Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lignin degradation controls the production of dissolved organic matter in decomposing foliar litter

Lignin is considered to be a crucial component controlling litter decomposition but its role in the production of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from litter is not well understood. Our main objective therefore was to examine the amounts and properties of DOM produced in decomposing litter, with special emphasis on the role of lignin degradation. We exposed litter of five different tree species (Sycamore maple, Mountain ash, European beech, Norway spruce, Scots pine) in litterbags at the soil surface of two neighbouring sites to degradation under field conditions. Litterbags were sampled eight times during 27 months of exposure in the field. We determined mass loss and characterized the lignin fraction by two different methods (van Soest procedure, acid‐detergent lignin: ADL, CuO oxidation). Litter was irrigated in the laboratory and leachates were analysed for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and characterized by UV and fluorescence spectroscopy. Litter decomposition followed a two‐stage model characterized by initially rapid and then decreasing degradation with time. In the initial phase of litter decomposition, leached amounts of DOM decreased with time and no effects of lignin degradation were found. The contents of ADL in the litter residues and CuO oxidation products suggest larger degradation and oxidation of lignin in beech, spruce and pine litter than in maple and ash litter. The production of DOM from litter with larger lignin degradation increased in the second phase of decomposition, when mass loss exceeded 10–20%. In contrast, DOM produced from litter showing weak lignin degradation (maple, ash) did not increase further in the second phase of decomposition. In the leachates of litter with large lignin degradation (beech, spruce, pine), UV absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy indicated a larger increase in the contribution of lignin‐derived compounds to DOM with increasing mass loss than for litter species with relatively stable lignin. We conclude that degradation of lignin is an important control on DOM production during the second phase of litter decomposition.
Effect of Minor Alloying Element on Dispersing Nano-particles in ODS Steel

From the irradiation resistance and high-temperature strength, oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic steels are candidate materials for advanced and fusion reactors. For the development of advanced steels the key issue is to homogenize nano-particles into matrix. Recent studies have indicated that Ti addition can homogenize Y-Ti complex particles into ferrite matrix, but the reason of the effect of additional elements has not been clarified. In this model study, we focus on the effect of additional elements, such as IV and V families and other oxide formers, which can control potentially the distribution of the oxide particles. The materials used in this study were based on Fe-9Cr-Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} alloys which were mechanical alloyed (MA) from the powder of Fe, Cr and Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}, which was added systematically with the element of Ti, Zr, Ta, V, Nb, Hf, Al, Si and others. Usually ODS fabrication process is required for hot extrusion, but we annealed up to 1150 C for simplify the microstructure. To evaluate the distribution of ODS particles; we used TEM equipped with EDS after electro-polishing or FIB techniques. (1) In the case of Si or Al addition, oxides were disappeared after MA process, which means Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}more » and other elements should be in solution at non-equilibrium condition. Two types of oxides of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} or SiO{sub 2} developed after the annealing at 850 C, but only complex oxides were developed after the annealing at 1150 C. This result suggests that the oxide formation is independent process for Y and Si or Al. (2) In the case of Ti addition, oxides also were disappeared after MA process, but developed after annealing at 1150 C. This means that Ti can stabilize complex oxides of Y and Ti, and enhance the fine distribution of the oxides comparing with simple Fe-9Cr-Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} alloy. (authors)« less
Water activity and moisture sorption isotherms of Gaziantep cheese

Water activity of Gaziantep cheese prepared in the laboratory was determined as 0.95 by using the Proximity Equilibration Cell method. Adsorption and desorption isotherms were obtained at 12, 20 and 30C and 5, 20 and 27C, respectively. Halsey, Chung-Pfost, Guggenheim-Anderson-deBoer, and cubic and quadratic polynomial equations were used to evaluate the adsorption and desorption data. Parameter estimation was carried out. GAB and quadratic polynomial equations were the best equations for defining the adsorption and desorption data, respectively.
Thermal treatment induced transition from Zn3(OH)2(BDC)2 (MOF-69c) to Zn4O(BDC)3 (MOF-5)

