Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Farmyard Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers on Sorghum Growth, Yield, and Nitrogen Use in a Semi-Arid Area of Ethiopia

ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of the combined use of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of sorghum and on soil chemical properties in a semi-arid area in northeastern Ethiopia. Twelve treatments comprising factorial combinations of four levels of farmyard manure (0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha−1) and three levels of inorganic fertilizers (0%, 50%, and 100% of the recommended rate) were compared in a randomized complete block design with three replications over a period of six years. The results revealed significant improvements in the growth and yield of sorghum due to the main and interaction effects of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer application. The combined application of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizers increased post-anthesis dry-matter production by 147%–390% and grain yield by 14%–36%. The main effects of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizers increased stover yield by 8%–21% and 14%–21%, respectively. Farmyard manure application increased total nitrogen (N) uptake by 21%–36%, grain protein yield by 8%–11%, and grain protein concentration by 20%–29%. Application of farmyard manure along with 50% of the recommended inorganic fertilizer rate resulted in a grain yield equivalent to, or greater than that for 100% of the recommended inorganic fertilizer rate, thus effecting a 50% savings of inorganic N and phosphorus (P) fertilizer. Application of 5, 10, and 15 t farmyard manure ha−1along with 100% of the recommended fertilizer rate and 5, 10, and 15 t farmyard manure ha−1 along with 50% of the recommended fertilizer rate can be recommended for farmers who can and cannot afford to buy inorganic fertilizers, respectively.
Light Soaking and Gas Effect on Nanocrystalline TiO2/Sb2S3/CuSCN Photovoltaic Cells following Extremely Thin Absorber Concept

Photovoltaic cells with the structure of nanocrystalline TiO2/Sb2S3/(LiSCN)CuSCN were prepared following the extremely thin absorber cell concept and characterized under different gas atmospheres. The cells showed an important light soaking effect in which the cell performance typically evolved from an initial lower efficiency into a higher one in contact with ambient air. Oxygen was shown to be involved with the effect. The best cell efficiency was 3.7% at ∼1 sun, with a photocurrent Jsc normalized at 1 sun of 11.6 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage Voc of 0.56 V, and a filling factor, ff, of 0.58. The cells are shown to run more than 300 days, keeping the efficiency higher than 1.5% at ∼1 sun. The need for taking into account the influence of oxygen and humidity during photovoltaic measurement is emphasized for further investigation of this type of cell.
A new analytical method to monitor lipid peroxidation during bleaching

Whereas solid phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography is a wide-spread technique in certain fields of food analysis this technique is quite new for the analysis of vegetable oils. The method is sensitive enough to follow changes in the oxidative state of vegetable oils by measuring the amount of volatile materials produced during storage and the refining process. In the present study degummed rapeseed oil was bleached using different activated bleaching earths applied in four dosages. Their effect on lipid degradation was determined both by traditional methods (e.g. UV absorbance, p-anisidine value) and by the SPME-HS method. Although the p-anisidine value (p-AV) gives only the concentration of β-unsaturated aldehydes it correlates well to the amount of total volatile substances as determined by SPME at the headspace of the sample. The extracted volatile materials were separated and identified by gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. SPME gives more information about the stage of oxidation and the applied bleaching earth by quantifying the volatile compounds. Additionally SPME does not require any toxic reagent such as p-methoxy aniline which is used to determine the p-AV. Although bleaching is very important it was disregarded in recent years. Therefore one of the aims of the present study is to draw back more attention towards bleaching. La microextraction en phase solide est une methode developpee depuis quelques annees pour determiner les teneurs en composes volatils dans les fruits, le sang, l'urine, les vins etc. Cependant, elle est tres rarement appliquee aux huiles vegetales ou les materiaux volatils et semi-volatils sont presents en tant que fragrances naturelles ou sous-produits d'oxydation. En ce qui concerne l'oxydation, le blanchiment est l'etape la plus critique du procede de raffinage. Dans cette etude, de l'huile de colza est blanchie en utilisant differentes terres decolorantes a 4 dosages. Les effets sur la degradation lipidique sont determines a la fois par des methodes classiques et par microextraction en phase solide et les resultats sont compares.
Persistence of polycyclic aromatic compounds of different molecular size and water solubility in surficial sediment of an intertidal sandflat

