bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Grain Size on Mechanical Properties of Ni-Fe Base Superalloy for Advanced USC Turbine Rotor Materials
Authors: Ohsaki Satoru , Takahashi Tatsuya , Imano Shinya , Sato Jun , Saito Eiji 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The effect of grain size after solution treatment on the mechanical properties of FENIX-700, including its cooling rate, was investigated. In addition, the dependance of precipitation observed at grain boundaries on the heat treatment conditions was also discussed on the basis of the results of microstructure observations. It was confirmed that the tensile ductility, the creep rupture ductility, and the absorbed energy decreased as the grain size increased. The creep rupture strength, in contrast, increased remarkably as the grain size increased. The tensile strength increased as the cooling rate increased. Experimental results showed that satisfactory mechanical properties would be obtained for a grain size of ASTM G.S.No. 1.0-3.0.
Key Life Management Issues with Grade 91 Steel
Authors: Parker Jonathan , Coleman Kent 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that using hardness as the sole acceptance criterion for Grade 91 steels is inadequate for predicting service performance. Components can achieve acceptable initial hardness values through heat treatment despite suboptimal elemental composition, leading to poor tempering resistance and unexpectedly low creep strength during service. Paradoxically, some components with lower initial hardness may perform better due to slower degradation rates. While the relationship between parent material properties and Type IV cracking susceptibility remains under investigation, heat-affected zones (HAZ) in welds are emerging as primary locations for service failures. This complexity emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluation criteria incorporating stress, temperature, and material properties when assessing component serviceability.
Evaluation of Nanocrystalline MCrAl Coatings for Power Plants
Authors: Cheruvu N. S. , Wei R. , Shingledecker J. , Gandy D.W. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Over the past two decades there has been considerable interest in the development of coatings with finer microstructures approaching nanometer scale because these coatings are more resistant to high-temperature oxidation and corrosion than their counterpart conventional coatings. Long-term cyclic oxidation behavior of nanocrystalline FeCrNiAl and NiCrAl coatings were evaluated at different temperatures and the results showed that ultra-fine grain structure promoted selective oxidation of Al during thermal exposure. The protective Al2O3 scale formed on these coatings with Al content as low as 3 wt.% and exhibited excellent spallation resistance during thermal cycling. The nanocrystalline NiCrAl coating showed significantly higher oxidation resistance compared to the conventional plasma sprayed NiCoCrAlY and PWA 286 coatings. However, the Al content in the nanocrystalline coatings was consumed in relatively short time due to inward and outward diffusion of Al. Variation of oxide-scale spallation resistance during thermal cycling and the rate of Al consumption between the nanocrystalline and plasma sprayed coatings are compared.
Abradable Coatings Development and Validation Testing for Application on Steam Turbine Components
Authors: Sporer Dieter , Wilson Scott , Fiala Petr , Schuelein Ruediger 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Abradability, erosion and steam oxidation tests were conducted on commercial and experimental abradable coatings in order to evaluate their suitability for applications in steam turbines. Steam oxidation tests were carried out on free-standing top coat samples as well as coating systems consisting of a bond and an abradable top coat. Mapping of the abradability performance under widely varied seal strip incursion conditions was carried out for a candidate abradable coating that showed good steam oxidation performance in combination with good erosion resistance. The abradability tests were carried out on a specially designed test rig at elevated temperatures. The steam oxidation analysis combined with the abradability mapping results provide a potentially improved seal coating system that can be integrated into existing steam turbine designs for various seal locations. Such design integration is easily achieved and can be applied to steam turbine components that are sprayed in dedicated coating shops or even at the site of final turbine assembly.
