Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drying Behaviour of Western Hemlock with Schedules Developed for Norway Spruce and Scots Pine

Determining moisture content (MC) distribution during the drying of porous materials such as wood is crucial for developing drying schedules and assessing their suitability to achieve optimised processes. This study aimed to determine the causes of the unique drying behaviour and the well-known unusual longer drying time of western hemlock compared to other similar softwoods. In situ X-ray computed tomography (CT) was used to study the evolution of MC in timber during the drying process. The drying behaviour of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. ) was compared with Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst. ) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) from green to oven-dried condition with industry-proposed drying schedules used for steering a custom-made experimental kiln combined with a CT scanner. CT scanning was performed at 30 min intervals during the complete drying period of 30 h, and the CT images were processed to calculate the MC evolution within the specimen. Western hemlock showed a considerably slower capillary-phase drying and did not go into the transition and diffusion phases when a schedule adapted to pine and spruce drying was applied for its drying. CT images and MC gradient calculations showed a lower drying rate and severe non-uniformity in MC distribution, which could be due to the effect of higher green MC and the presence of wet pockets. Furthermore, the evaporation front at the first 5 h of drying receded faster into the hemlock specimen, and as drying proceeded, it slowed down compared to other specimens.
A site for deep ice coring in West Antarctica: results from aerogeophysical surveys and thermo-kinematic modeling

Abstract The U.S. Science Plan for Deep Ice Coring in West Antarctica calls for two ice cores to be collected. the first of these cores, from Siple Dome, was completed during the 1997/98 field season. the second core is to be collected from a site near the divide that separates ice flowing to the Ross Sea and to the Amundsen Sea.Using high-resolution, grid-based aerogeophysical surveys of the Ross/Amundsen ice-divide region, we identify seven candidate sites and assess their suitability for deep coring. We apply ice-flow and temperature calculations to predict time-scales and annual-layer resolution, and to assess the potential for basal melting for several selected sites. We conclude that basal melting is likely for sites with very thick ice, as was observed at the Byrd core site. Nevertheless, these sites are most attractive for coring since they promise recovery of a long climate record with comparatively high time resolution during the last glacial period.
VERIFICAÇÃO DE APTIDÃO DE ÁREAS SELECIONADAS PARA INSTALAÇÃO DE PARQUE DE LAZER NO MUNICÍPIO DE PARANAGUÁ – PR UTILIZANDO-SE DE SISTEMAS DE INFORMAÇÕES GEOGRÁFICAS

Em areas urbanas, caracterizadas pela concentracao populacional alguns problemas de ordem ambiental sao comuns. A cidade de Paranagua - PR, por estar localizada em area de grande fragilidade ambiental, necessita de uma atencao especial, no sentido de evitar impactos negativos no uso e ocupacao da terra, assim como na recuperacao de areas degradadas. Nessa perspectiva, a prefeitura municipal, por meio de seu Plano Diretor, propoe a instalacao de parques publicos de lazer em area caracterizada pela degradacao ambiental, atual deposito de lixo municipal e antigas cavas de exploracao de areia que estao extintas atualmente, visando revitaliza-las. Nesse contexto este trabalho tem como objetivo verificar a aptidao da area em receber a referida infraestrutura utilizando-se dos Sistemas de Informacoes Geograficas, apoiado em analise multicriterios, considerando variaveis do meio fisico e socioeconomico possibilitando a classificacao da referida area de acordo com seu potencial para receber os equipamentos do parque. Os criterios avaliados foram submetidos a padronizacao fuzzy , agregados e compensados pelo processo de Combinacao Linear Ponderada, resultando no mapeamento final de aptidao da area pre-determinada.
Étude des écoulements avec changement de phase : application à l'évaporation directe dans les centrales solaires à concentration

Les travaux presentes dans cette these concernent l'etude de l'evolution des regimes d'ecoulements diphasiques lors de l'evaporation progressive dans un canal horizontal. Le but est de mieux comprendre l'ecoulement a l'interieur d'un tube recepteur d'une centrale solaire a concentration a generation directe de vapeur. Cette technologie, presentee comme une amelioration des systemes actuels pouvant permettre une reduction des couts, consiste en la production de vapeur directement sous l'effet du rayonnement solaire concentre. La prevision de l'ecoulement liquide-vapeur alors genere dans le tube est encore de nos jours difficile, c'est pourquoi le recours a la simulation numerique est interessant. Pour cela un modele a ete developpe permettant la simulation de ces ecoulements, depuis le debut de la creation de la vapeur jusqu'a l'existence de larges poches. Base sur le modele diphasique VOF du code Fluent, par l'ajout de fonctions personnalisees et d'une phase dispersee supplementaire, il permet de modeliser differents phenomenes lies au processus d'evaporation : creation en paroi, transport, recondensation et creation de larges structures. Ce developpement a ete mis en oeuvre pour simuler des ecoulements en evaporation, permettant de reproduire l'evolution des regimes d'ecoulement. La validation est faite grâce a une etude experimentale de la litterature, en comparant les regimes d'ecoulements obtenus pour differents debits de liquide et sous l'effet de differents flux de chaleur. Enfin, le modele a ete applique a la simulation de la generation de vapeur dans le tube recepteur d'une centrale solaire, mettant en evidence l'apparition et l'evolution des differents regimes d'ecoulement. Au vu du peu d'installations experimentales trouvees dans la litterature sur le sujet, et afin de valider au mieux les fonctions developpees, une installation experimentale a ete concue et dimensionnee.
Magnetite as a prokaryotic biomarker: A review

