Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the functional characteristics of wheat stored as grain with wheat stored in spike form.

Summary In this study, wheat grain and wheat spike with 12%, 14% and 16% moisture content were stored at 10, 20 and 30 °C for 0, 3, 6 and 9 months. After storage, wheat samples were investigated for hectolitre weight, gluten content, Zeleny sedimentation volume, enzyme activity, acidity, phytic acid and L colour value. Storage of wheat at different storage forms (spike and grain) and storage conditions showed considerable changes in grain quality. In general, the storage period of 3 months positively affected wheat quality. However, hectolitre weight, gluten, Zeleny sedimentation, enzyme activity, acidity and colour of wheat got worse at storage periods beyond 3 months. Hectolitre weight, wet and dry gluten, Zeleny sedimentation, phytic acid content and L Colour value of wheat stored in both spike and grain form significantly decreased during storage. However, the increase in grain moisture content, storage time and temperature resulted in significant increase in total titratable acidity and falling number values of wheat. Falling Number and phytic acid values of wheat stored in spike form were generally lower than wheat stored in grain form. Storage in spike form had a positive effect on especially wet gluten content of wheat stored at non-optimal storage conditions such as high grain moisture content and high temperature. Wet gluten of wheat stored in spike form was higher than that of wheat stored grain form after storage at 30 °C for 6 and 9 months. Wheat stored in spike form is more resistant than wheat stored in grain form against adverse storage conditions such as high moisture content and temperature and longer storage time.
Global Banks and Systemic Debt Crises

We study the role of global financial intermediaries in international lending. We construct a model of the world economy, in which heterogeneous borrowers issue risky securities purchased by financial intermediaries. Aggregate shocks transmit internationally through financial intermediaries' net worth. The strength of this transmission is governed by the degree of frictions intermediaries face in financing their risky investments. We provide direct empirical evidence on this mechanism showing that around Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy, emerging‐market bonds held by more distressed global banks experienced larger price contractions. A quantitative analysis of the model shows that global financial intermediaries play a relevant role in driving borrowing‐cost and consumption fluctuations in emerging‐market economies, during both debt crises and regular business cycles. The portfolio of financial intermediaries and the distribution of bond holdings in the world economy are key to determine aggregate dynamics.
Influence of alkoxy chain length and fluorosubstitution on mesogenic and spectral properties of high tilted antiferroelectric esters

The synthesis and properties of a few dozen highly evolved analogues of (S)-MHPOBC are reported. The liquid crystal phases, and phase transition temperatures and enthalpies, as evidenced by polarized optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively, are given. The helical pitch in pure compounds and some mixtures is estimated using the selective reflection method. All of the compounds show antiferroelectric phases, and some key structure–property relationships for the new materials are reported. Specifically, it is found that the length of the oligomethylene segment of a novel partially fluorinated alkoxy ether tail incorporated into the structures strongly influences the stability of the antiferroelectric phase and the observed phase sequences, as well as the values of the helical pitch and its temperature dependence. The formulation of a family of broad temperature range eutectic mixtures possessing the highly desirable orthoconic antiferroelectric phases with long helical pitch is described.
Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Ternary PP/EPDM/PE Blends

The ternary blends of high-density polyethylene (PE), EPDM terpolymer and polypropylene (PP) have been used as a model low interfacial tension system to study encapsulation dynamics in ternary blends and their relation to the blends' mechanical properties. It was found that the modulus, tensile strength and impact resistance can be improved by PE addition if the PE is localized within the EPDM phase. A range of blend morphology was found depending on the PE viscosity and polymer incorporation sequence in the twin-screw extruder. In the most favorable sequence, PE and EPDM were mixed together prior to their dispersion in the PP matrix. This practice resulted in a 50% increase in impact resistance when compared to mixing the three components in a single-step.
Pb Isotope Analyses Using Bead Method : Application to BCR-1 and GSJ Standard Rock Samples

