bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pearlite Growth Kinetics in Fe-C-Mn Eutectoid Steels: Quantitative Evaluation of Energy Dissipation at Pearlite Growth Front Via Experimental Approaches
Authors: Zhang Y.-J. , Umeda T. , Morooka S. , Harjo S. , Miyamoto G. , Furuhara T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEssential understanding of the pearlite growth kinetics is of great significance to predict the lamellar spacing and the resultant mechanical properties of pearlitic steels. In this study, a series of eutectoid steels with Mn addition up to 2 mass pct were isothermally transformed at various temperatures from 873 K to 973 K to clarify the pearlite growth kinetics and the underlying thermodynamics at its growth front. The microscopic observation indicates the acceleration in pearlite growth rate and refinement in lamellar spacing by decreasing the transformation temperature or the amount of Mn addition. After analyzing the solute distribution at pearlite growth front via three-dimensional atom probe, no macroscopic Mn partitioning across pearlite/austenite interface is detected, whereas Mn segregation is only observed at ferrite/austenite interface. Furthermore, in-situ neutron diffraction measurements performed at elevated temperatures reveal that the magnitude of elastic strain generated during pearlite transformation is very small. Based on the thermodynamic model, these experimental results are used to estimate the contribution of various factors to the total energy dissipation. Compared with the Mn-free alloy, the retardation effect of Mn addition on pearlite growth kinetics, which is partly due to the reduced driving force for pearlite growth, can be well explained by further considering the solute drag effect of Mn.
Review of Chalcogenide-Based Materials for Low-, Mid-, and High-Temperature Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Puthran Suchitra , Hegde Ganesh Shridhar , Prabhu Ashwatha Narayana 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThermoelectric materials possess the capability to convert electricity into heat and vice versa. The utilization of chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons as thermal carrier agents in traditional cooling and air conditioning systems has sparked a surge in exploration toward pioneering refrigeration and spatial conditioning technologies. Chalcogenides, known for their capacity to amplify the thermoelectric efficiency of materials and their adaptability across a broad spectrum of temperatures, stand out as pivotal components in thermoelectric materials. Despite their existing suboptimal performance, these materials hold substantial promise as power generators and as solid-state Peltier coolers, attracting significant attention and positioning them as subjects ripe for further investigation. Categorized into alkali or alkaline earth, transition metal, and main-group chalcogenides, these materials and their respective subclasses are meticulously scrutinized to pinpoint the most suitable thermoelectric materials for specific applications with an optimal operational temperature span. In the quest for energy-efficient technologies characterized by simple designs, absence of moving components, and superior stability, thermoelectric materials play a crucial role. This review highlights the advancements in theoretical parameters as well as the figure of merit (ZT) of chalcogenide materials, emphasizing their device applications. These insights are intended to provide viable future approaches to mainstream thermoelectric materials. This review reveals that Cu2Se achieves a maximum ZT value of 2.66 at 1039 K, marking it as the top performer among transition metal chalcogenides. Conversely, SnSe, a main-group metal monochalcogenide, exhibits a ZT value of 2.8 at 773 K, whereas nanowires of the main group of bismuth chalcogenides exhibit a ZT value of 2.5 at 350 K.
Effect of Precipitation on Residual Stresses in Alloy 693
Authors: Khan S. , Singh J. B. , Kaushik S. D. , Murty T. N. , Verma A. , Singh P. K. , Chattopadhyay J. , Singh R. N. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlloy 693 is a precipitation hardenable nickel base superalloy containing about 30% Cr, 4% Fe, 4% Al, 1.5% Nb and 0.3% Ti (in wt.%). At elevated temperatures, alloy precipitates out particles of an ordered γ′ phase (L12 crystal structure) with Ni3(Al,Ti,Nb) stoichiometry. These particles remain coherent and maintain a cube-to-cube orientation relationship with the face-centered cubic matrix. The alloy also has a tendency to form chromium-rich α phase (body-centered cubic crystal structure) particles at temperatures above 800 °C. The α phase particles maintain a Kurdjumov–Sachs orientation relationship with the matrix. This paper reports the effect of the precipitation of γ′ and α phases on the residual stresses developed in the alloy, and correlates them with the misfit strains due to the precipitation of the two phases. Residual stresses have been measured using the blind hole drilling method, while the misfit strains have been calculated based on the lattice parameters of matrix, γ′ and α phases determined using neutron diffraction. The precipitation of the γ′ phase introduces tensile nature of stresses in the matrix, while that of the α phase introduces compressive stresses. The overall nature of the residual stresses in the alloy is governed by the volume fraction of the two precipitates.
