Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties of an iron oxide formed by corrosion in reinforced concrete structures

The paper deals with elastic properties of iron oxides formed in reinforced concrete structures. Due to the difficulty to perform mechanical tests on the real oxides presented in the form of (multiple) laminated stratums, the elastic modulus of iron oxides remains unknown. Young's moduli of porous compact "synthetic oxides" in powder form, obtained in laboratory conditions, were measured from both acoustic measurements and oedometric tests. The elastic modulus of the compact polycrystalline iron oxide is deduced with respect to two models, a micromechanical one and a Hertz' theory. The full method is validated on a well-known material, the alumina.
Loss‐on‐ignition as an estimator of soil organic carbon in a‐horizon forestry soils

Abstract The determination of soil organic matter by wet digestion techniques is a slow and laborious analysis. Loss‐on‐ignition (LOI) provides a simple alternative technique for the estimation of soil organic carbon in non‐calcareous A horizon soils of the Natal midlands and Zululand forestry regions. Using multiple regressional techniques, the relationships between loss‐on‐ignition, Walkley organic carbon and soil texture for 55 soils were determined over a range of ignition temperatures. The relationships hold best for soil samples with relatively low organic carbon contents (< 5%). The optimum temperature for ignition was found to occur at 450°C and resulted in the relationship: Soil organic carbon = 0.284∗LOI percent. No advantage is gained through ignition at higher temperatures due to the loss of clay mineral structural water, even if the soil texture is accurately known.
The development of a small agricultural business: trends and priorities

The relevance of the research topic is determined by the importance of the socioeconomic functions performed by a small agrarian business to increase rural employment, provide consumers with quality products, as well as the need to choose priority directions for the development of this sector of the agrarian economy in modern market conditions characterized by the introduction of anti-Russian sanctions and the declared import substitution policy. The purpose of this scientific work is to study the trends and justification of the priority directions for the development of small agribusiness, taking into account the natural resource potential of the regions and the implemented agricultural policy. In the course of the study, general scientific methods of cognition were used: monographic, dialectical, abstract-logical, methods of economic analysis and synthesis, computational-constructive, economic and statistical. The study highlighted the development trends of small agricultural business, identified the problems of its functioning at the present stage. Summarizes the positive experience of the regions of the Central Black Earth Region in the implementation of measures to support the development of small businesses. On the basis of the analysis performed, priority areas for development are identified: improving competitiveness and production efficiency in small business structures; development of consumer cooperation (outsourcing); establishing a system of interaction between small agribusiness and the state; developing organic agricultural production in small business structures; digitization of the rural economy and improvement of information support for rural entrepreneurs; development of youth, socially oriented entrepreneurship. The implementation of the proposed directions for the development of small agrarian business will enhance the efficiency of the agro-industrial complex, the sustainable development of rural areas, and the formation of eco-and socially-oriented behavior among rural entrepreneurs.
The phase behaviour and optical properties of a nematic/chiral dopant liquid crystalline mixture system

The phase behaviour and aggregation states of a binary mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a chiral dopant have been investigated. The nematic liquid crystal E7 was miscible with the chiral dopant S811 over their entire concentration range. Binary E7/S811 mixtures formed the N* phase for S811 contents under 20%, and the SmA* phase for S811 contents between 40% and 90%. BP and TGBA* frustrated phases were found during cooling, for S811 contents between 25% and 35%. The helical pitches of the binary mixtures decreased with increasing chiral dopant content. From XRD profiles, the orientational ordering of the binary composites was found to increase with increasing chiral dopant content.
Crystallization and Characterization of Magnesium Methanesulfonate Hydrate Mg(CH3SO3)2·12H2O

