Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of the taguchi approach to investigate the effects of clay content and saponification parameters on the tensile properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/clay nanocomposites

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared via solution polymerization. The nanocomposites were formed either by first hydrolyzing poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) to PVA and then preparing the PVA/clay, or by initially preparing PVAc/clay and then hydrolyzing the matrix to PVA. The morphology of the nanocomposites was examined by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, which suggested the proper dispersion of silicate layers within the PVA matrix. The influences of some variables including method of preparation, clay content, and time and temperature of saponification on the tensile properties (elastic modulus, stress and elongation at break) of the nanocomposite samples were investigated by using the Taguchi experimental design approach. The results indicated that the tensile properties of the nanocomposites improved as clay content, and the temperature and time of saponification increased. Effect of each factor on the ultimate properties of as prepared nanocomposites are discussed in detail. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the method of preparation did not influence the ultimate tensile properties of the nanocomposite samples. Thermal degradation of the nanocomposites was studied by thermogravimetric analysis, which showed that their thermal stability was higher than that of virgin polymer. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL. , 19:276–284, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
First Observation of α-Ca2[SiO3(OH)](OH)–Ca6[Si2O7][SiO4](OH)2 Phase Transformation upon Thermal Treatment in Air

Thermal treatment transforms α-Ca 2 [SiO 3 (OH)](OH) (α-C 2 SH) into hydraulic Ca 2 SiO 4 polymorphs, which is a process of considerable interest to the cement chemistry community. The thermal behavior of differently synthesized samples of α-C 2 SH in air at ambient pressure has been investigated in detail by high-temperature powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), synchrotron-based infrared (IR) microspectroscopy of single crystals, trimethylsilylation method (TMSM), and thermal analysis. Powder XRD data on α-C 2 SH samples heated to different temperatures between 300° and 500°C suggest coexistance of α-C 2 SH and dellaite, Ca 6 [Si 2 O 7 ][SiO 4 ](OH) 2 . IR absorption bands typical for the initial α-C 2 SH phase diminish over the course of thermal treatment, accompanied by the appearance of bands characteristic for dellaite. The partial polymerization of the isolated SiO 3 (OH) tetrahedra present in α-C 2 SH to [Si 2 O 7 ] dimers, as expected for dellaite, was proven by the presence of an IR band at 1050 cm -1 and by TMSM. For the first time, dellaite, along with x-Ca 2 SiO 4 , was observed as an intermediate product of the dehydration of α-C 2 SH. Until now, dellaite was believed to be only a high-pressure phase. Dellaite coexists with x-Ca 2 SiΟ 4 up to 560°-620°C and decomposes to x-Ca 2 SiΟ 4 at higher temperatures. Upon further heating, the latter phase transforms into α'L-Ca 2 SiO 4 , and finally gives β-Ca 2 SiΟ 4 after cooling to room temperature. The thermal decomposition of α-C 2 SH is a much more complicated process than reported previously. Different factors, such as the source of Ca and the presence of NaOH during synthesis, seem to control the mechanism of its dehydration. The presence of dellaite is shown to lower the temperature of formation of β-Ca 2 SiO 4 .
Signature of superfluid density in the single-particle excitation spectrum of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ

We report that the doping and temperature dependence of photoemission spectra near the Brillouin zone boundary of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δexhibit unexpected sensitivity to the superfluid density. In the superconducting state, the photoemission peak intensity as a function of doping scales with the superfluid density and the condensation energy. As a function of temperature, the peak intensity shows an abrupt behavior near the superconducting phase transition temperature where phase coherence sets in, rather than near the temperature where the gap opens. This anomalous manifestation of collective effects in single-particle spectroscopy raises important questions concerning the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity.
Age-related changes in functional connectivity between young adulthood and late adulthood

Recently, age-related changes in functional connectivity have gained more attention for investigating functional changes across development. In this study, we examine functional connectivity, as derived from resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (R-fMRI), in 90 cortical and subcortical regions in two healthy groups in young adulthood (ages 18–28 years) and late adulthood (ages 63–73 years). Comparing the processes for constructing a functional network, we found that the network in young adulthood was more easily fully connected than that in late adulthood, indicating that the central regions, frontal lobe, parietal lobe and limbic lobe possibly occupy more resources in late adulthood. We confirmed that the brain in both young adulthood and late adulthood had a “small-world” organization, and that there was a further loss of small-world characteristics in late adulthood. Additionally, we found that late adulthood exhibited a more social-like organization of the brain functional network than young adulthood. Furthermore, the connectivity density showed a general decrease in most brain areas, but only the temporal lobe and occipital lobe showed a decrease in connectivity strength in late adulthood. Conversely, the parietal lobe showed an increase in connectivity density in late adulthood. Our study provides additional support for elucidating the functional changes of the brain across development, and characterizing these changes will lead to a better understanding of the cognitive decline that occurs with advancing age.
Incorporação da farinha de resíduo do processamento de polpa de fruta em biscoitos: uma alternativa de combate ao desperdício