Abstract A simple thermal treatment induced transition from Zn3(OH)2(BDC)2 (MOF-69c) to Zn4O(BDC)3 (MOF-5) is reported. Phase crystallinity, pore characteristics and hydrogen storage capacities of the resulting crystals were investigated. It is shown that the structural transition from Zn3(OH)2(BDC)2 (MOF-69c) to Zn4O(BDC)3 (MOF-5) could be induced by simply employing the optimal thermal treatment conditions of 200 °C for 48 h in open air. The resultant relatively lower specific surface area of MOF-5 crystals compared to MOF-69c was in agreement with the increased pore diameter and decreased hydrogen storage capacity at 1 bar and 77 K.
Resistance of Trichoderma harzianum to the biocide tebuconazol – Proposed biodegradation pathways

Abstract Wood preservatives are moving from metal-based to totally organic chemical systems. A major problem with organic biocides is biodegradation by wood-inhabiting but non-decaying microorganisms during the long service expected from treated wood. While data for triazoles suggest good efficacy against a wide range of basidiomycete fungi, this class of preservatives are less effective against the ascomycetes (soft-rot fungi, molds, and stains). The objective of this study was to examine the biotransformation of tebuconazol as one of the triazoles by the mold Trichoderma harzianum. After inoculation for 21 days, 68% of the tebuconazol was degraded in vitro. MS and IR analysis of isolated metabolites indicated that the major pathway is cleavage of the triazole ring on tebuconazol. Additionally, oxidation reactions occurred on the tert-butyl moiety. The oxidation products are subsequently metabolized by acetylation. Biotransformation resulting in non-toxic degradates is one of the mechanisms employed by this fungus in tolerating tebuconazol.
Anatomical Characteristics of Korean Red Pines According to Provinces

This study was fulfilled to investigate the anatomical characteristics according to provinces. In order to compare anatomical characteristics between provinces we selected Goseong, Hongcheon, and Bonghwa as experimental sites. To use the tree rings formed at the same years we dated all tree rings by cross-dating method used in dendrochronology and the cutting years were successfully dated in 2014, 2012, and 2014 for woods from Goseong, Hongchen, and Bonghwa, respectively. Based on the cutting years tracheid lengths and widths were measured considering juvenile wood (tree rings between the pith and first 10 years), heartwood (tree rings formed between 1955 and 1964), and sapwood (tree rings formed between 2002 and 2011). According to the results about differences between tracheid lengths from three provinces, juvenile wood did not show a difference, statistically, but heartwood and sapwood showed differences as the tracheid lengths following Bonghwa, Hongcheon, and Goseong. Bongwha also showed the largest value in the trachied 한국산 소나무의 지역에 따른 해부학적 특성
Fly-strike control in sheep—an evaluation of the efficiency and persistence of available dip preparations

Abstract Six organo-phosphorus dip preparations were tested for their ability to protect sheep from blowfly-strike. These were diazinon, “Asuntol,” “Nankor,” “Lucijet,” “Bayer S 1752,” and “Delnav. ”* Diazinon: O,O-diethyl 0- (2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate. -Geigy. “Asuntol:” 3-chloro-4 methyl-7-oxycourmarin diethyl thiophosphoric acid. -Bayer. “Nankor:” O.O-dimethyl 0-(2, 4, 5-trichlorophenyl) phosphorothioate. -Dow. “Lucijet:” O.O-diethyl-O- (4-methylmercapto-3-methylphenyl) thiophosphate. -Bayer. “Bayer S 1752:” O,O,dimethyl 0-(4(methylthio)-m-tolyl) phosphorothioate. -Bayer. “Delnav:” 2; 3-dioxane dithiol-S-bis (0, 0 diethyl dithiophosphate). -Hercules. Bio-assay of wool samples revealed that protection from fly-strike became uncertain as soon as it was no longer possible to detect insecticide in the region of new wool growth. All preparations used gave some measure of protection from fly-strike. Seasonal variation in the performance of dips was noted, and dips applied late in the .
Modelling of partial discharge development in electrical tree channels

