Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A New Instrument for Balloon‐Borne In Situ Aerosol Size Distribution Measurements, the Continuation of a 50 Year Record of Stratospheric Aerosols Measurements

Profiles of stratospheric aerosol size distributions have been measured using balloon‐borne in situ optical particle counters, from Laramie, Wyoming (41°N) since 1971. In 2019, this measurement record transitioned to the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) in Boulder, Colorado (40°N). The new LASP Optical Particle Counter (LOPC), the fourth generation of instruments used for this record, is smaller and lighter (2 kg) than prior instruments, measures aerosols with diameters ≥0.3–30 μm in up to 450 size bins, with a flow rate of 20 L min−1. The improved size resolution enables the complete measurement of size distributions, and calculation of aerosol extinction without fitting a priori distribution shapes. The higher flow provides the sensitivity required to measure super‐micron particles in the stratosphere. The LOPC has been validated against prior Wyoming OPCs, through joint flights, laboratory comparisons, and statistical comparisons with the Wyoming record. The agreement between instruments is generally within the measurement uncertainty of ±10%–20% in sizing and ±10% in concentration, and within ±40% for calculated aerosol moments. The record is being continued with balloon soundings every 2 months from Colorado, coordinated with measurements of aerosol extinction from the SAGE III instrument on the International Space Station. Comparisons of aerosol extinction from the remote and in situ platforms have shown good agreement in the stratosphere, particularly for wavelengths <755 nm and altitudes <25 km. For extinction wavelengths ≥1,021 nm and altitudes above 25 km SAGE III/International Space Station extinction has a low bias relative to the in situ measurements, yet still within the ±40% uncertainty.
INNOVATIVE DEVICE FOR TENSILE STRENGTH TESTING OF WELDED JOINTS: 3D MODELLING, FEM SIMULATION AND EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF TEST RIG – A CASE STUDY

This work shows a case study into 3D modelling, numerical simulations, and preliminary research of self-designed test rig dedicated for uniaxial tensile testing using pillar press. Innovative device was CAD modelled, FEM optimized, build-up according to the technological documentations. Then, the device utilization for tensile testing was validated via preliminary research. 3D model of the device was designed and FEM-analyzed using Solid Edge 2020 software. The set of FEM simulations for device components made of structural steel and stainless steel and at a workload equal 20 kN were conducted. This made it possible to optimize dimensions and selection of material used for individual parts of the device structure. Elaborated technical documentation allows for a build-up of a device prototype which was fixed into the pillar press. After that, the comparative preliminary experiments regarding tensile strength tests of X5CrNi18-10 (AISI 304) specimens were carried out. Tests were done using the commercial tensile strength machine and obtained results were compared with those received from an invented device. The ultimate tensile strength of X5CrNi18-10 steel, estimated using the commercial device (634 MPa) and results obtained from the patented device (620 MPa), were in the range of the standardized values. Findings confirm the utilization of the invented device for tensile strength testing.
Self-Propelled Rotary Tools in Hard Turning: Analysis and Optimization via Finite Element Models

This study investigates self-propelled rotary tool (SPRT) performance in hard turning using 3D finite element (FE) models. The FE models developed in this study are based on coupled temperature-displacement analysis using an explicit time-integration scheme. The developed FE models can predict chip morphology, cutting forces, tool and workpiece stresses and temperatures. For model verification, hard turning experiments were conducted using an SPRT on AISI 4340 bars. Cutting forces and maximum tool–chip interface temperatures were recorded and compared with the model findings. The effects of different process parameters were analyzed and discussed using the developed FE models. The FE models were run with a central composite design (CCD-25) matrix with four input variables, i.e., the cutting speed, the feed rate, the depth of the cut and the inclination angle. Response surfaces based on the Gaussian process were generated for each performance variable in order to predict design points not available in the original design of the experiment matrix. An optimization study was carried out to minimize tool stress and temperature while setting limits for the material removal rate (MRR) and specific cutting energy for the process. Optimized processes were found with moderate cutting speeds and feed rates and high depths of cut and inclination angles.
Characterization of MDF produced with bolaina (Guazuma crinita Mart.) wood residues from plantation

