Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF PROCESS VARIABLES ON THE PROPERTIES OF KETOPROFEN LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES OF BEESWAX AND CARNAUBA WAX

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) have emerged as an alternative colloidal carriers for sustained release of lipophilic drugs with poor absorption and water solubility. This manuscript describes the effect of process variables on the production of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) from beeswax and carnauba wax and ketoprofen release from these carriers. It was found that by increasing drug content from 0.5 to 1.5% w/v the average particle size of SLNs increased from 82 to 116 nm and drug loading increased from 10.7 to 26.6% while entrapment efficiency remained almost constant (≈ 97%). Unexpectedly, the average size of SLNs increased from 82 to 150 nm by increasing homogenization time from 5 to 15 min. Increasing homogenization intensity from 11000 to 24000 rpm resulted in the particle size decrease from 108 to 82 nm. The rate of drug release from nanparticles loaded with 0.5% w/v ketoprofen increased with increasing the ionic concentration of phosphate buffer solution from 0.05 to 0.1 M.
THERMODYNAMIC COUPLING OF HEAT AND MATTER FLOWS IN NEAR-FIELD REGIONS OF NUCLEAR WASTE REPOSITORIES

In near-field regions of nuclear waste repositories, thermodynamically coupled flows of heat and matter can occur in addition to the independent flows in the presence of gradients of temperature, hydraulic potential, and composition. The following coupled effects can occur: thermal osmosis, thermal diffusion, chemical osmosis, thermal filtration, diffusion thermal effect, ultrafiltration, and coupled diffusion. Flows of heat and matter associated with these effects can modify the flows predictable from the direct effects, which are expressed by Fourier's law, Darcy's law, and Fick's law. The coupled effects can be treated quantitatively together with the direct effects by the methods of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The extent of departure of fully coupled flows from predictions based only on consideration of direct effects depends on the strengths of the gradients driving flows, and may be significant at early times in backfills and in near-field geologic environments of repositories. Approximate calculations using data from the literature and reasonable assumptions of repository conditions indicate that thermal-osmotic and chemical-osmotic flows of water in semipermeable backfills may exceed Darcian flows by two to three orders of magnitude, while flows of solutes may be reduced greatly by ultrafiltration and chemical osmosis, relative to the flows predicted by more » advection and diffusion alone. In permeable materials, thermal diffusion may contribute to solute flows to a smaller, but still significant, extent. « less
Solubilization of mono- and dichlorophenols by hexadecylpyridinium chloride micelles. Effects of substituent groups

Semiequilibrium dialysis measurements have been made to determine solubilization equilibrium constants and activity coefficients of mono- and dichlorophenols in aqueous solutions of hexadecylpyridinium chloride (CPC) at 25{degree}C. Solubilization equilibrium constants (which relate the concentration of solubilizate in the micelle to the concentration of free organic in the bulk solution) are well correlated by the expression K = K{sub 0}(1 {minus} BX){sup 2}, where B is an empirical constant, K{sub 0} is the limiting value of the solubilization constant, and X is the mole fraction of the phenol present in the surfactant micelles.
International Journal of Food Engineering Volatile Composition Changes of Pineapple during Drying in Modified and Controlled Atmosphere

Pineapple samples were dried in normal and modified atmospheres by addition of 0.5% ethanol v/v to the air stream using two different temperatures and two different velocities. The volatile composition changes during the drying process were determined using the solid phase microextraction coupled to a gas chromatographer with mass spectrometer. The modification of the drying atmosphere with ethanol vapor promoted a more intense water evaporation as well as a less pronounced loss of volatiles. The volatile composition changed significantly during drying not only by the loss of some components but also by the appearance of others.
Evaluation of Toxicity Level of Nickel on Growth, Photosynthetic Efficiency, Antioxidative Enzyme, and Its Accumulation in Cauliflower