A model of partial discharge development in electrical tree structures is presented. The model considers channel conductivity, charge transport, and electric field redistribution during propagation of the discharge along the channels. It has been used for numerical investigation of temporal-spatial and electric characteristics of the partial discharges in capillaries and electrical trees exposed to AC voltage in a needle-plane geometry. The simulation results have been compared with experimental data given in the literature.
Surface modification of polyethylene terephthalate with excimer UV radiation

Photochemical dry etching and surface modification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was investigated with an incoherent excimer UV source, employing a dielectric barrier discharge in krypton chloride to provide intense narrow-band radiation at λ= 222 nm (KrCl*). The roughness of the exposed PET was measured with a stylus profilometer. The morphology of the irradiated PET films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after different exposure times and the roughness of PET can be controlled by UV intensity and exposure times. Etching rate is 40 times higher than that for photochemical etching of PET with a conventional mercury lamp The chemical changes in the UV-exposed PET surface layer were determined using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) by measurement of the intensity of the C-C, C-O and O-C=O bonds after irradiation with the KrCl* excimer lamp.
Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy Studies of Atmospheric Reactions: Peroxynitrous Acid Formation and Alkoxy Radical Isomerization

This thesis describes laboratory experiments investigating atmospheric reactions using cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS). The reactions studied were the formation of peroxynitrous acid (HOONO) in the termolecular association reaction OH + NO₂ (R1) and the isomerization of alkoxy radicals. Experiments were conducted in a gas flow cell combining UV photolysis to initiate reactions with infrared CRDS for the detection of products. Formation of the weakly bound HOONO in the atmosphere reduces the yield of nitric acid (HONO₂) from R1 and lowers the efficiency of R1 as a sink for radicals. The cis-cis conformer of HOONO was detected through its fundamental ν₁(OH stretch) spectrum centered at 3306 cm⁻¹. The integrated absorbance of the ν₁ bands for HOONO and HONO₂ were measured with CRDS and used to calculate the branching ratio (BR = kHOONO / kHONO2) of R1. Initial experiments using a microwave discharge to initiate R1 measured BR at 298 K and 14 torr, but were limited to low pressures by the discharge. BR was then reinvestigated using pulsed laser photolysis to initiate R1. BR was measured over the range 20–760 torr at 298 K. In support of these branching ratio measurements, a detailed study of the spectroscopy of HONO₂ was conducted. CRDS experiments with moderate resolution (1 cm⁻¹) are known to give incorrect absorbances and line shaes when measuring spectral features with much narrower linewidths. However, the magnitude of these CRDS errors when probing a highly congested spectrum such as that of HONO₂ was unknown. We observed reductions in the HONO₂ integrated intensity up to 60% and quantified these errors as a function of concentration and pressure. Alkoxy radicals (RO) are an important class of intermediates in the oxidation of hydrocarbons, and they react via several mechanisms. For longer chain RO isomerization (forming HOR) becomes a major pathway, but isomerization rates have never been directly measured. Continuing work described in Eva Garland’s thesis, we measured the infrared spectrum of alkoxy radical isomerization products (HOR and HORO2) formed within 100 µs. We then used this spectrum to measure the relative rate of isomerization to reaction with oxygen for n-butoxy and 2-pentoxy radicals.
Influence of the degree of polymerisation and of the architecture on the elastic properties of new polyurea elastomers

The elastic properties of new polyurea elastomers have been studied by varying the segmental molecular weight and the chemical nature of the polymer end groups. Three different types of elastomers were synthesized leading to three different types of response. The elastomers with a high degree of polymerisation and primary amines as terminal groups show two plateaus: at high temperature, the common permanent plateau related to the rubber behaviour of elastomeric systems and, at low temperature, a transient plateau associated with the hydrogen bonding of the urea motives occurring in the interfacial zone between the soft polyetheramine and the hard crosslinker domains. The elastomers with a low degree of polymerization and primary amines as terminal groups show that the transient plateau is masked by the glassy plateau because the hydrogen bonds occur in the same temperature range as the glass transition effects, except for very slow heating rates for which the transient network can be resolved. Lastly, the elastomers with no hydrogen bonding just show the common step in the elastic behaviour from the rubbery to the glassy state.
Modification of Nickel Ferrite with Cationic Surfactant: Dye Removal from Textile Wastewater Using Magnetic Separation