Bolaina (Guazuma crinita Mart.) is one of the most widely used plant species in the forest plantations in Ucayali, Peru. The production of bolaina wood has increased, consequently the generation of wood residues has also risen. Fortunately, this waste can be used as raw material to manufacture other products. This study aims to produce test boards that can achieve at least, the minimal requirements of European and American standard for medium-density fiberboards (MDF) produced using two types of pulps, namely refiner mechanical pulp (RMP) and chemi-mechanical pulp (CMP), from bolaina wood residue obtained from a 5 to 8-year-old forest plantation and using two types of resins: urea-formaldehyde (UF) and emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI). To manufacture RMP and CMP, wood residues were pretreated through water and 5% sodium hydroxide (w/w) soaking respectively for 24 h. The fiber morphological parameters of both pulps were analyzed using the Morfi compact equipment. Additionally, woods and pulps were also chemically characterized. The solid contents of the resins were 65% for UF and 23% for EPI diluted with distilled water. Both resins were applied with a dose of 10% (w/w). Four types of MDF were prepared: RMP-UF, CMP-UF, RMP-EPI, and CMP-EPI. The results confirmed the feasibility of preparing MDF with wood residues (5% bark) of bolaina as the raw material. In terms of the contributions of resins, MDF with EPI exhibited better physical and mechanical properties than that manufactured with the UF. The pulps, RMP and CMP, had similar performance in MDF. The RMP-EPI and CMP-EPI boards exhibited the best properties.
Experimental investigation of a bioartificial capsule flowing in a narrow tube

This work is an experimental study of the motion and deformation of a bioartificial capsule flowing in a tube of 4 mm diameter. The capsules, initially designed for medical applications, are droplets of salt water surrounded by a thin polymeric membrane. They are immersed in a very viscous Newtonian silicone oil that flows through a tube in the Stokes regime. The properties of the capsules were carefully determined. Two previous experimental papers were devoted to their characterization by osmotic swelling and compression between two plates. The present work also provides a series of tests that allows an accurate definition of the experimental model under investigation. The capsules are buoyant and initially quasi-spherical. Nevertheless, buoyancy and small departures from sphericity are shown to have no significant effects, provided the flowing velocity is large enough for the viscous stress to become predominant. The capsules are also initially slightly over-inflated, but there is no mass transfer through the membrane during the present experiments. Their volume therefore remains constant. The membrane can be described as an elastic two-dimensional material, the elastic moduli of which are independent of the deformation. Far from the tube ends, the capsule reaches a steady state that depends on two parameters: the capillary number, $\hbox{\it Ca}$; and the ratio of the radius of the capsule to that of the tube, $a/R$. The capillary number, which compares the hydrodynamic stresses to the elastic tensions in the membrane, was varied between 0 and 0.125. The radius ratio, which measures the magnitude of the confinement, was varied from 0.75 to 0.95. In the range investigated, the membrane material always remains in the elastic domain. At fixed $a/R$, the capsule is stretched in the axial direction when $\hbox{\it Ca}$ is increased. The process of deformation involves two main stages. At small to moderate $\hbox{\it Ca}$, the lateral dimension of the capsule decreases whereas its axial length increases. The capsule is rounded at both ends, but the curvature of its rear decreases as $\hbox{\it Ca}$ increases. At large $\hbox{\it Ca}$, the rear buckles inward. Then, the negative rear curvature goes on decreasing whereas the lateral dimension of the capsule reaches a constant value. On the other hand, increasing $a/R$ promotes the deformation: the process remains qualitatively the same, but the different stages are attained for smaller values of $\hbox{\it Ca}$. Comparisons with available numerical simulations show that the results are strongly dependent on the properties of the capsules.
Silicon introduced effect on resistive switching characteristics of WOX thin films

