Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of calcium hydroxide removal using EndoActivator system: An in vitro study

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) removal efficacy of the EndoActivator system with that of conventional irrigation with a syringe and hand file manipulation. Materials and Methods: A total of 44 extracted human single-rooted mandibular premolars were used. The root canal systems of all teeth were cleaned and shaped, then filled with Ca(OH) 2 paste. The teeth were divided into two groups: Ca(OH) 2 was removed using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with hand filing and irrigation (Group 1) or the EndoActivator system (Group 2). Each tooth was split into two halves and examined under a scanning electron microscope. Results: Ca(OH) 2 particles were completely removed at the coronal level in both experimental groups. More Ca(OH) 2 particles were present in the apical third than in the middle-third in both groups. No significant interaction was observed between the two experimental groups or among the three examined levels (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Agitation with NaOCl and EDTA improved Ca(OH) 2 removal only in the coronal third of the root canal. Use of the EndoActivator system did not improve the efficacy of Ca(OH) 2 removal in the middle and apical thirds.
University of Huddersfield Repository Isolation and characterization of acetylated LM-pectins extracted from okra pods

Pectin was isolated by aqueous extraction at pH 6.0 or 2.0 from okra 50 ( Abelmoschus esculentus L.) pods. An isolation protocol was designed to extract 51 pectin and to study the influence of the extraction pH on their composition and 52 physicochemical properties. The extracted pectin was assessed using sugar 53 compositional analysis (neutral sugars, galacturonic acid, acetyl and methyl contents). 54 FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and dilute 55 solution viscometry were also used to determine the macromolecular characteristics of 56 isolated pectin. The extraction protocols resulted in the isolation of pectin of high 57 purity as evidenced by their high total carbohydrate (70.0 – 81.8%) and low protein 58 (4.3 – 6.3%) contents. Samples contained between 46-56% galacturonic acid, had 59 broad molecular weight distributions, a low degree of methylation (40.0 and 24.6 %) 60 and high degree of acetylation (52.2 and 37.6 %). Neutral sugar analysis showed that 61 the pectin extracted at pH 6.0 contained more neutral sugars, particularly, galactose 62 (21.7 – 25.7 mol%), rhamnose (10.1 – 13.2 mol%) and arabinose (7.1 – 7.3 mol%) 63 than that extracted at pH 2.0 indicating variations in fine structure. In addition, 64 molecular parameters of the isolated pectins, such as intrinsic viscosity (2.8 – 4.4 dL 65 g -1 ), critical concentration (0.15 – 0.45 dL g -1 ) and coil overlap parameter (0.66 – 66 1.51), showed that extraction conditions resulted in pectin with different chain 67 morphology. The yield and physico-chemical characteristics of the extracted pectin 68 from okra pods were influenced by the extraction conditions.
Impact of abiotic factors on population dynamics of Thysanoplusia orichalcea (Fabricius) and Mocis undata (Fabricius) infesting sole sunflower and sunflower intercropped with pigeonpea

The investigations conducted at Research Farm of Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Latur (VNKMV, Parbhani) during kharif-2017 revealed that Thysanoplusia orichalcea (Fabricius) and Mocis undata (Fabricius) were major semilooper pests observed on sunflower and sunflower intercropped with pigeonpea. The peak population of T. orichalcea was exhibited on sole sunflower and sunflower intercropped with pigeonpea during 35th (3.2 larvae per quadrat) and 34th SMW (2.6 larvae per quadrat), respectively. The larval population T. orichalcea infesting sole sunflower indicated a positive correlation with rainfall, maximum temperature and beforenoon relative humidity, whereas number of rainy days showed negative correlation with larval population. T. orichalcea larval population infesting sunflower intercropped with pigeonpea demonstrated a positive correlation with rainfall and afternoon relative humidity while, negative correlation with number of rainy days. The population of M. undata reached to its peak on sole sunflower and sunflower intercropped with pigeonpea during 33th (1.6 larvae per quadrat) and 31st SMW (1.0 larva per quadrat), respectively. The larval population of M. undata infesting sole sunflower indicated a positive correlation with rainfall and beforenoon relative humidity, whereas number of rainy days, minimum temperature and afternoon relative humidity showed negative correlation with larval population. The larval population of M. undata infesting sunflower intercropped with pigeonpea evidenced a positive correlation with rainy days and minimum temperature while, negative correlation with rainfall, beforenoon and afternoon relative humidity.
Comparison of two procedures for particle-size analysis : Köhn pipette and X-ray granulometry

