bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Chinese Consumers’ Self-preventive Behavior after the Global Pandemic: An Integrated Model Approach
Authors:   The Korea International Trade Research Institute, Zhu Zongyi , Kim Hyeon-Cheol
Published: January 2023

Purpose – This study investigated the antecedent of Chinese consumer self-preventive behavior by extending the TPB model after the global pandemic period. This study investigated whether Chinese consumer’s health consciousness significantly impacted consumer’s perceived severity of COVID-19 and perceived risk. Design/Methodology/Approach – This study revised the extended TPB model to determine the relationship to Chinese consumer self-preventive behavior after the global pandemic period. 237 valid respondents’ data were used to finish the statistical analysis. SPSS and Smart PLS were used for data analysis. Findings – The results revealed that the perceived severity of COVID-19 positively impacted Chinese consumer perceived risk, and perceived risk significantly influenced consumer attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control. But only consumer attitude and subjective norm was significantly related to consumer self-preventive behavior after the global pandemic. Research Implications – The theoretical implication will be offered for Chinese consumer self-preventive behaviour related to global pandemic research, and it will also give insight for disease control centers to effectively manage consumer self-preventive behavior.
Experimental study of gold (III) ion electrochemical sorption/desorption regularities
Authors: Mansurov Z. A. , Supiyeva Zh. A. , Yeleuov М. А. , Таurbekov А. Т. , Pavlenko V. V. , Smagulova G. T.
Published: January 2023

For the Republic of Kazakhstan as a country with developed mining and processing sectors, a topical issue is to develop the areas of knowledge aimed at improving and refining methods and technologies for comprehensive mineral processing including for the more complete extraction of precious metals. The necessity of these studies is determined by the high loss of precious metals during their processing and separation and the need to improve the process of their concentration. Advances in the field of carbon nanomaterials offer great prospects for improving existing technologies for the precious metal extraction from waste solutions and pulps. This paper covers the comprehensive studies into the influence of the solution flow rates, pH and the presence of ions of other metals on the extraction of gold on a carbon nanostructured material consisting of rice husk with its further regeneration and reuse. It was found that the highest gold (III) ion recovery is observed at pH ~ 2. The gold recovery efficiency was studied in the combined presence of copper, nickel and silver. The dependence of the electrochemical reduction sorption of gold on the flow rate of solutions was investigated. It was found that the optimal solution flow rate is 10 ml/min. The sorption capacity of a sorbent based on carbonized rice husk was calculated. The investigation of electrochemical sorption/desorption of gold (III) ions showed that the desorption process runs better in an acetone + water + NaOH mixture with a desorption degree of 96 %. This demonstrates the possibility of regenerating the electrode carbon material for reuse. The results obtained can be used to optimize the processes of extraction of precious metals from their solutions.
Investigation of C92900 bronze properties obtained by permanent mold casting, continuous upcasting and hot extrusion
Authors: Bazhenov V. E. , Titov A. Yu. , Shkalei I. V. , Sannikov A. V. , Tavolzhanskii S. A. , Mezrin A. M. , Koltygin A. V. , Nikitina A. A. , Plisetskaya I. V. , Belov V. D. , Yudin V. A.
Published: January 2023

