Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polarising properties of the aerosols in the north-eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean, with emphasis on the ACE-2 period

Measurements of the polarisation state of the atmosphere were performed at Tenerife in June−July 1997, in the framework of ACE-2 (second Aerosol Characterization Experiment), by 2 ground-based instruments: RefPol (a LOA prototype) which took measurements at 445, 665, 870, 1610 nm in the solar principal plane; and an automatic CIMEL (CE 318) sun/sky-photometer which measured polarised radiation at 870 nm in the same observational geometry. Measurements acquired during the campaign, as well as AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) measurements acquired at the sites of Cape Verde and M’Bour, are processed with an algorithm determining the polarised single-scattering sky-radiance due to aerosols, directly proportional to the aerosol polarised phase function (representing the probability to scatter polarised radiation in the direction of the scattering angle). A good correlation between the Ångström exponent α, representing the spectral dependence of the extinction measurements, and the polarised phase function is observed on each set of data. The uncertainty of retrievals at 445 nm makes the determination of the spectral dependence of polarisation inconclusive but does not prevent confirming the dependence of the aerosol polarised phase function on α, at all wavelengths. An Ångström exponent of 1 corresponds to a polarised phase function of around 0.1 (±0.04), at 870 nm and at a scattering angle of 60°. For α between 0 and 0.4, the average value of the polarised phase function is 0.05. The correlation shows that polarisation is more sensitive to small particles than to large particles. The discrepancy between retrievals and Mie calculations from an AERONET size distribution, inverted from Izaña measurements acquired during a dust event, suggests the presence of small particles, not detected by total sky-radiance measurements.
Simulation and experimental validation of simultaneous heat and mass transfer for cooking process of Mortadella Bologna PGI

Summary In this study, Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Mortadella Bologna cooking process was investigated for heat and mass transfer. Apparent mass and heat transfer coefficient functions as well as apparent thermal diffusivity and mass diffusion coefficients were experimentally estimated. These thermo-physical properties were used to develop a mathematical model for the simulation of simultaneous heat and mass transfer during Mortadella Bologna PGI cooking. The developed method was successfully validated for both heat and mass transfer by means of experimental cooking tests: maximum errors of about 3.5% and 4% were found for final product temperature and cooking time experimentally obtained respectively. Simulated weight loss values were also found not to differ significantly from those experimentally obtained. In addition, the developed model was successfully validated during a Mortadella cooking process carried out in an industrial plant proposing itself as a predictive tool to forecast and optimise cooking time and weight loss of this type of meat product. The proposed approach may be also used to design air cooking processes of other food products.
Airflow and Particle Velocities Near a Personal Aerosol Sampler with a Curved, Porous Aerosol Sampling Surface

ABSTRACT The airflow and particle-velocity patterns in the vicinity of a curved, porous sampling surface constituting the inlet of an aerosol sampler, have been determined by Laser-Doppler Velocimetry. The tests were performed on a personal aerosol sampler with a concave sampling surface, referred to as the “button” sampler. Measurements with the button sampler were conducted in a low-speed, open-circuit, horizontal wind tunnel using two types of monodisperse aerosols: 2 μm essentially inertialess propylene glycol particles (their trajectories represent the flow streamlines) and 44 μm inertial fly ash particles. The tests were performed at two free stream velocities (0.5 and 4 m/s) and two sampler orientations (facing the wind and facing downward at 90° to the wind). The sampling flow rate was 2 L/min. Sampling through the curved surface was conducted while the button sampler was freely suspended in the flow or while it was attached to a vertical stagnation plate simulating the human torso. The results in.
Field and Laboratory Evaluation of the Thermo Electron 5020 Sulfate Particulate Analyzer