It has been established that a new filament loading scheme for lead isotopic analysis using thermal ionization mass spectrometry, so called “bead method,” which gives stable ion beam and high reproducibility. Two minor modifications to this scheme are presented in this paper; finer colloidal silicic acid is used instead of silica-gel, and flash heating is performed in nitrogen environment to prevent excess oxidation of filament. We report lead isotopic compositions of the NIST lead standard SRM 981, BCR-1, and GSJ standard rock samples using the present method.
Direct Reduction of Solid Fe2O3 in Molten CaCl2 by Potentially Green Process

Sintered (300◦C) porous pellets of Fe2O3 were electrolyzed to Fe in molten CaCl2 (800–900◦C) under argon at 1.8–3.2 V for 2–20 h. The laboratory scale experiments show that it was a potentially direct green method to produce Fe powder. At lower electrolysis voltage ( 90%) and smaller energy consumption (∼3.0 kWh/kg) can be obtained. When the electrolysis voltage was above 2.4 V, the deposition of metal Ca from the salt lowered the current efficiency and increased the energy consumption. The electrolysis voltage also had effects on the micrographs of the reduced powder. The cubic particles can be seen in the products at the voltage lower than 2.2 V; when the voltage was higher than 2.2 V, it was nodular. The reduction proceeds at the cathode in two steps, i.e., from Fe2O3 to FeO and then to Fe. The oxygen emits at the anode. The process is potentially free of carbon emission and produces two useful products at both cathode and anode, promising a zero-emission technology for the extractive metallurgical industry.
Adsorbate induced core level shifts of transition metal surfaces

A shift in the core electron binding energy detected with X-ray photoelectron spec- troscopy (XPS) gives insight into the local chemical configuration of atoms. Such infor- mation can be used, for instance, to determine the surface structure upon adsorption. By comparing the experimental spectra with theoretical predictions, the core level shifts can be attributed to specific atomic configurations. In this thesis, core level shifts for metal surfaces upon adsorption have been computed by electronic structure calculations within density functional theory (DFT), using the software VASP. The transition metals Ni, Cu, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Pt and Au have been investigated in terms of their surface structure and adsorption sites for CO, H, O and S have been tested. Core level shifts for the hcp(0001)/fcc(111) and fcc(100) facets have been deter- mined for each adsorbate. Since the involved mechanisms contributing to these energy shifts are difficult to decouple, trends among shifts as well as a model for explaining them have been sought. A clear dependence on coordination number is seen, where the binding energy is lower for a lower coordination. Trends depending on element are also found. The shift upon adsorption is towards higher binding energies for almost all elements and adsorbates. Notable exceptions are Ag and Cd. The correlation between d-band centre shift and core level shift is confirmed whereas the common model of viewing charge transfer as a dominant effect for the shifts is found insufficient.
Direct conversion of syngas to DME over CuO–ZnO–Al2O3/HZSM‐5 nanocatalyst synthesized via ultrasound‐assisted co‐precipitation method: New insights into the role of gas injection

In this study, direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) is conducted over a bifunctional CuO–ZnO–Al2O3/H Zeolite Socony Mobil‐5 (HZSM‐5) nanocatalyst. A hybrid method of ultrasound‐assisted co‐precipitation is used for the synthesis of catalysts, and the effect of gas injection during sonication is investigated. The physicochemical characteristics of the catalysts are analysed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), particle size distribution (PSD), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Fourier‐transformed infrared (FTIR) methods. In the absence of gas injection, the acetate‐based catalysts have a better morphology and higher surface area than the nitrate‐based catalyst. Gas injection significantly changes the morphology and structural properties of the acetate‐based catalyst. High surface area, narrow PSD and better dispersion of small CuO crystals are obtained in a gas‐injected synthesized sample. DME synthesis experiments showed that the CO conversion and DME selectivity are correlated with surface area, nanocatalyst particle size and its dispersion. The gas‐injected CuO–ZnO–Al2O3/HZSM‐5 nanocatalyst that has the highest surface area and the smallest dispersed particles showed more than 70% DME selectivity. The gas‐injected CuO–ZnO–Al2O3/HZSM‐5 nanocatalyst exhibited high stability in terms of CO conversion and DME yield over 1440‐min time on a stream test at 275°C, 40 bar and 18 000 cm3 g.h−1. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effects of Direct Instruction of Vocabulary on High School Special Education Students’ Reading Comprehension

