bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Business angel groups as collective action: an examination of the due diligence process
Authors: Arundale Keith , Mason Colin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWith the emergence of business angel groups, angel investing is increasingly an activity that is based on collective action. However, our understanding of the investment process of business angels is largely based on studies of angels who invest independently. This paper investigates the collective action practices of one UK business angel group – Henley Business Angels. We examine how the due diligence process is undertaken. This stage involves the verification of the information in the pitch and business plan and underpins the decision whether or not to make an investment. This stage in the investment process has attracted limited attention by researchers. We find that there is a lack of rigour in the due diligence that angels undertake. Further, the process involves limited collective action. Group members largely act on their own behalf in carrying out due diligence, generally investigating areas of interest or concern independently of other members. However, members typically do share and discuss information gleaned from their own due diligence process with other members in the group. Some members will also accept the due diligence of other members if it is outside of their own area of expertise or if they do not have the time to carry out the due diligence themselves.
Laser-Assisted Surface Modification of TRIP Steels: Chemical and Microstructural Evolution, Residual Stresses, and Micromechanical Properties
Authors: Riu-Perdrix G. , Slawik S. , Gavalda-Diaz O. , Travieso-Rodriguez J. A. , Fargas G. , Mateo Antonio , Mücklich F. , Roa J. J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The use of new lightweight design strategies is implemented in the automotive industry, for applications where high friction forces are present and lubrication systems need to be implemented. Micro-topography modification through laser texturing is an advantageous manufacturing technique that is currently being used by the industry. Combining both ideas, this manuscript aims to analyze the effect of surface modification laser-texturing process on a TRansformation-Induced Plasticity steel. Residual stresses, superficial chemistry, microstructure, and mechanical properties at the submicrometric length scale are investigated. Results show that the intensity and the number of pulses strongly modify the pattern geometry. Also, the pattern distance affects the residual stress state, changing from tensile to compressive stresses for distances higher than 20 µm. Chemical and microstructural changes at the vicinity of the laser may be associated to the fast cooling of the sublimated material around the pattern induced during the laser-assisted surface modification thermal process. Furthermore, the hardness remains stable, and no changes are evident in the bulk material. However, a hardness reduction of around 95 pct in the austenitic value is evident in the pile-up zone around the laser pattern due to (1) the microporosity and defects confined inside the pile-up region and (2) due to the residual chemical composition created during the solidification process, which is rich in iron, chromium, nickel, and manganese and poor in oxygen.
Analysis of Different Commercial Solid Fluxes Used During the Rotary Degassing Melt Treatment of Casting Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Gyarmati Gábor , Pálóczi Ádám , Somfai Dorottya , Ferenczi Tibor , Mende Tamás , Kéri Zoltán 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This work aimed to get a better understanding of the behavior and melt cleaning efficiency of different commercial solid fluxes used in the foundry industry for the treatment of liquid aluminum alloys. This was realized by combining industrial melt treatment experiments with the application of characterization techniques that can provide information about the phase composition and thermal stability of different fluxes. Rotary degassing treatments coupled with flux addition using 5 different commercial fluxes were conducted on batches of EN AC-46000 alloy (AlSi9Cu3(Fe)) melt. The melt quality was assessed by the Qualiflash technique and Bifilm-Index (BI) analysis of reduced pressure test (RPT) samples. The phase composition and thermal behavior of the fluxes were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), respectively. Among the 5 fluxes, two had a rather similar phase composition with the main constituents being NaCl, KCl, CaF2, MgF2, Na2CO3·NaHCO·3H2O, Na2SO4, and K2SiF6. These two fluxes, which contain a relatively high amount of fluoride components (about 11mol pct), and had a melting temperature below 600 °C, proved to be the most efficient in improving the melt quality. The Quality Temperature Index (QTI) values and normalized Bifilm-Index (NBI) results of the RPT samples generally showed a similar tendency, but there was only a loose relationship between the two parameters. Discrepancies between the results of different melt quality evaluation techniques can be traced back to their sensitivity to melt quality changes.
Advancing Type 2 Diabetes Prevention through Text-Messaging Interventions: A Narrative Review
Authors: Formagini Taynara , Gonzalez Christopher J. , Dias Julie , Arredondo Elva M. , Hekler Eric , O’Brien Matthew J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Text-messaging interventions effectively prevent and manage numerous health conditions. This scoping review evaluates recent literature on text-messaging interventions focused on diabetes prevention, highlighting their development, associated outcomes, reach, and potential sustainability.