In mechanical engineering, the antifriction tin bronzes, and C92900 bronze for instance are used for parts subjected to wear. The permanent mold casting into steel molds are commonly used to produce parts from C92900 bronze. This work investigates the possibility of C92900 bronze rods production by hot extrusion and upcasting methods. It has been discovered the hot extrusion temperature and ram speed, as well as the casting speed for upcasting that promote no defects in rods. It has been shown that hot extrusion leads to severe grain refinement up to 1.7 gm, and when casting upwards, on the contrary, an increase in the grain size occurs in comparison with the permanent mold casting. After hot extrusion and upcasting, the crystals of the Y-Cu3Sn intermetallic phase are refined in the bronze microstructure. At the same time, large agglomerations of (Pb) particles can be observed in the extruded bronze microstructure, which leads to a decrease in the coefficient of friction. The maximum hardness and tensile strength were obtained for rods produced by hot extrusion at 600 °C, and the highest elongation in rods obtained by the upcasting method. Tribological studies were carried out according to the «shaft — partial insert» scheme in a kerosene medium with a steel counter body showed that hot extrusion leads to a tenfold increase in wear resistance and a threefold decrease in the friction coefficient in comparison with rods obtained by permanent mold casting. At the same time, for the rods obtained by the upcast method, on the contrary, a decrease in wear resistance is observed. In connection with the mentioned results, it is possible to recommend the hot extrusion method for producing C92900 bronze rods in addition with casting technique.
Structure and properties of TiN–Pb composite coatings deposited on VT6 alloy by DC magnetron sputtering
Authors: Lozovan A. A. , Betsofen S. Ya. , Lyakhovetskiy M. A. , Pavlov Yu. S. , Grushin I. A. , Kubatina E. P. , Nikolaev I. A.
Published: January 2023

DC reactive magnetron sputtering of two separate single-element Ti and Pb targets was used to deposit a TiN–Pb composite coating onto a substrate made of the VT6 titanium alloy. The studies were carried out at Pb cathode currents of 0.2 and 0.1 A and two fixed argon flow rate values of 6.0 or 8.5 cm3/min, and the flow rate of nitrogen supplied to the chamber varying from experiment to experiment. The composition of coatings was determined by energy dispersive analysis. It was shown that the amount of lead in the coatings ranged from 0.5 to 16 wt.% depending on the Pb cathode current and reactive nitrogen consumption. Coating microhardness and wear were determined for each deposition mode. It was found that coating thicknesses varied from 1.9 to 5.2 μm depending on the ratio of argon and nitrogen fluxes. The effect of TiN–Pb magnetron coating deposition parameters on the structure and phase composition was investigated by X-ray diffraction method. It was shown that the coating consists of Pb and PbO at the Pb cathode current of 0.2 A, and of TiN, Pb, and PbO at the current of 0.1 A, while an increase in the ratio of argon and nitrogen fluxes leads to an increase in the fraction of TiN, the intensity of titanium substrate surface saturation with nitrogen, as well as microhardness and wear resistance. Under all deposition conditions the TiN coating features by a typical texture (111), the intensity of which varies nonmonotonically.
Improving the process of casting into ceramic molds using additive technologies for cluster manufacturing
Authors: Nikitin K. V. , Tukabajov B. N. , D’yachkov V. N. , Nikitin V. I. , Deev V. B. , Barinov А. Yu.
Published: January 2023

The study covers the free linear shrinkage of samples from PLA, HIPS, and ABS filaments used for FDM 3D printing in the ranges of extrusion operating temperatures (t). It was found that the PLA filament features by shrinkage values in the range of 0.2–0.6 % at Δt =200÷220 °С. HIPS filaments (Δt = 220÷240 °С) and ABS filaments (Δt = 240÷270 °С) have a shrinkage of 0.3–0.8 %. Linear shrinkage values must be taken into account when designing mathematical models of the future cast product. The influence of the print density dр (degree of internal structure filling) on the ash residue A when burning out samples obtained from the studied filaments was investigated. It was shown that the A value also increases with an increase in dр (5–15–30 %). The PLA filament has minimum A values (0.19–0.48 %). It was concluded that the PLA filament features the highest processability in the FDM 3D printing of casting patterns for casting into refractory ceramic molds (RCM) in terms of the set of free linear shrinkage and ash residue indicators. Clusters were made by FDM 3D printing from the PLA filament to produce «Nozzle» castings by casting into RCMs. Clusters were used to form RCMs. When burning out the clusters from RCMs, it was found that some RCMs cracked under linear heating. This was due to excessive pressure exerted by the expanding filament when heated to its softening temperature, and pressure exerted by gas emitted during the subsequent filament burn-out. The proportion of cracked RCMs increased with an increase in the heating rate. A stepwise mode of RCM heating combined with RCM calcination was developed in order to prevent cracking. There was no RCM cracking when clusters were removed in the stepwise mode. Experimental «Nozzle» castings were obtained from BrA9ZH3L bronze. The casting quality met the design documentation requirements.
Comparative analysis of the effect of Ni, Mn, Fe and Si additives on the microstructure and phase composition of hypereutectic aluminum-calcium alloys
Authors: Belov N. A. , Naumova E. A. , Doroshenko V. V. , Barykin M. A.
Published: January 2023