Evaluation of the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System for accurate suturing in small cavities
Authors: Kameoka Yasuyuki , Okata Yuichi , Yoshimura Shohei , Inuzuka Shino , Iwabuchi Serena , Miyauchi Harunori , Nakatani Taichi , Tomioka Yuichiro , Takanarita Yuki , Bitoh Yuko 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe hinotori™ Surgical Robot System (hinotori™, Medicaroid, Kobe, Japan) is increasingly being utilized primarily in urology and adult surgery; however, data on its application in pediatric surgery are lacking. This preclinical study aimed to evaluate the limitations of this system for accurate suturing in small cavities designed for pediatric and neonatal applications. Two trained operators performed simple ligature sutures (easy task [ET]) and hepaticojejunostomy sutures (difficult task [DT]) within five differently sized boxes, ranging from 5123 to 125 mL. The suture time, number of internal and external instrument/instrument collisions, instrument/box collisions, and suture accuracy were evaluated. The suture accuracy was assessed using the A-Lap Mini endoscopic surgery skill assessment system. As a result, an increase in the number of collisions and extended suturing times were observed in boxes with volumes smaller than 215 mL. Despite these variations, there were no significant differences between the boxes, and all tasks were precisely performed in all boxes (p = 0.10 for the ET and p = 1.00 for the DT). These findings demonstrate the capability of the hinotori™ system to perform precise suturing techniques within tightly confined simulated neonatal cavities as small as 125 mL. To advance the integration of pediatric robotic surgery utilizing the hinotori™ system, additional trials comparing it with conventional laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques using pediatric and animal models are necessary to assess its clinical safety and applicability.
Recent Advances in Immunotherapy for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer
Authors: Yue Shiwei , Zhang Yunpu , Zhang Wei 
Published: July 2024

Opinion StatementBiliary tract cancer (BTC) is a heterogeneous group of aggressive malignancies that arise from the epithelium of the biliary tract. Most patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. For patients with unresectable BTC, the survival advantage provided by systemic chemotherapy was limited. Over the last decade, immunotherapy has significantly improved the therapeutic landscape of solid tumors. There is an increasing number of studies evaluating the application of immunotherapy in BTC, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapy. The limited response to ICIs monotherapy in unselected patients prompted investigators to explore different combination therapy strategies. Early clinical trials of therapeutic cancer vaccination and adoptive cell therapy have shown encouraging clinical results. However, there still has been a long way to go via validation of therapeutic efficacy and exploration of strategies to increase the efficacy. Identifying biomarkers that predict the response to immunotherapy will allow a more accurate selection of candidates. This review will provide an up-to-date overview of the current clinical data on the role of immunotherapy, summarize the promising biomarkers predictive of the response to ICIs and discuss the perspective for future research direction of immunotherapy in advanced BTC.
GIS-based Visualization of Elemental Distribution in Neoboletus Luridiformis Fruiting Body
Authors: Árvay Július , Hauptvogl Martin , Demková Lenka , Jančo Ivona , Jakabová Silvia , Mleczek Mirosław 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe fruiting body of Neoboletus luridiformis (Scarletina bolete) mushroom was used to determine the level of bioconcentration and subsequent distribution of seventeen elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn). A two-centimeter-thick vertical section of the entire fruit body was divided into 101 partial sub-samples where the contents of the studied elements were determined using ICP OES. The actual distribution of the elements in the fruiting body profile was visualized using a GIS interpolation method resulting in distribution maps. The study provides valuable insights into the distribution patterns of 17 elements within the fruiting body of N. luridiformis. Based on the visualization of the elemental content, the determined elements can be divided into three categories. Elements accumulated primarily (i) in the cap (Al, Ag, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Ni, and Zn), (ii) in the stipe (Ba, Mn, Na, Pb, and Se), and (iii) elements with non-specific distribution (Cr and Sr). Since such detailed information supported by graphical visualization has not been published to date, the information in this study will help to better understand the accumulation and distribution of elements within the fruiting bodies of wild as well as cultivated mushroom species.
The importance of soil seed banks for biodiversity restoration in degraded grasslands
Authors: Fabšičová Martina , Vymyslický Tomáš , Frei Ivana , Zdražílková Magda , Smetanová Sabina , Winkler Jan , Jiroušek Martin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo effectively restore species and habitat diversity in poorly managed degraded grasslands, it is important to understand the relationship between the soil seed bank and aboveground vegetation. Our study aimed to describe changes in soil seed bank composition compared to aboveground vegetation under two ploughing regimes (annual and single ploughing) of narrow strips on the edges of artificially grassed old fields in Podyjí National Park, the Czech Republic. We used the seed germination method, multivariate analyses and Kruskal–Wallis tests to compare differences in the proportion of species and individual numbers in the soil seed bank based on the origin of species (native species, archaeophytes, neophytes) and their habitat preferences (segetal, ruderal, grassland, endangered species) in two types of grasslands with varying soil moisture content. The highest numbers of individuals were present in annually ploughed dry grasslands whereas single ploughing in mesic grasslands resulted in greater species diversity. Ploughing increased the numbers of seedlings of all groups and promoted archaeophytes, grassland specialists, native species and ruderals in dry grasslands whereas mesic grasslands hosted segetal specialists and neophytes. Threatened plants and invasive species rarely emerged from the soil seed bank. The study also revealed the highest similarity between the soil seed bank and aboveground vegetation in annually ploughed plots. It gradually decreased during vegetation succession in the single ploughed variants. Whereas annual ploughing supported segetal specialists, single ploughing promoted grassland species in dry habitats. Neither type of ploughing can be recommended in mesic grasslands because of the risk of inducing the spread of expansive ruderals or invasive neophytes.
