Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Biological and Chemical Ripening Agents on the Nutritional and Metal Composition of Banana ( Musa spp )

The use of potentially toxic ripening agents is common in developing countries. Four ripening agents namely calcium carbide, potash, African mango and jathropha curcas leaf were used and compared with a control with no ripening agent. Result showed that RB1 and RB2 were the first to ripen at 3days with RB5 at 6th day. Protein content reduced in the ripened samples in the order of 4.12>3.68>3.04>2.52>1.99>1.77%. Protein value was lowest when calcium carbide was used. Fat ash and fiber contents range between 0.28-1.72, 0.75-2.75and 0.50-1.75% respectively. The moisture content increased from 65.50 to 74.0%, while carbohydrate content range is 17.49-29.29%. Pb, Cu, Zn and Mn values of 0.22, 0.87, 1.96 and 0.67ppm was highest in calcium carbide ripened banana and lowest in the control 0.09, 0.26, 0.37 and 0.19 ppm. Keywords : Banana; ripening; ripening agents; postharvest losses; metal contamination
Anomalous behavior at the I2/a to Imab phase transition in SiO2-moganite: An analysis using hard-mode Raman spectroscopy

Abstract The silica polymorph moganite is commonly intergrown with quartz in microcrystalline silica varieties that are less than ~100 Ma in age. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction suggests that a displacive phase transition occurs when moganite is heated above ~570 K, with an increase in symmetry from I2/a to Imab. In the present study, we employed hard-mode Raman spectroscopy to confirm the existence of the α-β moganite transformation and to offer complementary insight into the transition mechanism. Our analysis of the displacement of the 501 Δcm-1 symmetric stretching-bending vibration (B3g mode) with changing temperature strongly supports the existence of a monoclinic-to-orthorhombic phase transition between 570 and 590 K. Between 593 and 723 K, however, the mode remained fixed at 496 Δcm-1. This behavior was repeated on cooling, but with a hysteresis of over 100 K. We offer three hypotheses that may explain this observation: (1) the intergrowth of nanoscale quartz lamellae within moganite may exert a strain that inhibits the transition; (2) the transition may exhibit a martensitic character marked by the co-existence of α- and β-moganite over a finite temperature interval; and (3) the α- and β-moganite transition may occur via an intermediate phase.
Raman Spectra, Crystal Polymorphism, and Structure of a Prototype Ionic-liquid [bmim]Cl

A prototype ionic-liquid [bmim]Cl shows crystal polymorphism, having two crystal forms, Crystal (1) and Crystal (2), characterized by distinct X-ray powder patterns and Raman spectra. Two sets of characteristic Raman bands of Crystals (1) and (2), which are mutually exclusive with each other, do coexist in the spectrum of liquid [bmim]Cl. It seems that two distinct structures of the [bmim]+ ion, one corresponding to that in Crystal (1) and the other to that in Crystal (2), exist simultaneously in the ionic liquid state.
The production of anti-Vibrio harveyi egg yolk immunoglobulin and evaluation of its stability and neutralisation efficacy

In order to replace the antibiotic treatment for control of Vibrio harveyi, a causal agent of luminous disease in Black tiger shrimp, anti-V. harveyi IgY was produced and showed its potential in our preliminary study. However, for further use as feed additive, the IgY stability should be evaluated. The titre of specific IgY was enhanced with an immunostimulant, C-phosphate guanosine oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN). IgY was stable at natural pH while the activity was decreased below pH 4 or above pH 10. The supplementation of 30% sorbitol significantly enhanced the IgY stability at tested temperatures in excess of 70°C. The activity of IgY remained at 9 and 94% after 4 h incubation in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, respectively. A storage temperature at −20°C was found to be the best condition. IgY at the concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 mg/ml efficiently inhibited V. harveyi in vitro within 24 h after exposure.
Separation and Purification of Quinolone Alkaloids from the Chinese Herbal Medicine Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth by High Performance Counter-Current Chromatography

