Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Haptic-Enabled Buttons Through Adaptive Trigger Resistance

While commercial controllers for virtual reality (VR) offer a variety of components to register user input, their ability to generate meaningful haptic feedback during the interaction lags behind. This prevents users from experiencing the virtual world through their haptic sense. For example, grabbing a light virtual object feels identical to grabbing a heavy virtual object. In this workshop paper, we enrich an established input component available in any commercial VR controller with appropriate haptic rendering capabilities. As a proof of concept, we present our haptic VR controller Triggermuscle and its adaptive trigger to simulate weight in VR. The trigger dynamically adapts its resistance according to the weight of a grabbed virtual object: The heavier the virtual object, the higher the trigger resistance and the more force users need to apply. Our system is built into the casing of an HTC Vive controller and connects the original trigger component to an extension spring for variable resistance. We envision for the future, that VR input devices can evolve more into input-output technologies and provide meaningful and versatile haptic feedback.
Simultaneous Determination of Flavonoids, Phenolic Acids, and Coumarins in Seven Medicinal Species by HPLC/DIODE-Array Detector

Abstract A simple and accurate reversed phase HPLC procedure is proposed for the determination of 19 phenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins) in seven medicinal species. The sample preparation involved extraction, alkaline and acid hydrolysis, and purification through a Bond-Elut C18 column. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a reversed phase column Spherisorb ODS2 (5μm; 25.0 × 0.46 cm). Gradient elution was carried out using water-formic acid (19:1) (A) and methanol (B). A diode-array detector monitored the effluent and chromatograms were recorded at 280, 320, and 350 nm. The optimised methodology seems to be useful for the phytochemical analysis of plant extracts. A close correlation between the phenolic compound patterns and the botanical origin of plants was found.
Vibrational and Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectra of Sulfamic Acid

Abstract The analysis of the Raman and FTIR spectra of sulfamic acid suggest a structure between that of zwitterion and molecular form. SERS spectra have been analyzed in two types of silver colloids. As S-O ····· Ag linkages are formed in one colloid, S = O fundamentals are enhanced in intensity and shifted in frequency. Appearance of a δ SOH band indicates the retention of SOH bonds in the metal-molecale adsorbed system. Further, splitting of the fundamentals, which arises from the lowering of the symmetry of the molecule on adsorption, is noticed. In the second colloid, the ν S-O band is shifted in frequency and enhanced in intensity. No band corresponding to δ SOH is noticed, indicating the removal of protons and formation of S-O ····· Ag linkages.
Surface science and catalysis of ethylene hydrogenation

Surface science and catalysis have been combined over the last 15 years to study the hydrogenation of the simplest alkene, ethylene, over late-transition-metal catalysts. Ethylene hydrogenation has been used as a model reaction because it yields only one product while permitting molecular information to be gleaned on an important class of chemical reactions. Enormous progress has been achieved in this field in recent years by the application of reaction rate and surface spectroscopic studies. The role of carbon-containing overlayers covering the surface during reaction has been identified, intermediates present during reaction have been observed and detailed molecular mechanisms for this reaction can be proposed.
Screening for Inhibitory Activity of Essential Oils on Selected Bacteria, Fungi and Viruses

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the inhibitory effect of essential oils against a broad spectrum of microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, molds, and two bacteriophage. The inhibitory effects of 45 oils on eight bacteria (four Gram positive and four Gram negative), two fungi, and one yeast were examined using the disk assay method. Phage inhibition was measured by mixing the oils with a phage suspension, incubating the mixture at 4°C for 24 h, then plating on a lawn of indicator bacteria and assaying for plaque production. Of the oils tested, all oils exhibited inhibition over activity relative to controls. However, a number exhibited only weak inhibition against several gram positive bacteria. Gram negative bacteria were generally more resistant than Gram positive bacteria to oil treatment with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most resistant bacteria. Only cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oils showed an inhibitory effect against all the test organisms and phage. Coriander oil (Coriandrum sativum) highly inhibited Gram positive bacteria and fungi. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) oils showed a high degree of inhibition against both phage types, while 8 oils showed no inhibition against either phage. Angelica (Angelica archangelicd) and pine (Pinus sylvestris) oils inhibited the bacteria, but had no effect on any fungi. Oils that exhibited high antimicrobial properties and the broadest range of inhibition included cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), savory (Satureja montana), Roman chamomile (Cbamaemelum nobile), rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora), spearmint (Mentha spicata) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia).
Fractionation of heavy metals and their uptake by vegetables growing in soils irrigated with sewage effluent