Knowledge on particle-size distribution (PSD) is crucial to the classification and description of soils and sediments. Since the early 1900s, various methods of PSD analysis have been in use. In Germany, analysis of PSD is conducted according to DIN ISO 11277:2002-08. This procedure involves a combination of sieving (particles 63 μm to 2000 μm) and sedimentation (particles <63 μm). Kohn pipette is the standard procedure for sedimentation. It is still conducted manually and is very time-consuming. As an automated alternative method, X-ray granulometry (XRG) was tested using the SediGraph 5100™ particle-size analyzer. With this device, the gravity-induced settling rates of different-size particles can be measured. The method is based on the same principles used in Kohn pipette (Stokes' law). However, work is carried out through X-ray absorption of particles in a suspension instead of pipetting and weighing. For this study, both methods were applied to approx. 500 samples from various locations in Germany. Care was taken in making sure these samples are representative of important patterns of particle-size distribution in soils of Central Europe. Based on statistical methods of calculation, nonlinear regression functions became apparent. Therefore, XRG data can be recalculated into approximate data potentially derived from an analysis per Kohn pipette with an acceptable degree of accuracy and precision. Usually, use of XRG generates slightly higher clay contents. Currently, automated Kohn pipette devices with greater measuring capacities are in use. This eliminates the disadvantages posed by manual operation.
MSW Compost Application on Tomato Crops in Mediterranean Conditions: Effects on Agronomic Performance and Nitrogen Utilization

A two-year field experiment (2001 and 2003) was carried out in a Mediterranean environment to study the effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost application compared with mineral nitrogen (N) fertilization on the agronomic performance and N utilization of a tomato crop, in rotation with durum wheat. The research was conducted in the south of Italy where five N treatments and two soil tillage depths (40-45 cm and 10-15 cm) were compared. The N treatments were: MSW compost at 140 kg ha−1 (Ncom); mineral N fertilizer at 140 kg ha−1 (Nmin); MSW compost combined with mineral N fertilizer (Nmix) (70 kg ha−1 as organic N plus 70 kg ha−1 as mineral N); mineral N fertilizer at 70 kg ha−1 combined with two applications of foliar fertilizer (Nfito) (3 kg ha−1 as hydrolyzed proteins), and an untreated control (Contr). During cropping cycles, growth parameters and plant N status (SPAD readings and petiole nitrate content) were determined; at harvest the marketable, overripe, green fruit, total yield, yield components, quality performance, total and fruit N uptake, and N efficiency were recorded. In addition, at the beginning and at the end of the two-year experiment, soil chemical characteristics and mineral N was measured, allowing for the calculation of the mineral N deficit in the soil. The results of this research indicate that the application of MSW compost to tomato plants can serve as a N source in Mediterranean conditions, especially when MSW compost is combined with mineral N fertilizer and deeper soil tillage is applied. In fact, deeper soil tillage increased total yield 7.0 t ha−1 compared to surface tillage, whereas soil amended with MSW compost increased total yield compared to the untreated control by approximately 6.4% when used alone and 11.1% when combined with mineral N fertilizer. Nitrogen utilization parameters and Harvest Index varied significantly across years and N treatments. Petiole nitrate content and SPAD readings did not vary between Nmin and Nmix treatments, but they were significantly different from the untreated control. This indicates that plant N status was an effective tool to monitor N supply. After the two-year experiment, the Nmix treatment was statistically not significant in total yield (86.1 and 88.2 t ha−1, respectively), marketable yield (66.9 and 67.7 t ha−1) and quality compared to the Nmin treatment. Furthermore, the Nmix treatment ensured the least N deficit in the soil, indicating that MSW applications were effectively used as alternative organic supplements. Finally, the results indicated a positive effect of MSW application on organic carbon content in the soil and did not show any significant increase of the heavy metals at the end of the two-year experiment.
Surface and bulk composition, structure, and photocatalytic activity of phosphate-modified TiO2

