Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nutrient Partitioning and Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization of Switchgrass Plant Parts

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a native warm-season (C4) grass that has the potential to be used as a bioenergy crop and reduce increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Continuous production and removal of switchgrass, however, may deplete soil fertility. A strategy of returning plant components higher in nutrients to the field during harvest may help maintain soil fertility. In this study, nutrient partitioning in switchgrass parts over time and their C and N mineralization patterns in soil were determined. Switchgrass (cv. Alamo) was harvested on a biweekly schedule from June to October, with plants from each harvest separated into six parts (top, middle, and bottom leaves and stems) for mineral and fiber analysis. Plant materials from three harvests were used in an incubation study to determine effects of plant component, age, and composition on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization. Results indicated that a strategy of returning specific plant parts to the field would not substantially conserve soil nutrients without proportionally decreasing materials available for bioenergy production. Structural components (cell wall and cellulose) were dominant factors affecting the quantity of C mineralized. Approximately 50% of C added as switchgrass was mineralized after 100 days of incubation. Soil N immobilization was observed in all switchgrass plant part treatments.
Adsorption/desorption isotherms of HG(II) by soil

The processes of adsorption and desorption of Hg(II) by 15 soils were investigated. Within an initial Hg solution concentration range of 1.0 × 10-7 to 1.1 × 10-4M, all soils with a large organic matter content (> 11.0 g C kg-1) had an S-type isotherm, whereas all soils with a low organic matter cont
Combustion Efficiency of Flares

Abstract Emissions of incompletely burned hydrocarbons from industrial flares may contribute to air pollution. Available data on flare emissions are sparse, and methods to sample operating flares are unavailable. The study reported herein was developed to provide additional data on flare emissions. A Flare Test Facility (FTF) was designed and constructed. Tests were conducted on 3-, 6-, and 12-in. † diameter flare heads. Propane was used as the flare fuel, diluted with nitrogen to control the heating value. The following results were obtained: (1) soot (from smoky flares) accounts for less than 0.5 percent of the unburned hydrocarbon emissions; (2) the size of the flare head did not influence hydrocarbon combustion efficiency; (3) the stability of the flare flame influenced combustion efficiency, with unstable flames tending to promote inefficient combustion. A relationship between gas heating value and exit velocity was developed to denote the region of flame instability.
Liquid Sugar Extraction from Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Fruits

In date syrup manufacturing, date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are mixed with a suitable amount of water with heating at a temperature greater than 70°C for about 1 h. These conditions are not satisfactory for extraction greater amount of liquid sugar (date syrup). In addition, overheating for an extended period could damage nutritious materials and changes product’s color. In this study, pectinase/cellulase enzymes and sonication processes were used to achieve maximum syrup extraction from a date variety (Reziz) compared with classical method. The following variables were examined: fruit/water ratio, mixture of enzymes percent and ultrasonic power. Enzymes and Ultrasound were applied for improving the quantity and quality of extracted syrup. Date extract was filtered with filter system (Novox 200, filtrox) which could result entirely a clear syrup and then concentrated by a rotary evaporator until about 75% total solids to produce higher quality syrup. Physicochemical properties of each collected sample during process were evaluated. Results showed that sonication power 25% at ratio 1/3 D/W could lead to a higher extraction of RSS (Recovery of Soluble Solids) (74.30%) in a shorter time with a better physicochemical quality of syrup in comparison to mixture of enzymes 1.0% (66.70%) and classical methods of extraction (58.45%). Data indicated the possibility of employing ultrasound (25%) or enzymes processes (pectinase/ cellulase 0.1%) for producing greater syrup amount highly desirable for use in food product development.
Evolution of charged species in propane/air flames: mass-spectrometric analysis and modelling

