Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The yield and processing quality of sunflower seed as affected by the amount and timing of nitrogen fertiliser

The response of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seed yield and seed processing quality to the amount and timing of nitrogen were studied in a field trial. Nitrogen application rates were 20, 70 and 120 kg ha−1 with limestone ammonium nitrate as the nitrogen source. Timing of application treatments were all nitrogen applied at planting and split in ratios of 1:1 and 1:3, applied at planting and at the beginning of flowering. Timing of nitrogen application had no effect on seed yield or any of the seed quality characteristics. Seed yield increased on average by 22% per 50 kg of nitrogen applied per ha. Hullability was not affected, while seed oil content declined and the seed protein content increased moderately with increased amounts of nitrogen, leading to a decline in the amount of recoverable oil, an increase in the potential oil cake yield, an increase in the protein and decrease of the crude fibre content of the expected oil cake. The changes in seed quality characteristics were equal or less than 10% per 50 kg of nitrogen applied per ha.
Third AMV Intercomparison Study

This study is a continuation and update of the previous “2014 AMV Intercomparison study”, presented in the 12th International Winds Workshop in Copenhagen in 2014. In this continuation, Atmospheric Motion Vectors (AMVs) calculated with Japan Meteorological Agency’s Himawari-8 satellite data are compared, considering two different input datasets with two different image triplets for 21 July 2016. Image data are equivalent to those used by the “International Cloud Working Group (ICWG) Cloud Intercomparison study”, to improve synergies between both studies. The different centers use a prescribed configuration and their own configuration for the AMV production with these datasets. Six different institutions participated in the study (CPTEC/INPE, EUMETSAT, JMA, KMA, NOAA and NWCSAF). This paper is a summary of the full “AMV Intercomparison Technical Report”, which can be found at: http://www.nwcsaf. org/aemetRest/downloadAttachment/5284. The study has been updated in November 2018 with two new datasets from EUMETSAT and KMA, which correct two issues related with the “Common Quality Index (QIC)” and the “Height assignment” respectively.
Light-stimulated and light-inhibited bioluminescence of the euphausiid Meganyctiphanes norvegica (G. O. Sars)

Innocuous physiological stimuli which excite bioluminescence in Meganyctiphanes norvegica are few; one such is exposure to an appropriate light, another is chemical stimulation by 5-hydroxytryptamine. Meganyctiphanes responds to a photoflash, after some tens of seconds delay, with a bioluminescent glow lasting a few minutes. A second flash stimulus applied during this luminescent response rapidly abolishes it for tens of seconds, after which the glow returns again at full strength. Weak light of about the same colour and intensity as the animal’s own luminescence also depresses the flash-excited glow for the whole time the ambient light is present. 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), added to the sea water in which the animal swims can either excite continual luminescence or set whatever physiological controls exist into some hyper-sensitive state so that Meganyctiphanes becomes much more responsive to optical stimulation. The delay of onset, duration, amplitude and time course of flash-excited luminescence have been determined quantitatively, together with their dependence upon the intensity and spectral composition of the stimulating flash. Some characteristics of the inhibition by flash and by weak continuous light have been recorded, and also the interaction of 5-HT sensitization upon light excitation and inhibition. These optical stimulus-bioluminescent response relationships establish a well-documented excitatory stimulus which can be used to initiate luminescence at will, leaving the animal in its natural physio-chemical environment. The observations provide an experimental basis for judging some hitherto weakly based speculations about the physiological control of bioluminescence in Meganyctiphanesand suggest sensible ways to investigate this in greater detail.
Catalytic Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide by Fe(III) in Homogeneous Aqueous Solution: Mechanism and Kinetic Modeling