A study was conducted to determine the toxicity level of nickel using cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) cv. Snowball grown in refined sand with complete nutrient solution for 79 days. At day 80, plants were separated into three lots. One lot was treated as the control (0.0001 mM Ni) while other two lots were supplied with excess nickel (Ni) at 0.1 and 0.5 mM. The toxicity symptoms of Ni appeared as chlorosis of young leaves. No curd was formed at 0.5 mM Ni supply. Excess Ni decreased biomass, chlorophyll, Hill reaction activity, and carbohydrate fraction, and enzyme activities of catalase, peroxidase, and acid phosphatase in leaves. Excess Ni increased concentration of starch, phenol, and nonprotein nitrogen and decreased protein nitrogen in leaves. Increase in Ni supply increased Ni concentration in all parts of cauliflower, whereas the concentration of phosphorus, sulfur, iron, and manganese decreased significantly.
Relationship between basicity, reducibility and partial oxidation properties of chromium containing MCM-41

MCM-41 mesoporous solids were modified with chromium species using Cr(NO3)3 and CrO3 as precursors. The impact of metal amount and metal sources on the structural and textural parameters of the materials obtained was investigated. Their surface properties were analyzed using XRD, UV-Vis, H2-TPR (the state of Cr species) as well as test reactions (2-propanol decomposition and cyclization and dehydration of 2,5-hexsanedione). The catalytic activity of Cr/MCM-41 materials was tested in methanol partial oxidation. The relationships of reducibility, kind of chromium species, basicity of material surface and the catalysts performance in partial oxidation of methanol were examined and discussed. The impact of basicity on methanol oxidation was clearly documented. Di- and polychromate species were found to be responsible for high yields of formaldehyde.
Exothermicity in wood torrefaction and its impact on product mass yields: From micro to pilot scale

This paper is focused on the effects of exothermic reactions during torrefaction, a mild heat treatment process in the temperature range 200 to 300°C. Three different scalcs are considered, the micro-particle (podwer scale), the macro-particle (woodchips or larger) and the thick fixed bed (pilot reactor) together with three wood types, spruce, beech and locust. At the powder scale, TGA-DSC tests indicate that exothermic reactions are noticeable principally during the first stages of torrefaction. The mass loss kinetics are used to evaluate parameters for a DAEM (Distributed Activation Energy Method) model. At the macro-particle scale, temperature measurements within wood planks heated in an oven depict the presence of temperature overshoots due to the exotherrnic reactions that lead to unevenly treated particles. At the reactor scale, a large fixed bed of wood chips is heated in the same aven by an up-flowing recirculated mixture of inert gas and volatiles. The exothermic reactions are found to generate a heat wave that propagates up the bed. Overall mass losses are found to largely exceed those preclicted with the DAEM model based on recorded bed temperatures. This means that, in order to reach the measured product yields, the inner core temperatures of the wood chips must be higher than either their outer surface or the gas flow. Multi-scale modelling approaches are therefore required to take into account the combined exothemicity and diffusional limitations within the wood chips or at their exchange surfaces.
Nickel Catalysts Supported on MgO/Smectite-Type Nanocomposites for Methane Reforming

MgO-clay nanocomposites were prepared from a synthetic smectite-type clay, TS, using three different non-ionic surfactants (Igepal CA-720, Brij 30 and Brij 56) and the resulting clay nanocomposites were impregnated with Ni for the methane reforming reaction with carbon dioxide to synthesis gas. A Ni/TS catalyst was also prepared for comparison. The prepared supports and catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric analysis and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. The thermal stability, pore structure and the surface area strongly influence the catalytic behavior of the catalysts. The methane conversions (at 700°C for 4 h) were 91, 95 and 97% for Ni/TSIGE, Ni/TSBR30 and Ni/TSBR56, respectively, indicating that the surface properties and the catalytic performance of the resulting solids slightly improved as the polyethylene oxide number of the surfactant increased. A reduced conversion (10%) and a rapid deactivation was observed in the Ni/TS catalyst, attributed to its Na content and low thermal stability, which led to sintering and coke deposition.
Insect-Plant Interactions − Metabolism of Plant Compounds to Pheromones and Allomones by Lepidoptera and Leaf Beetles