Fractionation of heavy metals helps to determine their binding form, toxicity, and availability in terrestrial environments. Wastewater irrigation may lead to the accumulation of these metals in soil and plants. Wastewater irrigated soils and vegetables were collected from 6 sites in the vicinity of Lahore and analyzed for cadmium, nickel, chromium, zinc, manganese, cobalt, and copper. The quality of wastewater used for growing crops was also determined. In soil, sequential extraction was adopted to demarcate 5 metal fractions: exchangeable, acid-soluble, reducible, oxidizable, and residual, which were quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The accumulations of these metals in vegetables (spinach and bitter gourd) were also assessed and it was found that concentrations of all studied toxic metals in edible parts of the vegetables were above the critical level. The total metal contents in soil were in the order of Mn > Co > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Cd. Correlation analysis between metal concentrations in different fractions of soil and vegetables was performed at 95% and 99% confidence levels. Positive and negative correlations were observed; positive values indicated the bioavailability of these metal fractions to vegetables, while negative values showed that metal concentrations in particular fractions were not bioavailable to plants.
A LASER FLASH PHOTOLYSIS STUDY OF PYRENE‐1‐ALDEHYDE. INTERSYSTEM CROSSING EFFICIENCY, PHOTOREACTIVITY AND TRIPLET STATE PROPERTIES IN VARIOUS SOLVENTS

Abstract— Triplet‐and singlet‐related photoprocesses of pyrene‐1‐aldehyde (PA) in various solvents have been investigated in detail using 337.1 and 355 nm laser flash photolysis in conjunction with time‐correlated determination of fluorescence lifetimes (τF) and steady‐state photochemical and absorption‐emission spectral measurements. In benzene, the lowest triplet of PA (43 < ET < 46 kcal/mol) has a lifetime of about 50 µs (τT) and displays the absorption maximum at 443 nm with a maximum extinction coefficient (εmax) of 21000 M‐1cm‐1; the corresponding ketyl radical has a sharp absorption maximum at 428 nm (εmax≥ 25000 M‐1cm‐1). The quantum yields (φT) of lowest triplet occupation are high in nonprotic solvents (0.6–0.8), decrease in protic solvents (alcohols) as the polarity of the latter is increased, and maintain a complementary relationship with the quantum yields (φF) of fluorescence. Quantum yields (φPC) of loss of PA due to photoreactions in some solvents have also been determined under conditions of steady irradiation at 366 nm; φPC is in the range 0.1–0.2 in electron‐rich olefinic solvents such as cyclohexene and tetramethylethylene. These results concerning τF, τT, φF. φT and φPC as well as the effects of 1,2,4‐trimethoxybenzene and 2,5‐dimethyl‐2,4‐hexadiene as quenchers for fluorescence, triplet yield, and photochemistry are discussed in the light of possible state orders for PA in polar and nonpolar environments.
Enhancement of Efficiency for White-Organic Light-Emitting Diode with a Thin Electron-Blocking Layer

In this study, we have enhanced the emission property of white-organic light-emitting diodes using the method of inserting the ultrathin electron-blocking layer (thin-EBL) between red-green-blue emissive layers. The devices into which three emissive layers are inserted were fabricated with indium tin oxide/CuPc/[N,N'-di(naphthalene-l-yl)-N,N'-diphenyl-benzidine] (α-NPD/DPVBi/thin-EBL/Alq 3 /Alq 3 : 2 wt % 4-(dicyano-methylene)-2-methyl-6-(dimethylaminostyryl-4H-pyran (DCM1)/ Alq 3 /LiF:Al. To enhance the white emission property and improve the efficiency of devices, we suggest the α-NPD as the thin-EBL. According to knowledge of the energy band diagram, α-NPD was inserted between the blue-emitting layer and green-emitting layer. The α-NPD layer showed the effective blocking of electron as a function of thickness. From the Experimental, the effective blocking of electrons through controlling the thin-EBL thickness embodied the balanced white emission and improved the efficiency of the device. In our device with 0.3 nm α-NPD, it had a maximum power efficiency of 3.80 1m/W at 250 cd/m 2 , a luminance efficiency of 5.14 cd/A at 4.83 mA/m 2 , a luminance of 1200 cd/m 2 at 100 mA/cm 2 , and the CIE coordinates were (0.353, 0.357), respectively.
Graphene-based and graphene-like materials