[1] Over the years, nanometer-sized magnetite (Fe3O4) crystals have been recovered from many modern and ancient environments including sediments and soils and even meteorites. In some cases these crystals have been used as “magnetofossils” for evidence of the past presence of specific microbes. Magnetite nanocrystals can be formed by a number of different biological and inorganic mechanisms resulting in crystals with different physical and magnetic characteristics. Prokaryotes (bacteria) biomineralize magnetite through two methods that differ mechanistically, including: biologically induced mineralization (BIM) and biologically controlled mineralization (BCM). Magnetite nanocrystals produced by BIM are known to be synthesized by the dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria, are deposited external to the cell, and generally are physically indistinguishable from magnetite particles formed inorganically. BCM magnetites, in contrast, are synthesized by the magnetotactic bacteria and some higher organisms and are precipitated intracellularly as membrane-bounded structures called magnetosomes. These magnetites appear to have unique crystal morphologies and a narrow size range leading to their original use as magnetofossils. Because of the discovery of nanometer-sized crystals of magnetite in the Martian meteorite ALH84001, the use of these criteria for the determination of whether magnetite crystals could constitute a prokaryotic biomarker was questioned. Thus, there is currently great debate over what criteria to use in the determination of whether specific magnetite crystals are biogenic or not. In the last decade, additional criteria have been established (e.g., the Magnetite Assay for Biogenicity), and new tools and technologies have been developed to determine the origin of specific types of magnetite crystals.
THE BANKING SYSTEM OF UKRAINE IN WARTIME

This article aims to assess changes in the banking system of Ukraine in 2022 under martial law (at the macro level) and the vulnerability of banks to financial stress (at the micro level). The proposed method uses cluster analysis of the main ratios for banking stability based on the agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm.The analysis of changes at the macro level under martial law shows that anti-stress measures ensured that a significant negative stress reaction was avoided. The analysis of the vulnerability of banks to financial stress shows that a significant number of banks had problems with funding and turned to the Central Bank, but by the end of the year, the funding market had stabilized. The worst situation concerned non-performing loans, but most of those are covered by reserves. Changes in legislation in Ukraine under martial law provided almost 100% coverage of household deposits in banking institutions.
Introduction to special section on Colloid Transport in Subsurface Environments

The Water Resources Research special section on Colloid Transport in Subsurface Environments presents new knowledge that is critical to solving problems related to groundwater pollution by microbial pathogens and hazardous chemicals. This introduction to the special section surveys fourteen manuscripts that advance current understanding of the transport of biocolloids (e.g., bacteria, viruses, and protozoa), mineral colloids, and colloid‐associated contaminants in the vadose zone and in groundwater. These papers present new techniques for elucidating mechanisms that govern colloid mobility, propose mathematical models appropriate for quantifying colloid and colloid‐associated contaminant transport, and report pore‐scale and column‐scale observations requisite for evaluating these models. Together, the papers of this special section illuminate the complexity of the colloid transport problem and describe progress toward understanding this complexity.
Lung Microbiota in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, and Unclassified Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Preliminary Pilot Study

(1) Introduction: Although historically, the lung has been considered a sterile organ, recent studies through 16S rRNA gene sequencing have identified a substantial number of microorganisms. The human microbiome has been considered an “essential organ,” carrying about 150 times more information (genes) than are found in the entire human genome. The purpose of the present study is to characterize and compare the microbiome in three different interstitial lung diseases: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and nondifferential interstitial lung disease. (2) Material and methods: This was a prospective cohort study where the DNA of 28 patients with ILD was extracted from the lavage and then processed using the standard technique of 16S RNA gene sequencing. In a tertiary teaching hospital in the northern, western part of Romania, samples were collected through bronchoscopy and then processed. (3) Results: The same four species were found in all the patients but in different quantities and compositions: Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroides. Streptococcus was the most prevalent genus, followed by Staphylococcus and Prevotella. Statistically significant differences in the OUT count for the ten most abundant taxa were found for the genus: Gemella, Actinobacteria, Prevotella, Neisseria, Haemophilus, and Bifidobacterium. The comparative analysis showed a richer microbiota in patients with IPF, as shown by the alpha diversity index. (4) Conclusions: In interstitial lung diseases, the microorganisms normally found in the lung are reduced to a restricted flora dominated by the Firmicutes family. These changes significantly disrupt the continuity of the observed bacterial pattern from the oropharynx to the bronchial tree and lung, possibly impacting the evolution and severity of interstitial lung diseases.
Combined loading performance analysis of gasketed bolted flange joints with emphasis on bolt scattering

