Values Of Micro Research Articles

Biogeochemical lichen indication study of formation and temporal changes of Oleksandriia Arboretum atmospheric pollution

Using the method of biogeochemical lichen indication the levels of the average long-term content of K, Ca, Al, Fe, Mg, Na, Mn, Zn, Sr, Ti, Ba Cu, B, Pb, Ni, V, Cr, Co, Cd, Se, Sb in surface air were measured on the territory of Olexandriia Arboretum and adjacent territories (Bila Tserkva, Kyiv Region, Ukraine). The purpose of the study is to determine the state and dynamics of the atmospheric geochemical field on the territory of Olexandriia Arboretum and its surroundings. The method of biogeochemical lichen indication based on the values of micro- and macroelements content in epiphytic lichens was used as a research tool. Application of the ICP-OES spectroscopy method allowed the analysis for chemical elements content of the samples of epiphytic deciduous Parmelia sulcata, Xanthoria parietina and bushy Evernia prunastri lichens collected in 2009 (20 points) and 2021 (23 points).
 In order to identify possible sources of entering of certain elements into lichens the researchers used the factor analysis method, i.e. a method of principal components with Varimax factors rotation. Six obtained factors represent: the impact of land cover (the most significant factors F1–F3) and man-made components (minor polygenetic, factors F4–F6). As a factor's number decreases, its partial explanatory variance decreases too. Factor F1 represents a common dust loading on the atmosphere with a predominance of the terrigenous component (mostly coarse-dispersed particles). Factor F1 is responsible for the dust-aerosol loading that is largely caused by the microclimatic circulation of the city breeze type thus forming a peculiar atmospheric and geochemical association that consists of chemical elements related to the building industry and building materials production. Powerful, however, local (impactful) atmospheric man-made influences manifest themselves through factor F3. Minor factors' discrimination ability reduces if a source of atmospheric pollution is less significant. Both division of factors into subfactors and noticeable temporal dynamics are observed more often. For instance, factor F4 has two geochemical sub-associations affected by the impact on the Olexandriia's landscapes of the 1990s' ecological disaster (fall-out of oil products, geochemical marker – V) and galvanic waste causing soil pollution (Zn, Mg, Cr, Ni and Ti), as well as discharges of agricultural enterprises (K). One of the peculiarities of F4 is a gradual decrease in its intensity over time. Factor F5 should be interpreted as the only load on the environment associated with galvanic pollution with cobalt being replaced by copper as a leading pollution marker. We suggest considering Factor F6 as a factor associated with oil pollution only.

ANALISIS EKONOMI PEDAGANG MAKANAN TRADISIONAL DI PONTIAN JOHOR MALAYSIA

The purpose of this community engagement is to provide guidance to the residents of Pontian, Johor, aiming to enhance their understanding of the economic value of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in the context of the traditional food "gogos." Despite their familiarity with utilizing the internet as a tool to introduce their products, this initiative also elucidates the concept of the 4P marketing strategy (Product, Price, Place, Promotion). Special emphasis is placed on the realization that skillfully and accurately implementing the appropriate marketing strategy will empower the community to assess their performance by comparing it against predefined marketing targets. To achieve this, concrete steps in strategic marketing are meticulously crafted for each designed stage. This endeavor encompasses illustrative examples of marketing strategies for diverse businesses, encompassing SWOT analysis, such as market understanding, formulation of marketing objectives, configuration of the marketing mix, augmentation of brand awareness, and targeting mobile device users

Global status of food composition database: A short review

Diet is a key modifiable factor that plays a vital role in the protection from noncommunicable diseases, which requires the right tool to transform the food consumption into nutrients. The food composition database (FCDB) is a tool that provides a comprehensive information on the various nutrients present in food. It comprises quantitative values of micro and macronutrients found in food that is compiled in an electronic form. Further, the need to develop a national FCDB for each country has been emphasized by health authorities and is greatly important at various levels. The global status of FCDB has improved significantly over the past few decades. Currently, most of the developed countries have established their own national FCDBs, which are standardized and updated on regular basis. On the other hand, challenges still remain in establishing these databases in developing countries, which either lack or keep incomplete and outdated FCDBs. Thus, they mostly rely on overseas or readily available FCDBs, which will ultimately give a rough estimate of nutrients and produce significant errors in nutritional assessment. However, it is massively important to start establishing their own national databases which will undeniably lead to more accurate dietary assessment and food labels, as well as better-targeted nutrition programs and fortification policies in these countries.

