Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Concentrations Generated by an Electrically Heated Cigarette Smoking System and a Conventional Cigarette

Smoking conventional lit-end cigarettes results in exposure of nonsmokers to potentially harmful cigarette smoke constituents present in environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) generated by sidestream smoke emissions and exhaled mainstream smoke. ETS constituent concentrations generated by a conventional lit-end cigarette and a newly developed electrically heated cigarette smoking system (EHCSS) that produces only mainstream smoke and no sidestream smoke emissions were investigated in simulated “office” and “hospitality” environments with different levels of baseline indoor air quality. Smoking the EHCSS (International Organisation for Standardization yields: 5 mg tar, 0.3 mg nicotine, and 0.6 mg carbon monoxide) in simulated indoor environments resulted in significant reductions in ETS constituent concentrations compared to when smoking a representative lit-end cigarette (Marlboro: 6 mg tar, 0.5 mg nicotine, and 7 mg carbon monoxide). In direct comparisons, 24 of 29 measured smoke constituents (83%) showed mean reductions of greater than 90%, and 5 smoke constituents (17%) showed mean reductions between 80% and 90%. Gas–vapor phase ETS markers (nicotine and 3-ethenylpyridine) were reduced by an average of 97% (range 94–99%). Total respirable suspended particles, determined by online particle measurements and as gravimetric respirable suspended particles, were reduced by 90% (range 82–100%). The mean and standard deviation of the reduction of all constituents was 94 ± 4%, indicating that smoking the new EHCSS in simulated “office” and “hospitality” indoor environments resulted in substantial reductions of ETS constituents in indoor air.
Structure and Thermomechanical Properties of Polyurethane Block Copolymers with Shape Memory Effect

Shape memory polyurethane (PU) block copolymers composed of 4,4‘-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate), poly(tetramethylene glycol), and 1,4-butanediol as a chain extender were synthesized by a two-step process. FT-IR spectra showed that carbonyl peak appearing at 1700 cm-1 increased with higher hard segment content, whereas another carbonyl peak at 1730 cm-1 decreased. It suggests that hard segments get more aggregated to form domains in the PU block copolymer as hard segment content increases. Such domain formation has a significant influence on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of PU, such as maximum stress, tensile modulus, and elongation at break. Especially, maximum stress, tensile modulus, and elongation at break increased significantly at 30 wt % of hard segment content, and the highest loss tangent was observed at the same composition. Heat of crystallization as measured by differential scanning calorimetry is also dependent on the hard segment content. Finally, 80−95% of shape recovery was.
Degradation of aniline with zero-valent iron as an activator of persulfate in aqueous solution

Zero valent iron (ZVI) can activate persulfate to generate sulfate free radicals which are a strong oxidant to degrade organic pollutants. The oxidative degradation of aniline in aqueous solution by persulfate activated with zero valent iron was studied under laboratory conditions. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of different parameters such as pH, ZVI concentration, aniline concentration, persulfate concentration and reaction temperature on aniline degradation. The results showed that aniline degradation increased with increasing temperature. The optimum dosage of ZVI was 0.4 g L−1 and 85% aniline degradation was observed. Maximum aniline degradation was observed at pH 4.0, whereas at pH above or below 4.0, aniline degradation efficiency was decreased. In the persulfate-ZVI system, the apparent energy of activation for aniline degradation was 14.85 kJ mol−1. The existence of persulfate radicals and hydroxyl radicals produced during the degradation of aniline were identified with scavenger ethanol and tert-butyl alcohol. The reaction intermediates nitrobenzene, nitroso-benzene and p-benzoquinone were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and based on these intermediates obtained a probable pathway for aniline degradation has been proposed.
The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Is Present and Functional in Endosomes