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are taken up from plants by various butterflies and moths belonging to the Danainae, Ithomiinae, and Arctiidae, which use them for defence and for the production of male pheromones. A complex distribution scheme of these plant alkaloids by the insect has been established in some species. The transformations involved include conversion into insect alkaloids, metabolism to male pheromones, and transfer of alkaloids from males to females and further into eggs. While these lepidoptera selectively sequester certain compounds from plants in a complex pattern, the leaf beetle Chrysomela lapponica follows a different strategy. Glycosidically bound alcohols present in leaves of their hostplants are liberated and transformed into esters, which are used for defence. Related beetles rely on host-derived single compounds such as salicyl aldehyde or de novo synthesized iridoid monoterpenes. Several aspects of these insect-plant relations, including biosynthetic transformations of plant compounds by the insects, are discussed herein.
TOWARDS A COMPREHENSIVE MODEL BASED CONTROL OF MILK DRYING PROCESSES

ABSTRACT Milk powder manufacture is carried out on large scale and to exacting standards. To date, process control has been largely empirical. Recent advances in the understanding of process mechanisms and product properties is allowing model-based process control strategies to be developed. This review briefly describes the manufacture of milk powder and discusses in detail milk concentrate viscosity and atomization, particle size distribution, the drying mechanism and protein denaturation, in relation to the development of such strategies.
Dependence of the Avrami Exponent on Supercooling During Nonisothermal Crystallization of Poly(phenylene sulfide)

The nonisothermal crystallization behavior of poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) was studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at various cooling rates. The nonisothermal crystallization data were analyzed by the Ozawa theory. The Avrami exponent n was determined at several constant cooling rates. A notable variable trend of the Avrami exponent with the temperature was found. Within 215–238°C and 243–255°C, the Avrami exponent of PPS increases markedly with the increase of temperature, respectively, while within narrow temperature range from 238°C to 243°C, a sharp decrease of the Avrami exponent can be seen. It has been suggested that the nuclei formation and the geometry of spherulite growth in the nonisothermal crystallization of PPS are strongly affected by the temperature and correlated with the Regime Transition (the regime II→III transition for PPS).
Effect of Processing on Nutritional, Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Kunun-Zaki (A Sorghum Based Non-Alcoholic Beverage) Widely Consumed in Nigeria

2 Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of processing methods on the Nutritional, Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Kunun-Zaki. Results revealed that kunun drinks processed traditionally usually takes up to 48hrs or more to be processed, however, the same kunun drink with better microbiological quality, can now be processed within six hours. More over, kunun drinks processed from the sieve kunun flour now retained more nutrients in terms of protein, %fat and titrable acidity than the traditionally processed drinks.
Comparison of Modeling Predictions with Experimental Data from Plastic Lithium Ion Cells

Modeling results for a lithium-ion battery based on the couple Li{sub x}C{sub 6} {vert_bar} Li{sub y}Mn{sub 2}O{sub 4} are presented and compared to experimental data. Good agreement between simulation and experiment exists for several different experimental cell configurations on both charge and discharge. Simulations indicate that the battery in its present design is ohmically limited. Additional internal resistance in the cells, beyond that initially predicted by the model, could be described using either a contact resistance between cell layers or a film resistance on the negative electrode particles. Modest diffusion limitations in the carbon electrode arising at moderate discharge rates are used to fit the diffusion coefficient of lithium in the carbon electrode, giving D{sub s{sub {delta}}{sup {minus}}} = 3.9 {times} 10{sup {minus}10} cm{sup 2}/s. Cells with a 1 M (mol/dm{sup 3}) LiPF{sub 6} initial salt concentration become solution-phase diffusion limited at high rates. The low-rate specific energy calculated for the experimental cells ranges from 70 to 90 Wh/kg, with this mass based on the composite electrodes, electrolyte, separator, and current collectors. The peak specific power for a 30 s current pulse to a 2.8 V cutoff potential is predicted to fall from about 360 W/kg at the beginning ofmore » discharge to 100 W/kg at 80% depth of discharge for one particular experimental cell. Different system designs are explored using the mathematical model with the objective of a higher specific energy. Configurations optimized for a 6 h discharge time should obtain over 100 Wh/kg. « less
LIGHT ABSORPTION STUDIES: PART XVII. THE ULTRAVIOLET ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF CHLOROBENZENES