Preparative separation of quinolone alkaloids in Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth was conducted by high performance counter-current chromatography (HPCCC) with a pair of two solvent systems consisting of n-hexane-methanol-water-acetic acid (2:1:1:0.2, v/v) and (5:4:2:0.1, v/v). Consequently, 31.78 mg 1-methyl-2-nonyl-4 (1H)-quinolone (I), 59.25 mg 1-methyl-2-(6-undecenyl)-4 (1H)-quinolone (II), 333.27 mg evocarpine (III), 101.13 mg 1-methyl-2-(6,9-pentadecadienyl)-4(1H)-quinolone (IV), 132.17 mg dihydroevocarpine (V), and 86.99 mg 1-methyl-2-(10-pentadecenyl)-4(1H)-quinolone (VI) were obtained from 1.3 g of the crude extract. The structures of these compounds were identified by mass spectrometer (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR and 13C NMR).
Structures of [1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane]tetracarbonylchromium(0) (1) and [1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane]tetracarbonyltungsten(0) (2)

C 32 H 28 CrO 4 P 2 cristallise dans P2 1 /n avec a = 11,996, b = 15,298 et c = 16,508 A, β = 105,40 °, Z = 4; affinement jusqu'a R = 0,038. C 32 H 28 O 4 P 2 W cristallise dans P2 1 /n avec a = 12,055, b = 15,352 et c = 16,544 A, β = 104,68 °, Z = 4; affinement jusqu'a R = 0,028. Les structures moleculaires des deux composes, qui possedent un octaedre deforme avec un cycle chelate a sept membres, sont similaires, excepte en ce qui concerne les liaisons M-CO et M-P. Les trois homologues Cr, Mo et W ont des structures moleculaires similaires et sont isomorphes.
Melt reaction in blends of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR‐50)

Melt reaction in blends comprising immiscible biopolymer, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), and epoxidized natural rubber with 50 mol percent level of epoxidation (ENR-50), prepared by solvent-casting, has been studied. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique was used to measure the heat of reaction under isothermal annealing. The heat of reaction increases with respect to PHB and ENR-50 content as long as they constitute the dispersed phases and exhibits a maximum at about 50% PHB. A reaction mechanism comprising degradation of PHB chains to shorter chains bearing carboxyl end groups that subsequently react with epoxide group of the ENR-50 is proposed, providing the basis for kinetic analysis and determination of parameters that characterize the melt reaction. Two-phase morphologies, formed in the blends upon melting of PHB, transform within minutes to homogeneous phase as observed under optical polarizing microscope. The two glass transition temperatures observed at -18.4 and 1.2°C for blends are associated, respectively, with immiscible ENR-50 and PHB phases. After annealing at 190°C an inward shift was observed, gradually closing in with increasing annealing time, and eventually merging into a single transition. This is an indication of progressive change in miscibility of the blends, as an effect of the melt reaction. FTIR spectra provide further evidence that supports the ring opening reaction of the epoxide group by the carboxyl group.
ARROW-Based On-Chip Alkali Vapor-Cell Development

ARROW-Based On-Chip Alkali Vapor-Cell Development John F. Hulbert Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Doctor of Philosophy The author presents the successful development of an on-chip, monolithic, integrated rubidium vapor-cell. These vapor-cells integrate ridge waveguide techniques with hollow-core waveguiding technology known as Anti-Resonant Reflecting Optical Waveguides (ARROWs). These devices are manufactured on-site in BYU’s Integrated Microelectronic Laboratory (IML) using common silicon wafer microfabrication techniques. The ARROW platform fabrication is outlined, but the bulk of the dissertation focuses on novel packaging techniques that allow for the successful introduction and sealing of rubidium vapor into these micro-sized vapor-cells. The unique geometries and materials utilized in the ARROW platform render common vapor-cell sealing techniques unusable. The development of three generations of successful vapor-cells is chronicled. The sealing techniques represented in these three generations of vapor-cells include high-temperature epoxy seals, cold-weld copper crimping, variable pressure vacuum capabilities, indium solder seals, and electroplated passivation coatings. The performance of these seals are quantified using accelerated lifetime tests combined with optical spectroscopy. Finally, the successful probing of the rubidium absorption spectrum, electromagnetically induced transparency, and slow light on the ARROW-based vapor-cell platform is reported.
Numerical modeling of the effect of the level of nitrogen impurities in a helium parallel plate dielectric barrier discharge