The switching layer with Si interfusion is investigated to improve the electrical characteristics of WOX resistance random access memory (RRAM). The WOX has attracted extensive attention for RRAM because it can form by converting the surface of the W-plug with a current complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible thermal oxidation process. In general, the resistance switching behavior of WOX-RRAM devices is unstable because the diverse oxidation state provided the stochastic conduction paths. In this research, the Si interfusion can effectively localize the filament conduction path in WOX resistance switching layer because the tungsten filament path is limited by SiOX in the WSiOX film during the forming process.
In‐Situ Capillary Pressure and Its Interrelationships With Flow Characteristics During Steady‐State Three‐Phase Flow in Water‐Wet Berea Sandstone

We present a detailed multi‐level investigation of steady‐state three‐phase flow processes in a water‐wet Berea sandstone sample. We use high‐resolution micro‐computed tomography images acquired during micro‐scale core‐flooding experiments which include successive gas injection, waterflooding, and nonspreading oil flooding steps. We develop and employ robust techniques to comprehensively characterize and probe the complex interrelationships between the pore‐scale three‐phase capillary pressures, fluid occupancy, displacement events, and the macroscopic flow behavior. The results demonstrate that the local capillary pressures involving the invading phase rise or drop in compliance with the changes in the macroscopic flow ratios. For instance, the gas‐oil capillary pressures were at their highest levels during the gas injection process (highest gas/oil fractional flow) and dropped during the subsequent processes. More importantly, the oil‐water capillary pressure is found to sharply rise during the gas injection process, implying that the gas‐displacing‐oil‐displacing‐water double displacements are the dominant double displacement mechanism during this experiment. For the waterflooding test, the local gas‐oil capillary pressures consistently decrease due to water‐displacing‐oil‐displacing‐gas double displacement events. Moreover, the results show that the variations in the gas‐liquid capillary pressures are more significant than those in the oil‐water capillary pressures. Also, the variations in all capillary pressures during gas injection are higher than in the subsequent processes. The higher variations in capillary pressure values are attributed to more localized and less uniform pore‐scale events across the medium. Finally, the capillary pressure gradients along the flow direction are incorporated in the three‐phase relative permeability measurements.
Comparative Analysis of mRNA and miRNA Expression between Dermal Papilla Cells and Hair Matrix Cells of Hair Follicles in Yak

The interaction between the dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and epidermal hair matrix cells (HMCs) of hair follicles (HFs) is crucial for the growth and development of HFs, but the molecular mechanism is complex and remains unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the key signaling molecules for cellular communication. In this study, the DPCs and HMCs of yak were isolated and cultured, and the differentially expressed mRNA and miRNA were characterized to analyze the molecular basis of the interaction between DPCs and HMCs during hair follicle (HF) development in yak. The mRNA differential expression and functional enrichment analysis revealed that there were significant differences between DPCs and HMCs, and they showed the molecular functional characteristics of dermal cells and epidermal cells, respectively. Multiple KEGG pathways related to HF development were enriched in the highly expressed genes in DPCs, while the pathways associated with microbiota and immunity were significantly enriched in the highly expressed genes in HMCs. By combining analysis with our previous 10× genomics single-cell transcriptome data, 39 marker genes of DPCs of yak were identified. A total of 123 relatively specifically expressed miRNAs were screened; among these, the miRNAs associated with HF development such as miR-143, miR-214, miR-125b, miR-31, and miR-200 were presented. In conclusion, the large changes in yak DPCs and HMCs for both mRNA and miRNA expression were revealed, and numerous specifically expressed mRNAs and miRNAs in DPCs or HMCs were identified, which may contribute to the interaction and cellular communication between DPCs and HMCs during HF development in yak.
Statistical study of subthreshold characteristics in polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors

We investigate the influence of grain size variations on device properties of polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors (poly-Si TFTs) by drift–diffusion device simulations. Employing our grain boundary model which represents the intrinsic variations of grain size [Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., 42, L634 (2003)], the subthreshold characteristics are simulated for the various configurations of grains in the channel region so that the statistical fluctuation of device characteristics is investigated. It is shown that the variations in subthreshold characteristics are caused mainly by the number of grains included in the channel because the grain boundaries act as highly resistive regions. However, as the channel length shrinks, the grain boundary located close to the drain critically determines the channel resistance of poly-Si TFTs and the device characteristics could differ even if the number of grains included in the channel region is the same.
Spread-Spectrum Frequency Modulation in a DC/DC Converter With Time-Based Control

Spread-spectrum frequency modulation is a technique commonly adopted in dc/dc converters with pulse width modulation (PWM) control to reduce electromagnetic interference induced by switching. It typically requires a dedicated circuit. This article introduces a novel technique to implement spread-spectrum modulation in a dc/dc converter with time-based control, requiring only an additional transconductor. Modulating the bias current of the voltage-controlled oscillators used in the controller via a common-mode signal, the switching frequency of the converter is modulated without affecting the duty cycle. A theoretical analysis providing the link between modulation factor and design parameters is shown, and the circuit implementation in a time-based buck converter for general-purpose applications in a bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) process with 180 nm CMOS is described, together with a comparison between the simulated and the measured spectrum. The measured EMI reduction is 11.2 dB. The area occupation of the SSFM circuit is 0.032 mm$^{2}$.
Intrinsic Excitability in Layer IV–VI Anterior Insula to Basolateral Amygdala Projection Neurons Correlates with the Confidence of Taste Valence Encoding

Visual Abstract Avoiding potentially harmful, and consuming safe food is crucial for the survival of living organisms. However, the perceived valence of sensory information can change following conflicting experiences. Pleasurability and aversiveness are two crucial parameters defining the perceived valence of a taste and can be impacted by novelty. Importantly, the ability of a given taste to serve as the conditioned stimulus (CS) in conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is dependent on its valence. Activity in anterior insula (aIC) Layer IV–VI pyramidal neurons projecting to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is correlated with and necessary for CTA learning and retrieval, as well as the expression of neophobia toward novel tastants, but not learning taste familiarity. Yet, the cellular mechanisms underlying the updating of taste valence representation in this specific pathway are poorly understood. Here, using retrograde viral tracing and whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology in trained mice, we demonstrate that the intrinsic properties of deep-lying Layer IV–VI, but not superficial Layer I–III aIC-BLA neurons, are differentially modulated by both novelty and valence, reflecting the subjective predictability of taste valence arising from prior experience. These correlative changes in the profile of intrinsic properties of LIV–VI aIC-BLA neurons were detectable following both simple taste experiences, as well as following memory retrieval, extinction learning, and reinstatement.
Inertia effect in two‐dimensional MHD channel flow under a traveling sine wave magnetic field

The inertia effect peculiar to the MHD flow under a traveling sine wave transverse magnetic field between two parallel walls is investigated analytically and numerically. Solutions for steady flow of incompressible viscous fluid are obtained on the coordinate system moving with the traveling magnetic field. The flow is classified by interaction parameter N into three categories. (i) In the case of N≫H3a (Ha : average Hartmann number), inertia effect is negligibly small and the local force balance in each cross section is the same as that in the Hartmann flow characterized by Hl (Hl : local Hartmann number which is spatially periodic). (ii) In the case of 1≲N≲H3a, appreciable inertia effect appears in the region where the local magnetic field is smaller than N−1/3B0 (B0 : the amplitude of sine wave magnetic field). (iii) In the case of N≪1, a new type boundary layer appears, where the periodic part of the Lorentz force is balanced by inertia force. The inertia effect to the power output and the efficiency .
The effect of the charge exchange source on the velocity and ‘temperature’ distributions and their anisotropies in the Earth's exosphere