Oculomotor and Vestibular Deficits in Friedreich Ataxia - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Quantitative Measurements
Authors: Sohns E. , Szmulewicz D. J. , Tarnutzer A. A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDisease-specific oculomotor assessments play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of hereditary cerebellar ataxias. Whereas several studies have reported on quantitative oculomotor and vestibular measurements in Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA), the value of specific oculomotor paradigms remains unclear. We aimed to address this knowledge gap through a systematic literature review and providing disease-specific recommendations for a tailored set of eye-movement recordings in FRDA. MEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies reporting on quantitative oculomotor and/or vestibular measurements in FRDA-patients. Data on oculomotor and vestibular parameters were extracted and correlations with a range of clinical parameters were sought. Included studies (n = 17) reported on 185 patients. Abnormalities observed included the presence of saccadic intrusions (143/161) such as square-wave jerks (SWJ, 90/109) and ocular flutter (21/43), impaired eccentric gaze-holding (40/104), abnormal pursuit (81/93) and angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR) deficits (39/48). For visually-guided saccades (VGS), we frequently observed increases in saccade latency (27/38) and dysmetric saccades (71/93), whereas saccade velocity was more often preserved (37/43). Augmented anti-saccade (AS) latency, downbeat nystagmus and frequent macro-SWJ correlated with disease duration. Increased AS-latency and VGS-latency, frequent macro-SWJ, reduced aVOR-gain and augmented aVOR peak-latency correlated with disease severity. A broad range of oculomotor and vestibular deficits are documented in the literature. Impairments in pursuit, saccades and aVOR-responses are most commonly reported, and as such, should be prioritized as disease markers. Quantitative oculomotor testing in FRDA may facilitate early diagnosis and prove valuable in monitoring disease progression and treatment response.
It is not crystal clear: “nuances” in the selection of raw materials for Iron Age translucent glass revealed by chemical analyses of beads from central Italy
Authors: Yatsuk Oleh , Koch Leonie , Giannossa Lorena Carla , Mangone Annarosa , Fiocco Giacomo , Malagodi Marco , Gorghinian Astrik , Ferretti Marco , Davit Patrizia , Re Alessandro , Lo Giudice Alessandro , Iaia Cristiano , Gulmini Monica 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Iron Age was a period of change, with many innovations in the glass-making technology. The chemical composition of the set of objects considered in the present study demonstrates the diversity of the raw materials used and the depth of knowledge about the manipulation of glass appearance in the eighth-sixth centuries BCE. The study was carried out using fibre optics reflection spectroscopy and portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry at the museums’ premises to examine a large number of glass beads and preliminarily group them on the basis of their composition and spectral characteristics. In addition, a smaller set of selected samples was analysed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to provide a comprehensive chemical characterisation of the material. The compositional data indicated that the samples belonged to the high magnesium and low magnesium glass compositional types. Only one sample was recognised as low magnesium medium potassium glass. Glasses within each group were made from different sands, suggesting different provenances. Some of the samples were suggested to be of local origin, while the others were interpreted as imported glass. Evidence of glass colouring, decolouring and recycling are also discussed.
Further investigation into the impact of manuring on stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values in pulses: a four-year experiment examining Celtic bean (Vicia faba)
Authors: Treasure Edward R. , Gröcke Darren R. , Lester Jonathan J. , Bishop Rosie R. , Jackson Samuel E. , Church Mike J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPlant stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values can be used to directly investigate crop husbandry practices such as manuring; a key variable in understanding the scale and intensity of past farming practices. We present new results from a four-year experiment examining the impact of manuring on the δ13C and δ15N values of a heritage cultivar of the broad or faba bean (Vicia faba), the ‘Celtic black broad bean’. This paper builds upon our previous pilot study (Treasure ER, Church MJ, Gröcke DR (2016) The influence of manuring on stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in Celtic bean (Vicia faba L.): archaeobotanical and palaeodietary implications. Archaeol Anthropol 8:555–562. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-015-0243-6). Our results indicate that manuring increased δ15N values in beans, with a mean value of 0.5 ± 0.4‰ in control samples compared to a mean value of 2.1 ± 1.3‰ in the most intensively manured plots. It was not always possible to distinguish between an unmanured and manured crop on the basis of δ15N values, although manured crops consistently exhibited larger variation in δ15N. Bean δ13C values show no clear relationship with manuring, although large variability (> 3‰) was found within crops cultivated under the same conditions. Manuring also increased plant biomass production, seed-size and the bean per plant ratio. Overall, we suggest that high δ15N values (> 1.5‰) in archaeobotanical remains of pulses can be attributed to small-scale, intensive cultivation that is typical of gardens where manuring rates are very intensive.