The Thermo Electron Model 5020 Sulfate Particulate Analyzer is a recently commercialized instrument that provides continuous measurements of the sulfate component of ambient particulate matter. The technique uses a stainless steel rod placed inside a quartz oven to reduce the particle sulfate to sulfur dioxide; followed by pulsed fluorescence detection of the sulfur dioxide. Field and laboratory evaluations of a pre-production version of the analyzer are described as well as laboratory evaluations of the pre-production version and two production units. Laboratory tests concentrated on challenging the instruments with ammonium sulfate aerosol, but tests with sodium, potassium, and calcium sulfate are reported as well. The instrument performed very well in field and laboratory settings, reporting values that were highly correlated with continuous mass measurements in the lab, and 24-hour filters in the field. Conversion/detection efficiencies for ammonium sulfate in the laboratory, and for ambient sulfate aerosol at our rural site in Addison, New York, were both very close to 80%. Laboratory conversion efficiencies for calcium, sodium, and potassium sulfate salts ranged from 4% to 63%. These lower efficiencies for mineral-type sulfates will be an important consideration in areas with significant concentrations of sea salt or mineral dust sulfate, and less important for the high sulfate Eastern US which is dominated by ammonium sulfate.
Regulation of plasminogen activation

The main components of plasminogen activation include plasminogen, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), and plasminogen activator inhibitors-1 and -2 (PAI-1, PAI-2 ). uPA and its receptor uPAR are known to be important in cell migration/adhesion. In these studies, we show that uPAR was anchored in focal contacts in a uPA-dependent manner, whereas in its unoccupied form uPAR appeared diffusely on the cell surface. Moreover, αvβ3-integrin was found in close proximity to uPAR in the focal contacts. We also studied the effect of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) and observed that TGF-β increased uPAR expression. tPA has been considered to be mainly a fibrinolytic enzyme. We observed that in human uterine cervical epithelial cells immortalized with HPV-16 (human papillomavirus type 16) DNA, the tPA activity levels were very low or even undetectable due to an inhibitory effect of hydrocortisone in the growth medium. Withdrawal of hydrocortisone increased tPA mRNA expression, which seemed to be a later event than uPA mRNA expression. tPA activity levels increased dramatically at 72 hours when hydrocortisone was eliminated from the growth medium. Elimination of hydrocortisone also increased tPA and uPA activity levels in two other nonmalignant human epithelial cells. Based on results from in vitro observations, the presence of tPA was examined in normal, precancerous, and malignant epithelial tissue lesions by immunohistochemistry. In addition, in situ hybridization was used to demostrate tPA mRNA expression. Immunohistochemistry revealed that tPA was expressed at high levels in normal, condylomatous, and dysplastic squamous epithelium. Expression of tPA mRNA was restricted to the proliferating basal and parabasal cell layers, whereas tPA protein synthesis became evident in the next cell layers. tPA immunostaining in cancer cells was mostly negative or weak in adenocarcinoma and strong in epidermoid carcinoma. We detected tPA mRNA in adenocarcinoma but not in epidermoid carcinoma. In epidermoid carcinoma, the surrounding stromal cells were positive.
Studies on solvent evaporation and polymer precipitation pertinent to the formation of asymmetric polyetherimide membranes

The characteristics of solvent evaporation and polymer precipitation during the formation of asymmetric aromatic polyetherimide (PEI) membranes via the dry/wet phase inversion method are studied and the results are discussed with reference to membrane preparation. It is shown that the solvent evaporation from the surface of freshly cast films in early evaporation stages can be quantified by an empirical equation with two parameters. Analysis of the evaporation parameters partially explains the interaction effect of membrane preparation variables on membrane performance. The phase separation data for systems PEI/DMAc/H 2 O and PEI/NMP/H 2 O with and without LiNO 3 additive are determined using the turbidimetric titration method. The kinetic data on solvent-nonsolvent exchange and additive leaching during polymer precipitation in nonsolvent water are measured. The results presented here offer a qualitative basis for the development of asymmetric PEI membranes.
A new method to demonstrate and measure birefringence

The polarization properties of the light scattered in the bulk of an anisotropic solid are used to measure circular and linear birefringence. Recently, the extension of the method to scattering at an air-solid interface has increased the precision significantly and the range of measurement by three orders of magnitude. Moreover, the brightness handicap of Rayleigh scattering is surmounted by designing the roughness of the scattering surface adequately and by using an analyser in the scattered beam.
Two Dimensional Simultaneous Heat and Moisture Transfer in Composite Food