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which lead to defective C1conductance in epithelial cells. While the CFTR gene product has been detected in the plasma membrane, its presence and functional role in the membranes of intracellular compartments remain to be established. The purpose of the present experiments was to functionally localize CFTR in the endosomal membrane and to test the role of the associated C1- conductance in the regulation of endosomal pH (pHen). When using conductive protonophores, the net H* flux across the endosomal membrane of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells is limited by the movement of counterions. Thus, ionic permeability could be estimated indirectly, from the changes in pH,,, determined fluorimetrically. Measurements in situ and in a cell-free microsomal preparation indicate the presence of a protein kinase A (PKA)activated anion conductance in endosomes from CHO cells transfected with CFTR, but not in endosomes from wild-type or mock-transfected cells. In endosomes isolated from CFTR-expressing cells, the stimulatory effect of PKA was diminished by a specific peptide inhibitor of PKA, by alkaline phosphatase treatment or by a monoclonal antibody against the second nucleotide binding fold of CFTR. Increasing counterion permeability by phosphorylation of CFTR or by addition of valinomycin failed to alter the rate or extent of endosomal acidification in situ. Our observations indicate that functional CFTR, susceptible to activation by PKA, is present in endosomes of transfected CHO cells. More importantly, the data suggest that factors other than counterion permeability are the major determinants of pH,,.
Mechanisms for Lithium Insertion in Carbonaceous Materials

Lithium can be inserted reversibly within most carbonaceous materials. The physical mechanism for this insertion depends on the carbon type. Lithium intercalates in layered carbons such as graphite, and it adsorbs on the surfaces of single carbon layers in nongraphitizable hard carbons. Lithium also appears to reversibly bind near hydrogen atoms in carbonaceous materials containing substantial hydrogen, which are made by heating organic precursors to temperatures near 700°C. Each of these three classes of materials appears suitable for use in advanced lithium batteries.
The derivation of non-merohedral twin laws during refinement by analysis of poorly fitting intensity data and the refinement of non-merohedrally twinned crystal structures in the program CRYSTALS

Although non-merohedrally twinned crystal structures can normally be solved without difficulty, problems usually arise during refinement. Careful analysis of poorly fitting data reveals that they belong predominantly to certain distinct zones in which |Fo|2 is systematically larger than |Fc|2. In the computer program ROTAX, a set of data with the largest values of (|F_{o}^{\,2}| − |F_{c}^{\,2}|)/u(|F_{o}^{\,2}|) is identified and their indices transformed by rotations or roto-inversions about possible direct- and reciprocal-lattice directions. Matrices that transform the indices of the poorly fitting data to integers are identified as possible twin laws.
Efficiency of different coagulants combination for the treatment of tannery effluents: A case study of Bangladesh

This study has focused on the physico-chemical parameter of tannery effluents as well as the treatment efficiency of alum, ferric chloride and lime, addressed as different treatments. Sample collection and analysis were performed using standard method. Pollutant removal efficiency was measured in terms of reduction in value of total solid (TS), suspended solid (SS), total dissolved solid (TDS), color, pH, [Cl - ], Alkalinity, biological oxygen demand (BOD 5 ), chemical oxygen demand (COD), [Cr 6+ ] and salinity. While analyzing the physico-chemical parameters of the tannery effluents, before treating with coagulants, the odor of the effluents was found to be invariably objectionable. After treatment of the tannery effluents, the lowest value for color (246.67 in Hazen unit) was found in the treatment T 5 , pH value 7.13 was found in treatment T 7 followed by 7.23 in T 2 and T 6 , the lowest TS (3833.33 mg/L) was recorded in the treatment T5 and SS observed as 0 mg/L in case of both T5 and T1 treatments. Cr 6+ concentration was reduced considerably in treatment T 5 (0.03 mg/L) and T 7 (0.07 mg/L). Reduction in values of TDS, alkalinity, salinity, Cl - , BOD5 and COD in treated effluents was also notable. The study recommended the combination of alum and ferric chloride (T 5 ) as well as alum (T 1 ) for the effective primary treatment of tannery effluents. Key words: Coagulation, alum, lime, ferric chloride, biological oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD).
Porous Silicon Oxide Anti‐Reflection Coating for Solar Cells