Records of methanesulfonate acid in ice cores play an important role in reconstruction of the past history of marine productivity, sea ice extent, and major El Nino event activities related to climate changes. Considering the lack of thermodynamic and crystal structure data, crystallization conditions below zero degrees Celsius were mimicked in the laboratory, and magnesium methanesulfonic hydrate crystals, Mg(CH3SO3)2·12H2O (i.e., [Mg(H2O)6](CH3SO3)2·6H2O) were grown from solution by cooling crystallization and by eutectic freeze crystallization. The solubility lines between −5 and +21 °C and between 0 and 25 wt % are presented. The eutectic point of the system is detected at −5 °C and 14 wt %. The crystal structure analysis and the molecular arrangement of these crystals were determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Reflections were measured at a temperature of 110(2) K. The structure is trigonal with space group R3 (no. 148). The crystal is a colorless block with the following paramete.
Proximate Principles, Fibre Fraction and Mineral Content of Black Gram Husk (Vigna mungo) -

ABSTRACT Black gram (Vigna mungo) husk is an agro industrial by product available in substantial quantity as this pulse is grown as cash crop in vast areas of Tamil Nadu. The present study was carried out in order to assess the chemical composition, fibre fraction, macro and minor mineral content of the black gram husk. The samples were collected from different agro climatic zones of Tamil Nadu. The black gram husk contained 18.21, 1.36, 20.29, 54.60 and 5.54 per cent respectively of CP, EE, CF, NFE and total ash. Its fibre contained 48.21, 37.41, 10.80, 26.57 and 9.64 per cent respectively of NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin. It also contained 0.51, 0.26 and 0.014 per cent respectively of Ca, P and Mg. The Cu, Zn, Co and Mn levels of at 13.16, 37.47, 0.97 and 53.75 ppm respectively. From the data collected and analyzed in present study it was concluded that the black gram husk was a good protein rich feed ingredient. The husk had ideal calcium to phosphorus ratio.
Thermal stability issues in copper based metallization

The thermally induced reactions in Cu/Si, Cu/metal, Cu/silicide and Cu/dielectric films have been studied by both Rutherford backscattering and Auger electron spectroscopy. Diffusion barrier layers (TiN, TiW, Ta, Cr and Co) have been tested in the Cu based metallization regime. Alloying Cu with other elements (Pd, Ti, Cr and Al) can significantly prevent Cu from oxidation. Methods to produce Cu thin films (e.g. electroless Cu) have been summarized. <<ETX>>
Physical properties of buckwheat starches from various origins

Starch of four buckwheat cultivars introduced from Poland, France, and Russia and one of German origin were comparatively studied by using enzymatic assay, Brabender Viscoamylography (BV), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffractometry (XRD). Amylose content of the starches measured with enzymatic analysis ranged from 21.3 to 26.4 %. The viscosities of buckwheat starches derived from BV were much higher than those of cereal starches. The gelatinization temperatures determined by DSC were lower than those obtained from BV. SEM observation revealed starch granules with oval, spherical, and polygonal shapes. XRD suggested typical A type pattern of X-ray diffraction for all starches in question and crystallinity varied from 38.3 to 51.3 %.
On electric field measurements in surface dielectric barrier discharge

Analysis of available data on electric field measurements in surface dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) was carried out. Experimental measurements of emission spectra in triggered and non-triggered sinusoidal surface DBD were performed. The results obtained were used for the calculation of electric field value. The comparison of data obtained and the results published by other authors is presented.
Qualidade do pequi submetido ao cozimento após congelamento por diferentes métodos e tempos de armazenamento

Peki is a fruit from the Cerrado (Brazilian Savana) of high nutritional value and economic potential. The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of cooked peki fruit after different freezing methods and storage times. Fruits, coming from Bocaiuva, North of Minas Gerais (Brazil), were selected, washed, sanitized, peeled, blanched, cooled, packed in polyethylene bags, vacuum sealed in 300 g packages and submitted to static air and air blast freezing and stored in a freezer (- 18oC ± 2oC) for 6 months. Every two months (0, 2, 4 and 6 months), the fruits were analyzed after cooking in water (300 g. L-1) in stainless steel pans for 20 minutes. The following analyses were carried out: scanning electron microscopy, firmness, humidity, color (L*, h* and C*), total carotenoids, beta-carotene and vitamin C. There were significant differences between the two freezing methods only for the variables microstructure, vitamin C and beta carotene. The other variables were affected only by the storage time. Results showed that cooked peki (after freezing) was more influenced by storage time than by the freezing method, and that freezing was effective for preserving the fruit.
Extraction-Electrophoretic Concentration of Gold by Reverse Mixed Micelles of Triton N-42 and AOT

