expected to yield hybrid combinations with premium grain quality and good fertility restoration. Keywords : Simple sequence repeat (SSR), maintainer and restorer genetic diversity, grain quality, fertility restoration African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(33), pp. 5105-5116,
Transmitters and receivers in SiGe BiCMOS technology for sensitive gas spectroscopy at 222 - 270 GHz

This paper presents transmitter and receiver components for a gas spectroscopy system. The components are fabricated in IHP’s 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology. Two fractional-N phase-locked loops are used to generate dedicated frequency ramps for the transmitter and receiver and frequency shift keying for the transmitter. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the absorption line of gaseous methanol (CH3OH) at 247.6 GHz is used as measure for the performance of the system. The implemented mixer-first receiver allows a high performance of the system due to its linearity up to an input power of -10 dBm. Using a transmitter-array with an output power of 7 dBm an SNR of 4660 (integration time of 2 ms for each data point) was obtained for the 247.6 GHz absorption line of CH3OH at 5 Pa. We have extended our single frequency-band system for 228 – 252 GHz to a 2-band system to cover the range 222 – 270 GHz by combining corresponding two transmitters and receivers with the frequency bands 222 – 256 GHz and 250 – 270 GHz on single transmitter- and receiver-chips. This 2-band operation allows a parallel spectra acquisition and therefore a high flexibility of data acquisition for the two frequency-bands. The 50 GHz bandwidth allows for highly specific and selective gas sensing.This paper presents transmitter and receiver components for a gas spectroscopy system. The components are fabricated in IHP’s 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology. Two fractional-N phase-locked loops are used to generate dedicated frequency ramps for the transmitter and receiver and frequency shift keying for the transmitter. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the absorption line of gaseous methanol (CH3OH) at 247.6 GHz is used as measure for the performance of the system. The implemented mixer-first receiver allows a high performance of the system due to its linearity up to an input power of -10 dBm. Using a transmitter-array with an output power of 7 dBm an SNR of 4660 (integration time of 2 ms for each data point) was obtained for the 247.6 GHz absorption line of CH3OH at 5 Pa. We have extended our single frequency-band system for 228 – 252 GHz to a 2-band system to cover the range 222 – 270 GHz by combining corresponding two transmitters and receivers with the frequency bands 222 – 256 GHz and 250 – 270 GH.
Gold and silver assisted synthesis of five-membered oxygen and nitrogen containing heterocycles

Abstract The investigation of methods for the chemical synthesis is a growing area of interest due to increasing environmental issues. The use of catalysts in organic reactions has gained extensive interest. Metal and nonmetal catalysts provided a new improved alternative to traditional methods in modern synthetic chemistry. The aim of the present review is to focus on the applications of gold- and silver-catalytic systems for the synthesis of five-membered oxygen- and nitrogen-heterocycles. Graphical Abstract
Optimum rate of nitrogen application and seed rate for deteriorated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract In order to study the effect of seed quality (SQ), seed rate (SR), and nitrogen rate (NR) on yield and yield components of wheat, an experiment was conducted as a factorial-split plot based on the randomized complete block design with four replications in Golestan Province, Iran. Treatments included the combination of SR and NR (recommended rate, 15 and 30% higher than the recommended rate) as the main plots, and SQ (control, 15, 30 and 45 h of accelerated aging) as the subplots. The interaction of NR × SR was significant on 1000-seed weight, seed yield, plant height, the number of seeds, biological yield, and harvest index. There was a significant reduction in all traits with an increase in seed aging. Seed yield had a significant and positive correlation with yield components. Using higher density and applying higher nitrogen fertilizer than those of recommended could reduce the negative effects of seed aging in wheat.
Pulp and Paper Potentials of Alkaline Peroxide Pre-Treated of Oil Palm Waste and Industrial Application

