Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-speed Synchrotron X-ray Imaging of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process

4 Vol. 32, No. 2, 2019, Synchrotron radiation newS Introduction In additive manufacturing (AM) processes, materials are selectively added in layer-wise fashion to build three-dimensional objects. This approach provides several advantages over conventional manufacturing, including the ability to manufacture complex parts, design flexibility, shorter lead times, reduced inventory of spares, and on-demand manufacturing [1]. With these advantages, applications of AM are increasing rapidly in the medical, aerospace, automobile, and defense industries [2, 3]. Currently, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is the most extensively used AM technique for manufacturing metal parts. In a typical LPBF process, a high-power laser beam is scanned across a thin layer of powder, melting and subsequently fusing it to the previous layer. Highly transient interactions between the laser, powder particles, and the bottom layer lead to defects in the AM materials. These defects include porosity, residual stresses, surface roughness, and undesirable microstructures [1, 4]. Several in situ techniques have been developed to capture these interactions in real time, including high-speed visible light and infra-red imaging [5]. However, these techniques are limited to surface observations. Most of the important phenomena that govern the quality of the AM parts, such as dynamics of the vapor depression and melt pool, occur sub-surface and hence cannot be captured using traditional optical techniques. Recently, a synchrotron-based high-speed X-ray imaging technique has been developed to record the sub-surface dynamics of metallic materials during the LPBF process. The unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions afforded by the synchrotron sources allow direct observation of many important phenomena in AM for the first time [6–9]. Further, high-speed X-ray diffraction and optical imaging techniques are also being applied to capture the crystallographic and thermal information of the material, respectively, as they undergo melting, solidification, and cooling [6, 9]. In this contribution, we introduce the recent developments at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) for in situ and operando study of LPBF processes.
Overview of Forestry Sector in Peninsular Malaysia

Forests have played an important role in the resource-based socio-economic development of Malaysia. Malaysia, located in South East Asia, comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak. In accordance with Malaysia’s Federal Constitution, the legislative control of land and forests is a state matter and the state governments have complete jurisdiction over their respective forest resources. This paper is concerned with the forestry sector in Peninsular Malaysia. It describes and discuss the current status of forest in Peninsular Malaysia in terms of its policy and legislation, forest administration, forest management system under sustainable forest management, forest resources and wood-based industries.
US Corn Ethanol Market: Understanding the Past to Assess the Future

Ethanol was a factor in both the price run-up that began in 2006 and the price run-down that began in 2013. Tepid growth replaced explosive growth. The question for the future is, “What is ethanol’s organic growth rate (growth without government policy stimulus)? ” Recent history suggests growth will continue in the corn ethanol market, but it likely will be notably lower than the growth in yields. Thus, upward pressure on corn prices is less likely.
Perfil de valor de marca y la medición de sus componentes Brand equity profile and the measurement of its components

This research has a twofold purpose: First, to introduce a notion of brand equity profile based on the idea that consumer-based brand equity is a construct composed of various components. The utility of this concept stems out of the idea that brands can be differentiated not only by a degree of perceived value, but can also be characterized through value profiles depending on the combined
Electrochemically Synthesized MIP Sensors: Applications in Healthcare Diagnostics

Early-stage detection and diagnosis of diseases is essential to the prompt commencement of treatment regimens, curbing the spread of the disease, and improving human health. Thus, the accurate detection of disease biomarkers through the development of robust, sensitive, and selective diagnostic tools has remained cutting-edge scientific research for decades. Due to their merits of being selective, stable, simple, and having a low preparation cost, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are increasingly becoming artificial substitutes for natural receptors in the design of state-of-the-art sensing devices. While there are different MIP preparation approaches, electrochemical synthesis presents a unique and outstanding method for chemical sensing applications, allowing the direct formation of the polymer on the transducer as well as simplicity in tuning the film properties, thus accelerating the trend in the design of commercial MIP-based sensors. This review evaluates recent achievements in the applications of electrosynthesized MIP sensors for clinical analysis of disease biomarkers, identifying major trends and highlighting interesting perspectives on the realization of commercial MIP-endowed testing devices for rapid determination of prevailing diseases.
Prior-Information Enhanced Reinforcement Learning for Energy Management Systems