Phoshpate-modified titania (P−TiO2) samples of varying phosphate contents were prepared by the sol−gel method, and the photocatalytic activity was tested in the gas-phase degradation of ethanol at room temperature. DRIFT, UV−vis−DR, N2 adsorption, and XRD methods were used to characterize the structural properties of the P−TiO2 samples. XPS, ICP-AES, and SAXS investigations were additionally performed to further clarify the structural changes of the TiO2 sample due to phosphate modification. We showed that the phosphate ions reacted with the TiO2 surface and that a new crystalline titanium phosphate phase appeared during the calcination process. It was found that the structural and optical properties of the titania samples are strongly influenced by their phosphate content. The photocatalytic activity of the P−TiO2 was compared with that of Degussa P25 titanium dioxide by ethanol photooxidation in the gas phase. We have shown that total degradation of ethanol is significantly faster on P−TiO2 samples with.
Family structure, relationship satisfaction and child educational outcomes: evidence from an African American sample

A cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of the impact of family structure as well as relationship satisfaction on child educational outcomes is carried out in this study, utilizing the Family and Community Health Study (FACHS) data set, an African American data set. While negative impacts of family structure on child outcomes are well documented, there is controversy in the literature as to whether this is resource based or due to family structure itself. In the cross sectional analysis in which a probit regression is utilized, there is some evidence for the importance of marriage in the family structure regression, while relationship satisfaction is important in a regression that includes a married and cohabiting sample. There is unambiguous longitudinal evidence of the importance of marital quality, measured by relationship satisfaction, in promoting positive child educational outcomes. However, there is no evidence that marriage matters in the fixed effects estimation utilized in analyzing the impact of family structure on child educational outcomes longitudinally. This maybe due to the lack of sufficient variability in the outcome variables. Variables measuring parental time resources are of paramount importance in all specifications.
Crystallographic disorder and electron scattering on structural two-level systems in ZrAs1.4Se0.5

Single crystals of ZrAs1.4Se0. 5 (PbFCl-type structure) were grown by chemical vapour transport. While their thermodynamic and transport properties are typical for ordinary metals, the electrical resistivity exhibits a shallow minimum at low temperatures. Application of strong magnetic fields does not influence this anomaly. The minimum of the resistivity in ZrAs1.4Se0. 5 apparently originates from interaction between the conduction electrons and structural two-level systems. Significant disorder in the As–Se substructure is inferred from x-ray diffraction and electron microprobe studies.
Variations of tropospheric methane over Japan during 1988–2010

We present observations of CH4 concentrations from the lower to upper troposphere (LT and UT) over Japan during 1988–2010 based on aircraft measurements from the Tohoku University (TU). The analysis is aided by simulation results using an atmospheric chemistry transport model (i.e. ACTM). Tropospheric CH4 over Japan shows interannual and seasonal variations that are dependent on altitudes, primarily reflecting differences in air mass origins at different altitudes. The long-term trend and interannual variation of CH4 in the LT are consistent with previous reports of measurements at surface baseline stations in the northern hemisphere. However, those in the UT show slightly different features from those in the LT. In the UT, CH4 concentrations show a seasonal maximum in August due to efficient transport of air masses influenced by continental CH4 sources, while LT CH4 reaches its seasonal minimum during summer due to enhanced chemical loss. Vertical profiles of the CH4 concentrations also vary with season, reflecting the seasonal cycles at the respective altitudes. In summer, transport of CH4-rich air from Asian regions elevates UT CH4 levels, forming a uniform vertical profile above the mid-troposphere. On the other hand, CH4 decreases nearly monotonically with altitude in winter–spring. The ACTM simulations with different emission scenarios reproduce general features of the tropospheric CH4 variations over Japan. Tagged tracer simulations using the ACTM indicate substantial contributions of CH4 sources in South Asia and East Asia to the summertime high CH4 values observed in the UT. This suggests that our observations over Japan are highly sensitive to CH4 emission signals particularly from Asia.
Diffusion of Water Absorbed in Cellulose Fibers Studied with 1H-NMR

