Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complete Oxidation of Glycerol in an Enzymatic Biofuel Cell

Glycerol has drawn increasing attention as a prospective fuel because it has many desirable qualities and is abundant due to the fact that it is a by‐product of biodiesel production. Qualities such as nontoxicity, extremely low vapour pressure, low flammability and high energy density make glycerol very appealing as an energy source. Previous research has shown that partial oxidation of glycerol can occur at enzymatic bioanodes of biofuel cells utilising PQQ‐dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (PQQ‐ADH) and PQQ‐dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase (PQQ‐AldDH). In this paper, we describe the use of glycerol for a fuel in an enzymatic biofuel cell that utilizes a three‐enzyme cascade on the anode that can accomplish the complete oxidation of glycerol. The bioanode that was developed contained PQQ‐ADH, PQQ‐AldDH and oxalate oxidase immobilised within a tetrabutylammonium‐modified Nafion membrane. Our previous research has shown that glycerol is an effective fuel with the PQQ‐ADH and PQQ‐AldDH but still was unable to be fully oxidised. With the addition of oxalate oxidase, these glycerol/air biofuel cells have yielded power densities of up to 1.32 mW cm–2, and have the ability to operate at high fuel concentrations. The oxidation products were confirmed with 13C NMR and comprised mainly 13C‐labelled carbonate and glycerate.
Ternäre Phosphide mit ThCr2Si2 -Struktur / Ternary Phosphides with the ThCr2Si2 Structure

Ten new compounds with the general formula AB2P2 (A = Ca, Sr, Eu, Ba; B = Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn) have been prepared and their structures determined. They are isotypic and crystallize in the ThCr2Si2 structure (space group I4/mmm) with the following constants: CaCu1.75P2 a = 401.4 1 pm, c = 962.7(1) pm CaNi2P2 a = 391.6 1 pm, c = 936.3(1) pm CaCo2P2 a = 385.8 1 pm, c = 959.3(1) pm CaFe2P2 a = 385.5 1 pm, c = 998.5(1) pm SrCu1.75P2 a = 416.6 1 pm, c = 960.7(1) pm EUCU1.75P2 a = 411.0 1 pm, c = 959.1(1) pm SrCo2P2 a = 379.4 1 pm, c = 1161.0(1) pm SrFe2P2 a = 382.5 1 pm, c = 1161.2(1) pm BaFe2P2 a = 384.0 1 pm, c = 1244.2(1) pm BaMn2P2 a = 403.7 1 pm, c = 1306.1(1) pm While in Ca(Sr,Eu)Cu1.75P2 the P atoms form pairs, they are isolated from each other in the other compounds.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose/Quaternary Phosphonium Salt

This paper investigates imparting antibacterial properties to wood pulp cellulose via introducing quaternary phosphonium salt groups in/onto the cellulose structure to get biocidal material. The 4-carboxybutyltriphenylphosphonium bromide was grafted to cellulose in an esterification at 70°C with mechanical stirring 5h.The grafted cellulose were evaluated with FTIR and 1H NMR. The product shows good antibacterial property against E. coli.
Model to describe mass-transfer enhancement by catalyst particles adhering to a gas-liquid interface

A model is presented to describe mass-transfer enhancement in slurry reactors by catalyst particles adhering to the gas−liquid interface. This model is a combination of the particle−interface adhesion−dehesion (PIAD) model and the gas-to-liquid-to-solid (GLS)−gas-to-solid (GS) model. The PIAD model is a dynamic description of the equilibrium between the catalyst particle adhesion and dehesion rates at the gas−liquid interface. These rates determine the average residence time of the particles at the gas−liquid interface. The GLS−GS model is a combination of the classical, resistances-in-series, GLS mass-transfer model and a direct GS mass-transfer model. The average particle residence time at the gas−liquid interface, the solid−liquid partition coefficient, and the reaction rate determine the mass-transfer rate by shuttling of the particles between the gas−liquid interface and the bulk liquid. The model parameters are determined from mass-transfer and reactivity experiments, performed with two different sl.
Active layer depth and soil properties impact specific leaf area variation and ecosystem productivity in a boreal forest

