Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil hydraulic conductivity changes caused by irrigation with reclaimed waste water

Use of reclaimed waste water (RWW) in arid and semiarid regions may alleviate problems of fresh water shortage; however, it also involves some potential risks among which are degradation of soil hydraulic properties. The objectives of the current study were to study the effects of organic matter (OM) loads found in RWW obtained from a secondary treatment plant in Tel Aviv, Israel, and different size fractions of the suspended solids in the RWW on the hydraulic conductivity (HC) of three Israeli soils. The hydraulic conductivity of a clayey grumusol (Typic Chromoxerert), a typic loamy loess (Calcic Haploxeralf), and a sandy loam hamra (Typic Rhodexeralf) was determined in the laboratory using soil columns, by leaching with RWW containing zero, low, or high OM load, followed by leaching with distilled water (DW). The effects of suspended solids' size fraction on the HC was determined by filtering RWW. Leaching with high OM load RWW caused the relative HC of the grumusol, loess and hamra to drop to final values of 13.9, 24.2, and 58.8%, respectively. Filtering out suspended solids {gt}1.2 {micro} in this water improved the HC of the hamra, but did not significantly affect the final relative HC of the grumusol andmore » loess. Leaching with low OM load RWW did not significantly decrease the HC beyond the decrease attributed to the effects of the concentration and composition of the electrolytes present in the zero OM load RWW. Subsequent leaching with DW caused an additional decrease in HC, whose magnitude for a given soil did not depend on the quality of the RWW previously used. The presence of OM in the irrigation water did not seem to have significant residual effects on soil HC. Evidently, in high OM load RWW the OM fraction determines the soils' HC, whereas in low OM load RWW, it is the electrolyte concentration and composition in the water, that seem to pose the hazard to soil hydraulic properties, especially during subsequent leaching with DW. « less
Adsorption and removal of mercury ions from aqueous solution using raw and chemically modified Egyptian mandarin peel

AbstractIn this study, the removal of mercury ions by Egyptian mandarin peel was investigated in aqueous solution. Three absorbents were derived from Egyptian mandarin peel, the first adsorbent was the raw peel (MP), the second one was pretreated mandarin peel with NaOH (MNa), and the third one was carbonized mandarin peel (MC). The extent of adsorption was studied as a function of pH, adsorbent dose, temperature, and contact time. Adsorption isotherms were modeled with Langnuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms. The data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm and the maximum monolayer adsorption capacities were found to be 19.01, 23.26, and 34.84 mg/g for MP, MNa, and MC, respectively. The kinetic data were analyzed using psudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion models. The results indicated that Egyptian mandarin peel could be utilized as a low-cost adsorbent for mercury removal.
Identification of Mixed Valence Vanadium in ETS-10 Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, 51V Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and Density Functional Theory Studies

Microporous vanadium-substituted titanosilicate ETS-10 solids are promising photocatalysts for decomposition of organic molecules. The dopant vanadium metal modulates the electronic environment of the titanosilicate matrix and plays a major role in the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity. However, the local electronic and geometric structure of the vanadium sites in these materials is a subject of controversy. Using vanadium electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and 51V nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we have characterized the local environments of the vanadium sites in vanadium-substituted ETS-10 samples with different vanadium loadings. The measurements reveal clearly the presence of V(IV) and V(V) oxidation states. The EPR results suggest that V(IV) is in octahedral sites and, therefore, must substitute for Ti in the framework. 51V NMR studies indicate that the V(V) species are adjacent to the V(IV) species in most cases on the basis of significant electron−nuclear dipolar interac.
NO x emission control of lean methane-air combustion with addition of methane reforming products