A new method of gold concentration with a total enrichment factor of ∼104 has been developed. The method includes a liquid-liquid extraction of by reverse micelles; reduction of gold (III) to Au nanoparticles (with hydrazine monohydrate as a reducing agent) in the extracts and an electrophoretic concentration of the particles in a cell with parallel-plane electrodes. With increasing sodium sulfate concentration in the feed there was a decrease of water content for ordinary micelles and an increase of gold extraction. At a constant acid-salt background (3 mol/L HCl + 3.5 mol/L Na2SO4) concentration, AOT introduction into micelles led to a decrease in extraction. The obtained regularities are consistent with a hydrate-solvate mechanism. The electrophoretic mobility of gold nanoparticles in extracts has been determined. When AOT was introduced into the extracts after the stage of reduction the electrophoretic mobility of nanoparticles was considerably increased (from −1.8 × 10−11 to 1.8 × 10−10 m2/(V × s)) which made possible an additional stage of electrophoretic concentration with an enrichment factor of ∼1.5 × 103.
Runoff and sediment transport in a degraded area

Gully erosion occurs by the combined action of splash, sheetwash and rill-wash (interrill and rill erosion). These erosion processes have a great capacity for both sediment production and sediment transport. The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate hydrological and sediment transport in a degraded area, severely dissected by gullies; to assess the hydraulic flow characteristics and their aggregate transport capacity; and to measure the initial splash erosion rate. In the study area in Guarapuava, State of Parana, Brazil (lat 25o 24' S; long 51o24' W; 1034 m asl), the soil was classified as Cambissolo Humico aluminico, with the following particle-size composition: sand 0.116 kg kg-1; silt 0.180 kg kg-1; and clay 0.704 kg kg-1. The approach of this research was based on microcatchments formed in the ground, to study the hydrological response and sediment transport. A total of eight rill systems were simulated with dry and wet soil. An average rainfall of 33.7 ± 4.0 mm was produced for 35 to 54 min by a rainfall simulator. The equipment was installed, and a trough was placed at the end of the rill to collect sediments and water. During the simulation, the following variables were measured: time to runoff, time to ponding, time of recession, flow velocity, depth, ratio of the initial splash and grain size. The rainsplash of dry topsoil was more than twice as high as under moist conditions (5 g m-2 min-1 and 2 g m-2 min-1, respectively). The characteristics of the flow hydraulics indicate transition from laminar to turbulent flow [Re (Reynolds number) 1000-2000]. In addition, it was observed that a flow velocity of 0.12 m s-1 was the threshold for turbulent flow (Re > 2000), especially at the end of the rainfall simulation. The rill flow tended to be subcritical [Fr (Froude Number) < 1.0]. The variation in hydrological attributes (infiltration and runoff) was lower, while the sediment yield was variable. The erosion in the rill systems was characterized as limited transport, although the degraded area generated an average of 394 g m-2 of sediment in each simulation.
Two‐terminal metal‐inter‐connected multijunction III–V solar cells

A novel bonding approach with an interface consisting of a metal and dielectric is developed, and a “pillar‐array” metal topology is proposed for minimal optical and electrical loss at the interface. This enables a fully lattice‐matched two‐terminal, four‐junction device that consists of an inverted top two‐junction (2J) cell with 1.85 eV GaInP/1.42 eV GaAs, and an upright lower 2J cell with ~1 eV GaInAsP/0.74 eV GaInAs aimed for concentrator applications. The fabrication process and simulation of the metal topology are discussed along with the results of GaAs/GaInAs 2J and (GaInP + GaAs)/GaInAs three‐junction bonded cells. Bonding‐related issues are also addressed along with optical coupling across the bonding interface. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of hydrocarbon chain length on adsorption of cationic surfactants onto clinoptilolite