A comparative analysis of the phase composition and morphology of primary crystals in hypereutectic alloys of the Al–Ca–Ni–X system (where X is Fe, Si, Mn) was carried out by calculation and experimental methods, including the construction of liquidus surfaces. Additional alloying of the base Al–6%Ca–3%Ni alloy with iron and silicon leads to the formation of coarse elongated primary crystals up to 100 μm in length. It was found that the addition of manganese, on the contrary, leads to the formation of relatively small (average size about 20 μm) compact primary crystals of two four-component phases. Presumably, they are phases based on ternary compounds Al9CaNi and Al10CaMn2. The composition of eutectics in quaternary alloys has been determined. All aluminum-calcium eutectics are characterized by a higher proportion of the second phases, a thinner structure compared to the aluminum-silicon eutectic in AK18 silumin, and are also capable of spheroidization upon heating, starting from 500 °C. The combination of compact and spherical particle morphology after annealing  in the 63-2Mn alloy appears to be favorable for deformation. Comparison of the manufacturability of the experimental alloy Al–8%Ca–1%Ni–2%Mn and the grade silumin AK18 showed the advantage of the former. In terms of the totality of its characteristics, the experimental alloy can be considered as the basis for the development of hypereutectic alloys of a new generation as an alternative to piston silumins of the AK18 type. The experimental alloy, the microstructure of which is characterized by a compact morphology and small size of primary crystals and a fine structure of the eutectic, in contrast to hypereutectic silumins, does not require special modification.
Using infiltration and self-propagating high-temperature synthesis processes for manufacturing cermets. Review
Authors: Amosov A. P. , Latukhin E. I. , Umerov E. R.
Published: January 2023

Cermets are ceramic-metal composite materials (composites) with a relatively high content of ceramic phases from 15 to 85 % by volume. In the 20th century cermets were considered mainly as composites of high-temperature carbide, oxide, nitride, boride and silicide ceramic phases with metallic phases of the iron group, but in the 21st century the concept of cermets has significantly expanded due to the appearance of composites made of ceramic and metal phases with lower melting points including sulfides and MAX phases, as well as light and low-melting metals (Al, Mg, Cu, Ag, Pb, Sn). Therefore, cermets began to be considered not only as tool, heat-resistant and wear-resistant heavy structural materials, but also as light, strong structural materials for the production of vehicles, and as functional materials for various purposes. However, quite often cermets are characterized by such disadvantages as a tendency to brittle destruction, the difficulty in achieving structural uniformity and reproducibility, as well as fault detection, and the high cost of cermet manufacturing. It determines the need in their further development, research to improve the composition, structure and properties of cermets, searching for new applications, developing new manufacturing methods and reducing the cost of their production. Various cermet manufacturing methods are discussed such as solid-phase, liquid-phase, gas-phase, and in-situ methods. The methods of infiltration with molten metals, the effect of wetting, and the conditions for spontaneous infiltration are considered in more detail. The results of using the method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) are also described in detail including a new cermet manufacturing method proposed by the authors of this review based on the use of the SHS of a porous ceramic skeleton followed by spontaneous infiltration with molten metal.
To the 100th anniversary of the birth of рrofessor Ivan Fedorovich Khudyakov (11.25.1921–04.11.1988)
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: January 2023

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Using liquid extraction to clean JSC «Kola MMC» nickel production solutions from impurities
Authors: Dyakova L. V. , Kasikov A. G. , Jeleznova M. V.
Published: January 2023