Experimental and modelling studies of ion formation during combustion of propane/air mixtures are presented. The positive and negative ions mass/charge spectra in propane/air stoichiometric flame at atmospheric pressure are recorded in the range from 0 to 512 atomic mass units. The C2H3O+ and ions are found to be the most abundant ionic species in the flame front region. By increasing the distance from the flame front the ion composition changes significantly. In the burnt gas region the H3O+, NO+, , ions are found to be the major charged species. To explain the experimental results the extended kinetic model describing the ion formation in flame and in the extraction system of the mass-spectrometer as well as ion–soot interaction is developed. It is shown that the ionic clusters, which are observed experimentally, form during the adiabatic expansion in the extraction system, and the presence of soot particles may change the total positive and negative ion concentrations in the gas phase.
KINETICS OF POLLUTANT SORPTION BY BIOSORBENTS: REVIEW

A review of the mechanisms of solute sorption onto various biosorbents has been performed. The mechanisms have been subdivided into reaction based systems and diffusion based systems and the literature has been reviewed in accordance with these two groups. The range of solute-sorbent systems reviewed include metal ions, dyestuffs and several organic substances in aqueous systems onto a wide range of biosorbents and mineral earths. Extensive tables are presented summarising isotherm types, sorption capacities, kinetic models which have been applied particularly to biosorbent systems but also to many other adsorbent materials.
Analisis Kesesuaian Materi Instrumen Evaluasi dengan Indikator pada Rpp Materi Plantae dan Sistem Ekskresi di SMA Kota Bandung

Abstrak : Instrumen evaluasi dalam mengukur kemapuan siswa harus sesuai dengan kompetensi dasar, agar kompetensi yang diharapkan bisa tercapai. Penelitian ini dilihat dari aspek kesesuaian materi instrumen evaluasi dengan indikator pada RPP, kesesuaian materi instrumen evaluasi dengan materi yang terkandung dalam kompetensi dasar dan kesesuaian materi intrumen evaluasi dengan materi yang disampaikan guru selama proses pembelajaran di kelas. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif. Subjek penelitian adalah sepuluh orang guru biologi dari tujuh SMA N di kota Bandung sebagai sampel, setiap sekolah mewakili tiga cluster . Pemilihan sampel penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik stratified sampling, yaitu dengan memilih sekolah dengan katagori tinggi, sedang dan rendah.KD yang dianalisis materi Sistem Ekskresi kelas XI. Data diperoleh dengan cara observasi, studi dokumentasi dan angket. Kesesuaian materi instrumen evaluasi dengan indikator pada RPP pada materi Sistem ekskresi 82,38%. Kata kunci: Kompetensi Dasar, Instrumen Evaluasi, Hasil Belajar.
Thermometric Lag of a High-Temperature Short-Time Recorder-Controller

Abstract The viscosity of milk products is greater than that of water and, consequently, thermometric lag of the recorder-controller should deviate from the lag measured by conventional procedures when water is used as the test medium. To obtain thermometric lag on product, milk products were heated to pasteurization temperature in the heater section of a high-temperature short-time pasteurizer, and the hot water recirculating pump and steam supply turned off. This caused the temperature of product to decrease at a constant rate, and thermometric lag was measured as the time lag between product temperature and bulb temperature. The recorder-controller had a 3-sec thermometric lag by the conventional procedure, and with product, the measured lags were 10.4, 7.2, 6.8, 4.2, and 3.6 sec for 45% solids condensed skimmilk, 40% cream, 16% fat ice cream mix, chocolate milk, and raw milk, respectively. Thermometric lag of the recorder-controller was affected by product viscosity and exceeded the 5-sec maximum recommended in the 1965 Pasteurized Milk Ordinance of the U.S. Public Health Service for three of the five products.
Studies on chemical effects on x‐ray intensity ratios of Kβ/Kα in nuclear decay of technetium nuclides 99mTc, 97mTc, and 95mTc