A Machine Learning Approach for Stochastic Pattern Analysis for the Measurement of Time-Series Datasets

Time series data analysis is used in many domains of applications to perform efficient prediction, anomaly detection and forecasting using various techniques. Recently, there is a surge in demand for comprehensive data mining techniques that can be applied on agricultural prediction. Data mining techniques can be used effectively for predicting the agricultural growth using stochastic model sensing concept which is used to perform better analysis for predicting the dataset. The proposed work introduces a stochastic model that can be applied for agricultural data to predict the growth of any crops using primary time series datasets The framework has assisted in taking correct decisions to classify the dataset based on the threshold value of micro and macro nutrient obtained from National Food Security Mission (NFSM). This paper focus on analyzing the stochastic pattern that assist the proportion of micronutrient elements and also predicts the feature that affect the growth of agriculture by increase or decrease the level of micronutrient elements. Thus, the Expected Growth of Agriculture (EGA) has increased or decreased based on the strength of soil nutrients. Moreover, it will recommend chemical fertilizers and nutrients range to improvise the agriculture growth for each crop. The processed soil sample dataset based on the threshold value of micro nutrient level is obtained from National Food Security Mission (NFSM). There are several numerical illustrations that are performed for micronutrient data prediction as well as analyze the increase or decrease of growth level in agriculture based on micronutrient levels like Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu using Stochastic Weibull Distribution (SWD) model.

A Project work on Recent approches in the Treatment of Diabetic Nepheropathy

Renal failure is a common long-torm complication of diabetes mellitus. Stages of diabetic nephropathy have been described that characterize its clinical course. Diabetic nephropathy develops secondary to long- changes that damage the glomeruli’s. Therapy that focuses on the control of glomerular pressures and systemic hypertension can slow the progression of proteinuria and deterioration of renal function. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and calcium channel blockers have been demonstrated to be effective in the management of diabetic nephropathy. A systematic approach to the patient with diabetes with help identify those individuals early in the course of disease when proper therapy may be most helpful. Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of chronic renal disease and a major cause of cardiovascular mortality. Diabetic nephropathy has been categorized into stages: micro albuminuria and macro albuminuria. The cut-off values of micro- and macro albuminuria are arbitrary and their values have been questioned. Subjects in the upper-normal range of albuminuria seem to be at high risk of progression to micro- or macro albuminuria and they also had a higher blood pressure than normoalbuminuric subjects in the lower norm albuminuria range. Diabetic nephropathy screening is made by measuring albumin in spot urine. If abnormal, it should be confirmed in two out three samples collected in a three to six-months interval. Additionally, it is recommended that glomerular filtration rate be routinely estimated for appropriate screening of nephropathy, because some patients present a decreased glomerular filtration rate when urine albumin values are in the normal range. The two main risk factors for diabetic nephropathy are hyperglycemia and arterial hypertension, but the genetic susceptibility in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is of great importance. Other risk factors are smoking, dyslipidemia, proteinuria, glomerular hyper filtration and dietary factors. Nephropathy is pathologically characterized in individuals with type 1 diabetes by thickening of glomerular and tubular basal membranes, with progressive meningeal expansion (diffuse or nodular) leading to progressive reduction of glomerular filtration surface. Concurrent interstitial morphological alterations and hyalinization of afferent and efferent glomerular arterioles also occur. Podocytes abnormalities also appear to be involved in the glomerulosclerosis process. In patients with type 2 diabetes, renal lesions are heterogeneous and more complex than in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Treatment of diabetic nephropathy is based on a multiple risk factor approach, and the goal is retarding the development or progression of the disease and to decrease the subject's increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Achieving the best metabolic control, treating hypertension (<130/80 mmHg) and dyslipidemia (LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dl), using drugs that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, are effective strategies for preventing the development of micro albuminuria, delaying the progression to more advanced stages of nephropathy and reducing cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes.