Specific leaf area (SLA, leaf area per unit dry mass) is a key canopy structural characteristic, a measure of photosynthetic capacity, and an important input into many terrestrial process models. Although many studies have examined SLA variation, relatively few data exist from high latitude, climate-sensitive permafrost regions. We measured SLA and soil and topographic properties across a boreal forest permafrost transition, in which dominant tree species changed as permafrost deepened from 54 to >150 cm over 75 m hillslope transects in Caribou-Poker Creeks Research Watershed, Alaska. We characterized both linear and threshold relationships between topographic and edaphic variables and SLA and developed a conceptual model of these relationships. We found that the depth of the soil active layer above permafrost was significantly and positively correlated with SLA for both coniferous and deciduous boreal tree species. Intraspecific SLA variation was associated with a fivefold increase in net primary production, suggesting that changes in active layer depth due to permafrost thaw could strongly influence ecosystem productivity. While this is an exploratory study to begin understanding SLA variation in a non-contiguous permafrost system, our results indicate the need for more extensive evaluation across larger spatial domains. These empirical relationships and associated uncertainty can be incorporated into ecosystem models that use dynamic traits, improving our ability to predict ecosystem-level carbon cycling responses to ongoing climate change.
Synthesis of polypropene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐co‐propene) by short‐period polymerization with MgCl2‐supported Ziegler catalyst

The short-period polymerization method was successfully applied to the synthesis of a novel diblock copolymer, polypropene-block-poly(ethylene-co-propene). The polymerization was carried out for ca. 0,1 s with a MgCl2-supported Ziegler catalyst. The copolymers obtained showed unimodal curves in gel-permeation chromatography without any peak in the low-molecular-weight region. After extraction with heptane, the fraction of poly(ethylene-co-propene) remained unchanged in the copolymer but disappeared in a commercial so-called block-type copolymer. All the results the formation of polypropene-block-poly(ethylene-co-propene), in which poly(ethylene-co-propene) is chemically linked with polypropene.
Can Agricultural Aid and Remittances Alleviate Macroeconomic Volatility in Response to Climate Change Shocks

This study investigates the effect of remittance and agricultural aid inflows on GDP growth rate volatility in response to climate change shocks in twenty-eight African countries by using system generalized method of moments from 1996 to 2013 with three years grouped data. The climate change shocks are indicated by four variables; natural disasters, rainfall variability, fluctuation in temperature and the weighted anomaly standardized precipitation (WASP) index. Consequently, natural disasters and temperature variability have a significant effect on GDP volatility, while rainfall variability and WASP index have no adverse consequence on stabilization of the economy. On the other hand, in general, remittances and agricultural aid are helpful to stabilize the economy and especially remittances inflows can play a crucial role as insurance when natural disasters occur.
Relative effect of electronegativity on formation of high entropy alloys

Abstract From the view point of chemical compatibility of elements, the electronegativity difference Δe was investigated as a characterisation parameter to evaluate the formation possibility of solid solution phases. The relationship between the formation of high entropy alloys (HEAs) and Δe indicates that a lower value of Δe is favourable to form solid solution phases. Based on the rule of topological stability and chemical compatibility, a δ − Δe plot was built, and four multicomponent alloys were designed. X-ray diffraction results show that three of the four designed alloys were fabricated as HEAs by arc melting and suction casting. The new HEA FeCoCuNiAgGe with the lowest value of Δe has typical dendrite and interdendrite microstructures, and the phase separation phenomenon is a common characteristic of the designed alloys containing Ag. Therefore, the application of Δe can explore the composition range for the development of new HEAs.
Psychosocial Barriers of Public Transport Use and Social Exclusion among Older Adults: Empirical Evidence from Lahore, Pakistan