Recent Findings
A total of 28 studies met eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Text-messaging was often used as a primary intervention method, focusing on promoting weight loss through physical activity and dietary changes. Studies also explored hybrid approaches integrating text-messaging with in-person sessions or other digital platforms. Intervention development involved multi-phase content creation, often leveraging established diabetes prevention curricula. Studies generally reported high feasibility and acceptability, although effectiveness was mixed. Cost-effectiveness comparisons favored text-messaging over traditional in-person programs. Implementation strategies aligned interventions with existing healthcare workflows, facilitating scalability and integration into routine care practices.

Summary
Text-messaging interventions demonstrate considerable promise but require further refinement to ensure their effectiveness, particularly in enhancing participant engagement to ensure effectiveness and sustainability. Future research should focus on refining intervention content, integrating interactive features, and expanding cost-effectiveness evaluations to support broader implementation in real-world settings.
Potato Cyst Nematodes (PCN), Globodera Rostochiensis and G. Pallida as a New Challenging Problem of Potato Production in Africa
Authors: Onditi John O. , Whitworth Jonathan L. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPotato cyst nematode (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida have been highlighted as new challenging problems of potato production in Africa. This review traces the emergence and current status of PCN as a problem of potato production and available PCN management options for Africa. The review revealed G. rostochiensis as the most widespread PCN species reported in eight countries as compared to G. pallida only found in four countries. G. rostochiensis Ro1/4 and G. pallida Pa/2/3 were the only PCN pathotypes that have been reported in Africa. Different PCN control strategies which have been tested and recommended as suitable for managing PCN in Africa are reviewed. We recommend expanding PCN surveillance to other potato producing African countries, targeting PCN management based on the most widespread PCN species/pathotypes in Africa and integrated management using locally tested and available PCN control strategies.
Air-Able: Fabrication and Experiments of Effervescent Fabric Chamber Inflation with Various Shape of Structures and Wearables
Authors: Chun Sanghu , Park Yong-Jai 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A rigid system can support a huge amount of matter, but when it comes to human matter, although it can be served as a frame, or mechanism, etc., it only provides “rigid” solutions. Since the human body is made of curved surfaces that are challenging to track and adapt, “softer” methods should be applied. Herein, Air-able; an inflatable system based on variable stiffness methods is proposed. Air-able is inspired by research on inflatable structures with an air chamber. Previous research has shown the potential for various chamber shapes, demonstrating that even a chamber filled with air can withstand a certain level of weight, though not as much as a rigid system can. Since Air-able uses a fabric air chamber, it can be fabricated into many types of chambers, such as support structures and improvised splints due to the variety of fabrics and their combinations. It is also designed to minimize application areas so the pressure inside can effectively concentrate. This study suggests one more issue: tethering. When a system is tethered with electrical codes, or pipelines that deliver power, its movement or range of motion is limited. From past studies, air chambers are very light because they are made of materials like plastics and fabrics. The problem is; however, most chambers are tethered to a pump system applying pressure inside. The pump system produces higher pressure, so it helps increase the stiffness of air chambers, at the same time it makes chambers dependent on it. In this study, an effervescent effect is used to inflate Air-able chambers. Effervescence via the reaction of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate forms gas bubbles of carbon dioxide and makes inflation of the chamber. And small amounts of water can accelerate reactions. To secure the usability of Air-able, those effervescent reactants are made into a tablet form including extra compounds which aid manufacturing process. Furthermore, a wearable interface is devised so the user can recharge and control Air-able; integration of fabric air chamber and effervescent tablet reaction using water. Air-able is light, untethered, and rechargeable air chamber inflation methods only produce carbonated water as byproduct. Future studies will focus on improving its design and performance.
