Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of Phosphate by Biomass Char Deriving from Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass Waste

Biomass char (BC) deriving from fast pyrolysis of biomass was a potential adsorption material due to its relative high fixed-carbon content and the inherent porous structures. Adsorption of phosphate from aqueous solution by BC was investigated in this paper. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of BC was dependent on pyrolysis conditions, such as temperature and holding time. The maximum adsorption capacity for phosphate was approximately 15.11 mg g−1 at 298 K. The pseudo-second order model of the adsorption kinetics indicated that the adsorption process was complex and several mechanisms were involved. Equilibrium isotherm was satisfactorily followed the Freundlich isotherm model. The KF value in Freundlich equation gradually increased with elevating temperature. Moreover, the thermodynamic constants: ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0 were evaluated as −6.49 kJ mol−1 (at 298 K), 13.41 kJ mol−1, and 66.70 J mol−1 K−1, respectively. Phosphate adsorption onto BC was spontaneous and endothermic. As a waste, BC was a potentially attractive adsorbent for phosphate removal from aqueous solution with low cost and high capability.
Facile preparation of anatase/SiO2 spherical nanocomposites and their application in self-cleaning textiles

Anatase TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by a sol–gel process at a low temperature. The structural properties of these as-prepared nanocomposites were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), showing that TiO2 nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of SiO2 spheres. The spherical TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposites were coated onto cotton fabrics by a simple dip-pad–dry-cure process. The treated cotton fabrics demonstrated higher photocatalytic activity in comparison to pure TiO2 treated cotton fabrics in a typical photocatalytic test using a model compound of Neolan Blue 2G dye. Our results demonstrate that this composite material is a step towards better self-cleaning performance of textile materials.
From Dicarboxylic Acid to Tetranuclear Metallamacrocyclic Complex and 1D and 2D Polymers

A series of metal carboxylate complexes have been synthesized by treating 2,6-dicarboxamido-(2-pyridyl)-pyridine (H2dcapp), pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate acid (2,5-H2pda), and phenanthroline (phen) with metal salts under hydrothermal conditions. Carboxylate groups as building blocks are used to link adjacent metal centers forming a one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymeric chain [Mn2(2,6-pda)2(H2O)3]∞ (1) (2,6-pda = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate), a two-dimensional (2D) sheet network [Pb(2,6-pda)]∞ (2), a 2D hybrid rhombic grid coordination polymer [Cd(phen)(2,5-pda)]∞ (3), a 1D hybrid zigzag chain {[Zn(phen)(2,5-pda)]·H2O}∞ (4), and a tetranuclear metallamacrocyclic complex {[Zn(2,5-pda)(H2O)2][Zn(2,5-pda)(H2O)3]}2 (5). Their thermal properties were studied through TG−DT analyses. The magnetic measurement of polymer 1 reveals that typical antiferromagnetic exchange exists between Mn centers with J = −0.215 cm-1.
Resonance Raman study of model compounds of the phytochrome chromophore. II: Biliverdin dimethyl ester

Analyse des spectres Raman du compose du titre en solution neutre et acide; utilisation du traitement theorique du processus developpe par Warshel. En milieu neutre, la conformation est syn-syn-syn. Sous des conditions plus acides un proton est presque lie a l'azote du cycle C; a des pH plus bas un second proton est introduit dans le groupe lactame du cycle A
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CRYSTALLIZED HONEY PREPARED BY A NEW TYPE OF NUCLEI