Maintaining acceptable burning intensity and stability under lean premixed combustion is a challenge in gas turbine operation. Enhancing flame stability under such conditions is accomplished by preheating the fuel or by regulating its composition. Preheating increases the flame speed and resistance to extinction, but also increases the NO x emissions, since the combustion temperatures are higher. Regulating the composition is typically accomplished through H 2 addition, which even at small amounts can noticeably increase combustion stability and reduce NO x emissions. H 2 is expensive to produce, and CH 4 steam reforming with the use of waste heat has been proposed as a viable solution. Furthermore, it is far more economical to add the reformate mixture to the fuel, which in addition to H 2 also contains CO, CO 2 , unreacted steam, and CH 4 , rather than H 2 . Prior studies by our group have focused on the dynamics and structure of flames of lean mixtures of air with CH 4 /H 2 /CO/CO 2 /H 2 O, the five-gas fuel mix resulting when combining the reformer product with fresh CH 4 . In this article, the focus is on quantifying the NO x emissions characteristics. Experiments and simulations were carried out in a single jet-wall configuration. The experimental data compare favorably with the numerical predictions and indicate that adding the reformate mixture to CH 4 results in lower NO x emissions under the same burning intensity.
Estimation of potassium concentration in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) leaf tissue by simple and inexpensive water extraction method

ABSTRACT Estimation of potassium (K) concentration in oil palm leaf tissue is routinely carried out in oil palm plantations to manage fertilizer application for getting higher fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production. Since K in plant tissue is not bound to organic complexes and it is extractable by water, this study was carried out to extract K from oil palm leaf tissue by water extraction method. The results were compared with other established methods like 1 normal (N) ammonium acetate (NH4OAc) extraction, 0.5 N hydrochloric acid (HCl) extraction, and diacid digestion. The proposed water extraction method consists of shaking of 0.5 g finely ground oil palm leaf tissue with distilled water at 1:60 ratio [sample-to-water weight (w)/volume (v)] for a period of 20 min in a reciprocating shaker, filtration of the content, and measurement of K concentration in filtrate by flame photometer. The results of analysis of 30 oil palm leaf samples collected from various production systems under different soil types and management practices for K concentration revealed the close agreement of water extraction method with other established methods. The mean value of K extracted by water extraction method was within 1–10% of the K extracted by other established methods. Water-extractable K was significantly correlated with K extracted by other methods and it could be predicted by other methods. The values of standard error and coefficient of variation for K extracted by different methods were very low, which indicated that the water extraction method was comparable with other established methods.
Chondrocyte Cultivation in Hyaluronan-Tyramine Cross-Linked Hydrogel

The application of chondrocyte-seeded hydrogels, such as tyramine-substituted hyaluronan, is a highly promising strategy for damaged cartilage treatments. The rheological characteristics of hyaluronan-tyramine derivative scaffold were determined together with the hydrogel swelling, the water uptake, and the morphological characterization. The chondrocytes seeded in hyaluronan-tyramine hydrogel were viable and expressed markers typical for differentiated chondrocytes with no signs of hypertrophy or extensive expression of matrix metalloproteinases. The lyophilized unseeded hyaluronan-tyramine scaffolds were also implantated into trochlea osteochondral defects in rabbits. In conclusion, the hyaluronan-tyramine derivative was proven to be advisable material as a scaffold for cartilage reconstitution. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND THERMAL ENVIRONMENT IN CLASSROOMS OF AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DURING SUMMER SEASON BEFORE/AFTER INSTALLING AIR CONDITIONER

The number of schools, where air conditioners for cooling are equipped, has been rapidly increasing in Tokyo. Although most home has air conditioner in Tokyo, Pupils do not get used to school life exposed to air conditioned space in public elementary schools. The purpose of this study is to investigate the change of pupils behavior and corresponding indoor environmental change after installing cooling system into classrooms. Air temperature, relative humidity and CO2 concentration were measured during summer season in twelve classrooms in an elementary school before installing cooling system and after installing. The investigated public elementary school is located in downtown Tokyo and has twelve classes, i.e., each grade has two classes. The questionnaire survey was conducted for investigating pupils perception and learning performance after installing air conditioner. The absenteeism survey was also conducted for health effect of air conditioned classroom.
Oxygen Release and Oxidation Rates of MgAl2O4-Supported CuO Oxygen Carrier for Chemical-Looping Combustion with Oxygen Uncoupling (CLOU)

