Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of Textural and Energetic Parameters of Common and Functionalized SBA-15 Mesoporous Silicas

A set of SBA-15 ordered mesoporous silicas presenting different surface acidities was obtained by organo-functionalization. Amino and sulphonic groups were attached onto the silica surface in order to determine the influence of organo-functionalization with acidic and basic moieties on the adsorption properties of silica. Cephalexin, an antibiotic molecule characterized by its zwitterionic nature, was selected as the adsorbate. The obtained matrices were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and nitrogen adsorption isotherms at 77 K. Enthalpies of immersion into water, benzene and cephalexin solutions were measured by immersion calorimetry, and the cephalexin adsorption capacities of the different matrices were also determined. The structure of SBA-15 was conserved in the functionalized samples despite a noticeable reduction in the BET surface area, pore volume and pore size. It was found that the inclusion of amino groups promoted interaction between the adsorbent and adsorbate, thereby favouring the retention of cephalexin.
Letter. High-pressure magnetic transition in hcp-Fe

Abstract High-pressure experiments and ab initio calculations on the hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure of pure iron were performed to investigate a pressure-induced magnetic transition and the equation of state in the pressure range of 0-107 and 0-400 GPa, respectively. The experimental data at room temperature showed a significant change in the cell parameter ratio at 55 GPa without any major structural changes occurring. Ab initio calculations at 0 K indicate that the change in the cell parameter ratio observed in the high-pressure experiments corresponds to a magnetic transition from an antiferromagnetic state to a nonmagnetic state. If the hcp-Fe is stable under inner core conditions, then the density of nonmagnetic hcp-Fe is ~6% denser than that of the inner core, as determined using the PREM model. This supports the view that the composition of the inner core should be composed of iron and a significant amount of lighter elements.
Assay of soluble reactive phosphorus at nanomolar levels in nonsaline waters

A simple, yet precise and accurate assay for SRP in low ionic strength water is described (mean error <0.03 nM, 99% C.I. < ±3 nM in the 10–100-nM range for a 25–30-fold concentration factor). The method relies on the use of chromatographic cartridges to concentrate the sample and the automated malachite green method to quantify SRP. For waters with a very low salt content, the concentration factor may be further increased by more than one order of magnitude by processing a higher volume of sample. Interferences of As5+ and Si compounds are removed during the concentration step, which is rapid and clean.
Estimation of the hindered settling function R(ϕ) from batch‐settling tests

The hindered settling function R(ϕ) is a material function that quantifies the interphase drag of colloidal suspensions for all solids volume fractions ϕ. A method is presented to estimate R(ϕ) from batch-settling tests for solids volume fractions between the initial solids volume fraction, ϕ0, and the solids volume fraction at which the suspension forms a continuously networked structure, ϕg, known as the gel point. The method is based on an analytic solution of the associated inverse problem. Techniques are presented to address initialization mechanics observed in such tests as well as experimental noise and discrete data. Analysis of synthetic and experimental data suggests that accurate estimates of R(ϕ) are possible in most cases. These results provide scope for characterization of suspension dewaterability from batch-settling tests alone. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Effect of Emulsion Treatment on the Separation of Quick-Cooking Rice Kernel and the Quality of Reconstituted Rice

The effect of emulsion treatment on the separation of quick-cooking rice kernel after drying and the quality of reconstituted quick-cooking rice made of a Japonica variety were investigated. Among the several stages of emulsion treatment tested, immersion of cooked rice before drying was the most effective on the separation index. Immersion condition of 3 min at was found to be the most desirable. Emulsion composed of 5% soybean oil and 0.5% sucrose fatty acid ester (HLB : 9.5) was found to be the most effective to yield the separation index of 86%. By applying the above mentioned emulsion, the separation index was improved by 30 compared with untreated one. The quality of the quick-cooking rice manufactured by the emulsion treatment was found to be as good as untreated one.
Thermodynamic and optical properties of mixed‐salt aerosols of atmospheric importance

