Search Results (66)

Background/Objectives: The vestibular labyrinth is classically viewed as a sensor of low-frequency head motion—linear acceleration for the otoliths and angular velocity/acceleration for the semicircular canals. However, there is now substantial evidence that air-conducted sound (ACS) can also activate vestibular receptors and afferents in mammals and other vertebrates. This sound sensitivity underlies sound-evoked vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), sound-induced eye movements, and several clinical phenomena in third-window pathologies. The cellular and biophysical mechanisms by which a pressure wave in the cochlear fluids is transformed into a vestibular neural signal remain incompletely integrated into a single framework. This study aimed to provide a narrative synthesis of how ACS activates the vestibular labyrinth, with emphasis on (1) the anatomical and biophysical specializations of the maculae and cristae, (2) the dual-channel organization of vestibular hair cells and afferents, and (3) the encoding of fast, jerk-rich acoustic transients by irregular, striolar/central afferents. Methods: We integrate experimental evidence from single-unit recordings in animals, in vitro hair cell and calyx physiology, anatomical studies of macular structure, and human clinical data on sound-evoked VEMPs and sound-induced eye movements. Key concepts from vestibular cellular neurophysiology and from the physics of sinusoidal motion (displacement, velocity, acceleration, jerk) are combined into a unified interpretative scheme. Results: ACS transmitted through the middle ear generates pressure waves in the perilymph and endolymph not only in the cochlea but also in vestibular compartments. These waves produce local fluid particle motions and pressure gradients that can deflect hair bundles in selected regions of the otolith maculae and canal cristae. Irregular afferents innervating type I hair cells in the striola (maculae) and central zones (cristae) exhibit phase locking to ACS up to at least 1–2 kHz, with much lower thresholds than regular afferents. Cellular and synaptic specializations—transducer adaptation, low-voltage-activated K⁺ conductances (K_LV), fast quantal and non-quantal transmission, and afferent spike-generator properties—implement effective high-pass filtering and phase lead, making these pathways particularly sensitive to rapid changes in acceleration, i.e., mechanical jerk, rather than to slowly varying displacement or acceleration. Clinically, short-rise-time ACS stimuli (clicks and brief tone bursts) elicit robust cervical and ocular VEMPs with clear thresholds and input–output relationships, reflecting the recruitment of these jerk-sensitive utricular and saccular pathways. Sound-induced eye movements and nystagmus in third-window syndromes similarly reflect abnormally enhanced access of ACS-generated pressure waves to canal and otolith receptors. Conclusions: The vestibular labyrinth does not merely “tolerate” air-conducted sound as a spill-over from cochlear mechanics; it contains a dedicated high-frequency, transient-sensitive channel—dominated by type I hair cells and irregular afferents—that is well suited to encoding jerk-rich acoustic events. We propose that ACS-evoked vestibular responses, including VEMPs, are best interpreted within a dual-channel framework in which (1) regular, extrastriolar/peripheral pathways encode sustained head motion and low-frequency acceleration, while (2) irregular, striolar/central pathways encode fast, sound-driven transients distinguished by high jerk, steep onset, and precise spike timing. Full article

Although the elevated orbit and highly squinted observation geometry bring advantages for medium-earth-orbit (MEO) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) in applications, they also complicate signal processing. The severe spatial variability of Doppler parameters and large extended range distribution of echo make it challenging for the traditional imaging algorithms to get the expected results. To quantify the variation, a spatially variable two-dimensional (SV2D) spectrum is established in this paper. The sufficient order and spatially variable terms allow it to preserve the features of targets both in the scene center and at the edge. In addition, the huge data volume and incomplete azimuth signals of edge targets, caused by the large range walk when MEO SAR operates in squinted mode, are alleviated by the variable pulse repetition interval (VPRI) technique. Based on this, a novel data-focusing method for highly squinted MEO SAR is proposed. The azimuth resampling, achieved through the non-uniform fast Fourier transform (NUFFT), eliminates the impact of most Doppler parameter space variation. Then, a novel imaging kernel is applied to accomplish target focusing. The spatially variable range cell migration (RCM) is corrected by a similar idea, with Doppler parameter equalization, and an accurate high-order phase filter derived from the SV2D spectrum guarantees that the targets located in the center range gate and the center Doppler time are well focused. For other targets, inspired by the non-linear chirp scaling algorithm (NCSA), the residual spatially variable mismatch is eliminated by a cubic phase filter during the scaling process to achieve sufficient focusing depth. The simulation results are given at the end of this paper and these validate the effectiveness of the method. Full article