A very useful anti-reflection (AR) coating, having characteristics quite similar to silicon monoxide, has been grown on P/sup +/N solar cells by a simple technique. ESCA, infrared absorption, and ellipsometry analysis of the films indicated that they consist of silicon oxide with some bound hydrogen. Some added advantages of the new AR coating are described. 12 refs.
End-Cap Precursor Molecules for the Controlled Growth of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

An approach to the controlled growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes is presented. Four precursor molecules for end-caps of different single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were synthesized. One of them, intended for a (6, 6) armchair SWCNT, was used in the proposed synthesis scenario. Results based on SEM, TEM and Raman observations are presented and discussed.
Chemical oxidation treatment of petroleum contaminated soil using Fenton's reagent

Abstract Fenton's reagent, a strong oxidant, was evaluated for suitability to treat soils contaminated with 2‐methylnaphthalene (an aromatic compound), n‐hexdecane (an aliphatic compound) and diesel fuel (a complicated hydrocarbon mixture). Laboratory‐scale results show that Fenton's reagent reacts rapidly with these materials in soil, and will completely mineralize them if enough hydrogen peroxide is added. The effectiveness of the reaction at neutral pH indicates that it should be easier and more cost‐effective to apply this technology since no pH adjustment is required prior to soil treatment. Further investigation is required to identify the reaction mechanisms and optimize the parameters to attain the most cost‐effective full scale application of this technology.
First principles study of α -boron: can the B12 cage host hetero-atoms?

The peculiar electronic and structural properties of elemental boron are studied with first principles calculations including both density functional theory and wave-function based approaches. Interaction between boron and atomic hydrogen and lithium, is considered. In particular trapping a hetero-atom, such as hydrogen or lithium in a B12 icosahedral cage, proceeds by a highly endothermic reaction and induces structural and bonding rearrangement of the host boron lattice. The peculiar charge distribution of the B12 icosahedron favours bonding that points radially outwards from the icosahedral centre.
Synthesis and characterisation of ZnO/PVA composite nanofibres by electrospinning

In this work, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and zinc acetate, with small quantity of cobalt acetate as dopant were used to prepare composite nanofibres by electrospinning technique. The obtained nanofibres were calcined at 520°C in air. After calcination of the above precursor fibres, ZnO or ZnO/PVA and Co doped ZnO/PVA composite nanofibres with a diameter of the order of 100 nm were obtained. The nanofibres were characterised by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques that showed presence of crystalline ZnO with slight amount of cobalt oxides and PVA after calcination.
ROBUST MPC FOR STABLE LINEAR SYSTEMS

In this paper, a new model predictive controller (MPC), which is robust for a class of model uncertainties, is developed. Systems with stable dynamics and time-invariant model uncertainty are treated. The development herein proposed is focused on real industrial systems where the controller is part of an on-line optimization scheme and works in the output-tracking mode. In addition, the system has a time-varying number of degrees of freedom since some of the manipulated inputs may become constrained. Moreover, the number of controlled outputs may also vary during system operation. Consequently, the actual system may show operating conditions with a number of controlled outputs larger than the number of available manipulated inputs. The proposed controller uses a state-space model, which is aimed at the representation of the output-predicted trajectory. Based on this model, a cost function is proposed whereby the output error is integrated along an infinite prediction horizon. It is considered the case of multiple operating points, where the controller stabilizes a set of models corresponding to different operating conditions for the system. It is shown that closed-loop stability is guaranteed by the feasibility of a linear matrix optimization problem.
Development and working principle of an ammonia gas sensor based on a refined model for solvate supported proton transport in zeolites

Some of the work relating to the development of a selective ammonia exhaust gas sensor are reported in this contribution. The sensor itself meets all the technological and economic demands of the automotive industry. As the gas-sensitive material the proton conducting zeolite H-ZSM-5 is used. The selective and concentration dependent interaction of the mobile protons with ammonia, i.e., the resulting change in proton conductivity, is detected directly by means of impedance spectroscopy. The sensor development was supported by a detailed picture of ammonia supported proton transport, deduced from impedance measurements on H-ZSM-5 with different SiO2/Al2O3 ratios in a wide temperature and frequency range. It provides understanding of the transport control parameters, e.g. temperature, composition of the zeolite structure and concentration of the guest molecules, respectively.
Accuracy of junction temperature measurement in silicon power transistor