Extensive water activity, density, and refractive index data at 25°C are reported for mixed-salt solutions, NaCl-KCl, NaCl-NaNO3, NaCl-Na2SO4, Na2SO4-NaNO3, and (NH4)2SO4-Na2SO4. The data are obtained from hydration experiments using the single-particle levitation technique developed recently for measuring the thermodynamic and optical properties of microdroplets. These data, covering the whole concentration range from dilute solutions to high supersaturations, provide an opportunity to explore the light-scattering properties of both internal and external mixtures of the chloride, sulfate, and nitrate aerosols of atmospheric importance. It is shown that for sulfate and nitrate aerosols as solution droplets, the light-scattering properties do not differ appreciably among all mixture types and compositions, as long as the dry-salt aerosols have the same particle-size distribution. However, for mixed-salt aerosols containing NaCl, the light-scattering properties do depend upon the composition and particle-size distribution, although not so much on the mixture type.
Strategies to reduce morphine tolerance in cancer : evaluation of the bifunctional opioid UFP-505

Morphine is a gold-standard analgesic acting at MOP (μ) opioid receptors, producing analgesia and tolerance when administered chronically to patients (e.g.,cancer patients). If DOP (δ) opioid receptors are blocked at the same time that MOP is activated then analgesia with reduced tolerance results. UFP-505 (H-Dmt-Tic-Gly-NH-Bzl) is a synthetic pseudopeptide that interacts with MOP and DOP receptors (bifunctional). In a series of different models, we have characterized the pharmacological profile of UFP- 505 and we evaluated its antinociceptive properties in vivo. In Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells stably expressing human MOP or DOP receptors, UFP-505 presented a full agonism and ultra-low partial agonism respectively. UFP-505 caused a concentration-dependent internalization of MOP receptors, in contrast to morphine. Additionally, UFP-505 caused DOP receptor internalization similar to the full DOP agonist DPDPE. In a series of tail-flick assays using Wistar rats, acute intrathecal (i.t.) 10nmol UFP-505 produced strong antinociception, similar to 10nmol i.t. morphine. After 3 days of repeated administration, UFP-505 did not produce antinociceptive tolerance, in contrast to morphine. In neuronal tissue of treated animals, UFP-505 caused varying changes to opioid receptor mRNA levels, similar to morphine. In the same model, UFP-505 induced MOP and DOP receptor internalization, whereas morphine failed to internalize the MOP receptors. UFP-505 also induced the internalization of MOP and DOP receptors in a novel CHO cell line stably expressing both receptors (produced as part of this project), in contrast to morphine. Collectively this thesis has made a significant contribution to the field in that: 1) an extensive pharmacological in vitro and in vivo characterization is made; 2) a MOPagonist/DOP-partial agonist is shown to produce strong antinociception with no tolerance. Further work on bifunctional opioids may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of analgesic tolerance and ligands like UFP-505 are good examples of prototypes for further development.
Local Structure and Dynamics of Lithium Garnet Ionic Conductors: A Model Material Li5La3Ta2O12

In this article, we combined two complementary structure/dynamics probes, i.e., total-scattering/reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) modeling and classical molecular dynamics (MD), in order to understand local lithium structure and dynamics in a model disordered garnet oxide Li5La3Ta2O12. By examining the configurations from RMC and trajectories from MD, we individually and statistically analyzed the lithium distribution and dynamics within tetrahedral (Td) cages, octahedral (Oh) cages, and triangular bottlenecks. We found that lithium atoms within either Td or Oh cages prefer to stay at the off-center positions and close to one of the triangular bottlenecks. This is likely caused by the uneven Li–Li interaction in the form of lithium clusters, and such geometrical frustration leads to the local structure instability and fast ionic conduction. Both RMC and MD studies support that the lithium conduction path goes through the triangular bottleneck in a 3D continuous network of Td/Oh cages, without a direct Oh to Oh j.
Perception of Housing Adequacy: A case study of the La Rochelle temporary relocation area in Stellenbosch, South Africa