The persistence of 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ranging from two- to six-ring compounds, in an intertidal sandflat was studied by applying uniform amounts (0.10 g) of each to the surface of the sandflat and then monitoring concentrations over time. The mass of total PAH, after initial losses, declined slowly, so that after 256 d 12% of the applied material remained. Vertical concentration profiles indicated that little downward movement occurred and that most of the mass was concentrated in the top 2 cm, where most losses also occurred. The study has shown that anthropogenic PAHs have persistences comparable with organochlorine pesticides in aerobic sediments of intertidal sandflats. Rank correlations showed that the order of persistence may be predicted on the basis of molecular size parameters, such as molecular weight, molecular volume, and area. Persistence of PAHs in intertidal sandflats appears to be regulated by simple, physical processes.
EFFECT OF ELEVATED IRON ON ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT-ABSORBING COMPOUNDS OF CUCUMBER COTYLEDON AND LEAF TISSUES

The effect of iron [Fe(II)] on ultraviolet light-absorbing phenolic compounds of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L., cv Poinsett 76) leaf and cotyledon tissues was investigated. Tissue disks (7 mm) were exposed to increasing FeSO4 · 7H2O concentrations from 25 μ M (7 ppm) to 500 μ M (143 ppm) at pH 4.0–7.0 for 24 h in both light and dark. Acidified, aqueous methanol extracts that contain various phenolic compounds were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Depending upon the treatment pH, Fe(II) altered the levels of the UV light-absorbing compounds measured at both 270 and 340 nm, increasing the levels of some compounds at low Fe(II) concentrations, which were subsequently reduced at higher Fe(II) levels. In most cases, the Fe(II)-induced change in phenolic compound concentration was dependent upon tissue type, light condition, and pH. The dose–response relations and pH dependencies for the Fe(II)-induced changes were complex. These results suggest that the FeSO4 · 7H2O treatments may specifically alter certain metabolic processes and do not simply produce reactive oxygen, which degrade the phenolic compounds.
Capacidade extratora de plantas em sistemas alagados utilizados no tratamento de águas residuárias de laticínios

The objective of this research was to evaluate the extraction capacity of two plant species when grown in constructed wetland systems (CWS) used for dairy wastewater (DW) treatment. The experimental units were formed by five CWS grown with Pennisetum purpureum schum grass and five CWS cultivated with grass tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.), with horizontal subsurface flow. The DW was applied at an average flow of 60 L d-1 and hydraulic residence time of 4.8 days, and subjected to organic loading rates (ORL) of 66, 130, 190, 320 and 570 kg ha-1 d-1 of BOD. The grass tifton 85 extracted more nitrogen and sodium, while the elephant grass extracted a larger amount of potassium from the DW, when grown under the evaluated organic loading rates (ORL). The concentration of phosphorus in aerial parts of plants and extraction capacity were similar in the two grasses, however, there is evidence of an increase in the extraction this nutrient, by the grass tifton 85, with the increase of the ORL applied in the CWS.
Study of Spatial Distribution of Potentially Toxic Elements in a Nature Reserve in Langata Ecosystem

Introduction: Study of Spatial distribution trends of potentially toxic trace (PTE) element pollution in Nature Reserves in Kenya soil has not been fully done. Pollution from potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) suspected to be widespread in many parts of Kenya including Nature reserves. This is concidered a threat to wild animals and human health. This therefore necessitates a study to understand the extent of spatial distribution of PTE of much economic and health importance. Methods: About forty soil samples were taken in AFEW nature reserve in Langata Ecosystem at, 25 centimeters deep using soil augur. The samples in Ziplocs were transported to the chemistry labs. at Kabete and analyzed to determine levels of Pb Hg, Co Cr Cu, Zn by Coupled Plasma (ICP) Atomic Emission Spectrophotometry (AES) Optima 8000, Perkin Elmer to determine various ions, the results are presented in mg/gm. Health Quotient (HQ), Health Index (HI) and Pollution Index was calculated from the results. Results: In the study, traces of Potential Toxic Elements (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, Cu) were found in soil samples taken in varying quantities. Generally, there was higher levels near a stream in the reserve, Pb ranging from 0.9080mg/gm to 3.6927mg/gm; Hg varying from 1.8355mg/gm to 3.4781mg/gm. All others showed variation with higher levels in batches (B2) near the stream. No Zinc and Aluminum was detected in the samples. Health Index due to five PTEs was 0.859. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there are significant level Pb Hg, and Cobalt in various transects, but more near the stream traversing the reserve. HI is 1 for Pb, Hg, and Co suggesting pollution by lead and Mercury in the Reserve.
The Maximal Accumulated Oxygen Deficit Method A Valid and Reliable Measure of Anaerobic Capacity?

