Ensuring the quality of components produced by metal additive manufacturing using laser generated ultrasound

Laser powder bed fusion offers many advantages over conventional manufacturing methods, such as the integration of multiple parts which can result in significant weight-savings. The increased design freedom that layer-wise manufacture allows has also been seen to enhance component performance at little or no added cost. However, for such benefits to be realised, the material quality must first be assured. Laser ultrasonic testing is a non-contact inspection technique which has been proposed as suitable for in-situ monitoring of metal additive manufacturing processes. The thesis presented here explores the current capability of this technique to detect manufactured, seeded and process generated sub-surface “defects” in Ti6Al4V samples, ex-situ. The results are compared with X-ray computed tomography reconstructions, focus variation microscopy and destructive testing. Whilst laser ultrasound has been used to successfully identify a range of material discontinuities, further work is required before this technique could be implemented in-situ

A gastronomia regional e o turismo como elementos fortalecedores da identidade cultural frente à tensão entre o global e o regional

This article aims to reflect on the importance and the reflection the influence of culture, dedicated to the analysis of the regional cuisine, which considers the current tension between the global and the regional and their relationship with alimentation, gastronomy and tourism. In the transformations promoted by the development of capitalism, we understand that there are homogenizing forces that act in more distinct territories. These forces cause series of transformations to the territories in which, producing the standardization trends, whether in the forms of productive activities and economic processing in customs and daily habits of the people. We seek, therefore, to discuss the relationship between alimentation, typical cuisine and tourism, as potential elements for the strengthening of territorial identities, constituents of the regional cultural heritage. And while important elements for the conformation of the regional aspect, as a contra homogenizing force. Therefore, by preserving cultural heritage and valuing the identity the place connects to the global dynamics, through tourism, and strengthens locally their ties with their culture.Este artigo tem por finalidade refletir sobre a importância e a influência da cultura, voltada à análise da gastronomia regional, considerando a tensão atual verificada entre o global e o regional e sua relação com a alimentação, a gastronomia e o turismo. Nas transformações promovidas pelo desenvolvimento do capitalismo, entendemos que existem forças homogeneizantes que atuam nos mais distintos territórios. Estas forças provocam uma série de transformações nos territórios em que se inserem, produzindo tendências à padronização, seja nas formas de processamento de atividades produtivas e econômicas, seja nos costumes e hábitos cotidianos das pessoas. Procuramos, desse modo, debater a relação entre alimentação, culinária típica e turismo, enquanto elementos potenciais para o fortalecimento das identidades territoriais, constituintes do patrimônio cultural regional; enquanto elementos importantes para a conformação do aspecto regional, como uma força contra homogeneizante. Portanto, ao preservar o patrimônio cultural e valorizar a identidade, o lugar estabelece conexão com a dinâmica global, através da atividade turística, fortalece, localmente, seus laços com a sua cultura

Analysis of seized stanozolol formulations in South Brazil by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone which are used medically for several diseases. However, misuse is commonly observed by athletes to promote enhancement of strength and performance. AAS are frequently obtained through online black markets from clandestine drug manufacturing laboratories, without any quality standards, being potentially dangerous for users. The purpose of this work was the development and application of a fast and simple procedure for the quantitation of stanozolol by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) in tablets packs seized in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The samples of stanozolol were separated considering its dosage form. The internal standard (methyltestosterone) was added to the aliquots of the samples, dissolved in methanol and 5μL were injected into the analytical system. The newly developed method has been validated for lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ), linearity, accuracy, precision and selectivity. The LLOQ was 0.1 µg/mL. The developed method was successfully applied to 31 samples seized by the Secretaria da Receita Federal do Brasil (a Brazilian federal revenue service agency). According to the results, 90.3% of the suspected medicines (n=31) were adulterated, and 65% exhibited higher concentrations of stanozolol than those indicated in the label. This work successfully established a new method for quantification of stanozolol using LC-QTOF-MS. This method aims at contributing to the identification and quantification of this anabolic androgenic steroid frequently seized by federal inspection agencies