6 Authorship . 7 Executive Summary . 8 Introduction . 12 Background . 14 A global perspective on the complex dimensions of housing delivery . 14 South Africa’s strategies for addressing housing needs . 15 Challenges of the lengthy and complex housing provision process in South Africa . 17 Challenges of addressing housing obligations in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . 18 Methodology . 10 Life Histories . 25 Sabina . 25 Katriena . 28 Ricardo . 30 Jerome . 32 Findings . 34 The physical parameters that help to outline housing adequacy . 34 A community is a collection of people that see value in each other, not a physical collection of homes within a small vicinity . 36 A fostered sense of dependency on the municipality has resulted in the shared perspective that in order for housing to be adequate, it must be given . 37 The challenges faced by the municipality creates undesirable outcomes for residents . 38 Non-Government Organizations push beyond municipal limitations to empower communities . 40 Conclusion . 42 Reflections . 44 References . 50
The zeta potential of kaolin suspensions measured by electrophoresis and electroacoustics

The zeta potentials of kaolin dilute and concentrated suspensions were monitored using the techniques of electrophoresis and electroacoustics, respectively. The effect of addition of salt (KCl), a polymer material (Triton X-100), and an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate, SDS) on the suspension properties was investigated by electrophoresis. Electroacoustics was employed for the measurement of zeta potentials for the highest possible kaolin content in suspension and the effect of dilution. The effect of aging of a freshly prepared sample and kaolin isoelectric point was also studied. Using both techniques it was noted that there was no isoelectric point, just a maximum value in the magnitude of the kaolin suspension zeta potential. These maxima were observed also in the presence of Triton X-100 and SDS. An increase of the concentration of KCl and SDS in suspension shifted the maxima towards more acidic values, while in the presence of Triton X-100 the position of the zeta potential maxima remained constant. Electroacoustic techniques revealed that a freshly prepared concentrated suspension requires about six hours to equilibrate to achieve a steady zeta potential. Diluting the concentrated suspensions led to decrease of the zeta potential as ions bound to the surface desorbed and screened the surface charge. The zeta potential maxima remained unchanged even after heating the powder in an oven at 200°C (to remove any organic material) thereby suggesting that the most likely explanation for the maxima is isomorphic substitution.
Photochemical Construction of Photovoltaic Device Composed of p-Copper(I) Oxide and n-Zinc Oxide

The photochemical deposition of a p-type semiconducting copper(I) oxide (Cu 2 O) layer by irradiating visible light in an aqueous solution containing a lactic acid and copper sulfate hydrate is presented. The p-Cu 2 O layer was photochemically stacked on a chemically deposited n-type semiconducting ZnO layer/quartz glass substrate, and the photovoltaic device was constructed by forming a Au top electrode using a sputtering technique. The Au/p-Cu 2 O/n-ZnO photovoltaic device showed an electrical rectification and the performance of 46 mV in open-circuit voltage (V oc ) and 75 μA cm -2 in short-circuit current density (J sc ) under an Air Mass 1.5 illumination.
Modelling of a recycling sludge bed reactor using AQUASIM: reprint

The recycling sludge bed reactor (RSBR) allows for increased solids retention time, resulting in greater substrate conversion for all particulate degradation and biological reactions. The purpose of the RSBR is to hydrolyse primary settled sewage (PSS). Soluble products are then used for the biological treatment of acid mine drainage. A mathematical model has been developed that describes the anaerobic digestion of PSS and biological sulphate reduction in the RSBR. The hydrodynamic processes taking place in the RSBR have been simulated using a system of mixed reactors connected by water flow and mass flux streams. Trends obtained from varying the hydraulic retention time, the sludge recycle ratio, and the feed COD: SO42- ratio allow for identification of the critical biological processes taking place in the RSBR, as well as the influence of the operating parameters. Areas where there is a lack of understanding in the mechanism and kinetics have been identified, and these include the influence of sulphate reduction on the hydrolysis of particulate organic matter, as well as the mathematical influence of sulphide inhibition on the various biological groups. A sensitivity analysis shows that hydrolysis is the rate-limiting process, while sulphide inhibition is of importance when sulphate conversion increases. WaterSA Vol.28(1) 2002: 111-120
Physicochemical and Sensory Properties, and Bioactive Compounds of Blended Grape Juice from Different Grape Varieties

