Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic Management of Recreational Scuba Diving and the Environment

Increasing use of marine protected areas for pursuits such as recreational scuba diving may lead to biological damage and reduced amenity values in popular locations. The relationships between biological and amenity values are discussed and the work of Dixonet al. (1993, Meeting ecological and economic goals: marine parks in the Caribbean.Ambio22, 117–125) on allocating divers between sites is extended. It is concluded that the carrying capacity concept and the critical thresholds approach are constrained by a number of limitations on their effectiveness as resource management tools. The optimal allocation of users between recreational dive sites is, subsequently, examined and the potential application of economic instruments to achieve such an allocation is assessed. It is concluded that a judicious blend of regulation and the use of economic instruments will be required to overcome open access and boundary problems, and will provide for better overall management of popular marine recreational sites than is presently the case. Education will also have a significant role to play by increasing environmental awareness and reducing the damaging impacts caused by users of those popular sites.
Relationships between redox-sensitive phosphorus concentrations in sediment and the aluminum:phosphorus binding ratio

Abstract Aluminum (Al) sulfate dosage to control internal phosphorus (P) loading in lakes can be estimated by determining the mass of Al required to bind redox-sensitive P (loosely bound and iron-bound P fractions, redox-P) in sediment (Al:P binding ratio). Recent research found that the Al:P binding ratio varied negatively with redox-P, suggesting competition for binding sites between P and other constituents. We examined relationships between redox-P and the Al:P binding ratio over a broad range of redox-P to delineate general patterns that might be used to improve Al dosing calculations. Surface sediments collected from lakes in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin were subjected to a range of precipitated Al(OH)3 concentrations to determine the Al required to bind redox-P (Rydin and Welch 1999). Although sediments exhibited similar physical-textural characteristics, redox-P, dominated by iron-bound P, ranged widely between <0.1 and 8.8 mg/g. The Al:P binding ratio exceeded 100:1 as the redox-P concentration declined to <0.15 mg/g and approached 10:1 for redox-P concentrations exceeding 5 mg/g. These relationships were attributed to (1) competition for binding sites by other constituents at lower redox-P and (2) increased competition for binding sites by PO43− relative to other constituents at higher redox-P. Regression relationships between redox-P concentration and the Al:P binding ratio may be used with vertical sediment P profiles to estimate Al dosage required to reduce internal P loading, particularly for stratified or polymictic lakes where iron-bound P is the dominant fraction.
Interatomic force constants in AIIBIVCV2 chalcopyrite compounds

Force constants of the AIICV and BIVCV bonds in the AIIBIVCV2 compounds with chalcopyrite structure are estimated from experimental lattice vibration data using a simplified version of the Keating model. It is shown that the force constants depend exponentially on the bond length. The parameters of this relation are practically the same as those found for the AIVAIV, AIIIBV and AIIBVI bonds in the elemental semiconductors and binary compounds and for the BIIICVI bond in the AIBIIICVI2 semiconductors. Kraftkonstanten fur die AIICV- und BIVCV-Bindungen in den AIIBIVCV2-Verbindungen mit Chalkopyritstruktur werden aus experimentellen Gitterschwingungsdaten unter Verwendung einer vereinfachten Version des Keating-Modells abgeschatzt. Es zeigt sich, das die Kraftkonstanten exponentiell von der Bindungslange abhangen. Die Parameter dieser Beziehung haben praktisch dieselben Werte wie im Falle der AIVAIV-, AIII-BV und AIIBVI-Bindungen in den Elementhalbleitern und binaren Verbindungen und der BIIICVI-Bindung in den AIBIIICVI2-Halbleitern.
Study on the release behavior and mechanism by monitoring the morphology changes of the large‐sized drug‐LDH nanohybrids

Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanohybrids intercalated with ibuprofen (IBU) with particle sizes of 150–530 nm have been synthesized through hydrothermal and coprecipitation treatment in aqueous solution without any organic solvent. The in vitro drug release properties of as-prepared IBU-LDH nanohybrids are systematically studied and the kinetic simulation to the release profiles suggests that the release processes of the larger nanohybrids are mainly controlled by intraparticle diffusion. The morphology changes from thick sheet-like into thin margin-curved platelets for the larger nanohybrid particles, induced by the hydrophobic IBU anions aggregations located in the edge region of interlayer via ion-exchange diffusion process, is firstly observed during the release process. Based on the SEM, HRTEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV-vis analyses of the samples recovered at different release time, a release mechanism model of the as-prepared IBU-LDH nanohybrids is tentatively proposed along with their morphology changes during the whole release process. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
EFFECTS OF FOLIAR AND SOIL CALCIUM APPLICATION ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF TABLE GRAPE CV. ‘THOMPSON SEEDLESS’

Table grape quality and firmness are key parameters for Chile's export, given distances from the main markets. As a consequence, calcium (Ca) fertilization has become a standard practice in the country, although its effects have not been fully evaluated. The objectives in this study were to investigate the effects of calcium fertilization on table grape nutrition and quality. A two-year field trial was conducted in central Chile, using grapevines (Vitis vinifera) cv. ‘Thompson seedless’, grown on an overhead trellis system. Calcium (CaCl2) application treatments included foliar, soil, foliar plus soil, and a control without Ca fertilization. Calcium and other nutrients concentration were determined afterwards in soil, leaves, and berries. Also, yield and some fruit quality parameters were evaluated. Calcium application method did not have an effect on soil, leaf or fruit Ca content, neither on yield and berry sugar concentration, with levels being similar to the control treatment. Additionally, in treatments where CaCl2 was applied to soil, chlorides concentration in soil, leaves, and berries were higher. Also, berries were larger, more turgent, with lower dry matter and larger cells. In the second season, in these same treatments, berry firmness at harvest was higher, but this effect disappeared after the storage simulation period. These results question the validity that Ca applications might improve table grape postharvest quality for growing conditions similar to the ones in this experiment. The temporal changes in berry quality parameters were attributed to higher Cl soil content and the associated plant osmoregulatory mechanisms.
Internal Heating Effect and Application of Microwaves with Fluidization of Electrically Conductive Particles in the Ceramic Drying Process

In the ceramic drying process, it takes a long time to completely remove internal moisture from molded ceramics due to large resistance of internal migration. Microwave heating is an effective internal heating method and will promote the moisture movement rate inside ceramics due to the elevation of vapor pressure. The effect of internal uniform heating on the ceramic drying behavior is first studied by theoretical analysis. The effectiveness and problems of drying of a slab heated by microwaves were evaluated experimentally and compared with hot air heating. The drying proceeded successfully and quicker than hot air heating when the internal temperature could be controlled below 380 K, by introducing intermittent heating or low power irradiation of microwaves. Additionally, a technique for improving uniformity of the microwave field by fluidization of electrically conductive particles was proposed. The distribution of the microwave field became successively uniform by the diffuse reflection of microwaves in a fluidized bed of plastic foam particles wrapped in aluminum foil.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF UV SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD FOR ESTIMATION OF GLYCYRRHETINIC ACID IN HYDRO- ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA

A simple, rapid, accurate, precise, and economic spectrophotometric method for estimation of Glycyrrhetinic acid in hydro-alcoholic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. have been developed. Glycyrrhetinic acid show absorbance maximum at 254 nm when Phosphate Buffer (pH-6.8) : Ethanol are used as solvent in 70 : 30 proportion, so absorbance was measured at the same wave lengths for the estimati1on of Glycyrrhetinic acid. Glycyrrhetinic acid obeys the Beer Lambert's law in the concentration range of 5-35μg/mL. A method was validated according to ICH guidelines and can be adopted for the routine analysis of Glycyrrhetinic acid in hydroalcoholic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra. The method is simple, rapid, safe, accurate, economical and useful for standardization of the licorice products.
Surface studies of plasma source ion implantation treated polystyrene

