Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anion-exchange resins and iron oxide-impregnated filter paper as plant available phosphorus indicators in soils

In order to evaluate soil phosphorus (P) availability to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), the extraction methods Mehlich 1, encapsulated anion-exchange resin (AER), anion-exchange resin in membrane form (AEM) and iron oxide-impregnated filter paper under water-saturated conditions (Pi) were evaluated in a microplot experiment using twenty soils of the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, with widely varying physico-chemical and mineralogical properties. Determination coefficients (R2) between P amounts accumulated in wheat shoots and grains and soil P amounts determined by the tested methods were (p<0.01) 0.69 for Mehlich-1, 0.88 for AER, 0.84 for AEM, and 0.71 for Pi. Determination coefficients between wheat grain yield and extracted P were somewhat lower for all methods. Considering two soil groups according to their clay content, this relationship was higher for soils with >400 g kg−1 clay and lower for the others. Soil P amounts extracted by the resin methods were, on average, twice higher than those extracted by the Mehlich-1 method. This difference, however, was higher for clayey soils (>400 g kg−1 clay content). Lower correlation coefficients were obtained between P extracted by both resin methods and by the Pi method (0.78 and 0.81) or the Mehlich-1 method (0.73 and 0.76).
Hygroscopic properties of mixed ammonium sulfate and carboxylic acids particles

The hygroscopic growth of internally mixed ammonium sulfate and carboxylic acid particles was measured as a function of relative humidity by using a tandem differential mobility analyzer (TDMA). In TDMA experiments the organic compounds with different solubilities act in several ways, ranging from the behavior of totally insoluble substance to that of soluble compounds. The hygroscopic properties for mixtures containing either adipic acid or phthalic acid together with ammonium sulfate indicate that the organic fraction of the particles behaves as an inert mass and does not contribute to water uptake. The mixtures involving malonic acid or succinic acid increased the water uptake of the ammonium sulfate part only. The results indicate that the solubility of the organic fraction in individual aerosol particles clearly influences the aerosol–water interaction.
Removal of Low-Concentration Formaldehyde by a Fiber Optic Illuminated Honeycomb Monolith Photocatalytic Reactor

In this study, we systematically investigated the removal of low-concentration formaldehyde by the fiber optic illuminated honeycomb monolith photocatalytic reactor and the influential factors including formaldehyde concentration (0.8–2.0 ppm), relative humidity (RH30–70%), and air flow rate (800–1600 mL/min). The experimental results of various formaldehyde concentrations indicate the kinetic fits the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model, and the rate constants (k) under RH30%, 50% and 70% are 1.09, 1.37, and 1.68 μ-mole/m 2 /s, respectively. The Langmuir adsorption constants of formaldehyde under RH30%, 50% and 70% are 4.10 × 10 –3 , 2.98 × 10 –3 and 2.14 × 10 –3 ppm –1 , respectively. Increasing relative humidity has a positive effect on the rate constant of photocatalytic oxidation k, which is relevant to the enhancement effect of relative humidity on the formation of hydroxyl radicals. On the other hand, the formaldehyde conversion and Langmuir adsorption constant of formaldehyde decrease with the increase of relative humidity, which may be associated with the competition between formaldehyde and water molecules for the adsorption sites on the surface of TiO2 photocatalyst. Because the air flow rate was low (≤ 1600 mL/min), the gas retention time (≥ 7.7 sec) was long enough for the reactor to achieve a high formaldehyde conversion (≥ 92%), but the breakthrough of formaldehyde might occur when air flow rate > 4200 mL/min.
Effects of Salinity and Copper on Growth and Chemical Composition of Pistachio Seedlings

The effects of five salinity levels and four copper levels on growth and chemical composition of ‘Ghazvini, pistachio seedlings were studied under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design with three replications. Leaf area, stem height, shoot and root dry weights were determined on 24th week after planting. Copper (Cu), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), and chlorine (Cl) total uptake in shoot and root of plant were measured. The results showed that salinity decreased growth parameters. Low levels of Cu application had no significant effect on leaf area, shoot and root dry weights while decreased stem height. The highest level of Cu (7.5 mg Cu kg−1 soil) significantly increased leaf area and shoot dry weight but decreased stem height. Salinity decreased Cu and P uptake in the shoot and root, but increased total sodium and chloride uptake. Cu application increased shoot total P uptake and decreased root total Na uptake.
Rice grown in nutrient solution with doses of manganese and silicon