Chemical effects of characteristic x‐ray intensity ratios of Kβ/Kα were investigated for the second d‐group element Tc in the decay processes 99mTc → 99Tc (two‐step isomeric transition), 97mTc → 97Tc (one‐step isomeric transition), and 95mTc → 95Mo (electron capture). The objective nuclides were produced by (n, γ)β−, (d, xn), and (α, xn) reactions and were chemically separated from the target materials. The x rays were measured with a pure germanium detector, and the Kβ x rays were analyzed into the two components K’β1 and Kβ2 using a computer program. The chemical effect of the intensity ratio was more pronounced for K’β2/Kα than for Kβ1/Kα, as expected. The effect was larger in KTcO4 than in the other species of Tc2S7, K2TcCl6, and Tc metal. The effect in the two‐step isomeric transition in 99mTc was found to be larger than in the one‐step isomeric transition in 97mTc. The effect in the electron capture in 95mTc (Mo x rays) was similar to that in 97mTc although the ratio Kβ/Kα was smaller in 95mTc than .
Financial management practices and firm performance among micro and small enterprises in Busia town,Kenya

: Micro and Small Enterprises refer to those enterprises that employ less than 50 employees. Micro enterprises employ 0-9 employees, while small enterprises employ 10 – 49 employees and they account for 75 per cent of the total employment and 30 per cent of the Kenya’s gross domestic product. However, two thirds of micro and small enterprises fail within the first few months of operation. Majority of micro and small enterprises are characterized by low growth rate and transition to medium and large enterprises. Access to expansion capital has been adversely cited as a major cause of the low levels of growth. This study seeks to assess how financial management practices affects performance of micro and small enterprises in Busia Town, Kenya. Specific objectives of the study was: to establish the effects of working capital management, Cash Flow Management, asset management and financial reporting on performance of micro and small enterprises. Descriptive research design was adopted to guide the research. The target population for the study was 712 small scale traders in Busia Town from which a sample of 88 respondents was selected using the simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a questionnaire designed and administered to the business owner managers by the researcher. The data collected was coded and cleaned before analysis. Analysis of data on the other hand was done using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics such as mean mode, frequency counts and percentages was used to summarize responses. Relationship between variables as well as statistical inferences was done using a multiple regression analysis. Regression model was used in determining relationship between variables. The study is expected to shed light on how micro and small traders in Busia Town manage their finances and whether and how this enhance or hinder business performance.
Coagulation of low turbidity surface waters with Moringa oleifera seeds

The use of Moringa oleifera seed extracts both as primary coagulant coagulant aid and its conjunctive use with alum in treating low turbidity waters was studied. The laboratory based studies used the natural polyelectrolyte to treat waters with turbidities between 23 and 90 ntu, obtained from three surface water sources in Kano, Nigeria. On the average, 50% turbidity removal was achieved when Moringa oleifera was used as primary coagulant. In combination with alum, the rates at which floes were formed were the same or often faster than with alum alone. In this study, between 40 and 80% savings in alum was observed. When used as a coagulant aid, the optimum dose was found to be 10 mg/1 while that of alum was 20 mg/1. Finally, it was observed that the time Moringa oleifera is applied (after slow mixing), is critical in determining the efficiency of coagulation. The optimum time for this was found to be 50 seconds after slow mixing.
Freshwater consumption in Kuwait : analysis and forecasting

With the rapid growth of population coupled with increasing urbanization and agriculture, the demand for water in Kuwait is continually on the increase. The main water source in the State of Kuwait is from desalination with small quantities from underground aquifers. The objective of this research is to analyse and forcast water consumption in Kuwait. Therefore, consumption and other related data were collected randomly from different households within Kuwait. Total water consumption in Kuwait has increased from 255 × 106 imperial gallons (1.159 × 106 m3) in 1954 to 102 × 109 imperial gallons (463.7 × 106 m3) in 2003, which represents a 400-fold increase. The government of Kuwait heavily subsidizes water production. While 1,000 imperial gallons (4.546 m3) of water costs the Ministry of Energy (MOE) KD3.21 (US$11.00) to produce, the customer is charged KD0.8 (US$2.72) for it. Predictions of future water consumption would help the government in its efforts to reform its subsidy policy. Results of the analyses indicated that there is considerable waste of fresh water by the average Kuwaiti household. The paper concludes with useful remarks to both the Minsitry of Energy (MOE) and the citizens of Kuwait on water usage rationalization.
Synthesis and phase transition studies on non-symmetric liquid crystal dimers: N-(4-(n-(4-(benzothiazol-2-yl)phenoxy)alkyloxy)-benzylidene)-4-chloroanilines