Sigma Phase Precipitation in 347HFG Stainless Steel for Supercritical Power Plant Operation
Authors: West D. , Hulance J. , Higginson R.L. , Wilcox G. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The microstructural evolution has been investigated for an 18Cr-12Ni stainless steel (347HFG) that has been subject to a thermo-mechanical treatment to obtain a fine grain size (ASTM 7-10). In particular, sigma phase precipitation and growth has been evaluated. Samples of 347HFG stainless steel have been isothermally heat treated to reproduce and accelerate the ageing conditions experienced in-service at temperatures between 600 and 750 °C for up to 10,000 hours. Results have shown that sigma phase is precipitated at triple points and along grain boundaries after as little as 1000 hours which is contrary to thermodynamic predictions. In addition X-ray diffraction (XRD) and image analysis has been carried out to semi-quantitatively measure the amount of sigma phase present. The area fraction of sigma has been found to be 2.77 and 2.23 percent at 700 and 750 °C respectively. This is a higher volume fraction of sigma phase than has been previously observed in regular 347H at these conditions. It is thought that this is due to the reduced grain size that has provided an increase in nucleation sites and diffusion paths that can enhance the precipitation and growth of sigma phase. The results from this study are discussed with regards to the effect of precipitation on the service life of a 347HFG stainless steel tube operating in advanced supercritical boilers.
Advanced FIB/SEM Sample Preparation and Analysis Techniques (2024 Update)
Authors: Subramanian Sam , Yi Eric , Ly Khiem , Petri Charles , Chrastecky Tony , Levenson Jacob , Agny Rohin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Presentation slides for the ISTFA 2024 Tutorial session “Advanced FIB/SEM Sample Preparation and Analysis Techniques (2024 Update).”
Determinants of private investment contracts in the basic sanitation sector: evidence for developing countries
Authors: Borges Dianifer Leal , Nobre Fernandez Rodrigo , Djissey Shikida Cláudio , De Andrade Costa Luciana 
Published: October 2024

Investment in infrastructure, including universal access to water and sanitation services, is crucial for improving the quality of life and promoting economic development. Access to clean water and proper sanitation is particularly important for public health. This article, based on the work of Yehoue et al. (2006)and Sharma (2012), explores the factors that determine the number of private investment contracts in the basic sanitation sector. The study employs an empirical analysis, utilizing a panel of developing countries over the period of 2003-2016, and employs the Zero Inflated Negative Binomial (ZINB) counting estimator to examine the number of contracts in the sanitation sector. Additionally, for robustness analysis, we also analyze the Negative Binomial, Poisson, and Zero Inflated Poisson (ZIP)models. The results of the study indicate that the macroeconomic environment, foreign investment, and political environment are the key factors that influence the number of private investment contracts in the sector.
Produtividade total dos fatores e despesas públicas dos estados brasileiros: uma aplicação de dados em painel
Authors: Silva Yago Ramalho , Monte Edson Zambon 
Published: October 2024

Este trabalho objetivou verificar as relações entre a produtividade total dos fatores (PTF) dos estados brasileiros e suas despesas públicas por funções, a saber: judiciário; legislativo; administração/planejamento; educação e cultura; indústria, comércio e serviços; ciência e tecnologia; assistência social e previdência; e, saúde. As análises compreenderam o período de 2003 a 2018, sendo que, para as estimações econométricas, a metodologia de dados em painel foi adotada. Variáveis de controle foram utilizadas para dar robustez aos resultados. Os resultados revelaram que a maioria das despesas não apresentou relação significativa com a produtividade total dos fatores, com exceção das despesas com a saúde e o judiciário, mas que tiveram correlações relativamente pequenas.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STATE POLICY REGULATING THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN THE CARPATHIAN REGION OF UKRAINE
Authors: RAKOWSKA Joanna , IABLON Volodymyr 
Published: October 2024

The article focuses on issues of theoretical and methodological foundations of functioning and development of tourism in the region. The general problems of the functioning and development of tourism in the Carpathian region of Ukraine are defined. The purpose of the article is to characterize and identify problematic aspects of the state policy of regulating tourism development in the Carpathian region of Ukraine. It has been proven that the quality of the state policy regarding the formation and development of the tourist complex of the Carpathian region of Ukraine can be considered high and such that to a certain extent it contributed to the progress of this sector of the regional economy, the improvement of its institutional capacity, the development of infrastructure, etc. A separate strength of regional policy in this area should be considered the presence of specialized bodies at the level of regional state military administrations of all regions of the region, as well as the implementation of regional programs for the development of tourism and resorts. This is evidence of the institutionalization and practice of planning tourism development policy in the region. On the other hand, regional policy in the analyzed area is still characterized by such weaknesses as the limitation of statistical data, the absence of a system for monitoring quality parameters of the implementation and development of tourist activities in certain types of tourism; part of the measures envisaged by the regional tourism development programs are declarative, and their expected indicators are not scientifically based and are not forecast; a full-fledged institutional and organizational system for ensuring the development of tourism has not been built; the business environment is still not favorable for public investment in the tourism business; there is no system for monitoring the business environment, factors and obstacles to the functioning and development of elements of the tourist complex. The presence of these weak points activates the action of a number of challenges and threats, which can lead to the absence of data on the real state and trends of tourism development in the region, the shadowing of the activities of accommodation facilities, the strengthening of structural imbalances and the lack of systemic progress of the complex, the replacement of the initiating and coordinating functions of tourism administrations purely representative, chaotic development of individual segments of tourism as a whole.