Studies of the extractive recovery of Ca(II), Mg(II) и B(III) impurities from nickel production solutions at JSC «Kola Mining and Smelting Company» were conducted. As extraction agents, we used di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA), di-(2,4,4-trime-thylpentyl)phosphinic acid (Cyanex 272), trialkylamine (TAA), tributyl phosphate (TBP), aliphatic alcohols: octanol-1, 2-ethylhexanol and a by-product of its production – heavy product of 2-ethylhexanol distillation (TPRD). In order to assess the effect of conditions used to extract impurities from solutions, laboratory studies on the effect of aqueous phase acidity, extraction agent concentration, composition of organic impurities on their extractability were conducted. According to the research results, it was found that the optimal concentration of individual extraction agents is 20 vol.% each in the Escaid 100 solvent, and the mixture composition is 15 vol.% D2EHPA + 5 vol.% Cyanex 272 at Ca(II) and Mg(II) extraction. Individual D2EHPA predominantly extracts calcium (II): extraction of 62 % Ca(II) and 15 % Mg(II). When using Cyanex 272, the extraction of magnesium (II) predominates: extraction of 59 % Mg(II) and 20 % Ca(II). It was found that the extraction mixture has higher performance than individual extraction agents for Ca(II) and Mg(II) extraction from nickel solutions in the pH range of 3.0÷3.5, at which Ni(II) coextraction is negligible. With increasing pH values, Ca(II) extraction decreases due to the increasing extraction of nickel and the displacement of calcium by it from the organic phase. It was established that a mixture of 40 % TAA + + 60 % 2-octanone and heavy product of 2-ethylhexanol distillation exhibits high extraction ability with respect to B(III): the degree of boron extraction is 60.7 and 74.5 %, respectively. The paper provides the results of the extraction purification of the nickel electrolyte from JSC «Kola Mining and Smelting Company» with an extraction mixture in the Ni-form to exclude pH adjustment at each stage of the process. Based on the results of the studies conducted, a flowchart is recommended for obtaining pure NiSO4 solutions with a residual total B(III), Ca(II), Mg(II) and Cl– content of £0.010 g/dm3 .
Rational technology for separation of yttrium-group rare-earth elements
Authors: Valkov A. V. , Petrov V. I.
Published: January 2023

The paper studies the features of the extraction technology used to separate yttrium-group rare-earth elements taking into account sharply reducing prices for individual oxides. The latter, along with the low prices for lanthanum and cerium oxides, is associated with a predominant increase in the consumption of praseodymium and neodymium and a slow increase in the consumption of other rare-earth elements (REE), except for terbium and dysprosium. Since all REE are extracted from rare-earth concentrates, less marketable ones are stored or sold at extremely low prices. Elements such as samarium, europium, gadolinium, dysprosium are used in high-tech instruments and devices. At the same time, some low-profit production is possible, but process solutions must certainly be developed providing for minimum costs and be the most cost-effective. The authors propose a technology for separating yttrium-group elements including yttrium isolation stages in a single-stage mode by extraction with a mixture of three extractants (25 vol.% trialkylmethylammonium nitrate – 20 vol. % tributyl phosphate – 20 vol.% higher isomeric carboxylic acid) followed by separation of the triad of elements (samarium-europium-gadolinium) by extraction with organophosphoric acids: 30 vol.% solution of di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid or 30 vol.% solution of bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-phosphinic acid. At the last operation, yttrium-group REE concentrates are isolated simultaneously. The process is conducted in the conditions of complete internal irrigation with the 30 vol.% solution of bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-phosphinic acid used as an extractant. Initially, all the extraction cascade cells are filled with the initial solution. Separation zones are formed in the extraction cascade with the accumulation of terbium-dysprosium, holmium-erbium and thulium-ytterbium-lutetium concentrates in some cells. Once the products are accumulated, the concentrate solution is drained from cells, and the process starts again. If there is a need in some yttrium-group element, the corresponding binary or ternary concentrate is separated with the isolation of the element required.
Influence of heating and cooling routes on the isothermal β → ω transition in Ti–22Nb–6Zr alloy
Authors: Dubinskiy S. M. , Baranova A. P. , Brailovski V.
Published: January 2023

