bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Risk Assessment for Autonomous Vehicles: Integrating Functional Resonance Analysis Method and Bayesian Network
Authors: Deng Chengwen , Li Yufeng , Liu Qi , Zheng Xiangyu , Sun Ke
Published: November 2024

In autonomous vehicles (AVs), intricate functional‐level couplings exist among the components. Accidents can occur even when all functions are operating normally, as subtle performance variabilities in these functions can aggregate through these couplings, leading to functional resonance. The aim of this study is to identify, analyze and quantitatively assess the safety issues caused by these complex interactions in AVs and to propose appropriate risk management strategies to improve vehicle safety. Commonly used modern methods of risk assessment, such as system‐theoretical process analysis and accident mapping, struggle to capture this resonance in AVs and lack quantitative analysis. To this end, this paper proposes a quantitative risk assessment method that integrates functional resonance analysis method (FRAM) with Bayesian network (BN) to reveal the complex interactions and quantify risks within AVs. Initially, a FRAM model is constructed to characterize the function couplings of a system, which are subsequently aggregated into functional resonance chains to identify potential hazards. Then, these functional resonance chains are used to develop a BN model for quantitative assessment of system risk. A case study of an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system on an open‐source vehicle is conducted to verify its effectiveness. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach not only identifies functional resonance but also effectively quantifies risks in the AEB system.
Beyond the Bin: The Influence of Motivation, Opportunity, and Ability on Food Waste Behavior in Households
Authors: Heidig Wibke , Dobbelstein Thomas , Mason Roger B.
Published: November 2024

This study examined household food waste behavior building upon a framework that integrates the motivation‐opportunity‐ability model (MOA), the theory of planned behavior (TPB), and norm activation model (NAM) enriched with insights from social practices theory (SPT). Using a dual‐country sample (Germany and South Africa), an online survey (n = 1065) measured how motivation, opportunity, and ability drive self‐reported food waste behavior. The results show that the ability to reduce food waste, that is, habits and perceived and actual knowledge, unfold a strong influence on reported food waste behavior. Quite surprisingly, motivation to engage in food waste reduction, due to attitude, values, and ascription of responsibility, has the lowest impact on reported food waste behavior. Our findings enhance the current understanding of food waste drivers and highlight the significance of socio‐psychological determinants of behavior, specifically ability and habits. The implications for both research and practical applications are discussed.
Multilayer CVD Graphene Coatings Developed with Suitable Geometrical Parameters for Improved Corrosion Resistance of Ni and a Ni–Cu Alloy in Chloride Environment
Authors: Arya Abhishek Kumar , Singh Raman R. K. , Saxena Sumit
Published: November 2024

Graphene layers on metals developed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) possess characteristics of an ideal coating for durable corrosion resistance of industrial infrastructure, by a green approach. However, developing coatings of consistent quality is a challenge and its circumvention requires manipulation of CVD process parameters. The great variability (from remarkable to little) in graphene's ability as a corrosion barrier coating is attributed to the extent of defects/non‐uniformity of graphene. Minimizing the defects by controlling a few CVD process parameters (chemistry, pressure, temperature, and flowrate of the precursor, and post‐CVD cooling rate) has been demonstrated in earlier studies. This study investigates the role of the distance of the precursor delivery point (nozzle) with respect to the substrate as well as the role of substrate tilting in minimizing the defects in graphene coatings developed on Ni and a Ni–Cu alloy by CVD, and durable corrosion resistance due to graphene coatings thus developed. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is employed to monitor the corrosion behavior of the coated samples during a 1008 h immersion in a 0.1 m NaCl solution. The findings reveal a significant reduction in corrosion rate of ≈88% and 98% for graphene‐coated Ni and Ni–Cu alloys, respectively, compared to their uncoated counterparts.
Electrohydrodynamic‐Printed Dual‐Triphase Microfibrous Scaffolds Reshaping the Lipidomic Profile for Enthesis Healing in a Rat Rotator Cuff Repair Model
Authors: Bai Lang , Kasimu Ayiguli , Wang Shuai , Qiu Zhennan , Xu Meiguang , Qu Xiaoli , Chen Baojun , Liu Qiaonan , Ai Yixiang , Li Meng , Xiu Jintao , Liu Kai , Wen Nuanyang , He Jiankang , Zhang Jing , Yin Zhanhai
Published: November 2024

Rotator cuff injuries often result in chronic pain and functional limitations due to retears and scar formation at the enthesis. This study assess the efficacy of electrohydrodynamic‐printed microfibrous dual‐triphase scaffolds (DTSs), designed to optimize enthesis repair. These scaffolds, composed of polycaprolactone enhanced with nanohydroxyapatite, nano‐magnesium‐oxide, and kartogenin demonstrate significant biological advantages. In vitro, the scaffolds support over 95% stem cell viability and promote enhanced expression of critical markers such as tenomodulin (TNMD), sex‐determining region Y‐Box transcription factor 9 (SOX‐9), and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX‐2). Enhanced expressions of tendon markers tenomodulin and scleraxis (SCX) are noted, alongside significant upregulation of chondrocyte and osteoblast markers. In vivo, these scaffolds significantly improve the biomechanical properties of the repaired enthesis, with a maximum failure load of 27.0 ± 4.2 N and ultimate stress of 5.5 ± 1.0 MPa at 6 weeks postimplantation. Lipidomic analysis indicates substantial regulation of phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine, highlighting the scaffold's capacity to modulate biochemical pathways critical for tissue repair and regeneration. This study underscores the potential of DTS to improve clinical outcomes in rotator cuff injury treatment by enhancing cellular differentiation, biomechanical properties, and biochemical environment, setting a foundation for personalized treatment strategies in tendon–bone repair.
Biomimetic Mineralized Collagen Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering: Strategies on Elaborate Fabrication for Bioactivity Improvement
Authors: Wu Bingfeng , Li Xiaohong , Wang Rui , Liu Liu , Huang Dingming , Ye Ling , Wang Zhenming
Published: November 2024