Although silicon is not recognized as a nutrient, it may benefit rice plants and may alleviate the Mn toxicity in some plant species. The dry matter yield (root, leaf, sheaths and leaf blade) and plant architecture (angle of leaf insertion and leaf arc) were evaluated in rice plants grown in nutrient solutions with three Mn doses, with and without Si addition. The treatments were arranged in a 2 x 3 factorial [with and without (2 mmol L-1) Si; three Mn doses (0.5; 2.5 and 10 µmol L-1)], in a randomized block design with 4 replications. The experimental unit was a 4 L plastic vase with 4 rice (Metica-1 cultivar) plants. Thirty nine days after keeping the seedlings in the nutrient solution the plant dry matter yield was determined; the angle of leaf insertion in the sheath and the leaf arc were measured; and the Si and Mn concentrations in roots, sheaths and leaves were determined. The analysis of variance (F test at 5 and 1 % levels) and the regression analysis (for testing plant response to Mn with the Si treatments) were performed. The Si added to the nutrient solution increased the dry matter yield of roots, sheaths and leaf blades and also decreased the angle of leaf blade insertion into the sheath and the foliar arc in the rice plant. Additionally, it ameliorated the rice plant architecture which allowed an increase in the dry matter yield. Similarly, the addition of Mn to the solution improved the architecture of the rice plants with gain in dry matter yield. As Si was added to the nutrient solution, the concentration of Mn in leaves decreased and in roots increased thus alleviating the toxic effects of Mn on the plants.
Electrochemical detection of 4-nitrophenol based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with a reduced graphene oxide/Au nanoparticle composite

A new electrochemical sensor for 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) detection based on the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and Au nanoparticle composite was developed. The RGO film was first electrodeposited onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Then Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) were electrochemically deposited onto the RGO film. The morphology and electrochemical properties of the AuNP/RGO composite were investigated. The synergic effect of AuNPs and RGO nanosheets as co-modifiers greatly facilitates electron-transfer processes between the electrolyte and the GCE, and thus leads to a remarkably improved sensitivity for 4-NP detection. Two detection modes, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV), were applied. A wide linear range of values, 0.05–2.0 μM and 4.0–100 μM for DPV and 0.05–2.0 μM for SWV, were obtained. The limit of detection (LOD) of 4-NP was 0.01 μM and 0.02 μM for DPV and SWV, respectively. This sensor was successfully used in the detection of real water samples from Xiangjiang River.
Influence of homogenized residues of anaerobic digestate on the physicochemical properties of differently textured soils

Because of the focus on renewable energy, new biogas digesters are being built with the consequence of an increased production of anaerobic digestates (AD) as a by-product. Although they can be used as organic fertilizer on arable fields, negative impacts of these digestates also may occur. Therefore, it was the aim of this laboratory study to investigate the effect of a normally applied volume of 30 m(3) ha(-1) of anaerobic digestates derived from a ground input substrate of maize (Zea mays L.) , sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in different ratios (100 /80 / 20%) on the properties of two soils. The soils, which were homogenized (sieved to 2 mm) and placed in columns with a defined bulk density of 1.45 g cm(-3), were a Cambic Luvisol (sandy loam) derived from glacial till and a Podzol (sandy sand) derived from glazial outwash. Physicochemical parameters [pH, electrical conductivity (EC)] and the wetting behavior of the soils were analyzed by measuring the contact angle (CA) by using the Wilhelmy-Plate-Method (WPM) and the Repellency Index (RI) from the sorptivity of water and ethanol. To determine the risk of soil dispersion as a consequence of digestate amendment, the amount of readily dispersible clay (RDC) was determined by detecting the turbidity of a soil suspension. The application of 30 m(3) ha(-1) of AD decreased the wettability of the sandy sand as compared to the untreated soil, while the wettability of the loamy sand remained unaffected by the digestate amendment. The amount of RDC was higher in the loamy sand compared to the sandy sand, but the AD-amended soil did not exhibit a significant change in dispersibility. While the loamy soil exhibited acidification of the soil after digestate application, the sandy soil showed an alkalinization of soil columns. Overall, the soil texture was identified to be a main factor controlling the effect of the digestates on soil properties. The results of this lab study showed that this study can be used as a first approach for the quantification of digestate amendment under practical conditions.
Structural and Electrical Properties of Nb‐Doped Anatase TiO2 Nanowires by Electrospinning