The review generalizes information on methods for modification of graphene-based carbon materials through creation of structural defects, introduction of substitutional impurities, adsorption of impurity atoms and mechanical deformations. Graphene ribbons and nano-flakes, graphene allotropes, as well as multi-layer graphenes and graphene-containing hybrid carbon structures are considered. Methods of synthesis and the results of studies on the properties and simulation of graphene derivatives (graphane, graphone and fluorographene) are discussed. The results obtained in studies of related non-carbon graphene-like materials including silicon-, germanium- and tin-based structural analogues of graphene, graphene-like binary phases SiC, GeC, SiGe, SiSn, etc., as well as compounds AIIIBV (white graphene, etc.) and AIIBVI (BeO, ZnO, ZnS) are generalized. Other graphene-like materials including metal dichalcogenides, oxides and carbides are briefly outlined. The bibliography includes 605 references.
Determination of the Content of Promoters in Magnetite and Wustite Phases in the Fused Iron Catalyst

Taking advantage of differences in etching rates of crystallographic phases, forming an oxidized form of the fused iron catalyst, a content of promoters in main phases, magnetite and wustite, was determined. A calcium oxide content in magnetite and wustite was 0.54 wt% and 3.59 wt%, respectively. Aluminum oxide was found in the magnetite phase, and its content was 4.5 wt%. The third promoter, potassium oxide, was almost completely located outside these phases. XRD and ICP-OES instrumental methods were used in the investigations.
Superquenching and Its Applications in J-Aggregated Cyanine Polymers

We report the observation of a “superquenching” for water-soluble poly-l-lysine derivatives containing an appended cationic cyanine dye on each repeat unit. The formally nonconjugated cyanine dye chromophores strongly associate in a “J” aggregate structure characterized by a sharp red-shifted absorption (compared to the monomer) and a similarly sharp red-shifted fluorescence. Superquenching is manifested by very large “Stern−Volmer” constants for fluorescence quenching by oppositely charged electron acceptors or energy transfer dyes; substantial quenching is observed at levels of quencher corresponding to one to four molecules per polymer chain. The quenching observed for these polymers is equivalent or greater to that previously observed for conjugated polyelectrolytes. We have been able to exploit the superquenching of the “J” aggregate polymer fluorescence in a competitive bioassay.
Relationship between pluronic block copolymer structure, critical micellization concentration and partitioning coefficients of low molecular mass solutes

Using pyrene and homologous alkyl derivatives of fluorescein as fluorescent probes, this work examines the partitioning coefficients of hydrophobic solutes in aqueous dispersions of Pluronic block copolymers (poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide)). An incremental approach is developed, allowing measurement of the free energy of transfer of a methylene group from aqueous media into the micelles. Effects of variation of length of the ethylene oxide (EO) and the propylene oxide (PO) blocks in Pluronic molecules on the partitioning characteristics of the solutes are established. A simple reciprocal relationship between partitioning coefficients of the solute and critical micellization concentration is demonstrated.
Calibration of a heating/cooling chamber for X-ray diffraction measurements of mechanical stress and crystallographic texture

Methods have been developed for the calibration of specimen temperature and of specimen displacement caused by the thermal expansion of the specimen holder in a heating/cooling chamber equipped with a strip or plate heater mounted on an X-ray diffractometer. For the temperature calibration two methods were proposed. One method relies on X-ray diffraction measurements of thermal lattice strains, whereas the other method is based on resistance thermometry. The method proposed for the determination of the temperature-dependent specimen displacement is based on the measurement of diffraction-line positions of the specimen employing two diffraction geometries, one being sensitive to the specimen displacement and the other being insensitive to the specimen displacement. The thermal displacement of the specimen due to thermal expansion of the specimen holder is significant and was determined as about 38 μm per 100 K.
MolIso– a program for colour‐mapped iso‐surfaces