Analisis Indeks Stress Deposit Rupiah dan Pengaruhnya terhadap Pinjaman Usaha Mikro, Kecil dan Menengah (UMKM) di Kabupaten/Kota Provinsi Jambi

The purpose of this study is first to analyze the rupiah stress deposit index where the annual average for Kerinci Regency is 0.04% and Merangin Regency is 0.78%. Then for Sarolangun District by 0.16% and Batang Hari Regency by 0.34%. For Muaro Jambi Regency it was 0.31% and Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency was 0.58%. Furthermore, for Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency by 0.82% and Tebo Regency by 0.36% and Bungo Regency at 0.35% and Jambi City by 0.15% and for Sungai Penuh City by 0.13%. In general, the stress index value of the rupiah deposit on micro, small and medium business loans was the highest in three regencies, such as the districts of West Tanjung Jabung, Merangin, and Tanjung Jabung Timur. Where for the rupiah deposit stress index the highest occurred in 2017 at 0.40% and the lowest in 2016 which was 0.36%. Then the second research objective is to analyze the effect of the rupiah stress deposit index on small and medium micro loans through a panel data regression model with a constant value of 0.37, meaning that if the rupiah deposit index increases by 1%, the value of micro, small and medium business loans in regencies / cities in Jambi Province increased by 0.37% with a significance level below 5% or 0.00% negligent, meaning that partially the independent variable has an effect on the dependent variable by 47.5%.

Quantitative characteristics of area of splicing surfaces of hot-deformed powder materials

This article proposes for consideration the hot-deformed powder materials spliced surfaces area quantitative characteristics’ experimental determination. This study analyzes the spliced surfaces’ microstructures formation at various stages of obtaining hot-deformed powder materials. The features of the deformation processes during the formation of materials by hot working with pressure are considered. The nature of the splicing surfaces’ boundaries on the objects under study, as well as the process of pore healing during the compaction of moldings based on steel from two types of charge based on coarse and fine iron powder with different porosities, is traced. In the course of the work carried out, the selected iron powder particle size certain influence moment on the values of micro- and sub-micropores, surfaces of interparticle adhesion, inter- and intragranular adhesion is observed [1-3].

The role of branchless banking in performance of households’ micro and small enterprises: The evidence from Indonesia

In Indonesia, branchless banking (BB) for low-income communities is a new financial channel to create a financial system accessible to all levels of society. This research aims to investigate how to develop BB programs to improve the performance of households’ micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in rural areas. The data was collected from 97 MSEs who conducted financial transactions at BB agents. For a case study, as many as 32 agents out of 360 BB agents in Bogor District, West Java, Indonesia were chosen purposively from 13 sub-districts. Then, 97 MSEs were chosen with the experience of conducting transactions through BB agents. The study analyzes the household economic behavior using the model of a simultaneous structural equation, that has not been discussed in prior literature on Branchless Banking studies. The study has found that an increase in the value of financial transactions and investment variables have a positive impact with larger magnitudes on the production and other endogenous variables than an increase of those variables independently. However, the impact on household savings is small. The results imply that the development of MSEs through BB programs is not enough by only providing the speed and ease of financial transactions through the presence of BB agents in rural areas that are close to local businesses. Capacity building by increasing the investment value of micro and small enterprises becomes a factor driving the success of BB programs.

Size-Dependent Mechanical Properties of a Metal-Organic Framework: Increase in Flexibility of ZIF-8 by Crystal Downsizing.

Size engineering is an emerging strategy to modulate the mechanical properties of crystalline materials. Herein, micro- and nanodimensional single crystals of the prototypical metal-organic framework (MOF) ZIF-8 are generated using solvothermal and solution methods, respectively. Atomic force microscopy-based nanoindentation technique was used to measure the Young's modulus values of micro- and nanodimensional individual ZIF-8 crystals. We demonstrate that crystal downsizing to nanoscale dimensions results in a 40% reduction in crystal stiffness. The change is attributed to a greater contribution of surface effects to the physical properties of nanocrystalline ZIF-8. The observed change in the mechanical properties may be used to explain reported size-dependent changes in gas adsorption of ZIF-8, thought to be a result of differences in framework flexibility at the nanoscale. Our work provides an important example on how downsizing of crystalline metal-organic materials can give rise to specific and tunable physical properties.

Study of effect acidic solution (HCl) and (EP/Al2O3 & EP/ TiO2) hybrid on thermal conductivity of epoxy resin.

This research studies the effect of adding micro, nano and hybrid by ratio (1:1) of (Al2O3,TiO2) to epoxy resin on thermal conductivity before and after immersion in HCl acid for (14 day) with normality (0.3 N) at weight fraction (0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08) and thickness (6mm). The results of thermal conductivity reveled that epoxy reinforced by (Al2O3) and mixture (TiO2+Al2O3) increases with increasing the weight fraction, but the thermal conductivity (k) a values for micro and Nano (TiO2) decrease with increasing the weight fraction of reinforced, while the immersion in acidic solution (HCl) that the (k) values after immersion more than the value in before immersion.

