Influence of Heat Treatment on the Properties of Nickel–Chromium–Silicon Bronze Wire

The selection of optimal heat-treat conditions for nickel–chromium–silicon bronze wire used in the production of helical compression springs is considered. In experiments, the microstructure of samples after aging at 440–480°C is investigated. Tensile tests are conducted.     

Probing the Positions of TeO Moieties in the Channels of the MoVNbTeO M1 Catalyst: A Density Functional Theory Model Study

Catalysis Letters - With hybrid DFT calculations applied to periodic models of the bulk MoVNbTeO M1 catalyst, we examined how [TeO]2+ species in the hexagonal channels of this material stabilize...     

Neuro-semantic prediction of user decisions to contribute content to online social networks

Neural Computing and Applications - Understanding at microscopic level the generation of contents in an online social network (OSN) is highly desirable for an improved management of the OSN and the...     

Methane Adsorption on Microporous Carbon Adsorbent Prepared from Thermochemically Activated Wood

Protection of Metals and Physical Chemistry of Surfaces - An EC-103 microporous carbon adsorbent was synthesized from wood using thermochemically activation with Н3РО4 as an...     

Guest editorial to the theme section on multi-level modeling

Software and Systems Modeling -     

“Rolling” phenomenon in twin screw granulation with controlled-release excipients

The developed knowledge regarding use of twin screw granulators for continuous wet granulation has been primarily limited to immediate release formulations in the literature. The present study highlights an issue previously unreported for wet granulation with twin screw extruders when using formulations containing controlled-release (CR) excipients. Long (3–10?mm), twisted noodle-like granules can be produced in the presence of these excipients that are difficult to control and are anticipated to create complications in downstream unit operations to the granulator. Working with two different CR excipients, METHOCEL? K4M and Kollidon® SR, each blended at different ratios with a mixture of 80% α-lactose monohydrate/20% microcrystalline cellulose, these unique particles were found to be produced in the conveying elements of the extruder, arising from a rolling action at the top of the screw flights. The CR excipients adhesively strengthen the wetted mass, forming this undesired granule shape such that they persisted to the exit of the machine; the shape appeared most strongly affected by screw speed, producing particles of higher aspect ratio as speed was increased. Adjusting the concentration of these CR excipients in the formulation, the flow rate or the type of compression element used in the screws proved ineffective in controlling the problem. Rather, a re-design of the extruder screws was required to prevent generation of these extended-form granules.     

Infrared Thermographic Testing of Hybrid Materials Using High-Power Ultrasonic Stimulation

Ultrasonic infrared thermography is a rapid and informative method of nondestructive testing, used to inspect materials and products in aviation and rocket and space industries. High-power piezoelectric emitters stimulate various materials by ultrasound and help revealing hidden flaws by local temperature changes, which can amount to tens of degrees. The possibility of optimizing the procedure of ultrasonic infrared thermography by choosing the frequency of acoustic waves so as to match the frequencies of local resonances of defects of different sizes has been investigated.     

What do stakeholders think about knowledge transfer offices? The perspective of firms and research groups in a regional innovation system

Knowledge transfer offices (KTOs) are required to adopt a comprehensive approach to managing a broad set of channels of university–industry collaboration, including collaborative research, business services, exchange of human resources and informal relations within a regional innovation system. The perspectives of firms and academic researchers, the main stakeholders of KTOs, are useful complements to assess KTO activity. The goal of this article is to study the effectiveness that these stakeholders attribute to KTOs. Based on survey data collected in the Spanish region of Andalusia, the article explores stakeholders’ perceptions and determinants. The results show that the level of engagement in a diversified range of activities and the importance attributed to knowledge transfer in the strategy of both research groups and firms are the best predictors of the perceived effectiveness of KTOs. The article also underlines specific differences between the two types of stakeholders.     

A context-centered methodology for IoT forensic investigations

International Journal of Information Security - The weakness of the security measures implemented on Internet of Things (IoT) devices, added to the sensitivity of the data that they handle, has...