Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extraction of actinides by tertiary amines in room temperature ionic liquids: evidence for anion exchange as a major process at high acidity and impact of acid nature

Extraction of U(VI) and Pu(IV) using several tri-alkylamines such as tri-n-butylamine (TBA), tri-n-hexylamine (THA), tri-n-octylamine (TOA), and tri-iso-octylamine (TiOA) in room temperature ionic liquids, [Cnmim][Tf2N] (where n = 4, 6 or 8), was investigated from nitric acid as well as hydrochloric acid medium. In the absence of the amines, the extraction results indicated an increase in the extraction of both U(VI) and Pu(IV) as a function of the acid concentration which was attributed to the extraction of probable anionic species such as UO2X3−, UO2X42−, PuX5− and PuX62−(where X = Cl− or NO3−) according to an anion-exchange mechanism involving Tf2N− ions. The presence of amines in the ionic liquid enhances the extraction of the metal ions with increased HCl concentration, especially in the case of UO22+, but the amines appear to be almost inefficient in HNO3 medium. This is ascribed to the protonation/association of amines via solubilization of H+ and NO3− ions in the ionic liquid phase in the case of nitric medium, while hydrochloric acid does not solubilize in ionic liquid, and thus the amine remains efficient. Modeling of the extraction data in HCl medium for U(VI) and Pu(IV) in the presence of amines has been performed and confirmed the anion exchange mechanism.
Cohort Mortality Study of Vermiculite Miners Exposed to Fibrous Tremolite: an Update

A further follow-up was made of a cohort of 406 American vermiculite mine workers exposed on average to 18 fibres/ml of tremolite. Total deaths to the end of 1999 were: all causes 285 (SMR 1.27), lung cancer 44 (SMR 2.40), mesothelioma 12 (PMR 4.21%). Lung cancer SMRs increased steeply with cumulative exposure (f/ml.yr). These findings show the potential magnitude of the carcinogenic effects of tremolite fibres when contaminating commercial chrysotile, and are relevant to risks associated with tremolite fibres in the general environment.
Effect of Salinization of Soil on Growth and Nutrient Accumulation in Seedlings of Prosopis cineraria

ABSTRACT Greenhouse experiments were conducted to assess the effects of salinization of soil on emergence, seedling growth, and mineral accumulation of Prosopis cineraria (Linn.) Druce (Mimosaceae). A mixture of chlorides and sulfates of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) was added to the soil and salinity was maintained at 5.1, 7.2, 9.3, 11.5, and 13.3 dS m−1. A negative relationship between seedling emergence and salt concentration was obtained. Seedlings did not emerge when soil salinity exceeded 11.5 dS m−1. Results suggested that this tree species is salt tolerant at seed germination and seedling stages. Elongation of stem and root was retarded by increasing salt stress. Young roots and stem were most tolerant to salt stress, followed by old roots and leaves. Leaf tissue exhibited maximum reduction in dry-mass production in response to increasing salt stress. However, production of young roots and death of old roots were found to be continuous and plants apparently use this process as an avoidance mechanism to remove excess ions and delay onset of ion accumulation in this tissue. Plants accumulated Na in roots and were able to regulate transfer of Na ions to leaves. Stem tissues were a barrier for translocation of Na from root to leaf. Moreover, K decreased in root tissues with increased salinization. Nitrogen (N) content significantly (P < 0.01) decreased in all tissues (leaf, stem, and root) in response to low water treatment and salinization of soil. Phosphorus (P) content significantly (P < 0.01) decreased while Ca increased in leaves as soil salinity increased. Changes in elements-accumulation patterns and the possible mechanisms for avoidance of Na toxicity in tissues and organism level are discussed.
Antifungal activity of extracts by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction from roots of Echinacea angustifolia and analysis of their constituents using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