MONITORAMENTO DO PLANEJAMENTO ESTRATÉGICO DA ESCOLA DE EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE OURO PRETO

This study monitored and analyzed the achievement goals agreed under the Strategic Planning for Physical Education School at Federal University of Ouro Preto during 18 months of implementation. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 mentors and 3 student representatives. Content analysis was used, resulting in four categories: a) preliminary results obtained; b) instrument capabilities; c) barriers and confrontations; d) improvement proposals. Actions to achieve most goals had been initiated, but none was completed. The global pandemic context (COVID-19) had a significant impact on the results. The study monitored the management tool, considering the importance of implementing mechanisms for systematic evaluation of institutional performance indicators. It is expected that the perceived potential will be strengthened, barriers will be overcome, and proposals for improvement will be collectively discussed to develop the institution. Monitorear y analizar la ejecución de las metas pactadas en la Planificación Estratégica de la Escuela de Educación Física de la Universidad Federal de Ouro Preto, en los 18 primeros meses de implementación. Se realizaron 15 entrevistas semiestructuradas con 12 mentores y tres estudiantes representantes estudiantiles. Se utilizo el análisis de contenido, lo que posibilitó delinear cuatro categorías: a) resultados preliminares obtenidos; b) potencial del instrumento; c) barreras y enfrentamientos; d) propuestas de mejora. Se observó que la mayoría de las metas tenían acciones iniciadas, pero ninguna concluida. Es de destacar que el contexto de pandemia mundial (COVID-19) tuvo un impacto significativo sobre los resultados. El estudio presenta un carácter de monitoreo en relación a la herramienta de gestión, considerando la relevancia de implementar mecanismos para la evaluación sistematizada de los indicadores de desempeño institucionales. Se espera que se fortalezca el potencial percibido, se superen barreras y se discutan colectivamente propuestas de mejora con el objetivo de desarrollar la institución. Monitorar e analisar a execução das metas pactuadas no Planejamento Estratégico da Escola de Educação Física da Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, nos 18 primeiros meses de implementação. Realizaram-se 15 entrevistas semiestruturadas com 12 mentores e três discentes que ocupam representações estudantis. Utilizou-se análise de conteúdo, possibilitando delineamento de quatro categorias: a) resultados preliminares obtidos; b) potencialidades do instrumento; c) barreiras e enfrentamentos; d) propostas de aperfeiçoamento. Observou-se que a maioria das metas teve ações norteadoras iniciadas, mas nenhuma concluída. Ressalta-se que o contexto da pandemia mundial (covid-19) exerceu significativo impacto, interferindo diretamente nos resultados. O estudo apresenta caráter de monitoramento em relação à ferramenta de gestão, tendo em vista a relevância de implementar mecanismos para avaliação sistematizada dos indicadores de desempenho institucionais. Espera-se que as potencialidades percebidas sejam fortalecidas, as barreiras sejam superadas e as propostas de aperfeiçoamento sejam discutidas coletivamente com a finalidade do desenvolvimento da instituição

Multi-channel whole-head OPM-MEG: Helmet design and a comparison with a conventional system

© 2020 The Authors Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a powerful technique for functional neuroimaging, offering a non-invasive window on brain electrophysiology. MEG systems have traditionally been based on cryogenic sensors which detect the small extracranial magnetic fields generated by synchronised current in neuronal assemblies, however, such systems have fundamental limitations. In recent years, non-cryogenic quantum-enabled sensors, called optically-pumped magnetometers (OPMs), in combination with novel techniques for accurate background magnetic field control, have promised to lift those restrictions offering an adaptable, motion-robust MEG system, with improved data quality, at reduced cost. However, OPM-MEG remains a nascent technology, and whilst viable systems exist, most employ small numbers of sensors sited above targeted brain regions. Here, building on previous work, we construct a wearable OPM-MEG system with ‘whole-head’ coverage based upon commercially available OPMs, and test its capabilities to measure alpha, beta and gamma oscillations. We design two methods for OPM mounting; a flexible (EEG-like) cap and rigid (additively-manufactured) helmet. Whilst both designs allow for high quality data to be collected, we argue that the rigid helmet offers a more robust option with significant advantages for reconstruction of field data into 3D images of changes in neuronal current. Using repeat measurements in two participants, we show signal detection for our device to be highly robust. Moreover, via application of source-space modelling, we show that, despite having 5 times fewer sensors, our system exhibits comparable performance to an established cryogenic MEG device. While significant challenges still remain, these developments provide further evidence that OPM-MEG is likely to facilitate a step change for functional neuroimaging