Os residuos originados do processamento de frutas contem muitos nutrientes. Como uma forma de evitar o desperdicio e minimizar o problema da desnutricao em comunidades carentes, este trabalho aborda o estudo sobre a composicao dos residuos desidratados e a sua incorporacao em biscoitos. Caracteristicas fisicas dos residuos in natura e composicao centesimal dos residuos desidratados e moidos foram determinadas, e o teste sensorial de aceitabilidade dos biscoitos com a incorporacao de residuos nos percentuais de 5, 10, 15 e 20% em substituicao a farinha de trigo foram realizados. Os maiores teores de fibra foram encontrados nos residuos de goiaba (42,68 g.100 g–1) e maracuja (47,00 g.100 g–1) e os maiores teores de pectina, nos residuos de umbu (13,7%) e maracuja (9,01%), enquanto o residuo de acerola gerou um alto teor de carboidratos (70,83 g.100 g–1). Para as quatro frutas estudadas, obteve-se uma aceitabilidade maior para a incorporacao de 10% da farinha dos residuos aos biscoitos, principalmente com relacao ao aroma, ao sabor e a textura. Os biscoitos mais apreciados, goiaba e maracuja, foram tambem os mais ricos em fibras e de menor valor calorico.
Study of a Stirling engine used for domestic micro‐cogeneration. Thermodynamic analysis and experiment

One of the aims of this work is the study of the geometry of a micro‐cogenerator using a Stirling engine with four double effect pistons. The complex geometry of the heat exchangers was determined by optical measurements. Results of three thermodynamic models: Direct Method from Finite Speed Thermodynamics (FST), isothermal model (Schmidt), and adiabatic model (Finkelstein) are confronted to experimental ones. Direct Method consists of the study and the evaluation of the irreversibilities of thermal machines by analyzing the cycle, step by step, and directly integrating the equation of the First Law for processes with finite speed combined with Second Law of Thermodynamics, for each process of the cycle. The expression of efficiency and power, depending on the speed of the processes and geometric and functional parameters, is then obtained in a straightforward manner. The isothermal and adiabatic models are based on the division of Stirling engine in 3, respectively 5 control volumes, for which the ideal gas law and the equations of mass and energy balance are applied. Analysis of the process of heat transfer and flow of the working gas, taking place in the Stirling engine, is carried out taking into account instantaneous representation of the working fluid volume in the engine. A system of differential equations is solved by iteration using Matlab/Simulink software. The theoretical results are compared to experimental ones. This comparison allows to point out a good accuracy of the Direct Method and the Adiabatic Model, for the thermal operating parameters of the system, noting the different assumptions of each analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ENHANCED DEPOSITION OF FINE PARTICLES IN COPD PATIENTS SPONTANEOUSLY BREATHING AT REST

Particulate air pollution has been linked to acute increases in mortality among individuals with preexisting cardiorespiratory disease. While these individuals may be predisposed to acute toxic effects, they may also receive an increased dose of particles to their lungs compared to healthy subjects. We measured fractional deposition (DF) of inhaled, fine particles in subjects with moderate-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; n = 13) and an age-matched group of subjects (n = 11) with normal pulmonary function, mean age = 62 versus 67 yr, and FEV1 (% pred) = 33 versus 90, respectively. Each subject inhaled 2- m monodisperse, Carnauba wax particles while following a breathing pattern previously determined by respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) for that subject (i.e., that subject's spontaneous pattern at rest). Breath-by-breath DF (ratio of particles not exhaled to total particles inhaled) was determined by photometry at the mouth. The COPD patients had greater DF than normals, 0.40 .
APPLICATION OF SALICYLIC ACID AND SOME FUNGICIDES AS SEED TREATMENT FOR CONTROLLING DAMPING-OFF AND ROOT ROT DISEASES OF SQUASH AND CANTALOUPE PLANTS UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS.