Transport planning and public health have been intertwined historically. The health impact of public transport services, such as social exclusion, is a widely discussed research topic. Social exclusion is a paramount concern for older adults’ health in the wake of emerging global challenges. However, there remains a significant research gap on how psychosocial barriers faced by older adults in using public transport services influence the social exclusion behavior. The present research provides empirical evidence and shows the impact of certain psychosocial barriers of public transportation on older adults’ social exclusion. A total of 243 Pakistani older adults (aged 60–89 years old) voluntarily participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants provided self-reports on their psychosocial barriers (including perceived norms, attitude, personal ability, habits, neighborhood social constraints, and intention) and the corresponding social exclusion. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized for the data analysis. The structural path model supported the significant associations between psychosocial barriers and social exclusion. Except for perceived descriptive norms, all other psychosocial barriers predicted older adults’ social exclusion. The research portrays the significance of the psychosocial factors to examine social exclusion and offers practical implications for urban and transport planners. The concerned policymakers can use the research findings to develop age-sensitive, socially sustainable, and healthy cities.
Ti-Doped VO2 Films Grown on Glass Substrates by Excimer-Laser-Assisted Metal Organic Deposition Process

V1-xTixO2 films were prepared on glass substrates by excimer-laser-assisted metal organic deposition (ELAMOD) and thermal MOD processes. The VO2 phase was successfully formed in the range of x = 0–0.35 at 300 °C in air using the ELAMOD process. This is a big advantage in terms of fabrication process for glass or organic substrates. It was also confirmed that dense films were obtained by preparing TiO2 buffer layers on glass substrates. Furthermore, the detailed effect of Ti content in VO2 films on metal–insulator (MI) transition properties was examined. As Ti content increased, the broadening of MI transition and the decreasing of the hysteresis width occurred. At x = 0.14, the hysteresis disappeared. The temperature coefficient of electrical resistance (TCR) value of the film (x = 0.14) remained at approximately -3%/K from 300 to 340 K and was more than -4%/K from 340 to 350 K.
A versatile fabrication of upconversion nanophosphors with functional-surface tunable ligands

Rare earth upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) have been recognized as a promising new class of biological luminescent labels for fluorescence imaging. However, little work has been reported on the successful application of UCNPs in fluorescence imaging so far. The major problem with UCNPs arises from the difficulties in obtaining water-soluble UCNPs bearing appropriate surface functional groups. To solve this problem, herein we report a general procedure for the one-pot preparation of surface-functionalized UCNPs by a modified polyol route assisted by difunctional ligands containing a carboxyl group, such as 11-aminoundecanoic acid (ADA), poly(ethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl)ether (PEGBA) and folic acid (FA). The success of this one-pot method was confirmed by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Due to the amino and carboxyl groups pointing outward, both amino-functionlized UCNPs (UCNPs-ADA) and carboxyl-functionlized UCNPs (UCNPs-PEGBA) are particularly suitable for coupling reactions with biological molecules and are potential candidates for bioimaging labels. By means of laser scanning upconversion luminescence microscopy, FA-functionlized UCNPs (UCNPs-FA) have been demonstrated to be effective in targeting folate-receptors overexpressing cancer cell lines. It is possible to design other surface-functionalized UCNPs by changing other bifunctional ligands with a carboxyl group. This strategy is general and facile for frabricating surface-functionalized UCNPs to potentially be used as bioimaging agents.
Magic-Sized Cd3P2 II-V Nanoparticles Exhibiting Bandgap Photoemission

The very first single-sized Cd3P2 II−V nanoparticles were synthesized via a non-injection-based approach which was designed to be thermodynamically driven. The Cd3P2 nanoparticles were synthesized in a pure form and exhibited bright bandgap photoemission peaking at 455 nm with a full width at half-maximum (fwhm) of only 17 nm and narrow bandgap absorption peaking at 451 nm. Compared to those reported before with a fwhm of 50−150 nm, the newly developed Cd3P2 nanoparticles represent significant progress in synthesis with better design and control. Cadmium acetate dihydrate (Cd(OAc)2·2H2O) and tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine ((TMS)3P) were used as Cd and P source compounds, respectively; the synthesis was carried out in 1-octadecene (ODE), a noncoordinating solvent. The novel Cd3P2 nanoparticles were further characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and 113Cd and 31P solid-state NMR. These single-sized Cd3P2 nanopartic.
Structure Formation of a Single Polymer Chain in Solution: A Molecular Dynamics Study

Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to study the structure formation of a single polymer chain in solution. A random conformation of a polymer chain in solution at high temperature (550K) is quenched to several lower temperatures (300, 350, and 400K). Our simulations show the following characteristics: 1) At lower quenching temperature (300K), local orientationally ordered domains are formed first, and they grow to be a folded orientationally ordered structure. 2) At a higher quenching temperature (400K), a toroidal structure can be formed. 3) At an intermediate quenching temperature (350K), a toroidal structure can be formed before a folded orientationally ordered structure is formed. The last characteristic indicates that an intermediate toroidal structure at 350K is in a metastable state. We also find that it depends on the initial conformation of a polymer chain, whether a toroidal structure is formed or not.
EVALUATION OF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY USING EFFECTIVE POROSITY DATA

The use of spatial distribution of effective porosity (Φϵ) to estimate the distribution of saturated hydraulic conductivity (K2) is evaluated on five new soils and on a combination of soils. The K2 is related to Φϵ by a generalized Kozeny-Carman equation. This equation is then combined with scaling theory to derive the frequency distribution of K2 scaling factors from Φ distribution. The results of fractile diagrams and variances show that the use of the generalized Kozeny-Carman equation, with exponent taken equal to 4 or 5, gives, overall, good estimates of the distribution of K2 scaling factors from Φϵ measurements. The exponent value of 4 is more generally applicable. It is interesting to find that the above method applies as well across soil types, i.e., when the data of different soils are combined. The empirical equation for combined soils may also be used directly to estimate mean K2 over an area, as a first-order approximation.
Light-Induced Yellowing of Mechanical and Ultra-High Yield Pulps. I. Effect of Methylation, NaBH4, Reduction and Ascorbic Acid on Chromophore Formation

Abstract Absorption difference spectra of bleached TMP irradiated with near-uv light exhibited two apparent absorption maxima at π 410 nm and 330 nm. Experiments with borohydride-reduced pulp suggest that photochemical formation of aromatic carbonyls contributes to the λ = 330 nm peak. Chromophore formation followed an apparently first-order rate law, and the rate was unaffected by methylation of phenolic hydroxyl groups, or by exhaustive reduction of carbonyl groups with NaBH4. Methylation of phenolic hydroxyl, while having no effect on the kinetics of chromophore formation, did decrease the maximum change in absorption coefficient, ΔK∞. Treatment of bleached TMP with ascorbic acid slowed light-induced yellowing substantially; significant yellowing occurred only after 2 hours. Light-induced bleaching of a chromophore with λmax π 350 nm, possibly a stilbene, occurred during the first 90 minutes of irradiation.
Kinetics of Stop-Flow Atomic Layer Deposition for High Aspect Ratio Template Filling through Photonic Band Gap Measurements

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is shown as a unique method to produce high aspect ratio (AR) nanostructures through conformal filling and replication of high AR templates. The stop-flow process is often used as an alternative to the conventional continuous flow process to obtain high step coverage. However, there is a need for understanding the deposition kinetics and optimizing the deposition process to fabricate defect-free nanostructures. In this Article, TiO2 ALD in high AR self-assembled opal photonic crystal templates was performed in stop-flow fill−hold−purge process in comparison with continuous flow pulse−purge process. Photonic band gap properties of opal templates were characterized and compared with simulated band diagrams for quantitative investigation of filling kinetics and the effect of shrinking pore size on filling uniformity. Γ−L bands in the transmittance spectra of ALD-infiltrated opals accurately represented the depth profile of the depositions without the need for expensive sample pr.
LPMO AfAA9_B and Cellobiohydrolase AfCel6A from A. fumigatus Boost Enzymatic Saccharification Activity of Cellulase Cocktail