The ultraviolet absorption spectra of a series of chlorobenzenes are determined. The spectral data suggest that the apparent mesomeric effect of the chlorine atom is greater than that of the fluorine atom, that solvent–solute interactions are generally less important in chlorobenzenes than in fluorobenzenes, and that, as expected, the effective interference radius of the chlorine atom is large. Moreover, spectral changes in o-substituted chlorobenzenes are consistent with the assumption that maximum electronic interaction requires the chlorine atom to be in the same plane as the benzene ring. The conformations of o-chloroacetophenone and o-chlorophenol are briefly discussed.
Performance of green maize and soil nutrient changes with fortified cow dung

Organic manures are known to have the ability of supplying both the required macro and micro plant nutrients but in low quantities and usually not early enough for quick utilization. Enriching the manure combats the deficiency of late and low supply of nutrients. Experiments were conducted to assess the growth and yield of maize with Nitrogen-enriched cow dung. This was compared with performance with inorganic NPK fertilization and no fertilizer control. Maize growth was significantly (P = 0.05) affected by application of an enriched cow dung. The plants were comparable in height and leaf area with inorganic fertilizer. Fertilization of maize gave significantly (P = 0.05) higher grain yields. Fortified cow dung gave an average yield of 3.78 t ha-1 while inorganic fertilizer gave a yield of 3.70 t ha-1. The unfertilized control plants had an average yield of 2.47 t ha-1. Yield from the enriched cow dung was comparable with yield from inorganic fertilization. This shows the potential of the use of N-enriched cow dung as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers. Fortified cow dung increased soil N, P and K contents by 25, 1 and 62%, respectively. It also increased the soil Ca and Mg contents by 2 and 8%, respectively. Decomposed cow dung, fortified with Nitrogen can be applied at 2.5 t ha-1 to cultivate maize. It gives a comparable yield as inorganic fertilizer and increases the soil N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents. Key words: Maize, growth, yield, cow dung, N-fortification, soil nutrients.
CHEMICAL DEMULSIFICATION OF OIL-IN-WATER EMULSION USING AIR-FLOTATION: THE IMPORTANCE OF FILM THICKNESS STABILITY

The thickness stability of the film between air bubble/oil drop and oil/oil drops in an induced air flotation process in the presence of flocculent was analyzed. A cationic, high molecular weight, polymeric flocculeni was used in the demulsification of a crude oil-in-water emulsion. A novel capillary force balance technique in conjunction with the film interference microscopy was used to study the film thickness stability of an emulsion film formed between oil drops and pseudoemulsion film formed between air bubbles and oil drops. It has been found that film thickness stability is related to the formation of dark spots (thinner area) inside the film. The formation of dark spots inside the thinning film has been explained by the local osmotic depletion-destabilization effect. It has been found that in the presence of the flocculent the emulsion film is less stable than the pseudoemulsion film, and the efficiency of the oil separation process by air flotation is therefore governed by the stability of the wa.
SPATIOTEMPORAL MEASUREMENT OF BUBBLE PROPERTIES IN FREE-BUBBLING FLUIDIZED BEDS