Biomimetic mineralized collagen (BMC) scaffolds represent an innovative class of bone‐repair biomaterials inspired by the natural biomineralization process in bone tissue. Owing to their favorable biocompatibility and mechanical properties, BMC scaffolds have garnered significant attention in bone tissue engineering. However, most studies have overlooked the importance of bioactivity, resulting in collagen scaffolds with suboptimal osteogenic potential. In this review, the composition of the mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM) in bone tissue is discussed to provide guidance for biomimetic collagen mineralization. Subsequently, according to the detailed fabrication procedure of BMC scaffolds, the substances that can regulate both the fabrication process and biological activities is summarized. Furthermore, a potential strategy for developing BMC scaffolds with superior mechanical properties and biological activities for bone tissue engineering is proposed.
Harnessing the Engineered Probiotic‐Nanosystem to Remodulate Tumor Extracellular Matrix and Regulate Tumor‐Colonizing Bacteria for Improving Pancreatic Cancer Chemo‐Immunotherapy
Authors: Yao Wei‐Qin , Song Wen‐Fang , Deng Xin‐Chen , Lin Yan‐Tong , Meng Ran , Wang Jia‐Wei , Chen Wei‐Hai , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: November 2024

Poor chemotherapy efficacy in pancreatic cancer is attributed to limited drug permeation caused by the dense extracellular matrix (ECM) and drug degradation induced by tumor‐colonizing bacteria. Here, a tumor‐targeting probiotic‐nanosystem is elaborately designed to remodulate ECM and selectively regulate tumor‐colonizing bacteria for improving chemo‐immunotherapy against pancreatic cancer. Specifically, drug‐loaded liposomes are conjugated with Clostridium Butyricum (CB) via matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2)‐responsive peptide to construct a probiotic‐nanosystem. Particularly, vactosertib (VAC, a transforming growth factor‐β1 receptor inhibitor) is delivered by probiotic‐nanosystem to silence the active pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) for inhibiting the development of ECM, resulting in a loosened ECM and providing a golden opportunity for the deep penetration of chemotherapy drugs and immune cells. Subsequently, gemcitabine (GEM) is efficiently delivered into the core of tumors via probiotic‐nanosystem, achieving an enhanced chemotherapy efficacy. Noteworthily, CB can alleviate γ‐proteobacteria‐mediated GEM degradation through competitively reducing the contents of γ‐proteobacteria and promoting the amounts of tumor‐inhibiting bacteria, thereby significantly potentiating the therapeutic effect of GEM. The engineered probiotic‐nanosystem can not only enhance the GEM‐induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) of a pancreatic tumor to activate antitumor immune responses but also markedly increase the tumor‐infiltration of effector immune cells to heighten tumoricidal immunity, offering a promising strategy for chemo‐immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer.
Triboelectric Nanogenerator Drives Electrochemical Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production: Fundamentals, Progress, and Challenges
Authors: Li Aiping , Qiliang Zhu , Mi Yajun , Ur Rehman Hafeez , Shoaib Muhammad , Cao Xia , Wang Ning
Published: November 2024

Currently, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are drawing significant attention owing to their potential in harvesting wave and wind energy from environment as well as their capability for driving electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen fuel production. This review aims to summarize the recent progress of ocean wave and wind energy harvesting TENGs and TENG‐driven electrochemical water splitting processes for hydrogen evolution reaction. For better understanding, this review begins from the fundamentals of TENG and electrochemical water splitting. And then the working principle of TENGs and mechanism of electrochemical (EC) water splitting for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are introduced. Subsequently the progress of output performance enhancement in ocean wave and wind energy harvesting TENGs are systematically discussed including structure design, triboelectric material selection and power management all of which are important for output performance enhancement and the integration of TENGs with electrochemical water splitting cell. Although this review focus on the promotion strategies of TENG‐driven electrochemical water splitting processes for HER, challenges for water splitting are also highlighted. While envision that this review provides a deep insight and direction to the design of TENG‐driven electrochemical system for promoting the hydrogen fuel production in an active, economical manner.
Tailoring Porous N‐Doped Carbon Nanospheres for 3D Bottom‐Up Electrode Design: A Versatile Synthesis Toolbox for Particle Size Independent Pore Size Control
Authors: Ortlieb Niklas , Berestok Taisiia , Elsässer Patrick , Thomann Ralf , Knäbbeler‐Buß Markus , Fischer Anna
Published: November 2024

