Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulation of nucleation and growth of austenite in duplex stainless steels – metallurgical study on weld metal of duplex stainless steel SUS329J1

Abstract The microstructure of duplex stainless steels is formed by dendrite growth in the primary ferrite-phase and by subsequent solid-state transformation to the secondary austenite-phase. In this study, formation of austenite by solid-state transformation in duplex stainless steels was evaluated. The nucleation and initial growth of austenite was simulated by the software TC-PRISMA. The formation temperatures of austenite in previous works were corresponding to the calculation obtained by adjusting the interfacial energy. Moreover, the microstructure formation process both in grain boundary and intragranular was simulated using a multi-phase field method (MICRESS software). The growth of austenite was assumed to be under paraequilibrium considering the diffusion control of nitrogen and its morphology was assumed to be an acicular growth. The microstructure morphologies were relatively similar to those obtained by the experiments. The simulation method in this study can analyse complex microstructural morphology as well as predict the composition distributions. This method is considered to be highly effective in designing duplex stainless steels and in evaluating the microstructure morphology in welding process.
Neuroprotection against Aminochrome Neurotoxicity: Glutathione Transferase M2-2 and DT-Diaphorase

Glutathione is an important antioxidant that plays a crucial role in the cellular protection against oxidative stress and detoxification of electrophilic mutagens, and carcinogens. Glutathione transferases are enzymes catalyzing glutathione-dependent reactions that lead to inactivation and conjugation of toxic compounds, processes followed by subsequent excretion of the detoxified products. Degeneration and loss of neuromelanin-containing dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal neurons generally involves oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, alpha-synuclein aggregation to neurotoxic oligomers, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein degradation dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. However, it is still unclear what triggers these neurodegenerative processes. It has been reported that aminochrome may elicit all of these mechanisms and, interestingly, aminochrome is formed inside neuromelanin-containing dopaminergic neurons during neuromelanin synthesis. Aminochrome is a neurotoxic ortho-quinone formed in neuromelanin synthesis. However, it seems paradoxical that the neurotoxin aminochrome is generated during neuromelanin synthesis, even though healthy seniors have these neurons intact when they die. The explanation of this paradox is the existence of protective tools against aminochrome neurotoxicity composed of the enzymes DT-diaphorase, expressed in these neurons, and glutathione transferase M2-2, expressed in astrocytes. Recently, it has been reported that dopaminergic neurons can be protected by glutathione transferase M2-2 from astrocytes, which secrete exosomes containing the protective enzyme.
Managing Perceived Loneliness and Social-Isolation Levels for Older Adults: A Survey with Focus on Wearables-Based Solutions

As an inevitable process, the number of older adults is increasing in many countries worldwide. Two of the main problems that society is being confronted with more and more, in this respect, are the inter-related aspects of feelings of loneliness and social isolation among older adults. In particular, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and its associated restrictions have exacerbated the loneliness and social-isolation problems. This paper is first and foremost a comprehensive survey of loneliness monitoring and management solutions, from the multidisciplinary perspective of technology, gerontology, socio-psychology, and urban built environment. In addition, our paper also investigates machine learning-based technological solutions with wearable-sensor data, suitable to measure, monitor, manage, and/or diminish the levels of loneliness and social isolation, when one also considers the constraints and characteristics coming from social science, gerontology, and architecture/urban built environments points of view. Compared to the existing state of the art, our work is unique from the cross-disciplinary point of view, because our authors’ team combines the expertise from four distinct domains, i.e., gerontology, social psychology, architecture, and wireless technology in addressing the two inter-related problems of loneliness and social isolation in older adults. This work combines a cross-disciplinary survey of the literature in the four aforementioned domains with a proposed wearable-based technological solution, introduced first as a generic framework and, then, exemplified through a simple proof of concept with dummy data. As the main findings, we provide a comprehensive view on challenges and solutions in utilizing various technologies, particularly those carried by users, also known as wearables, to measure, manage, and/or diminish the social isolation and the perceived loneliness among older adults. In addition, we also summarize the identified solutions which can be used for measuring and monitoring various loneliness- and social isolation-related metrics, and we present and validate, through a simple proof-of-concept mechanism, an approach based on machine learning for predicting and estimating loneliness levels. Open research issues in this field are also discussed.
Public response to residential building integrated photovoltaic system (BIPV) in Kuala Lumpur urban area