In this work the supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide was applied to obtain the extracts from roots of Echinacea angustifolia DC. The extracts were evaluated through the antifungal in vitro assay against fungal strain Botrytis cinerea. Furthermore, the active compounds from the extracts were separated by macroporous resin and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results show that the extracts, obtained using SC-CO2 extraction technique, had strong antifungal activity against B. cinerea with EC50 and EC90 values of 948 and 1869 μg/ml, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 250 μg/ml, and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 2000 μg/ml, respectively. After separation with macroporous resin chromatography, nine fractions were collected from theSC-CO2 extracts. At concentration of 2000 μg/ml, fractions 3, 7, and 8 presented highly antifungal activity against B. cinerea, with inhibition ratio of 40.59, 73.04 and 53.37%, respectively. Determined by the GC-MS analysis, the composition of fraction 7 consisted of different kinds of volatile oils, most of which were ketones (82.71%) and unsaturated hydrocarbons (9.59%). The present study has provided the new evidence that the Echinaceaextracts are involved in the antifungal activity. Key words: Antifungal activity, Echinacea angustifolia DC, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), SC–CO2 extraction.
Phytoplankton Diversity as Indicator of Water Quality for Fish Cultivation

Waste water fed fisheries are a common feature in different parts of the world. Yet not all work as efficiently as those operating at East Calcutta Wetland for more than 70 years now. The objective of this study is to unravel the reason for the markedly greater efficiency of the Bheris in fish production compared to other water bodies like rain water ponds or sewage fed fish ponds elsewhere. The study indicates that plankton growth could be an important factor responsible for greater fish production in the Bheris. The architecture of the Bheri itself acts as a facilitator in the process. It is proposed that planktons can act as biomarker for water quality assessment in fish production.
The reactivity of calcium oxide towards carbon dioxide and its use for energy storage

By using calcium carbonate powder of particle size ∼ 10 nm (and therefore of high surface area) it has been shown that the reaction CaCO3 ⇄ CaO + CO2 can be made almost wholly reversible. A reactivity of 93% was achieved, (i.e. 93% of the calcium oxide reacted with carbon dioxide) and this was maintained for 30 24-h decomposition-back reaction cycles at 629 °C with no detectable decrease. This material has an energy storage capacity of 200 Wh/lb, but only about 1 kWh/ft.3 When this calcium carbonate was pressed, however, to increase its bulk density (from 0.1 to ∼ 1 g/ml) there was a large decrease in its surface area and a smaller decrease in its reactivity on undergoing a few decomposition and back reaction cycles. Scaling up of the sample size from 20 mg to 10 g only had a small (× 3) effect on the rates of decomposition and back reaction.
Colorimetric and sensory characteristics of fermented cured sausage with Brazilian ostrich meat addition

The aim of this study was to determine the colorimetric and sensory characteristics of a fermented cured sausage containing ostrich meat (Struthio camelus) and pork meat. Four treatments were performed: one with no ostrich meat (TC) and the others containing 19.08 (T1), 38.34 (T2), and 57.60% (T3) of ostrich meat and pork meat. Colorimetric analyses were measuring L*, a*, b*, C*, and ho. Sensory analysis was conducted assessing color, aroma, flavor, and texture at the end of the sausages’ processing. The sausages containing ostrich meat were statistically different from the control in the instrumental colorimetric analysis. In the sensory analysis, no significant differences were observed between the treatments for aroma, flavor, and texture. However, significant differences were found in the color of the sausages due to the high myoglobin content present in the ostrich meat, which resulted in a very dark color in the treatment with the highest percentage of this type of meat.
Integrating Reflections on Scriptural Text in Language Classes: The Southern Philippines and Bangkok Experience

Scriptural Text Integration employed in some Catholic educational institutions throughout the world has become the core pedagogy that promises relevant and meaningful education for today’s learner. This study investigated the experiences of the teachers and students in integrating Scriptural texts in English language classes. It utilized a transcendental phenomenological research design. The study involved ten students and ten teachers in both Catholic schools in Southern Philippines and in Bangkok, Thailand. Focus Group Discussion and interviews were employed. Findings reveal that teachers used strategies such as careful choice of Scriptural texts; using Scriptural texts to broaden the topic; connecting Scriptures to life experiences; and use of Scriptural text as a platform for values formation. In terms of challenges, they expressed difficulty in having ample time for meaningful integration; Lack of skill in integrating Scriptural text; passivity of some students; and difficulty in word choice considering Thai students’ spiritual background. In terms of effects on teachers, they have improved teaching effectiveness; empowered in shaping students’ values; Indepth understanding of the lesson; self-fulfillment; and improved devotion to God. For students, this enabled them to gain deeper understanding of the lesson; evaluate their actions; make them more reflective; build closer relationship to God; and learn to share. From the findings, it can be inferred that such integration enabled teachers to experience a deep sense of fulfilment. Students too, developed the skill of discernment in their actions. Thus, it is recommended that teachers be trained and encouraged to continually integrate scriptures in their instructional processes.
Adsorption of Some Textile Dyes onto Crosslinked Poly(N-Vinylpyrrolidone)