Song Heritage of “The Beatles” in Academic Musical Interpretations
Authors: Zosim Olha 
Published: October 2024

The purpose of the research. The paper reveals the features of the approaches of academic musicians to the creativity of “The Beatles” and characterises the musical projects created on the basis of the song heritage of the legendary British group. The research methodology consists in the application of historical cultural, comparative and musical analytical methods, which allowed to reveal the academic potential of “The Beatles” music and outline the ways and directions of academisation of their song creativity. The scientific novelty consists in the fact that for the first time academic interpretations of the songs of “The Beatles” group, carried out by L. Berio, J. Bayless and P. Breiner, were characterised, and two approaches to musical transcriptions of the song heritage of the group were outlined – academic and academicized, the type corresponds to all the parameters of academic music, the second gravitates towards classical crossover as a direction of pop music. Conclusions. Among the numerous cover versions, transcriptions and paraphrases of “The Beatles” music, a number of original musical interpretations are attractive, the authors of which turn to the Baroque style. The vocal cycle “Beatles Songs” by L. Berio (1967), the instrumental albums “Bach Meets the Beatles” (1984), “Bach Meets the Beatles. Revisited” (2004) by J. Bayless and “Beatles Go Baroque” (1993) by P. Breiner have already acquired the status of iconic. Their authors, who received a classical musical education, give priority to academic interpretive versions, where the songs of “The Beatles” group are considered as thematic material, which becomes the basis for academic type compositions with classical musical dramaturgy formed in the instrumental music of the Modern period. A number of compositions, in which the basic features of a song are preserved, gravitate towards academicized type interpretations, approaching a classical crossover, and can represent both academic and pop musical creativity.
Materials Challenges of the New Nuclear Power Plant in Hungary
Authors: Trampus Peter 
Published: October 2024

Having the experience accumulated during close to twenty thousand reactor years worldwide one may say that enough knowledge is available on the behavior of nuclear structural materials. In recent years however new questions emerge in close association with the long-term operation of nuclear power plants. The questions are in relation with both the operating and the future plants. Hungary operates four Russian designed VVER-440 nuclear units, and currently, two VVERs are under construction. The new, VVER-1200 type reactors represent the generation 3+ which is the latest and the safest version of the world's reactor fleet in operation. Service life of VVER-1200 reactors is 60 years, and operation beyond this term is foreseen. The structural materials of the main and usually non replaceable pressurized components such as reactor pressure vessel, steam generator and so on have to resist load and environment during the long operation period to ensure the components' structural integrity. It is right to say that the long-term, safe operation of the current and future reactors is ultimately governed by the performance of the structural materials in the mechanical technological systems. After introduction of the evolution process of the VVER structural materials performance the article reviews the major loading and environmental parameters of the operation and the ageing effects induced by the operation. Then the most important materials aspects and challenges are presented and discussed.
Pharmacognostic analysis of fruits of Rosa majalis Herrm. (R. cinnamomea L.) and Rosa rugose Thunb., growing in the territory of Saratov region
Authors: Matvienko U. A. , Baldina A. A. , Durnova N. A. 