Use of electrical resistivity tomography to reduce landfill siting risks in the south-central kentucky karst
Authors: May Michael T. , Brackman Thomas B. , May Elizabeth C. , Edwards W. Trenton 
Published: December 2024

AbstractElectrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) can be a key tool for aiding in characterization of karst geohazard risks at proposed landfill sites. This study is proximal to the south-central Kentucky karst and Mammoth Cave National Park and possesses siliciclastic cap rock upland areas that pose relatively high groundwater-contamination risks due to adjacent ravines floored by carbonates. Complex stratigraphy associated with the Mississippian-Pennsylvanian unconformity and juxtaposition of heterolithic sedimentary rocks in general presents further challenges for demarcating hydrogeological characterization of the base of engineered landfills. A conceptual site model integrates ERT surveying and field geology that both satisfactorily characterize the site and risks to groundwater resources without conducting multiple borings. The proposed landfill site is compared to well-known and mapped caves at a landfill near Bowling Green, Crumps Cave near Smiths Grove, and River Styx Spring at Mammoth Cave. Our work entails review of ERT datasets at known cave sites and compares these to two ERT profiles that traversed the proposed landfill site, which are integrated with study of outcrops, and an excavated pit and trench. ERT data range from several low 10 s to about 400 Ω-meter values for mud rock units whereas sandy units possess ERT values from approximately 500 to several tens of thousands of Ω meters. The greatest values are indicative of basal Pennsylvanian Caseyville Sandstone, and these exceed 32,000Ω meters. In comparison, ERT values at known cave sites range from one to 100,000 Ω meters, with elevated, dry rock or possibly dry (air filled) caves interpreted from the greatest values and low values reflective of conductive underground cave streams and moist caves. An unexpected challenge specific to the Hart County landfill study includes occurrence of well-drained and highly weathered Caseyville at the highest elevations of the site causing increased electrical contact resistance during ERT surveying. The overall ERT contrast however, between quartz-rich and clay poor strata (high-resistivity rocks and regolith) and clay-rich strata (low-resistivity rocks) provides independent data consistent with the observed stratigraphy exposed in site exposures. Nonuniqueness of conductive intervals at the Hart County site contrasts with other conductive areas at depth associated with moist or wet cave passages as documented at Crumps Cave and Mammoth Cave.
The quantum gravity seeds for laws of nature
Authors: Lam Vincent , Oriti Daniele 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe discuss the challenges that the standard (Humean and non-Humean) accounts of laws face within the framework of quantum gravity where space and time may not be fundamental. This paper identifies core (meta)physical features that cut across a number of quantum gravity approaches and formalisms and that provide seeds for articulating updated conceptions that could account for QG laws not involving any spatio-temporal notions. To this aim, we will in particular highlight the constitutive roles of quantum entanglement, quantum transition amplitudes and quantum causal histories. These features also stress the fruitful overlap between quantum gravity and quantum information theory.
Quality range of ENplus A1 certified wood pellets and their combustion behavior in residential pellet stoves and pellet boilers
Authors: Mack Robert , Schön Claudia , Kuptz Daniel , Hartmann Hans , Brunner Thomas , Obernberger Ingwald , Behr Hans Martin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUse of wood pellets is continuously increasing in Europe, and most of them carry the ENplus A1 label. In this research, 28 assortments of such A1-labeled wood pellets were collected from the fuel market and were comprehensively analyzed and combusted in two residential pellet stoves; up to 8 pellet assortments were also combusted in two residential pellet boilers. Correlation analyses have been carried out, including the results from 31 additional pellet assortments from an own pelleting process where specifically tailored pellet characteristics were produced using different wood species. In particular, the effects of pellet length, moisture content, fines content, raw material preparation, additives, and wood species were investigated to identify the dependencies between the investigated fuel parameters and pollutant emissions. The most important parameters influencing pollutant emissions especially from domestic pellet stoves were identified as the potassium content of the fuel, the hardwood content, the carbonate content of the fuel ash, the Si/K molar ratio, and the energy density. Total particulate matter (TPM) emissions ranged from 45 to 246 mg/m3 for pellet stove 1, whereas for pellet stove 2, TPM emissions from 23 to 58 mg/m3 have been observed. Not the same pellets performed best or worst in both pellet stoves. Overall, the current state of the art stoves showed a greater response to variations in pellet quality compared with boilers, and improvements in pellet stove technology and control are recommended.
Inoculation of Fraxinus excelsior seedlings with bacterial strains to enhance the tolerance against ash dieback
Authors: Burghard Valentin , Wende Sonja , Schneck Volker , Ulrich Andreas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Since ash dieback has been recognized as a major threat to Fraxinus excelsior, multiple lines of research have focused on potential management to mitigate this disease. One area of focus has been the microbiome of the trees and the application of biocontrol agents (BCAs). In this study, we aimed to find suitable BCAs that can help control Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and the resulting ash dieback. Therefore, we studied the health of ash seedlings under nursery conditions via inoculation with beneficial bacterial isolates and consortia to suppress the pathogen. By using offspring of two tolerant ash trees, we aimed to optimize this via synergistic effects. We found that Schauerella fraxinea B3P038 and Luteimonas fraxinea D4P002 lowered the symptoms of ash dieback. Using strain-specific qPCR assays, only the persistence of Aureimonas altamirensis C2P003 could be proven in the inoculated ash seedlings. Similarly, the fungal pathogen was also unable to infect the plants during the summer months. In addition, we were able to show that the inoculated bacterial strains influenced the microbiome, even without persisting on the plants. These results are encouraging, as positive effects can be taken from the greenhouse to the field and further studies should follow up on the B3P038, C2P003 and D4P002 strains. However, under field conditions, a strong variation in the effects must be considered. This strongly suggests that in addition to plant scoring, monitoring inoculation success as well as pathogen abundance is necessary.