Campbell juice (25%, 50%, 70% and 90%) was blended with different concentrations (10%, 25%, 30% and 50%) of juice from a range of grape varieties including Kyoho, Steuben and MBA. The concentrations of Campbell and the grape variety juices influenced the physicochemical characteristics of the blended grape juice. As the concentration of Campbell juice increased, there was an increase in the mean content of bioactive compounds including total phenolics, anthocyanin and flavonoids, and the radical scavenging activity increased. The treatment containing 25% juice from the various grape varieties had the lowest level of bioactive compounds. A sensory evaluation showed there was no significant difference among the blended juice samples in terms of aroma. The sample comprising 50% Campbell + 50% Kyoho was the most acceptable in terms of taste and overall acceptability, while the sample comprising 90% Campbell + 10% MBA was the most acceptable in terms of color and aroma.
Composition dependence of the ultraviolet absorption edge in lithium tantalate

Comprehensive preparations of lithium tantalate crystals with compositions ranging from the congruent to stoichiometric ones have been carried out. Vapor transport equilibration treatments were used to determine the composition of the samples with an absolute accuracy of 0.05 mol %. This absolute determination of the composition can serve as the basis for convenient relative methods where an easily measurable physical property allows a simple determination of the composition. As an example, we present a study of the fundamental absorption edge in the near-ultraviolet region.
Estimation of isosteric heats of adsorption of single gas and multicomponent gas mixtures

Isosteric heats of adsorption of a single gas and the components of a multicomponent gas mixture as functions of adsorbate loadings are critical thermodynamic variables for design of practical adsorptive separation processes. The rigorous estimation of these variables is, however, not easy. A shortcut approximate method has been proposed by Bulow and Lorenz to circumvent this problem. A thermodynamic analysis of this method, however, shows that substantial errors can be introduced when the adsorbate loadings are high, the adsorbates are not very strongly adsorbed, and the adsorbent is energetically heterogeneous. A differential shortcut method is proposed which can be used to calculate the isosteric heats of adsorption as functions of adsorbate loadings provided that the total adsorbate loading (all components) isotherms for the pure gas and the binary gas mixture are known as functions of varying pressure at different constant values of the gas-phase mole fraction
Eliminating the unsafe working condition in the construction of a gas station through a risk management methodology

Occupational accidents on worksites during the construction of gas stations mainly concern wholesale oil companies which commission to subcontractors their construction while keeping project management to themselves. Subcontractors, taking advantage of this failure due to project managers’ lack of knowledge on matters of safe working practices and lack of adoption of the term "safety" in their culture, do not implement any risk assessment methodology but rely on their experience. Through the present paper, propose a methodology to the project manager and subcontractors which will pivot around risk management, combining it with a successful management model and an effective project team. Table of contents Chapter 1 .
Aminolysis of activated esters of indole-3-acetic acid in acetonitrile

Seven activated esters of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) [4-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazin-3-yl indole-3-acetate (IAA-3HBO), succinimido indole-3-acetate (IAA-NHS), 5-norbornene-1,3-dicarboximido indole-3-acetate (IAA-NHND), phthalimido indole-3-acetate (IAA-NHP), naphthalimido indole-3-acetate (IAA-NHN), 4-nitrophenyl indole-3-acetate (IAA-4NP), 8-quinolyl indole-3-acetate (IAA-8HQ)] were prepared and characterized. Their kinetics of aminolysis with butylamine, piperidine, and pyrrolidine in acetonitrile were investigated
Reduction of multiplet complexity in COSY-type NMR spectra: The bilinear and planar COSY experiments