This chapter explores the potentials of the alkaline peroxide pre-treated oil palm vascular bundle (oil palm waste) in the industrial production of pulp, paper and other cellulosic products like microcrystalline cellulose. Management of this escalating waste is a herculean task and creates environmental hazards hence urgent action is needed to create value out of these waste biomass. The pulp and paper industry being a large consumer of lignocellulose materials preferred the use of coniferous and deciduous trees for pulp production and papermaking because their cellulose fibres in the pulp make durable paper. In addition to this, the global population explosion and the economic development has resulted in the significant increase in demand for paper. With improvements in pulp processing technology through the use of environmental benign technology like alkaline peroxide pre-treatment it has been considered as suitable for paper pulp and other cellulose based products such as microcrystalline cellulose. Characterization of the alkaline peroxide pre-treated oil palm vascular bundles using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transmission infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses confirm the micro-sized cellulose fibres. Use of these lignocellulosic materials can reduce the burden on the forest while supporting the natural biodiversity.
Toward a simple, generic, and rapid simulation of the drying of solid foods

Abstract In order to simulate the drying of foods, calculations based on finite differences, elements, or volumes are extremely time-consuming, particularly when embedded in an optimization procedure. Such models, involving coupled heat and mass transfers and nonlinear properties and boundaries, give rise to slow simulations. This paper proposes a new method concerning the slab, cylindrical, and spherical geometries. This method gives results equivalent to those of the finite volume method but is more rapid by an order of magnitude. The method is based on an optimized 3-compartment model whose parameters are linked to physically meaningful food properties.
Media comparison of filtration with hanford tank AP-107 supernate

ABSTRACT The present experimental work was performed to investigate media performance in both cross-flow and dead-end filtration of 9 L of Hanford tank AP-107 supernate. Media grades 0.1 and 5 were tested for both cross-flow filters (CFF) and dead-end filters (DEF). The CFFs were tested in a cells unit filter (CUF) system in recycle mode; the DEFs (in-line and disc) were used to dewater the feed. Visual inspection of the feed material indicated essentially no settled insoluble solids. The grade 5 CFF produced stable filter fluxes while the flux for the grade 0.1 CFF steadily decayed. The grade 5 BDEF (backpulsed DEF) was effective at removing solids from the AP-107 feed and when backpulsed, fully restored the filter flux, indicating that the solids did not irreversibly foul the filter. The grade 0.1 DEF was used to filter the final 2 L of AP-107 feed drained from the CUF and to collect solids on the filter media for post-test characterization. Additional DEF filtering was performed on 4 L of BDEF permeate in order to assess whether small particles that cause fouling in the grade 0.1 filter passed through the grade 5 filter. There was no indication of fouling and limited solids were observed on the filter. A direct comparison of filtration rates between the 0.1 and 5 media grade filters for both the CFF and DEF showed the grade 5 filter flux was, on average, 200 times higher than the 0.1 media grade filter while still effectively filtering the solids.
Groundwater inflows control patterns and sources of greenhouse gas emissions from streams

Headwater streams can be important sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) to the atmosphere. However, the influence of groundwater–stream connectivity on the patterns and sources of carbon (C) gas evasion is still poorly understood. We explored these connections in the boreal landscape through a detailed study of a 1.4 km lake outlet stream that is hydrologically fed by multiple topographically driven groundwater input zones. We measured stream and groundwater dissolved organic C (DOC), CO2, and CH4 concentrations every 50 m biweekly during the ice‐free period and estimated in‐stream C gas production through a mass balance model and independent estimates of aquatic metabolism. The spatial pattern of C gas concentrations was consistent over time, with peaks of both CH4 and CO2 concentrations occurring after each groundwater input zone. Moreover, lateral C gas inputs from riparian soils were the major source of CO2 and CH4 to the stream. DOC mineralization and CH4 oxidation within the stream accounted for 17–51% of stream CO2 emissions, and this contribution was the greatest during relatively higher flows. Overall, our results illustrate how the nature and arrangement of groundwater flowpaths can organize patterns of stream C concentrations, transformations, and emissions by acting as a direct source of gases and by supplying organic substrates that fuel aquatic metabolism. Hence, refined assessments of how catchment structure influences the timing and magnitude of groundwater–stream connections are crucial for mechanistically understanding and scaling C evasion rates from headwaters.
Evaluation of Synergistic Effect of Nicotinic Acid with Imipenem as Antibiofilm for Clinical Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolates

The present study aims to evaluate the synergistic activity of nicotinic acid (NIC) with the Imipenem (IMI) as an anti-biofilm for clinical isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The values of minimum inhibitor concentration (MICs) for IMI and NIC (Separately) against P. aeruginosa were (16) ug/mL and (8) ug/ml respectively. Whereas, the concentration of NIC with IMI (as combined) for biofilm inhibition was 1 ug/ml for NIC and 4 ug/ml for IMI. The combining of NIC with IMI showed synergistic efficacy against formation of bacterial biofilm (at MIC levels). These results provide a conclusion that NIC combined with IMI is can be considered as a successful prospective treatment against the biofilm produced by P. aeruginosa and as antibacterial medication.
Effects of Milling Methods and Cultivars on Physicochemical Properties of Whole-Wheat Flour

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of milling methods (jet mill (JM) and hammer mill (HM)) and wheat cultivars (Keumkang (K), Jokyung (J), and Anzunbaengi (A)) on physicochemical and dough properties of whole-wheat flour (WWF). The color, particle size, starch damage (SD), falling number (FN), water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), pasting and Mixolab® properties, and dough extensibility of WWF were measured. Significant differences were observed in proximate compositions as well as in color, particle size, FN, and WAI between the distinct milling methods and cultivars (p<0.001). The particle sizes of each cultivar milled with a HM (K: 188.5 µm; J: 115.7 µm; A: 40.34 µm) were larger than those milled with a JM (K: 41.8 µm; J: 50.7 µm; A: 20.8 µm). The final viscosity of WWF milled with a HM (K: 1304 cP; J: 1249 cP; A: 1548 cP) was higher than that of cultivars milled with a JM (K: 1092 cP; J: 1062 cP; A: 994 cP). Dough extensibility and resistance to extension also differed among the cultivars, and the C2 Mixolab® parameter (an indicator of protein weakening) was influenced by the milling method. Overall, results from principal component analysis showed that, among the three cultivars, Keumkang WWF was the most affected by the milling method.
Comparison of Heat Output and Microchemical Changes of Palladium Cathodes under Electrolysis in Acidified Light and Heavy Water

An abstract of the thesis of Conrado Salas Cano for the Master of Science in Physics presented July 8, 2002. Title: Comparison of Heat Output and Microchemical Changes of Palladium Cathodes under Electrolysis in Acidified Light and Heavy Water. Two experiments have been conducted to ascertain if a cell with a palladium cathode, a platinum anode, and a solution of H2SO4 in D2O can produce excess heat under electrolysis compared to a similar cell with H2O. In each experiment, two cells were connected in series with constant current. The two cells were identical except for the fact that the heavy water cell used D2O instead of H2O in the electrolyte. Both cells in each experiment employed Pd cathodes, Pt anodes, and H2SO4 in the solution. On a piece of Pd foil that had been cold-rolled and cleaned like the cathodes but had not been electrolyzed, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) failed to find any traces of unexpected elements. In the first experiment the indication was that the light water cell was slightly warmer despite receiving slightly less power. Small amounts of silver were found on both cathodes after electrolysis. In the second experiment, the D2O cell produced an excess heat relative to the H2O cell that was too large by at least an order of magnitude to be explainable by chemical reactions or mechanical artifacts. After electrolysis, it was found that Cd was present on the surface of the H2O cathode at levels of concentration that were variable but generally no less than 4% relative to Pd (above 3σ). The H2O cathode of this second experiment finished electrolysis very straight. The D2O cell cathode finished severely arched (~30o), with its convex side facing the anode, and covered in a deposit of powdery black substance which was most likely PdS formed accidentally on the first day of this experiment when the D2O cell had been run with the wrong polarity. On this D2O cell cathode, no statistically significant traces of Cd were detected but Ag was present in 2-5% concentration relative to Pd. In some spots, the Ag abundance surpassed 20% that of Pd. The most likely explanation is neutron-induced nuclear transmutation of some of the Pd nuclides with direct release of heat into the solid-state lattice. COMPARISON OF HEAT OUTPUT AND MICROCHEMICAL CHANGES OF PALLADIUM CATHODES UNDER ELECTROLYSIS IN ACIDIFIED LIGHT AND HEAVY WATER by Conrado Salas Cano A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in PHYSICS Portland State University 2002
A histological, histochemical and ultrastructural characterization of uterine vessels at early stages of pregnancy

