Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thin-Layer Chromatographic Quantifcation of trans-Resveratrol in Cosmetic Raw Materials of Botanic Origin

Recently, a growing interest has been observed in preventive and “anti-ageing” medicine, accompanied by a dynamic growth of the cosmetic industry worldwide. Different companies compete in introducing the best performing antioxidants to cosmetic preparations and to diet supplements, and in the course of recent years, great attention has been drawn by trans-resveratrol. For economic reasons, the main sources of trans-resveratrol for the cosmetic industry are plants and plant extracts, and the most popular plant is common grape vine (Vitis vinifera L.). The novelty of this study was the development of a simple thin-layer chromatographic method in the reversed-phase (RP) mode with densitometric detection in the fluorescence mode (the irradiation wavelength λ = 340 nm), enabling quantification of trans-resveratrol in selected cosmetic raw materials of natural origin. Cosmetic raw materials considered were red, white, and fruit wines (employed in “wine spas”), commercial extracts of red wines and other fruits, and commercial extracts of grape skins and seeds, making twenty different samples altogether. Prior to thin-layer chromatographic analysis, trans-resveratrol was isolated from the investigated raw materials by means of solid-phase extraction (SPE). The polyphenols fraction adsorbed on SPE cartridges was eluted, and the eluates containing trans-resveratrol (along with other stilbene derivatives) were developed by means of TLC. The chromatograms were densitometrically scanned and trans-resveratrol extracted from raw materials was quantified, based on the calibration curve obtained for the trans-resveratrol standard. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values of the developed method were determined as equal to 1.88 and 5.69 ng, respectively. The presence of trans-resveratrol in the analyzed samples was additionally confirmed by visualizing the chromatograms with anisaldehyde as a selective visualizing reagent.
Catalytic properties of magnesium oxides doped with sodium compounds

The physicochemical properties and catalytic activity of MgO doped with sodium compounds that are readily decomposed into sodium or sodium oxides have been examined. By calcination of the MgO doped with such sodium compounds as NaBH4, NaNH2 and NaNO3 at 500 or 700 °C in a flowing inactive gas the basic strength of the MgO increased and the concentration of the basic sites attained a maximum at a loading of 1–3 wt % of sodium. The surface area of the MgO was decreased by the doping of sodium, especially when NaNO3 was the dopant. The cause of the decrease in surface area was ascribable to the sintering effect by sodium on MgO owing to compound formation between MgO and sodium or its compounds. On the other hand, the concentration of one-electron donor centres was a minimum at a loading of ca. 2 wt % of sodium, which was inferred as the cause of both the adsorption of sodium on the centres and the migration of sodium on the MgO surface.The dehydrogenation of cumene proceeds on the basic sites and its activity could be correlated with basic sites with pKa > 15.0.
Removal of Orange II by Phosphonium-modified Algerian Bentonites

An Algerian montmorillonite was modified with two organic surfactants, methyltriphenyl phosphonium bromide and n-hexyltriphenyl phosphonium bromide. The solids obtained were used as adsorbents to remove Orange II, an anionic dye from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were conducted to study the effects of temperature (20–60°C), initial concentration of adsorbate (50–150 mg L−1) and pH of solution 6.5 on dye adsorption. Due to their organophilic nature, exchanged montmorillonites were able to adsorb Orange II at a very high level. Adsorption of Orange II for B-NHTPB and B-MTPB at different pH show that the adsorption capacity clearly decreases with an increase in pH of the initial solution from 2 to 8, this decrease being dramatic for pH > 8. This may be due to hydrophobic interactions of the organic dye with both phosphonium molecules and the remaining non-covered portion of siloxane surface. The kinetics of the adsorption was discussed on the basis of three kinetic models, i.e., the pseudo-first-order, the pseudo-second-order, and the intraparticle diffusion models. Equilibrium is reached after 30 min and 60 min for B-MTPB and B-NHTPB, respectively; the pseudo-second-order kinetic model described very well the adsorption of Orange II on modified bentonites. The non-linear Langmuir model provided the best correlation of experimental data, maximum adsorption of Orange II is 53.78 mg g−1 for B-NHTPB and 33.79 mg g−1 for B-MTPB. The thermodynamic parameters, such as free energy of adsorption (ΔG°), enthalpy change (ΔH°), and entropy change (ΔS°) were also determined and evaluated. From thermodynamic studies, it was deduced that the adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic.
Synthesis, crystal structures, and infrared spectroscopy of a series of lanthanide phosphonoacetate coordination polymers