Polygenic Risk Testing at the Time of Diagnosis of Diabetes Could Help Prevent Its Micro- and Macrovascular Complications

Cardiovascular and renal complications of T2D represent a human and societal burden. Early detection of susceptibility to complications could help their prevention. Clinical scores are useful to predict hard outcomes but genomic score can be applied earlier than a risk factor based score and thus save morbidity. We have constructed a polygenic risk score (PRS) based on genetic variants associated to risk factors and outcomes of T2D available from GWAS catalog and tested it on 5,000 genotyped Caucasian subjects with T2D of ADVANCE trial and its 5 year extension in ADVANCE-ON. We selected 620 SNPs which in combination with geo-ethnic principal component, age of onset and diabetes duration achieved a highly significant prediction of outcomes, including cardiovascular (AUC=0.80) and total mortality (AUC=0.77), equalling and surpassing such clinical scores as Framingham and UKPDS. The highest positive predictive values for micro- and macro-vascular prevalent cases were 81% and 78%, respectively. Individuals within the highest tertile of genetic risk for total prevalence of both microvascular and macrovascular events, had significantly higher cardiovascular death than subjects with the lowest genetic score (p=2.02x10-12). The number needed to treat to prevent one CV death over 5 years by ADVANCE therapies, was 12 in subjects with high PRS (p=0.0045) compared to 45 (p=0.14) in subjects with low PRS. Cox cumulative hazard plots demonstrated persistence of benefits for all cause and cardiovascular mortality in high PRS tertile over 10 years of intensive blood pressure control, while for glucose intensive therapy the benefit was restricted to the high PRS group for end-stage renal disease. We conclude that the use of a PRS that detects the risk of micro- and macrovascular complications at the time of T2D diagnosis could effectively assist in preventive and therapeutic measures to attenuate diabetes complications. Disclosure P. Hamet: Consultant; Self; Servier. F. Harvey: None. M. Haloui: None. M. Woodward: None. R. Tahir: None. F. Marois-Blanchet: None. C. Long: None. M. Marre: Board Member; Self; Abbott. Consultant; Self; AstraZeneca. Board Member; Self; Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc.. Consultant; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Board Member; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk A/S. Research Support; Self; Sanofi. Board Member; Self; Servier. S. Harrap: Research Support; Self; Servier. J. Chalmers: Research Support; Self; Servier. Other Relationship; Self; Servier. J. Tremblay: Consultant; Self; Servier.

Vascular invasion and survival after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: a study from the European Liver Transplant Registry

BackgroundStudies suggest that vascular invasion may be a superior prognostic marker compared with traditional selection criteria, e.g. Milan criteria. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of micro and macrovascular invasion in a large database material. MethodsPatients liver transplanted for HCC and cirrhosis registered in the European Liver Transplant Registry (ELTR) database were included. The association between the Milan criteria, Up-to-seven criteria and vascular invasion with overall survival and HCC specific survival was investigated with univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. ResultsOf 23,124 patients transplanted for HCC, 9324 had cirrhosis and data on explant pathology. Patients without microvascular invasion, regardless of number and size of HCC nodules, had a five-year overall survival of 73.2%, which was comparable with patients inside both Milan and Up-to-seven criteria. Patients without macrovascular invasion had an only marginally reduced survival of 70.7% after five years. Patients outside both Milan and Up-to-seven criteria without micro or macrovascular invasion still had a five-year overall survival of 65.8%. ConclusionVascular invasion as a prognostic indicator remains superior to criteria based on size and number of nodules. With continuously improving imaging studies, microvascular invasion may be used for selecting patients for transplantation in the future.

Micro-mechanical properties of Oak wood and comparison with standard-sized samples

The aim of this study was to investigate micro-mechanical properties of Oak (Quercus petraea) wood and to compare with standard-size test specimens values. Bending strength, modulus of elasticity in bending, compression strength and tensile strength were determined using micro- and standard-size mechanical test samples. In the micro- and standard size samples, bending strengths were evaluated as 71,2 MPa and 99,4 MPa, modulus of elasticity in bending as 2741,3 MPa and 11394,1 MPa tensile strengths as 98,7 MPa and 93,8 MPa and compression strengths as 45,4 MPa and 46,6 MPa respectively. The results showed that the bending strength, modulus of elasticity and compression strength of the micro-size samples were lower compared to the standard-size samples, while the tensile strength was higher in the micro-size samples. The compression strength values of micro- and standard-size samples were not significantly different. The regression analyses indicated a positive linear regression between the mechanical properties of micro- and standard-size samples. Micro-size specimens can be used to estimate the mechanical properties of Oak wood when obtaining standard-size specimens is not possible.