ABSTRACT Good spreadability is a highly desirable quality for crystallized honey used in product applications. In this study, we processed Taiwanese liquid litchi honey into crystallized honey by adding a new nuclei material, namely 0.1% (w/w) glucose powder, instead of the traditional 5–10% (w/w) natural nuclei. Rheological properties of the resulting product were determined during heating and cooling utilizing small amplitude oscillatory shear to assess spreadability. As the product was heated, it exhibited decreased consistency and improved fluidity (evidenced by decreasing storage modulus [G′] and loss modulus [G″] values) and three distinct regions within the G′curve (“softening,”“crystalline plateau” and “melting”). As the product was cooled from 55 to 0C, moduli were lower than those obtained during heating, and the product did not exhibit the three G′curve regions across the temperature range. Therefore, we observed incomplete reversible crystallization and rheological properties during temperature migration. Flow properties of crystallized honey in the 0∼25C temperature range could be successfully predicted using the Herschel–Bulkley model (R2 > 0.97). However, the product approached Newtonian flow behavior as temperatures neared the upper end of this range. Higher viscosity and lower yield stress were observed at temperatures below 15C. The crystallized honey developed for this study exhibited shear-thinning properties desirable in honey products intended to be spread. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Crystallized honey is traditionally prepared by introducing 5–10% natural nuclei into liquid honey. Our lab developed a new method that replaces the natural nuclei with glucose powder, which, at 0.1% (w/w), produces a good quality creamed honey that, in commercial production, offers the potential for significant production cost advantages. As crystallized honey is used in commercial/consumer applications as a spread, its dynamic rheology is of both academic and industrial interest. In this study, we discuss the physical properties of the crystallized honey developed using glucose powder to help better identify the factors and variables involved in honey spreadability and thus facilitate the development of better honey products with more desirable spreadability profiles. This study also provides a rheological properties and spreadability database for crystallized honey that reflects the range of temperature changes that can be expected to occur during normal product storage and use.
New polyoxygenated triterpenoids from Stachyurus himalaicus var. himalaicus

Two new polyoxygenated triterpenoids, stachlic acid A (=(2 alpha,3 beta)-2,3,23,29-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid; 1) and stachlic acid B (=(2 alpha,3 alpha)-2,29-dihydroxy-3,23-[(1,1-dimethylmethylene)dioxy]olean-12-ene-28-oic acid; 2), were isolated from Stachyurus himalaicus var. himalaicus. Their structures were established by means of extensive spectroscopic studies and chemical evidence. The purified product 1 was found to have moderate in vitro cytotoxic activity against human Hela cells.
Osmotic Dehydration of Mango Cubes: Effect of Novel Gluten-Based Coating

Edible coating before osmotic dehydration (OD) reduces solute uptake, which can deteriorate product quality. Polysaccharide-based coatings have been reported for this purpose with limited success. Gluten, due to its inherent film formation property, has the potential to be used for this purpose. In this study, mango cubes of different maturity were osmotically dehydrated with and without gluten-based coating. An edible coating was prepared through fractionation of gluten. Osmotic dehydration was performed at 50°C for 2 h with osmotic solutions (OSs) at various concentrations (45, 55, 65 °Brix). Coating improved the dehydration efficiency index (DEI) due to a substantial decrease in solute gain (SG) and slight increase in water loss (WL). The coating modified the physicochemical properties and this effect was significantly observed at 55 °Brix. Coated mango cubes were harder and shrank more than uncoated mango. The physicochemical properties after OD were also found to be influenced by the maturity of raw mangoes.
Tribological properties of oleic acid-modified graphene as lubricant oil additives

Liquid phase exfoliated graphene sheets were modified by oleic acid and dispersed in lubricant oils as additives. The tribological behaviours of graphene-contained oils were investigated using a four-ball tribometer. The lubricant with optimized graphene concentrations of 0.02–0.06 wt% showed enhanced friction and anti-wear performance, with friction coefficient and wear scar diameter reduced by 17% and 14%, respectively.
Release of gas-phase halogens from sodium halide substrates: heterogeneous oxidation of frozen solutions and desiccated salts by hydroxyl radicals

Motivated by the need to determine the mechanism of the initial release of halogens from sea ice and marine aerosol substrates, a study of the interactions of OH radicals with a variety of halide-containing surfaces has been performed in a coated-wall flow tube using chemical ionization mass spectrometry for gas-phase analysis. The salts studied were NaCl with 0.01% and 0.002% impurities of Br− and I− respectively, and NaCl/NaBr mixtures with Cl−/Br− seawater ratios. The surfaces were desiccated salts, desiccated salts exposed to elevated relative humidity, and frozen solutions. In all cases, gas-phase Br2 and BrCl were formed, with the Br2 yield (defined as a molar ratio of halogen produced to OH lost) larger than 0.2 and the BrCl yield as roughly 0.01. For the first time, an observation of heterogeneous release of iodine-containing halogens (in particular IBr) was made with yields comparable to those of BrCl. We note that pH neutral frozen solutions demonstrated halogen release, although the yields were higher for acidic frozen solutions.
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF UREA PRILLING PROCESS