Cellulose is the most abundant polysaccharide in lignocellulosic biomass, where it is interlinked with lignin and hemicellulose. Bioethanol can be produced from biomass. Since breaking down biomass is difficult, cellulose-active enzymes secreted by filamentous fungi play an important role in degrading recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomass. We characterized a cellobiohydrolase (AfCel6A) and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase LPMO (AfAA9_B) from Aspergillus fumigatus after they were expressed in Pichia pastoris and purified. The biochemical parameters suggested that the enzymes were stable; the optimal temperature was ~60 °C. Further characterization revealed high turnover numbers (kcat of 147.9 s−1 and 0.64 s−1, respectively). Surprisingly, when combined, AfCel6A and AfAA9_B did not act synergistically. AfCel6A and AfAA9_B association inhibited AfCel6A activity, an outcome that needs to be further investigated. However, AfCel6A or AfAA9_B addition boosted the enzymatic saccharification activity of a cellulase cocktail and the activity of cellulase Af-EGL7. Enzymatic cocktail supplementation with AfCel6A or AfAA9_B boosted the yield of fermentable sugars from complex substrates, especially sugarcane exploded bagasse, by up to 95%. The synergism between the cellulase cocktail and AfAA9_B was enzyme- and substrate-specific, which suggests a specific enzymatic cocktail for each biomass by up to 95%. The synergism between the cellulase cocktail and AfAA9_B was enzyme- and substrate-specific, which suggests a specific enzymatic cocktail for each biomass.
Ciprofloxacin Loaded Alginate/Chitosan and Solid Lipid Nanoparticles, Preparation, and Characterization

The aim of the present study was to develop controlled drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology. Two different nanocarriers were selected, chitosan-alginate nanoparticles as hydrophilic and solid lipid nanoparticles as lipophilic carriers. Nanoparticles were prepared and characterized by evaluating particle size, zeta potential, SEM pictures, DSC thermograms, percentage of drug loading efficiency, and drug release profile. The particle size of SLNs and Chi/Alg nanoparticles was 291 ± 5 and 520 ± 16. Drug loading efficiency of Chi/Alg and SLN particles were 68.98 ± 5.5% and 88 ± 4.5%. The drug release was sustained with chitosan-alginate system for about 45 hours whereas for SLNs >98% of the drug was released in 2 hours. Release profile did not change significantly after freeze drying of particles using cryoprotector. Results suggest that under in vitro condition chitosan/alginate systems can act as promising carriers for ciprofloxacin and may be used as an alternative system in sustained delivery of ciprofloxacin.
CARS spectroscopy of O2(1Δg) from the Hartley band photodissociation of O3: Dynamics of the dissociation

Rotationally and vibrationally resolved CARS spectra of the O2(1Δg) photofragment produced by the photodissociation of O3 at 17 wavelengths between 230 and 311 nm are reported. The spectra are taken under collision‐free conditions, therefore, they reveal the nascent rotational and vibrational state distributions of the O2(1Δg) photofragment. At all photolysis wavelengths studied the vibrational distribution peaks very sharply at v=0, although all energetically allowed vibrational states are observed. The rotational state distributions are narrow, and peak typically at high J. The rotational distribution shifts to lower J as the photolysis wavelength increases. These observations imply vibrationally adiabatic, rotationally impulsive energy release in the dissociation. The shape and width of the rotational distributions can be completely accounted for by the spread in the O3 thermal rotation and zero‐point vibration contributions to the O2(1Δg) photofragment angular momentum. The most striking observation a.
Arsenic waste from water treatment systems: characteristics, treatments and its disposal

As with other water treatment systems, arsenic treatment creates not only quality water but arsenic waste as well. Management of arsenic waste is now becoming a major public concern due to its harmful effects on the surrounding environment, including serious health problems such as skin cancers and various internal carcinomas. The main aim of this paper is to review: (i) the characteristics of arsenic waste produced by arsenic treatment systems; and (ii) the treatment and disposal methods of this waste. Arsenic waste type or its characteristics play an important role in choosing the best method of treatment and disposal. Currently, encapsulation of arsenic waste through solidification/stabilization (S/S) techniques is considered to be the most attractive solution and this method is the focus of this review. A number of studies have used cement by itself and in combination with additives such as lime, iron, silicates, or fly ash in the S/S process. Although there is a lack of systematic investigations and differing procedures for testing the effectiveness of the treatment methods, it was agreed that incorporating additives could increase the effectiveness of the S/S process depending on the type and dose of additives.