Development of a Product Recommendation Method for the Real-Time Cart Context in Supermarkets by Integrating Cooking Recipes and Purchase Co-occurrences
Authors: Suzuki Takayuki , Goto Yusuke 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe effectiveness of product recommendation systems is critical to enhancing customer experiences and boosting sales in the rapidly evolving retail domain, especially in supermarkets. Thus, in this study, we design an innovative recommendation approach for physical supermarkets, and our approach integrates insights from previous purchasing patterns with current shopping cart compositions augmented with recipe-based information. As this approach deviates from traditional strategies, which primarily rely on historical data, it dynamically addresses shoppers’ immediate preferences and recommends products that suit their intended purchases. Furthermore, we evaluate the effectiveness of this technique using data from smart shopping carts in a brick-and-mortar supermarket, revealing significant improvements in key performance indicators, such as Recall, Precision, and the F1 score, than with the existing methods. These results highlight the benefits of integrating real-time cart data with historical purchasing patterns, offering a path to more personalized and efficient recommendations in retail environments. This study illustrates the potential of such integrated approaches toward significantly improving in-store shopping experiences.
Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises as an Innovation Process: A Holistic Study of its Determinants
Authors: Romero Isidoro , Mammadov Huseyn 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper analyses the factors that determine the process of digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To this end, digital transformation is conceptually approached as an innovation process in a company that affects its products and processes. The proposed theoretical framework integrates, from a holistic perspective, three dimensions in the digital transformation process in SMEs: (1) the technological dimension; (2) the human capital dimension; and (3) the organizational/relational dimension. Furthermore, these dimensions manifest themselves at three levels of analysis: (a) the entrepreneur/manager; (b) the firm; and (c) the environment external to the firm. The empirical research presented in this paper is based on a representative survey of SMEs in Spain. The results highlight that both internal skills and external sources of knowledge regarding information and communication technology (ICT) through consultants, suppliers, universities and technological centers constitute critical and complementary drivers for digital innovation in SMEs. The analysis also reveals the importance of an explicit digital transformation strategy in the company and the distribution of responsibilities regarding digitalization beyond the leadership of the entrepreneur/manager. Likewise, the complex use of the Internet by entrepreneurs/managers is observed to favor digital product innovation, whereas their growth ambition stimulates digital process innovation. The results also indicate that the relevance of the aforementioned determinants varies somewhat for microenterprises compared to other SMEs.
Philosophy without natural kinds: a reply to Reydon & Ereshefsky
Authors: Ludwig David 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe tradition of natural kinds has shaped philosophical debates about scientific classification but has come under growing criticism. Responding to this criticism, Reydon and Ereshefsky present their grounded functionality account as a strategy for updating and defending the tradition of natural kinds. This article argues that grounded functionality does indeed provide a fruitful philosophical approach to scientific classification but does not convince as a general theory of natural kinds. Instead, the strengths and limitations of Reydon and Ereshefsky’s account illustrate why it is time to move beyond general definitions of “natural kind” and experiment with new philosophical frameworks.
HorizonUAM: operational challenges and necessary frameworks to ensure safe and efficient vertidrome operations
Authors: Schweiger Karolin , König Andreas , Metz Isabel C. , Naser Fares , Swaid Majed , Abdellaoui Rabeb , Schuchardt Bianca I. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUrban Air Mobility (UAM) has emerged as a potential game changer for urban transportation, promising faster, more efficient and affordable services. However, beyond the visionary concepts, it is crucial to explore and discuss the opportunities and challenges of UAM and vertidrome operations also from a research perspective. The DLR research project HorizonUAM aimed at a holistic research approach in which vertidromes and vertidrome networks play a significant role. This vertidrome centered project report covers various aspects and methodological approaches addressing design and operation, UAM airspace management, network optimization and the integration of air taxi operations into airport environment. Moreover, the conceptual and temporary development of a modular 1:4 scale model city lays the foundation for future UAM flight trials. Based on three years of dedicated research within HorizonUAM, we focus here on operational challenges, proposed solutions and required frameworks to ensure safe and efficient vertidrome operations