Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dissipation of pyrethroid residues in peppers, zucchinis, and green beans exposed to field treatments in greenhouses: evaluation by decline curves

Dissipation of seven pyrethroid insecticides under field conditions was evaluated on green beans, zucchinis, and peppers grown in experimental greenhouses (Almeria, Spain). Pyrethroid residues were determined by high performance liquid chromatography using continuous on-line post-elution photoirradiation with fluorescence detection after dichloromethane extraction and cleanup on florisil phase cartridges. Mathematically defined decline curves were established by determining optimal relationships between pyrethroid residues and time. Different models were used to find these curves. The 1st-order model achieved the best adjustment to the experimental data in 42.9% of cases. The RF (root function) 1st-order model was the best in 33.3% of times. Each of the 1.5th- and 2nd-order models provided the best adjustment in a 9.5% of the cases. Finally, the RF 1.5th-order model was the most appropriate in only 4.8% of cases. Half-life times for these three vegetables were estimated from the optimal models. The preharvest intervals for the residues in these three vegetables was obtained, taking into account the maximum residue levels established by the existing legislation. They were all lower than the ones specified by the makers of commercial formulates, which ensures a safe enough consumption.
Bonding Polyether onto ZnO Nanoparticles: An Effective Method for Preparing Polymer Nanocomposites with Tunable Luminescence and Stable Conductivity

A series of new polymer nanocomposites, ZnO(PEGME), in which ZnO nanoparticles and poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether) (PEGME) molecules are connected by covalent bonds, have been synthesized by a sol–gel route and purified by a non‐solvent method. Various characterization techniques have been employed to determine the compositions and structures of the ZnO(PEGME)s, and their luminescent properties and ionic conductivities (after dissolving lithium salts to form solid polymer electrolytes) have been measured and compared with their counterparts—polymer nanocomposites prepared by mixing PEGME and ZnO nanoparticles physically. These comparisons prove that ZnO(PEGME) hybrids derived from chemical reactions have much better properties and stabilities than their counterparts. As a result, tunable photoluminescence of ZnO nanoparticles and stable conductivity of solid polymer electrolytes have been realized successfully.
A New Laser Induced Incandescence–Mass Spectrometric Analyzer (LII-MS) for Online Measurement of Aerosol Composition Classified by Black Carbon Mixing State

We developed a laser induced incandescence–mass spectrometric analyzer (LII-MS) for online measurements quantifying the aerosol chemical compositions with respect to the mixing state of black carbon (BC). The LII-MS is developed as a tandem series comprising an LII chamber to detect and vaporize BC-containing particles and a particle trap laser desorption mass spectrometer (PT-LDMS: Takegawa et al. 2012). The PT-LDMS collects aerosol particles transferred from the LII chamber and quantifies the chemical compositions. A newly designed collection probe, coupled with the sheath-air inlet nozzle of the LII chamber, enables a high throughput of aerosol particles without significant dilution. Total aerosol particles can be analyzed in the PT-LDMS by turning off the laser (MS mode), and the aerosol particles externally mixed with BC can be analyzed by turning on the laser (LII-MS mode). The difference in the PT-LDMS signals between the MS and LII-MS modes yields the chemical composition of materials internally mixed with BC. Performance of the developed instrument was evaluated in the laboratory by generating BC particles internally-mixed with oleic acid (OL) and BC particles externally mixed with ammonium sulfate particles. Preliminary results from ambient measurements are also presented and discussed. Copyright 2014 American Association for Aerosol Research
Large mesoporous carbons decorated with silver and gold nanoparticles by a self-assembly method: enhanced electrocatalytic activity for H2O2 electroreduction and sodium nitrite electrooxidation

We report here the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles onto poly (diallyldimethyl ammoniumchloride, PDDA)-functionalized large mesoporous carbon (LMC) by a simple self-assembly method. Characterization of these nanocomposites by transmission electronic microscopy and electrochemical techniques is described. The gold nanoparticle-decorated PDDA-functionalized LMC (AuNPs/PDDA–LMC) showed an enhanced electrocatalytic response toward sodium nitrite oxidation with a wider linear range and higher sensitivity that is even comparable with Pt-based sensors. The silver nanoparticle-decorated PDDA-functionalized LMC (AgNPs/PDDA–LMC) exhibited a remarkable catalytic performance toward H2O2 reduction. At an applied potential of −0.4 V, the designed sensor had a low detection limit of 6.5 μM and wide linear response range from 20 μM to 9.62 mM with a fast response time of less than 2 s. The easy fabrication and excellent electrocatalytic capability of the LMC-based metal nanoparticle hybrids can be expected to be applied in the detection of other compounds.
Surface passivation of silicon solar cells using industrially relevant Al2O3 deposition techniques