The adsorption behavior of quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants with different hydrocarbon chain lengths, i.e. HDTMA (hexadecyltrimethylammonium), TDTMA (tetradecyltrimethylammonium) and DDTMA (dodecyltrimethylammonium), onto clinoptilolite has been investigated. The adsorption isotherms of these surfactants are correlated with the ζ potential curves of clinoptilolite. Accordingly, the applicability of the hemimicelle hypothesis to the adsorption of cationic surfactants at the clinoptilolite/water interface considering in the electrical double layer (EDL) of clinoptilolite is discussed. Even though the adsorption occurs in the EDL of clinoptilolite, the adsorption of HDTMA, TDTMA and DDTMA onto clinoptilolite is not conveniently described by the hemimicelle hypothesis. The absence of all expected marked increase in the ζ potential curves at the hemimicelle concentration is ascribed to the large external cation exchange capacity of clinoptilolite. The hydrocarbon chain length of surfactant molecules is found to have a significant effect on the ion exchange as well as hydrophobic interaction mechanisms. The effectiveness of both ion exchange and hydrophobic interactions increases with increasing chain length, and so the greatest surfactant adsorption onto clinoptilolite was obtained by HDTMA.
Thermodynamic Properties of Mg-Ni-H Compounds Prepared Assisted by a High Magnetic Field

The Mg2NiH4 hydrogen storage material was prepared by magnetic field assisted combustion synthesis (MACS). It is found that the high magnetic field promotes the formation of Mg2NiH4. The high pressure differential scanning calorimetry (HPDSC) test results indicate that the optimum hydriding and dehydriding onset temperatures are 434 K and 525 K, respectively. However, the peak temperatures associated with LT à HT are similar for all samples. The Vant Hoff results show that a high magnetic field has no obvious effect on the entropies and enthalpies of these compounds.
EFFECTS OF HYPOCHLORITE TREATMENT ON TRANSPORT-SEPARATION PROPERTIES OF POLYSULFONE CAPILLARY MEMBRANES

Different types of polysulfone capillary membranes supplemented with porophores were obtained. The membranes were treated with sodium hypochlorite using the flowing method. The membrane ultrafiltration and retention was evaluated for chosen markers before and after treatment. Ultrafiltration increase and retention decrease for polyethylene glycols were observed, and there was not a difference in bovine albumin retention for posttreatment membranes. Hypochlorites caused porophores removal from the membrane structure resulting in opening the pore passages and increasing permeability without increasing pore size.
Soil Salinity Dynamics under Drip Irrigation and Mulch Film and Their Effects on Cotton Root Length

A field experiment based on a monolith method using flooding irrigation under mulch film (FI) as a control was conducted to investigate soil salinity dynamics under drip irrigation with mulch film (DI) and its effects on cotton root length. The average soil salinity increased with duration of irrigation, but salt distribution in the soil profile was uneven and showed strong accumulation in the soil between adjacent mulch films. With advancing growth of cotton plants, the area of salt accumulation gradually expanded, especially from 110 to 125 days after sowing (DAS), when salinity distinctly increased in the 0- to 40-cm soil depth and at distances 30–70 cm from drip lines; the electrical conductivity (EC) under DI in all soil samples was at least 3 mS cm−1 and in some cases exceeded 5 mS cm−1. Root length declined significantly by 18.1% from 110 to 125 DAS under DI. The soil area showing the greatest decline in root length under DI coincided with the main site of salt accumulation. Correlation analysis of soil EC and root length density indicated the root length declined when soil salt content exceeded 2.8 mS cm−1. However, under FI salt accumulation barely exceeded 2.8 mS cm−1 and no reduction in root length was observed. The results indicated that the main reason for decreased root length in cotton under DI was localized accumulation of salinity.
Electronic structure and transport properties of the Heusler compound Co2TiAl