The plasma source ion implantation (PSII) was utilized to improve the wettability and the stability of surface layer formed in the modification of polymeric materials. Polystyrene was treated with different kinds of plasma ions to render the surface more hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Hydrophobic recovery of PSII-treated polystyrene was also observed as a function of aging time, aging temperature, and treatment parameters. Treatment parameters involve kinds of gases, pressure, plasma power, pulse frequency, pulse voltage, etc. To study the effect of inert gas on hydrophobic recovery, polystyrene samples were prepared by helium, argon, or gas-mixture treatment. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) has been used to interpret the PSII-treated polystyrene surface and its hydrophobic recovery, with the assistance of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. TOF-SIMS spectra of 18O2 PSII-treated samples showed the presence of 18O-containing peaks from the modified .
Investigation of deterioration of joints in concrete pavements

xi CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION . 1 Research Objectives and Anticipated Benefits . 1 Background . 1 Dissertation Organization . 4 References . 6 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW . 7 Freezing and Thawing Mechanism . 7 Salt Scaling . 12 Water Movement . 18 Interfacial Transition Zone . 22 References . 31 CHAPTER 3. INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF THE INTERFACIAL ZONE ON JOINT DETERIORATION OF CONCRETE PAVEMENTS . 36 Abstract . 36 Introduction . 37 Interfacial Transition Zone . 39 Experimental Design . 40 Results and Discussion . 42 Conclusion and Recommendation . 51 References . 52 CHAPTER 4. INVESTIGATION OF INTERFACIAL ZONE RELATED FREEZING AND THAWING DETERIORATION IN CONCRETE PAVEMENTS . 54 Abstract . 54 Introduction . 54 Experimental Design . 57 Results and Discussion . 58 Conclusions and Recommendations . 64 References . 64
Methyl red degradation under UV illumination and catalytic action of commercial ZnO: a parametric study

Photocatalytic efficiency of commercially available low-cost ZnO material was evaluated for methyl red (MR) degradation under UV illumination. Photocatalytic reaction system was optimized in terms of dose of catalyst, pH, removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), intensity/wavelength of UV source. MR degradation followed first-order rate equation, and under optimum conditions 70‐99% decolorization was achieved in the concentration range of 10‐50 mg/L. About 42% COD removal was achieved for MR solution having concentration 30 mg/L with 1 h illumination and 4.0 g/L ZnO dose. Role of different radical scavengers was also investigated to gain an insight of role of many reactive oxygen species (ROS) in degradation process. These studies revealed that singlet oxygen and the superoxide ions were the main ROS taking part in MR degradation. The present method was compared with other UV-induced photocatalytic processes using other photocatalysts. The recycle ability of the ZnO and the turnover frequency of the process was evaluated. Finally, a comparative account relative to the solar light-induced process of MR degradation using the same ZnO catalyst was revealed.
Effects of Initial Total Solids on Composting of Raw Manure with Biogas Recovery

A batch anaerobic composting process was investigated to evaluate the potential for biogas recovery from animal manure under the worst scenario of high initial solids and non-well adapted microorganisms. The effects of composting time and initial total solids content on biogas recovery and reduction of solids during anaerobic digestion of swine, poultry and beef manure were studied. Volatile solids reductions averaged 10% or less over a 30-day period for all initial solids contents, which was considerably lower than expected. Reductions in VS increased slightly as initial solids content in the reactor decreased. Reductions in COD were somewhat higher than for VS. The pH values were fairly stable during the composting experiments and within the range suitable for anaerobic digestion. Decreases in TKN and ammonia nitrogen during the process were insignificant, and greater decreases were observed for lower initial solids content in the reactors. Cumulative biogas production increased with decreasing solids content in the reactor for all types of manure. For the lowest initial solids contents (12-14%), swine manure produced more biogas, but at the higher initial solids contents there was little difference among the manure types. Biogas yields were about 0.5 m3/kg VS consumed for the lowest solids contents; however, yields were only about 0.2 m3/kg VS consumed for the higher initial solids. Methane content of the biogas samples averaged 49%. Based on these results, it appears that adapting microbial populations in the high solids feedstock may obtain reasonable biogas production rates and VS reduction during anaerobic digestion. Although some differences in results among the three types of manure were noted, they were not large and likely would not be significant with adapted microbial populations.
Well-crystallized square-like 2D BiOCl nanoplates: mannitol-assisted hydrothermal synthesis and improved visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance

Well-crystallized square-like bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) nanoplates were successfully synthesized by a facile and environmentally friendly hydrothermal process in mannitol solution. The product was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Raman spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) and nitrogen adsorption. It was found that mannitol played a key role in the formation of square-like BiOCl nanoplates and the possible growth mechanism was also discussed. The photocatalytic activity of prepared BiOCl nanoplates was determined by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The square-like BiOCl nanoplates exhibited excellent visible-light-driven photocatalytic efficiency, which was much higher than that of commercial BiOCl and TiO2 (anatase). The remarkable visible-light photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of the layered structure and the strong adsorption of RhB dye upon the BiOCl nanoplates, which might allow more efficient transport of the injected electrons. A possible dye-sensitized photocatalytic degradation process (photosensitization pathway) was proposed.
Structural and Electrical Properties of Lanthanum Gadolinium Oxide: Ceramic and Thin Films for High-k Application

LaGdO3 (LGO) ceramics and thin films were prepared for high-k applications. Electrical properties of LGO ceramics were studied as a function of temperature and frequency using metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor configuration. The dielectric constant and loss tangent at 100 kHz were 20 and 0.004 respectively at ambient conditions without any temperature and voltage dependence. Bulk properties are encouraging for high-k gate-oxide applications. Thin films of LGO were prepared on Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The electrical properties of thin films were investigated with metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) capacitors. The relative dielectric permittivity was 21.6 ± 1.7 and the equivalent oxide thickness was controlled by the SiOx interlayer. However, compared to the standard SiO2 capacitors of similar equivalent oxide thickness, less leakage currents were obtained. By controlling the interlayer growth between the high-k and silicon, EOT can be reduced further to meet the requirements of 22 nm technology node with lower leakage current utilizing this material.
Fluorenone core donor–acceptor–donor π-conjugated molecules end-capped with dendritic oligo(thiophene)s: synthesis, liquid crystalline behaviour, and photovoltaic applications

We have synthesized a new series of donor–acceptor–donor (D–A–D) π-conjugated molecules, consisting of fluorenone core end-capped with dendritic oligo(thiophene)s of increasing generation (abbreviated as FG0, FG1, and FG2). In view of the application of these new organic semiconductors in photovoltaic devices, we have explored their spectroscopic, redox, and structural properties. The thermal behaviour of the new organic semiconductors was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and polarized-light optical microscopy. Liquid crystalline behaviour has been found in the case of FG1, corresponding to a smectic ordering with a triclinic symmetry (Smobl) upon heating, as confirmed by variable temperature small-angle X-ray diffraction studies. In order to evaluate their photovoltaic performances, devices with an active area of 0.28 cm2 were fabricated. Under AM1.5 simulated sunlight (100 mW cm−2) conditions, a device containing FG1/[70]PCBM blends showed a power conversion efficiency of ca. 0.8%.
Swelling properties of particles in amphoteric polyacrylamide dispersion

Swelling properties of amphoteric polyacrylamide (AmPAM) dispersions were investigated by measurements of apparent viscosity and particle morphology. AmPAM dispersion was prepared by dispersion polymerization in aqueous solution of ammonium sulphate. Changes of particles during dispersion polymerisation of AmPAM were simulated and compared with anionic and cationic polyacrylamide (APAM and CPAM, respectively). Sample viscosity and particle morphology were obtained using a rotational viscometer and optical microscope. It was found that small molecules or ions enter and swell particles in the AmPAM dispersion when (NH4)2SO4 concentration decreases. Similarly, monomers, including acrylamide, acrylic acid, and methacrylatoethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, have the same effects on the AmPAM dispersion but the effect degree is different. Swelling properties of the AmPAM dispersion were different from those of the APAM and CPAM dispersions due to their different ionic nature, type of stabiliser, media, etc. Particles in the APAM or CPAM dispersions were swelled less than those in the AmPAM dispersion.
In Vitro Study Of The Mechanism OF Interaction Of Trifluoperazine Dihydrochloride With Bovine Serum Albumin