Hydrothermal reactions of lanthanide chloride, phosphonoacetic acid (H2O3PCH2COOH), and water in the presence of HCl provide a series of lanthanide coordination polymers. FT-IR spectra confirm that there are three kinds of structures among seven complexes, {[Ln2(O3PCH2CO2)2(H2O)3] · H2O}∞ (type I) (Ln = LaIII for 1; PrIII for 2; NdIII for 3 and EuIII for 4), [Ln(O3PCH2CO2)(H2O)2]∞ (type II) (Ln = TbIII for 5), and [Ln(O3PCH2CO2)(H2O)2]∞ (type III) (Ln = HoIII for 6 and YbIII for 7). Complexes 1–5 show 2-D 4,4,5,5-connected (44 · 62)(45 · 6)(46 · 64)(48 · 62) topology networks and 2-D 4-connected (44 · 62) topology networks and then are further linked into 3-D supramolecular networks by hydrogen-bonding interactions; 6 and 7 both exhibit a 3-D 4-connected (42 · 63 · 8) topology with 1-D dumbbell-shaped channels. The results indicate infrared spectroscopy is in accord with the result of single-crystal X-ray analysis.
On the Course of Delignification During Kraft Pulping

The correlation between aryl ether cleavage reactions and the initial and main (= bulk) phases of delignification during kraft pulping is supported by the behaviour of pre-methylated samples of softwood shavings. Methylation with diazomethane virtually eliminates the initial phase of delignification which is consistent with the view that cleavage of aand /? -aryl ether bonds in phenolic arylpropane units is responsible for the lignin degradation during this phase. Methylation with methanolic hydrochloric acid considerably retards the delignification during the bulk phase in accordance with the assumption that cleavage of /3-aryl ether bonds in non-phenolic arylpropane units is the rate-determining reaction in the overall delignification during this latter phase. Finally, äs expected, methylation with dimethyl sulfat-alkali blocks delignification almost completely during the initial phase and further reduces the rate of delignification during the bulk phase.
Pd/SiC Catalysts: Characterization and Catalytic Activity for the Methane Total Oxidation

Abstract Silicon carbide, SiC, is a refractory material which shows a high thermal conductivity. Therefore, a better thermal stability of both the catalytic active phase and of the support for the SiC supported metallic catalysts can be expected for reactions occurring at high temperature and/or for highly exothermic reactions working with high turnover frequency. Various Pd based catalysts have been prepared by impregnation of a β-SiC support with Pd(II) acetylacetonate [Pd(AcAc) 2 ] and tested for the methane oxidation. The activity and thermal stability of the catalysts are depending on the process used for the Pd(AcAc) 2 decomposition on β-SiC. When the Pd(AcAc) 2 complex is decomposed under Ar atmosphere at 400°C the catalyst presents small metal particles homogeneous in size. But, they are strongly deactivated after ageing under an oxidizing mixture up to 800°C. The samples obtained after decomposition under O 2 at 350°C, further reduced under H 2 , present larger particles and some formation of palladium silicide Pd 2 Si. They are first less active, but they show only a slight deactivation after ageing under an oxidizing mixture up to 800°C. The direct decomposition of the catalytic precursor under H 2 leads to large Pd particles. As for the precedent catalyst, they deactivate only moderately after reaction at 800°C.
Novel Synthesis and Characterization of N‐Substituted‐calix[4]azacrown Derivatives

Abstract Novel calix[4]azacrown derivatives from the reaction between calix[4]amidocrown and the different N‐(4‐bromoacetamidephthalimido)alkanes derivatives, which may be useful intemediate compounds of pseudorotaxane, have been synthesized and structurally characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, and elemental analyses. From their analysis data, it was found that compounds 6a–d adopted a cone conformation.
Basic dyeable polyester: a new approach using a VUV excimer lamp