As a developing country, Malaysia is going through a process of rapid urbanization with it's residential sector consumed approximately 19% of the total energy usage of the country (R. Saidur et al., 2007). This percentage is expected to rise rapidly in the near future. Therefore, it is critical to reduce the dependance of electricity generation based on fossil fuel and substitute it by renewable energy source. Malaysia being located at Equatorial region, has great potential for harnessing solar energy. One of the proven solar energy technology is Building Integrated Photovoltaic technology or also known as BIPV. BIPV is not new in Malaysia as it was introduced into Malaysia since year 2000 but until today it still encounters many barriers for penetration into public realm especially in urban residential sector. Therefore, identification of these non-technical barriers in the Malaysian urban residential sector through public response is vital so that strategies can be drawn for more rapid diffusion of BIPV into Malaysian urban residential sector. In order to draw a framework for analysis, it is important to understand the public awareness and perception of this emerging renewable technology in Malaysia. According to Farhar, B.C., (1996), perceptions are important because what people believe to be real is real in its consequences and perceptions and preferences are themselves facts that describe the social world in which people operate. Farhar, B.C., (1996), also pointed out that people perceptions and preferences about energy and the environment are influenced by objectively factual information. In this research, a purposive sample of 302 Kuala Lumpur households was developed, and face-to-face interviews were conducted. Each of these interviews was undertaken with structured questionaires. The analysis of the field survey data forms a basis for assessment of non-technical barriers for the rapid diffusion of BIPV in Kuala Lumpur residential sector.
SATELLITE: Application to Planetary Nebulae IFU Data

The integral field unit (IFU) spectroscopic view of extended ionized nebulae, such as planetary nebulae (PNe), H II regions, and galaxies, has changed the approach of studying these objects, providing a simultaneous characterization in both spatial directions. However, the spatial spaxel-by-spaxel analysis of such nebulae through IFUs is not directly comparable with the results obtained from the traditional slit-aperture spectroscopy or the predictions from 1D modelling. The new Python software called “satellite: Spectroscopic Analysis Tool for intEgraL fieLd unIt daTacubEs” is used in the analysis of the VIMOS and MUSE datacubes of four Galactic PNe. The 2D analysis of line ratio maps has shown important variations from one to another nebular component in NGC 7009 and NGC 6778. In particular, the knots in both PNe are characterized by strong emission from neutral gas that is weak or even absent from the main nebula, indicating significant variation in the ionization state and density structure among the nebular components. The far-UV radiation from the central star results in the photo-evaporation of the dense molecular knots resembling the spectrum of photodissociation regions.
Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Ovine Brucellosis in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with economic and public health significance in developing countries that rely on livestock production including Ethiopia. This study intended to establish the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of ovine brucellosis. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on seroepidemiology of ovine brucellosis from January 2017 to June 2020 G.C in five districts of South Omo zone, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 1536 sera samples were collected from sheep and serially tested using modified Rose Bengal plate test, competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and complement fixation test to detect antibodies against natural infection by Brucella species. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from individual animals, and flocks for the analysis of the association between expounding and outcome variables. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14.0 and potential risk factors for seropositivity of brucellosis were analyzed using logistic regression. Results The study discovered an overall 5.40% (95% CI: 6.34, 14.25) and 39.74% (95% CI: 6.50, 6.97) seroprevalence of ovine brucellosis at individual and flock level, respectively, by a confirmatory test. Age groups, sex, flock size, district, history of abortion, and body condition were significantly associated risk factors with Brucella seropositivity (p < 0.05). Conclusion To conclude, the prevalence of ovine brucellosis in the South Omo Zone was relatively high which needs integrated intervention approaches in place to curb the spread of the disease.
Investigation of Relationships Between Sensitivity to Reinforcement Traits and Emotion Dysregulation

Objective: We investigated the relationship between the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) traits and emotion dysregulation signs, including social anxiety, general anxiety, and depression in students. Methods: A total of 189 students of the public universities in Tehran were selected by convenience sampling and answered the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, and Punishment Sensitivity Questionnaire and Reward Sensitivity. Data analysis was done using SPSS v. 26 software by Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Results: Pearson correlation coefficient showed a significant relationship between punishment and reward sensitivity and symptoms of emotional dysregulation. Also, multiple regression analysis showed that reward and punishment sensitivity could predict emotion dysregulation. Conclusion: Punishment hypersensitivity and reward hyposensitivity were higher-order, shared factors for emotion dysregulation signs, including depression, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety. These findings emphasize the effect of behavioral activation as a technique to increase reward pursuit by the individual and suggested that this technique is able to increase reward-seeking and consequently, improve emotional regulation.
Serum Indicators of Oxidative Damage from Embedded Metal Fragments in a Rat Model