Amidst increasing energy demands and growing environmental concerns, the promotion of sustainable and energy-efficient practices has become imperative. This paper introduces a reinforcement learning-based technique for optimizing energy consumption and its associated costs, with a focus on energy management systems. A three-step approach for the efficient management of charging cycles in energy storage units within buildings is presented combining RL with prior knowledge. A unique strategy is adopted: clustering building load curves to discern typical energy consumption patterns, embedding domain knowledge into the learning algorithm to refine the agent’s action space and predicting of future observations to make real-time decisions. We showcase the effectiveness of our method using real-world data. It enables controlled exploration and efficient training of Energy Management System (EMS) agents. When compared to the benchmark, our model reduces energy costs by up to 15%, cutting down consumption during peak periods, and demonstrating adaptability across various building consumption profiles.
Emotional Mastery: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Processing, and Transforming Emotions for Personal Growth

Emotions, intricate and dynamic, are the silent architects of our human experience. Far more than fleeting sensations, they serve as a profound language, communicating the intricate nuances of our inner world. This exposition undertakes an examination of emotions, delving into seven pivotal facets. These facets aspire to furnish individuals with a scholarly and comprehensive roadmap for advancing their emotional intelligence and achieving personal fulfillment.
American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico

Foreword Preface Introduction General Considerations Insect Classification and Systematics Identification Features Insect Ecology, Behavior, and Distribution Insect Collecting The Orders of Insects The Insect Fauna of America, North of Mexico Collembola (Springtails and Allies) Protura (Proturans) Diplura (Diplurans) Archaeognatha (Bristletails) Zygentoma (Silverfish and Allies) Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) Plecoptera (Stoneflies) Embioptera (Webspinners) Phasmatodea (Walkingsticks) Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, and Katydids) Grylloblattodea (Rock Crawlers) Dermaptera (Earwigs) Dictyoptera (Mantids and Cockroaches) Isoptera (Termites) Zoraptera (Angel Insects) Psocoptera (Booklice and Barklice ) Mallophaga(Chewing Lice) Anoplura(Sucking Lice) Hemiptera (True Bugs) Homoptera (Cicadas,Leafhoppers, Aphids, Scale Insects, and Allies) Thysanoptera (Thrips) Neuroptera (Dobsonflies, Lacewings, Antlions, and Allies) Coleoptera (Beetles, and Weevils) Hymenoptera (Wasps, Ants, and Bees) Trichoptera (Caddisflies) Lepidoptera (Moths, Butterflies, and Skippers) Mecoptera (Scorpionflies and their Allies Diptera (The Flies) Strepsiptera (Stylopids) Siphonaptera (Fleas) Glossary Index
Fluctuations of annual precipitation and water resources quality in Ukraine

The article focuses on examining the influence of fluctuations in annual precipitation amount on the quality of surface waters. Water quality was estimated with data on BOD, COD and phosphate-ion concentration within five selected regions of Ukraine. Analysis of the precipitation data (1991–2010) showed different regional trends. Using the statistics, determination of the interconnection between precipitation amount and water resources quality were done. The obtained regularities and associated uncertainties can be used for prediction of changes in water resource quality and as a guide for future adaptation to possible climate change.
A New Traction System With Asymmetrical Six-Phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors for Hydrogen Trains