The rational design of carbon‐based electrode materials plays an important role in improving the electrochemical properties of both, energy storage and energy conversion electrodes and devices. For most applications, well‐defined and easily processable porous carbon‐based electrode materials with controlled particle morphology (ideally spherical), particle size, and intraparticle pore size are desired. Here, a hard‐templating synthesis toolbox is reported for highly‐monodisperse meso‐ and macroporous N‐doped carbon nanospheres (MPNCs) as a versatile material platform for the 3D bottom‐up design of porous electrodes. With this approach, it is possible to change the MPNC pore size without affecting the particle size. By changing the template size, the pore size is adjusted between 15 and 99 nm while maintaining a particle size ≈300 nm. MPNCs are further used in electrochemical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs) as model application to demonstrate pore size effects on the performance independently from particle size effects, resulting in increasing specific capacitances for decreasing pores sizes, which correlates well with the surface area of the MPNCs and mass transport phenomena in the electrode. In conclusion, the toolbox allows to control intraparticulate porosities while keeping interparticulate properties constant, essential parameters to enable a true bottom‐up 3D electrode design.
High‐Performance and Environmentally‐Friendly Bulk‐Wave‐Acoustofluidic Devices Driven by Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Materials
Authors: Qiu Wei
Published: November 2024

Bulk‐wave‐acoustofluidic devices provide strong acoustic fields and high device efficiency, thereby offering high‐throughput capability when processing biological samples. Such devices are typically driven by lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducers, which contain a high content of lead, inevitably resulting in environmental and biocompatibility issues. Replacing PZT with lead‐free piezoelectric materials in various ultrasonic devices is considered challenging mainly due to the inferior piezoelectric properties lead‐free materials possess compared to those of PZT. In this study, through both experiments and numerical simulations, it is demonstrated that the performance of the bulk‐wave‐acoustofluidic devices driven by (Bi,Na)TiO3‐BaTiO3‐(Bi,Na)(Mn,Nb)O3 (BNT‐BT‐BNMN) can match that of PZT‐driven devices at low power and is superior at intermediate power. It is found that the low acoustic impedance and the weak transverse mode in BNT‐BT‐BNMN compensate for the inferior piezoelectric properties at low power. The fact that the BNT‐BT‐BNMN devices outperform at intermediate power is consistent with the superior performance of the Mn‐doped BNT‐based piezoelectric materials compared to PZT at high power. Perfect focusing on 5‐‐diameter polystyrene particles at a flow rate of up to 10 mL min−1 is achieved using the BNT‐BT‐BNMN device at input power of 1 W.
Magnetically Responsive Enzyme and Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Framework Biocomposites for Biosensing
Authors: Carraro Francesco , Aghito Margherita , Dal Zilio Simone , Wolinski Heimo , Doonan Christian J. , Nidetzky Bernd , Falcaro Paolo
Published: November 2024

The one‐pot synthesis of multicomponent hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOF) biocomposites is reported. The co‐immoblization of enzymes and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into the HOF crystals yielded biocatalysts (MNPs‐enzyme@BioHOF‐1) with dynamic localization properties. Using a permanent magnet, it is possible to separate the MNPs‐enzyme@BioHOF‐1 particles from a solution. Catalase (CAT) and glucose oxidase (GOx) show increased retention of their activity when coimmobilized with MNPs. MNPs‐GOx@BioHOF‐1 biocomposites are used to prepare a proof‐of‐concept glucose microfluidic biosensor, where a magnet allow to position and keep in place the biocomposite inside a microfluidic chip. The magnetic response of these biocatalysts can pave the way for new applications for the emerging HOF biocomposites.
Effect of Ni‐Doping on the Optical, Structural, and Electrochemical Properties of Ag29 Nanoclusters
Authors: Ahmed Abdullah A. A. , Havenridge Shana , Sahoo Koustav , Thapa Loknath , Baksi Ananya , Clever Guido H. , Noei Heshmat , Kohantorabi Mona , Stierle Andreas , Raj C. Retna , Parak Wolfgang J. , Aikens Christine M. , Chakraborty Indranath
Published: November 2024

Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) can be compositionally controlled at the single‐atom level, but understanding structure‐property correlations is required for tailoring specific optical properties. Here, the impact of Ni atom doping on the optical, structural, and electrochemical properties of atomically precise 1,3‐benzene dithiol (BDT) protected Ag29 NCs is studied. The Ni‐doped Ag29 (NiAg28(BDT)12) NCs, are synthesized using a co‐reduction method and characterized using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS), ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Only a single Ni atom doping can be achieved despite changing the precursor concentration. Ni doping in Ag29 NCs exhibits enhanced thermal stability, and electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) compared to the parent NCs. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations predict the geometry and optical properties of the parent and NiAg28(BDT)12 NCs. DFT is also used to study the systematic single‐atom doping effect of metals such as Au, Cu, and Pt into Ag29 NCs and suggests that with Ni and Pt, the d atomic orbitals contribute to creating superatomic orbitals, which is not seen with other dopants or the parent cluster. The emission mechanism is dominated by a charge transfer from the ligands into the Ag core cluster regardless of the dopant.
Interplay Between Calcination Temperature and Alkaline Oxygen Evolution of Electrospun High‐Entropy (Cr1/5Mn1/5Fe1/5Co1/5Ni1/5)3O4 Nanofibers
Authors: Vezzù Keti , Triolo Claudia , Moulaee Kaveh , Pagot Gioele , Ponti Alessandro , Pinna Nicola , Neri Giovanni , Santangelo Saveria , Di Noto Vito
Published: November 2024