The effect of salicylic acid (SA) individually or/and in combinations with three standard fungicides named Flutolanil (Moncut WP 30%), Telcolofos-methyl/thiram (Rhizolex 50%WP) and Carboxin-Thiram (Vitavax 200 WP) was studied for the field control of damping-off and root rot diseases of cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. cantaloupensis) and squash (Cucurbita pepo), cvs Askandarany and Mera, respectively. The experiments were carried out in the years 2012 and 2013. In vitro studies the effect of the aforementioned fungicides and salicylic acid on growth of Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani was determined. The effective concentration was found to range from 50 to 200 ppm, and the higher concentration the greater inhibitory effect. The combination of salicylic and vitavax 200 and salicylic acid and Rizolex at 200 ppm showed the highest effect on R. solani and F. solani with the averages of 84.75, 86.79, 71.25 and 87.13%, respectively. In field trials, soaking seeds in salicylic acid, either single or in combination with the fungicides in concern, significantly decreased both damping-off and root rot of squash and cantaloupe. In addition to increasing the numbers of survived plants, the used treatments increased shoot length as well as fresh and dry weights. The results showed that mixed salicylic acid application with fungicides to seeds of squash and cantaloupe significantly decreased disease symptoms by 70.32 and 64.07% for vitavax 200 and rhizolex treatments, respectively, for squash. The corresponding figures for cantaloupe were 62.89 and 55.90%, respectively in the second season 2013. Moreover, the treatments in concern increased the activities of peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase. It is noticed, however, a negative correlation between disease incidence and activities of both peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase in either squash or cantaloupe plants. Meanwhile, the treatments in concern increased the contents of Mn and Fe but decreased Zn of both tested crops In general, the results indicated that especially the combined SA and standard fungicides showed a better response to fight damping-off and root rot diseases than the treatment alone. Thus the present study shows that the induction of defense related enzymes may be enhance resistance in squash and cantaloupe plants.
Synthesis and characterization of Schiff base metal complexes: their antimicrobial, genotoxicity and electrochemical properties

We have synthesized the three Schiff-base ligands H2L1–H2L3 and their CoII, FeIII and RuIII metal complexes. All compounds have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. Oxidation of cyclohexane has been done by the metal complexes in CH3CN using H2O2 and/or t-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as a co-catalyst. The keto-enol tautomeric forms of the ligands have been studied in polar and non-polar organic solvents. Electrochemical properties of the complexes have been studied at different scan rates. Thermal studies were carried out for the compounds. The ligands H2L1–H2L3 were mutagenic on Salmonella Typhimurium TA 98 strain in the presence and/or absence of S9 mix. While the ligands H2L1 and H2L2 showed mutagenic activity on the strain TA 100 with and without S9 mix, the ligand H2L3 was not mutagenic for TA 100. Antimicrobial activity studies of the compounds have also been carried out.
Aqueous Solution Synthesis of Crystalline Anatase Nanocolloids for the Fabrication of DSC Photoanodes

The production of anatase nanocolloids via a novel aqueous solution synthesis method is described. The process involves forced hydrolysis of 0.2 M TiCl 4 aqueous solution at low temperature (80°C) leading to fast nucleation of Ti0 2 anatase nanoparticles (4―5 nm). The isolated nanopowders were found to consist predominantly of anatase as the major phase ( ∼ 85 wt %), possess a very high surface area (up to 250-350 m 2 /g), and a relatively elevated surface hydroxyl content in comparison with the P25 reference material. Single-layer (∼ 12 μm thick) photoanodes prepared with aqueous-synthesized powders were found to have a specific surface area of ∼ 130 m 2 /g and the anatase nanocrystallites to have grown to ∼12 nm and assume a higher degree of crystallinity but still carry ∼ 1.5% surface OH groups. The pore size of the film was determined to be ∼8 nm. By comparison, the film prepared with P25 nanoparticles had the following properties: 50 m 2 /g, 30 nm crystallite size, 0.2% surface OH, and 25 nm pore size. Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) devices assembled with the newly fabricated photoanodes showed equivalent photoelectrochemical performance [power conversion efficiency η, short-circuit current voltage I sc , open-circuit voltage V oc , and Fill Factor (FF)] to cells prepared using the benchmark P25 titania powder.
Mobility Control With Polymer Solutions

With the use of polymer solutions in secondary recovery operations, the need has developed to understand the mobility control mechanism. This study investigated mobility control by considering both permeability and rheological effects. Experiments used a high molecular weight, partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide polymer. Flow studies took place in reservoir and Berea cores having zero oil saturation. Effective size of the polymer flow unit was inferred from Nuclepore filter tests. Clay studies indicated the particle size capable of decreasing the core permeability. Flushed permeabilities measured the approximate core permeabilities with flowing polymer solutions. These permeabilities were considerably lower than original values. With mobility data and the flushed permeability, maximum effective viscosities were determined for polymer solution flow in a core. Effective viscosities showed that rheological properties play an important part in mobility control with polymer solutions. The study showed that permeabilities decrease and stabilize with polymer flow. At the lower permeabilities, high shear rates exist in the cores. Because of the pseudoplastic character of the polymer solution, the high shear rates caused low effective viscosities. This condition pointed to the inefficient use of the potentially high viscosity of the polymer solution at low shear rates.
Correction: Preparation of fluorescent graphene quantum dots from humic acid for bioimaging application

Correction for ‘Preparation of fluorescent graphene quantum dots from humic acid for bioimaging application’ by Weijie Shi et al., New J. Chem., 2015, 39, 7054–7059, https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NJ00760G.
The Effect of Doped Indium on the Electrical and Optical Properties of (Se 0.7 Te 0.3 ) 1mx In x Thin Films