A computerized method was developed to predict two dimensional, simultaneous heat and moisture transfer in a composite food with chemical reactions, based on the use of the chemical potential as the mass transfer potential. Thermodynamically interactive heat and mass fluxes were included in the mathematical model. Composite cylindrical samples in three layers prepared from a high amylose starch granule hydrate and a mixture of the same dhydrate and sucrose were dried in a forced air dryer to experimentally verify values predicted by the computerized method. The central temperatures and average moisture contents of the samples determined experimentally, agreed well with those predicted theoretically.
A refinement of the crystal structure of gadolinite

The crystal structure of gadolinite has been refined using a spherically ground crystal in the anisotropic mode to a conventional R = 0.029 for 2790 independent reflections. Crystal data: monoclinic, space group P21la, a = 10.000(2), b:7.565(2), c:4.768(l)A, F = 90.31(2)", Z: 2. The specimen is from Miyazuma-kyo, Yokkaicfri, Japan. Electron microprobe analysis gave the following empirical formula: RE2 0oFe3i6Be2.soSi2. 0o Oe.72(OH)026, suggesting the presence of a vacancy at the Fe site. A consideration of the chemical composition and bond valence sums has indicated the presence of partial substitution of a hydroxyl ion for the oxygen ion compensating for the lack of positive charge at the Fe site. Compositional distribution of the rare earth elements in the specimen is also discussed.
FLOW BEHAVIOUR OF TOMATO KETCHUPS

The flow behaviour of 13 tomato ketchups was characterized using a coaxial cylinder viscosimeter. Power law values for the flow behaviour index n averaged 0.35 ± 0.016 which indicated the pseudoplastic nature of ketchups. The consistency coefficient K values for ketchups depended more on temperature, pectin and pulp contents than on total solids. Activation energy (Ea) values for flow of ketchups varied from 1.99 to 4.88 kcal/mole and were significantly related with pectin contents. The Casson's yield values for ketchups showed a significant correlation with pectin contents. Michaels and Bolger model parameters showed that much greater forces were involved in the breaking of network structure and aggregates in ketchups than needed for flow. Multiple regressions of K and apparent viscosity on pectin and pulp contents of ketchups were highly significant.
Crystal structure of barstowite (3PbCl2·PbCO3·H2O)

Abstract The crystal structure of barstowite (3PbCl2·PbCO3·H2O, P21/m, a = 4.2023(5), b= 9.2020(7), c = 16.6608(6) (Å ), β = 91.829(9)°) from Bounds Cliff, St Endellion, Cornwall, has been determined to an R = 0.036. The structure can be described in terms of three layers stacked along [001] in the sequence . CACBCACBC. to give a 16.7 Å repeat. Layer A consists of face-sharing PbCl8 distorted square antiprisms. Layer B is composed of Pb coordinated to 5 Cl and 2 O each with two H to form H2O groups. Layer C is formed by Pb coordinated to 5 Cl and 3 O which are from CO3 groups. The H positions are deduced and are H-bonded to O from carbonates. The structural details were in agreement with previous deductions based on infrared spectra.
Waste polystyrene foam‐graft‐acrylic acid/montmorillonite superabsorbent nanocomposite

A novel superabsorbent nanocomposite based on partially neutralized acrylic acid, waste polystyrene foam, and sodium type montmorillonite (Na-MMT) powder was synthesized through emulsion polymerization using N, N′-methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker, 2,2′-azo-bisiso-butyronitrile, ammonium persulfate, and sodium sulfite as mixed redox initiators. The effects of such factors as amount of Na-MMT, crosslinker, initiator, and neutralization degree on water absorbency of the superabsorbent were investigated. The composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, X-ray diffraction, thermo gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscope. The results show that acrylic acid monomer successfully grafted onto the polystyrene chain, the layers of Na-MMT were exfoliated and dispersed in the composite at nano size after copolymerization. The introduction of waste polystyrene foam in the composite increased the water absorbency rate. The addition of Na-MMT not only enhanced the thermal stability of the composites but also increased its water absorbency, and the optimal water absorbencies of distilled water and saline water (wNaCl = 0.9%) of the nanocomposites were more than 1180 g H2O/g and 72.6 g H2O/g, respectively. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2341–2349, 2007
Gloss and Colour of Dark Chocolate During Storage