The next generation of industrial silicon solar cells aims at efficiencies of 20% and above. To achieve this goal using ever-thinner silicon wafers, a highly effective surface passivation of the cell front and rear is required. In the past, finding a suitable dielectric layer providing a high-quality rear passivation has been a major challenge. Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) has only recently turned out to be a nearly perfect candidate for such a dielectric. However, conventional ALD is limited to deposition rates well below 2nm/min, which is incompatible with industrial solar cell production. This paper assesses the passivation quality provided by three different industrially relevant techniques for the deposition of Al2O3 layers, namely high-rate spatial ALD, plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) and reactive sputtering.
The Level of Organic Acids in Some Nigerian Fruits and their Effect on Mineral Availability in Composite Diets

The pH, ascorbic, citric and total organic acid content of some local fruits in Nigeria were determined. The mineral content of the fruits, amaranthus vegetable and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) were also determined. Orange juice had the highest level of ascorbic acid but low in citric acid while lime juice is very rich in citric acid. Pine apple juice contained a low level of the organic acids. The effect of the juice from the different fruits on the amaranthus and cowpea composite diets were investigated and correlated with the acids content of the fruits. Orange and grapefruit enhanced Fe and Cu from both amaranthus and cowpea but seem impaired by pine apple and lime juice. All fruit juices enhanced Mg and Zn availability from amaranthus vegetable and cowpea composite diets except that Zn was inhibited by all the fruit juice from cowpea meals. There was generally a strong correlation between ascorbic, citric and total organic acid content of the fruits and the enhancement of mineral availability.
An experimental comparison of four control structures for two-point control of distillation

On s'interesse a la distillation du systeme ethanol-eau dans une colonne a quinze plateaux, de 30 cm de diametre. Les 4 systemes consistent en deux boucles de commande SISO (une entree, une sortie). On peut les repertorier comme suit: (L, V); (D, V); (D/(L+D), V); (D/(L+D), V/B)
The Removal of Sulfur from Dursunbey and İskilip Lignites in Turkey, Using Natural Trona: 2. The Effect of the Microwave Radiation Method

This article describes the removal of pyritic and total sulfur contents of Dursunbey and İskilip lignites in microwave radiation atmosphere using trona, which is a natural mineral. Preliminary experiments were carried out aimed at determining optimum conditions using trona solutions with concentrations in the 2.50–15.00% range at microwave radiation powers of 90, 180, and 360 W for microwave radiation durations ranging from 30 to 480 sec. The effect of variables, such as distilled water (0%), trona solution concentration (1.25–15.00%), and microwave radiation power (90, 180, and 360 W), on sulfur removal was determined under optimal conditions. As a result of experiments conducted in microwave radiation atmosphere, the pyritic sulfur contents of Dursunbey and İskilip lignites were reduced by 48 and 38% and the total sulfur contents by 38 and 32%, respectively.
Time gating in glucose sensing with ultrashort pulses

The feasibility of the time-of-flight (TOF) technique application at the wavelength of 820 nm for the sensing the changes in optical properties of multilayered scattering medium is considered. The TOF signals from a 3-layer biotissue phantom consisting of two skin layers and a blood layer between them are obtained by using the Monte Carlo method for various values of glucose content. Glucose level variations in the physiological range of concentrations are supposed to induce changes in the optical properties of the blood-like layer and the bottom skin-like layer of the considered 3-layer phantom. Different characteristics of the obtained TOF signal are analyzed. Relative changes in the signals induced by the glucose level variations are analyzed for different source-detector separations. It is shown that the maximal relative change of the pulse energy corresponding to the glucose concentration change from 0 to 500 mg/dl is about 7%; however, the application of the time gating technique allows to increase this sensitivity up to 12 %. The sensitivity maps allowing to determin the optimal position and size of the time gate are obtained for five values of the source-detector separation.
ALTERNATIVE SORBENTS FOR REMOVING MTBE FROM GASOLINE-CONTAMINATED GROUND WATER