The chemical-looping combustion (CLC) and chemical-looping with oxygen uncoupling (CLOU) processes are novel solutions for efficient combustion with inherent separation of carbon dioxide. These processes use a metal oxide as an oxygen carrier to transfer oxygen from an air reactor to a fuel reactor, where the fuel reacts with the solid oxygen carrier. When solid fuel is used in CLC, the char must be gasified by, e.g., steam to form H2 and CO, that can be subsequently oxidized to H2O and CO2 by the oxygen carrier. In the case of CLOU, the oxygen carrier releases oxygen gas in the fuel reactor. This enables a high rate of conversion of char from solid fuels, because it eliminates the need for the gasification step needed in normal CLC with solid fuels. In this work, the rate of oxygen release and oxidation of an oxygen carrier consisting of CuO supported by MgAl2O4 (40/60 wt %) for the CLOU process is investigated. The oxygen carrier was produced by freeze-granulation, calcined at 950 °C, and sieved to a size range of 125–180 μm. The reaction rates were obtained in a laboratory-scale fluidized-bed reactor in the temperature range of 850–900 °C, under alternating reducing and oxidizing conditions. The rate of oxygen release was obtained using devolatilized wood char as the fuel in N2 fluidization. Care was taken to obtain reliable measurements not affected by the availability of the fuel and temperature increase in the bed during combustion of the fuel with the released oxygen from the carrier. The Avrami–Erofeev mechanism was used to model the rates of oxygen release and the values of ko and Eapp were estimated to be 2.5 × 105 s–1 and 139.3 kJ mol–1, respectively. The rates of Cu2O oxidation were investigated in a flow of 5% O2 at the inlet of the reactor. However, it was observed that the oxidation rate is limited by the oxygen supply, indicating rapid conversion of the oxygen carrier. From the obtained reaction rates, the minimum total amount of the investigated oxygen carrier needed in the air and the fuel reactor is estimated to be between 69–139 kg MWth–1.
FORMATION OF TANTALUM TUCK-IN COMPLEXES BY ACTIVATION OF METHYL C-H BONDS IN PENTAMETHYLCYCLOPENTADIENE GROUPS BY CARBAZOLE LIGATION

The reaction of [Cp*TaCl4] with the potassium salt of carbazole (cbK, >3 equiv) in hydrocarbon solvents leads to the species [(C5Me4CH2)Ta(cb)2Cl] (1), in which one of the ring methyl C−H bonds of the Cp* ligand has been cleaved along with free cbH. Spectroscopic and structural studies of 1 show a lack of a plane of symmetry through the molecule with nonequivalent cb ligands. A minor component of the reaction mixture is believed to be the substitutional isomer 2, in which both carbazole ligands are equivalent. Alkylation of 1 with LiCH2SiMe3 or PhCH2MgCl generates the corresponding monoalkyl derivatives [(C5Me4CH2)Ta(cb)2(R)] (7 or 8, respectively). Structural studies of 1, 7, and 8 support an η1:η5-CH2C5Me4 (σ:η5-CH2C5Me4) description for the metalated ligands, with significant slippage toward an η1:η3-CH2C5Me4 resonance form. To compare the extent of π-bonding between cb and dialkylamido ligands, the complex [(cb)2Ta(NMe2)3] (9) was synthesized and structurally characterized. The molecular structure of .
Modified ninhydrin spray reagent for the identification of amino acids on thin-layer chromatography plates

Identification of amino acids is essential for the evaluation of protein structure and also for the determination of the presence of amino acids in natural products. D-Camphor-10-sulphonic acid–ninhydrin can produce various distinguishable colours when it reacts with amino acids, whereas ninhydrin itself produces the same purple colour with most of them. The detection limits for amino acids for the proposed spray reagent range between 0.4 and 2.0 µg, under cold conditions, and 0.2 and 1.0 µg, after heating.
Arsenic in Drinking Water—A Global Environmental Problem