Nutritional Status in People Living With HIV and Trends in HIV Prevalence Using NHANES (1999–2012)

BackgroundUnder‐nutrition is an independent predictor of mortality in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV). Introduction of the highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved the nutritional status in PLHIV but has not completely eliminated malnutrition.AimTo understand the current nutritional status in PLHIV and to study the trends in prevalence of HIV status using NHANES (1999–2012).MethodsNHANES 1999–2012 was used to estimate the prevalence of PLHIV in U.S. adults (n=16,083; ages 19–15) and for calculating selective biochemical parameters and biomarkers. Two 24‐hour dietary recalls were used to estimate energy adjusted mean values for micro‐ and macro‐nutrients; height and weight were used to calculate BMI.ResultsThe overall prevalence of HIV infection in U.S. adults was 0.44% (CI: 0.26–0.75) in 1999–2002, 0.53% (CI: 0.35–0.78) in 2003–2006, and started to decline thereafter to 0.25% (95% CI: 0.12–0.51) in the 2011–2012. HIV prevalence was highest in non‐Hispanic blacks followed by Mexican Americans and non‐Hispanic whites across all survey years. The mean age of PLHIV ranged from 35.4 years to 49.6 years. The body mass index (BMI) was lower in men and higher in women living with HIV compared to respective negative controls. Energy expenditure was significantly lower in women living with HIV compared to men living with HIV. Macronutrient intake was similar between PLHIV and HIV negative controls in both men and women. All the micronutrients were similar between PLHIV and controls except the levels of vitamin E was significantly lower in women living with HIV compared to the HIV negative controls. Micronutrient and macronutrient intake were similar between men and women living with HIV, except women had greater BMI and lower energy expenditure, while men had higher dietary fat intake. Women living with HIV had insufficient levels of vitamin D (37 nmol/L) and significantly lower levels of RBC folate (509 nmol/L) and Serum Folate (19 nmol/L). Mean triglycerides in men living with HIV was (410 mg/dL). There were no differences in the electrolyte levels and other biochemical markers compared to negative controls.ConclusionsWith the initiation of ART the nutrient intake in PLHIV has improved and is similar compared to HIV negative population. Women living with HIV have lower levels of vitamin D and folic acid. They have higher BMI and lower energy expenditure compared to men in spite of consuming similar quantities of micro‐ and micro‐nutrients, warranting life‐style modifications.

THE INVESTIGATON OF PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NI-P COATINGS / NI-P DANGŲ FIZIKINIŲ IR MECHANINIŲ SAVYBIŲ TYRIMAS

The parameters of electrolytic synthesis of Ni-P coatings on steel surface from sulfate-chloride electrolyte have been determinated. The Ni-P alloys consist of separate phases of Ni and Ni3P and solid solution of implementation on the basis of the FCC Ni lattice, when it was deposited from the electrolyte at current density to be more than 7 A/dm2. The coating was formed with continuous globular surface at current density of 5 A/dm2. The globular formations are the Ni3P phase. The obtained at current density of 9 A/dm2 coatings have maximum value of micro¬hardness 430 HV. Darbe buvo nustatyti Ni-P dangų ant plieno paviršiaus elektrolitinės sintezės (iš sulfatinio-chloridinio elektrolito) parametrai. Ni-P lydinių mikrostruktūrą sudaro atskiros Ni ir Ni3P fazės arba nikelio kietasis įterpimo tirpalas, turintis kubinę paviršiaus centruotą gardelę, kai dangos yra nusodinamos iš elektrolito, esant srovės tankiui daugiau negu 7 A/dm2. Kai srovės tankis yra daugiau negu 5 A/dm2, formuojasi ištisinis, rutulinio pobūdžio dangos paviršius. Rutulio formos darinius sudaro Ni3P fazė. Dangos, turinčios didžiausią mikrokietumo reikšmę 430 HV, gautos esant srovės tankiui 9 A/dm2.