The appearance of chocolate is greatly affected by bloom, which occurs during storage under unfavourable conditions. This phenomenon develops due to different causes, such as poor tempering, addition of incompatible fats, incorrect cooling methods, warm or fluctuating storage temperature, etc. The effect of storage temperature (4, 20, 25 and 30°C) on gloss (60 and 85° angle) and colour (CIE L *a *b *) of dark chocolate bars was analysed throughout 30 days of storage. Three kinds of dark chocolate were studied: two from the same brand containing 99 and 70% cocoa, and a third one from another brand, containing 70% cocoa. Gloss change of chocolate throughout storage time followed a similar pattern in all cases: a decrease until an asymptotic value is reached, which is exacerbated at higher storage temperatures. The influence of temperature was related to the difference between storage temperature and the melting range of cocoa fat. Only when the visual fat bloom reaches a relevant level is the colour of the product affected. Changes in both optical parameters were highly-position dependant within the same sample.
SPATIALLY RESOLVED l-C3H+ EMISSION IN THE HORSEHEAD PHOTODISSOCIATION REGION: FURTHER EVIDENCE FOR A TOP-DOWN HYDROCARBON CHEMISTRY

Small hydrocarbons, such as C2H, C3H, and C3H2 are more abundant in photo-dissociation regions (PDRs) than expected based on gas-phase chemical models. To explore the hydrocarbon chemistry further, we observed a key intermediate species, the hydrocarbon ion l-C3H+, in the Horsehead PDR with the Plateau de Bure Interferometer at high-angular resolution (6″). We compare with previous observations of C2H and c-C3H2 at similar angular resolution and new gas-phase chemical model predictions to constrain the dominant formation mechanisms of small hydrocarbons in low-UV flux PDRs. We find that at the peak of the HCO emission (PDR position), the measured l-C3H+, C2H, and c-C3H2 abundances are consistent with current gas-phase model predictions. However, in the first PDR layers, at the 7.7 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon band emission peak, which are more exposed to the radiation field and where the density is lower, the C2H and c-C3H2 abundances are underestimated by an order of magnitude. At this position, the l-C3H+ abundance is also underpredicted by the model but only by a factor of a few. In addition, contrary to the model predictions, l-C3H+ peaks further out in the PDR than the other hydrocarbons, C2H and c-C3H2. This cannot be explained by an excitation effect. Current gas-phase photochemical models thus cannot explain the observed abundances of hydrocarbons, in particular, in the first PDR layers. Our observations are consistent with a top-down hydrocarbon chemistry, in which large polyatomic molecules or small carbonaceous grains are photo-destroyed into smaller hydrocarbon molecules/precursors.
Peroxidase-catalyzed oxidative polymerization of m-substituted phenol derivatives

Peroxidase-catalyzed oxidative polymerization of m-substituted phenols has been performed in a mixture of a water-miscible organic solvent and buffer at room temperature under air to give a new class of polyphenols. The catalysts used were horseradish and soybean peroxidases (HRP and SBP, respectively). In the polymerization of m-cresol using HRP as the catalyst, effects of an organic solvent, buffer pH, and their mixed ratio have been systematically investigated with respect to the polymer yield, solubility, and molecular weight. The HRP-catalyzed polymerization of m-cresol in an equivolume mixture of methanol and phosphate buffer (pH 7) produces the polymer in a high yield, which is readily soluble in polar solvents such as methanol, acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide. The polymer was estimated to consist of a mixture of phenylene and oxyphenylene units from NMR and IR analyses as well as titration of the residual phenolic moiety of the polymer. The polymerization behavior of the m-substituted monomers greatly depends on the enzyme type. In using SBP as a catalyst, the polymer yield increases as a function of the bulkiness of the substituent, whereas the opposite tendency was observed in case of HRP catalysis. The relationships between the monomer substituent and the polymerization behavior are discussed in terms of the HOMO level of the monomer and the substituent volume.
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Sesame Oil Biodiesel