AbstractIn this paper, the modification of nickel ferrite nanoparticles with cationic surfactant [cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)] and its capability as a magnetic adsorbent for the removal of direct dyes (Direct Red 31, Direct Red 81, and Direct Red 80) from textile wastewater have been investigated. The Fourier-transformm infrared (FTIR) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and the determination of isoelectric point (pH at point of zero charge), were used to analyze the morphology to characterize the synthesized magnetic adsorbent. The effect of operating parameters including pH, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, and inorganic salts on the dye removal efficiency was studied. The results showed that varying the pH of solution did not affect the dye removal efficiency. It was also concluded that by increasing the adsorbent dosage the available adsorption sites and the dye removal efficiency would increase. Adsorption isotherms such as Langmuir.
New oligoethylene glycol linkers for the surface modification of an ultra-high frequency acoustic wave biosensor

This work describes the application of acoustic wave technology for the real-time and label-free detection of biotin–avidin interactions. Biosensing surfaces are constructed onto unelectroded piezoelectric quartz discs as functionalizable mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAM) produced from previously unreported linker and diluent molecules. Biotinthiol can subsequently be immobilized for detection purposes in a straightforward and coupling-free manner. Specific and non-specific adsorptions of avidin are measured at ultra-high frequencies (1.06 and 0.82 GHz) with an electromagnetic piezoelectric acoustic sensor (EMPAS) using micromolar avidin-spiked buffer solutions. These biosensing surfaces, especially the oligoethylene glycol SAM-based variety, display high specificity for avidin, with moderate to excellent reproducibility. This preliminary work constitutes the first application of SAM chemistry and EMPAS technology in the bioanalytical field.
Comparative performance of tomato genotypes for yield and quality characters under protected environment

Experiment was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur in spring-summer season during 2016-17 to study the comparative performance of tomato genotypes for yield and quality characters under protected environment. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications, consisting of six genotypes of tomato and one standard check. Palam Pride and Bt-20-3 (Yellow Egg Shape) are good performing genotypes for yield related characters taken under study. Palam Pride had maximum fruit yield per plant and per meter square and maximum plant height. Whereas Bt-20-3 (Yellow Egg Shape) was at second number in case of fruit yield and also taken minimum days to 50 % flowering and first picking. For quality parameters BL 333-3 was best, had maximum pericarp thickness and also had higher TSS and titrable acidity.
Thermal imaging of liquid steel and slag in a pouring stream

Detecting the presence of liquid slag in the pouring or tapping stream of a basic oxygen furnace after steel-making offers a chance to aid the process by maximizing the amount of steel removed from the vessel while minimizing the amount of slag deposited into the holding vessel or ladle. Thermal imaging has been shown capable of real-time images that easily discriminate between the two materials by exploiting their differences in apparent temperature. However, the underlying radiation thermometry theory has yet to be published. Combine this lack of theory with the need for very robust equipment to provide 24/7 uptime and serious obstacles to equipment investment appear. This presentation reviews some basic radiation thermometry theory, along with material properties to show that significant discrimination differences between slag and steel exist in different wavelength passbands. Combining these differences with the imaging, lifetime and cost properties of commercially available devices enables one to develop the necessary tradeoffs between discrimination ability, image quality, equipment reliability and system costs.
Physiological aspect of mugineic acid, a possible phytosiderophore of graminaceous plants

Abstract A natural chelator designated mugineic acid (MA) was isolated from the root washings of barley cultivar “Minorimugi”;. The secretion of MA by barley roots occurred in the morning, and was much enhanced under Fe stress. MA enhanced the solubility of Fe(III) between pH 4 and 9. When added to nutrient solutions, MA strongly stimulated the uptake of Fe by “Fe‐inefficient”; rice seedlings. Commonly used chelating agents such as EDTA, EDDHA, citrate, etc. had no stimulative effects. The MA‐mediated Fe uptake proved to be dependent on metabolic energy. These results suggest the possibility of MA functioning as a phytosiderophore for graminaceous plants.
Spectroscopic and Morphological Studies of Metal-Organic and Metal-Free Dyes onto Titania Films for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