Gasketed bolted flange joints (GBFJ) are commonly used in various industries however, their failure could result in significant losses not only in terms of financial but human life as well. Most of the work present on the performance of the GBFJ involves simplified assumptions by neglecting the effect of bolt scatter. Also, there is a paucity of studies investigating the sealing performance of GBFJ under combined thermal transient and structural loading. In the present study, two different flange sizes of ANSI B16.5 pressure class 900 (4in. and 6in.) are evaluated, using a detailed three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). ASME bolt tightening scheme was applied for the preloading of the bolts. Higher bolts and gasket stresses were observed in the case of 6in. flange joint. Also, greater variation in bolt stresses (up to 18 % of the target value) was observed for the 6 in. model which may be due to higher number of bolts resulting in greater scattering phenomena. Both models were found to be safe under the structural loading. However, large relaxation in stresses was observed at high bulk temperature. The gasket stress in 4in. flange model was observed to be less than the minimum seating stress (69 MPa) at temperatures greater than 300 °C implying possible leakage. However, stresses in the 6in. model stayed within the safe limit throughout the thermal and structural loading due to higher bolt target stresses, resulting in its proper seating even at higher temperatures.
Abnormal neuroanatomical patterns as potential diagnostic biomarkers for cocaine use disorder

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a global health problem with serious consequences for both individuals and society. Previous studies on abnormal anatomical patterns in CUD have mainly used voxel‐based morphometry to investigate grey matter volume changes, while surface‐based morphometry (SBM) has been found to provide detail information on cortical thickness (CT), surface area and cortical meancurve, which can contribute to a better understanding of structural brain changes associated with CUD. In this study, SBM was conducted to investigate abnormal neuroanatomical patterns in CUD and whether these abnormal patterns could be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers for CUD. Sixty‐eight CUD individuals and 52 matched healthy controls were enrolled, and all participants performed once MRI scanning and clinical assessments. We found that CUD individuals exhibited altered morphological indicators across widespread brain regions and these abnormal anatomical alterations were significantly predictive of CUD status. Furthermore, the CT reduction of right insula was significantly associated with years of cocaine use in CUD. These findings revealed the association of abnormal anatomical patterns in specific brain regions in CUD, which further improve the understanding of CUD pathophysiology and provide the alternative diagnostic biomarkers for CUD.
The Implications of Global Climate Change for Mountain Gorilla Conservation

Efforts in biodiversity conservation have long embraced the task of reducing the impactsof the stressors imposed by anthropogenic and environmental changes. In the past, moststressors have been either on-going but gradual or incremental, such as pollution ordeforestation, or one-time catastrophic events, such as large oil spills, or a severe drought. Theprevailing conservation principle has been to plan for a static protected area or series of protectedareas, with the goal of preserving important specific habitat types, or biodiversity assemblages.The assumption has been that if properly protected, these ecosystems would remain stable(Hansen et al., 2009). Climate change has created new challenges in biodiversity conservation.While it is already changing ecosystems across the globe, it will continue to do so for decadesand perhaps centuries to come, and at a faster pace than originally anticipated (Hansen et al.,2009). The current pace of change is unprecedented in evolutionary history (Barnosky et al.,2003). Climate change is reshaping how we think about conservation. Even if fully protectedfrom the ongoing threats imposed by human activities, the ecosystems and biota we have beenprotecting will not remain the same. Conservation planners must change the way decisions aremade because aspects of the environment we have always considered to be relatively constant,including weather patterns, water supply, temperature extremes, even biotic communities, will bechanging. This is a difficult endeavor because, not only can we not predict exactly how thingswill change, but we don’t know when they will achieve a new stable state. We can no longerplan for stasis.With these ideas in mind, the African Wildlife Foundation and the International GorillaConservation Programme have partnered with EcoAdapt to initiate the development of anadaptation framework to address climate change in planning in the continuing efforts to conservemountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in East Africa. With a grant by the John D. andCatherine T. MacArthur Foundation, a series of Climate Camp workshops in the region wereheld and expert research commissioned to produce this initial White Paper. The work focuses onbuilding understanding and assessing the scope for reducing the vulnerability of mountaingorillas to regional and global changes expected to occur as a result of climate change. The goalis to reduce the vulnerability of mountain gorillas to the negative effects of climate change byunderstanding and accommodating its effects on their habitat, food supply, and access to waterresources. The specific task of the White Paper preparation process was to carry out initialmulti-stakeholder assessment of the implications of global climate change for mountain gorillaconservation in the Albertine Rift, and identify key elements of an adaptation framework,including priority adaptation strategies and actions.
HPMCAS-Based Amorphous Solid Dispersions in Clinic: A Review on Manufacturing Techniques (Hot Melt Extrusion and Spray Drying), Marketed Products and Patents