Advancements in nanocarbon-based catalysts for enhanced fuel cell performance: a comprehensive review
Authors: Agrawal P. , Ebrahim S. , Ponnamma D. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFuel cells hold great promise as a clean energy technology, yet challenges such as material compatibility, manufacturing costs, and durability issues, particularly with noble metal-based electrocatalysts like platinum (Pt), hinder their widespread adoption. This review explores strategies to enhance fuel cell performance while minimizing costs, focusing on developing efficient and cost-effective catalysts supported by nanocarbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon films, and their composites. The investigation delves into how these catalysts supports improve activity and stability, leading to superior fuel cell performance characterized by higher current density and enhanced durability compared to conventional Pt/C catalysts, with a specific focus on proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. Key topics covered include the role of nanocarbon in fuel cells, various nanocarbon-based catalyst supports, Pt-containing alloys, non-Pt catalysts, and nanocarbon composites for electrolyte membranes and corrosion protection. Notable findings include the importance of heteroatom doping in enhancing reactivity, the effectiveness of organic–inorganic composite proton exchange membranes in improving proton conductivity, and the potential of amorphous carbon film coatings and conductive polymer-nanocarbon composites in enhancing corrosion resistance. These advancements underscore the potential of nanocarbon-based catalysts and coatings in ensuring the reliability and longevity of fuel cell components, thus contributing to the widespread commercialization of fuel cell technology.
Bio-filtration of Organic Pollutants: Simulation and Mathematical Modelling of Toluene and n-propanol
Authors: Tijani Yusuf Olatunji , Oloniiju Shina Daniel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical substances that evaporate quickly, releasing harmful fumes into the atmosphere. Among the various VOCs, toluene and n-propanol are particularly interesting due to their widespread occurrence and considerable industrial impact. This study uses a bio-reactor with microbial biofilm formation to present the bio-degradation of a composition of toluene (methylbenzol) and n-propanol (1-propanol). It predicts the coupled inhibition effect of n-propanol on the toluene removal efficiency. The bio-filtration process is modelled as a dynamical system using a set of deterministic nonlinear partial differential equations. The differential equation with its appropriate conditions describes the bio-filtration processes occurring in two distinct phases: the biofilm phase and the gaseous phase. The differential equation is solved using the Chebyshev pseudospectral method and the local linearization method to understand the physical dynamics of the mathematical model. The effectiveness of the spectral-based method was evaluated by comparing its accuracy to known results in the limiting cases of the current dynamical model. A parametric and partial rank correlation coefficient (PRCC) analysis of the dimensionless parameters is conducted. It was found that toluene removal is enhanced by the additional desorption rate constant, ζ
2. Increasing the air-biofilm coefficient for n-propanol supports the removal of n-propanol but not that of toluene. The findings of this study contribute to improvements in bio-degradation modelling and enhance our understanding of volatile organic compounds.
Analysing Battery Swapping of Battery Electric Load Haul Dump (LHD) Machines in Block Cave Mining Using Discrete Event Simulation (DES)
Authors: Hooli Jenni , Skawina Bartłomiej , Halim Adrianus , Sundqvist Fredrik 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDiesel-powered load haul dump machines have been the backbone of underground mining loading and hauling operations for over six decades. However, as mines get deeper, and regulations become more rigorous, the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has the potential to enhance energy efficiency and provide a healthier environment for miners. Electric engines have a significantly higher energy efficiency and produce no exhaust gases or diesel particulate matter. The use of BEVs in underground operations introduces additional factors to consider, such as battery swapping and the required number of batteries, swapping, and charging stations. This study conducted a discrete event simulation using Arena simulation software with a focus on queueing and its relationship to different numbers of machines, batteries, and swapping times in an underground block cave mine. The results suggest that when there are six, eight, or 12 LHDs and four swapping and charging stations with an unlimited number of batteries, the queueing time to swap the batteries remains minimal. In scenarios with eight LHDs and a limited number of batteries, depending on the battery swapping time, 2–2.5 batteries per machine are required to achieve maximum production with minimal queueing. However, when there are too few batteries, queueing becomes significant. Moreover, when the number of working groups (machines going for a battery swap around the same time) is less than the ratio between the battery operational time and the swapping time, the queueing remains low.