Arsenic contamination of groundwater is a global environmental problem affecting a large number of populations, especially in developing countries. The "blackfoot disease"that occurred in Taiwan more than half of a century ago was attributed to drinking arsenic-contaminated water from deep wells containing high concentrations of the trivalent arsenite species. Similar arsenic poisoning cases were reported later in Chinese Inner Mongolia, Bangladesh, and India—all related to drinking groundwater contaminated with arsenic. The maximum contaminant level (MCL) of arsenic in drinking water has been changed recently by the U.S. EPA from 50 ppb to 10 ppb; the compliance date is January 2006. This article summarizes documented global arsenic contamination problems, the regulatory controversy regarding MCL of arsenic in drinking water, and available technologies for removing arsenic from contaminated waters. Methods for analyzing total arsenic and arsenic species in water are also described.
Composition and thermodynamic properties of ablated vapours of PMMA, PA6-6, PETP, POM and PE

In the temperature range 1000 - 10 000 K, the composition and thermodynamic properties of ablated vapours of PMMA, PA6-6, PETP, POM and PE have been calculated with the Gibbs free energy minimization method. We indicate the formulae used in this method. We discuss the results and deduce the specific behaviour of POM vapours.
Preparation of Ni2P/TiO2−Al2O3 and the Catalytic Performance for Hydrodesulfurization of 3-Methylthiophene

Composite TiO2−Al2O3 supports were prepared by the sol−gel technique using tetra-n-butyl-titanate and γ-Al2O3 as raw materials, and the Ni2P/TiO2−Al2O3 catalysts were obtained by incipient wetness impregnation of aqueous metal phosphate precursors, followed by temperature-programmed reduction of inflowing H2. The supports and catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption. The hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity was examined in a fixed-bed reactor. Experimental results indicate that the composite support can effectively prevent the formation of aluminum phosphates based on the strong interaction between P and γ-Al2O3, overcome the disadvantage of low surface titania, and improve metal support interaction, which significantly increase catalyst activity and selectivity. The Ni2P/TiO2−Al2O3 catalyst exhibits good activity for the HDS of 3-methylthiophene (3-MT), used as a model compound. The activity and stability of the Ni2P/TiO2.
Phosphorus status of Eutric Cambisols polluted by P‐containing immissions: Results of 31P NMR spectroscopy and chemical analysis

The P status of an unpolluted Cambisol was compared with that of a polluted Cambisol receiving high P deposition that arise from a fertilizer factory near Novgorod, NW Russia. Experiments included P fractionation, P adsorption experiments and 31P NMR spectroscopy. In the O, A and AB horizons of the unpolluted soil organic P was the dominating fraction. Anthropogenic P accumulation was restricted to the O, A and AB horizons and amounted 692 kg ha−1, representing the sum of P deposition within 20 years of factory operation. Most of the additional P was extractable inorganic P. Hence, P extractability increased from 54-75 % in the unpolluted soil to 66-83 % in the polluted soil. Ca-phosphates were mainly accumulated in the forest floor, while Al- and Fe-phosphates were concentrated in the A and AB horizons. Organic P showed only a slight increase due to P deposition. This increase was only due to accumulation of stable monoester-P, while the stock of the more labile diester-P and phosphonates in the polluted soil was only half of that in the unpolluted soil. Zur Wirkung von Phosphor-Immissionen auf den P-Status eutropher Braunerden: 31P-NMR-spektroskopische und naschemische Ergebnisse Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden die Auswirkungen von P-Immissionen aus einer Kunstdungerfabrik bei Novgorod. NW Rusland auf den P-Status benachbarter Braunerden mittels P-Fraktionierung, p-Sorptionsexperimenten und 31P-NMR-Spektroskopie untersucht. In den O-, Ah- und AhBv-Horizonten einer unbelasteten Braunerde dominierten organische P-Spezies. Im Laufe des 20-Jahrigen Betriebes der Fabrik erhohte sich der Vorrat an Gesamt-P im Oberboden um 692 kg ha−1, welches der Menge an eingetragenem P entspricht. Im Unterboden wurde kein Anstieg des P-Vorrates beobachtet. Der groste Teil des zusatzlichen P wurde als extrahierbares anorganisches P identifiziert. In der organischen Auflage wurden Ca-Phosphate akkumuliert, wahrend sich Al- und Fe-Phosphate in den Ah- und AhBv-Horizonten anreicherten. Die Vorrate an organischen P-Spezies erfuhren nur einen geringen Anstieg aufgrund von P-Immissionen. Dieser ist alleine auf die Zunahme stabiler Monoester-P zuruckzufuhren. Die Vorrate an labilem Diester-P und an Phosphonaten halbierten sich hingegen.
Liquid crystalline properties of 4‐hexyloxybenzylidene‐4′‐alkyloxyanilines