Abstract A mathematical model is proposed for the urea prilling process of a commercial plant. In this model the prilling process has been simulated by simultaneous solution of the continuity, hydrodynamic, mass and energy transfer equations. Particle trajectory, temperature and moisture distribution of the particles and of the cooling air along the height of the tower was calculated from the mathematical model. The air temperature profile resulted from the model was compared with the profile from the urea plant. The model predicted data were consistent with the plant data indicating the validity of the model. The result of this work showed that an increase in heal removed from the particles would improve the characteristics of the product urea.
The Sonochemical Degradation of Azobenzene and Related Azo Dyes: Rate Enhancements via Fenton's Reactions

The sonochemical degradation of aqueous solutions of azobenzene and related azo dyes (methyl orange, o-methyl red, and p-methyl red) was performed at 500 kHz and 50 W, under air, O2, or Ar saturation at 288 K. Reaction products and intermediates were identified by HPLC-ES-MS. Total organic carbon (TOC) was also determined as a function of reaction time. We propose a reaction mechanism based on the observed species and the extent and rate of TOC depletion. The addition of OH radicals to the azo double bond is considered to be the first step of the sequence of oxidative bond cleavages leading to the production of carboxylic acids, quinones, carbon dioxide, and nitrate ions as the main degradation products. The effects of the dye structures and of the background gas on the sonochemical bleaching rates were also investigated. The reaction rates for o-methyl red were approximately 30−40% faster than those for the other compounds. This appears to be a strong influence by a carboxylic group ortho to the azo grou.
Quantitation of Carotenoids in Raw and Processed Fruits in Japan

To obtain the quantitative and qualitative data available for estimating the intake of carotenoids from fruits in Japan, carotenoids were analyzed with reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ten carotenoids were examined in 75 raw fruits and 15 processed fruits, all of which were harvested or purchased in Japan. Phytoene was detected in 58 of 90 fruit samples ; ζ-carotene, in 50 of 90 ; lycopene, in 13 of 90 ; α-carotene, in 18 of 90 ; lutein, in 56 of 90 ; β-carotene, in 80 of 90 ; β-cryptoxanthin, in 68 of 90 ; zeaxanthin, in 58 of 90 ; all-trans-violaxanthin, in 55 of 90 ; and 9-cis-violaxanthin, in 47 of 90 samples. Citrus fruits of the mandarin type (Satsuma mandarin and its hybrids, such as tangor) were rich in β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, all-trans-violaxanthin, and 9-cis-violaxanthin ; ‘Star ruby’ grapefruit in lycopene ; loquat, Japanese persimmon, and peach in β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, all-trans-violaxanthin, and 9-cis-violaxanthin ; mango in β-carotene, all-trans-violaxanthin, and 9-cis-violaxanthin ; acerolas in phytoene ; passion fruits in ζ-carotene. Carotenoid levels in common fruits, such as apple, grape, lemon, pear, strawberry, kiwifruit, cherry, pineapple, and banana, were low.
Chemistry of the Aqueous Phase of Ordinary Portland Cement Pastes at Early Reaction Times

The chemistry of the aqueous phase of ordinary portland cement paste at early ages (<2 h) has been analyzed in terms of the concentrations of the elemental components in the pore fluid. The concentrations of calcium, sulfur, aluminum, and silicon are rationalized by plotting the data on phase diagrams. To simplify the analysis, the portland cement system is described using two subsystems : (i) CaO-Al 2 O 3 -CaSO 4 -H 2 O, modified by the presence of sodium and potassium, and (ii) CaO-SiO 2 -H 2 O. During the first 10 min of hydration, the calcium, sulfur, and aluminum concentrations all decrease, roughly in proportion, which suggests a precipitation process, a conversion of calcium sulfate hemihydrate to gypsum, and the initial formation of ettringite. The CaO-Al 2 O 3 -CaSO 4 -H 2 O subsystem seems to move from a phase assemblage of gypsum, Al 2 O 3 . 3H 2 O, and ettringite to an assemblage of gypsum, calcium hydroxide, and ettringite during the first 15-30 min after the water and the cement are mixed. The silicate equilibrium is approached more slowly. The intensity of mixing has relatively little effect on the concentrations beyond the first few minutes.
FONTES E DOSES DE NPK EM MILHO IRRIGADO SOB PLANTIO DIRETO