The influence of heating and cooling routes prior to the Ti–22Nb–6Zr (at.%) shape memory alloy ageing on the intensity of the isothermal ωiso phase formation in the temperature range from 250 to 350 °C for 1 and 3 h was studied by X-ray diffraction. It was shown that for intensive ωiso phase formation, the most efficient scheme for entering the ageing interval includes rapid water cooling to the room temperature from the annealing temperature of 600 °C and subsequent rapid heating to the ageing temperature of 300 °C. All other schemes used for entering the aging interval including slow cooling and/or heating do not lead to the formation of any X-ray identifiable ωiso phase amount. Whereas, the β → ωiso transition in the temperature range from 250 to 350 °C has a pronounced C-shaped kinetics with a maximum at 300 °C. When aged in the entire range of t = 250÷350 °С, the alloy features higher durability and hardness compared to the initial state. Moreover, the hardness gradually increases with an increase in the ageing temperature from 250 to 300 °C and remains constant in the temperature range of t = 300÷350 °С. The β phase lattice parameter of the Ti–22Nb–6Zr alloy remains unchanged over the entire aging temperature range of 250–350 °C, which indicates the absence of noticeable diffusion element redistribution in the solid solution during the ωiso phase formation. The ωiso phase formed during the Ti–22Nb–6Zr alloy ageing over the entire temperature range of t = 250÷350 °С has the ratio сω /аω = 0.613 ± 0.002, which is similar to the сω /аω ratio for the shear-type athermal ωath phase, which in turn further emphasizes the identity of these two phase varieties.
In memory of Vladimir Ivanovich Nikitin
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: January 2023

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Optimization of converting process for matte of oxidized nickel ores and sulfide copper ores joint smelting based on thermodynamic simulation
Authors: Klyushnikov A. M. , Maltsev G. I.
Published: January 2023

The paper presents the results obtained in the thermodynamic modeling of converting copper-nickel matte (11.3 wt.% Ni + Cu + + Co, 61.5 wt.% Fe, 25.9 wt.% S) produced by joint smelting of oxidized nickel ore and sulfide copper ore. Calculations were made in the approximation of ideal molecular solutions using the HSC Chemistry software package (Outotec Research Oy, Finland). The possibility of low-iron matte, converter slag and gas phase separation was shown. Estimated conditional equilibrium constants of exchange reactions between low-iron matte and slag (KNi/Fe = 0.004÷0.005, KCo/Fe = 0.056÷0.099) are close to ideal values. Statistical data processing was carried out using the mathematical experiment planning method. The converting temperature (t = 1100÷1300 °C) and iron and sulfur oxidation completeness level (q = 0.9÷1.0) determining the air and flux (SiO2) consumption were chosen as the factors to study. Obtained mathematical models of the process were used for its optimization. It was shown that the best converting performance can be achieved at t = 1150 °С and q = 0.950 when the low-iron matte contains 70.7 wt.% Ni + Cu + Co. At a yield of 8.74 % of the charge mass, the nickel, copper and cobalt recovery rates are 67.9, 97.9 and 9.1 %, respectively. The supposed air consumption (145.1 m3 (under normal conditions) per 100 kg of matte) and SiO2 (34.4 kg per 100 kg of matte) as well as slag yield (89.1 % of the charge mass) are close to working regime parameters. The results of the study confirm the possibility of cost-effective processing of poor copper-nickel matte and after experimental verification they can be used to develop automation flowcharts for converter departments at existing and designed production facilities.
Effect of equal channel angular pressing on the structure and mechanical properties of new Ti–10Mo–8Nb–6Zr β-Ti alloy
Authors: Gunderov D. V. , Churakova A. A. , Polyakov A. V. , Raab A. G. , Gunderova S. D. , Lebedev Yu. A. , Rosifini Alves Claro Ana Paula
Published: January 2023