The adsorption of some textile dyes such as Indigosol Blau IBC, Iyozol Turkish G, Iyozol Black B, Remazol Brilliant Orange 3R, Remazol Brilliant Violet 5R, Remazol Blau 3R, Sumufix Red 3BF and Everzol Yellow 4GL with crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone) was investigated. Adsorption of these textile dyes onto crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone) was studied by batch adsorption techniques at 25°C. The adsorption isotherms obtained were L-type (Langmuir-type) according to the Giles classification system. Adsorption studies indicated that monolayer coverage of the crosslinked poly-(N-vinylpyrrolidone) by the dyes studied increased in the order: Indigosol Blau IBC > Iyozol Turkish G > Sumufix Red 3BF > Iyozol Black B > Remazol Brilliant Orange 3R > Remazol Blau 3R > Everzol Yellow 4GL > Remazol Brilliant Violet 5R. Values of the removal efficiency of the dyes ranged from 21% to 81%.
FLUORIDE LEVELS IN MÉXICO CITY'S WATER SUPPLIES

The purpose of this study was to assess the fluoride concentration in water supplies of Mexico City. Since Lerma-Cutzamala and Acuifero del Valle de Mexico Water Supply Systems distribute water to the Mexico City’s Metropolitan Area (MCMA) we have analyzed their water fluoride concentration using 44 different sampling wells from the four geographical zones of the MCMA during 2002. The water sampling was monthly made during one year. All collected data showed a mean fluoride concentration of 0.70 ± 0.20 mg/L. Our results showed minor variability of fluoride concentrations in the water available in Mexico City. The fluoride content of the different analyzed zones showed statistical differences. Although Mexican Health authorities have defined that fluoride concentration in water should be from 0.70 to 1.50 mg/L, cases of dental fluorosis have been reported in Mexico City (Juarez-Lopez et al. 2003). It is important to have a reliable evaluation of fluoride concentration in Mexico City’s natural water supplies prior to implementing any caries-prevention program and to avoid novel cases of dental fluorosis.
Reduction of NOx and Soot Emission by Water Injection During Combustion in a Diesel Engine

and soot emission reduction by 3 methods of water addition to a Diesel engine has been presented. Of the 3 methods, 2 add water in air and one adds water in fuel. The Water-in-Air methods are valve port injection of water or spraying water continuously into the turbocharger inlet. Experimentally these two methods of water in air are considered. Numerical investigations of the chemical kinetic aspects of the combustion of n-heptane/water mixture are performed assuming the model of concentric shells of a homogenous reactor. However, a simplified turbulent mixing and detailed chemical kinetics have been considered. Thermo chemical data and the detailed chemical kinetics for each shell are computed by the CHEMKIN package of numerical codes. Keywords: diesel engines, emissions, water injection
Changes in Color and Chlorophyll Fluorescence of Broccoli Florets following Hot Water Treatment

