Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observations of partial discharges in hexane under high magnification

Partial discharges are observed in hexane by shadow photography under the application of DC voltages. A nonuniform field geometry is used and the growth of cavities associated with partial discharges at a point cathode was photographed at 200* magnification. The use of an image-preserving optical delay allows a record of the conditions which exist in the liquid prior to the initiation of the low-density streamer to be obtained. The cavity growth at a point cathode is anisotropic, which suggests that electrostatic forces are of primary importance in driving its expansion. The onset of instabilities in the cavity wall is suggested. The initial partial discharge current pulse precedes or is concurrent with the growth of the cavity. An upper bound of 60 ns between first current pulse and the growth of the cavity is obtained. <<ETX>>
Stimuli-responsive poly(ampholyte)s containing L-histidine residues: synthesis and protonation thermodynamics of methacrylic polymers in the free and in the cross-linked gel forms

Methacrylate-structured poly(ampholyte)s were synthesized in the homopolymer and copolymer forms starting from the N-methacryloyl-L-histidine (MHist) and the N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm). They were also obtained in the cross-linked (hydrogel) form, showing a close thermodynamic behaviour as that shown by the corresponding soluble free polymer analogues. Viscometric data revealed that the minimum hydrodynamic volume of the polymer at its isoelectric point (pH 5) shifted to lower pHs as the NIPAAm content increased, and beyond a critical low MHist content the reduced viscosity decreased, even at low pHs. The phenomenon was attributed to hydrophobic forces between the isopropyl groups outweighing the repulsive electrostatic interactions of the polymer in the positively charged form. A similar behaviour was shown by the corresponding hydrogel. The latter also revealed a different phase transition phenomenon induced by external stimuli (temperature, pH, ionic strength, electric current) when compared to the acrylate-structured analogues. The polyMHist, as well as the corresponding monomer, was found for two days to be non toxic against the mouse osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1).
Temperature trends in the semiarid prairie of southwestern Saskatchewan revisited

Cutforth, H. and Judiesch, D. 2012. Temperature trends in the semiarid prairie of southwestern Saskatchewan revisited. Can. J. Soil Sci. 92: 803–806. Average annual and seasonal temperatures for 1950–2007 were compared with 1950–1997 for warming trends in the semiarid Canadian prairie south of Swift Current, SK. The additional 10 yr did not alter the direction or magnitude of the warming trends. Briefly, late winter–early spring (January through April) continued to experience the largest warming trend, whereas there continued to be no warming trend for the fall–early winter (September through December) period.
Evolution, current capabilities, and future advances in satellite ultra-spectral IR sounding

The paper highlights history and development of high spectral resolution atmospheric nadir sounding. It is a helpful summary of the current state of the art and of the scientiﬁc evolution over the last years, but it contains little new science. It clearly demon-strates what can be done with this technique today, but it does not advance one speciﬁc scientiﬁc issue. The paper is surely helpful for political and strategic discussions in op-erational meteorology, but it will not directly stir scientiﬁc discussion. It is well structured and clearly written. The abstract summarizes the historic aspect of the paper, but does not make any reference to the retrieval examples and validation results that are shown. The paper completely ignores the second development line in high resolution atmo-S1338
Rheological effect of gum addition to hot pepper–soybean pastes

Summary The effect of four different gums [carboxylmethylcellulose (CMC), guar gum, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and tara gum] at 0.5% concentration on rheological properties of fermented hot pepper–soybean paste (HPSP) was evaluated in steady and dynamic shear. HPSP–gum mixture samples at 25 °C are highly shear thinning fluids with high yield stresses. All gums increased the consistency index (K) and apparent viscosity (ηa,100) of HPSP. Apparent viscosity of all samples obeyed the Arrhenius temperature relationship. Dynamic moduli (G′, G′′ and η*) values of HPSP–gum mixtures were higher than those of HPSP with no added gum over most of the frequency range. Dynamic moduli, K and ηa,100 values were increased in the presence of gums, and increased in the following order: control < CMC < guar gum < tara gum < HPMC. The Cox–Merz rule did not describe the relationship between dynamic (η*) and steady shear viscosities (ηa) for all samples.
Do Gender, Types of VR Game, & Virtual Presence Matter in VR Games?