The liquid‐crystalline polymorphism of the homologous series of 4‐hexyloxybenzylidene‐4′‐alkyloxyanilines is investigated. Basing on the polarization microscopy (POM, TOA), the DSC calorimetry and miscibility studies the following mesophases were detected: nematic, smectic A, smectic C and smectic I. The phase diagrams of the compounds of these series with 4‐hexyloxybenylidene‐4′‐pentylaniline (as the standard of mesophases) show induction of the smectic F mesophases. Their dependence on the alkyl chain length and mole fraction is shown. *. Present address: Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Sweet and Bitter Principles of the Chinese Plant Drug, Bai-Yun-Shen : Revision of the Assignment of the Source Plant and Isolation of Two New Diterpene Glycosides

The assignment of the source plant of the Chinese plant drug "Bai-Yun-Shen" as Salvia digitaloides DIELS (Labiatae), was revised to Phlomis betonicoides DIELS of the same family. From roots of this plant, a sweet glycoside named phlomisoside-I (5) and a bitter glycoside named phlomisoside-II (6) were isolated. The aglycone of both compounds was proved to be baiyunol (7, furano-labdane-type diterpene), the aglycone of baiyunoside (1), which has already been isolated as the sweet principle from this plant drug. The structures of 5 and 6 were elucidated as the 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranoside and the 3-O-sophoroside of 7, respectively.
The comparative plant availability of 32P myo‐inositol hexaphospha.te and KH2 32PO4 added to soils

Abstract The comparative availability to Lolivm perenne of 32P myo‐inositol hexaphosphate (IH32P) and KH2 32PO. added to soil could be determined unequivocally from the 32P count of leaf material even when dry matter yields and total P content were not significantly different from the control. IH32P was equivalent to KH2 32PO4. in a soil with a low P retention at 200 p.p.m. P but not at 20 p.p.m. P. IH 32P was totally unavailable in two soils with high P retention at 200 p.p.m. and 20 p.p.m. P, whereas uptake of KH2 32PO4. was observed in each instance.
Effect of rate, frequency and method of liquid swine manure application on soil nitrogen availability, cropperformance and N use efficiency in east-central Saskatchewan

A study was initiated in the fall of 1996 in the Black soil zone in east-central Saskatchewan (parkland region) to examine the soil and crop response to application of liquid swine manure at different rates, frequencies and methods of application. Low, medium and high rates of liquid swine manure (equivalent to approximately 100, 200 and 400 kg total N ha-1, respectively) were applied annually and in reduced frequency applications using injection and broadcast/incorporated placement over a 4-yr period. Crops grown during this period were Argentine canola (Brassica napus L.) in 1997, hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in 1998, hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in 1999, and Argentine canola in 2000. Under an annual application regime, a significant elevation of pre-seeding available N in the 0–60 cm soil depth and increased grain yield and protein content with increasing application rates of liquid swine manure were observed. Under a reduced frequency application regime, elevation of pre-seeding.
Soursop (Annona muricata L.) and sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.): Antioxidant activity, fatty acids profile and determination of tocopherols

Purpose – This study aims to analyze the soursop and sugar apple seeds as to its composition, to evaluate the antioxidant potential of seeds extract and characterize the oil extracted from them, regarding the fatty acids profile and content of tocopherols.Design/methodology/approach – To obtain the extracts, dried and crushed seeds were extracted with ethanol for 30 minutes, at a ratio of 1:3 (m/m, seed: ethyl alcohol) under continuous stirring at room temperature. Then, the mixture was filtered and the supernatants subjected to rotoevaporator at 40°C aiming to determine, by direct weighing, the yields of dry extracts.Findings – According to the results, the soursop and sugar apple seeds constituted significant sources of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates and can therefore be used in food and feed, and offer relevant antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds. The oil seeds are a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic and linoleic acids and they have significant amounts of total tocophe.