Spinel‐structured transition metal (TM) oxides have shown great potential as a sustainable alternative to platinum group metal‐based electrocatalysts. Among them, high‐entropy oxides (HEOs) with multiple TM‐cation sites are suitable for engineering octahedral redox‐active centers to enhance the catalyst reactivity. This paper reports on the preparation of electrospun (Cr1/5Mn1/5Fe1/5Co1/5Ni1/5)3O4 nanofibers (NFs) and their evaluation as electrocatalysts. Its main aim is to unveil the nanostructural features that play a key role in the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction. Differing calcination temperature (300−800 °C) and duration (2 or 4 h) leads to different morphology of the NFs, crystallinity of the oxide, density of defects, and cation distribution in the lattice, which reflect in different electrocatalytic behaviors. The best performance (overpotential and Tafel slope at 10 mA cm−2: 325 mV and 40 mV dec−1, respectively) pertains to the NFs calcined at 400 °C for 2 h. To gain a deeper understanding of their electrocatalytic properties, the pristine NFs are investigated by a combination of analytical techniques. In particular, broadband electric spectroscopy reveals that the mobility of oxygen vacancies in the best electrocatalyst is associated to very fast local dielectric relaxations of metal coordination octahedral geometries and experimentally demonstrates the key role of O‐deficient octahedra.
Dynamically Reconstructed Fe‐CoOOH Semi‐Crystalline Electrocatalyst for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Qayum Abdul , Harrath Karim , Li Rui , Woldu Abebe Reda , Chu Paul K. , Hu Liangsheng , Lu Fushen , Yao Xiangdong
Published: November 2024

The development of robust and efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has been the main focus of water electrolysis but remains a great challenge. Here, the synthesis of a highly active and ultra‐stable Fe‐CoOOH electrocatalyst is reported by steering raw cobalt foam via an in situ solution combustion method assisted by a galvanic replacement reaction and subsequent electrochemical reconstruction of the CoFeOx pre‐catalyst. In/ex situ electrochemical analysis and physicochemical characterizations show that the CoFeOx undergoes quick chemical and slow morphological reconstruction to Fe‐CoOOH nanosheets. The Fe‐CoOOH possesses a semi‐crystalline nature with distinct short‐range ordering and outstanding OER activity with overpotentials as low as 271 and 291 mV at current densities of 500 and 1,000 mA cm−2, respectively. The remarkable stability under 1,000 mA cm−2 for at least 700 h is achieved. Theoretical calculations confirm the crucial role of Fe doping in facilitating surface reconstruction, enhancing OER activity, and improving the stability of the Fe‐CoOOH. Comparative analysis with other transition metals doping reveals the unique ability of Fe to adsorb onto the CoOOH surface, thereby modulating the electronic density and facilitating faster adsorption of reaction intermediates. This work represents valuable insights into the surface reconstruction and doping processes.
Microsensor‐Internalized Fibers as Autonomously Controllable Soft Actuators
Authors: Lee Youngbin , Won Joonhee , Kim Dong‐Yeong , Park Seongjun
Published: November 2024

Despite their strengths in flexibility and miniaturization, the stable operation of soft actuators under ever‐changing environmental and biological conditions is hindered by the lack of applicable methods using internal sensors to detect unintentional stimuli. Here, the integration of a microscale driving source and sensors in a single fiber via thermal drawing is presented as a strategy to scalably produce autonomously responsive, feedback‐controllable soft actuators. The regulation of the input electrothermal stimuli via a closed loop control system that is based on completely coupled internal sensory components enables multimodal actuation of fiber‐based actuators, which is further demonstrated through preservation of actuating conditions, actuation of selected devices in their bundles, and modulation of motion characteristics. The approach to manufacturing autonomously controllable soft actuators can expand applications of soft actuators in kaleidoscopic biomedical and bioengineering fields for transportation, robotics, and prosthetics.
The Molecular Additive N‐Acetyl‐L‐Phenylalanine Delays the Crystallization and Suppresses the Phase Impurity for Achieving Triple‐Cation Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency Over 25%
Authors: Ding Yang , Lu Siyuan , Chang Jianhui , Feng Erming , Li Hengyue , Long Caoyu , Yang Yingguo , Yi Chenyi , Zheng Zijian , Ding Liming , Yang Junliang
Published: November 2024

The crystallization process plays an important role in the formation of high‐quality perovskite film for achieving efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs), especially in the formation of mixed‐cation perovskite film, as there are normally more phase impurities than in pure CH(NH2)2PbI3 (FAPbI3) film. Herein, a molecular additive strategy, i.e., introducing non‐planar molecule N‐acetyl‐L‐phenylalanine (APO) into the lead iodide (PbI2) precursor solution, is proposed to modulate crystallization kinetics and inhibit the generation of phase impurities of metastable pretreated perovskite film. The delayed crystallization process promotes a sufficient reaction between organic salts solution and inorganic Pb‐I framework, and perovskite phase decomposition is prevented by forming strong hydrogen bonds between ─NH and I, resulting in the formation of uniform film with large‐size crystal grains and high‐purity crystalline phase. Ultimately, the target PSC devices achieve an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.05%, which is among the highest values of triple‐cation (FAMACs) PSCs. Meanwhile, PSC modules with 10.8 cm2 obtain a PCE of 20.35%. Furthermore, the unencapsulated PSCs retain 94% of the initial efficiency after 40 days of storage under ambient conditions with 20% RH and also yield superior operational stability under light soaking at maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in nitrogen (N2) atmosphere.
Ordered Vacancy Compound Formation at the Interface of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Absorber with Sputtered In2S3‐Based Buffers: An Atomic‐Scale Perspective
Authors: Cojocaru‐Mirédin Oana , Hariskos Dimitrios , Hempel Wolfram , Kanevce Ana , Jin Xiaowei , Keutgen Jens , Raghuwanshi Mohit , Schneider Reinhard , Scheer Roland , Gerthsen Dagmar , Witte Wolfram
Published: November 2024