In this paper a validated 2D axisymmetric plasma fluid model was used to study the influence of the level of nitrogen impurities on the processes that occur in a helium parallel plate dielectric barrier discharge. The level of nitrogen impurities was varied in the range 0.1–500 ppm. It was observed that the nitrogen impurities significantly affect the dominant ion species at breakdown and the discharge characteristics. Specifically, three different dominant ions were found, which are strongly dependent on the level of nitrogen impurities. These are: He2+ ? > (0.1–35 ppm), N2+ ? > (35–150 ppm) and N4+ ? > (150–500 ppm). In addition, the results show that the discharge characteristics are dependent on the dominant ion species at breakdown.
New Polish certified reference materials for inorganic trace analysis: Corn Flour (INCT-CF-3) and Soya Bean Flour (INCT-SBF-4)

Preparation and certification of two new Polish reference materials (CRMs) for inorganic trace analysis: Corn Flour (INCT-CF-3) and Soya Bean Flour (INCT-SBF-4) have been presented. The materials were prepared and certified in the Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Warsaw (INCT). Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was applied to homogeneity and stability studies. Homogeneity tests have shown that both materials are homogeneous for the sample mass ≥ 100 mg. The results of trend analysis have shown that the materials are stable. Uncertainty caused by instability and, consequently, shelf life of the materials have been estimated. Certification was based on the statistical evaluation of results obtained in worldwide interlaboratory comparison, in which 92 laboratories from 19 countries participated. Results for CRM distributed by the organizer and analyzed together with the intercomparison samples as well as results by definitive methods for selected elements based on radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA) were also employed in the certification process. The contents of 16 and 22 elements were certified in Corn Flour and Soya Bean Flour, respectively. Additional information values for 14 elements in INCT-CF-3 and 9 elements in INCT-SBF-4 were given.
Evaluation of Chemical Composition and the Comparative Wound Healing Effect of Natural Honey and Olive Oil in Rabbits

The phytochemical and elemental constituents of honey and olive oil and their relationships with wound healing were studied in New Zealand rabbits. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of Carbohydrates, monosaccharide, reducing sugar, terpenoid, saponin, saponin glycoside, flavonoids, and alkaloid in honey, while olive oil had only cardiac glycoside and terpenoids. Elemental analysis showed the presence of higher concentration of potassium (288.3mg/l), and low concentration of manganese (0.04mg/l), iron (1.55mg/l), copper (0.66mg/l) and nickel (0.001mg/l) in honey than olive oil. However, olive oil has higher concentration of calcium (225.3mg/l) and zinc (5.22mg/l) than in honey. The wound healing effects of honey and olive oil were determined by inflicting a 2 mm incisional wound on the thigh muscle of 18 New Zealand rabbits. The rabbits were grouped into six groups (A-F) which were topically administered of honey (A), olive oil (B), honey and olive oil mixture (C), iodine and methylated spirit (D) and penicillin (E). Group F was undressed and untreated and served as negative control. Healing and scar tissue formation was monitored over a period of 10 days by measuring the wound closure daily. It was observed that group B and D had complete resolution with minimal scar tissues by day six. Other groups had a longer resolution time of up to 9 days post incision. The study therefore, showed olive oil alone and a combination of iodine and methylated spirit both aided greatly in dehiscence of uncontaminated surgical wounds in New Zealand rabbits.
Evaluation of SCCI Potentials in Comparison to HCCI and Conventional DICI Combustion Using n-Heptane

This work investigates the potential of stratified charge compression ignition (SCCI) to extend the high-load limits of homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine. Engine experiments were conducted on a single-cylinder diesel engine equipped with an electrical port fuel injection system. When the n-heptane fuel amount of port injection and in-cylinder direct injection was calibrated, partial fuel stratification was created and three different combustion modes as SCCI, HCCI, and direct injection compression ignition (DICI) were achieved. The premixed ratio (rp) was used to indicate the partial fuel stratification, and the effects of premixed ratio on SCCI combustion were examined. It was found that SCCI could achieve a staged combustion event of reduced pressure-rise rates, thus offering good potential to expand the operating range of the HCCI engine. Also, the engine performance and emission characteristics of SCCI were evaluated, focusing on the comparison with the HCCI and conventional DICI c.
Nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism of penicillins derived from disubstituted acetic acids