This study focused on improving the reading comprehension levels of high school special education students through direct instruction of academic level vocabulary. This study was designed for eight special education students, attending a Midwestern public school who were considered special education. The intervention was conducted over a two week period for twenty five minute every other day using a vocabulary graphic organizer. Data measured the students’ ability to answer implicit and explicit questions about text with and without look backs to the text. The students did not demonstrate a significant gain in reading comprehension skills after the vocabulary intervention. 4 Effects of Vocabulary Instruction on Comprehension Table of
Copper Chemistry, Toxicity, and Bioavailability and Its Relationship to Regulation in the Marine Environment

Abstract : This document details issues addressed at a November 2000 workshop attended by Navy and regulatory representatives and scientific experts. Objectives discussed were (1) define Navy copper compliance issues, problems, and requirements; (2) define current status and future direction of Cu regulations; (3) further the understanding of the relationship between copper speciation, bioavailability, and toxicity; (4) determine the state-of-the-science of the Cu free ion activity and biotic ligand models; and (5) develop a consensus on the maturity of free Cu ion activity and complexation capacity measurement capabilities.
Effects of wet and dry cycles on tnt losses from soils. Final report

Although 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is not remarkably volatile from the crystalline solid, TNT losses from amended soils were significant during plant uptake studies. The losses exceeded the amount of TNT or transformation products found in the plants. This study postulated that TNT may be lost from soils through volatilization of the parent compound or its microbial or photochemical transformation products as the soil undergoes wetting and drying cycles. Specific objectives of the study were to quantify and characterize any volatile losses and to determine the effects of light on volatility of TNT from soils. Two soils, a silt and a clay, amended with radiolabeled TNT were taken through 13 wet/dry cycles in chambers allowing 1 cu ft (0.03 cu m) of air per minute to pass over the soil surface. Soils were tested under abiotic and biotic conditions and with and without light. Air exiting test chambers passed through XAD resin to trap volatile organic compounds followed by four sodium hydroxide traps in series to collect radiolabeled carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide traps were analyzed after each cycle. At the end of the test, XAD traps were extracted and analyzed by liquid scintillation counting. Soils were extracted and analyzed by high performancemore » liquid chromatography (HPLC) with both ultraviolet and radiation detectors. Soils were also combusted in a sample oxidizer, and the radiolabeled carbon dioxide was trapped and counted by liquid scintillation. Radiolabeled carbon dioxide accounted for less than 1 percent of the tracer initially added to each test. Recovery of volatile organic carbon was 1 percent or less in all treatment. « less
Sorption and desorption of carbon monoxide in several samples of Polish hard coal

An experimental study has been carried out on sorption of carbon monoxide in several samples of hard coal from Polish mines and in active carbon sample as a reference model having well developed pores structure. It has been demonstrated that sorption of carbon monoxide is influenced by both carbon and oxygen content in a given coal sample. Then the same samples of coal have been used for carbon monoxide desorption tests, where it has been demonstrated that this sorption process is irreversible. Desorption and sorption isotherms do not converge, even under low values of relative pressures. The quantity of CO remaining within coal matter is diminishing along with increasing carbon content and with lowering oxygen quantity in coal structure.
A review on biomass‐based hydrogen production and potential applications

In this paper, a detailed review is presented to discuss biomass‐based hydrogen production systems and their applications. Some optimum hydrogen production and operating conditions are studied through a comprehensive sensitivity analysis on the hydrogen yield from steam biomass gasification. In addition, a hybrid system, which combines a biomass‐based hydrogen production system and a solid oxide fuel cell unit is considered for performance assessment. A comparative thermodynamic study also is undertaken to investigate various operational aspects through energy and exergy efficiencies.
Using stereochemistry models in teaching organic compounds nomenclature: Effect on senior secondary students’ performance in rivers state of Nigeria