The design of a Cd‐free and wider‐bandgap buffer layer is stringent for future Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) thin‐film solar cell applications. For that, an In2S3 buffer layer alloyed with a limited amount of O (well below 25 mol%) has been proposed as a pertinent alternative solution to CdS or Zn(O,S) buffers. However, the chemical stability of the In2S3/CIGSe heterointerface when O is added is not completely clear. Therefore, in this work, the buffer/absorber interface for a series of sputter‐deposited In2S3 buffers with and without O is investigated. It is found that the solar cell with the highest open‐circuit voltage is obtained for the O‐free In2S3 buffer sputtered at 220 °C. This improved open‐circuit voltage could be explained by the presence of a 20 nm‐thick ordered vacancy compound (OVC) at the absorber surface. A much thinner OVC layer (5 nm) or even the absence of this layer is found for the cell with In2(O0.25S0.75)3 buffer layer where O is inserted. The volume fraction of the OVC layer is directly linked with the magnitude of Cu diffusion from the CIGSe surface into the In2(OxS1−x)3 buffer layer. The O addition strongly reduces the Cu diffusion inside the buffer layer up to complete suppression for very high O contents in the buffer. Finally, it is discussed that the presence of the OVC layer may lower the valence band maximum, thereby forming a hole barrier, suppressing charge carrier recombination at the In2(OxS1−x)3/CIGSe interface, which could result in an increased open‐circuit voltage.
Formation Mechanism and Influence of Heating Temperature and Holding Time on Surface Decarburization of 40Cr Steel during Hot Forging Process
Authors: Yuan Rongfu , Wu Min , Hu Zeqi , Hua Lin , Feng Wei
Published: November 2024

During hot forging and heat treatment of 40Cr steel, a decarburized layer emerges on the surface, affecting fatigue life. However, the decarbonization of 40Cr steel has not been reported so far. The experiment mainly studies the effect of holding temperature and time on decarbonization. The 40Cr steel undergoes complete decarburization at 700 and 750 °C while experiencing a combination of complete and partial decarburization at 800 °C, transitioning solely to partial decarburization above 850 °C. The decarburized layer thickness measured at 750 and 800 °C is 140 and 200 μm respectively; the total decarburization layer thickness exhibits an exponential increase with the temperature. The thickness of the completely decarburized layer, influenced by varying factors across temperature ranges, initially rises and subsequently declines with the escalation of temperature, reaching its maximum at ≈750 °C. The maximum value of complete decarburization is 146 μm. Simultaneously, the total depth of decarburization is found to be proportional to the square root of time, adhering to Fick's second law. The fitting result is expressed as x = 165.47t1/2 at 750 °C. Notably, the existence of the decarburized layer results in a decrement in both the tensile strength and yield strength of the component, albeit accompanied by a marginal improvement in ductility.
Study on the Microstructural and Proficiencies of Heat‐Affected Zone in High‐Slope Mountainous Welded Pipeline Steels
Authors: Sui Zihao , Huang Junjie , Chang Zhiqiang , Yan Xing , Zhang Yuan , Li Yang , Yang Mei
Published: November 2024

The failure rate of pipelines in mountainous areas is much higher than that in other service areas. To ensure the efficiency and quality of the project, automatic welding has become a development trend. The heat‐affected zone (HAZ) as a weak area, to a large extent, reflects the quality of welded joints. Herein, the microstructure and mechanical properties of HAZ on both sides of welded joints under a 30° large slope are characterized by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction, and Charpy impact. The results show that the properties of HAZ are affected by many strengthening mechanisms such as grain refinement, solid solution, dislocation, and precipitation, among which grain refinement plays a leading role. The slope will affect the NbC phase size and grain size, resulting in differences in HAZ properties on both sides. The grain size of each microzone in the lower side HAZ is coarsened compared to the higher side, and the dislocation density is lower, leading to a decrease in hardness and impact toughness, thus becoming the weakest region in the welded joint. Therefore, for welding under the condition of slope, attention must be paid to the influence of slope on the performance of welded joints.
Quantification of Swelling in Hematite Pellets Reduced Using Hydrogen–Nitrogen Gas Mixture
Authors: Meshram Amogh , Korobeinikov Yuri , Wei Xingwen , OMalley Ronald J. , Sridhar Seetharaman
Published: November 2024

Iron ore pellets are reduced in a 50%H2–50%N2 1 atm gas mixture at 750, 800, 850, 900, and 950 °C while simultaneously documenting swelling (change in pellet radius) and weight change. Swelling increases with increasing temperature, with catastrophic swelling (>20% of reduction swelling index) observed at 850, 900, and 950 °C. As the pellet is reduced, the pellet radius increases until 40–50% reduction is achieved, followed by a decrease in diameter beyond 40–50% reduction at 750 and 850 °C. At 950 °C, the pellet radius continues to increase with additional pellet reduction without any subsequent decrease in diameter. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that the neighboring grains inside the pellet sinter together at 750 and 850 °C, whereas the individual grains sinter internally at 950 °C. SEM analysis and observations suggest that the reduction process at 750 and 850 °C can be approximated as a topochemical reaction process, while the reduction process at 950 °C can no longer be approximated as a topochemical reaction process. An empirical equation for the radius of the pellet is derived with fitting parameters dependent on temperature and the degree of reduction of the pellet undergoing reduction based on the experimental data.
A Thermodynamic and Kinetic‐Based Argon Oxygen Decarburization Process Model and Validation with Plant Data
Authors: Jagadish Reddi , Saragadam Bhanu Siva Sai , singha Prasenjit , Rajesh Vinay , Yadav Pranay , Singh Awanindra Kumar , Paliwal Manas
Published: November 2024