This paper describes a kinetic model for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by ferric ion in homogeneous aqueous solution (pH < 3). The reaction was investigated experimentally at 25.0 °C and I = 0.1 M (HClO4/NaClO4), in a completely mixed batch reactor and under a wide range of experimental conditions (1 ≤ pH ≤ 3; 0.2 mM ≤ [H2O2]0 ≤ 1 M; 50 μM ≤ [Fe(III)]0 ≤ 1 mM; 1 ≤ [H2O2]0/[Fe(III)]0 ≤ 5000). The results of this study demonstrated that the rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by Fe(III) could be predicted very accurately by a kinetic model which takes into account the rapid formation and the slower decomposition of Fe(III)−hydroperoxy complexes (FeIII(HO2)2+ and FeIII(OH)(HO2)+). The rate constant for the unimolecular decomposition of the Fe(III)−hydroperoxy complexes was determined to be 2.7 × 10-3 s-1. The use of the kinetic model allows a better understanding of the effects of operational parameters (i.e., pH and [H2O2]0/[Fe(III)]0) on the complex kinetics of decomposition of H2O2 by Fe(III).
Electrochemical Behavior of Ti-Ni Alloys in Acidic Chloride Solutions

Abstract A study has been made of the electrochemical behavior of titanium, nickel, and various titanium-nickel alloys, containing 2, 3.5, 4.5, 28.5, 38, and 98 wt % nickel, in an acidified (pH = 1.
Measuring the TG-43 Parameters of Iridium-192 using Monte Carlo-based Dosimetry

Radioactive sources used in brachytherapy must be dosimetrically characterized prior to clinical use as defined the TG-43 protocol. In our previous project, Gafchromic film dosimetry was used to experimentally obtain the anisotropy function for an M-19 iridium-192 brachytherapy seed being developed by Source Production Equipment Corp (St. Rose, LA). In this project, the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport code (MCNP) was used to computationally obtain the full set of TG-43 parameters including the Dose Rate Constant, the Reference Dose Rate, the Radial Dose Function, and the Anisotropy Constant for the M-19 seed.
Observation and role of the free radicals NO3, ClO, BrO and IO in the troposphere

An attempt is made to obtain estimates of the average tropospheric abundance of nitrate radicals (NO3) and reactive halogen species (halogen oxide radicals and halogen atoms) on a global scale and thus to quantify their possible impact on the oxidation potential of the troposphere. For that purpose we combine new measurements with data that recently became available. It is found that the integrated formation of the radicals is comparable to that of OH radicals in certain situations. However, it is argued that the effects of these radicals on the oxidation capacity of the troposphere are not necessarily additive. For instance, BrO could be an NO3-scavenger.
Carbon dioxide enrichment by composting in greenhouses and its effect on vegetable production

Concentrations of CO2 are commonly suboptimal for plant production in greenhouses. Here, a new strategy using crop-residues and animal-manure composting (CRAM) was developed to increase CO2 concentration throughout the day. During the whole cultivation period, CRAM-treated greenhouses had CO2 concentrations that were more than twice that of the control greenhouses. This resulted in yields of celery (Apium graveolens L.), leaf lettuce (Lactuca virosa L.), stem lettuce (Lactuca saiva L.), oily sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.), and Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) that were 270%, 257%, 87%, 140%, and 227% higher than those in control greenhouses, respectively. The effect of CRAM on vegetable-quality parameters was also examined. Nitrate concentrations deceased in celery, leaf lettuce, oily sowthistle, and Chinese cabbage by 8%, 36%, 30%, and 20%, respectively. The concentrations of soluble sugars in oily sowthistle and Chinese cabbage were significantly increased by the composting procedure. In addition, the ascorbic acid concentrations increased in all five species, with average increases of 13%, 39%, 25%, 72%, and 37% for celery, leaf lettuce, stem lettuce, oily sowthistle, and Chinese cabbage, respectively. It is concluded that CO 2 fertilization using CRAM in greenhouses increases yields and improves quality of common vegetables.
Bioretention Technology: Overview of Current Practice and Future Needs