Abstract At present, the world faces severe issues of energy crises and environmental deterioration. Fuel is inevitable for industrial development and growth of any country. The fossil fuel resources have always been terrifying. Biofuel energy, a renewable source, seems to be an ideal solution for global energy and environmental concern. The present work focuses on an optimized protocol for the production of biodiesel from a feasible source, i.e., sesame plant oil (Sesamum indicum L.) through base catalyzed transesterification. The sesame plant oil is investigated in this study as a potential source of biodiesel based on fuel properties and physico-chemical analysis. The free fatty acid number of crude sesame oil was 0.83 mg/g of KOH (1.66%). Conversion of sesame crude oil (triglyceride) to biodiesel (fatty acid methyl ester) was 75.45% and 72.56% at 1:6 molar ratio (oil:methanol) by using optimum 0.67% KOH and 0.34% NaOH catalyst, respectively, at 60°C for qualitative authentication. Specified analytical techniques are as follows: GC-MS used to clarify the different fatty acid methyl esters; FT-IR to monitor the transesterification reaction; and NMR for the justification of proton and carbon of that compound. Qualitatively, the biodiesel fuel properties were analyzed by the standard method American Society for Testing Material (ASTM).
Evaluation of the impact of household treatment procedures on the quality of groundwater supplies in the rural community of the Victoria district, Eastern Cape

The rural community in the Victoria district, Eastern Cape, uses groundwater from boreholes for drinking and other domestic purposes. The brackish taste of the water has been the major complaint from this community. In this study, the physicochemica l and microbiological quality of the groundwater supplied to the community as well as the household treatment procedures which can be easily used to improve water quality standards were evaluated. For the physicochemical quality, salinity was the sole parameter of concern. The indicator bacteria were analysed using the membrane filtration technique. The bacteria detected were heterotrophic, total coliform, faecal coliform, and faecal streptococci. Total coliform counts were high in general and faecal coliforms were often detected and confirmed to be Escherichia coli by the indole test. The overall microbiological quality of the water was either poor or unacceptable according to South African standards. Both boiling and household bleaching succeeded in achieving the microbiological drinking water quality standards without much improvement on salinity or total hardness. Five minutes boiling could be recommended compared to household bleaching since, in addition to significantly improving the microbiological quality, it also slightly changed the salinity and total hardness by the precipitation of calcium carbonate.
Quantitation and Distribution of Simple and Acylated Anthocyanins and Other Phenolics in Blueberries

Simple and acylated anthocyanins and other phenolics in ten cultivars and hybrids of lowbush and one cultivar of highbush blueberries were extracted, isolated and quantified by reversed phase HPLC and capillary gas liquid chromatography. All cultivars contained nonacylated glucosides and galactosides of delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin. Each anthocyanin also occurred in the acetylated form in eight of eleven cultivars. Total anthocyanins in blueberries ranged from 110 to 260 mg/100g of fresh berries. ‘Blomidon’ berries contained the lowest and ‘Chignecto’ berries the highest level. Acetylated anthocyanins made up to 35% of the total anthocyanins in ‘Chignecto’. Chlorogenic acid was the major colorless phenolic of lowbush and highbush blueberries, at 50–100 mg/100 g fresh fruit.
Screening of selected plants from semi-arid region for its phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity

The main aim of the study was to investigate phytochemical screening of the various plant parts(leaves, fruits, flowers) of native plant species viz., Nerium oleander, Lawsonia inermis, Pithecellobium dulce, Euphorbia tithymaloides, Punica granatum, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Plumeria obtusa, Carica papaya, Cassia fistula, Cordia dichotoma, Euphorbia prostrate and Cyanthillium cinereum collected from the Garden of GUIDE institute, Kachchh, Gujarat. Qualitative phytochemical screening of plants showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoid, reducing sugars, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, coumarin, phenols, emodin, anthocyanin, quinones, anthraquinones, protein and amino acid, phlobatanin and volatile oil which exhibit positive result with negligible variations in selected plants. The Antimicrobial activity on aqueous plant extract of P. obtusa indicates that the showed significant inhibitory zone in antimicrobial activity against human pathogens viz., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus by agar diffusion method. These verdict, however, support the traditional use of P. obtusa for the treatment of the various ailments.