Argon oxygen decarburization (AOD) is one of the most dynamic and complex processes in stainless steel production. Along with a lot of metallic additions, oxygen (O2), argon (Ar), or nitrogen (N2) gas is blown into the reactor to produce complex stainless‐steel grades. Typically, a hit‐and‐trial method approach is followed in the plant to optimize the critical process parameters for producing any new grades or optimizing the existing ones. In this regard, a mathematical model of the process coupled with robust thermodynamic databases is adopted to optimize the process. As discussed in the manuscript, most of the previous models explain the decarburization patterns by assuming a critical carbon (C) content to justify the change in decarburization rate from surface oxidation due to high O2 flow rates at high C levels to liquid phase mass transfer of C at low C levels. In the current study, decarburization patterns are described without any assumption of critical C content. The modeling results are validated against the plant data for a standard 316L grade in a 150 ton AOD converter. Next, the model parameters are implemented as it is for grades 439 and 321 and the AOD model is used as a predictive tool for these grades.
Fatigue Life Simulation of High‐Pressure Injection‐Production Pipeline Based on nCode DesignLife
Authors: Wu Jiao , Wan Lihua , Liu Hui , Liu Han , Liang Bing , Ai Songyuan , Long Mujun
Published: November 2024

To ensure the safe operation of injection‐production pipelines in underground gas storage, this study establishes fatigue simulation models for both straight and elbow sections of the pipeline to address the issue of fatigue failure under cyclic loading. The analysis includes differences in fatigue life and stress distribution between straight pipes and elbows and the effects of internal average pressure, alternating load amplitude, and frequency on their fatigue life. The results indicate that the elbow of the injection‐injection pipeline bears a greater maximum equivalent stress than the straight pipe, has a smaller number of fatigue cycles, and the maximum fatigue damage occurs on the inner wall inside the center of the elbow. As the average pressure, alternating load amplitude and frequency increase, the fatigue life of the injection‐injection pipeline decreases. For example, when the average pressure on the elbow increases from 20 to 45 MPa, the minimum fatigue cycle number decreases from 7.694 × 1011 to 9.039 × 103 cycles. The research results provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the gas storage injection‐production process and preventing fatigue failure of injection‐production pipelines.
Investigation on the Cutting Performance of High‐Speed Dry Milling for 30CrMnSiNi2A Steel
Authors: Song Lei , Yan Chunping , Yang Mao , Tu Gan
Published: November 2024

High‐speed dry milling (HSDM) technology is one of the most attractive solutions for improving the cutting performance of difficult‐to‐machine materials. However, the study of HSDM performance for 30CrMnSiNi2A steel has not been reported. In this article, HSDM for 30CrMnSiNi2A steel is investigated using TiN‐coated and AlTiN‐coated tools, focusing on cutting force, vibration, surface roughness, residual stress, and tool wear. The effects of cutting parameters on cutting force and vibration are remarkably similar. At a spindle speed of 7500 r min−1, both cutting force and vibration are minimized. TiN‐coated and AlTiN‐coated tools exhibit distinct performance differences. But, HSDM of 30CrMnSiNi2A steel using TiN‐coated and AlTiN‐coated tools can achieve low surface roughness. The depth of cut significantly affects surface roughness, which is lowest at the depth of cut (0.8 mm). Most of the workpiece surface shows residual compressive stress. The main wear mechanisms for both coated tools are abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and oxidative wear. Furthermore, the AlTiN‐coated tool is more wear resistant on the flank face compared to the TiN‐coated tool. Chipping due to crater wear is the leading cause of tool failure for the AlTiN‐coated tool. Upon various comparisons, the AlTiN‐coated tool is more suitable for HSDM of 30CrMnSiNi2A steel.
Unveiling Heat Treatment Effects on Hardness and Dimensional Properties of Power Bed Fusion‐LB/M/18Ni300 Turning Tool with Transpiration Cooling Channels
Authors: Sundaram Sundararajan Anuj Srivathsa , Radhamani Rajeshkannan , Balakrishnan Muralidharan
Published: November 2024

This study incorporates five different transpiration cooling channels, two circular, two hexagonal, and one novel bio‐inspired blood vessel that are designed in a monolithic turning tool and produced via metal additive manufacturing. They are heat treated under direct aging (DA1 and DA2) and solution heat‐treatment (SHT1 + DA1, SHT1 + DA2, and SHT2 + DA1) conditions to study the effects of heat treatment on the hardness and dimensions of complex internal geometries as they play a significant role in cooling effectiveness. Microstructural characterization for DA revealed the formation of lath‐type martensitic phases with uniform distribution, which improves the microhardness significantly, with SHT2 + DA1 achieving the highest hardness 641.2 HV and DA2 producing 611.7 HV. From the X‐ray microcomputed tomography, various heat treatments have very insignificant deviations in the dimensions of the transpiration channels (0.05% to 1%) from the as‐printed dimensions. Further, variations in design are not associated with the heat‐treatment process and the achieved hardness. This study helps create a standard operating procedure for heat treatment for complex internal channels with minimal dimensional deviations and highest hardness.
A New Method for Regression Analysis of Case–Cohort Interval‐Censored Failure Time Data
Authors: Jia Ruobing , Lou Yichen , Sun Jianguo , Wang Peijie
Published: November 2024