This paper reports experimental measurements of junction temperature obtained by various electrical and thermal methods. Electrical measurements were based on temperature-sensitive junction parameters including pulse sampling of C CBF and V BE , steady state h FE , and pulsed ΔV CBF . Direct measurement of peak junction temperature was made using an infrared microradiometer. Junction temperature measurements were obtained as a function of device operating conditions, since the junction temperature distribution is a complex function of operating conditions. Comparison of these results clearly indicates why inconsistent results have been obtained in the past using the various electrical methods. The V CBF , V BE , and ΔV CBF measurement indicated temperature much lower than the true peak temperature obtained from the mieroradiometer, but they did indicate the correct variation with operating conditions. The h FE data, on the other hand, indicated temperature values higher than the actual values and did not indicate the correct variation. Thermal impedance values calculated from the V BE or V CBF junction temperature data are typically one-third to one-half of the actual value based on peak junction temperature. This error is shown to be a direct function of the nonuniformity in junction temperature. This error arises primarily because the calibration data is not applicable to actual operation with nonuniform junction temperature. Devices with voids or nonuniform current distributions are shown to have large errors. These discrepancies explain much of the confusion involving thermal limitation and results of reliability screening tests.
Hydrogen evolution catalyzed by MoS3 and MoS2 particles

Amorphous MoS3 particles are prepared using a simple chemical method. Several deposition techniques are developed to fabricate electrodes loaded with MoS3 particles. These electrodes are highly active for hydrogen evolution. The catalytically active species appear to be reduced molybdenum sulfide that contains disulfide ligands. The MoS3 particles are annealed to form polycrystalline and single crystalline MoS3 and MoS2 particles. These particles, as well as commercial MoS2 micro-crystals, show inferior catalytic activity compared to the amorphous MoS3 particles.
Metabolic adaptation and in situ attenuation of chlorinated ethenes by naturally occurring microorganisms in a fractured dolomite aquifer near Niagara Falls, New York

A combination of hydrogeological, geochemical, and microbiological methods was used to document the biotransformation of trichloroethene (TCE) to ethene, a completely dechlorinated and environmentally benign compound, by naturally occurring microorganisms within a fractured dolomite aquifer. Analyses of groundwater samples showed that three microbially produced TCE breakdown products (cis-1,2-dichloroethene, vinyl chloride, and ethene) were present in the contaminant plume. Hydrogen (H2) concentra tions in groundwater indicated that iron reduction was the predominant terminal electron-accepting process in the most contaminated geologic zone of the site. Laboratory microcosms prepared with groundwater demonstrated complete sequential dechlorination of TCE to ethene. Microcosm assays also revealed that reductive dechlorination activity was present in waters from the center but not from the periphery of the contaminant plume. This dechlorination activity indicated that naturally occurring microorganisms have.
Deformability of mice erythrocytes measured by oscillatory optical tweezers

We used one-dimensional oscillatory optical tweezers in a discrete scanning (or jumping) mode to trap and stretch individual mice erythrocytes and measured their deformation as a function of the jumping distance of the oscillatory trapping beam. In general, we observed that the length of the long axis of red blood cells (RBCs) decreased slightly at small jumping distance and then increased after the jumping distance exceeded a threshold value on the order of a few microns, which is consistent with a recent theoretical prediction. The deformability of three types of mice RBCs, namely the wide-type mice (serving as the control group), old mice, and gene knockout mice were measured and compared. Statistical analysis of their deformability reveals that the RBCs of old mice can be distinguished from those of knockout mice even though these two types of mice exhibit many similar aging-like features.
Analysis of Textural Changes in Hard Cheese during Mastication by Progressive Profiling