The velocity distribution of atomic hydrogen in the earth's exosphere has been calculated as a function of altitude and direction using a Monte Carlo simulation which includes the classical exobase source and the higher-altitude plasmaspheric charge exchange source. The charge exchange ‘hot’ hydrogen atom source produces the satellite component and ‘hot’ ballistic and escape components. The velocity distribution functions F(υ) have been plotted as log F(υ) against υ². For a Maxwellian velocity distribution the slope would be constant with velocity υ and inversely proportional to the defined temperature. For the classical exobase source alone the slope is constant only for the upward radial velocity component, and it increases dramatically as the altitude increases above one earth radius for both the incoming radial and the two transverse velocity components. This ‘temperature decrease’ is the same effect as indicated in the analytical work of Chamberlain (1963), due to the absence of the incoming-hyperbolic and flyby components of the particle distributions. The effect of charge exchange is to enhance the wings of the velocity distributions, especially for the upward-radial component. Charge exchange does not, however, succeed in overcoming the ‘temperature decreases’ in the incoming-radial and transverse directions at altitudes above one earth radius. The gradients of the ‘temperatures’ and their anisotropies are great enough to engender some lack of confidence in the results of radiative transfer treatments for Lyman α, which have been carried out so far on the basis of isothermal exospheric hydrogen models.
Tea Waste Products: A New Low-Cost and Green Adsorbent Alternative for Rhodamine-B Dye Removal

Tea waste products were thrown out without any intention to utilize their potential benefits. This waste will help to improve industries to absorb rhodamine-B (RhB) dye pollutants currently used by various industries. This study evaluated the application of tea waste products to remove Rh-B from aqueous systems by investigating adsorption kinetics in a batch process. The ability and mechanism of Indonesian black and green tea in RhB adsorption were determined by optimizing temperature, pH, contact time, and concentration of dye solution. Achievement of equilibrium attained at 40 min for black tea (BT) and green tea (GT). Subsequently, the adsorption capacity reached optimum at 80 and 70 °C for GT, and the maximum adsorption capacities for BT and GT were 22 and 47 mg/g, respectively, at pH 2.5. The absorption of RhB in both bio-sorbents was an exothermic process that well fit the Langmuir model and a pseudo-second-order reaction. The presented R2 values from the Langmuir isotherm are 0.9967 (BT) and 0.9979 (GT). The separation factor was determined as 0.026 (BT) and 0.055 (GT). Thermodynamic studies were carried out to calculate free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes. The result showed that the removal study of BT and GT is 59.06 and 60.25%, respectively, using 10% acetic acid. Study comparisons were carried out on both teas with other bio-sorbents for more improvement. These results show that tea waste products can be used as alternative adsorbents to absorb RhB from wastewater.
16S Next-generation sequencing and quantitative PCR reveal the distribution of potential pathogens in the Liaohe Estuary

The existence of potentially pathogenic bacteria seriously threatens aquatic animals and human health. Estuaries are closely related to human activities, and the detection of pathogens is important for aquaculture and public health. However, monitoring only indicator microorganisms and pathogens is not enough to accurately and comprehensively estimate water pollution. Here, the diversity of potentially pathogenic bacteria in water samples from the Liaohe estuary was profiled using 16S next-generation sequencing (16S NGS) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. The results showed that the dominant genera of environmental pathogens were Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Mycobacterium, Acinetobacter, Exiguobacterium, Sphingomonas, and Legionella, and the abundance of enteric pathogens was significantly less than the environmental pathogens, mainly, Citrobacter, Enterococcus, Escherichia-Shigella, Enterobacter, Bacteroides. The qPCR results showed that the 16S rRNA genes of Vibrio were the most abundant, with concentrations between 7.06 and 9.48 lg copies/L, followed by oaa gene, fliC gene, trh gene, and uidA gene, and the temperature and salinity were the main factors affecting its abundance. Variance partitioning analysis (VPA) analysis of spatial factors on the potential pathogen’s distribution (19.6% vs 5.3%) was greater than environmental factors. In addition, the co-occurrence analysis of potential pathogens in the estuary revealed significant co-occurrence among the opportunistic pathogens Testosteronemonas, Brevimonas vesicularis, and Pseudomonas putida. Our findings provide an essential reference for monitoring and occurrence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in estuaries.