: VR technology has become a game changer in the game industry. VR game market has increased exponentially worldwide. The current study is designed to examine effects of VR game players’ gender (male vs. female), types of VR games (solo game vs. multiplayer game), and the level of perceived virtual presence (low virtual presence vs. high virtual presence) on enjoyment and intention to replay. Study findings suggest that male players, after playing VR games, showed higher enjoyment and intention to replay VR games. In terms of types of VR games, multiplayer VR games lead to higher enjoyment intention to replay than solo play games. Finally, this study found that the high level of perceived virtual presence incur higher enjoyment and intention to replay than the low level of perceived virtual presence in playing VR games. Practical implications were discussed in the last section of this paper.
Teores críticos de fósforo em três solos para o estabelecimento de capim-Mombaça, capim-Marandu e capim-Andropogon em vasos

A pot trial was carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the effect of phosphorus rates applied in two Oxisols (LVAd and LVd) (0, 110, 220, 330 and 560 mg dm-3 de P) and an Entisol (RQ) (0, 80, 160, 240 and 410 mg dm-3) on tillering and dry matter yield of shoot (SDM) and root (RDM) of Mombacagrass (Panicum maximum cv. Mombaca), Marandugrass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) and Andropogongrass (Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina) to identify critical phosphorus rates for obtaining 90% of maximum production. Three experiments were set in complete randomized block design in a factorial scheme (five P rates x three species), with three replicates. The phosphorus rates, linearly increased the P available in soil extracted by Mehlich-1 and resin methods. The tillers number per pot and shoot dry matter changed in a quadratic form with phosphorus rates. Plants in the no P did not tiller and shoot dry matter was very low. The critical P doses, corresponding to 90% of maximum yield, for Mombacagrass, Marandugrass and Andropogongrass were respectively 236, 231 and 258 mg dm-3 in LVAd; 274, 305 e 253 mg dm-3 in LVd and 94, 171 and 163 mgdm-3 in RQ, with critical P concentration of 81, 79 and 90 mg dm-3 in the LVAd; 26, 29 e 23 mg dm-3 in the LVd e 53, 83 and 79 mg dm-3 in the RQ, respectively. Lower values for the critical P concentration occurred in LVd (soil with higher clay and silt concentrations) than in the others soils, whose concentrations corresponded to higher critical doses. In all soils P application resulted in higher yield of SDM than RDM.
Preparation and Optical Properties of Colloidal Gold Monolayers

Colloidal gold adsorbed onto positively charged substrates forms a two-dimensional layer with a maximum coverage of 1 colloid/1000 nm2 as shown by optical absorption spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and atomic force microscopy. Positively charged substrates are obtained by either chemisorption of end-group-functionalized silanes or by polycation adsorption. Bulk diffusion controls the gold adsorption; thus lower coverages can also be achieved. The optical spectra not only contain information on single colloids but also on their mutual interactions, as well as on the polymeric and solvent environments. Absorption spectra based on Mie and Maxwell−Garnett theory are calculated. The films remain stable on exchange of the external solvent. The local dielectric environment is shown to not only influence the position of the absorption band but also, more drastically, the intensity (by a factor of 2.5), in agreement with theoretical predictions (±15%). Particle aggregation induced by branched polycatio.
Increasing pH releases colloidal lead in a highly contaminated forest soil

Colloids can play an important role in the leaching of lead (Pb) in soils, and liming to increase pH may produce conditions conducive to colloid release. We studied the effect of pH and the role of counterion valency on the mobilization of Pb in two topsoil horizons of a former shooting range. In batch experiments, the release of both dissolved and colloidal Pb was studied at a pH range between 3 and 7. The pH was adjusted with solutions of nitric acid (pH 3) and KOH and Ca(OH)2 (pH 4–7) and the chemical composition, size and charge of the mobilized colloids were determined. In the presence of the monovalent K+‐ion concentrations of colloidal and dissolved Pb increased markedly with increasing pH. Colloids were stabilized not only by electrostatic but also by steric repulsion. Organic colloids seem to dominate at low pH of the KOH‐treatment; at pH > 4 mineral particles were also dispersed. Even though the presence of the Ca2+ ion reduced the concentrations of colloidal Pb more than did the K+ ion, our results of the Ca(OH)2 treatment show that the relevance of both colloidal and dissolved Pb increases at a pH of about 5.8. Risk assessment on limed sites should therefore take into account both dissolved and colloidal Pb in judging the likelihood of Pb leaching.
The Plug-In Electric Vehicle Tax Credit