The integrity of uterine circulation is essential for normal pregnancy outcome. The present study describes for the first time the histology, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of the different types of vessels in the uterus at critical early stages of pregnancy. Arteries were congested and showed PAS-positive granules. veins characterized by its wide lumen and thick adventitia rich in collagen and elastic fibers and showed PAS-positive reaction in their wall. Lymphatics showed a positive reaction with PAS-AB combination. Many arteriols observed in the uterine wall and showed PAS-positive granules and venules appeared congested in the endometrium. Spiral artery and arterial sinuses also demonstrated. Anastomosis between arterioles and venules was recorded. Blood vessels of a special structure were demonstrated presenting a vascular wall of variable thickness, unevenly distributed smooth muscle in the wall, smooth muscle fibers arranged in a different direction. Spirally oriented arterioles and venules were also demonstrated. Sclerotic changes observed in the wall of some vessels. Glomus cells observed in the wall of many arteries, arterioles, spirally oriented arterioles, and arteriovenous anastomosis. filopodia-like protrusions and caveolae were the most characteristic feature of the endothelium.
Nanofluids with Enhanced CHF Prepared from Solgel Synthesized Al2O3 Nanoparticles Utilizing Urea as Chelating Agent

In order to develop a new coolant for nuclear and non-nuclear applications, nanoparticles of Al2O3 for nanofluids have been successfully synthesized by solgel method utilizing AlCl3 as precursor and urea as chelating agent. The mole ratio of the AlCl3 and urea was 1:2. The solution was stirred to form a sol and then was heated at 150C until forming a gel. The gel was then calcined at 500C for 1 hour to get Al2O3 nanoparticles. Nanofluids of Al2O3 were prepared by dispersing the Al2O3 nanoparticles into water as base fluid. The synthesized Al2O3 nanoparticles crystallized in gamma phase with crystallite size of 3.4 nm as confirmed by the XRD analyses. Specific surface area of the nanoparticles was 251 m/g with dBET of 6 nm. As confirmed by TEM analyses, the particle size of the nanoparticles was 35 nm. The nanofluid with concentration of 0.05 vol % and pH of 7.42 possessed zeta potential of 53 mV, indicating a stable suspension. This nanofluid had a CHF enhancement of 92% compared to water as base fluid. Keywords—Nanoparticles; Al2O3; solgel; urea; nanofluids; CHF
Chelated zinc leaf application on nutrients concentration and yield of Mombasa grass

Abstract The intensification of livestock yield requires advances in the management and fertilization of forage crops. This study was conducted to determine the dry weight yield (DWY) along with the concentration and amount of nutrients of Megathyrsus maximum cv. Mombasa. The treatments were arranged in a factorial scheme 6 × 2, six leaf rates of Zn chelate and two soil types (Entisols and Ultisol) with low and medium Zn content and four replicates. Entisols with low Zn content and Ultisol with average Zn content were used plus a control treatment with Zn sulfate. The Zn chelate and Zn sulfate foliar application did not affect the DWY. The tillering and DWY were higher in Ultisol than in Entisol. The Zn content in DWY was directly proportional to rate chelated Zn. The root dry weight yield of Mombasa grass reduced with the chelated Zn foliar application in Entisol and had no effect on Ultisol.