285 1. Anoerobic Energy Production; the Time Course ot the Different Components 287 2. The Construction of a iJnear Relationship Between Exercise intensity and Oxygen iJptake 288 2.1 Exercise Modaiity 288 2.1. 1 Running 288 2.1. 2 Cyciing 289 2.1. 3 Running versus Cyciing 290 2.2 The Duration of Submaximal Exercise Bouts 290 2.3 The Effect of the Number of Submaximal Exercise Bouts on the Unear Power Output-Oxygen Uptake Refationship 291 3. The influence of Supramaximoi Exercise Protocol on the Computed Maximal Accumulated Oxygen Deficit (MAOD) Vaiues 293 4. The Vaiidity of the MAOD Method 294 5. The Reliabiiity of the MAOD Method 296 6. Conclusions 299 Abstract The maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) method has been extensively, but unfortunately not very methodically. , used; the procedure used to determine the MAOD varies considerably. Therefore. , this review evaluates the effect of different numbers and durations of submaximal exercise bouts on the linear power output iPO)-oxygen uptake (VO2) relationship and thus the MAOD. Changing the number and duration ofthe submaximal exercise bouts substantially influences the calculated MAOD when relatively long submaximal exercise bouts are used and no fixed value of the y-intercept is forced into the linear regression line. This is most likely due to non-linearity of the PO-VO2 relationship for exercise intensities above the lactate threshold (LT). Non-linearity of the PO-VO2 relationship is probably caused by the development of a slow component in VO2 during submaximal exercise at intensities above the LT. Thus, it is important to standardize the number, duration and intensity of submaximal exercise bouts necessary to establishThe maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) method has been extensively, but unfortunately not very methodically. , used; the procedure used to determine the MAOD varies considerably. Therefore. , this review evaluates the effect of different numbers and durations of submaximal exercise bouts on the linear power output iPO)-oxygen uptake (VO2) relationship and thus the MAOD. Changing the number and duration ofthe submaximal exercise bouts substantially influences the calculated MAOD when relatively long submaximal exercise bouts are used and no fixed value of the y-intercept is forced into the linear regression line. This is most likely due to non-linearity of the PO-VO2 relationship for exercise intensities above the lactate threshold (LT). Non-linearity of the PO-VO2 relationship is probably caused by the development of a slow component in VO2 during submaximal exercise at intensities above the LT. Thus, it is important to standardize the number, duration and intensity of submaximal exercise bouts necessary to establish
Loan Officers’ Information Focus in SME Loan Assessment: A Case Study

This study examines bank loan officers’ information focus in terms of the relative importance of hard and soft information. Data was collected from 75 experienced loan officers at a large Swedish commercial bank, generating 7425 observations, and analysed the information used in assessing loan applications from small and medium-sized enterprises. The findings indicate that the loan officers place a significantly greater emphasis on hard than on soft information irrespective of the bank’s framework for loan assessments, the loan officers’ task design, or the various loan types focused in the analyses.
Synthesis and Characterization of Metallic, Core-shell and Composite nanoparticles