Mechanism of interaction of antipsychotic drug trifluoperazine dihydrochloride with bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been reported. Association constant for drug-protein binding showed that the interactions are non-covalent in nature and there are two independent binding sites. Binding studies in the presence of hydrophobic probe, 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulphonic acid, sodium salt (ANS) showed that there is hydrophobic interaction between drug and ANS and they do not share common sites in BSA. Small decrease in critical micellar concentration (CMC) of anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) in the presence of drug showed that the ionic character of drug also contributes to binding. Stern-Volmer analysis of fluorescence quenching data showed that the fraction of fluorophore (protein) accessible to the quencher (drug), was close to unity indicating thereby that both tryptophan residues of BSA are involved in drug-protein interaction. The rate constant for quenching, greater than 1010M-1S-1, indicated that the TFP binding site is in close proximity to tryptophan residues of BSA.
Propagation issues and energetic particle production in laser-plasma interactions at intensities

A series of experiments recently carried out at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory investigated various aspects of the laser‐plasma interaction in the relativistic intensity regime. The propagation of laser pulses through preformed plasmas was studied at intensities exceeding 10 19 W0cm 2 . The transmission of laser energy through long-scale underdense plasmas showed to be inefficient unless a plasma channel is preformed ahead of the main laser pulse. The study of the interaction with overdense plasmas yielded indication of collimated energy transport through the plasma. The production of fast particles during the interaction with solid density targets was also investigated. The measurements revealed the presence of a small-sized directional source of multi-megaelectron volt protons, which was not observed when a plasma was preformed at the back of the solid target. The properties of the source are promising in view of its use in radiographic imaging of dense matter, and preliminary tests were carried out.
DX behaviour of Si donors in AlGaN alloys

Recent experiments on the DX behaviour of Si in AlGaN alloys are reviewed. From persistent photoconductivity, light‐induced electron spin resonance, and thermal quenching experiments as well as from the thermal activation of the generation‐recombination noise, a quantitative configuration coordinate diagram is constructed for pure AlN and Al0.75Ga0. 25N. The effects of DX centres on the properties of AlGaN alloys with lower Al concentration are discussed.
Bis[2-(benzimidazol-2-yl)phenolato-κ2N,O]zinc(II)–bis­[5-amino-2-(benzimidazol-2-yl)phenolato-κ2N,O]zinc(II)–ethanol–water (0.56/0.44/2/0.5)

Reacting zinc(II) with 2-(2-hydroxy­phen­yl)benzimidazole, H(hpb), and 2-(4-amino-2-hydroxy­phen­yl)benzimidazole, H(apb), yields a cocrystalline mixture of Zn(hpb)2 and Zn(apb)2, complexes of the two deprotonated phenolate ligands. The ligands chelate to the ZnII ions in a tetra­hedral geometry and are statistically disordered with an occupancy ratio of 0.56 (1):0.44 (1). Ethanol and water mol­ecules also cocrystallize in the crystal structure, with the O atom of the solvent water mol­ecule located on a twofold axis, giving an overall formula [Zn(C13H9.44N2.44O)2]·2C2H6O·0.5H2O. The neutral complexes are connected to one another by inter­molecular hydrogen bonding inter­actions that extend into three-dimensional arrays.
DISTRIBUTION OF SULPHUR FORMS IN SIX FACIES OF PEATS OF THE FRASER RIVER DELTA

The distribution of organic and inorganic S forms was examined in peats formed under the influence of fresh and brackish water on the Fraser River Delta. Six peat facies classified as sphagnum, ericaceous sphagnum, freshwater sedge, brackish sedge, freshwater clay or brackish clay were found to contain variable levels of sulphur. Brackish systems contained much more S than freshwater-derived materials. Highest S contents (mean 3.0%) were found in brackish sedge peat samples, and the lowest in sphagnum-derived peat (mean 0.19%). For all facies examined, organic S was dominant and accounted for 90–97% of Total S. Carbon-bonded S was the dominant organic form and was much more abundant than organic sulphate S. Inorganic sulphate, elemental S, pyritic S and H2S made minor contributions to the total S. Increasing degree of decomposition of peat is associated with increasing S content. Key words: Sulphur forms, organic sulphur, peat sulphur, degree of decomposition