The objective of this work is to provide a preliminary screening of the effectiveness of alternative sorbents for treating ground water contaminated with methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). Sorbents studied include synthetic carbonaceous resins, porous graphite carbon, C18 silicas, and acrylic resins. Activated carbon was also tested for comparison purposes. Bottle point isotherms show that porous graphitic carbon and two synthetic carbonaceous resins have a greater capacity for MTBE than activated carbon. However, the required addition of a wetting agent to suspend and activate the porous graphitic carbon makes this sorbent unsuitable for drinking water purposes. The synthetic carbonaceous resins tested were found to have capacities three to five times greater than activated carbon at an MTBE concentration of 1 mg/L. The application of the Dubinin-Astakov isotherm to data for the synthetic carbonaceous resins suggests that the mechanism of adsorption is micropore filling. Additional bisolute experiments with m-xylene as a representative gasoline contaminant indicate that the m-xylene is preferentially sorbed, depleting the micropore volume available for MTBE sorption. The extent of this competitive adsorption was directly predicted from measured concentrations of the monoaromatic hydrocarbon.
Crystal Structures of Biotite at High Temperatures and of Heat-Treated Biotite using Neutron Powder Diffraction

The crystal structure of biotite-1 M from Bancroft, Ontario, with the formula: $\left( {{{\rm{K}}_{1.96}}{\rm{N}}{{\rm{a}}_{0.13}}{\rm{C}}{{\rm{a}}_{0.01}}} \right)\left( {{\rm{M}}{{\rm{g}}_{3.15}}{\rm{Fe}}_{2.59}^{2 + }{\rm{T}}{{\rm{i}}_{0.17}}{\rm{M}}{{\rm{n}}_{0.09}}} \right)\left( {{\rm{S}}{{\rm{i}}_{5.98}}{\rm{A}}{{\rm{l}}_{1.92}}{\rm{T}}{{\rm{i}}_{0.10}}} \right){{\rm{O}}_{20}}\left[ {{{\left( {{\rm{OH}}} \right)}_{1.47}}{{\rm{F}}_{1.98}}} \right]$(K1.96Na0.13Ca0.01)(Mg3.15Fe2.592+Ti0.17Mn0.09)(Si5.98Al1.92Ti0.10)O20[(OH)1.47F1.98], was determined by Rietveld refinement using high-resolution neutron powder diffraction at in situ temperatures ranging from 20 to 900°C. The room-temperature structure of the samples heated to between 400 and 900°C using an electric furnace in air was also refined. The crystal structures were refined to an RP of 2.98 — 5.06% and Rwp of 3.84–6.77%. For the in situ heating experiments in a vacuum, the unit-cell dimensions increased linearly to 600°C. The linear expansion coefficient for the c axis was 1.65 × 10−5°C−1, while those for the a and b dimensions were 4.44 × 10−6°C−1 and 5.21 × 10−6°C−1, respectively. Accordingly, the increase in the unit-cell volume up to 600 C occurred mainly along the c axis, resulting from the expansion in the K coordination sphere along that direction. Results for all K−O bonds were analyzed in terms of the lattice component and an inner component of the structural strain. The ditrigonal distortion decreased (3.76 at 20°C to 1.95 at 600°C) with temperature, because the shorter bonds expanded and the longer bonds contracted. The increase in the interlayer separation and the decrease in the interlayer octahedral flattening angle confirmed that the c-dominated expansion occurred in the interlayer region. In the case of the ex situ-heated samples, the cell dimensions decreased sharply at temperatures over 400 C. The octahedral sheet thickness and mean distance decreased linearly due to oxidation of octahedral Fe. However, the interlayer separation and mean distance decreased at temperatures over 400°C. At 400°C, dehydroxylation began to increase and interlayer regions became more constricted. The overall cell parameters decreased rapidly with increasing temperatures due to dehydroxylation. The large inner strain components in the K−O bonds also resulted in an increase in the considerable ditrigonal distortion (3.57° at 400°C to 6.15° at 900°C).
Energetics, Charge Transfer, and Magnetism of Small Molecules Physisorbed on Phosphorene