One-dimensional nanostructures of niobium-doped anatase TiO2 (Nb:TiO2) up to 5 at. % Nb were synthesized by electrospinning a polymeric solution containing titanium and niobium precursors and subsequent annealing. Thus obtained fibers had diameter ∼150 nm. The undoped TiO2 fibers were constituted by larger single crystalline grains of size ∼50 nm, whereas the doped ones had decreased grain sizes (∼30 nm) under similar processing conditions. The Nb doping decreased the BET surface area of TiO2. A strain-induced lattice contraction was observed in Nb:TiO2. The continuous nanofibers were shortened to nanowires (NW) of aspect ratio 10:1 by ultrasonically dispersing them in acetic acid, which were developed as films of thickness ∼8–13 μm onto conducting glass substrates. The TiO2 and Nb:TiO2 nanowire films were further sensitized by a dye; the amount of dye anchored was found to decrease with increase in the dopant concentration. The dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated using the doped fibers, although with a nominally increased current density (JSC), have reduced efficiency due to lower fill factor and open circuit voltage (VOC). The electron diffusion coefficient (Dn) and mobility (μn) of the TiO2 and Nb:TiO2 NW in the presence of iodide/triiodide ions were an order of magnitude higher compared with the undoped samples.
Shrinkage and Color Change during Microwave Vacuum Drying of Carrot

Microwave vacuum drying (MVD) was applied to carrot slices and the radial shrinkage and changes in color and shape of its main tissues were evaluated. Tissue dimensions were obtained using computer vision; their visual color was quantified from Hunter Lab coordinates and their carotenoids contents were determined spectrophotometrically. The drying time varied from 24 to 42 min when the microwave power was changed from lower to higher values. MVD samples showed high rehydration capacity. The radial shrinkage values ranged from 36.2 ± 5.0 to 46.1 ± 4.6%, where higher values were seen in the core and under high microwave power. Circularity, solidity, and major and minor axes were shape descriptors of carrot slices that varied significantly during drying, changing from 0.58 to 44.3% of their initial values. In both fresh and dried products the cortex color exhibited superior color than that of the core. MVD incurred a significant whitening index and carotenoids losses.
Correlation between fractional free volume and diffusivity of gas molecules in glassy polymers

Despite its oversimplifications, the free-volume approach has proven to provide very useful correlative and even semipredictive capabilities. This article is concerned with the correlation between the diffusivity, D, of gas molecules in glassy polymers and the fractional free volume, FFV, determined by the Bondi method. The diffusivities were taken from a database, generated by the authors in connection with work on the new Landolt Bornstein series “Diffusion in Non-Metallic Solids”, which encompasses a very large variety of glassy polymers. For a given diffusant log D is a linear function of 1/FFV as predicted by the free volume theory. However, the deviations from this relationship are significant and strongly correlated between O2, N2, CO2, and CH4. The systematic deviations are opposite to the predicted effect of the polymer jumping unit size in the free-volume concept of Vrentas and Duda and are interpreted in terms of an increase in the activation energy with increasing chain stiffness. Correlation analysis further suggests that the diffusion mechanisms of H2 and particularly of He differ markedly from that of larger gas molecules. Furthermore the influence of the cohesive energy and the glass-transition temperature of the polymers is investigated. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 3344–3358, 1999
THERMOTROPIC LIQUID CRYSTALS FORMED BY INTERMOLECULAR HYDROGEN BONDING INTERACTIONS