Surface treatment of polyester fabric was carried out using a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) excimer lamp. The hydrophilicity of the polyester fabric was significantly improved by surface modification, as indicated by the decrease in wetting time and wicking time. This approach can be used to create added value for polyester fabric, which otherwise suffers from low hydrophilicity. Further changes on irradiation were characterised by atomic force microscopy and the crystallinity and tensile strength of the samples were also tested. Basic dyeability of the microdenier polyester fabric was seen to improve greatly on exposure to the excimer lamp, followed by grafting with acrylic acid. The effects were observed to increase with an increase in irradiation time. The best effect was obtained for irradiation time of 10 min. These enhanced properties were accompanied by an insignificant loss in crystallinity and tensile strength of treated fabrics.
Effects of weathering on the toxicity of three offshore australian crude oils and a diesel fuel to marine animals

The evaporative weathering properties, chemical composition, and toxicity of three Australian Northwest Shelf crude oils and an Australian diesel fuel were evaluated. The crude oils include one each of a condensate, a light, and a medium crude oil. Between 23 and 100% of the mass of the oils is lost during evaporative weathering equivalent to about 1 week on the sea surface. During weathering, the oils lose most of their monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) and phenols; concentrations increase of less volatile phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The acute toxicity of water‐accommodated fractions (WAFs) of the fresh and weathered oils to six species of temperate and tropical marine animals ranges from > 100% to about 11% WAF. The MAHs are the most important contributors to the acute toxicity of the WAFs of the fresh oils. The contribution of PAHs to WAF toxicity increases with weathering. About 58% of the hazard indices (HI: exposure concentration/acutely toxic concentration) for the WAFs of the two light oils weathered for the equivalent of 1 d are attributable to PAHs. The toxicity of the WAFs of the condensate and light crude oil can be accounted for by MAHs, PAHs, and phenols; WAFs of the middle‐weight crude oil and diesel fuel are higher than predicted based on their concentrations of total MAHs, PAHs, and phenols, indicating that other components of the WAFs are contributing to their toxicity. These components may include the unresolved complex mixture and polar compounds (resins).
Associations of Fungal Aerosols, Air Pollutants, and Meteorological Factors

The relationships between fungal aerosols and air pollutants meteorological factors were investigated in the Taipei urban area. In summer, it was observed that geometric mean (GM) concentrations of airborne fungal aerosols were 2,835 CFU m-3 and 2,651 CFU m-3 at Kuting and Hsichih stations, respectively. In winter, GM levels of airborne fungi were 1,107 CFU m I 3 and 2,248 CFU m-3 at Kuting and Hsichih stations, respectively. Moreover, fungal aerosol concentrations were observed to highly depend on weather conditions, and the highest concentration of total colony counts appeared when the temperature was 25-30 C, the RH was 60-70% , and the wind speed was > 1 m s-1 and from the S-SE wind direction. In addition, total fungal concentrations were negatively correlated with ozone concentrations, and concentration of Cladosporium spp. was positively correlated with hydrocarbons. PM10 were positively correlated with Penicillium and the yeasts in Hsichih station. Our results demonstrated that airborne fungal aerosols are definitely correlated with air pollutants and meteoro logical factors. The complex dynamic interactions were indicated to occur among bioaerosols, air pollutants, and meteorological factors.
Development of Extended Zero-Order Release Gliclazide Tablets by Central Composite Design

The purpose of this study was to develop an extended release tablet formulation containing gliclazide as a model drug by optimization technique. A central composite design was employed with pH-dependent matrix forming polymers like keltone®-HVCR (X1) and eudragit®-EPO (X2) as independent variables. Five dependent variables were considered: hardness, percent drug release after 1 hr, percent drug release after 6 hr, diffusion exponent and time required for 50% of drug release. Response surface methodology and multiple response optimization utilizing a quadratic polynomial equation were used to obtain an optimal formulation. The results indicate that Factor X1 along its interaction with Factor X2 was found to be significantly affecting the studied response variables. An optimized formulation, containing 8 mg of keltone®-HVCR and 14.10mg of eudragit®-EPO, provides a sufficient hardness (> 4.5 kg/cm2) and optimal release properties. The desirability function was used to optimize the response variables, each having a different target and the observed responses were highly agreed with experimental values. The release kinetics of gliclazide from optimized formulation followed zero-order release pattern. The dissolution profiles of optimized formulation before and after stability studies were evaluated by using similarity factor (f2) and were found to be similar. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the model in the development of extended release dosage form.
Antioxidant Activity of Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) Shell In vitro

