Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controllable synthesis of hexagonal WO3 nanostructures and their application in lithium batteries

Novel hexagonal WO3 (h-WO3) nanorods have been successfully prepared on a large scale by a simple hydrothermal method by adding Na2SO4. Uniform nanorods with diameters of 100–200 nm and lengths of up to several micrometres are obtained. The morphology evolvement and the growth mechanism were studied carefully with different quantities of Na2SO4. Different experimental parameters can lead to different structures and morphologies of the final products in our experiment. The current understanding of the growth mechanism of these nanostructures potentially provides important information about the structure design and morphology-controlled synthesis of WO3 and other oxides. The electrochemical performances of the as-prepared h-WO3 nanowires as anode materials of Li-ion batteries have also been investigated. These batteries have a discharge capacity of 215 mA h g−1 at the initial cycles and show an extreme capacity retention. The results imply that these h-WO3 nanorods are promising anode materials for Li-ion batteries.
Molecular weight dependence and end-group effects on the surface tension of poly(dimethylsiloxane)

The surface tensions of amine-, hydroxyl-, and methyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) oligomers with molecular weights ranging from 1000 to 75 000 are measured by pendant drop tensiometry. The surface tension increases with molecular weight for the methyl-terminated polymers, decreases with molecular weight for the amine-terminated polymers, and is nearly independent of molecular weight for the hydroxyl-terminated polymers. This behavior is attributed to differences in surface tension of the end groups and the repeat unit of the chain (σ ∞-σ e ); the methyl end group has a lower surface energy than the PDMS backbone whereas the surface energy of the amine group exceeds that of PDMS
Matrix Chain Deformation in Reinforced Networks: a SANS Approach

A small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) investigation of matrix chain deformation in an especially designed composite model system for a filled rubber−elastic network is presented. SANS experiments on the structure of polyisoprene homopolymer chains introduced into a well-microphase-separated triblock polyisoprene−polystyrene−polyisoprene (PI−PS−PI) system of the ABA type are reported. Use is made of the phase- and composition-matching techniques. The data are described in terms of the scattering behavior of the corresponding pure polyisoprene network at larger microscopic than macroscopic strains. The results confirm the model for the strain enhancement in reinforced networks and give the first direct microscopic insights into the mechanisms of reinforcement. A complementary small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) study yields all relevant geometrical parameters of the model filler and its detailed behavior under strain.
A Shortcut Application of a Flory‐Like Model to Asphaltene Precipitation

A model, previously developed to determine the asphaltene precipitation onset, considered that asphaltene separation is ruled by the solvent quality of the surrounding media. Here, it is shown that it is equivalent to Flory‐Huggins model, when it is hypothesized that the asphaltene concentration is always in the instability range. With this, the controversy on the use of a concentration‐dependent model to describe a phenomenon that is practically independent of concentration is by‐passed. Moreover, improvements of the model are presented, together with sensitivity analysis with respect to its parameters. Two field case applications are reported, showing that the model gives a reasonable fit.
Effect of foliar application of boron, salicylic acid and potassium nitrate on yield and quality of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in alfisols of Konkan

A field experiment on “Effect of Foliar Application of Boron, Salicylic Acid and Potassium Nitrate on Yield and Quality of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Alfisols of Konkan” was conducted with Randomized Block Design comprising eight treatments replicated thrice at Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Dr. B. S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Dist. - Ratnagiri during Rabi 2017-2018. Application of RDF + foliar application of 0.5 per cent potassium nitrate significantly increased the yield and quality parameters viz. TSS, reducing sugar, total sugar and anthocyanin. Hence, on the basis of result obtained from the present investigation it can be concluded that foliar application of RDF + foliar application of 0.5 per cent potassium nitrate significantly increased the yield and quality of watermelon.
PEDOT nanostructures synthesized in hexagonal mesophases