The plug-in EV credit phases out once a vehicle manufacturer has sold 200,000 qualifying vehicles for use in the United States. The credit begins to phase out in the second quarter after the quarter in which the manufacturer reaches the limit. For the first two quarters of the phase-out period, the credit is 50% of the full credit amount. For the second two quarters of the phase-out period, the credit is 25% of the full credit amount. The credit is fully phased out in the sixth quarter after the manufacturer reaches the limit.
EVALUATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING BARRIER, MECHANICAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF PECTIN‐BASED FILMS USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

ABSTRACT Emulsion coatings were formulated and films were developed using pectin as the basic structural component. Preliminary experiments were carried out to determine the proper type and concentration of pectin, lipid and plasticizers in the film. The effects of pectin, beeswax and sorbitol concentration on water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical properties and opacity of the films were evaluated using the response surface methodology. WVP increased by pectin and sorbitol concentration and was decreased by beeswax concentration. Mechanical properties were mainly affected by pectin and sorbitol concentration. Increasing the amount of pectin and decreasing the sorbitol concentration increased tensile strength (TS) and modulus of elasticity (EM), while elongation at break (EB) increased by increasing both pectin and sorbitol concentration. Beeswax was the most influential factor that affected opacity, which increased with increasing beeswax concentration. Models developed for WVP, EB, EM and opacity had high coefficient of multiple determination (R2) values (>0.87) and significant F values. The model for TS had a slightly lower R2 of 0.81. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This research examined the preparation of pectin-based edible films, providing an understanding of the main functionalities of these coatings. This film can help retain moisture and restrict its movement. Moisture levels in foods are critical for maintaining freshness, controlling microbial growth and providing texture. This film can control water activity, preventing either moisture loss or uptake. It can protect food from physical injuries. Since so many formulations were designed, based on the use of the film one can select each type of formulation that works best for the specific application. It can potentially limit fat migration, provide a barrier to gas, help to trap flavor and aroma, and carry and present antioxidants or antimicrobials. This article will be of value to anyone working with products where edible films have potential applications and particularly to technical personnel and product developers who wish to understand the potential of edible film and coating technology.
Cluster structures of excited states in 14C

We investigate structures of excited states in 14C with a method of β-γ constraint antisymmetrized molecular dynamics in combination with the generator coordinate method. Various excited states with the developed 3α-cluster core structures are suggested in positive-and negative-parity states. In the positive-parity states, triaxial deformed and linear-chain structures are found to construct excited bands. Interestingly, 10Be+α correlation is found in the cluster states above the 10Be+α threshold energy. By applying a generalized molecular orbital model to the linear-chain state of 14C, we confirm the 10Be+α correlation.
Red Luminescence in Pr3+‐Doped Calcium Titanates

A strong single red emission band (λ max = 613 nm, FWMH = 450 cm -1 ) was observed at room temperature in Pr 3+ -doped calcium titanates. The evolution of the intensity of this luminescence was analysed in compensated and uncompensated samples (using Na + , Ag + or TI + as charge compensators) and also as a function of Pr concentration. Emission, excitation and reflectivity spectral repartitions were investigated at various temperatures, as well as the luminescence decays. The origin of the red luminescence is discussed.
A Comparative Study of Methanol Synthesis from CO2/H2 and CO/H2 over a Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst

Methanol synthesis from CO2/H2 and CO/H2 has been compared over a Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst. Methanol synthesis was much faster with CO2/H2 than with CO/H2, particularly at low temperatures. A trace amount of CO2 improved the rates significantly. Thus it appeared that CO2 was the primary source of methanol with CO/CO2/H2 feed. When space velocities were varied, both of the previously conflicting observations on the effect of CO2/CO composition, i.e., monotonical increase in synthesis rate vs the presence of a maximum rate as CO2 concentration increased, were observed. The different conversion levels and consequent difference in surface oxygen coverage and/or water appeared to be responsible for the different effects. The more oxidized surface state of copper obtained for CO2/H2 was more active and stable in methanol synthesis than the overreduced surface obtained for the CO/H2 feed. Due to the promotional and inhibition effects of water for CO/H2 and CO2/H2 feeds, respectively, higher space velocities yielded higher synthesis rates for CO2/H2 and the opposite effect was observed for the CO/H2 feed.
Metal concentrations, growth, and yield of potato produced from In Vitro plantlets or microtubers and grown in municipal solid‐waste‐amended substrates

Abstract In vitro plantlets or microtubers (in vitro produced tubers) of ‘Spunta’ potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) were planted in a 3 soil: 2 peat moss: 1 sand substrate (by volume) amended with municipal solid waste (MS W) compost at 0, 10, 20, or 30 g 4‐1 L pot. Three months later, plant growth and tuber yield were evaluated and concentrations of shoot and tuber tin (Sn), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), and iron (Fe) were determined. Amending with MSW resulted in significant increases in concentrations of all tested metals in the substrate. Number of proliferated shoots of plants started from rooted plantlets was greatest at 10 g pot‐1 MSW, whereas shoot weight of plants started from microtubers was greatest at 10 and 20 g pot‐1 MSW. Tuber yield of plants started from rooted plantlets or microtubers was greatest at 10 or 30 g pot‐1 MSW, respectively. In all instances, amending with MSW at 30 g pot‐1 resulted in significant increases in concentrat.
Determination of the melting enthalpy of β phase of poly(vinylidene fluoride)

Abstract Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses of phase composition and of thermal properties of PVDF samples, crystallized at temperatures 27 - 155 °C by casting from N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) solution, are reported. Samples obtained at 27 oC contain only β crystal phase and with increase of casting temperature content of β phase decreases in favor of α phase. Evaluation of combined: phase content (WAXS) and melting heat (DSC), leads to two fold higher than for 100 % α phase value of 100% β melting enthalpy, ΔHβ0= 219.7 J.g-1, which may be justified by strong polar interactions in β phase TTT conformation. The relation ΔHβ 0 > ΔHα0 leads either to the thermodynamic stability of β phase in whole temperature range (if Tmβ0 ≥ Tmα0) or to the limited temperature range of thermodynamic stability of α phase (if Tmβ0 < Tmα0).
A comparative study of the determination of the stability constants of inclusion complexes of p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene with amino acids by RP-HPLC and 1H NMR

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (Separon SGX C 18, UV detection at 254 nm and acetonitrile–water–trifluoroacetic acid (70∶30∶0.5, v/v), and methanol–water–trifluoroacetic acid (3∶97∶0.5, v/v) as mobile phases) was applied to the study of the host–guest complexation of p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (SC[4]A) with amino acids as guests in the mobile phase. It was established that the formation of the inclusion complexes results in changes in the retention times of the amino acids. Stability constants of the complexes were determined. The variations in stability constants may be explained in terms of the various interactions (ion-pairing, hydrophobic, aromatic–aromatic and electrostatic interactions) that may occur between a given amino acid and SC[4]A. For the amino acids aspartic acid and proline the association constants were also derived from 1H NMR experiments.
Improvement of the mechanical properties of chitosan‐alginate wound dressings containing silver through the addition of a biocompatible silicone rubber