Injuries suffered in armed conflicts often result in embedded metal fragments. Standard surgical guidance recommends leaving embedded fragments in place except under certain circumstances in an attempt to avoid the potential morbidity that extensive surgery often brings. However, technological advances in weapon systems and insurgent use of improvised explosive devices now mean that practically any metal can be found in these types of wounds. Unfortunately, in many cases, the long-term toxicological properties of embedded metals are not known, further complicating treatment decisions. Because of concerns over embedded metal fragment injuries, the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans' Affairs developed a list of “metals of concern” for these types of injuries. In this study, we selected eight of these metals including tungsten, nickel, cobalt, iron, copper, aluminum, lead, and depleted uranium to investigate the long-term health effects using a rodent model developed in our Institute to study embedded fragment injuries. In this report, we show that metals surgically implanted into the gastrocnemius muscle of laboratory rats to simulate a shrapnel wound induce a variety of cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13. TNF-α and KC/GRO were not affected, and IL-1β was below the limit of detection. Serum levels of C-reactive protein were also affected, increasing with some metals and decreasing with others. The TBARS assay, an assessment of lipid peroxidation, demonstrated that implanted aluminum and lead increased markers of lipid peroxidation in serum. Taken together, the results suggest that serum cytokine levels, as well as other indicators of oxidative damage, may prove useful in identifying potential adverse health effects of embedded metals.
Corruption, political instability and their impact on investment: An FMOLS approach

Due to the lack of studies in the financial literature on indicators of corruption and political instability relative to investment, this paper is considered one of the first studies that examines the impact of two-corruption indicators and political instability on investment in Jordan over the period 1987–2020. Using Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) based on annual data, the corruption effect as measured by the corruption score index is a negative and statistically significant impact on investment in Jordan. The second measure of corruption, which is the corruption rank index, confirmed the previous result that corruption has a negative and statistically significant effect. Political instability measured in this study as a dummy variable by wars in the region has a positive and statistically significant effect on investment. For macroeconomic variables, the results show that current government expenditure and interest rate have a negative and significant impact on investment in Jordan. The interest rate factor was the highest coefficient among the negative effects. The study also shows that the investment in Jordan is positively and significantly affected by growth domestic product, imports and local revenue. The gross domestic product showed the highest coefficient among the positive effects. This study concludes that policy makers attempt to apply transparency and minimize the corruption through flexibility, facilitation of procedures and reduced transactions using automation. The study also concludes that decision makers should rationalize current government expenditure and direct banks in Jordan to give greater priority to credit facilities for productive sectors.
Mollification of Doxorubicin (DOX)-Mediated Cardiotoxicity Using Conjugated Chitosan Nanoparticles with Supplementation of Propionic Acid

Doxorubicin is an extensively prescribed antineoplastic agent. It is also known for adverse effects, among which cardiotoxicity tops the list. The possible mechanism underlying doxorubicin (DOX)-mediated cardiotoxicity has been investigated in this study. Further, to reduce the DOX-mediated cardiotoxicity, DOX was conjugated with Chitosan Nanoparticles (DCNPs) and supplemented with propionic acid. Initially, the drug loading efficacy and conjugation of DOX with chitosan was confirmed by UV–Visible Spectroscopy (UV) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The average sizes of the synthesized Chitosan Nanoparticles (CNPs) and DCNPs were measured by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis as 187.9 ± 1.05 nm and 277.3 ± 8.15 nm, respectively, and the zeta potential values were recorded as 55.2 ± 0.7 mV and 51.9 ± 1.0 mV, respectively. The size and shape of CNPs and DCNPs were recorded using a High-Resolution Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The particles measured <30 nm and 33–84 nm, respectively. The toxic effects of DCNPs and propionic acid were evaluated in rat model. The data from the electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac biomarkers, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and histological observations indicated evidence of DOX-mediated cardiotoxicity, whereas the administration of DCNPs, as well as Propionic Acid (PA), brought about a restoration to normalcy and offered protection in the context of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
The Effect of Job Autonomy on Turnover Intention: Mediation Role of Work-Life Balance, and Job Satisfaction in the Banking Sector