Background: Local analgesia administered through a wound catheter is widely used for postoperative pain control, yet its effects on wound healing remain incompletely understood. This study examined how levobupivacaine alone or combined with meloxicam or buprenorphine influences inflammatory markers, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) expression during wound healing in rats. Methods: Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to five groups: control, saline, levobupivacaine (L), levobupivacaine/meloxicam (L/MEL), and levobupivacaine/buprenorphine (L/BUP). Treatments were administered via a wound catheter for three days. Blood and skin samples were collected before surgery and on days 3, 10, and 21. Results: Levobupivacaine combined with meloxicam or buprenorphine caused fluctuations in white blood cell counts, while albumin levels remained stable. Angiogenesis in the L/MEL group was markedly increased compared with the control, saline, and levobupivacaine-only groups, but the newly formed vessels exhibited consistently narrow lumina during the early healing phase. Caspase-3–positive cells were most numerous in L/MEL during inflammatory and proliferative phases, whereas delayed caspase-3 activation was observed in L/BUP. TGF-β1 expression peaked in both adjuvant groups on days 3 and 10. Conclusions: Meloxicam and buprenorphine increased TGF-β1 expression, but their vascular effects differed considerably. Meloxicam induced a marked increase in angiogenesis, but the newly formed vessels were structurally immature, displaying uniformly narrow lumina and poor architectural organisation, which led to their subsequent regression. In contrast, buprenorphine supported the formation of more mature vascular structures, characterised by wider vessel lumina and a more organised vascular network. These findings demonstrate that adjuvants used with levobupivacaine can significantly modify angiogenic and apoptotic responses and should be carefully considered when selecting multimodal local analgesia strategies after surgery. Full article

In the face of marketization and globalization of agricultural product trade, ensuring food security through effective seed industry policies has become a vital objective for many nations, especially for developing countries striving toward this goal. The evolution of seed industry policies to meet the challenges of marketization and globalization has not been extensively examined. This study seeks to answer how China’s seed industry policies have been continuously adjusted since the 21st century to ensure seed security and food security amidst marketization and globalization. Focusing on 96 national-level seed policies issued between 2000 and 2024, we employ methods such as co-word analysis, social network analysis (SNA), cluster analysis, and content analysis to explore policy evolution from five perspectives: policy stakeholders, policy issues, objectives, discourse, and tools. The key findings are: (1) China’s seed policies have largely aligned with the country’s marketization and globalization processes, progressing through three stages: seed industry marketization, response to globalization, and modernization and self-strengthening, forming a comprehensive policy framework. (2) The scale of cooperation networks among policy issuers has expanded, shifting toward a loose-centralized structure, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs as the core and coordinated involvement of other departments such as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration for Market Regulation. (3) The policy discourse shifted from fostering a market-oriented environment to emphasizing seed industry innovation, reinforcing basic R&D capabilities, addressing innovation challenges, and promoting industrialization. (4) The policy paradigm transitioned from an initial phase of adjusting to market-oriented transformation to a comprehensive phase of modernization and self-reliance, with policy focus moving from incomplete market mechanisms and regulatory shortcomings toward issues like seed source bottlenecks, and objectives from reforming seed management to achieving technological independence. (5) The logic of policy evolution shows notable differences in attention focus related to management concepts, support for technological innovation, and promotion of quality seed breeding—shifting from regulation to service emphasis, from focusing on key projects to diversified innovation, and from importing superior varieties to breakthroughs in new breeds and technologies. These findings offer valuable insights for developing countries facing food security challenges. Full article

Ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) is a recognized postoperative complication in spayed dogs and cats, resulting from incomplete excision or inadvertent revascularisation of ovarian tissue during gonadectomy. Affected animals typically exhibit recurrent oestrous behaviour and may develop serious sequelae, including stump pyometra, mammary neoplasia, and granulosa cell tumours. This retrospective study evaluated 93 cases (70 dogs, 23 cats) diagnosed with ORS referred to the University Veterinary Hospital of Bologna, Italy, focusing on signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic protocols, and treatment outcomes. Diagnosis relied on a multimodal approach combining clinical history, vaginal cytology, serum progesterone assays, ultrasonography, and histopathological examination of excised tissue. Surgical excision of residual ovarian tissue was the only curative treatment, with improved outcomes when performed during hormonally active phases of the oestrous cycle to optimize remnant localisation. Histopathology confirmed ovarian tissue in the majority of cases, with neoplastic transformation identified in 10% of dogs. Bilateral ovarian remnants were more prevalent than previously reported. Surgical revision was complicated by adhesions involving vital abdominal structures, emphasizing the need for meticulous technique. These findings highlight the critical importance of precise surgical technique during initial gonadectomy, early recognition of ORS, and comprehensive surgical management to prevent severe complications and promote companion animal welfare. Full article

Hematite nanoparticles ($\mathrm{\alpha }-{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3 \mathrm{NPs}$) were synthesized through a thermal conversion of synthetic and biosynthesized nanomaghemite ($\mathrm{\gamma }-{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3 \mathrm{NPs}$) precursors. X-ray diffraction data confirmed phase-pure hematite with crystallite sizes of 54 and 56 nm for the H1 and H2 samples, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a bimodal-like distribution feature (peaks at 18.5 and 35.5 nm) for the H1 sample, while the histogram plot of the H2 sample displayed a homogeneous particle size distribution with a mean size of 28 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed Fe³⁺ ions as the dominant oxidation state in both samples. In addition, while ⁵⁷Mössbauer spectroscopy indicated relaxation effects and line broadening for the H1 sample at both 300 K and 16 K, consistent with incomplete $\mathrm{\gamma }\to \mathrm{\alpha }$ transformation, the H2 sample exhibited spectra at the same temperatures resembling a bulk-like hematite. Magnetometry supported these findings since the H1 sample showed enhanced coercivity (2.2 kOe) and remanence (0.23 emu/g), features attributed to a residual ferrimagnetic contribution of $\mathrm{\gamma }-{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3 \mathrm{NPs}$, and the H2 sample exhibited weaker ferromagnetism, as typically found in nanoscale hematite. These results highlight the synergistic use of X-ray photoelectron and Mössbauer spectroscopies, and magnetic measurements to reveal subtle multiphase coexistence, demonstrating that precursor chemistry and biosynthetic functionalization decisively govern the structural and magnetic evolution of $\mathrm{\gamma }\to \mathrm{\alpha }-{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3 \mathrm{NPs}$. Full article

Background: Healthcare systems globally face complex challenges including rising costs, increasing chronic disease burden, and fragmentation of care. Systems-based models represent promising approaches to healthcare transformation, yet their implementation remains incompletely understood. Objective: To critically analyze the Saudi model of Care (MoC) as a case study of systems-based healthcare transformation, examining its conceptual framework, implementation strategies, and projected health outcomes. Methods: We conducted a narrative review synthesizing publicly available official documents on the Saudi MoC, primarily the 2017 overview and 2025 revision, identified through targeted searches of Ministry of Health websites and grey literature portals (no date restrictions); formal quality appraisal was not applied as sources were official policy documents, with bias mitigated through cross-verification and critical analysis. Results: The Saudi MoC exemplifies systems-based transformation through its multi-layered framework organized around six patient-centered systems of care spanning the lifecycle. Key innovations include: (1) an architectural approach integrating activated individuals, healthy communities, virtual care, and traditional clinical settings; (2) a comprehensive intervention taxonomy with 42 specific initiatives; (3) explicit contextual adaptations for diverse settings; and (4) a phased implementation approach with detailed performance metrics. National indicators improved during the reform period, including life expectancy and maternal and child health. These are national trends observed during the period of health reforms. Causal attribution to the Model of Care requires a counterfactual evaluation. Conclusions: This analysis of the Saudi MoC contributes to the literature on systems-based healthcare transformation by illuminating how theoretical principles can be operationalized at national scale. The model’s patient-centered design, comprehensive intervention taxonomy, and attention to implementation factors offer valuable insights for other healthcare systems pursuing transformation. Further research should examine actual implementation outcomes as the model matures. Full article