We describe a single step preparation of nanostructures of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT, in the hydrophobic domains of cationic surfactant-based hexagonal mesophases via chemical oxidative polymerization of EDOT monomers using FeCl3 as an oxidizing agent. After polymerization, the hexagonal structure of the mesophases is preserved as demonstrated by polarized light microscopy and X-ray scattering measurements. After extraction from mesophases, the chemical structure of PEDOT is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, PEDOT morphology is checked by transmission and scanning electron microscopies. PEDOT nanostructures with spindle-like or vesicle-like shapes are obtained depending on the experimental conditions. In the original method, high resolution atomic force microscopy, coupled with infrared nanospectroscopy, is used to probe the local chemical composition of PEDOT nanostructures. Finally, the as-prepared PEDOT polymers are characterized by both good thermal stability up to 200 °C and a relatively high conductivity value up to 0.4 S cm−1 as determined by thermogravimetric analysis and four probe measurements respectively.
Water Stress Detection in Field-Grown Maize by Using Spectral Vegetation Index

As water availability is getting more limited, practical tools are needed to make timely decisions on the need to initiate irrigation. Therefore, we investigated if the reflectance vegetation index (RVI) obtained from remote sensing of the crop during soil drying, compared with a fully watered plot as a reference could be used as such a tool for detection of water stress. RVI was measured as green crop area index (CAI) and increased from 1 to 4 during the early vegetative stage of growth. RVI was calculated from incoming (PARi) and reflected (PARc) photosynthetically active radiation and from incoming (NIi) and reflected (NIc) near infrared radiation using the equation RVI=(NIc/NIi)/ (PARc/PARi). The effect of soil drying on leaf expansion, biomass accumulation, abscisic acid (ABA) in xylem sap, leaf water potential and leaf nitrogen content were followed as drought indicators in maize (Zea mays L.) grown in lysimeters in the field. Five to seven days after the onset of soil drying RVI started to decrease in droughted plants when xylem [ABA] increased. Leaf nitrogen content of upper leaves decreased five to ten days after the onset of soil drying. Not until 20 days after onset of soil drying when relative available soil water (RASW) was 20%, did midday leaf water potential (ψleaf) of droughted plants significantly decrease below ψleaf of fully irrigated plants. RVI was highly correlated with green crop area index (CAI) (R2=0.84) and biomass accumulation (R2=0.88). We suggest that measurements of RVI of droughted field plants related to RVI of fully irrigated reference plants within the same field can be used as an early warning system of water stress for irrigation, and hence the need during the early vegetative growth stages in maize.
Modelling and performance assessment of OFDM communication systems in the presence of non-linearities

This thesis is concerned with the development of analytic techniques to assess the impact of non-linearides on the performance of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals in fibre-radio based wireless networks. Volterra series are used to model both the frequency independent and the frequency dependent behaviour exhibited by fibre-radio system non-linearities. Expressions to determine the power density spectrum (PDS) of non-linearly distorted OFDM signals are derived and validated by comparing analytic to simulation results. Such expressions relate the PDS of the distorted signal to the harmonic power density spectra (HPDS) of the non-distorted signal and the transfer functions of the non-linearity. Expressions to determine the error probability of non-linearly distorted OFDM signals in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) are also derived and validated by comparing analytic to simulation results. Such expressions relate the error probability of the OFDM signal to the error probabilities of the OFDM sub-channels, each of which is given as the expectation with respect to the intermodulation distortion (IMD) random variable (RV) of the error probability in AWGN conditioned by a given value of the IMD RV. To calculate the error probability expectations, an investigation of appropriate approximations/estimations for the IMD distribution based on a limited number of moments of the IMD RV is carried out. Finally, the analytic techniques are applied to two different intensity modulation/direct detection (IM/DD) fibre-radio systems. One of the systems is based on the direct modulation of a laser source and exhibits frequency dependent non-linear behaviour. The other system is based on the external modulation of a laser source and exhibits frequency independent non-linear behaviour. Merits and demerits of the techniques are discussed by comparing analytic to simulation results. Overall, this thesis provides a range of analytical tools to assess the performance of fibre-radio based wireless networks employing OFDM signalling as well as further insight into the behaviour of non-linearly distorted OFDM signals.
Influence of solvent polarity and hydrogen bonding on the EPR parameters of a nitroxide spin label studied by 9-GHz and 95-GHz EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations

The isotropic and anisotropic hyperfine coupling constants and g-values of the nitroxide spin label (1-oxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrroline-3-methyl)methanethiosulfonate (MTSSL) were determined from 9-GHz and 95-GHz electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements in various solvents with a large distribution in polarity and proticity. The parameters Aiso, giso, Azz, and gxx of MTSSL were found to be sensitive to changes in solvent properties, where A-values increased and g-values decreased due to increased solvent polarity or proticity. A linear correlation was found for the isotropic (giso, Aiso) and anisotropic (gxx, Azz) parameters, respectively. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the same parameters were performed for a model spin label with the possibility to vary the dielectric constant (e) of the medium and the number of hydrogen bonds formed with the nitroxide oxygen. From a qualitative analysis of experimental and calculated results, it was possible to specify the causes.
Photo-induced electron and energy transfer in non-covalently bonded supramolecular assemblies

Covalently linked chromophore–quencher complexes are widespread in the area of transition-metal photochemistry and as models for photosynthesis. This review surveys recent examples of supramolecular complexes in which interacting chromophore and quencher fragments are instead held together by non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, aromatic π-stacking, hydrophobic interactions and labile metal–ligand coordinate bonds. The use of these methods to assemble multi-component photo-active complexes has led to the preparation of many highly sophisticated systems for energy transfer or charge separation which would not be accessible by ‘conventional’ synthetic methodology.
Raman Spectral Studies of the Effects of Perchlorate Ion on Water Structure

Raman contours corresponding to the OD and OH stretching vibrations from HDO, as well as from H2O and D2O, were obtained at 25°C from a series of ternary aqueous solutions containing HDO, ClO4− (Li+, Na+, K+), and H2O or D2O. The Raman spectra were obtained photoelectrically using 4880‐A argon‐ion‐laser excitation, as well as conventional 4358‐A mercury excitation. Quantitative Raman data were obtained from ternary solutions having NaClO4 concentrations from 1 to 4M, and stoichiometric concentrations of 5.51M D2O (H2O as solvent), or 5.53M H2O (D2O as solvent). Raman spectra were also obtained from solutions having lower (and higher) HDO or NaClO4 concentrations. In addition, binary solutions of NaClO4 and H2O or D2O were examined. Addition of ClO4− to solutions containing HDO, and H2O or D2O produces a pronounced splitting of the OD and OH stretching contours from HDO, as well as from D2O and H2O. The splittings are directly observable in the Raman spectra. Two principal peaks or components, having frequ.
The influence of spatial occlusion on visual search behavior of karate athletes

In martial arts, the ability to anticipate and response appropriately has to be seen as a performance determinant. Common methods in anticipation research are temporal and spatial occlusion, as well as eye tracking (Panchuk & Vickers, 2009; Savelsbergh, Williams, van der Kamp & Ward, 2002). For studying anticipatory skills in karate the presentation of attack scenes on a life size video screen (Williams & Elliott, 1999) using spatio-temporal occlusion proved to be a valid method (Bandow, Emmermacher, Stucke, Masik & Witte, 2014; Zerbe, E., Kirbach, M., Bandow, N., Emmermacher, P., Witte, K., 2013; Mori, Ohtani & Imanaka, 2002). Since there is evidence that spatial occlusion can influence the visual behavior of athletes (Hagemann, Schorer, Cañal-Bruland, Lotz & Strauss, 2010) it is important to consider this method critically. Prior studies did not record eye movements while applying spatial occlusion for studying anticipation in karate (Bandow et al., 2014). The aim of the present study is to explore the influence of spatial occlusion on the visual search behavior of karate athletes.
Interpolação dos parâmetros da equação de chuvas intensas com uso do inverso de potências da distância