This paper proposes a new traction system with asymmetrical six-phase permanent magnet synchronous motors to replace traditional induction and permanent magnet machines for hydrogen trains. The main benefit of the proposed traction system is the elimination of the boost converters of the fuel cells (FCs) and the battery. The proposed traction system has two three-phase inverters feeding separately the six-phase machine and controlled to achieve optimal power sharing between the FC and the battery. The model of the system and its control has been implemented on a micro-controller and validated with a hardware-in-the-loop simulator. A comparison of the proposed topology with traditional motor drives has shown a mass reduction of 85% and a volume reduction of around 14% for basic components. Therefore, the proposed traction configuration and power-sharing strategy is a very interesting candidate for hydrogen trains.
Dynapenia and sarcopenia: association with the diagnosis, duration and complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus in ELSA-Brasil

Abstract: Sarcopenia (the loss of muscle mass, strength and skeletal muscle function) increases mortality and the risk of hospitalization in the older population. Although it is known that older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a higher risk of dynapenia and sarcopenia, few studies have investigated these conditions in middle-aged populations. The objective of this study was to investigate whether T2DM, its duration, the presence of albuminuria, and glycemic control are associated with sarcopenia and its components in adults. The cross-sectional analysis was based on data from visit 2 of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (2012-2014). The 2018 European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria were used to define dynapenia, low appendicular muscle mass (LAMM), and sarcopenia (absent/probable/confirmed). The explanatory variables were: T2DM; duration of T2DM; T2DM according to the presence of albuminuria; and glycemic control (HbA1C < 7%) among people with T2DM. A total of 12,132 participants (mean age = 55.5, SD: 8.9 years) were included. The odds ratio for LAMM was greater among those with T2DM, T2DM duration from 5 to 10 years, and T2DM without albuminuria. Chances of dynapenia were higher among those with T2DM, T2DM duration > 10 years, and T2DM with and without albuminuria. The variables T2DM, T2DM ≥ 10 years, and T2DM with albuminuria increased the odds of probable sarcopenia, and T2DM duration from 5 to 10 years increased the odds of confirmed sarcopenia. The results support the importance of frequently monitoring the musculoskeletal mass and strength of individuals with T2DM to prevent sarcopenia and related outcomes.
Strategie pubbliche e aziendalizzazione dei servizi di gestione dei rifiuti urbani

La gestione dei rifiuti urbani rientra a pieno titolo nell’ambito di quelle che sono state definite economie fondamentali. Questo settore, infatti, si basa su un sistema di servizi "di ordinaria amministrazione" che riguardano il versante materiale del welfare urbano a cui partecipano attori pubblici e privati in nome dell’interesse pubblico (salute pubblica, protezione ambientale). L’assetto complessivo del settore e stato profondamente ridisegnato negli anni ’90 quando e stato avviato un processo di aziendalizzazione e liberalizzazione di alcuni segmenti della catena di servizi di gestione dei rifiuti. Questo contributo si concentra sul ruolo delle aziende in-house nel contesto meridionale, e sul modo attraverso cui queste interagiscono con gli altri operatori economici del settore. Nelle conclusioni si evidenziano alcune strategie con cui le aziende a capitale pubblico cercano di difendere il proprio spazio d’azione in un contesto sempre piu caratterizzato da logiche neoliberali e di mercato.
Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Introduction In this chapter we look at the costs and benefits of three possible interventions that would enhance the planet's biodiversity and improve its ecosystems over the next forty years The results are based on a study carried out across four research institutes and coordinated by the Scottish Agricultural College (Hussain etal 2011) that combined a global biophysical model (IMAGE-GLOBIO) which analyzed the biophysical impacts of different development scenarios compared to the counterfactual with a set of valuation studies that placed monetary values on the outcomes resulting from the different policy options in terms of biodiversity and ecosystem services (ESSs) While reference is frequently made in the popular press to biodiversity losses in practice it is difficult to quantify and value them There are several studies that attempt to do this in specific cases but no one has successfully estimated the value of the loss of biodiversity at a global level This is because the links between biodiversity and biolo-gical systems and the economic and social values that they support are extremely complex Even the measurement of biodiversity is problematic with a multi-dimensional metric regarded as appropriate (Purvis and Hector 2000; Mace etal 2003) but with further work considered necessary to define the appropriate combination
Analgesic efficacy of surgeon placed paravertebral catheters compared with thoracic epidural analgesia after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy: a retrospective non-inferiority study