Single crystal, silver particles of 215 ± 10 nm size were synthesized in soluti on using the hydrogen reduction method and characterized by UV-visible extinction spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The extinction spectra reveal the pre sence of higher order multipoles of the plasmon resonance such as quadrupole, octupole, and hexadecapole in addition to the dipole. The formation of higher order multipoles was continuously monitored during the particles growth. Mie extinction calculations were performed and are in good agreement with the measured extinction spectra. The frequency shift of all plasmon modes was measured as a function of the refractive index of the surrounding dielectric medium.
Efficient electron injection in blue-emitting polymer light-emitting diodes with LiF/Ca/Al cathodes

We report electroabsorption and electroluminescence investigations of polymer light-emitting diodes featuring a LiF/Ca/Al cathode, for efficient electron injection into the electroluminescent polymer layer. Our measurement of the built-in potential gives direct evidence of a sizeable reduction of the cathodic barrier height not only with respect to Ca, but also versus LiF/Al or CsF/Al bilayer cathodes, currently amongst the most efficient electron injectors for low electron affinity polymers. In blue-emitting (∼2.7 at peak) polyfluorene-based LEDs, with poly(ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulphonic acid) anodes and LiF/Ca/Al cathodes, we measure a built-in potential of 2.7 V, a luminance of ∼1600 cd/m2 (the highest among the devices studied here) at a driving voltage of 5 V, and efficiencies as high as ∼3 lm/W. We also find that the turn-on voltage essentially coincides with the built-in potential within the experimental error.
Comparison of methods used to determine the availability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine sediment

Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs), Tenax TA, and a polyethylene tube dialysis (PTD) methods were used to estimate the available fraction of PAH in marine sediment slurries. The polyethylene membrane used in the SPMD and PTD methods mimics a biomembrane. The PAH must diffuse through the membrane into triolein or pentane, respectively. The Tenax TA scavenges PAH from the water phase and is separated from the sediment, thus particle-associated PAH are excluded from all three methods. Spiked PAH were more readily available than endogenous (unspiked) PAH, and the presence of sediment organic matter decreased desorption and thus availability of the PAH. All three methods could aid in bioremediation feasibility assessments and predictions on the potential toxicity of sediments or soils. The SPMD method has the advantage of being available commercially, and the use of such a standard method allows comparison with other samples from the literature. The Tenax method gave similar results with the exception of the larger compounds that were recovered more efficiently, and it was less expensive. The PTD method was the most stringent assay for availability and could be useful in assessing the risk associated with exposure to a contaminated sample.
Synthesis of 5-Cyano-3-(4-Chlorobutanoyl) Indole in 1-Buty-3-Methylimidazolium Chloroaluminate

The Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction between 5-cyanoindole and 4-chlorobutyryl chloride was conducted in ionic liquid 1-buty-3-methylimidazolium chloroaluminate ([bmiCl/AlCl3), the major product was 5-cyano-3-(4-chlorobuty) indole. The structure of the product was characterized by Mass and 1H NMR spectra. When the molar ratio of AlCl3 to [bmiCl in [bmiCl/AlCl3 is at 1:1 or less, no 5-cyano-3-(4-chlorobuty) indole could be obtained. The suitable molar ratios of AlCl3 to [bmiCl in [bmiCl/AlCl3 were from 2:1 to 3:1, the yields of the major product were from 68% to 70%, respectively. When the molar ratio of [bmiCl/AlCl3 to 5-cyanoindole was less than 2:1, the acylation reaction was difficult to carry out, because 5-cyanoindole would be not totally dissolve in [bmiCl/AlCl3 under the situation.
Differential desensitization of μ‐ and δ‐ opioid receptors in selected neural pathways following chronic morphine treatment