The role of hydrogen bonding in the formation or stabilization of liquid crystalline phases has only recently been appreciated. Following the first, wellestablished examples of liquid crystal formation from the dimerization of aromatic carboxylic acids, through hydrogen bonding, several classes of compounds have recently been synthesized, the liquid crystalline behavior of which is also dependent on intermolecular hydrogen bonds between similar or dissimilar molecules. In this review the main classes of compounds exhibiting liquid crystallinity due to hydrogen bonding are presented to show the diversity of organic compounds that can be used as building elements in liquid crystals. The molecules are either of the rigid-rod anisotropic or amphiphilic types such as molecules appropriately functionalized with pyridyl and carboxyl groups, whose interaction leads to the formation of liquid crystals; amphiphilic carbohydrates and amphiphilic and bolaamphiphilic compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups whose dimerization or association is indispensable for the formation of liquid crystals; and certain amphiphilic carboxylic acids with monomeric or polymeric mesogens and amphiphilic-type compounds bearing different moieties, whose interaction may lead to the formation of mesomorphic compounds. Associated with the macroscopic display of liquid crystalline phases is the supramolecular structure, and therefore rather extended discussion of these structures are included in this review.
THE CHEMICAL PROFILE OF ESSENTIAL OILS OBTAINED FROM FENNEL FRUITS (FOENICULUM VULGARE MILL.)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Apiaceae) is a well-known aromatic and medicinal plant. Essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from fresh ripe fruits of fennel collected during three different years (2001-2003) from experimental cultures were investigated in order to evaluate their chemical profile related to climatic conditions. The constituents of the essential oils have been characterized using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy analysis (GC-MS). The main compounds in all fennel volatile oils were: t-anethole, estragole, fenchone and limonene. The essential oil of fennel fruits showed a characteristic chemical profile from year to year. The essential oil content and its monoterpenes components were the most susceptible features to be affected by climatic conditions (temperature and rainfall). Rezumat Uleiurile volatile obţinute prin hidrodistilare din fructele mature si proaspete de fenicul, recoltate din culturi experimentale in 3 ani diferiţi (2001, 2002, 2003), au fost analizate in scopul evaluării profilului lor chimic raportat la condiţiile climatice caracteristice anilor de cultură. Constituenţii uleiurilor volatile au fost caracterizaţi prin gaz cromatografie cuplată cu spectrometrie de masă. Compusii majori identificaţi in toate uleiurile volatile de fenicul au fost trans-anetolul, estragolul, fencona si limonenul. Conţinutul in ulei volatil si cel al fracţiei monoterpenice sunt cele mai afectate de acţiunea factorilor climatici (in special, temperatură si precipitaţiile).
Response of differentiated and degenerated spikelets to top-dressing, shading and day/night temperature treatments in rice cultivars with large panicles

Abstract The presence of large panicles enables to reach a sufficient number of surviving spikelets per unit area for further increase of rice yield. However, the response of differentiated and degenerated spikelets to environmental factors in terms of number in cultivars with large panicles has not been elucidated. By applying top-dressing at different rates and frequencies, shading, and day/night temperature treatments in pot experiments, we observed the response of the main stem in two cultivars with large panicles: Yangdao 4 (Chinese indica) and Akenohoshi (Japanese japonica-indica hybrid). The results showed that top-dressing increased the number of differentiated spikelets per panicle and decreased the percentage of degenerated spikelets. Consequently, the number of surviving spikelets per panicle increased. Shading increased the percentage of degenerated spikelets, resulting in the decrease of the number of surviving spikelets per panicle. Higher day/night temperature treatments led to a higher percentage of degenerated spikelets. The treatments affected mainly the spikelets on the secondary branches, while the number of spikelets on the primary branches did not change appreciably, irrespective of the presence of differentiated, degenerated, and surviving spikelets. The influence on the number of surviving spikelets per panicle depended on the number of differentiated spikelets. Shading effect on the percentage of degenerated spikelets also depended on the number of differentiated spikelets per panicle. The decrease of the percentage of degenerated spikelets was associated with the increase of the shoot dry weight (SDW) at heading and the ratio of SDW-differentiated spikelets. The SDW and N absorption at heading affected more significantly the number of surviving spikelets compared to the ratio of surviving spikelets-SDW and surviving spikelets-N, respectively. The above results were similar in Akenohoshi and Yangdao 4. In Akenohoshi, the percentage of degenerated spikelets responded much more conspicuously to the change of SDW or the ratio of SDW -differentiated spikelets than that in Yangdao 4. So did the number of surviving spikelets to SDW and N absorption at heading. Akenohoshi showed a higher ratio of surviving spikelets-N than Yangdao 4. These differences may account for the fact that Akenohoshi showed a larger number of surviving spikelets per panicle than Yangdao 4, even at the same levels of SDW and N absorption.
Developments in the Determination of Trace Elements by Atomic Spectroscopic Techniques