Procedures allowing for great simplification of the cross-peak multiplet structure in COSY-type two-dimensional NMR spectra are described on the basis of symmetry considerations. Bilinear mixing is discussed in detail and its features are elucidated experimentally. Maximum simplicity is obtained with planar mixing—a new method that is compared with isotropic mixing in total correlation spectroscopy.
Experiences of autonomy support in learning and teaching among black and minority ethnic students at university

In higher education in the UK, there is an unnecessary and inequitable attainment gap of approximately 15 per cent between the number of black and minority ethnic (BME) students and white students who receive a first class or upper second class degree. The aim of this study was to explore whether BME students experienced structural inequalities in teaching and learning that thwarted the extent to which they experienced satisfaction of their need for autonomy, which may contribute to the existence of an attainment gap. Three focus groups were conducted to explore these issues with 17 BME students studying at one UK university. They were all female, aged between 18–50 years, and most described their ethnicity as Black African. Thematic analysis combining an inductive and deductive approach generated two themes: Lack of satisfaction of the need for autonomy, and satisfaction of the need for autonomy. All students predominantly discussed situations in which they felt unable to behave in ways that were concordant with their true sense of self, due to factors including course material that did not address diverse cultural issues and negative stereotypes held by students and staff. They described how this often led to a sense of isolation, diminished motivation, and lower wellbeing. In contrast, some students described specific lectures in which diversity was discussed in a way that satisfied their need for autonomy. Implications for teaching are discussed.
Physical analysis of the chromosome 9q34 region containing the gene for tuberous sclerosis (TSC1)

Tuberous Sclerosis (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder with a prevalence of 1 in 10,000 births. The disorder is genetically heterogeneous and is characterised by a combination of neurological and cutaneous abnormalities. One of the genes responsible for the disease, designated TSC1 (for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1) has been mapped to chromosome 9q34 by linkage analysis. This thesis describes the attempts made to identify the TSC1 gene using the positional cloning approach. A panel of radiation reduced hybrid lines was constructed from a somatic cell hybrid line retaining a chromosome 9q as its only human material. Several hybrids retained fragments from the TSC1 region and a subset of these were used to construct a deletion map across the region using previously localised genetic markers. This deletion panel was used to map the Retinoid X Receptor (RXR) alpha locus to chromosome 9q34 and the chromosome position of other members of the RXR family of nuclear receptors were considered as potential candidate genes for the other TSC loci. Genomic libraries were constructed from two irradiation hybrid lines to generate cloned material from the TSC1 region. Genomic clones were also isolated for a number of mapped genetic loci while further cloned material was identified through the use of Alu-PCR probes derived from 9q34 containing hybrids.
Een eerste inschatting van het Urban Heat Island effect voor Rotterdam en omgeving – een modelstudie

Tot nu toe is weinig bekend over het warmte-eiland effect in Nederland. Het doel van deze studie is om door middel van een modelstudie een eerste inschatting te maken van het warmte-eiland effect van de stad Rotterdam en naastgelegen omgeving, voor twee episodes in een hittegolf (in 2003, en 2006). Hiervoor wordt gebruik gemaakt van het mesoschaal meteorologisch model WRF, dat is uitgerust met een aparte module voor het stedelijk klimaat
Word sense disambiguation based on stretchable matching of the semantic template

It is evident that the traditional hard matching of a fixed-length template cannot satisfy the nearly indefinite variations in natural language. This issue mainly results from three major problems of the traditional matching mode: 1) in matching with a short template, the context of natural language cannot be effectively captured; 2) in matching with a long template, serious data sparsity will lead to a low success rate of template matching (i.e., low recall); and 3) due to a lack of flexible matching ability, traditional hard matching is more prone to failure. Therefore, this paper proposed a novel method of stretchable matching of the semantic template (SMOST) to deal with the above problems. We have applied this method to word sense disambiguation in the natural language processing field. In the same case of using only the SemCor corpus, the result of our system is very close to the best result of existing systems, which shows the effectiveness of new proposed method.