1 Morphine produces a plethora of pharmacological effects and its chronic administration induces several side‐effects. The cellular mechanisms by which opiates induce these side‐effects are not fully understood. Several studies suggest that regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity by opioids and other transmitters plays an important role in the control of neural function. 2 The aim of this study was to evaluate desensitization of μ‐ and δ‐ opioid receptors, defined as a reduced ability of opioid agonists to inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity, in four different brain structures known to be involved in opiate drug actions: caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, thalamus and periaqueductal gray (PAG). Opiate regulation of adenylyl cyclase in these regions has been studied in control and morphine‐dependent rats. 3 The chronic morphine treatment used in the present study (subcutaneous administration of 15.4 mg morphine/rat/day for 6 days via osmotic pump) induced significant physical dependence as indicated by naloxone‐precipitated withdrawal symptoms. 4 Basal adenylyl cyclase in the four brain regions was not modified by this chronic morphine treatment. In the PAG and the thalamus, a desensitization of μ‐ and δ‐opioid receptors was observed, characterized by a reduced ability of Tyr‐D‐Ala‐Gly‐(NMe)Phe‐Gly‐ol (DAMGO; μ), Tyr‐D‐Pen‐Gly‐Phe‐D‐Pen(DPDPE; δ) and [D‐Ala2]‐deltorphin‐II (DT‐II; μ) to inhibit adenylyl cyclase, activity following chronic morphine treatment. 5 The opioid receptor desensitization in PAG and thalamus appeared to be heterologous since the metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists, L‐AP4 and glutamate, and the 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)1A receptor agonist, R(+)‐8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (8‐OH‐DPAT), also showed reduced inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity following chronic morphine treatment. 6 In the nucleus accumbens and the caudate putamen, desensitization of δ‐opioid receptor‐mediated inhibition without modification of μ‐opioid receptor‐mediated inhibition was observed. An indirect mechanism probably involving dopaminergic systems is proposed to explain the desensitization of δ‐mediated responses and the lack of μ‐opioid receptor desensitization after chronic morphine treatment in caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens. 7 These results suggest that adaptive responses occurring during chronic morphine administration are not identical in all opiate‐sensitive neural populations.
Thermoresponsive properties of 3-, 4-, 6-, and 12-armed star-shaped poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]s prepared by core-first group transfer polymerization

The t-Bu-P4-catalyzed group transfer polymerization (GTP) of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) using multi-functional GTP initiators that bear multiple silyl ketene acetal moieties (MTS3, MTS4, MTS6, and MTS12) homogeneously proceeded and rapidly completed to afford well-defined star-shaped poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]s (s-PDMAEMAs) with relatively narrow polydispersities. The molecular weights (MWs) of s-PDMAEMAs were well-controlled by optimizing the molar ratios of the monomer to initiators. For the structural analyses, the arm number and length uniformity of each s-PDMAEMA were then investigated by arm cleavage experiments using a transesterification method. The thermoresponsive properties in an aqueous solution of the resulting s-PDMAEMAs together with their analogous linear PDMAEMAs (l-PDMAEMAs), in terms of polymer concentration, molecular weight, and arm number, were eventually elucidated based on turbidimetry curves.
Règies de construction et d'extrapolation des réacteurs auto‐agités par jets gazeux

An analysis is made of the agitation mechanism in a spherical reactor which is self-stirred by means of gas jets; it is made on the double assumption of an internal recycling and of a turbulent free jet. Extrapolation laws have been developed and verified experimentallly by means of the residence time distribution in several reactors of volumes varying between 501 and several cubic centimeters, the passage times varying from 0.6 to 7.5 seconds: the experiments involved several gases and different temperatures. Le mecanisme de l'agitation dans un reacteur spherique auto-agite par jets gazeux est analyse en se fondant sur la double hypothese du recyclage interne et du jet libte turbulent. Des lois d'extrapolation out ete etablies et verifiees experimentalement par des experiences de Distribution des Temps de Sejour dans plusieurs reacteurs de volumes compris entre 501 et quclqucs cm3, les temps de passage variant de 0,6 s a 7,5 s, et ce, pour plusieurs gaz et a differentes temperatures.
Sodium caseinate from skim milk powder by extrusion processing : physicochemical and functional properties

Sodium caseinate produced on a pilot-plant-scale directly from skim milk powder (SMP) with two-step extrusion process was compared to a commercial product and a sodium caseinate prepared from commercial acid casein by extrusion-processing. The products were compared in terms of physicochemical properties and functional properties, as well as microbiological quality. Although differences existed between the caseinates, overall, those produced from SMP by extrusion appeared comparable to commercial caseinate. Results indicate that a good-quality sodium caseinate with the requisite properties normally associated with commercial sodium caseinate could be produced directly from SMP by extrusion-processing.