In-doped (Se0.7Te0.3) thin films (In: 0, 0.05, and 0.08wt%) with thickness of (150 ± 25 nm) have been deposited on glass substrates by chemical vapor deposition by using selenium, tellurium and indium whose purity is (99.99%) compound alloy. The electrical and optical properties of the thin films were analyzed. The effects of In-doping concentration on the thermoelectric properties of the thin films were investigated by room-temperature measurement of the See beck coefficient and electrical resistivity. The thermoelectric power factor shows the best result at 0.05wt% in doping. The See beck coefficients are positive with increasing in doping concentration from 0 to 0.08wt%. And the thin films show p-type conduction. For optical properties, the transmission of all samples was approximated to 90%.
Occurrence and Behavior of Alkylphenol Polyethoxylates in the Environment

Alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEOs) are nonionic surfactants whose degradation metabolites have become ubiquitous in the aquatic environment. The environmental significance of APEO metabolites and the threat they pose to wildlife is still a matter of debate. Even though advanced analytical procedures are available, researchers have been unable to obtain a complete mass balance during biodegradation studies. The ultimate fate of APEOs and their metabolites is not adequately understood. Biodegradation is believed to be the dominant attenuation process, but photodegradation may also play an important part. The synthesis of single isomer standards for APEOs and their metabolites is necessary for accurate quantification, estrogenicity experiments, and biological and chemical fate studies.
Allometric Models of Foliage Biomass in Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

Presented analyses were connected with modelling foliage biomass of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing in northern and western Poland. In order to realize the study, a total of 38 one-hectare experimental plots were established in commercial pine monocultures growing on sites optimal for this species at a given geographical location. A total of 114 trees aged 32-114 years were felled and their needle weight and the weight of needles and young, 1-year old twigs were measured. Since social variation in the stand could affect the fit of the model, for each social class of tree position an individual allometric equation was proposed, based on easily measurable biometric traits of trees. Analysis of stepwise backward regression was conducted in order to determine variables in these equations. It turned out that to estimate foliage biomass of predominant and dominant trees, it seems most appropriate to apply diameter at breast height and tree age. In turn, for co-dominant trees, apart from diameter at breast height and tree age, the model needs to include additionally tree height and crown length. Moreover, due to the fact that the dependence between needle weight and the weight of needles and young twigs is practically linear, prediction was conducted for the biomass of foliage with young twigs. From the practical point of view, this makes it possible to precisely determine needle biomass on the basis of the weight of needles with young, 1-year-old shoots.
Simplified models for predicting the onset of liquid water droplet instability at the gas diffusion layer/gas flow channel interface

Simplified models that are based on macroscopic force balances and droplet‐geometry approximations are presented for predicting the onset of instability leading to removal of water droplets at the gas diffusion layer (GDL)/gas flow channel (GFC) interface. Visualization experiments are carried out to observe the formation, growth, and removal or instability of the water droplets at the GDL/GFC interface of a simulated polymer electrolyte fuel cell cathode. Droplet‐instability diagrams or ‘windows’ computed by the simplified models are compared with those measured experimentally, and good agreement is obtained. Two‐dimensional flow simulations employing the finite element method coupled with an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation for determining the liquid/gas interface position are also performed to assess the simplified cylindrical‐droplet model. Necessary conditions for preventing fully grown droplets from lodging in the flow channel are derived using the simplified models. It is found that droplet removal can be enhanced by increasing flow channel length or mean gas flow velocity, decreasing channel height or contact angle hysteresis, or making the GDL/GFC interface more hydrophobic. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Pellets Prepared by a Combination of Hot-Melt Subcoating and Polymer Coating

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is an active very highly water soluble substance. In order to control release of a drug with this property, we developed the application of a combination of hot-melt subcoating and polymer coating was developed. The main objective was to investigate the influence of this combination on the release of highly water soluble drug and how it works. Hot-melt subcoating was achieved by using a coating pan. Subsequently, the outer polymer coating was prepared by fluidized bed, and the drug release was determined by high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) method. Hot-melt subcoating can form a barrier between the drug-loaded pellets and the polymer coating layer, which prevents migration of the drug during film application. Consequently, the level of polymer coating can be reduced significantly, and the effectiveness of the polymer coating increased. In this study, the release profile of pellets with a 10% hot-melt subcoating and 5% polymer coating weight gain met the dissolution requirement of USP29 for pseudoephedrine hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Compared with pellets only polymer coated (10% level), the polymer coating level of pellets prepared by this technology was reduced by half due to hot-melt subcoating. By means of this hot-melt subcoating and polymer coating, sustained-release pellets containing pseudoephedrine hydrochloride were successfully prepared.