Background The Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is an operation that involves a laparotomy and a right thoracotomy, both of which are associated with severe postoperative pain and subsequent impairment of respiratory function. Currently, the accepted “gold standard” for postoperative analgesia for laparotomies and thoracotomies is the thoracic epidural. A systematic review has shown paravertebral blocks to be equivalent to epidural analgesia for post-thoracotomy pain control and have decreased incidence of nausea and vomiting, hypotension and respiratory depression. To our knowledge, the use of the paravertebral catheter (PVC) in open Ivor Lewis esophagectomy has not been formally studied. The primary outcome is the area under the curve (AUC) pain scores in the first 48 hours after surgery. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of the open Ivor Lewis esophagectomy patients at our local institution, with local research ethics board (REB) approval. Results A total of 92 patients were included in this study: 43 patients had a PVC and 49 had a thoracic epidural for postoperative pan control. Overall, the PVC group was non-inferior and statistically equivalent to the epidural group. Time to ambulation in the PVC group was non-inferior compared to epidurals. The PVC group was superior when comparing total opioid consumption. Conclusions Our retrospective study continues to challenge the role of epidurals as the gold standard of pain control post thoracotomy and laparotomy. Further prospective studies with a larger population are needed to better compare the two modalities.
Structures of the Hudson-Valley Fold-Thrust Belt in the Appalachian Foreland of Eastern New York

Exposures of a thin-skinned, foreland fold-thrust belt crop out west of the Hudson River in the central Hudson Valley of New York State (Figure 1a, b). This Hudson Valley fold-thrust belt (HVB), which involves Middle Ordovician through lower Middle Devonian strata, is generally less than 4 km wide. Thus, first-order structures (e.g., fault-related folds, detachment faults and duplexes) of the belt are small enough to be seen in their entirety within individual outcrops. The small size of the belt also makes it possible to examine along-strike variations in fold-thrust belt structural architecture that reflect variations in the thickness and mechanical properties of pre-deformational strata and/or in the amount of shortening (Marshak, 1983; 1986a; Burmeister and Marshak, 2003; Burmeister, 2005). This field trip will visit selected exposures of structures in the HVB to examine the structures of the belt at all scales. The stops illustrate the relationships between deformation style and stratigraphy.
Climatology of ozone concentrations at separate altitude levels over Tomsk and Sodankylä according to Aura MLS data for 2005-2015

We studied a climatology of ozone concentrations at separate altitude levels over Tomsk and Sodankylä, calculated for 2005-2015 except the anomalous 2011 according to Aura MLS data. The seasonal ozone maximum at heights about 12 km is observed in April over Sodankylä and in May over Tomsk. It is explained by a significant photochemical ozone production due to anthropogenic sources of NOx, CO, and hydrocarbons. The dynamically driven maximum appears at approximately 24-km height in mid-March in Sodankylä and in late March in Tomsk. Later, starting from May-June, photochemical factors dominate at heights of about 30 km and higher. The contribution of circulation overweighs in the autumn, first in October at heights of 20-25 km, and then in November-December at heights of 25-35 km.
Treatment with glatiramer acetate in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice at an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease prior to amyloid-beta deposition delays the disease’s pathological development and ameliorates cognitive decline

Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by neuroinflammation, which is frequently accompanied by immune system dysfunction. Although the mechanism of neurodegenerative lesions is unclear, various clinical trials have highlighted that early intervention in AD is crucial to the success of treatment. In order to explore the potential of immunotherapy in the early period of AD, the present study evaluated whether application of glatiramer acetate (GA), an immunomodulatory agent approved for remitting–relapsing multiple sclerosis (RRMS), in the early stages of AD prior to amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition altered the Aβ pathology and cognitive impairments in APPswe/PSEN1dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice. Methods We treated two cohorts of pre-depositing and amyloid-depositing (2- and 6-month-old) APP/PS1 mice with weekly-GA subcutaneous injection over a 12-week period. We then tested spatial learning and memory using the Morris water maze (MWM) and the Y maze. Immunohistochemistry staining was utilized to analyze Aβ burden in the brain as well as activated microglia. Furthermore, the inflammatory cytokine milieu within brains was estimated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the spleen were measured by flow cytometry. Results We found that early GA administration reduced Aβ burden and ameliorated cognitive decline. Meanwhile, the immune microenvironment had changed in the brain, with an increase in the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in microglial activation. Interestingly, early GA administration also modulated the peripheral immune system through the amplification of Tregs in the spleen. Conclusion Overall, our findings revealed that GA treatment might enhance the central and peripheral immune systems’ protective capabilities in the early stages of AD, eventually improving cognitive deficits. Our research supports the advantages of immunomodulatory treatments for AD at an early stage.
Utilizing 3D Point Cloud Technology with Deep Learning for Automated Measurement and Analysis of Dairy Cows

This paper introduces an approach to the automated measurement and analysis of dairy cows using 3D point cloud technology. The integration of advanced sensing techniques enables the collection of non-intrusive, precise data, facilitating comprehensive monitoring of key parameters related to the health, well-being, and productivity of dairy cows. The proposed system employs 3D imaging sensors to capture detailed information about various parts of dairy cows, generating accurate, high-resolution point clouds. A robust automated algorithm has been developed to process these point clouds and extract relevant metrics such as dairy cow stature height, rump width, rump angle, and front teat length. Based on the measured data combined with expert assessments of dairy cows, the quality indices of dairy cows are automatically evaluated and extracted. By leveraging this technology, dairy farmers can gain real-time insights into the health status of individual cows and the overall herd. Additionally, the automated analysis facilitates efficient management practices and optimizes feeding strategies and resource allocation. The results of field trials and validation studies demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of the automated 3D point cloud approach in dairy farm environments. The errors between manually measured values of dairy cow height, rump angle, and front teat length, and those calculated by the auto-measurement algorithm were within 0.7 cm, with no observed exceedance of errors in comparison to manual measurements. This research contributes to the burgeoning field of precision livestock farming, offering a technological solution that not only enhances productivity but also aligns with contemporary standards for sustainable and ethical animal husbandry practices.
Amelioration of Cytogenotoxic Damage in Drug Abusers Supplemented with Folic Acid

Background: Cytogenotoxic damage caused by the consumption of legal and illegal drugs in drug abusers has been demonstrated, primarily due to alterations in their antioxidant capacity, cellular repair mechanisms, and increased production of free radicals. Folic acid shows antioxidant activity by acting as a reducing agent, neutralizing present free radicals, and reducing genomic damage. Methods: The intervention involved administering 15 mg of folic acid, divided into three doses per day, to a group of 44 drug abusers. The frequency of nuclear abnormalities (NAs) was determined; micronuclei (MNs), nuclear buds (NBUDs), binucleated cells (BNs), abnormally condensed chromatin (CC), karyorrhexis (KX), pyknotic nuclei (PNs), and karyolysis (KL) were determined at different pre-treatment (baseline) and post-treatment time points at 15 and 30 days. Additionally, a group of 44 healthy individuals was used as the control group. Results: We observed a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of NAs in the drug abuser group (28.45 ± 17.74 before supplementation vs. 11.18 ± 7.42 at 15 days and 9.11 ± 10.9 at 30 days of supplementation). Specifically, it decreased the frequency of NBUDs, BNs, CC, KX, and PNs (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a clear improvement in cytogenotoxic damage in drug abusers supplemented with folic acid.