Coated fertilizers can provide lower losses and higher soil nutrients availability, which can be absorbed by plants, when we consider their gradual release. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of doses and sources of N, P, and K on maize grain components and yield, under no-till system, in the Brazilian savannah. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with 4 top-dressed doses (0 kg ha-1, 40 kg ha-1, 80 kg ha-1, and 120 kg ha-1) and 2 sources (urea and coated urea), for N; 4 doses (0 kg ha-1, 50 kg ha-1, 100 kg ha-1, and 150 kg ha-1) and 2 sources (triple superphosphate and coated triple superphosphate), for P; and 4 doses (0 kg ha-1, 40 kg ha-1, 80 kg ha-1, and 120 kg ha-1) and 2 sources (potassium chloride and coated potassium chloride), for K, with 4 replications. The fertilizers coated with polymers (urea, triple superphosphate, and potassium chloride) were not efficient under the soil and climate conditions studied, because they provided results similar to the same conventional fertilizers, for the N, P, and K foliar contents, and irrigated maize grain components and yield. The increment of N doses increased linearly the N leaf content, number of ears per hectare and maize grains yield. The application of K2O and P2O5 doses did not influence grain yield.
Large magnetoresistance of bismuth/gold films thermally deposited onto glass substrates

Bismuth thin films deposited onto glass substrates by thermal sublimation are polycrystalline with short mean free paths, multiple grain orientations, and disappointingly small magnetoresistance when compared to single crystals. Direct deposition onto thin gold buffer layers followed by a post-deposition anneal leads to significantly improved properties, namely, large grains oriented in the trigonal direction and a 5-T magnetoresistance higher than 250% at room temperature. For a Bi0.93Au0. 07 stoichiometry, we show that optimal results are obtained when the annealing temperature is above the BiAu eutectic point (241 °C) and below the melting temperature (271 °C) of bismuth, thus indicating a mechanism in which the presence of gold in the bismuth facilitates grain-boundary motion and grain growth.
EVALUATING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE TUMOR-INITIATING STEM CELLS ERADICATION STRATEGY ON THE EXAMPLE OF ASCITE FORM OF MOUSE GEPATOCARCINOMA G-29

Previously, we identified a treatment regimen (“3+1”) to synchronize and eradicate solid and ascites forms of murine Krebs-2 tumor. Using a similar strategy, we attempted to narrow down the treatment conditions for mouse hepatocarcinoma G-29 that can be passaged in mice as either ascites or solid grafts. We successfully developed the protocol that allowed elimination of the primary ascites. Our results indicate that the “3+1” treatment protocol wherein the final doses of cyclophosphamide and double-stranded DNA preparation are given on days 6 or 11 had the greatest therapeutic effect. Mean survival time was 36 days in treated mice vs 27 days in untreated controls. We further demonstrate that tightly scheduled cyclophosphamide treatment was in itself highly inhibitory to the growing G-29 ascites. It has been shown that in the case of ascitic form of G-29 tumor after synergistic action of cytostatic and double-stranded DNA preparation, secondary ascites arises following the appearance of peritoneal carcinomatous solid formation and, apparently, is its derivative.
Influence of fertilized short‐rotation forest plantations on nitrogen concentrations in groundwater

The influence of intensively fertilized short-rotation forest plantations on nitrogen concentrations in groundwater was studied by piezometer readings and water sampling over a two-year period in a sandy field growing willow (Salix spp.) and other species. The mineral-N content of the unsaturated zone was measured in soil samples collected to 0.9 m depth. Although piezometer readings suggested that deep groundwater could be affected, the concentrations of nitrate-N and ammonium-N were usually less than 1 mg per litre. There was also little mineral-N in the unsaturated zone, except for occasional peaks in the topsoil (0–30 cm) after application of fertilizer. We conclude that there is little risk of nitrogen contamination of groundwater in intensively cultured tree stands receiving up to 150 kg N/ha/yr as fertilizer. This is probably because willow can take up water and nitrogen from deep parts of the soil profile.
Structural and microstructural characterization of the growth lines and prismatic microarchitecture in red abalone shell and the microstructures of abalone flat pearls