The case–cohort design is widely used as a way of reducing costs when the disease incidence is low and covariates are expensive to measure. In this paper, we consider regression analysis of interval‐censored failure time data arising from the case–cohort design under a class of semiparametric transformation models. Although some methods have been proposed for the situation, they only make use of the information on the subjects in the subcohort and thus can be less efficient. To address this, we propose a class of linear inverse probability weighted estimators that make use of the information on all subjects. Furthermore, a method is provided to determine the optimal weights, and the proposed estimator is shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. A simulation study is performed and indicates that the proposed method works well for practical situations, and it is illustrated by using the data arising from an Alzheimer's disease study.
Touch, light, wounding: how anaesthetics affect plant sensing abilities
Authors: Pavlovič Andrej
Published: November 2024

Key message

Anaesthetics affect not only humans and animals but also plants. Plants exposed to certain anaesthetics lose their ability to respond adequately to various stimuli such as touch, injury or light. Available results indicate that anaesthetics modulate ion channel activities in plants, e.g. Ca2+ influx.

The word anaesthesia means loss of sensation. Plants, as all living creatures, can also sense their environment and they are susceptible to anaesthesia. Although some anaesthetics are often known as drugs with well-defined target to their animal/human receptors, some other are promiscuous in their binding. Both have effects on plants. Application of general volatile anaesthetics (GVAs) inhibits plant responses to different stimuli but also induces strong cellular response. Of particular interest is the ability of GVAs inhibit long-distance electrical and Ca2+ signalling probably through inhibition of GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR-LIKE proteins (GLRs), the effect which is surprisingly very similar to inhibition of nerve impulse transmission in animals or human. However, GVAs act also as a stressor for plants and can induce their own Ca2+ signature, which strongly reprograms gene expression . Down-regulation of genes encoding enzymes of chlorophyll biosynthesis and pigment-protein complexes are responsible for inhibited de-etiolation and photomorphogenesis. Vesicle trafficking, germination, and circumnutation movement of climbing plants are also strongly inhibited. On the other hand, other cellular processes can be upregulated, for example, heat shock response and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Upregulation of stress response by GVAs results in preconditioning/priming and can be helpful to withstand abiotic stresses in plants. Thus, anaesthetic drugs may become a useful tool for scientists studying plant responses to environmental stimuli.
Efficacy and safety of patiromer for non-dialysis and dialysis patients with hyperkalemia: the randomized, placebo-controlled and long-term study
Authors: Kashihara Naoki , Kumeda Yasuro , Higashino Yorihiko , Maeda Yoshitaka , Kaneko Yoko , Kanai Hidetoshi , Taniguchi Yuko , Ishii Takayuki , Tomioka Yusuke
Published: November 2024

Background

The objectives of this phase two study are to investigate the efficacy of two starting doses of 8.4 g and 16.8 g and evaluate the long-term safety of patiromer in Japanese patients with hyperkalemia.

Methods

This study comprised three cohorts; non-dialysis patients with baseline serum potassium (sK) level of 5.1 to < 6.0 mmol/L (NDC1); 6.0 to < 6.5 mmol/L (NDC2); dialysis patients with baseline sK level of 5.5 to < 6.5 mmol/L (DC). The study design was one-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and open label extension for one year in NDC1, open label during the study in NDC2 and DC. Patients were randomly assigned to patiromer 8.4 g, 16.8 g or placebo in NDC1, 8.4 g or 16.8 g in NDC2 and DC. Dose was adjusted up to 25.2 g according to the titration algorism in open label period.

Results

A total of 185 patients were randomized (NDC1:153, NDC2:10, and DC:22). The primary endpoint of the change in least squares mean sK levels at Week 1 in NDC1 was  – 0.55,  – 0.77 and  – 0.10 mmol/L for the 8.4 g, 16.8 g and placebo group (P < 0.001 for the patiromer group vs the placebo group). In all cohorts for each patiromer group, more than 80% of patients achieved normal sK at Week 5. There was no severe treatment-related adverse event.

Conclusion

Treatment with patiromer was effective in lowering and maintaining target sK levels, also well tolerated for one year in Japanese patients with hyperkalemia.
Going Mental: Why Physicalism Should Not Posit Inscrutable Properties
Authors: Ryan Liam D.
Published: November 2024