Objective: The paper tried to systematically investigate the antioxidant potential of Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) shell in vitro then to provide the evidence for its further development in future. Methods: The antioxidant activity of methanol extract of durian shell (MEDS) was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH ) radical, 2,2'-azino-bis (3+ 3+ 2+ ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS ) radical, reducing power (Fe & Cu ), superoxide anion radical (O ), hydroxyl radical ( OH), anti-lipid peroxidation and 2 2+ ferrous ions (Fe ) chelating activity assays, compared with positive control Trolox. The total phenol contents were also determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Results: MEDS exhibited effective antioxidant abilities in dose-dependent manners, its IC values were calculated as 102.37±1.98, 19.50±1.44, 280.79±22.80, 50
Bioavailability of micro and macro-minerals in cockerels fed processed ackee apple seeds in diets

Ackee apple seeds from fruits of ackee trees grown in Ilorin, were processed into meal (AASM) by soaking (48 h), boiling (90 min) followed by addition of glycine and riboflavin to antagonize the toxic principles in ackee namely hypoglycin A and B. The treated AASM was included in diets at 17.50% in a complete randomized design experiment using 96-day old cockerels. Bioavailability and utilization of micro and macro-nutrients in AASM in diets by the cockerels were evaluated comparing with those on the conventional diet. The availability and utilization of the macro-minerals, Ca, Na, K similarly gave values on the treated AASM diets that were comparable or even superior to values on the control diet (P<0.05). The ratios of Na/K and Ca/P obtained were within the limit recommended for good health. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that inclusion of treated AASM in diet at 17.50% has no adverse effects on bioavailability and utilization of minerals in the cockerels.
REMOVAL OF NITRATE, ARSENIC AND VANADIUM IN BENCH-SCALE BIOLOGICAL FILTERS

x List of Abbreviations and Symbols Used . xi Acknowledgments . xiii Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.1 Project Rationale . 1 1.2 Objectives . 2 Chapter 2: Literature Review . 3 2.1 Groundwater . 3 2.1.1 Nitrate in Groundwater . 4 2.1.2 Arsenic and Vanadium in Groundwater . 8 2.2 Treatment Options . 13 2.2.1 Adsorption . 13 2.2.2 Biofiltration . 16 2.2.2.1 Biological Denitrification . 16 2.2.2.2 Biological Metal Removal . 20 2.2. 3 Chemical Coagulation . 21 2.2. 4 Ion Exchange . 22
Three‐Dimensional Smart Catalyst Electrode for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

A multifunctional catalyst electrode mimicking external stimuli–responsive property has been prepared by the in situ growth of nitrogen (N)‐doped NiFe double layered hydroxide (N–NiFe LDH) nanolayers on a 3D nickel foam substrate framework. The electrode demonstrates superior performance toward catalyzing oxygen evolution reaction (OER), affording a low overpotential of 0.23 V at the current density of 10 mA cm−2, high Faradaic efficiency of ≈98%, and stable operation for >60 h. Meanwhile, the electrode can dynamically change its color from gray silver to dark black with the OER happening, and the coloration/bleaching processes persist for at least 5000 cycles, rendering it a useful tool to monitor the catalytic process. Mechanism study reveals that the excellent structural properties of electrode such as 3D conductive framework, ultra thickness of N–NiFe LDH nanolayer (≈0.8 nm), and high N‐doping content (≈17.8%) make significant contribution to achieving enhanced catalytic performance, while N–NiFe LDH nanolayer on electrode is the main contributor to the stimuli‐responsive property with the reversible extraction/insertion of electrons from/into N–NiFe LDH leading to the coloration/bleaching processes. Potential application of this electrode has been further demonstrated by integrating it into a Zn–air battery device to identify the charging process during electrochemical cycling.
Coupling Mineral Carbonation and Ocean Liming

The process by which basic/ultrabasic silicate minerals (e.g., olivine) are reacted with CO2 to produce solid carbonate minerals (“mineral carbonation”) has been suggested as a method to sequester carbon dioxide from point sources into stable carbonate minerals. Alternatively, the addition of lime (produced from calcining carbonate minerals) to the surface ocean (“ocean liming”), which results in an increase in ocean pH and a draw-down of atmospheric CO2 has been proposed as a “geoengineering” technology, which stores carbon as dissolved alkalinity in the surface ocean. Combining these approaches, in which the magnesium carbonate minerals produced from mineral carbonation are used as a feedstock for ocean liming (mineral carbonation-ocean liming; MC–OL), may reduce the limitations of individual technologies while maximizing the benefits. Approximately 1.9 metric tons of magnesium silicate (producing 0.7 ton of magnesium oxide) are required for every net ton of CO2 sequestered. A total of 0.7 ton of CO2 is.
Formulation and evaluation of felodipine in softgels with a solubilized core