Published: October 2024

Introduction. Plants of the genus Rosa L. are widely used in folk and official medicine for the treatment of many diseases. The main pharmacological effects are achieved due to the rich complex of biologically active substances (BAS) contained in the fruits. According to the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation (SP RF) XV edition, the raw material of rose hips is the fruits of high-vitamin and low-vitamin species. It is of interest to estimate the quantitative content of biologically active substances in rose hips growing on the territory of the Russian Federation in order to expand the procurement sites for types of raw materials included in the pharmacopoeia.Aim. Comparative analysis of external and microscopic characteristics of high-vitamin fruits of R. majalis Herrm. (R. cinnamomea L.) and R. rugosa Thunb., harvested in the Saratov region, as well as an assessment of the ascorbic acid content in them.Materials and methods. The objects of the study were the fruits of the R. majalis Herrm. and the R. rugosa Thunb., harvested in October 2023 in the Saratov region. Macro- and microscopic analysis was performed using a Mikromed MS-1 stereomicroscope (China), a Primo Star microscope (Carl Zeiss AG, Germany) equipped with a Levenhuk M1400 PLUS digital camera, microphotography was edited in Photoscape 3.7 according to the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, XV edition. Quantitative determination of ascorbic acid was carried out by the titrimetric method in accordance with GPA.2.5.0106.18 «Rosae fructus» of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, XV edition. All experiments were performed in triplicate and statistically processed using MS Excel 2021.Results and discussion. As a result of the conducted studies, the macro- and microscopic characteristics of the analyzed species correspond to the description given in GPA.2.5.0106.18 «Rosae fructus». In addition, we have clarified the macroscopic characteristics for each species, which can be used to confirm the authenticity of these species. The analysis showed that the content of ascorbic acid in the fruits of the R. majalis – 1.28 ± 0.05 % and in the R. rugosa – 0.27 ± 0.01 %, which meets the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation XV edition for high-vitamin types of raw materials. The content of ascorbic acid in the fruits of the R. rugosa is comparable with the literature data from other regions of procurement, and in the fruits of the R. majalis the content is higher.Conclusion. Analysis of fruits of R. majalis Herrm. and R. rugosa Thunb. revealed a high content of ascorbic acid, which makes it possible to procure these types of raw materials that meet the requirements of regulatory documentation in the Saratov region.
Prevalência da Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne no mundo: uma revisão sistemática e metanálise
Authors: Trindade João Gabriel Santana , Batalha Filho Airton Lima , Castro Pedro Salgueiro Pereira de , Araujo Bruno Souza Santana , Valadares Bruno Lassmar Bueno 
Published: October 2024

Introdução: A Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é uma doença genética recessiva ligada ao cromossomo X e causada por mutações no gene DMD, o qual codifica a proteína distrofina. Por consequência, ocorrem lesões repetitivas da musculatura, gerando desafios na locomoção, além de complicações cardiorrespiratórias. Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência da DMD na população global. Metodologia: A busca dos estudos foi realizada com os descritores: “Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy” AND “Prevalence”, na MEDLINE-PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, SCIELO e Web of Science. Elegibilidade, triagem e extração de dados foram conduzidas por três revisores. Para a meta-análise foi utilizado o software R. Resultados: 2.155 estudos foram identificados no total. Destes, 2.146 artigos foram excluídos após a leitura de título, resumo e textos completos. Nove estudos (n = 21.447.765 pacientes) relataram dados sobre a prevalência de DMD em pacientes. No geral, a prevalência da distrofia foi de 1,04 a cada 10.000 indivíduos (IC 95 % 0,00 a 2,41, I² = 99 %, p < 0,01). Todos os pacientes com DMD eram do sexo masculino. Foi observada diferença estatística significativa na análise por subgrupo por continente, com prevalência maior na América do Norte 1,28% (IC 95 % 0,71–1,85), assim como o tipo de mutação genética do gene DMD mais comum foi deleção 78% (IC 95% 42–85). Conclusão: a DMD é uma doença distrófica prevalente, que está mais presente em indivíduos do sexo masculino e do continente norte-americano, sendo principalmente causada por mutação genética do tipo deleção.