Some philosophers argue that mental properties are ontologically distinct from physical properties and that, therefore, physicalism ought to be rejected. There are philosophers who feel the force of this challenge but who wish to maintain their physicalism. They suggest that mentality is grounded in inscrutable properties or ‘incrutables’: properties that are not revealed through physical enquiry but that do not violate physicalism. Our analysis reveals that appealing to inscrutables is not a successful strategy for these physicalists, for the following reasons: first, inscrutables likely do violate the conditions of physicalism; second, inscrutables lend greater support to panpsychism than physicalism; third, there is good reason to be agnostic as to whether or not inscrutables count as physical properties. Each of these reasons undermines the physicalist’s purpose in positing inscrutables. If one wishes to remain a physicalist, they ought to direct their philosophical analysis and energies toward revisiting and defeasing the arguments that purport to show that mental properties are ontologically distinct from physical properties.
Decreased mitochondrial transcription factor A and mitochondrial DNA copy number promote cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A expression and reduce tumorigenic properties of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Buchwaldt Jessika , Fritsch Tania , Hartmann Monika , Witzel Hagen Roland , Kloth Michael , Roth Wilfried , Tagscherer Katrin E. , Hartmann Nils
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancer types worldwide. In the last years, changes in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number have been described to correlate with the prognostic outcome for colorectal cancer patients by impacting different tumorigenic properties. One key regulator of mtDNA is the mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) that acts as a limiting factor of mtDNA copy number. Here, we investigated the effect of TFAM deficiency on mtDNA and tumorigenic properties in the human colorectal cancer cell line SW480.

Methods

TFAM expression was stably downregulated in the colorectal cancer cell line SW480 using the CRISPR-Cas9 approach. To dissect the molecular alterations induced by deletion of TFAM, RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis was performed on TFAM-wild-type and TFAM-deficient SW480 cells. Functional consequences of TFAM downregulation were assessed in cellular assays.

Results

We showed that TFAM deficiency leads to decreased mtDNA copy number and reduced expression of mtDNA-encoded genes. TFAM-deficient cells also revealed higher activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and decreased cell growth parameters. Moreover, RNA sequencing showed that the expression of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A/p21) is significantly increased in TFAM-deficient cells.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that TFAM-induced changes of the mitochondrial genome lead to upregulated CDKN1A/p21 expression in colorectal cancer cells identifying p21 as a new possible linker between mitochondria and nucleus.
Closed-loop control of a directed energy deposition process for repair applications
Authors: Touzé Stéphane , Navarro Valero Carolina , Rückert Guillaume , Hascoët Jean-Yves
Published: November 2024

Additive manufacturing processes of the directed energy deposition family such as laser metal deposition or wire arc additive manufacturing offer great control and improved metallurgical properties over traditional processes such as casting. They are very promising for many industrial applications such as the fabrication of intricate parts with high-performance alloys as well as repair applications. However, these processes are generally very sensitive to process conditions, yet are most often operated in open loop. In this study, a closed-loop controller with a suitable error criteria based on 3D scanning data in-between layers is implemented. It is applied to various repair samples made of 316L stainless steel and Inconel 625 materials. The results show that the controller can compensate for suboptimal operating points and in-process deviations while maintaining satisfactory metallurgical and mechanical properties.
China’s role in the EU’s search for strategic autonomy: nonhegemonic power relations during world order transition
Authors: Huang Jing
Published: November 2024

By applying an analysis framework related to historical structure developed by Robert W. Cox, the article attempts to explore China’s role in the European Union (EU)’s search for strategic autonomy (SA). Moreover, it aims to understand big power relations during world order transition in a broader sense. The article argues that EU-SA is the EU’s strategy to navigate through the transition in global order and to maintain its values and interests in the upcoming order. In other words, EU-SA is a hegemonic game both inside and beyond the EU. That is how China is related to EU-SA. EU-SA can be evaluated as ideas, institutions and capabilities and China has been involved in EU-SA on three interrelated levels: social forces, forms of state and global order. The author provides a comprehensive summary of several features of China–Europe relations as well as nonhegemonic power relations during world order transition.
Gravity-driven motion of a highly viscous non-wetting drop on an inclined wall
Authors: Zinchenko Alexander Z.
Published: November 2024

Extensive three-dimensional boundary-integral simulations are presented for the steady-state, low-Reynolds-number motion of a non-wetting deformable drop in another liquid on an inclined solid wall. The drop remains separated from the wall by a lubricating film. The boundary-integral formulation is based on the half-space Green function. The focus is on the challenging case of small tilt angles

$\theta$

combined with high drop-to-medium viscosity ratios

$\lambda$

, when the drop travels with strong hydrodynamical interaction very close to the wall. Simulations to steady state have required ultrahigh drop surface resolutions (to

$3\times 10^5$

boundary elements) achieved through multipole acceleration and combined with novel regularization to fully eliminate near-singular behaviour of the double-layer integrals due to small clearance. Non-dimensional drop speed

$U$

is presented for

$\theta \geq 7.5^\circ$

,

$\lambda \leq 300$

and in a broad range of Bond numbers

$B$

, covering from nearly spherical to strongly pancaked drops. The results are consistent with published experiments on liquid–liquid systems. At small

$\theta$

and

$\lambda \gg 1$

,

$U$

is a strong, decreasing function of

$B$

; the asymptotic regime

$U\to 0$

at

$B\to 0$

is not observed in the simulated range. For small

$B$

, the dimpled thin-film geometry is insensitive to

$\lambda =1\unicode{x2013}300$

. For pancaked drops, the lubrication film is much thicker for

$\lambda =1$

than for

$\lambda \gg 1$

drops. Approximate thin-film uniformity in the drop motion direction is confirmed for pancaked, but not for

$B\ll 1$

, drops. Kinematics of drop motion shows that neither perfect tank treading, nor perfect rolling can be approached for liquid–liquid systems in the purely hydrodynamical formulation. The methodology is applicable to other problems and can allow for direct inclusion of short-range colloidal forces in three-dimensional boundary-integral simulations.