Bioretention, or variations such as bioinfiltration and rain gardens, has become one of the most frequently used storm-water management tools in urbanized watersheds. Incorporating both filtration and infiltration, initial research into bioretention has shown that these facilities substantially reduce runoff volumes and peak flows. Low impact development, which has a goal of modifying postdevel- opment hydrology to more closely mimic that of predevelopment, is a driver for the use of bioretention in many parts of the country. Research over the past decade has shown that bioretention effluent loads are low for suspended solids, nutrients, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. Pollutant removal mechanisms include filtration, adsorption, and possibly biological treatment. Limited research suggests that bioretention can effectively manage other pollutants, such as pathogenic bacteria and thermal pollution, as well. Reductions in pollutant load result from the combination of concentration reduction and runoff volume attenuation, linking water quality and hydrologic perfor- mance. Nonetheless, many design questions persist for this practice, such as maximum pooling bowl depth, minimum fill media depth, fill media composition and configuration, underdrain configuration, pretreatment options, and vegetation selection. Moreover, the exact nature and impact of bioretention maintenance is still evolving, which will dictate long-term performance and life-cycle costs. Bioretention usage will grow as design guidance matures as a result of continued research and application.
Humidity sensor using a Li-loaded microporous organic polymer assembled by 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene and terephthalic aldehyde

A microporous organic polymer based on 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene was synthesized, and the structure and properties of the resultant polymeric organic framework (POF) were determined by a series of characterizations. The POF acted as a host to load different amounts of LiCl for the preparation of humidity sensitive materials. Compared with the pure POF sensor, the LiCl/POF sensors showed improved humidity sensitive properties, especially the 4 wt% LiCl/POF sensor. The impedance of the optimum sensor changed by three orders of magnitude, with good linearity over the whole humidity range. Moreover, the optimum sensor showed little hysteresis, good long-term stability and a rapid response time. In order to explore the conductive mechanism, the complex impedance plots of the optimum sensor were discussed.
The Facilitation of Protein-DNA Search and Recognition by Multiple Modes of Binding

The studies discussed in this thesis unify experimental and theoretical techniques, both established and novel, in investigating the problem of how a protein that binds specific sites on DNA translocates to, recognizes, and stably binds to its target site or sites. The thesis is organized into two parts. Part I outlines the history of the problem and the theory and experiments that have addressed the problem and presents an apparent incompatibility between efficient search and stable, specific binding. To address this problem, we elaborate a model of protein-DNA interaction in which the protein may bind DNA in either a search (S) mode or a recognition (R) mode. The former is characterized by zero or weak sequencedependence in the binding energy, while the latter is highly sequence-dependent. The protein undergoes a random walk along the DNA in the S mode, and if it encounters its target site, must undergo a conformational transition into the R mode. The model resolves the apparent paradox, and accounts for the observed speed, specificity, and stability in protein-DNA interactions. The model shows internal agreement as regards theoretical and simulated results, as well as external agreement with experimental measurements. Part II reports on research that has tested the applicability of the two-mode model to the tumor suppressor transcription factor p53. It describes in greater depth the experimental techinques and findings up to the present work, and introduces the techinques and biological system used in our research. We employ single-molecule optical microscopy in
Polymerization kinetics and thermal properties of poly(alkyl methacrylate)/organomodified montmorillonite nanocomposites

Theeffectofthepresenceoforganomodifiednano-montmorillonite(MMT)onthefreeradicalpolymerizationkineticsofeither ethyl methacrylate or butyl methacrylate was investigated. The insitu polymerization technique was selected with dispersion of the MMT nanoparticles into the corresponding monomer and subsequent bulk radical polymerization. Different types and amountsofMMTwereused,includingasodiumandseveralorganomodifiedclaysunderthetradenamesCloisiteNa + andCloisite 15A, 25A and 30B. Reaction kinetics was measured gravimetrically and the nanocomposites formed were characterized with X-ray diffraction (structure), gel permeation chromatography (molar mass distribution) and differential scanning calorimetry (glasstransitiontemperature). Thermaldegradationcharacteristicsweremeasuredwiththermogravimetricanalysis.Additional experimentswithstyreneasmonomerwerecarriedoutinordertomakecleartheeffectofthenanofilleronthepolymerization kinetics. It was found that the presence of the bulk ammonium salt used as the organic modifier in MMT could influence the reaction kinetics when diffusion-controlled phenomena occur. Reaction rate was slightly enhanced and nanocomposites with improved thermal stability were formed. In addition, the average molar mass and glass transition temperature of the polymer in the nanocomposites were slightly higher compared to the neat polymer. c � 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of Particle Size on Melting of Aluminum at Nano Scales