Spatiotemporal measurements of bubble properties in a three-dimensional free-bubbling fluidized bed were done by using double-line arrays of reflective optical fiber probes and a microcomputer-aided data processing system. The measuring system could get real bubble shapes and the bimodal lateral distribution of the bubble frequency and holdup. The aspect ratio D''B/DB to express the extent of bubble deformation was correlated with the coalescence index defined by (Uo-Umf)/UB. In the case of two vertically aligned bubbles which were going to coalesce, the average aspect ratio of the leading bubble was almost constant, while that of the following bubble increased sharply with coalescence index. By plotting the bubble rising velocity UB against the real bubble diameter DB, three kinds of bubbles, viz., spherical cap, elongated and slug, could be distinguished. On the other hand, by plotting it against the bubble height D''B, the data for these three kinds of bubbles crowded around a line of KB = 0.9, showing that the three kinds of bubbles in real situations cannot be distinguished by such plot.
A New Perspective on Managerial Careers: Three Sequence Analyses of Executive Career Paths

Motivated by upper echelons research and career research, this doctoral thesis examines which career paths lead to different C-level positions and whether these career paths can be generalized. In doing so, it first aims to derive typical career patterns for three executive positions. Second, it aims to test the proclaimed shift from traditional to more unstable career paths (i.e., boundaryless careers). The thesis is comprised of three empirical studies, which analyze executives’ careers with the help of optimal matching analysis, an innovative form of sequence analysis frequently applied in sociological research. The first study focuses on the second most important actor at the top of the firm, the chief financial officer (CFO), and analyzes a unique dataset of 97 German CFOs from public and private firms. The results show five CFO career patterns, which differ in organizational tenure, international experience, and functional experience of the CFOs. The results further indicate that three early career choices are associated with CFO career patterns: educational level, entry organization, and entry industry. The second study outlines unexplored paths that lead to partner positions, based on the careers of 291 American and German partners of the “Big Three” consulting firms. The results reveal four career patterns that involve multiple moves across organizational and industry boundaries and thus reflect the definition of a boundaryless career. Only one career pattern reflects the definition of a traditional organizational career. The results also demonstrate that American partners, and partners with fewer years of pre-employment education, are more likely to follow boundaryless career patterns. The third study focuses on the careers of a relatively new functional executive: the chief digital officer (CDO). It examines a sample of 61 German CDOs, predominantly from large private firms, and explores their educational backgrounds and career paths. The results indicate that CDOs typically hold non-technical university degrees and that the majority follow a cross-functional career pattern, covering marketing and sales, and the operations function. In summary, these findings support and extend career theory by providing new evidence that boundaryless careers exist in different corporate functions and industries with strict hierarchies and advancement principles, such as consulting. Additionally, the results contribute to the ongoing debate on the roles of senior executives by exploring their educational background and experience. This has implications for corporate recruiting and human resource management, and for future research into top management careers.
Visualization of root growth in heterogeneously contaminated soil using neutron radiography

We used neutron radiography (NR), a non‐invasive and in situ technique, to study living plant roots in soil. Plant roots have a larger water content than their unsaturated surrounding media. As water strongly attenuates a neutron‐beam, NR can identify root structures in detail. We investigated the use of NR to visualize the root growth of lupin in quartz sand and in a loamy sand field soil. Further experiments elucidated the root growth of lupin in the loamy sand heterogeneously contaminated with 10 and 20 mg kg−1 boron (B) and 100 mg kg−1 zinc (Zn). We obtained high‐quality images of root growth dynamics in both media with a resolution range of 110–270 μm. The images with quartz sand revealed fine structures such as proteoid roots that are difficult to locate in situ by other methods without destruction of the soil. Though quartz sand provided excellent visibility of roots, it proved to be a poor medium for growing plants, probably because of its bulk density (1.8 Mg m−3). The images with field soil showed normal root growth with slightly less contrast than the quartz sand. The poorer contrast was due to the greater neutron interaction with soil water and soil organic matter. In the heterogeneously contaminated soil, root growth was significantly reduced in the contaminated part of the soil in all B and Zn treatments. This study shows that NR has potential as a non‐invasive method to investigate root growth over time as well as the response of roots to various abiotic stress factors.