Hot water treatments (HWTs), at a range of temperatures (43 to 55C) and durations (10 sec to 30 min), were applied to floret groups of 'Shogun' broccoli ( Brassica oleracea L. var italica) directly after harvest. Floret groups were then stored at 20C in the dark for 3 days. A range of optimal treatments was found in which yellowing was markedly reduced, and heat damage (water soaking and decay) did not occur. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements indicated that in the optimum treatment that prevented yellowing the F v /F m ratio following HWT decreased immediately and was maintained at a constant level for the next 3 days. A further experiment examined the effect of HWT durations up to 20 min at 47C on fluorescence and yellowing. Longer durations of HWTs (>5 min) progressively reduced yellowing and the F v /F m ratio. From these three experiments a HWT of 47C for 7.5 min was selected as the best treatment. This treatment consistently reduced yellowing for up to 5 days. A decrease in the F v /F m ratio may be a useful indicator of broccoli florets response to hot water treatments. The shelf life and market potential of cut broccoli heads is limited by rapid yellowing of the florets (King and Morris, 1994; Rushing, 1990; Tian et al., 1994). Postharvest heat treatments are known to delay chlorophyll loss in green tissue (Klein and Lurie, 1991; Paull, 1990). One recent study showed that broccoli (cv. Dominator) treated at 45C for 14 min retained 81% of its chlorophyll for 5 days postharvest (Kazami et al., 1991a). Previous work with New Zealand broccoli showed that cultivars such as Shogun, Green Beauty, and Green Belt differ in their postharvest behavior, particularly in respi- ration rate, ethylene production, and yellowing rate (King and Morris, 1994; Tian et al., 1995). Measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence provides a nondestruc- tive assessment of loss of chloroplast function, and has been used as an indicator of stress response and senescence in a range of harvested plant tissues and organs (Krause and Weis, 1984; Smillie et al., 1987). Toivonen (1992) showed that a decrease in variable fluorescence (F v ) in broccoli florets is highly correlated with a reduction in respiration rate and ascorbic acid content during 4 to 24 days of storage at 1C, suggesting that fluorescence may be a reliable indicator of broccoli senescence at low temperature. In the present work, we studied the effects of HWTs on yellowing of 'Shogun' broccoli florets. We used an extensive range of HWTs to define the optimum heat treatments for reducing broccoli yellow- ing. We followed this with studies of the relationship between color maintenance and fluorescence measurement.
Fourier-transform Raman analysis of milk powder: a potential method for rapid quality screening

In this work, FT-Raman spectroscopy was explored as a fast and reliable screening method for the assessment of milk powder quality and the identification of samples adulterated with whey (1–40% w/w). Raman measurements can easily differentiate milk powders without the need of sample preparation, whereas the traditional methods of quality control, including high-performance liquid chromatography, are laborious and slow. The FT-Raman spectra of whole, low-fat, and skimmed milk powder samples were obtained and distinguished from commercial milk powder samples. In addition, the exploratory analysis employing data from Raman spectroscopy and principal component analysis (PCA)allowed the separation of milk powder samples according to type,identifying differences between samples in the same group. Multivariate analysis was also developed to classify the adulterated milk powder samples using PCA and partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA). The resulting PLS-DA model correctly classified 100% of the adulterated samples. These results clearly demonstrate the utility of FT-Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics as a rapid method for screening milk powder. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
QENS and FTIR studies on binding states of benzene molecules adsorbed in zeolite HZSM-5 at room temperature

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) were employed for monitoring of the binding states of benzene molecules, adsorbed in HZSM-5 zeolite at 300 K and for loadings of 0.6 to 7 molecules per unit cell. While the in-plane combination C–C and C–H stretching bands of adsorbed benzene remained unaffected, a splitting was observed in the out-of-plane C–H bending vibrational bands, a feature reported for the transformation of benzene from liquid to solid phase. Also, the intensity ratio of the in-plane C–C stretching band (ν19) of adsorbed benzene at 1479 cm−1 and the bands in the region 3100–3035 cm−1 due to fundamentals and combination C–C and C–H stretching vibrations indicated a trend observed typically for a condensed phase of benzene. No shift was observed in the frequency of the above-mentioned IR bands when zeolite samples exchanged with Na+ or Ca2+ were employed. QENS results suggest that the benzene molecules occluded in zeolitic pores (∽3 molecules per unit cell) undergo a 6-fold rotation but their translation motion is too slow. Also, a high residence time of 16.5 ps was observed for the benzene entrapped in HZSM-5, compared to a time of ∽2.5 ps reported for the liquid and ∽19 ps for the solid state of benzene. These results reveal again the compression of the benzene molecules on adsorption in zeolitic pores. It is suggested that the benzene molecules confined in cavities experience a strong intermolecular interaction, giving rise eventually to their clustered state depending on the loading. In the clustered state, benzene molecules are packed with their plane parallel to zeolitic walls and interact with each other through π-electron clouds. No electronic bonding is envisaged between these clusters and the framework or the extra-framework zeolitic sites.
Effects of irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilization levels on yield, morphological traits and water use efficiency of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)