The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of stereochemistry models on students’ performance on organic compounds nomenclature. The study was a quasiexperimental design. The sample of the study was two hundred and sixty senior secondary 1 and 2 chemistry students in four intact classes of a University Demonstration School. The sample constituted 134 students in the experimental group and 126 students in the control group. Lesson plan of organic nomenclature using Stereochemistry Models, lesson plans using Chart Models and Organic Compound Nomenclature Test were the three instruments used in the study. Overall findings of the study showed among others that the control group (Chart Model) experienced more problems in organic nomenclature than the experimental group (Stereochemistry Model); the treatment had significant effect: students taught using Stereochemistry Models performed better than those taught using Chart Model; SS 2 students performed better than SS 3 students in the Organic Nomenclature Test. These findings were discussed in the study. [AJCE, 3(2), June 2013]
The Effect of Co Substitution for Ni on the Structure and Electrochemical Behavior of T2 and O2 Structure Li2 / 3 [ Co x Ni1 / 3 − x Mn2 / 3 ] O 2

The effect of Co substitution for Ni on the structure and the electrochemical behavior of Li 2/3 [Co x Ni 1/3-x Mn 2/3 O 2 has beer investigated. It is found that Co can substitute for Ni to form the solid solution Na 2/3 [Co x Ni 1/3-x Mn 2/3 ]O 2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1/3) which adopts the P2 structure. When x ≤ 1/24, Li 2/3 [Co x Ni 1/3-x Mn 2/3 ]O 2 prepared by ion-exchanging the Na in Na 2/3 [Co x Ni 1/3-x Mn 2/3 ]O 2 for Li, adopts the T2 structure. However, when x ≥ 1/12, Li 2/3 [Co x Ni 1/3-x Mn 2/3 ]O 2 exists in an O2 structure with stacking faults. This occurs because the Co additions gradually suppress the superlattice ordering of the transition metals in the transition metal layers, which destabilizes the T2 structure. The electrochemical data indicate that a small amount of Co substitution allows the removal of more lithium from the lattice during the first charge process and improves the rate capability of the material. However, preliminary results indicate that the capacity retention with cycle number becomes worse as Co is added. As x in Li 2/3 [Co x Ni 1/3-x Mn 2/3 ]O 2 increases, the deintercalation potential moves toward increasingly higher voltage.
ARSENIC REMOVAL FROM GROUNDWATER BY FE-MN OXIDATION AND MICROFILTRATION

Although arsenic has been classified as human carcinogen and its acute toxicity has long been known, the long term health effects of trace arsenic levels have only recently been realized. The maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic in drinking water was consequently lowered from 50 µg/L to 10 µg/L in 2002, resulting in many water utilities needing upgraded to achieve compliance. In groundwater treatment, Fe-Mn oxidation and microfiltration has been recognized as a cost-effective technology since arsenic removal is facilitated during the removal of iron and manganese.This study investigated the efficiency of arsenic removal using Fe-Mn oxidation/microfiltration under various process conditions including iron to arsenic ratio, pH, potassium permanganate dose, contact time, oxidation state of iron, and stirring in dead-end filtration cell. Arsenite removal was relatively insensitive to variations in pH in the range of 6.5-8.0 when only aeration was applied, but the impact of pH was important in the potassium permanganate oxidation. At neutral pH, iron to arsenic ratio of 60 was sufficient to reduce the arsenic concentrations ranging from 25-250 ppb to below 10 ppb (primary MCL for arsenic) with aeration and microfiltration. The oxidation state of iron did not considerably affect the arsenic removal. Oxidation with potassium permanganate facilitated additional arsenite removal compared to aeration alone. Although higher arsenic removals were observed at pH 7.0 than at pH 8.0, identical residual arsenic concentrations were obtained with 0.5 mg/L permanganate dose at both pH values.In experiments with various iron levels, concentrations of iron in the permeate remained around 0.01 mg/L, which is far below the secondary MCL for iron (0.3 mg/L), while the manganese standard (0.05 mg/L) was only met when initial concentration of manganese was 0.2 mg/L. Iron and manganese particles were the primary reason for membrane fouling. The results of this study are important for water treatment systems using groundwater with elevated arsenic and iron concentrations as a raw water source. The proposed technology is much simpler to operate than a conventional coagulation process and chemical requirements are minimized by utilizing existing iron concentration in the raw water.
Beneficiary Accountability of NGOs: A Case Study on a Women Empowerment Based Advocacy NGO