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) utilising a hydroxyl radical (•OH), a strong oxidant, are seen as a promising solution for removing hazardous and recalcitrant pollutants from waste streams. Among AOPs, non-thermal plasmas, especially pulsed corona discharge (PCD), enable the abatement of hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with high energy efficiency. This study demonstrates the viability of upscaling PCD technology with water sprinkling in degrading the VOC toluene using a semi-pilot scale plasma reactor. A toluene–air mixture was treated with varying gas-phase toluene concentrations (30–100 ppm) and pulse repetition frequencies (25–800 pps), achieving toluene removal of 5–55% in PCD and an additional 10–18% in PCO, as well as excellent toluene removal energy efficiencies from 9.0 to 37.1 g kW⁻¹ h⁻¹. The process design with water sprinkling provides additional advantages compared to dry reactors—the water surface serves as a source of hydroxyl radicals and scrubs the air from degradation by-products resulting from the incomplete oxidation of target pollutants. Transformation products of toluene were identified, and an oxidation pathway via hydroxylation of the aromatic ring was suggested as the major route towards ring-opening reactions. A photocatalytic oxidation reactor with TiO₂ catalyst plates, following PCD as a post-treatment, enabled additional removal of residual contaminants, also converting residual ozone to oxygen. The PCD reactor with water sprinkling and post-plasma photocatalysis shows promising results for upscaling the process. Full article

The start-up process of water-distribution networks has been extensively investigated in recent years, particularly regarding the pressure surges that may occur during such transient events. In this context, researchers have concentrated on exploring physical formulations capable of describing the behaviour of the two interacting phases—water and air—typically resolved through numerical approaches. This paper presents an analytical solution to the nonlinear mathematical model governing the start-up of water pipelines containing a trapped air pocket. The model adopts the rigid water column approximation for the liquid phase and a polytropic gas law to account for the compressibility of the air. The resulting system can be formulated as a second-order nonlinear differential equation. The analytical approach consists of transforming the governing equation into a first-order linear ordinary differential equation, in which the square of the water front velocity is expressed as a function of the water column length. This transformation yields a closed-form solution expressed as a special integral series. The required integrals are evaluated using binomial expansions and incomplete gamma functions, enabling the derivation of a general solution valid within alternating intervals of monotonic motion. A practical application involving an 800 m pipeline is presented. Furthermore, the proposed solution is validated against experimental measurements, demonstrating the accuracy and effectiveness of the analytical approach in capturing the system’s transient behaviour. Full article

Replication timing (RT), the temporal order of DNA replication during S phase, influences regional mutation rates, yet the mechanistic basis for RT-associated mutagenesis remains incompletely defined. To identify drivers of RT-dependent mutation biases, we analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from cells with disruptions in DNA replication/repair genes or exposed to mutagenic compounds. Mutation distributions between early- and late-replicating regions were compared using bootstrapping and statistical modeling. We identified 14 genes that exhibit differential effects in early- or late-replicating regions, encompassing multiple DNA repair pathways, including mismatch repair (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS1, and PMS2), trans-lesion DNA synthesis (REV1) and double-strand break repair (DCLRE1A and PRKDC), DNA polymerases (POLB, POLE3, and POLE4), and other genes central to genomic instability (PARP1 and TP53). Similar analyses of mutagenic compounds revealed 19 compounds with differential effects on replication timing. These results establish replication timing as a critical modulator of mutagenesis, with distinct DNA repair pathways and exogenous agents exhibiting replication timing-specific effects on genomic instability. Our systematic bioinformatics approach identifies new DNA repair genes and mutagens that exhibit differential activity during the S phase. These findings pave the way for further investigation of factors that contribute to genome instability during cancer transformation. Full article