The benefits of associating chitosan with alginate for the production of wound dressings are well documented. However, the mechanical resistance of these devices is limited. This work aimed to improve the mechanical properties of chitosan-alginate membranes both with and without the microbicide agent AlphaSan® RC2000 (silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate) by incorporating the liquid silicone rubber Silpuran® 2130 A/B. Membranes containing AlphaSan® RC2000 but without Silpuran® 2130 A/B have increased opacity, thickness, and water absorption, but low stability in water and tensile strength. The silicone gel remained in the structure of the formulations even after successive washing steps and its inclusion in the membranes reduced their thickness and swelling in aqueous media, improving their homogeneity, adhesiveness, stability, tensile strength, and flexibility. Thus, the addition of Silpuran® 2130 A/B proved to contribute positively to many relevant, particularly mechanical, properties of chitosan-alginate wound dressings whether or not they contained AlphaSan® RC2000. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41686.
POULTRY LITTER AND SWINE COMPOST AS NUTRIENTS

Poultry and pork farming are typical activities of small farms in southern Brazil. This production plays an important social and economic role in many of these areas as it is often the main income source. The swine compost has emerged as an alternative to reduce the volume of swine wastewater, which is transformed into a residue that can be easily transported and applied with less environment prejudice. However, there is no information in literature regarding the use of this compound as a source of nitrogen in grain crops. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate poultry litter and swine compost as organic sources of nitrogen for the millet crop. The experiment was conducted in the years of 2013 and 2014 in southern Brazil, in no-tillage systems in a Hapludox soil. The treatments were: control (without nitrogen); poultry litter (PL), swine compost (SC) and mineral fertilization (NPK). The use of poultry litter resulted in better averages for almost all evaluated variables. Although the swine compost did not express results as good as the crop treated with poultry litter, the crop in which the swine compound was applied presented better results for some plant parameters than the chemical fertilizer treatment, which shows that these two residues can be viable alternatives for nitrogen fertilization in millet cultivations.
Fumigation with propane and transesterification effects on injector coking with vegetable oil fuels.

ABSTRACT A series of short term test cycles with a direct injection CI engine were used to determine the relative merits of fumigation with propane and transesterification in reducing injector coking problems that occur with the use of vegetable oil fuels. The test procedure outlined is suggested as a rapid method for screening alternative fuels. The engine injectors are used as a measure of engine deposits resulting from use of fuels. A fixed nominal rate of 10% fumigation with propane was investigated in an attempt to reduce injector coking with oleic and linoleic safflower oils. Variable nominal rates of 5, 10 and 15% propane fumigation were used in an effort to reduce injector coking with winter rape oil. Linoleic safflower ester, oleic safflower ester and high erucic acid rapeseed ester were also compared with No. 2 diesel fuel in a separate test to determine the relative importance of esterification and level of unsaturation on injector coking. The 10% propane fumigation reduced injector coking caused by oleic safflower oil by 64%, to a level not significantly different from diesel fuel. Ten percent fumigation did not significantly reduce injector coking caused by linoleic safflower oil. The 10% nominal rate of fumigation reduced injector coking caused by winter rape oil by 21%, the 15% nominal rate had no significant effect, and the 5% nominal rate increased coking. Linoleic safflower ester and rapeseed ester used as fuels formed significantly lesser and equal amounts of injector deposits, respectively, than the diesel fuel standard. Oleic safflower ester resulted in the formation of significantly more deposits than diesel fuel. Except when using the ester, the engine fueled with vegetable oil exhibited power and torque characteristics similar to that when fueled with number 2 diesel. The reduction in power and torque experienced with ester fuels was expected based on the decreased heat of combustion values.
Electrical signal guided click coating of chitosan hydrogel on conductive surface

We report the coating of a chitosan hydrogel on a conductive surface by the “electro-click” method. Specifically, chitosan is functionalized with either azide or alkyne groups and a cathodic potential is applied to a gold chip which reduces Cu2+ to Cu+ and thereby catalyzes the in situ Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions between alkynylated chitosan and azidated chitosan.
Opening of Epoxide Rings Catalyzed by Niobium Pentachloride

Abstract The behavior of several epoxides when treated with NbCl5 was studied. In general, the studied epoxides reacted rapidly with NbCl5, giving, in most cases, more than one product (chlorohydrins, products containing solvent residues, as well as rearrangement products). A detailed study was performed to verify the effects of the temperature (rt, 0°C, or −78°C) and of the NbCl5 molar concentration on the composition of the products, yield, and time required for the reactions.