The program MolIso allows the visualization of colour-mapped iso-surfaces from XD grid or GAUSSIAN CUBE files. It is written in C++ and uses the OpenGL and GLUT libraries, and is therefore portable. Linux and Windows versions are currently available. Optically correct looking, transparent visualizations are possible. The molecule inside the iso-surface can be depicted as ball-and-stick or atomic displacement parameter ellipsoid–line models. Screenshots can easily be taken in Portable Pix Map format. Short video clips, with various codecs for presentations, are easy to create.
Infectious Focus Assays and Multiplicity of Infection (MOI) Calculations for Alpha- herpesviruses

1. Standard cell line [e.g. MeWo (ATCC ® HTB-65TM); ARPE19 (ATCC ® CRL-2302TM); Vero (ATCC ® CCL-81TM)] 2. Fluorescently labeled virus stock (genetically engineered VZV-66GFP, HSV1-gC-GFP and PRV-IE180-GFP were kindly provided by Prof. Paul R. Kinchington, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA) 3. Growth medium for the cells listed above (e.g. item #6, Fibroblast medium) Note: However, it can be any other medium for other pairs of virus and cells. 4. 4% paraformaldehyde (EMS 15710) in phosphate buffered saline with divalent cations (e.g. Biological Industries, catalog number: 020201A) 5. High glucose DMEM (Biological Industries, catalog number: 010551A) 6. Fetal calf serum (Biological Industries, catalog number: 041271A) 7. Glutamine (Biological Industries, catalog number: 030201) 8. Penicillin-streptomycin (Biological Industries, catalog number: 030311) 9. Agarose low EEO (Hispanagar, catalog number: D1500) 10. Fibroblast medium (see Recipes) 11. Overlaying media for free virus (see Recipes) 12. Crystal violet (Sigma-Aldrich, catalog number: C0775) (see Recipes)
Analysis of Photostabilizer in High Density Polyethylene by Reverse-and Normal-Phase HPLC

Abstract Photostabilizer-type HALS were analyzed by reverse-and normal-phase liquid chromatography (HPLC) using C-18, cyano, silica, and amino columns with different solvent mixtures as the mobile phase. The stabilizers analyzed were Tinuvin 770 and Chimassorb 944. The best separation was attained using a NH2-column and acetonitrile/water as the mobile phase. Also, three types of extraction procedures were performed to isolate these additives from the polymeric matrix. The most efficient extraction method was achieved by refluxing the sample with toluene. Recoveries of 95% were found for additives using this method.
Structural manipulation of the frictional properties of linear polymers in single molecular layers

Manipulation of the frictional properties of self-assembled monolayers containing internal molecular scaffolding through subtle variations in the alkyl structure is demonstrated using atomic force microscopy. Photopolymerizable diacetylene groups are incorporated within the alkyl chains of the monolayer, resulting in noncovalent electronic interactions between diacetylene groups, in the unpolymerized form. Under these conditions, discrete transitions in the friction vs load curves are observed, indicating partial collapse of the monolayer at specific loads. Subsequent photopolymerization by UV irradiation results in covalent cross-linking between molecules and the creation of a linear conjugated polymer backbone. This significantly alters the frictional properties of the monolayers by inhibiting lateral displacement within the monolayer. The presence of domains due to the directionality of the polymer backbone leads to a corresponding directionality in the frictional properties of the assembly that is not.
EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITIES, FLAVONOID, PHENOLIC, CAROTENOID CONTENT FROM VARIOUS EXTRACTS OF FOUR KINDS BRASSICA HERBS