Progressive profiling allowed study of changes in textural attributes of hard cheese during mastication, each chew stroke having an effect. Perceptions of attributes were scored individually at each chew stroke from the start of chewing to swallowing, producing a changing profile of texture. Differences among cheeses in terms of coarseness/crumbliness vs smoothness/creaminess and in rubberiness vs graininess were determined. The profile characteristics changed in different ways and at different rates, depending on the sample. Limited correlations were found between progressive profiling, descriptive analysis and instrumental force-deformation data.
Effects on Scotch whisky composition and flavour of maturation in oak casks with varying histories

Summary Scotch whisky distillates in casks with different histories, but typical of those used in industrial practice, were compared by chemical and sensory methods over the first 3 years of maturation. Analysis by capillary gas chromatography showed differences in wood-derived components, and analysis of non-volatile and less-volatile compounds by HPLC showed clear changes with maturation time, and differences between casks. Descriptive sensory analysis showed changes associated with the early stages of maturation, and some differences between casks. Sensory descriptor scores associated with wood-derived materials (spicy, smooth, vanilla, woody) were modelled on data from non-volatile compounds using partial least squares regression.
A study of the reactions of Fe and FeO with NO2, and the structure and bond energy of FeO2

The reaction Fe+NO2→FeO+NO was studied by the pulsed two-photon dissociation at 248 nm of ferrocene vapour to produce Fe atoms in an excess of NO2 and He bath gas. Atomic Fe was then monitored by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy at 248.3 nm [Fe(x5F05–a5D4)], yielding k(192 198 kJ mol-1. Abinitio calculations on FeO2, performed with hybrid density functional/Hartree–Fock theory, show that the isomeric forms of the molecule that are stable enough to be produced in this reaction are the triplet and quintet states of dioxo (inserted) FeO2, with D0(Fe–O2)=284±38 kJ mol-1.
Influence of radiation environments on space charge formation in /spl gamma/-irradiated LDPE

Space charge profiles have been observed directly in irradiated LDPE using the PEA technique. There are marked differences between the charge characteristics of material irradiated in air and in vacuum and oxygen-free nitrogen gas. It is evident that the presence of oxygen during irradiation is essential for a significant amount of space charge to form in the irradiated LDPE. At low applied stress, a large amount of positive charges are present in the sample irradiated in air while only a small amount of charges exist in the samples irradiated in vacuum and oxygen-free nitrogen gas. At high applied stress charge injection takes place. In the case of samples irradiated in air, electrons injected neutralise with the positive ions, leading to significant reduction in space charge density. At low applied stress, space charge remaining in the sample can be used to assess the ageing taking place in the material.
Factor analysis for isolation of the Raman spectra of aqueous sulfuric acid components

The Raman spectra of 16 sulfuric acid/water mixtures over the entire mole fraction range were studied by various factor analysis techniques. Abstract factor analysis showed that three factors account for 98.69% of the variation in the data with a real error of 13%. Key-set factor analysis, was used to identify three spectral wavenumbers unique to each component. Spectral-isolation factor analysis, based on the key wavenumbers, revealed the spectra of each unknown component. Target factor analysis, based on the isolated spectra, yielded the relative amounts of the three spectral components. The concentration profiles obtained from the factor loadings, as well as the isolated spectra, were used to identify the chemical species.
Bioremediation of Hazardous Wastes—A Review

Intensive industrialization generates hazardous wastes comprising organics, inorganics, heavy metals, and munitions that need to be tackled in a safe manner. Commonly employed physicochemical technologies have paved the way to ecofriendly bioremediation processes. Bioremediation uses natural as well as recombinant microorganisms to break down toxic and hazardous substances by aerobic and anaerobic means. They can be applied on site (in situ) or off site (ex situ), mediated by mixed microbial consortia and/or pure microbial strains and. plants (phytoremediation) or even natural attenuation. They include several processes—bioventing, biosparging, biostimulation, bioaugmentation, bioleaching, fungal bioremediation, and biosorption. Bioremediation also encompasses ex situ engineered methods like bioreactors and enzyme catalyzed breakdown. The success of bioremediation is governed by three important factors—availability of microbes, accessibility of contaminants, and a conducive environment. This review discus.