Today, therapeutic candidates with low solubility have become increasingly common in pharmaceutical research pipelines. Several techniques such as hot melt extrusion, spray drying, supercritical fluid technology, electrospinning, KinetiSol, etc., have been devised to improve either or both the solubility and dissolution to enhance the bioavailability of these active substances belonging to BCS Class II and IV. The principle involved in all these preparation techniques is similar, where the crystal lattice of the drug is disrupted by either the application of heat or dissolving it in a solvent and the movement of the fine drug particles is arrested with the help of a polymer by either cooling or drying to remove the solvent. The dispersed drug particles in the polymer matrix have higher entropy and enthalpy and, thereby, higher free energy in comparison to the crystalline drug. Povidone, polymethaacrylate derivatives, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate derivatives are commonly used as polymers in the preparation of ASDs. Specifically, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS)-based ASDs have become well established in commercially available products and are widely explored to improve the solubility of poorly soluble drugs. This article provides an analysis of two widely used manufacturing techniques for HPMCAS ASDs, namely, hot melt extrusion and spray drying. Additionally, details of HPMCAS-based ASD marketed products and patents have been discussed to emphasize the commercial aspect.
Enhanced Near-Infrared Ultra-Narrow Absorber Based on a Dielectric Nano-Resonant Ring for Refractive Index Sensing

In this paper, a plasmon resonance-enhanced narrow-band absorber based on the nano-resonant ring array of transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) is proposed and verified numerically. Due to the unique properties of TCOs, the structure achieves an ultra-narrowband perfect absorption by exhibiting a near-field enhancement effect. Consequently, we achieve a peak absorption rate of 99.94% at 792.2 nm. The simulation results indicate that the Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) can be limited to within 8.8 nm. As a refractive index sensor, the device reaches a sensitivity S of 300 nm/RIU and a Figure of Merit (FOM) value of 34.1 1/RIU. By analyzing the distribution characteristics of the electromagnetic field at the 792.2 nm, we find high absorption with a narrow FWHM of the ITO nano-resonant ring (INRR) owing to plasmon resonance excited by the free carriers at the interface between the metal and the interior of the ITO. Additionally, the device exhibits polarization independence and maintains absorption rates above 90% even when the incident formed by the axis perpendicular to the film is greater than 13°. This study opens a new prospective channel for research into TCOs, which will increase the potential of compact photoelectric devices, such as optical sensing, narrowband filtering, non-radiative data transmission and biomolecular manipulation.
The Quaternary History of Banks Island, N.W.T., Canada

Banks Island is a polar desert where continental ice sheets, spreading from a dispersal centre to the southeast, reached their maximum extent on at least three occasions. The oldest Banks Glaciation affected all but the northwest. The Pre-Banks Sea preceded glacierization while the Post-Banks Sea formed during deglaciation. Following Morgan Bluffs Interglaciation, characterized by a climate similar to that of today, the south, the east, and the Thomsen River basin were covered during Thomsen Glaciation. The Pre-Thomsen Sea preceded the glacierization, while the Big Sea inundated much of the Island during deglaciation. Following the last or Cape Collinson Interglaciation, characterized by a climate warmer than that of the hypsithermal, Laurentide glacial lobes impinged on the coastal areas, during the M'Clure Stade of Amundsen Glaciation. Prince of Wales and Thesiger lobes, emanating from Amundsen Gulf, respectively advanced in Prince of Wales Strait and Thesiger Bay impinging on the east and southwest coasts. At the same time, Prince Alfred Lobe, originating in Viscount Melville Sound, advanced in M'Clure Strait and impinged on the north coast. The Pre-Amundsen Sea preceded the glacierization of the south coast, while the East Coast Sea submerged the east coast up to 120 m, the Meek Point Sea the west up to 20 m and the Investigator Sea the north up to 30 m, during deglaciation. The late Sand Hills Readvance of Thesiger Lobe built a morainic system on the southwest coast. Later, the northeast was covered, during the Russell Stade of Amundsen Glaciation, by Viscount Melville Lobe, emanating from Viscount Melville Sound, and the east coast was drowned up to 25 m by the Schuyter Point Sea. Limits of extent of Laurentide ice in the southwestern Archipelago are proposed for the two stades of the last or Wisconsinan Glaciation.