New protocol for early robot-assisted gait training after spinal surgery
Authors: Jee Sanghyun , Jang Chan Woong , Shin Sang Hoon , Kim Yeji , Park Jung Hyun 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionEarly rehabilitation post-spinal surgery is vital for patients' recovery. Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) shows promise but requires further study to establish a specific protocol and gauge its effects on both patients and physical therapists. This study aimed to determine the impact of a newly developed protocol for early RAGT on patients' functional enhancement and satisfaction levels after spinal surgery, as well as on the physical therapists who implemented the therapy.MethodsFirst, we developed the protocol in collaboration with three physiatrists and two physical therapists with extensive experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. The protocol was updated three times, each after three rounds of face-to-face meetings. Afterward, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving five physical therapists and 32 post-spinal surgery patients at a tertiary hospital rehabilitation center. The intervention consisted of five sessions of RAGT. Main outcome measures included the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), the ambulation item of the Modified Barthel Index (MBI ambulation), and satisfaction surveys for both patients and physical therapists.ResultsRAGT typically started 17.91 ± 9.76 days postoperatively and was successfully applied with no remarkable adverse effects. The FAC scores increased from 2.65 ± 1.21 to 3.78 ± 0.71 (p = 0.006), and MBI ambulation increased from 7.69 ± 2.71 to 10.66 ± 2.90 (p &lt; 0.001) between transfer and discharge. Satisfaction with the robot, RAGT, and treatment, assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, were 3.30 ± 0.79, 3.72 ± 0.85, and 3.08 ± 0.84, respectively. Satisfaction was notably the highest for alleviating fear of falling, whereas managing pain and discomfort during position changes scored the lowest. Physical therapists rated RAGT satisfaction, impact on the working environment, and treatment stability at 3.0 ± 0.65, 2.80 ± 0.67, and 3.50 ± 0.61, respectively.ConclusionEarly spinal surgery rehabilitation with RAGT improved patients' functionality and gait satisfaction. While physical therapists considered RAGT safe, its impact on their work environment was limited. Integrating RAGT into post-spinal surgery rehabilitation demands ongoing protocol refinement, custom robot development, and efficacy evaluations.
Inverted U-shaped relationship between serum vitamin B12 and α-Klotho levels in US adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Yu-shan , Gong Xing-ji , Du Wen-jie , Li Yang , He Dong-yong , Yao Jian , Bai Cui 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundSerum vitamin B12 and α-Klotho are important markers associated with aging. Limited studies have been conducted on the relationship between vitamin B12 and α-Klotho.ObjectivesThis study investigated the relationship between circulating α-Klotho and vitamin B12.MethodsA total of 4,502 American adults with circulating vitamin B12 levels and α-Klotho levels from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2014) were included. A weighted multiple linear regression model was used to evaluate the correlation between vitamin B12 and α-Klotho levels. To clarify potential non-linearities, smoothed curve fitting and threshold effects analysis were employed.ResultsA statistically significant non-linear relationship was found between vitamin B12 levels and circulating α-Klotho levels after adjusting for potential confounders. We observed an inverted U-shaped relationship between serum vitamin B12 levels and circulating α-Klotho levels. Notably, serum vitamin B12 levels below the threshold (1,020 pg/mL) exhibited a positive correlation with circulating α-Klotho levels (β = 0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09–0.18, p &lt; 0.0001). Conversely, serum vitamin B12 levels above the threshold (1,020 pg/mL) exhibited a negative correlation with circulating α-Klotho levels (β = −0.12,95% CI: −0.17−−0.06, p &lt; 0.0001). Sensitivity analyses were performed and consistent results were obtained.ConclusionThis study demonstrated an inverted U-shaped relationship between circulating vitamin B12 and α-Klotho in American adults. The optimal concentration of serum vitamin B12 in American adults was found.