We have investigated the spectroscopic behavior of three different sensitizers adsorbed onto titania thin films in order to gain information both on the electron transfer process from dye to titania and on the anchorage of the chromophore onto the semiconductor. We have examined by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy the widely used ruthenium complex cis-di(thiocyanato)bis(2,2′-bipyridyl-4,4′-dicarboxylato)ruthenium(II) (N719), the more recently developed organic molecular 3-(5-(4-(diphenylamino)styryl)thiophen-2-yl)-2-cyanoacrylic acid (D5), and a push-pull zinc phthalocyanine sensitizer (ZnPc). Three type of titania films with different morphology, characterized by SEM and FT-IR measurement, were considered: a mesoporous transparent film deposited by spin-coating (TiMS), a semiopaque film deposited by doctor-blade from mesoporous titania (TiMS_DB) and a semiopaque film deposited by doctor-blade form commercial P25 titania (P25_DB). The use of TiMS is responsible for the adsorption of a higher amount of dye since the mesoporous structure allows increasing the interfacial area between dye and titania. Moreover, the fluorescence emission peak is weaker when the sensitizers are adsorbed onto TiMS. These findings suggest that mesostructured films could be considered the most promising substrates to realize photoanodes with a fast electron transfer process.
Microemulsion-based organogels containing inorganic nanoparticles

Under certain conditions thermo-reversible transparent gels can be formed by addition of gelatin to water-in-oil (w/o) microemulsions stabilized by the anionic surfactant AOT. Here it is shown that a variety of different surfactant-coated nanosized inorganic particles can be immobilized in MBGs, thus combining beneficial nanoparticle and organogel properties to form unique inorganic–organic hybrid materials with potential applications. UV-visible absorption suggests there to be little particle aggregation in these gel matrices, whilst small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) indicates only minimal changes to the organogel structure after particle inclusion. Furthermore, UV-visible spectra show no leaching of the nanoparticle components when the organogels are pelleted and stirred in apolar solvents.
Bioinspired Tunable Lens with Muscle‐Like Electroactive Elastomers

Optical lenses with tunable focus are needed in several fields of application, such as consumer electronics, medical diagnostics and optical communications. To address this need, lenses made of smart materials able to respond to mechanical, magnetic, optical, thermal, chemical, electrical or electrochemical stimuli are intensively studied. Here, we report on an electrically tunable lens made of dielectric elastomers, an emerging class of “artificial muscle” materials for actuation. The optical device is inspired by the architecture of the crystalline lens and ciliary muscle of the human eye. It consists of a fluid‐filled elastomeric lens integrated with an annular elastomeric actuator working as an artificial muscle. Upon electrical activation, the artificial muscle deforms the lens, so that a relative variation of focal length comparable to that of the human lens is demonstrated. The device combined optical performance with compact size, low weight, fast and silent operation, shock tolerance, no overheating, low power consumption, and possibility of implementation with inexpensive off‐the‐shelf elastomers. Results show that combing bioinspired design with the unique properties of dielectric elastomers as artificial muscle transducers has the potential to open new perspectives on tunable optics.
Estimation Ability and Strategies of the 6 - 8 Grades Elementary School Students

The objective of this study was to determine the estimation strategies of the primary school students of 6 8 grades in mathematics and to examine the relation between estimation ability and success for mathematics. The research was conducted 1621 primary students who were randomly selected in 20 different primary schools. In this study, quantitative research methods were used to determine the levels of the estimation ability of the students and also qualitative research methods were used to determine the strategies preferred by the students. 12 estimation strategies, used by primary school students of 6th8th grades, were defined in the findings of the study. In addition to these results, gender and grades of the students were within the factors affecting the estimation ability.
Microbiological conversion of 19‐nortestosterone: (IV) 15α‐hydroxylation

Microbiological reaction of 19-nortestosterone with Penicillium sp.ATCC 11598 leading to about equal amounts of the 15α-hydroxy-derivative and 15α-hydroxy-19-nor-androst-4-one-3,17-dione is described. Fermentation of 19-nortestosterone with Fusarium orthoceras afforded mainly 15α-hydroxy-19-norandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione and only minor amounts of 15α-hydroxy-19-nortestosterone.