This paper presents comparative studies of the structural and mechanical properties of the new Ti–10Mo–8Nb–6Zr β-Ti alloy subjected to traditional cold rotary forging and equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at 250 °C. The main phase in the initial hardened state after forging and ECAP is the BCC β phase. A broadening of the β phase X-ray lines and TEM data indicate a reduction in the structure and an increase in the concentration of lattice defects after deformation treatments. In the initial state, the alloy has an ultimate tensile strength of about 700 MPa, offset yield strength of 450 MPa and elongation at break of ~30 %. As a result of forging, the ultimate tensile strength and offset yield strength of the alloy increase to 1230 and 950 MPa, and after ECAP – to 1280 and 1270 MPa, respectively. At the same time, the elongation is reduced to 6 % after ECAP. A significant increase in the strength of the Ti–10Mo–8Nb–6Zr alloy after ECAP makes it more promising for use in medicine.
Effect of nitrogen concentration in a gas mixture on the structure and properties of Zr–B–(N) coatings obtained by the HIPIMS method
Authors: Sytchenko A. D. , Kabildina S. B. , Kiryukhantsev-Korneev Ph. V.
Published: January 2023

In this work, Zr–B–N coatings were obtained by the method of high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) in Ar, Ar + 15%N2, and N2 gaseous media using a ZrB2 SHS target. Sputtering was carried out at the following parameters: medium power of 1 kW, peak power of 70 kW, peak current of 130 A, frequency of 100 Hz, pulse duration of 200 μs. The working pressure in the vacuum chamber was 0.1–0.2 Pa, the distance between the substrate and the target was 80 mm, and the coating deposition time was 40 minutes. Glass, silicon, and high-speed steel were used as substrates. For comparison with the HIPIMS method, the coatings were also applied by direct current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) at an average power of 1 kW. The composition and structure of the coatings were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The mechanical, tribological and optical properties of Zr–B–N coatings, as well as resistance to impact dynamic loading, were studied. All coatings were characterized by a dense structure and the absence of columnar grains. With the help of spectroscopic structural studies of coatings, it was revealed that during deposition in a reaction medium, the BN phase is formed, which has a significant effect on the microstructure and characteristics of the coatings. An increase in the nitrogen concentration in the gas mixture during the deposition of Zr–B–N coatings led to an increase in the optical transmittance of the coatings up to 97 %, resistance to cyclic impact dynamic loads by 40 %, and a decrease starting value of friction coefficient by 60 %. The non-reactive coating had a maximum hardness of 19 GPa and an elastic modulus of 221 GPa.
Composition and structure of «core–shell» nanocrystalline particles based on titanium-molybdenum carbides obtained under the conditions of plasma-chemical synthesis
Authors: Avdeeva Yu. A. , Luzhkova I. V. , Ermakov A. N.
Published: January 2023

This paper provides the data on the composition and structure of nanocrystalline particles formed during the plasmachemical synthesis of mechanical mixtures containing TiC, Mo, and Co according to the plasma-induced Ostwald ripeningscheme. The paper was mainly intended to study the structural features and localizations of Mo0.42C0.58 carbide in TiC–Mo and TiC–Mo–Co nanocrystalline «core–shell» structures. As a result of X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies, it was found that the Mo0.42C0.58 carbide of orthorhombic modification is present in all fractions of TiC–Mo and TiC–Mo–Co mechanical mixtures after Ostwald ripening. Nanocrystalline TiC–Mo fractions and the TiC–Mo–Co mixture subjected to one-time Ostwald ripening from a baghouse filter were used in the electron microscopy study to illustrate the presence of «core–shell» structures where refractory cores are represented by Ti1–nMonCx titanium-molybdenum carbides, and high-contrast metal shells contain Mo, Mo0.42C0.58 and Co. Electron microscope images also showed the localization of orthorhombic Mo0.42C0.58. According to the results obtained, it can be concluded that «core–shell» structures are formed during the extreme exposure in the form of plasma-chemical synthesis of TiC–Mo and TiC–Mo–Co mechanical mixtures in a low-temperature nitrogen plasma. At the same time, it should be added that nanocrystalline compositions with the «core–shell» structure are crystallized in a tangential nitrogen flow at a cooling rate of 105 °C/s with the subsequent separation of products into ultra- and nanodispersed fractions in a vortex-type cyclone and a baghouse filter.
Investigation of possibility of fabrication of long-length samples of Ti3AlC2–Al MAX-cermet by the SHS method with spontaneous infiltration by aluminum melt
Authors: Amosov A. P. , Latukhin E. I. , Umerov E. R. , Davydov D. M.
Published: January 2023