The diffusion of water and the cross relaxation between water and cellulose in a hydrated paper system were followed with the Goldman−Shen and the pulsed-field-gradient stimulated-echo NMR pulse sequences as a function of moisture content. The diffusion coefficient measured along the plane of the paper sheet is very sensitive to the moisture content; more water leads to faster diffusion. The cross relaxation rate is independent of moisture content but high enough to severely influence the evaluation of the diffusion data. From the experiments, structural information about the porous network formed by cellulose microfibrils in the interior of the cellulose fibers is obtained.
The specific surface of soils determined by water sorption

Summary The hypothesis that the specific surface of soil can be measured by water sorption is tested with data for 62 subsoils of widely differing origins. Ethylene glycol and water sorption at p/p0=0.47 are found to be very closely related measurements and both are highly correlated with CEC. Both methods give a satisfactory measure of total specific surface for soils classed as smectitic and having a large CEC. However, the application of the multilayer theory to the sorption of water on external surfaces of clayey soils with small CEC suggests that both sorbates overestimate the specific surface of such soils. A better estimate of the errors would be obtained from isotherm measurements with water, which is more suitable for this purpose than ethylene glycol.
The effects of alkalizing compounds on fine-root growth in a Norway spruce stand in Southwest Sweden

Abstract The effect of different alkalizing substances on fine root growth was studied using ingrowth cores in a Norway spruce stand in Southwest Sweden. The experimental treatments were started in April 1984 and root growth studies were carried out from 1985 onwards. The experimental areas were treated with dolomite lime, carbonate lime in two doses, wood ash and peat ash. Then root‐free ingrowth cores were installed in May 1985 and were sampled annually through 1990. From the rate new root growth of these cores, one may conclude that treatment with crushed dolomite lime leads to the most substantial development of fine roots. Peat ash and, to some extent, high doses of carbonate lime had a negative effect on root development.
Continuing education programmes and staff development of tutors in the colleges of education in the Central Region of Ghana

The general objective of the study was to assess the continuing education programmes and staff development of tutors in the Colleges of Education in the Central Region of Ghana. Using census survey, all 148 tutors in the colleges of education were involved in the study. However, 111 actually responded to the questionnaire. With regard to the three principals purposively selected for the interview, only one participated. Data obtained on tutor’s background information as well as other data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics to describe the characteristics and responses of respondents. Thematic analysis was employed for analysing the interview data. Findings of the study revealed that, on the whole, most tutors in the colleges of education were aware of existing training opportunities. It was also revealed that most tutors had a favourable attitude towards available staff development opportunities. Again, most tutors considered available training programmes to be relevant to their areas of specialization. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that periodic orientation programmes should be organized by colleges of education authorities to update colleges of education tutors on available training programmes which are relevant to the performance of their academic duties. Again, it was recommended that the colleges of education authorities should make available all the relevant information on the kinds of support they provide for staff who embark on further training.
Physiochemical, Pasting, and Thermal Properties of Starch Isolated from Different Barley Cultivars

Starches from eight different barley cultivars were isolated and evaluated for their physiochemical, thermal, and pasting properties. The amylose content varied significantly among cultivars and ranged from 21.0 to 28.3%. The majority of the starch granules were of the B-type (20 to 40 μm) in size and accounted for 50.5 to 61.6% of the total granules. The starch gel from RD-2052 showed the highest firmness (0.55 N). The pasting behavior of starch varied significantly; the PL-172 cultivar showed the highest peak viscosity (2622 cP) while it was lowest for RD-2035 (1913cP). The time to peak of pasting properties exhibited a significant (p ≤ 0.05) negative correlation with water solubility index (r = −0.74). The pasting temperature showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) positive correlation with water binding capacity (r = 0.73) and significant negative correlation with water solubility index (r = −0.82). The highest enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH) was exhibited by DWR-28 cultivar (4.9 J/g). Amylose content showed a significant (p ≤ 0.01) negative correlation with ΔH (r = −0.90). A significant (p ≤ 0.01) positive correlation was observed between gelatinization temperature range and water binding capacity of starch (r = 0.85).
Impact of Harvest Timing on the Concentration of 3-Mercaptohexan-1-ol Precursors in Vitis vinifera Berries