Purpose: Felodipine is a calcium channel antagonist, which is water insoluble and only 15% bioavailable when administered orally. In this study softgels, with a solubilized-drug core, were used to improve the solubility and consequently the bioavailability of felodipine. Drug solutions were prepared using both cosolvency and micellar solubilization. Methods: The optimum dielectric constant (DEC) for maximum drug solubility was first determined and five cosolvent systems were constructed to fulfill this DEC. Micellar solubilization was achieved by incorporating surfactants of different types (anionic, cationic and non-ionic) in the solvent systems. Softgels were filled with the drug solutions and subjected to in vitro and in vivo studies. Results: Dissolution tests (under sink or non-sink conditions) revealed a correlation between the composition of the softgel core fill liquid and drug dissolution parameters. The incorporation of water in the fill formula as well as the use of ingredients with low hygroscopicity was found to be essential to minimize water migration to the fill liquid during storage. In vivo studies showed rapid and enhanced absorption of felodipine from solubilized core softgels compared with control drug powder filled in hard gelatin capsules. The total amount of drug absorbed over a 24-h period was markedly enhanced (1.6-fold) for softgels compared with control capsules. Conclusions: It was concluded that the formulation of felodipine in soubilizedcore softgels enhanced the rate and extent of dissolution of this insoluble drug. In addition, the drug absorption was increased leading to improved bioavailability.
Failure Analysis of FeCAPs. Electrical Behaviour Under Synchrotron X-Ray Irradiation

This paper presents a preliminary study of the degradation and restoration of ferroelectric properties under X-ray irradiation of Pt/SBT/Pt ferroelectric capacitors (FeCAP) and the degradation in Pt/PZT/Pt FeCAPs. The results seem to point out that aging of irradiated capacitors originates from the pinning of domain walls due to trapping of photo-generated carriers at domain boundaries. For SBT FeCAPs, the recovery of a significant switchable polarisation after electrical cycling under X-ray irradiation indicates that the domain walls are probably weakly pinned. In PZT FeCAPs, the fatigue behaviour during X-ray exposure can be explained as a result of X-ray induced acceleration of the bulk screening process due to increasing of the concentration of bulk carriers, which leads to both static and kinetic imprint effects.
MEASUREMENT AND MODEL VALIDATION OF SPECIFIC HEAT OF XANTHAN GUM USING JOULES CALORIMETER METHOD

The purpose of this paper is to examine the concent ration and temperature influence on the specific he at of xanthan gum and to propose a model equation for estimating the specifi c heat of xanthan gum at different concentration an d temperature usingthe Joules calorimeter method. Joules calorimeter method was t ested with distilled water for accuracy and reliabi lity before applying to xanthan gum samples which varied in concentration. The spec ific heat of xanthan gum needs to be known for eval uating the design and modeling aspects of heat transfer processes of refr igeration, freezing, heating, pasteurization and dr ying. The specific heat of xanthan gum increases with an increase in temperature (293. 15 - 333.15K) and concentration (0.1 - 0.6 %w/w). T he minimum value of specific heat of xanthan gum was 4.133 KJ/kg K at 300.25K wi th a concentration of 0.2 %w/w, whereas the maximum value of specific heat of xanthan gum was 7.459 KJ/kg K at 333.95K with a con centration of 0.5 %w/w. The specific heat capacity of xanthan gum is compared with that of pure water at 308.15, 318.15 and 328.1 5 K and literature available model at 293.15 - 333. 15 K for 0.1 - 0.6 %w/w concentration of xanthan gum. The influence of oper ating parameters on the specific heat of xanthan gu m was determined by employing a central composite rotatable design in r esponse surface methodology (CCRD-RSM). The new mod el equation obtained for estimating the specific heat using RSM possesses go od agreement with experimental data with a regressi on coefficient of 0.9774. Index Terms: Specific heat, Xanthan gum, Pseudo plastic fluid an d Response surface methodology etc.…