First-principles calculations are performed to investigate the interaction of physisorbed small molecules, including CO, H2, H2O, NH3, NO, NO2, and O2, with phosphorene, and their energetics, charge transfer, and magnetic moment are evaluated on the basis of dispersion-corrected density functional theory. Our calculations reveal that CO, H2, H2O, and NH3 molecules act as a weak donor, whereas O2 and NO2 act as a strong acceptor. While the NO molecule donates electrons to graphene, it receives electrons from phosphorene. Among all the investigated molecules, NO2 has the strongest interaction through hybridizing its frontier orbitals with the 3p orbital of phosphorene. The nontrivial and distinct charge transfer occurring between phosphorene and these physisorbed molecules not only renders phosphorene promising for application as a gas sensor but also provides an effective route for modulating the polarity and density of carriers in phosphorene. In addition, the intermediate binding energy of hydrogen molec.
Ab Initio Study of Excitation Energy Transfer between Quantum Dots and Dye Molecules

We investigate excitation energy transfer between a semiconductor nanocrystal (NC) and an organic dye molecule, using ab initio calculations. The electronic coupling is evaluated based on the full Coulombic interaction between the NC and dye transition densities. We explore the effect of the NC−dye relative configurations on the electronic coupling, using a (CdSe)6 cluster and a rhodamine cation as a simplified model system. Our analysis demonstrates the limitations of the commonly used Forster theory for the NC−dye system and highlights the importance of considering the full Coulombic interactions of donor and acceptor. We find that energy transfer involves several electronic states and can occur even from optically dark states of the NC. The consequences for larger NC−dye systems are discussed.
Adsorptive Separation of o‐/p‐Aminoacetophenones using Acidic Ion Exchange Resins

Abstract Separation of o‐/p‐aminoacetophenones (o‐/p‐AAPs) is investigated by a two‐step process: selective solubilization in an organic solvent followed by reactive adsorption on functionalized polymers. Since, p‐AAP and o‐AAP show inter‐ and intra‐molecular hydrogen bonding, respectively, the former is solubilized to a much lesser extent than the latter in an organic solvent. For example, o‐AAP dissolves completely while p‐AAP shows only 1.8% saturation solubility in toluene. Selective solubilization of o‐AAP in toluene, therefore, gives pure p‐AAP as residual solid in high yields. In the subsequent adsorption step, a strongly acidic ion exchange resin removes selectively the trace amounts of p‐AAP from the toluene phase giving pure o‐AAP.
Interfacial engineering affects the photocatalytic activity of poly(3-hexylthiophene)-modified TiO2

In this study, oxidation polymerization was used to synthesize poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-modified TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and then the effect of the interface between the TiO2 NPs and the P3HT coating on the system's photocatalytic ability under visible light was investigated. The photocatalytic properties of the TiO2 NPs were enhanced from the UV to the visible after incorporation of P3HT. Moreover, charge transfer between the TiO2 NPs and the P3HT coating was promoted when a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 2-thiophenecarboxylic acid was present at their interface; this SAM decreased the barrier for charge transfer between the TiO2 NPs and the P3HT coating, leading to improved photocatalytic activity under visible light.
The Investigation of Longitudinal Dispersion Coefficient in a Miscible Displacement Process Using Multicomponent Multiphase Shan-Chen Lattice-Boltzmann Modeling

Abstract In enhanced oil recovery terminology, dispersion refers to the mixing between two stationary or mobile miscible fluids brought together during miscible displacement, which is the result of many different mechanisms, such as molecular diffusion, Taylor effect, viscous fingering effect, and flow behavior around stagnant pockets. Dispersion process in reservoir rocks represents a combination of these mechanisms. In this article, the longitudinal dispersion coefficient is investigated using “Shan-Chen-type multicomponent multiphase lattice Boltzmann,” which is a novel and easy way to implement and parallelize a method in computational fluid dynamics. It has shown that the lattice Boltzmann method is a promising approach with a potential capability for simulating fluid flows in different areas. In recent years, it has been used as a very powerful design tool in fluids engineering. The validity of this method is verified with an analytical solution of linear diffusion equation. The flow in fractures and porous medium is then modeled by this approach and the results show that lattice Boltzmann may provide a new route for simulation of miscible displacement.
Effect of sesquioxide coatings on surface charge of standard mineral and soil samples