The properties of the Heusler compound Co2TiAl were investigated in detail by experimental techniques and theoretical methods. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that as-cast samples of the compound exhibit the L21 structure with a small amount of B2-type disorder. This leads to a reduced saturation magnetization per formula unit of 0.747 μB. The Curie temperature is approximately 120 K. The transport properties are influenced by the change in the electronic structure at the Curie temperature, as revealed experimentally by conductivity, thermal transport and specific heat measurements. Different theoretical models based on ab initio calculations of the electronic structure are used to explain the experimental observations.
Blue Luminescence and Extended Red Emission: Possible Connections to the Diffuse Interstellar Bands

Abstract Blue luminescence (BL) and extended red emission (ERE) are observed as diffuse, optical-wavelength emissions in interstellar space, resulting from photoluminescence by ultraviolet(UV)-illuminated interstellar grains. Faintness and the challenge of separating the BL and ERE from the frequently much brighter dust-scattered continuum present major observational hurdles, which have permitted only slow progress in testing the numerous models that have been advanced to explain these two phenomena. Both the ERE, peaking near 680 nm (FWHM ~ 60 - 120 nm) and the BL, asymmetrically peaking at ~ 378 nm (FWHM ~ 45 nm), were first discovered in the Red Rectangle nebula. Subsequently, ERE and BL have been observed in other reflection nebulae, and in the case of the ERE, in carbon-rich planetary nebulae, H II regions, high-latitude cirrus clouds, the galactic diffuse ISM, and in external galaxies. BL exhibits a close spatial and intensity correlation with emission in the aromatic emission feature at 3.3 micron, most likely arising from small, neutral polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules. The spectral characteristics of the BL also agree with those of fluorescence by PAH molecules with 13 to 19 carbon atoms. The BL phenomenon is thus most readily understood as the optical fluorescence of small, UV-excited aromatic molecules. The ERE, by contrast, though co-existent with mid-IR PAH emissions, does not correlate with emissions from either neutral or ionized PAHs. Instead, the spatial ERE morphology appears to be strictly governed by the density of far-UV (E ≥ 10.5 eV) photons, which are required for the ERE excitation. The most restrictive observational constraint for the ERE process is its exceptionally high quantum efficiency. If the ERE results from photo-excitation of a nano-particle carrier by photons with E ≥ 10.5 eV in a single-step process, the quantum efficiency exceeds 100%. Such a process, in which one to three low-energy optical photons may be emitted following a single far-UV excitation, is possible in highly isolated small clusters, e.g. small, dehydrogenated carbon clusters with about 20 to 28 carbon atoms. A possible connection between the ERE carriers and the carriers of DIBs may exist in that both are ubiquitous throughout the diffuse interstellar medium and both have an abundance of low-lying electronic levels with E ≤ 2.3 eV above the ground state.
Size-Segregated Inorganic and Organic Components of PM in the Communities of the Los Angeles Harbor

The Los Angeles Ports complex consists of the port of Long Beach and the port of Los Angeles. Due to the high levels of particulate matter (PM) emitted from many sources in the vicinity of these ports and to their projected massive expansion, the Harbor area will be the focus of future governmental regulations. This study aims to characterize the physicochemical properties of PM at locations influenced by port-affiliated sources. PM samples were collected concurrently at six sites in the southern Los Angeles basin for a 7 week period between March and May 2007. Four sites were set-up within the communities of Wilmington and Long Beach; one site was located at a background location near the harbors of the Los Angeles port; the sixth site, near downtown Los Angeles, was chosen to represent a typical urban area. Coarse (PM 2.5 − 10 ), accumulation (PM 0.25 − 2.5 ), and quasi-ultrafine (PM 0.25 ) mode particles were collected at each site. Samples were analyzed for organic and elemental carbon content (OC and EC, respectively), organic species, inorganic ions, water soluble and total elements. The carbon preference index (CPI) for quasi-UF and accumulation mode particles varied from 0.65 to 1.84 among sites, which is in the range of previous findings in areas with high influence of anthropogenic sources. The ratio of hopanes to EC and hopanes to OC over all the sites were in the range of previous roadside measurements near freeways with variable volumes of diesel truck traffic. High overall correlation of vanadium with nickel (R = 0.9) and a considerable gradient of vanadium centrations with distance to the port, suggest marine vessels as the major sources of these elements.