Stable isotope analysis is a powerful tool for inferring and quantifying transformation processes, but its effectiveness relies on understanding the magnitude and variability of isotopic fractionation associated with specific reactions. Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) is widely used as an efficient oxidant for the degradation of trichloroethylene (TCE); however, the influence of environmental factors on the isotope fractionation during this process remains unclear. In this study, compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) was conducted to investigate the variability in carbon isotope effects during the KMnO₄-mediated degradation of TCE under varying conditions, including initial concentrations of KMnO₄ and TCE, the presence of humic acid (HA), pH levels, and inorganic ions. The results showed that the overall carbon isotope enrichment factors (ε) of TCE ranged from −26.5 ± 0.5‰ to −22.8 ± 0.9‰, indicating relatively small variations across conditions. At low KMnO₄/TCE molar ratio (n(KMnO₄)/n(TCE)), incomplete oxidation and/or MnO₂-mediated oxidation of TCE likely resulted in smaller ε. For dense, non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) TCE, which represents extremely high concentrations, the ε value was −13.0 ± 1.7‰ during KMnO₄ oxidation. This may be attributed to the slow dissolution of isotopically light TCE from the DNAPL phase, altering the δ¹³C signature of the reacted TCE and resulting in a significantly larger ε value than observed for dissolved-phase TCE oxidation. The ε values increased with rising pH, probably due to the decrease in oxidation potential (E₀) of KMnO₄ from pH ~2 to ~12, as well as the emergence of different degradation pathways and intermediates under varying pH conditions. Both SO₄²⁻ and NO₃⁻ slightly influenced the ε values, potentially due to the formation of H₂SO₄ and HNO₃ at lower pH, which may act as auxiliary oxidants and contribute to TCE degradation. A high concentration (50 mM) of HA led to a decrease in ε values, likely due to competitive interactions between HA and TCE for KMnO₄, which reduced the effective oxidation of TCE. Overall, the carbon isotope enrichment factors for KMnO₄-mediated TCE degradation are relatively stable, although certain environmental conditions can exert minor influences. These findings highlight the need for caution when applying quantitative assessment based on CSIA for KMnO₄ oxidation of TCE. Full article

This study investigates the fabrication and bioactivity of monophasic octacalcium phosphate (OCP) constructs using 3D-printed calcium sulfate precursors. A single-step and a two-step process were employed, transforming calcium sulfate into OCP through a controlled phase transformation in a disodium hydrogen phosphate solution. The results revealed that a single-step process for OCP conversion in 3D printed samples was unsuccessful due to incomplete transformation and the formation of intermediate phases such as brushite and monetite. In contrast, the two-step process enabled the efficient production of monophasic OCP in a shorter timeframe. The converted OCP samples exhibited a compressive strength of 7.65 ± 0.46 MPa and a contact angle of zero, indicating adequate handling strength and high wettability. The resorbability of 3D-printed OCP in simulated body fluid (SBF) was evaluated, showing weight loss through gradual dissolution accompanied by the release of calcium and phosphorus ions, followed by the consumption of these ions for reprecipitation back into OCP without direct transformation into hydroxyapatite (HA). Biocompatibility and bioactivity testing demonstrated high cell viability (96.67 ± 0.18%) using the MTT assay, indicating that the 3D-printed OCP was not cytotoxic. Alamar blue and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay showed that 3D-printed OCP supported preosteoblast proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Full article