A new series of non-symmetric liquid crystal dimers N-(4-(n-(4-(benzothiazol-2-yl)phenoxy)alkyloxy)benzylidene)-4-chloroaniline containing benzothiazole and benzylideneimine units connected by a flexible alkyl spacer, –(CH2) n –, with n ranging from 4 to 12 in even parity have been prepared. All five members of this homologous series exhibit an enantiotropic nematic phase. The compounds with greater n of 8–12 exhibit both nematic and smectic phases upon cooling. A notable feature among this series is that for the member with n = 10, the smectic–nematic transition is also present. The nematic–isotropic transition temperatures and associated entropy changes with respect to all compounds in this series exhibit a dramatic dependence on the length of the flexible spacer. A comparison of the transitional properties of this series with those of α-(4-benzylidenechloroaniline-4′-oxy)-ω-[4-(thiophene-2-carboxyl)benzylideneaniline-4′-oxy]alkanes reveals that replacing benzothiazole moiety at one side of the flexible alkyl spacer reduces the nematic–isotropic transition temperature.
Electron energy loss studies of the transition metal dichalcogenides

Abstract Abstract An analysis of electron energy loss spectra of some 12 transition metal dichalcogenides has given useful information towards the understanding of the band structures of these layer-type solids. Using the experience gained from studying graphite in which the valence band consists of two groups, namely π and σ bands, a similar band scheme has also been established for the transition metal dichalcogenides. The plasma resonance energies of π electrons are discussed in terms of the screening by σ electrons and the finite oscillator coupling between the two valence bands. Single electron interband excitations have been observed, which are expected to form the basis for further detailed study into the band structures of these materials. Many atomic-like excitations associated with the core d and core f electrons have also been observed.
Transient hydrodynamics and free surface capture of an under-baffled stirred tank during stopping

The transient hydrodynamics and the free surface shape have been numerically predicted by CFD for an under-baffled agitated vessel during the stopping phase of the agitator, including the inertial period after the agitator has completely stopped. The simulations were carried out in a fully transient manner using a gas/liquid inhomogeneous two phase flow model coupled with a k-e turbulence model. The time dependence of the system studied reveals that the history of the fluid evolution during the impeller slowing phase determines the instantaneous results, implying that the resulting hydrodynamics cannot be determined via a classical steady-state approach. The numerical prediction of the free surface shape during stopping is in agreement with experimental data.
Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy reveals rich nanoscale adsorption chemistry of 2-mercaptopyridine on Ag

Adsorption of 2-mercatopyridine (2MPy) on Ag surfaces was studied by tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), which allows the measurement of Raman spectra with nanometer scale spatial resolution on flat surfaces that themselves do not show any surface-enhancement Raman scattering (SERS) activity. We found that the adsorption behavior of 2MPy was affected by the parameters of the preparation for the adsorbate layers, i.e., solution concentration, solution volume, and the exposure time. Besides that, variation of the TERS spectra at randomly chosen sample positions was observed. Only some of the bands appearing in SERS experiments showed up in each TERS measurement. We propose that this is caused by different local adsorption behavior of 2MPy on the Ag surfaces. This observation perfectly demonstrates the advantage of TERS over SERS, i.e., TERS can give localized chemical information on the nanometer scale, whereas SERS can only afford average spectra with micrometer scale resolution. Finally, TERS mapping with a spatial resolution of 24 nm was demonstrated.
Microwave electronic spectrum of the He+2 ion

We have observed and assigned seven microwave and millimeter wave lines arising from rovibronic components of the A 2Σ+g←X 2Σ+u electronic spectrum of the He+2 ion; this is the first observation of any spectrum of the homonuclear 4He4He+ species. The vibration‐rotation levels involved in our observations all lie within 8 cm−1 of the lowest degenerate He(1S)+He+(2S) dissociation limits for both electronic states. We use an ion beam technique in which weakly bound levels dissociate in an applied electric field to produce He+ fragments. These fragments are separated from all other ions with an electrostatic kinetic energy analyzer, and microwave transitions are detected as changes in the He+ fragment current arising from resonant population transfer. Four of the transitions are detected using a single microwave frequency; the remaining three are measured by means of a microwave–microwave double resonance method. The assignment of the spectrum is achieved by means of ab initio electronic structure calculation.
Mechanism of Ozonolysis