N.m. r. and c.d. spectra of some isomeric pairs of penicillins derived from disubstituted acetic acids are reported. For those penicillins which have an aromatic group attached to C-10 empirical correlations are observed between the configuration at C-10 and, (a) the sign of a c.d. band at 200–210 nm, and (b) the chemical shift of the 3-H and methyl protons. These correlations are used to assign the R configuration to the crystalline methyl (3) and ethyl (4) esters of carbenicillin and to the calcium insoluble isomers of carbenicillin (8) and ticarcillin (9). Many of the penicillins show an upfield shift of the methyl protons relative to their position in 6-aminopenicillanic acid (16). This is ascribed to shielding effects of the side-chain aromatic ring produced by folded conformations of the side-chain. For the penicillins (14) and (15) derived from tyrosine, side-chain rotamer proportions calculated from coupling constants are discussed in relation to chemical shifts. Bands at about 230 and 260–280 nm in the c.d, spectra are discussed in comparison with previous c.d. studies of penicillins and the relevant side-chain acids.
DNA adduction by the potent carcinogen aflatoxin B1 : mechanistic studies

Aflatoxin B1, a potently carcinogenic fungal metabolite, is converted to the biologically active form by chemical oxidation using dimethyldioxirane and enzymatically by cytochrome P450 mixed-function oxidases. Both processes give rise to mixtures of the exo- and endo-8,9-epoxides. Methanolysis studies reveal exclusive trans opening of both epoxides under neutral conditions in CH3OH and CH3OH/H2O mixtures; an SN2 mechanism is postulated. Under acidic conditions, the exo isomer gives mixtures of trans and cis solvolysis products, suggesting that the reaction is, at least in part, SN1; the endo isomer gives only the trans product. The exo isomer reacts with DNA by attack of the nitrogen atom at the 7 position of guanine on C8 of the epoxide to give the trans adduct; the endo epoxide fails to form an adduct at this or any other site in DNA. The exo isomer is strongly mutagenic in a base-pair reversion assay employing Salmonella typhimurium; the endo isomer is essentially nonmutagenic. Aflatoxin B1 and its derivatives intercalate in DNA. These results are consistent with a mechanism in which intercalation of the exo epoxide optimally orients the epoxide for an SN2 reaction with guanine but intercalation of the endo isomer places the epoxide in an orientation which precludes reaction. Thus, while the exo epoxide is a potent mutagen, the endo epoxide fails to react with DNA.
Dopant Segregation and Space Charge Effects in Proton-Conducting BaZrO3 Perovskites

In a humidified atmosphere, acceptor-doped BaZrO3 perovskites exhibit a high bulk proton conductivity, but the total conductivity is severely decreased by the blocking character of the grain boundaries. In our study, we compare rapidly densified Y- and Sc-doped BaZrO3 ceramics (Spark Plasma Sintering, 5 min at 1600 °C) with samples after extended annealing at high temperature (20 h at 1700 °C). Under these conditions, the dopants become mobile, resulting in a strong grain boundary conductivity enhancement, although no grain growth occurs. This increase is accompanied by a significant increase in dopant concentration in the grain boundary region, as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. The correlation between the electrical properties of grain boundaries and their chemical composition is consistent with the interpretation in terms of the space charge model with a positive excess charge in the grain boundary core and adjacent proton depletion zones.
OVEREXPRESSION OF RECOMBINANT MEMBRANE ASSOCIATED PROTEIN (MAPA) OF SYNECHOCOCCUS ELONGATUS PCC 7942 IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

Growth of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 under iron deficient condition leads to the accumulation of a 34 kD protein called MapA (Membrane associated protein A). This investigation includes the expression of MapA in E. coli M15. To avoid the formation of insoluble protein, when expressed in E. coli, the primers for amplification of mapA were chosen in the nucleotide sequence which has been predicted not containing the region encoding the hydrophobic part of the MapA protein. The amplified 640 bp fragment from mapA was cloned in vector pQE32 (ampicillin resistance). The clone was transformed into E. coli strain M15 which containing pREP4 kanamycin resistance. MapA protein showed overexpression in E coli and then purified. This investigation could be considered as an initiative work for expression of membrane-associated proteins in E. coli cytoplasm facilitating its purification.
CELLULOSIC SUBSTRATES FOR REMOVAL OF POLLUTANTS FROM AQUEOUS SYSTEMS: A REVIEW. 2. DYES