The effect of harvest timing on the concentration of flavor precursor 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (flavor precursor 3MH) in Vitis vinifera grape berries was investigated. The accumulation of flavor precursor 3MH in Chardonnay grape increased in early morning and decreased during the day. The daily fluctuation of flavor precursor 3MH accumulation in grape was common to several grape cultivars irrespective of the sampling year. These results suggested that early morning harvest might yield higher concentrations of 3MH and 3-mercaptohexyl acetate in wines than daytime harvest. These findings could contribute to improving viticultural and enological practices with the aim of producing aromatic wines.
Anomalous Salt Effects on DNA Conformation: Experiment and Theory

The condensation of a single DNA can be induced by multivalent counterions and is thought to be due to ion-ion correlations. Both Monte Carlo simulations and fluorescence microscopy experiments confirm this picture. The effect is less pronounced for chain counterions (polyamines) than for simple spherical counterions with the same charge. When simple salt is added to the system, the polyelectrolyte unfolds. MC simulations show that this is due to a competition between the different small ion species. The multivalent ions in the vicinity of the macroion are exchanged for univalent ones, decreasing the effect of ion-ion correlations. It is also found that the temperature effect on the macroion conformation is quite insignificant in the studied interval (5.0-65.0 °C).
Topological analysis of experimental electron densities

Practical computing algorithms are described for analysing the topology of experimental electron density distributions represented as either three-dimensional grid densities or multipolar pseudoatom superpositions. The algorithms are implemented in the program NEWPROP, results from which are illustrated with applications to two N-acetyl, C-methylamide blocked amino acid crystal structures.
Thermodynamic analysis of phase stability of nanocrystalline titania

The phase stability of nanocrystalline anatase and rutile was analyzed thermodynamically. According to the present analysis, anatase becomes more stable than rutile when the particle size decreases belowca. 14 nm. The calculated phase boundary between nanocrystalline anatase and rutile coincides with the experimental data for appearance of rutile during coarsening of nanocrystalline anatase. Both surface free energy and surface stress play important roles in the thermodynamic phase stability, which is a function of particle size.
Pyrolysis of Sawdust in a Conical Spouted Bed Reactor. Yields and Product Composition

The performance of original equipment provided with a conical spouted bed reactor has been studied in flash pyrolysis of sawdust with an inert gas (N2) in the 350−700 °C range and with 50 ms of average gas residence time. The effect of pyrolysis temperature on the yields of gas, liquid, and char on gas and liquid composition and on char properties has been studied. The maximum yield of liquid (corresponding to 70 wt %) is obtained at 450 °C and its composition determined by GC/MS is similar to that reported in the literature for bubbling fluidized beds. Although temperatures above 600 °C are required for the development of the char porous structure, the yield of CO2 obtained under these conditions is unacceptable.
Runoff losses of norflurazon: Effect of runoff timing

Norflurazon was applied (2.24 kg/ha) in 1988 and 1989 to plots that contained subsurface drains 1 m deep. After soybeans were planted, runoff losses of the herbicide were measured each sermon for about 300 days. The 1988-1989 sermon was atypical in that rainfall was insufficient to produce runoff until 171 days after application. From day 171 until day 302, 61 mm of runoff removed 1.5 g/ha (0.07% of application) of herbicide from the plots. In 1989-1990, runoff was measured for 301 days after application. In this period 50.7 g/ha norflurazon (2.3% of the amount applied) was lost from the plots in runoff