Molecular-dynamics simulations are performed using isobaric−isoenthalpic (NPH) ensembles to predict the melting of nanosized aluminum particles in the range of 2−9 nm and to investigate the effect of surface charge development on the melting. Five different potential functions (the Lennard-Jones, glue, embedded-atom, Streitz−Mintmire, and Sutton−Chen potentials) are implemented, and the results are evaluated using the particle-size dependence of the melting phenomenon as a benchmark. A combination of structural and thermodynamic parameters, including the potential energy, Lindemann index, translational-order parameter, and radial-distribution functions, are used to characterize the melting process. Both bulk and particle melting are considered. The former features sharp changes in structural and thermodynamic properties across the melting point, as opposed to the smooth variations seen in particle melting in which surface premelting plays an important role. The melting temperature of a nanoparticle increa.
Effect of Drying Temperature and Pretreatment on Protein Content and Color Changes during Fluidized Bed Drying of Finger Millets (Ragi, Eleusine coracana) Sprouts

Value addition to several agri-products such as grains, beans, and millets can be achieved by sprouting followed by thermal treatment. These value-added products can then be suitably formulated and fortified using cost-effective technologies so that they may be used as instant food, weaning food for babies, or functional food. Finger millets, used extensively by Asian and African communities, were studied. Sprouted finger millets were blanched (using hot water and steam) and dried using a fluidized bed dryer. This led to quality enhancement in terms of higher protein content, digestibility, and bioavailable micronutrients. The drying of sprouted millets (ragi in this case) over the temperature range of 40–70°C was studied. Later, the effect of infrared and pan roasting was studied to determine its effect on protein content and other sensory parameters. Dehydrated sprouted finger millets flour can be used for making noodles, papads, unleavened bread, and several other Indian cuisines such as idli, chakli, porridge, and gruel for newborns.
Microcontroller‐based simple maximum power point tracking controller for single‐stage solar stand‐alone water pumping system

A simple microcontroller‐based maximum power point tracking controller is proposed for a single‐stage solar stand‐alone water pumping system for remote, isolated, and nonelectrified population, where less maintenance, low cost, and an efficient system is of prime interest. It consists of a photovoltaic (PV) module, a DC–AC converter utilizing space‐vector pulse‐width modulation, an induction motor coupled with a water pump, a voltage sensor, and a current sensor. A space‐vector pulse‐width modulation‐controlled DC–AC converter aided by a fast‐acting on–off supervisory controller with a modified perturb‐and‐observe algorithm performs both the functions of converting PV output voltage to a variable voltage, variable frequency output, as well as extracting the maximum power. A limited variable step size is preferred during transient state, and a steady frequency, which is calculated on the basis of steady‐state oscillation, is set during steady state. A fast‐acting on–off supervisory controller regulates DC link voltage during steady state and enables maximum power point tracking algorithm only during transient state to draw a new voltage reference. In the event of low voltage, the controller switches off the motor but continuously scans for an available PV voltage. The system is not protected against an overcurrent because the maximum current is equal to its short circuit current. The 16‐bit microcontroller dsPIC6010A (Microchip Technology, Inc., Chandler, AZ, USA) is used to implement the control functions. The proposed controller is verified through simulation as well as tested in the laboratory prototype model. The simulation and experimental results show good correlation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acid versus base peptization of mesoporous nanocrystalline TiO2 films: functional studies in dye sensitized solar cells

We report an analysis of the influence of acid/base conditions employed in the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles upon the performance of dye sensitised photoelectrochemical solar cells fabricated from these particles. The functional properties of the TiO2 nanoparticles in these devices are investigated by potential step chronoamperometry, transient laser spectroscopy, and photovoltaic device characterisation. We find that base peptization conditions employed in the sol–gel fabrication of the TiO2 nanoparticles result in a reduction in film electron density under negative applied bias, correlated with slower interfacial recombination losses and a higher device open circuit voltage.
Inorganic orthophosphate for diagnosing the phosphorus status of wheat plants