Dyes used in the coloration of textiles, paper, and other products are highly visible, sometimes toxic, and sometimes resistant to biological breakdown; thus it is important to minimize their release into aqueous environments. This review article considers how biosorption of dyes onto cellulose-related materials has the potential to address such concerns. Numerous publications have described how a variety of biomass-derived substrates can be used to absorb different classes of dyestuff from dilute aqueous solutions. Progress also has been achieved in understanding the thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical factors that control the uptake of dyes. Important questions remain to be more fully investigated, such as those involving the full life-cycle of cellulosic substrates that are used for the collection of dyes. Also, more work needs to be done in order to establish whether biosorption should be implemented as a separate unit operation, or whether it ought to be integrated with other water treatment technologies, including the enzymatic breakdown of chromophores.
Characterization of Acidity in Acid Sulphate Soils of Kerala

The acidity characteristics of acid sulphate soils of Kuttanad, Kerala, were studied in detail by collecting surface, profile and subsurface soil samples from 20 locations of six soil series viz., Ambalapuzha, Purakkad, Thotapally, Thuravur, Kallara and Thakazhi that belonged to acid sulphate soils. The soils were extremely acidic showing a range of pH (H2O) varying from 2.5 to 5.2. Lowest pH was recorded by Thakazhi series and the highest by Thotapally. The potential acidity of soils ranged from 14.71 cmol·kg -1 to 110.5 cmol·kg -1 with Thakazhi series showing the highest value. The contribution of hydrolytic acidity to potential acidity ranged from 70.2% to 97.2%. In all soil series, exchangeable Al 3+ was greater than exchangeable H + . A significant correlation was observed among pH (KCl), pH (H2O) and pH (CaCl2) in all series.
Cleaning Water Contaminated with Heavy Metal Ions Using Pyrolyzed Biochar Adsorbents

The extraction of pollutants from water using activated biochar materials is a low cost, sustainable approach for providing safe water in developing countries. The adsorption of copper ions, Cu(II), onto pyrolyzed and activated dried banana peel was studied and compared with the adsorption of copper ions onto a commercial activated carbon, F-400. Both the physical and chemical properties of the banana peel and activated carbon were measured. Pyrolysis of dried banana peels resulted in the formation of a large, porous surface area adsorbent with strongly negative surface charges. Screening studies, which were designed to evaluate the effect of the mass of the adsorbent, pH of the solution, tumbling time, and initial Cu(II) concentration were conducted for each adsorbent. Equilibrium adsorption data were also analyzed, and the Freundlich isotherm resulted in a better fit than the Langmuir isotherm. The degree of favorability of adsorption of Cu(II) ions and adsorption capacity were 1.25 and 351.1 mg/g for pyrolyzed banana peel, respectively. The sorption kinetics fit a pseudo-second order equation. The mechanism of adsorption of metal ions on pyrolyzed banana peel followed ion exchange and electrostatic interactions resulting in the complexation of adsorbed ions.
MODELLING OF PERVAPORATION: MODELS TO ANALYZE AND PREDICT THE MASS TRANSPORT IN PERVAPORATION

The modelling of the ma ss transfer in pervaporation is one of the fundamental aspects to understand and therefore improve the process performance. This paper reviews the different models to analyse and predict the mass transport through the selective layer in pervaporation. It therefore provides an overview combined with some guidance about the different models proposed in the literature and the applicability range of these models. The different models reviewed cover the two key mass transport steps in pervaporation: (1) sorption into the membrane, and (2) diffusion through the membrane. For the two different steps individual models will be proposed as well as models covering the mass transport across the membrane as a whole. The different models will be grouped with respect to the nature of the models: theoretical, semi-empirical or empirical. Further the applicability range of the different models regarding the different polymer classes such as glassy, semi-crystalline, or rubbery will be shown. Finally, it will be commented on the applicability of the models with regard to two main research fields in pervaporation: development of membranes and design of processes and modules. Inorganic and composite-material membranes involve additional models to analyse and predict the mass transport and have been excluded from this review.