This main purpose of this case study is to examine beneficiary accountability practice of an NGO in the context of an emerging economy like Bangladesh. Based on the Social Capital Theory, this study considers the case of Ain O Shalish Kendra (ASK), a women-empowerment based advocacy NGO for assessing its beneficiary accountability practices. Findings showed that the intensity of dealings and the level of intimacy between the representatives of NGOs and the beneficiaries influence the accountability system of ASK. The study also found that the discharge of beneficiary accountability is a nonprocedural practice of setting beneficiaries as the central focus of NGOs’ programs. The study makes a theoretical contribution to social literature and also addresses Inkpen and Tsang (2005)’s call for research to examine effects of interactions among the three dimensions of social capital, specifically within the context of NGO accountability. Moreover, various parties related to NGOs may be benefited from this study as it gives empirical evidence of the mechanism, barriers and consequences of discharging beneficiary accountability.
A new transportable floating mesocosm platform with autonomous sensors for real‐time data acquisition and transmission for studying the pelagic food web functioning

We describe a new transportable floating mesocosm platform with autonomous sensors. The platform has 9 separate units that can be transported by medium‐sized research vessels and positioned in coastal waters. The in situ mesocosms are equipped with a set of sensors for measuring water temperature, conductivity, chlorophyll a fluorescence (Chl a), and dissolved oxygen concentration. It can take measurements every 2 min, store these measurements, and transmit them in real time. Each mesocosm has a pump with regulated flow to mix the water column. One of the floating units is used as an in situ observatory to monitor the water temperature and Chl a in the water around the mesocosms as well as weather data and the incident light. The main data logger on the platform sends all the data collected to a remote PC computer. This floating mesocosm platform was successfully deployed in 2010 and 2011 in Mediterranean coastal waters (Thau lagoon and Cretan Sea, respectively). Simultaneous, automatic, high temporal resolution monitoring of physical, chemical, and biological parameters in the mesocosms proved to be a powerful, noninvasive, and effective approach for i) monitoring the variations in physical and chemical parameters in real time and ii) assessing the short‐term variations in Chl a and the pelagic food web metabolism (e.g., the community respiration, gross primary production, and net community production) in the mesocosms without any manipulation of water samples.
Stakeholder pressure and the adoption of proactive environmental strategies in healthcare: the mediating effect of “green” HRM

Healthcare managers have become progressively accountable for the environmental impact of healthcare processes because of the growing societal pressure. Their responsibility cannot be limited to the delivery of high quality, low-cost and safe care, but it should be extended to include environmental protection. Despite the numerous environmentally-friendly initiatives, results fell far short of expectations. Our study offers original evidence about the role that “green” Human Resource Management (HRM) plays in mediating the effect of the pressure exerted by stakeholders on the adoption of Proactive Environmental Strategies (PES). To test our conceptual framework, we collected data through a survey on healthcare organizations. We found that stakeholder pressure is positively related to PES, and that “green” HRM system partially mediates the relationship between stakeholder pressure and PES. Our new evidence (i) shows that stakeholder demand for environmental protection triggers healthcare organizations to develop and implement PES; (ii) shows that establishing a “green” HRM system, which enhances hospital professionals’ motivation, ability and opportunity to behave in such a way that will protect the environment, sustains the adoption of PES; and (iii) sheds light on the development and implementation of PES in organizational contexts, such as hospitals, that have been largely overlooked so far.