The structure of the growth lines in the shell of the red abalone, Haliotis rufescens, has been characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The growth lines consist of a blocklike microstructure and a spherulitic microstructure, separated by a green organic matrix interlayer. The minerals in both the blocklike and spherulitic structures have been determined to be aragonite, the same CaCO3 polymorph as in the nacreous microstructure in these shells. The spherulitic structure is composed of radially distributed elongated crystals, whereas the blocklike structure involves crystalline aggregates with irregular shape. The individual aggregates are approximately single crystal, with orientations identical to that of the adjacent stack of tablets in the nacreous structure. The interfaces defining the transition from nacreous to blocklike microstructures are abrupt; on the other hand, the transition from spherulitic to nacreous microstructures shows more irreg.
Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Enriched Natural Kaolinite Clay and Its Application For Biodiesel Production

A heterogeneous catalyst is one type of catalyst which is very effective for biodiesel production; thus, in this study, a novel heterogeneous bifunctional catalyst was prepared by kaolinite clay obtained from Padang of West Sumatera and impregnated with graphene oxide and potassium hydroxide (KOH) for the simultaneous esterification and transesterification reactions of palm oil into biodiesel. For comparison, two other catalysts were also prepared. The first catalyst was the same clay which was heated at 450ºC for 4 hours, and the second catalyst was the same clay which was impregnated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) only. The three catalysts were characterized using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). XRF analysis showed that the clay sample’s main composition consisted of 54% silica, 35% alumina, and 7% hematite. The XRD analysis results showed that the most dominant crystal composition was quartz, kaolinite, and hematite. The analysis results using FTIR showed a change in intensity and shift in wave numbers indicating a cation exchange. The catalytic activity test was carried out with a ratio of oil and methanol 1:6, catalyst amount 5%, 60ºC reaction temperature, and 4 hours of reaction time.The results showed that the catalytic activity of clays impregnated with graphene oxide and potassium hydroxide was better with a yield of 58% compared to clays without impregnation and other clays that were only impregnated with KOH under the yields of 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively
Novel photocatalytic reactor for water purification

A novel photocatalytic reactor design for water treatment is characterized by the use of new extremely narrow diameter lamps, thus allowing for much higher surface area for catalyst coating per unit reactor volume and consequently for much higher specific reactor capacity. Experiments in a reactor containing 21 novel U-shaped lamps coated with catalyst showed a 695% increase in efficiency of the reactor performance in comparison with a classical annular reactor and 259% in comparison with a slurry reactor. Both a classical annular reactor and a slurry reactor cannot be scaled up for large-scale applications due to the low values of illuminated catalyst surface area per unit volume of liquid treated inside the reactor while this configuration is flexible enough for large-scale applications.
Measuring the Elastic Properties of Thin Polymer Films with the Atomic Force Microscope

The elastic properties of thin gelatin films were investigated with the atomic force microscope (AFM). The degree of swelling and thus the softness of the gelatin can be tuned by immersing it in mixtures of propanol and water. Therefore, we have chosen gelatin films as a model system to characterize the measurement of elasticity of thin and soft samples. The major aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the film thickness on the apparent elastic (Young's) modulus. Thus, we prepared wedge-shaped samples with a well-defined thickness of up to 1 μm. The Young's modulus of our samples was between 1 MPa and 20 kPa depending on the degree of swelling. The elasticity was calculated by analyzing the recorded force curves with the help of the Hertz model. We show that the calculated Young's modulus is dependent on the local film thickness and the applied loading force of the AFM tip. Thus, the influence of the hard substrate on the calculated softness of the film can be characterized as a function of.
Effect of Compositional Fluctuations on the Phase Transitions in (Nd1/2Sr1/2)MnO3

High-resolution synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction techniques have been used to investigate the structural and magnetic phase transitions in two polycrystalline samples with nominal composition (Nd0.5Sr0.5)MnO3. The first sample separates into three coexisting macroscopic phases at low temperature: a ferromagnetic (FM) phase, an orbitally ordered antiferromagnetic A-type (AFM-A) phase, and the majority phase, which shows charge, orbital, and antiferromagnetic CE-type (AFM-CE) ordering. The second sample shows a clean transition from the FM state into the AFM-CE state. The unusual behavior of the first sample is associated with a slight excess of Mn4+ and a wider compositional range with respect to the second sample and illustrates the very delicate competition between these three states near a Mn4+:Mn3+ ratio of unity, where both electron delocalization and charge-ordering are known to occur. The charge-ordered structure of Nd0.5Sr0. 5MnO3 is reported.