In nature, Fe and Al hydrous oxides often form the interface between crystalline soil minerals and the soil solution. To understand better the effect of these coatings on surface charge properties, standard minerals and cleaned C horizon samples were coated with either Fe or Al hydrous oxide and the point(s) of zero salt effect (PZSE) were measured by potentiometric titration. Five standard mineral samples (including illite, muscovite, kaolinite, microcline, and quartz) and three C horizon samples of mixed mineralogy were artificially coated with Fe and Al hydrous oxide material by precipitation of FeCl3 or AlCl3 solutions with the mineral and soil samples. The samples were then washed free of Cl and aged. Uncoated samples and samples of pure sesquioxide material were prepared using similar procedures. Depending on the nature of the underlying surface, the addition of sesquioxide coatings to the samples changed the surface charge properties in different ways. In every case the buffering capacity of the samples was increased by the addition of the sesquioxide coatings. The uncoated samples that had relatively high buffering capacities had their surface charge properties changed more by the Al than the Fe-coating material. For example, the illite, muscovite, Memekay C horizon, and Marblehill C horizon all responded to the Al-coating with a distinct shift of the PZSE to higher pH. The less reactive samples (kaolinite, microcline, quartz, and the Cox Bay C horizon) responded little to the Al coatings but showed a strong response to the Fe coatings. The results indicate that in a system containing both pH-dependent and permanent exchange sites there is no effective means of separating the two components. Below the point of zero net charge (PZNC) of the coating material, the measured cation exchange capacity (CEC) will be decreased to a point below the permanent CEC by the coatings, whereas at pH values above this point the measured CEC will be increased. The PZSE of the pH-dependent charge material cannot be measured separately by potentiometric titration; this method measures the PZSE of the samples as a whole. At any pH the CEC measured will be the result of a complex interaction between the two types of exchange sites. Additional Index Words: point of zero salt effect, point of zero net charge, zero point of charge, pH-dependent cation and anion exchange. View complete article To view this complete article, insert Disc 4 then click button8
Detection of Aflatoxins in Capsicum Spice Using an Electrochemical Immunosensor

Abstract Electrochemical immunosensor based on immobilized aflatoxin B1 (AFB)–albumin conjugate and polyclonal antibody against AFB1 was performed for a competitive assay of AFB1 in capsicum spice. Spiked samples were used for construction of calibration curve. The proved limit of detection was 2.4 ppb. Immunosensor long-term stability was also estimated. Decrease of immunosensor sensitivity was less than 10% when stored in a refrigerator and approximately 22% for the immunosensor preserved at laboratory temperature for two weeks. Consequent performance of immunosensors for assay of real capsicum spice samples with proven aflatoxins presence produced good correlation with the data from valid method (high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector).
Board Structure, Payout Policy, and Performance during the Crisis: An Unintended Consequence of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Exchange Listing Rules

Non-compliant firms required to raise board independence by the 2003 NYSE and NASDAQ listing rules significantly increased their dividend payouts and held less cash reserves. As the crisis unfolded, they were more likely to reduce investment and ultimately under-performed compliant firms. The under-performance was more severe for non-compliant firms facing higher costs of external financing and those with greater growth opportunities. Our evidence suggests that regulations requiring independent boards facilitate higher dividends and thereby mitigate agency costs of free cash flow. However, they may also make firms more dependent on external financing and more susceptible to adverse external financing shocks.
Remediation of Contaminated Soils by Surfactant-Aided Soil Washing

This paper provides reviews and updates of surfactant-aided subsurface remediation. Experimental measurements were made of various systems comprising two non-ionic surfactants, five soils of different fractional organic carbon contents, and several typical hydrophobic organic compounds ~HOCs! Soil-washing performance was quantified using reciprocal surfactant-soil solubilization coef- ficients (1/Kd), and two phases of soil-washing mechanisms were identified depending on the presence of surfactant micelles. Reciprocal surfactant-soil solubilization coefficients (1/Kd), octanol-water partition coefficients (Kow), fractional organic carbon content of the soil ( f oc), and surfactant concentration were correlated for the soil-washing process using a proposed surfactant-aided soil-washing model.