The banking sector is one of the sectors driving the Indonesian economy whose contribution is above. Banking activities are engaged in managing financial and non-financial products that are known to have a high employee turnover rate. The high level of employee turnover is influenced by various things, including work autonomy, work-life balance, and job satisfaction. For this reason, this study aims to examine the effect of work autonomy, work-life balance, and job satisfaction on turnover intention in the banking sector of Malang City. This study uses a quantitative approach with online questionnaire data collection. Data was collected by distributing questionnaires (online and offline) using a Likert scale ranging from 1-5. The population in this study were employees in the banking sector. The sample in this study uses a non-probability method with a sample size of 100. Data analysis uses Smart PLS (Partial Least Square) to describe the relationship between variables. The Sobel test was used to analyze the effect of the mediating variables, namely work-life balance and job satisfaction. The results showed that work autonomy significantly affected job satisfaction, work-life balance, and turnover intention. Work-life balance also has a significant effect on turnover intention. However, job satisfaction has no significant effect on turnover intention. In terms of mediating effects, work-life balance can mediate the effect of job autonomy on turnover intention. Meanwhile, job satisfaction has no mediating effect between work autonomy and turnover intention.
High-Resolution Vessel Wall MRI of Endovascularly Treated Intracranial Aneurysms

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and the pattern of post-procedural intracranial aneurysm contrast enhancement on high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (HR-VW MRI). We investigated the possible association between this imaging finding and factors such as time elapsed since embolization or aneurysm occlusion grade on baseline and follow-up imaging. (2) Methods: Consecutive patients presenting for follow-up after endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms were included. HR-VW MRI was acquired and interpreted independently by two radiologists. (3) Results: This study included 40 aneurysms in 39 patients. Contrast enhancement was detected in 30 (75%) aneurysms. It was peripheral in 12 (30.0%), central in 9 (22.5%), and both peripheral and central in 9 (22.5%) aneurysms. The statistical analysis did not reveal any relationship between follow-up period and the presence of contrast enhancement (p = 0.277). There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of contrast enhancement between aneurysms with total occlusion and those with remnant flow on follow-up MR angiography (p = 0.850) nor between aneurysms with different interval changes in the aneurysm occlusion grade (p = 0.536). Multivariate analysis did not demonstrate aneurysm size, ruptured aneurysm status, nor initial complete aneurysm occlusion to be a predictor of contrast enhancement (p = 0.080). (4) Conclusions: Post-procedural aneurysm contrast enhancement is a common imaging finding on HR-VW MRI. The clinical utility of this imaging finding, especially in the prediction of aneurysm recurrence, seems limited. The results of our study do not support routine use of HR-VW MRI in the follow-up of patients after endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
Agro photovoltaic: feasibility of synergistic system in the sugarcane bioenergy sector

A feasibility analysis of the agro photovoltaic approach applied in the sugarcane energy sector is presented. A tailored architecture of photovoltaic implementation was designed to be installed above and on the same area of sugarcane plot without reduction of the planted area, respecting the agronomic requirements of the crop. Were analyzed mutual influences, necessary adjustments in crop handling, life cycle management, cross effects on agro-industrial costs and yields, potential savings, gains by additional electricity generation and improved economic results from synergies. The combined cross effects were applied in a hypothetical sugar-energy plant in the central region of the state of São Paulo, using typical figures and parameters of the 2019/2020 harvest season, based on updated sectorial reports, and using similarly typical parameters of photovoltaic plants. The greatest operational gain was due to the optimization and cost sharing with the exiting electricity generation on the thermal plant drive by biomass, and the highest relative incremental cost resulted from the photovoltaic installation, adapted conveniently to the special management and handling practices required by sugarcane crop. The approach proved economically feasible, respecting the agronomic conditions of the crop and the optimized use of the electric cogeneration infrastructure drive by biomass. The approach resulted on a significant increase in the revenues of energy cogeneration and the joint economic margin. The main feasibility constraints and check items are those related to the minimum negotiated average price of electricity, and to the CAPEX of the adapted photovoltaic architecture installation, strongly linked to the currency exchange ratio.