Objective: The objectives of this research were to study antioxidant capacity from various extracts of Brassica herbs using two methods of antioxidant testing which were DPPH (2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) and correlation of total flavonoid, phenolic and carotenoid content in various extracts of Brassica herbs with DPPH and FRAP antioxidant capacities. Methods: Extraction was performed by reflux using different polarity solvents. The extracts were vaporated using rotavapor. Chromatogram pattern on each extracts were observed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Then antioxidant capacities were tested using DPPH and FRAP assays. Determination of total phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid content were performed by spectrophotometry UV-visible and its correlation with DPPH and FRAP antioxidant capacities were analyzed by Pearson method. Results: D2 (ethyl acetate extract of Chinese kale herbs) had the highest DPPH scavenging capacity with IC50 8.36 ppm, while A2 (ethyl acetate extract of Chinese white cabbage herbs) had the highest FRAP capacity with EC50 1126 ppm. D2 contained the highest total flavonoid (23.08 g QE/100 g), C2 (ethyl acetate extract of Chinese cabbage herbs) had the highest phenolic content (7.40 g GAE/100 g) and B1 (n-hexane extract of choy sum had the highest carotenoid 41.04 g BET/100 g. Conclusions: There were positively and high correlation between total phenolic and total flavonoid content in Chinese kale herbs extracts with their antioxidant activity using FRAP and DPPH assays. FRAP capacities in Chinese white cabbage, choy sum and Chinese kale herbs extracts had linier result with DPPH scavenging capacities.
HOUSING OPTIONS OF FEMALE-HEADED HOUSEHOLDS: EVIDENCE FROM THE AMERICAN HOUSING SURVEY

Over the last three decades, the growth in housing costs relative to household incomes across cities in the United States has dramatically affected households' housing options. For this study, we apply a logit model to data from the American Housing Survey to provide evidence on how rising house costs affect female-headed households' decisions to move from the current home to another. Estimates reveal that total housing cost is a significant determinant of a female-headed household’s decision to move. We also found that lower-income female-headed households are more likely to move to a new location than higher-income female-headed households. These results support the idea that affordable housing programs should be maintained and expanded to offer some alleviation to the burden of rising housing costs on lower-income female-headed households and other vulnerable groups.
Functional dependencies of soil CO2 emissions on soil biological properties in northern German agricultural soils derived from a glacial till

Agricultural soil CO2 emissions and their controlling factors have recently received increased attention because of the high potential of carbon sequestration and their importance in soil fertility. Several parameters of soil structure, chemistry, and microbiology were monitored along with soil CO2 emissions in research conducted in soils derived from a glacial till. The investigation was carried out during the 2012 growing season in Northern Germany. Higher potentials of soil CO2 emissions were found in grassland (20.40 µg g−1 dry weight h−1) compared to arable land (5.59 µg g−1 dry weight h−1) within the incubating temperature from 5°C to 40°C and incubating moisture from 30% to 70% water holding capacity (WHC) of soils taken during the growing season. For agricultural soils regardless of pasture and arable management, we suggested nine key factors that influence changes in soil CO2 emissions including soil temperature, metabolic quotient, bulk density, WHC, percentage of silt, bacterial biomass, pH, soil organic carbon, and hot water soluble carbon (glucose equivalent) based on principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Slightly different key factors were proposed concerning individual land use types, however, the most important factors for soil CO2 emissions of agricultural soils in Northern Germany were proved to be metabolic quotient and soil temperature. Our results are valuable in providing key influencing factors for soil CO2 emission changes in grassland and arable land with respect to soil respiration, physical status, nutrition supply, and microbe-related parameters.
A Controllable Self‐Assembly Method for Large‐Scale Synthesis of Graphene Sponges and Free‐Standing Graphene Films

A simple method to prepare large‐scale graphene sponges and free‐standing graphene films using a speed vacuum concentrator is presented. During the centrifugal evaporation process, the graphene oxide (GO) sheets in the aqueous suspension are assembled to generate network‐linked GO sponges or a series of multilayer GO films, depending on the temperature of a centrifugal vacuum chamber. While sponge‐like bulk GO materials (GO sponges) are produced at 40 °C, uniform free‐standing GO films of size up to 9 cm2 are generated at 80 °C. The thickness of GO films can be controlled from 200 nm to 1 µm based on the concentration of the GO colloidal suspension and evaporation temperature. The synthesized GO films exhibit excellent transparency, typical fluorescent emission signal, and high flexibility with a smooth surface and condensed density. Reduced GO sponges and films with less than 5 wt% oxygen are produced through a thermal annealing process at 800 °C with H2/Ar flow. The structural flexibility of the reduced GO sponges, which have a highly porous, interconnected, 3D network, as well as excellent electrochemical properties of the reduced GO film with respect to electrode kinetics for the [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox system, are demonstrated.