Formation of the Artistic Image in the Music Perception Process

Musical art, which clears vast possibilities for cognition of the man’s internal world, develops feelings of empathy and tolerance, facilitates the creative comprehension of personal, moral and aesthetical values of micro and macro social media. Musical art, while reflecting the reality by means of the artistic image, the system of musical expression means, has its own specificity in development of universal values. This specificity consists in development of personality’s aesthetical and moral needs and in recovery of the spiritual culture; and only music with high spiritual contents is able to achieve it. Aim of the paper is to define the content and succession of formation of students’ artistic image of a musical composition in the process of music perception. Methods of the research are: theoretical analysis of psychological, pedagogical and musical literature about approaches to the problem of formation of the image in the music perception process. Results of the research: the essence and content of the artistic image of a musical composition and succession of its development in the musical education process were defined.

Evolution of deformation heterogeneity at multiple length scales in a strongly textured zinc layer on galvanized steel

The evolution of heterogeneity of plastic deformation in a zinc layer has been probed at multiple length scales using a battery of characterization tools like X-ray diffraction, electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) and digital image correlation. The experimental results indicate that plastic deformation is heterogeneous at different length scales and the value of micro, meso and macro strain by different characterization techniques shows a different value. The value of strain determined at the meso and micro length scale from EBSD and X-ray diffraction was negligible, however, the macro-strain as determined from X-ray peak shift was significant. EBSD results showed evidence of profuse {101̄2} <101̄1> contraction twinning in the zinc layer with higher intragranular misorientation in the twin compared to the matrix. It is therefore, inferred that the evolution of higher intergranular (between matrix and twin) strain due to prolific contraction twinning contributes to the failure of zinc layer on galvanized steel.

The Impact of Social Networks on Maximizing the Competitive Value of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of social media and social networks on maximizing and increasing the competitive value of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). We review social media, social networks, and marketing literature that demonstrate the importance of social media and social networks in maximizing MSMEs competitive value through exploring the company-customer relationship, and the advantages and disadvantages that social media utilization brings. The findings suggest that micro, small and medium sized enterprises can reap benefits from executing an effective social media marketing strategy. These benefits encompass reducing overall marketing costs, improved customer service through social media, and achieving a competitive advantage. On the other hand, social networks have drawbacks that may affect MSMEs performance and decrease market share, such as time consumption and lack of feedback control. Therefore, MSMEs need to rethink about customer relationship management through building a conceptual and operational framework that provides both structure and flexibility. The study makes a contribution to the theoretical development through focusing on a neglected area of MSMEs research as well as a contribution to the relevance of social media in improving the competitive value of MSMEs. competitive value

Study on the mechanical properties, microstructure and corrosion behaviors of nano-WC–Co–Ni–Fe hard materials through HIP and hot-press sintering processes

Abstract This study aims to explore a series of Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) and hot-press sintering processes in order to examine the effects on the mechanical properties, microstructures and corrosion behaviors of micro- and nano-WC materials. The experimental results showed that the transverse rupture strength (TRS) values of micro- and nano-WC increased to 1627.3 and 1842.7 MPa after 1250 °C, 125 MPa, 100 min HIP treatments, respectively. Meanwhile, the porosity decreased slightly. The corrosion test results also showed that HIP-treated micro- and nano-WC effectively improved corrosion resistance in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. In addition, the lowest porosity (0.21%), highest hardness (91.7 HRA) and highest K IC (14.7 MPa√m) values appeared in nano-WC after 1250 °C, 15 MPa, 1 h hot-press sintering. Moreover, the hot-press sintering procedure significantly inhibited the grain growth of the tungsten carbide materials.

Enriching the values of micro and small business research projects: co-creation service provision as perceived by academic, business and student

The National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education (1996) chaired by Lord Dearing envisioned a university sector central to the UK's knowledge-based economy. With successive government support the university-business partnership ideology has been put into practice. Widening participation has increased in emphasis over recent years, providing key innovations and skills to support business growth. Yet business schools activities in business growth is marginal against other university schools. The paper reports on an empirical study analyzing the university/business values derived from one small business engagement project. Data collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, memos, and discussions were coupled with critical evaluation of work and action-based learning (ABL) literature. Analysis reveals evidence of multiple value adding factors; it emerged that the existence of knowledge, present or generated through blended learning techniques, was a key value adding element. The findings enabled the construction of a universal process model providing a project framework, detailing areas of collaborative efforts and associated recompenses; this included ease in project advancements and a noticeably advanced project outcome. The study highlights these values in terms of individual and organizational learning, originality and quality of outputs. Given the growing importance of Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to the UK economy, understanding the value co-created by collaborative projects in delivering both work-based and ABL for graduates/students, academics and enterprise management is important.