This study systematically investigates the combustion behavior and kinetic characteristics of oil shale semi-coke. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) experiments, combined with both model-free and model-based methods, were used to explore the thermal characteristics, kinetic parameters, and reaction mechanisms of the combustion process. The results show that the combustion process of oil shale semi-coke can be divided into three stages: a low-temperature stage (50–310 °C), a mid-temperature stage (310–670 °C), and a high-temperature stage (670–950 °C). The mid-temperature stage is the core of the combustion process, accounting for approximately 28–37% of the total mass loss, with the released energy concentrated and exhibiting significant thermal chemical activity. Kinetic parameters calculated using the model-free methods (OFW and KAS) and the model-based Coats–Redfern method reveal that the activation energy gradually increases with the conversion rate, indicating a multi-step reaction characteristic of the combustion process. The F2-R3-F2 model, with its segmented mechanism (boundary layer + second-order reaction), better fits the physicochemical changes during semi-coke combustion, and the analysis of mineral phase transformations is more reasonable. Therefore, the F2-R3-F2 model is identified as the optimal model in this study and provides a scientific basis for the optimization of oil shale semi-coke combustion processes. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were conducted on oil shale semi-coke samples before and after combustion to study the changes in the combustion residues. SEM images show that after combustion, the surface of the semi-coke sample exhibits a large number of irregular holes, with increased pore size and a honeycomb-like structure, indicating that the carbonaceous components were oxidized and decomposed during combustion, forming a porous structure. XRD analysis shows that the characteristic peaks of quartz (Q) are enhanced after combustion, while those of calcite (C) and pyrite (P) are weakened, suggesting that the mineral components underwent decomposition and transformation during combustion, particularly the decomposition of calcite into CO₂ at high temperatures. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) analysis reveals that after combustion, the amount of hydrocarbons in the semi-coke decreases, while aromatic compounds and incompletely decomposed organic materials are retained, further confirming the changes in organic matter during combustion. Full article

Energy storage technology is a critical component in supporting the construction of new power systems and promoting the low-carbon transformation of the energy system. Currently, new energy storage in China is in a pivotal transition phase from research and demonstration to the initial stage of commercialization. However, it still faces numerous challenges, including incomplete business models, inadequate institutional policies, and unclear cost and revenue recovery mechanisms, particularly on the generation and grid sides. Therefore, this paper focuses on grid-side new energy storage technologies, selecting typical operational scenarios to analyze and compare their business models. Based on the lifecycle assessment method and techno-economic theories, the costs and benefits of various new energy storage technologies are compared and analyzed. This study aims to provide rational suggestions and incentive policies to enhance the technological maturity and economic feasibility of grid-side energy storage, improve cost recovery mechanisms, and promote the sustainable development of power grids. The results indicate that grid-side energy storage business models are becoming increasingly diversified, with typical models including shared leasing, spot market arbitrage, capacity price compensation, unilateral dispatch, and bilateral trading. From the perspectives of economic efficiency and technological maturity, lithium-ion batteries exhibit significant advantages in enhancing renewable energy consumption due to their low initial investment, high returns, and fast response. Compressed air and vanadium redox flow batteries excel in long-duration storage and cycle life. While molten salt and hydrogen storage face higher financial risks, they show prominent potential in cross-seasonal storage and low-carbon transformation. The sensitivity analysis indicates that the peak–valley electricity price differential and the unit investment cost of installed capacity are the key variables influencing the economic viability of grid-side energy storage. The charge–discharge efficiency and storage lifespan affect long-term returns, while technological advancements and market optimization are expected to further enhance the economic performance of energy storage systems, promoting their commercial application in electricity markets. Full article

JIS SCM440 steel is commonly used in precision parts after induction-hardening heat treatment. The fatigue behavior of induction-hardening parts largely depends on the combination of hardening depth and the magnitude and distribution of hardness and compressive residual stress. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the effects of different prior microstructures on the properties of JIS SCM440 steel after induction hardening. In the present study, the effects of prior microstructure (including spheroidized, annealed, normalized, and quenched and tempered) on the microhardness, hardening width, and residual stress of the induction-hardened specimens are investigated. The experimental results showed that the distribution behavior of residual stress in the hardened zone and heat-affected zone is due to the temperature gradient of the induction-hardening treatment. The hardened center appeared as compressive residual stress due to the martensitic transformation, which was accompanied by volume expansion. On the contrary, tensile residual stress will be generated in the heat-affected zone of incomplete phase transformation. The prior microstructure can affect the residual stress magnitude and distribution of microhardness and residual stresses due to the content of the cementite dissolved into the austenite at high temperatures. The difference in the carbon content of martensite after quenching will result in obvious differences in properties. The induction-hardened specimens with a normalized prior microstructure have the highest residual tensile stress in the heat-affected zone. The maximum residual tensile stress was 371 MPa in the heat-affected zone. The induction-hardened specimens with a quenched and tempered prior microstructure have the deepest hardening depth and widest residual compressive stress distribution range. The highest microhardness was 764 HV_0.3, while the maximum residual compressive stress was −752 MPa. Full article