Intense precipitation equations represent an excellent alternative to determinate critical rainfalls used in engineering designs but its obtainment is time-consuming. However, in some Brazilian States a great number of these equations have been determined for several places, permitting to obtain the equation parameters, by interpolation, for the places where these still have not bean known. In this paper 625 different combinations were compared for the four intense precipitation parameters ("K", "a", "b" and "c") interpolated by the inverse distance to a power method (using five different powers). Data from 171 places located in Minas Gerais State were used. In all the combinations, a tendency of overestimation was noticed for the precipitation intensity. "K" and "c" parameters interpolated by the inverse distance to the fifth power, "a" interpolated by the inverse distance of the first power and "b" by the inverse distance to the third power showed better results in precipitation intensity prediction.
Fluctuations in self-assembled sickle hemoglobin fibers

We discuss microscopic measurements of thermal fluctuations in self-assembled sickle hemoglobin fibers. These permit the measurement of various mechanical moduli that control the rheology of the fiber gel responsible for the pathology of the disease. Differential interference contrast microscopy of isolated fibers undergoing equilibrium thermal bending fluctuations leads to estimates of thermal persistence lengths of between 0.23 and 10.4 mm for the most flexible and stiffest fibers, respectively. We argue that this large range may reflect the formation of fiber bundles. If the most flexible fibers are single fibers, then the stiffest measured object is consistent with a “closed shell” hexagonal bundle of 7 single fibers. We estimate the spectrum of persistence lengths associated with bundles consisting of different numbers of single fibers and compare this with the experimental data. The equivalent Young's modulus for the material is 0.1 GPa, less than for structural proteins but much larger than for ext.
Anaerobic microbial remobilization of toxic metals coprecipitated with iron oxide

An anaerobic N{sub 2}-fixing Clostridium sp. solubilized Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn coprecipitated with goethite ({alpha}-FeOOH) by (i) direct action due to enzymatic reduction of ferric iron and the release of metals associated with iron and (ii) indirect action due to metabolic products. The extent of dissolution depended upon the nature of the association of the metals with goethite. Substantial amounts of Cd and Zn, which were closely associated with iron, were released due to direct action. Nickel was solubilized by direct and indirect actions, while a small amount of Cr was solubilized only by direct action. The nature of association of Pb in the coprecipitate was not affected by the presence of other cations and it was solubilized by indirect action. In the presence of bacteria, the concentration of soluble Pb decreased due to biosorption. These results show that there could be significant remobilization of toxic metals coprecipitated with iron oxides in wastes, contaminated soils, and sediments due to microbial iron reduction.
SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REMOVAL OF NUTRIENTS BY CORN RESULTING FROM DIFFERENT RATES AND TIMING OF LIQUID DAIRY MANURE APPLICATIONS

Liquid dairy cattle manure was applied at three rates (224, 560 and 879 kg/(ha∙yr) of manure nitrogen (N)) and four different times: in the fall after harvest of silage corn, before seeding, half in the fall and half before seeding, or in winter to continous corn grown on sandy clay loam for 5 yr. Two other plots were included: one received chemical N-P-K fertilizer at recommended rates, and one received neither fertilizer nor manure. Over the 5-yr study, soil organic carbon increased in the surface layer of the high-rate plots, but decreased in the chemically fertilized plot. Soil inorganic N contents measured at harvest in the 0- to 120-cm layer of the manured plots were related to both cumulative and annual N inputs. Bicarbonate extractable phosphorus in the 0- to 15-cm layer increased each year in the medium- and high-rate plots and exceeded 90 μg/g in the high-rate plots after 5 yr. Exchangeable potassium levels increased singificantly in the plow layer of the medium- and high-rate plots. Smaller acc.
Wettability and Reactivity between Molten Aluminum and Selected Oxides

The paper summarizes experimental results on wettability and reactivity in Al/MeO systems at 973-1273 K, where MeO is a reactive simple (SiO 2 , ZnO, B 1 3 O 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , CoO, NiO). binary (SiO 2 - Al 2 O 3 ) or complex oxide (SiO 2 -Al 2 O 3 -Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 -CaO-MgO). The analysis of factors affecting wetting and structure transformation in Al/MeO couples has been done taking into account the properties of initial oxide reactant and morphology of resulting microstructures.
Determination of the bulk rotational viscosity coefficient in a chiral smectic C* liquid crystal