Data on vegetation across forest edges from the FERN(Forest Edge Research Network)

Published versionMany studies have focused on vegetation across forest edges to study impacts of edges created by human activities on forest structure and composition, or patterns of vegetation at inherent natural edges. Our objective was to create a database of plant-related variables across different types of edges from various studies (mainly from across Canada, but also in Brazil and Belize) to facilitate edge research. We compiled data on vegetation along more than 300 transects perpendicular to forest edges adjacent to clear-cuts, burned areas, bogs, lakes, barrens, insect disturbances, and riparian areas from 24 studies conducted over the past three decades. Data were compiled for more than 400 plant species and forest structure variables (e.g., trees, logs, canopy cover). All data were collected with a similar sampling design of quadrats along transects perpendicular to forest edges, but with varying numbers of transects and quadrats, and distances from the edge. The purpose for most of the studies was either to determine the distance of edge influence (edge width) or to explore the pattern of vegetation along the edge to interior gradient. We provide data tables for the cover of plant species and functional groups, the species and size of live and dead trees, the density of saplings, maximum height of functional groups and shrub species, and the cover of functional groups at different heights (vertical distribution of vegetation). The Forest Edge Research Network (FERN) database provides extensive data on many variables that can be used for further study including meta-analyses and can assist in answering questions important to conservation efforts (e.g., how is distance of edge influence from created edges affected by different factors?). We plan to expand this database with subsequent studies from the authors and we invite others to contribute to make this a more global database. The data are released under a CC0 license. When using these data, we ask that you cite this data paper and any relevant publications listed in our metadata file. We also encourage you to contact the first author if you are planning to use or contribute to this database

Long-term thermal sensitivity of Earth’s tropical forests

The sensitivity of tropical forest carbon to climate is a key uncertainty in predicting global climate change. Although short-term drying and warming are known to affect forests, it is unknown if such effects translate into long-term responses. Here, we analyze 590 permanent plots measured across the tropics to derive the equilibrium climate controls on forest carbon. Maximum temperature is the most important predictor of aboveground biomass (−9.1 megagrams of carbon per hectare per degree Celsius), primarily by reducing woody productivity, and has a greater impact per °C in the hottest forests (>32.2°C). Our results nevertheless reveal greater thermal resilience than observations of short-term variation imply. To realize the long-term climate adaptation potential of tropical forests requires both protecting them and stabilizing Earth’s climate

Ensuring the quality of components produced by metal additive manufacturing using laser generated ultrasound

Laser powder bed fusion offers many advantages over conventional manufacturing methods, such as the integration of multiple parts which can result in significant weight-savings. The increased design freedom that layer-wise manufacture allows has also been seen to enhance component performance at little or no added cost. However, for such benefits to be realised, the material quality must first be assured. Laser ultrasonic testing is a non-contact inspection technique which has been proposed as suitable for in-situ monitoring of metal additive manufacturing processes. The thesis presented here explores the current capability of this technique to detect manufactured, seeded and process generated sub-surface “defects” in Ti6Al4V samples, ex-situ. The results are compared with X-ray computed tomography reconstructions, focus variation microscopy and destructive testing. Whilst laser ultrasound has been used to successfully identify a range of material discontinuities, further work is required before this technique could be implemented in-situ

Editorial Encontros da Gastronomia

Não se aplic