Abstract Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L) was grown to the 6‐leaf stage hydroponically under wide‐ranging conditions of phosphorus (P) supply. Tissue concentrations of inorganic orthophosphate (Pi) were measured in different plant parts and related to growth. The Pi was extracted from microwave‐dried plant material which is an effective and practical way of preserving Pi at levels close to those prevailing in fresh tissue. Extremely deficient wheat contained low levels of “metabolic”; Pi (1.4 mM), while wheat abundantly supplied with P accumulated Pi to concentrations of 40 mM without adverse effects on growth. The main effect of P on shoot growth was to increase the number and weight of tillers. The maximum weight of different organs was attained with different internal Pi concentrations. Critical leaf Pi (last fully expanded main‐shoot leaf) and critical whole shoot Pi for maximum whole shoot growth were 2.8 mM (0.043%) and 2.6 mM (0.040%), respectively. The Pi in mature main‐shoot leaves was closely .
Large self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum dots with an optical emission above 1.3 μm

We report on the optical and morphological properties of self-assembled InAs quantum dots deposited on GaAs(001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy using a combination of extreme growth combinations as low InAs growth rate, high-temperature InAs deposition and fast GaAs capping. Atomic-force microscopy showed that, in such conditions, large InAs quantum dots with a height well over 100 A can be obtained. After capping, these structures exhibit optical activity well beyond 1.3 μm at room temperature, reaching 1.5 μm in some cases. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Infinite dilution diffusion coefficients: benzene derivatives as solutes in supercritical carbon dioxide

Binary diffusion coefficients of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, n-propylbenzene, isopropylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, cumene, and mesitylene in CO 2 as a supercritical solvent were determined using the Taylor-Aris dispersion technique. The supercritical fluid phase linear velocity dependence was confirmed in all systems, and the tendency of the dependence of the diffusivity on the molecular size and shape is quantitatively discussed. The influence of pressure and temperature for benzene was extensively studied
Reduction and Oxidation Kinetics of a Copper-Based Oxygen Carrier Prepared by Impregnation for Chemical-Looping Combustion

The kinetics of reduction with CH4, H2, and CO and oxidation with O2 of a Cu-based oxygen carrier prepared by impregnation on alumina to be used in a chemical-looping combustion (CLC) system have been determined in a thermogravimetric analyzer. The oxygen carrier exhibited high reactivity in both reduction and oxidation with times for complete conversion lower than 40 s at 1073 K and 5−70 vol % of the fuel gas and 5−21 vol % of O2. The analysis of the sample carried out by scanning electron microscopy using energy-dispersive X-ray and chemisorption showed that the CuO was well dispersed in the porous surface of the alumina matrix and a uniform thin layer on the porous surface was considered. The shrinking-core model for platelike geometry of the reacting surface was used for the kinetic determination, in which the chemical reaction controlled the global reaction rate. No effect of the gas products (H2O and CO2) on the reaction rate was detected. The reaction order depended on the fuel gas, and values of 0.
The Role of the Ligand-to-Metal Charge-Transfer State in the Dipivaloylmethanate-Lanthanide Intramolecular Energy Transfer Process

Two new bis(dipivaloylmethanate)nitrato-bis(triphenylphosphine oxide)lanthanide(III) complexes [Eu(dpm)2(NO3)(tppo)2] (1) and [Tb(dpm)2(NO3)(tppo)2] have been prepared in monomeric form. The structural behavior of these coordination compounds is significantly different from those of [Eu2(dpm)6] and [Tb2(dpm)6] dimeric complexes. The photoluminescent properties of the monomeric and dimeric complexes are dependent on the energy positions of the low-lying ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (LMCT) state, which may be correlated with the chelating and chelate bridging coordination modes of the dpm ligand, respectively. The monomeric complex presents higher luminescence intensity than the dimeric complex due to the higher energy of the LMCT state in this system. Although the excited energy levels of the EuIII ion in complex 1 undergo efficient depopulation by LMCT, the same is not observed for the 5D0 emitting level, which presents values of the emitting lifetime that are almost temperature independent. The triboluminescence phenomenon of the [Ln(dpm)2(NO3)(tppo)2] complex is also discussed.