The article discusses the features of combining the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) of the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase porous skeleton with infiltration by aluminum melt in a spontaneous mode in order to obtain enlarged samples of Ti3AlC2–Al ceramic-metal composite (MAX cermet) in an air atmosphere. A new scheme was developed for obtaining long-length SHS cermet samples from a bulk density charge with spontaneous infiltration by melt in the same direction with the combustion wave movement, which makes it possible to regulate the time gap between the end of the Ti3AlC2 synthesis and the beginning of the spontaneous pore filling with aluminum melt. This technology was used to obtain a Ti3AlC2 SHS skeleton with a total length of 250 mm and a diameter of 22–24 mm where the depth of infiltration with pure aluminum was about 110 mm, and impregnation with the Al–12%Si alloy was 130 mm. The paper provides comparative data on density, microstructure, and phase composition at different areas along the length of MAX cermet samples obtained. It was found that infiltration with pure aluminum destroys the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase to transform it into a mixture of TiC + TiAl3 phases in the SHS cermet, and 12 % Si added to the Al melt promote Ti3AlC2 preservation in the cermet to a some extent. Instead of MAX cermet samples with the target composition of Ti3AlC2–Al and Ti3AlC2–(Al–12%Si), long-length samples of SHS cermets with a different actual phase composition were obtained: TiC–TiAl3–Al and TiC–Ti3AlC2–TiAl3–(Al–12%Si), respectively, where the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase either practically absent or present in small quantities. The average hardness values of TiC–TiAl3–Al and TiC–Ti3AlC2–TiAl3–(Al–12%Si) SHS cermets wereHB= 640 and 740 MPa, density ρ = 2.88÷3.16 g/cm3 and 3.03÷3.13 g/cm3, and residual porosityП= 17.0÷24.6 % and 17.6÷20.3 %, respectively.
Critical Thinking in the System of Higher Education Abroad
Authors:   Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management, Russian Federation, Barbashina Evelina ,   Institute of Philosophy and Law of the SB RAS, Novosibirsk
Published: January 2023

The article defines the features of understanding critical thinking and the features of its formation. The need for its formation is determined by the requirements of the labor market, the demand for a new type of ‘knowledge’ worker, as well as the criteria and goals of higher education. Successful formation of critical thinking involves specifying its understanding and highlighting its main characteristics. The main lines of understanding critical thinking are defined: critical thinking in the broad and narrow senses; critical thinking in accordance with ‘frontier’ publications; critical thinking depending on the professional field of study and application. Based on a critical analysis of English-language literature, including review articles, the main approaches to understanding critical thinking are identified and systematized: philosophical, psychological, pedagogical, media. The features of each of the approaches are determined. The philosophical approach is focused on the dominance of the logical component of critical thinking. Within the framework of the philosophical approach, the ideal image of a critical thinker is considered. Accordingly, the specific circumstances of solving the problem, the essence of the problem, and the participants are not taken into account. The psychological approach concentrates on identifying specific operations of critical thinking. It takes into account circumstances, behavior, participants, motives, etc. The pedagogical approach is based on empirical data. It aims to address issues related to the definition of specific methods for teaching critical thinking and ways to check the results. In recent decades, the media approach to understanding and the development of critical thinking has been actively developing. It emphasizes such a component of critical thinking as working with information. It has been determined that the best option for understanding critical thinking is the so-called ‘compromise options’, including the ‘Delphi’ report. It integrates cognitive skills and dispositions. The former includes: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, conclusion, explanation, self-reflection and self-examination. The second: the desire for truth, openness of thinking, analytic, systematic thinking.
Criticism of Religion in the Philosophy of the Sophists
Authors:   Novosibirsk State University, Russian Federation, Brovkin Vladimir
Published: January 2023