In order to evaluate the different irrigation and nitrogen levels on yield, morphological traits and water usage efficiency of Cichorium intybus L. , an experiment was conducted in the Agricultural Research Station of Islamic Azad University, Birjand Branch, in 2009. The experimental design was split plots based on randomized complete block design in three replications. The main plots were three irrigation levels (irrigation after 60, 120 and 180 mm evaporation from pan class A), and the sub-plots were four nitrogen rates (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N/ha). The results showed that irrigation after 180 mm evaporation from pan treatment in comparison with irrigation after 60 mm evaporation from pan treatment decreased number of leaves per plant, root diameter, the number of root branches, leaf, root, and biological dry yields by 51.1, 28.2, 46.3, 58.5, 57, and 58.3%, respectively, while root: leaf dry weight ratio and water use efficiency (WUE) for root production were 8.6 and 30.4% higher under severe water deficit stress than under moderate stress and no-stress treatments, respectively. Also, as nitrogen (N) rate was increased from 0 to 180 kg.ha-1, the number of leaves per plant, root diameter and the number of root branches, leaf, root and total dry yields were increased by 77.1, 25, 50, 125.8, 69.1, and 118.9%, respectively, while root: leaf dry weight ratio was decreased by 25.7%. Also, increasing the applied nitrogen rate caused an improvement in leaf, root, and total dry matter WUE. Overall, the results showed that irrigation after 60 mm accumulative evaporation from evaporation pan and the application of 180 kg N.ha-1 can be recommended for the cultivation of chicory in Birjand, Iran, because of its higher economical yield in spite of the resulting partial loss of WUE. Key words: Cichorium intybus, water stress, nitrogen, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), morphology.
Absence of ferromagnetism in Mn- and Co-doped ZnO

Following the theoretical predictions of ferromagnetism in Mn- and Co-doped ZnO, several workers reported ferromagnetism in thin films as well as in bulk samples of these materials. While some observe room-temperature ferromagnetism, others find magnetization at low temperatures. Some of the reports, however, cast considerable doubt on the magnetism of Mn- and Co-doped ZnO. In order to conclusively establish the properties of Mn- and Co-doped ZnO, samples with 6% and 2% dopant concentrations have been prepared by the low-temperature decomposition of acetate solid solutions. The samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, EDAX and spectroscopic methods to ensure that the dopants are substitutional. All the Mn- and Co-doped ZnO samples (prepared at 400 °C and 500 °C) fail to show ferromagnetism. Instead, their magnetic properties are best described by a Curie–Weiss type behavior. It appears unlikely that these materials would be useful for spintronics, unless additional carriers are introduced by some means.
Harvesting surface rainwater - purification using Moringa oleifera seed extracts and aluminum sulfate

Ground water harvesting is a method of collecting surface runoff from a catchment’s area and storing it in surface reservoirs. The water harvested is usually contaminated and turbid. Methods used to purify water include filtration, sedimentation, boiling and chlorination. This project was carried out in Nyatike district, Western Kenya where water is scarce and water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery are prevalent. The main objectives of the research were to disseminate water harvesting technology using hand-dug water pans and to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera seed extract as water purifier. Sites were identified for construction of demonstration water pans. Moringa seeds were milled after which methanol was used to extract water soluble components. Representative water samples from Victoria Lake, Kuja River and Otho pond were collected and subjected to purification studies using M. oleifera seed extract and aluminum sulfate. M. oleifera was also tested for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) Salmonella typhii and Vibrio cholerae (ref. Romel Cary Blair Lot. 452610). A total of 452 farmers were trained in water harvesting and purification technologies. Studies on water purification indicated that Alum lowered the water pH from 7.4 to 4.4 while samples treated with Moringa extract did not affect water pH. Alum was the better water purifier whereby application of 0.25 g/L decreased water turbidity from 310.7 to 1.1 NTU while M. oleiferadecreased turbidity to 45.6 NTU. M. oleifera extract showed antibacterial activity. S. typhii was the most sensitive while V. cholera was the least sensitive. Key words: Aluminum sulfate, antibacterial activity, Moringa oleifera, water harvesting, water purification.