Abstract Recent developments in sample treatment, such as liquid‐ and solid‐phase extraction, coprecipitation, and electrodeposition, are presented. In addition, this review considers the benefits and drawbacks of atomic absorption techniques (F‐AAS, GF‐AAS, CV‐AAS, HG‐AAS, and HR‐CSAAS) used to identify and quantify different elements in a variety of matrices.
Biological Evaluation of Seaweed Composting

Large quantities of green seaweed, linked probably to eutrophication, are cast ashore every summer on the Puerto Madryn beaches (Patagonia, Argentina, 42°S, 65°W). This algal biomass interferes with recreational uses of the beach, and therefore must be periodically collected and disposed. Part of this algal biomass was composted with the objective to produce an amendment to improve physical and nutritional characteristics of some local soils used in intensive horticulture, and at the same time to find a way to reduce environmental pollution. The compost was then biologically evaluated by determining the growth rate of tomato plants cultivated on various substrata (washed sand, sandy loam soil, and sandy loam soil plus inorganic fertilizers) to which different doses of compost were added. Results showed that in all cases the addition of compost increased water holding capacity and plant growth. The increase of tomato plants (Licopersicum esculentum var. platense) was proportional to the compost doses. Also.
Shiraz berry size in relation to seed number and implications for juice and wine composition

This study was conducted over three seasons on irrigated Shiraz grapevines growing in a warm climate. We addressed The question of whether differences in berry size (within a population of berries from minimally pruned, own-rooted or Ramsey-grafted vines), would lead to differences in juice composition, wine composition or wine sensory score. Predictably, berry mass was found to increase with seed number, but berries in the smallest mass categories (0.3-0.7 g) still had similar juice soluble solids and pH; and similar concentrations of K+, tartaric acid and malic acid, compared with larger berries (1.4-2.0 g). Only by the very smallest mass category (0.3-0.55 g) was there any indication of better colour density (both by own-rooted and Ramsey-grafted vines) or higher anthocyanin concentration (for own-rooted vines) compared with larger berries (1.4-2.0 g). Concentrations of tartaric acid and K~ in berry skins were highest in the smallest berry mass categories (0.3-0.7 g( and decreased with increasing berry mass (up to 1.4-2.0 g). A strong correlation (R2 = 0.85 )between skin tartaric acid and K+ concentrations was observed across that range. Small-scale wine lost based on small berries (0.8-0.9 g) versus large berries (1.2-1.3 g) showed no differences in measures such as soluble solids, total acids or pH ob juice; nor any differences in pH, total acids, K+, tartrate, malate, spectral characteristics or sensory score of corresponding wines. Moreover, small berries had a similar skin to fruit ratio, and a similar juice yield, compared lo large berries. However, when measured post-fermentation, the ratio of seed weight to skin weight was higher for small berries. The mass range ob berries used here for small-scale winemaking (i.e. from 0.8-0.9 g up to 1.2-1.3 g), covered the range of Shiraz berry mass typically bound in irrigated vineyards (from 0.8 lo 1.5 g(, and thus confirms The relevance of present outcomes to practical winemaking. Finally, our data lot variation in juice and wine composition as a function of berry size, showed consistent trends for all seasons, and thus implies that reported instances of improved wine quality from small berries (often associated with certain pruning treatments nr deficit irrigation strategies), are more likely due to treatment effects that lead to small Fruit, rather than to intrinsic developmental differences between large and small berries
Raschig Super-Pak – Eine neue Packungsstruktur mit innovativen Vorteilen im Vergleich

Die Raschig Super-Pak ist eine neue Packungsgeometrie, die durch eine innovative Struktur uber drei wesentliche Vorteile gegenuber anderen Hochleistungspackungen verfugt: niedrigere Druckverluste, hohere Kapazitaten, bessere Trennleistungen. Die bei der SRP (Separation Research Program) der Austin University of Texas vermessenen Leistungsdaten werden prasentiert und im Vergleich zu anderen Hochleistungs- und Standardpackungen bewertet.