The method of determination of the bulk values of the rotational viscosity coefficient of the smectic c-director in chiral smectic liquid crystals with a helical structure is described. The measurements were performed using optical detection in the small deformation limit. In contrast to the usual methods, the initial deformation of the helix (caused by strong surface interactions) was avoided by using homeotropic aligned thick samples. The coefficient was measured in 4-methylbutyloxy phenyl-4-octyloxy-benzoate (C8) in the presence of laminar flow. The critical temperature dependence of the measured coefficient was found. The relation between the measured coefficient and the smectic C order parameter is shown.
Extracting growth rates from the nonlaminated coralline sponge Astrosclera willeyana using bomb radiocarbon

The isotopic and chemical composition of the skeletons of hermatypic reef building corals have been used for many years to generate proxy time series records of surface oceanic conditions (water temperature and salinity). These types of records have recently been constructed using coralline sponges. Because they are found in a greater range of depths, coralline sponges have the potential to fill in gaps in our understanding of subsurface oceanographic variability. Using coralline sponges together with surface corals, we can obtain a threedimensional (3D) picture of oceanographic/climate variability. However, coralline sponges have one disadvantage compared to hermatypic reef building coral proxies in that most do not have annual density bands and need to be radiometrically dated for age determination. We have measured radiocarbon in 1 mm increments from Astrosclera willeyana sponges collected off the Central and Northern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and from Truk in the Caroline Islands and compared these radiocarbon profiles to independently dated coral radiocarbon records to examine growth rate variability. Growth rates of the GBR sponges averaged 1.2 ± 0.3 and 1.0 ± 0.3 mm y−1 at north and central sites respectively, but the growth rate can vary by a factor of two over the life span of the sponge. The growth rate of the Truk sponge averaged 1.2 ± 0.1 mm y−1. These growth rates are faster than those measured for other Astrosclera willeyana sponges (0.2–0.7 mm y−1) (Moore et al. 2000; Wörheide 1998).
Granulations in a Fluidized-Bed: Effect of Binders and Their Concentrations on Granule Growth and Modeling the Relationship Between Granule Size and Binder Concentration

AbstractLactose and mixture of lactose and microcrystalline cellulose (1:1) were granulated in a fluid-bed equipment using PVP, acacia and gelatin as binders. The effect of these binders, their concentrations, and volume of granulation liquid on granule growth and granule sue distribution was studied. It has been shown that individual binder and binder concentration affect granule growth and growth mechanism. Also, the volume of granulation liquid and part dissolution of excipients being granulated contribute significantly to the granule size and size distribution. On the basis of granule growth data, a mathematical relationship which relates granule size as a function of binder concentration is proposed. Granule growth constant for the binders is computed from the granule size against binder concentration data. The constant describes granule growth pattern, and is termed as binder coefficient, β. The numerical value of binder coefficient, which varies with the binder, indicates relative activity and effe.
Synthesis of Ti3SiC2 Powders: Reaction Mechanism

Titanium silicon carbide (Ti3SiC2) and Ti3SiC2-based composite powders were synthesized by isothermal treatment in an inert atmosphere as a function of initial compositions (mixtures). A high content of TiC was obtained in the final product when the initial mixtures contained free carbon. The use of TiC as a reagent was unsuccessful in obtaining Ti3SiC2. High Ti3SiC2 conversion was found for the initial mixtures containing SiC as the main source for silicon and carbon. An initial mixture with a large excess of silicon, 3Ti/1.5SiC/0.5C, was needed to obtain high-purity Ti3SiC2. A reaction mechanism, where Ti3SiC2 nucleates on Ti5Si3C crystals and grows by long-range diffusion of Ti and C, is proposed. The reaction mechanism was proposed to be based on silicon loss during the formation of Ti3SiC2.