The formation of ozonides (1,2,4-trioxolanes) from alkenes and ozone can be described as a succession of three [2+3] cycloadditions or cycloreversions involving primary ozonides (1,2,3-trioxolanes) and aldehyde or ketone oxides as decisive intermediates, all of which have finite lifetimes. There is no warranted experimental basis for assuming an alternative mechanism.
Distribution and composition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons within experimental microcosms treated with creosote‐impregnated Douglas fir pilings

Temporal changes in the concentration and relative composition of 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water, sediment, and polyvinylchloride (PVC) strips were assessed to evaluate the fate of creosote leached from impregnated wood pilings in aquatic environments. The study consisted of single microcosms containing one of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 creosote‐impregnated pilings and two microcosms containing untreated pilings. Quantitative analyses of PAHs were performed using high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with a fluorescence detector. For each treatment, total PAHs(∑ PAH) in water increased rapidly up to 7 d posttreatment yielding a clear dose‐dependant concentration gradient ranging from 7.3 (0.5 pilings) to 97.2 μg/L (6 pilings). Total PAHs declined exponentially after 7 d and was reduced close to background concentrations (0.8–6.7 μg/L) by the end of the study (84 d). No increase in ∑ PAH was observed in sediments at any treatment, nor was there any relationship between sediment PAHs and distance from each piling cluster. However, a slight increase in PAHs was observed on PVC liner strips that exhibited a concentration gradient similar to that in water. The PVC‐bound ∑ PAH ranged from 0.3 to 2.4 μg/cm2 and 0.2 to 2.2 μg/cm2 at 31 and 58 d posttreatment, respectively. Based on these data, we estimated a rate loss of creosote from the pilings of approximately 50 μg/cm2/d (273 mg/piling/d). The low concentration of PAHs on the PVC, along with the absence of accumulation of PAHs in sediments, suggests that creosote was lost primarily from water via degradative pathways such as photolysis and microbial decomposition and adsorption onto PVC. The rapid loss of creosote from water in conjunction with the slow rate of leaching from the pilings suggests that risks associated with the use of creosote‐impregnated pilings in aquatic environments may be minimal.
Chemical procedure applied for the identification of Rf/Db produced in the 48Ca +243Am reaction

Summary A chemical separation procedure for Rf/Db is described which was applied to a long-lived decay product from the nuclear fusion reaction 48Ca+ 243Am. A 1.2 mg thick 243Am target was bombarded by 247 MeV 48Ca particles. The recoiling products were collected in a thick Cu catcher for about one day and then subjected to a chemical separation procedure that included an ion exchange from dilute HF solutions. Final samples were prepared on 30 μg/cm2 thick polyethylene (PE) foils and counted in 4π-geometry for α-particles and spontaneous fission (SF) coincidences. The detector arrays were surrounded by 3He detectors to also assay prompt neutrons. Decontamination factors from actinides of about 105 were achieved. Group 6 (W) to 14 (Pb) elements as models for their heavier homologues were shown to be separated from the Rf/Db fraction with more than 90%. In eight final samples, representing a total beam dose of 3.4 × 1018 particles, 15 SF events were detected. The decay pattern points to a single component with a half-life of ≈32h, which shows a chemical behavior similar to the lighter homologues of group 4 and 5 elements.
Synthesis of 4-Aryl-3-(2-chromonyl)-2-pyrazolines by the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 2-styrylchromones with diazomethane

The first reported 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 2-styrylchromones with diazomethane afforded 4-aryl-3-(2-chromonyl)-2-pyrazolines. However, 3-aryl-4-(2-chromonyl)-1-pyrazolines have been also found as minor products of this reaction. These two series of pyrazolines have been fully characterized.