The article deals with the socio-historical conditions of the formation of criticism of religion in the philosophy of sophists. It is shown that there were two directions in the religious criticism of the sophists. The first direction was associated with religious agnosticism. Protagoras defended the idea of the incomprehensibility of the gods. The statements of Gorgias and Xeniades contributed to the strengthening of religious skepticism. The second direction was connected with the development of theories of the origin of religion. Prodicus and his idea of the deification of useful things by ancient people is one of the first attempts at a rational explanation of the origin of religion. Critias’ idea that the gods were invented in order to maintain public order challenged the entire religious consciousness of the Greeks. The theories of Prodicus and Critias contributed to the development of ancient atheism. It is established that the sophists adhered to an ambivalent position on the question of attitude to religion. On the one hand, the sophists did not seek to destroy religious institutions. They recognized the value of religion because they considered it one of the benefits of civilization. According to sophists, religion plays an important role in the life of society. It supports moral norms, laws and order. On the other hand, the views of the sophists posed a great danger to traditional religious beliefs. The views of the sophists contributed to the doubt of the existence of gods and the weakening of religious beliefs. It is established that the Peloponnesian War played an important role in the formation of the religious criticism of the sophists. The destructive nature of the Peloponnesian War led to the decline of moral and religious norms. The plague in Athens, the cases of genocide, the triumph of brute force and lawlessness contributed to the growth of distrust of public institutions and disillusionment with religion. All this created favorable conditions for the development of moral and ethical relativism and religious skepticism in the philosophy of sophists.
Elusive Hermes: The Problem of Identification of Hermes and Thoth and the Mystery Aspect of Hermeticism
Authors:   Novosibirsk State University, Russian Federation, Zolotukhina Anastasia
Published: January 2023

The article treats the history of the identification of the Greek Hermes and the Egyptian Thoth, which eventually brought to existence the figure of Hermes Trismegistus, the founder of Hermeticism. The treatment of the complex genesis of this figure is connected with the solution of an important question for understanding the phenomenon of Hermeticism: what significance did Hermeticism grant to the mystery component? The problem stems from the structure of the Hermetic Corpus itself, which consists of philosophical texts of Greek origin and esoteric texts dating back to the Egyptian tradition. The history of Hermeticism is traced in the article as the history of the mutual influence of Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece. Through the figure of Pythagoras I establish a connection between Pythagoreanism, Hermes and Egyptian mysteries. Plato, then, gives an original view of Hermes and Thoth; the next step is a transition to the Hellenistic Egypt, where the two deities were identified. The final step is the first evidence of Hermes Trismegistus and its origin. The article examines the reasons and possibilities for such an identification: the main functions of Hermes and Thoth, which at first glance are identical, present some discrepancies. First, the function of psychopompos: I draw attention to the concept of memory, power upon which is unique to the Greek Hermes; second, the power upon word, logos: while Hermes has the realm of the spoken word, Thoth is associated with the written text and thus magic (magical Egyptian practices are based on the power of the written word). The metamorphosis of Hermes from god to daimon and, finally, to man is also important (on the basis of the evidence of Plato and later hermetic mythology): this provided Hermes with the opportunity to become a central figure and conductor of mystical teachings, like Orpheus.
Comparative Analysis of Zen Philosophy: Rinzai and Soto
Authors:   Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management, Russian Federation, Novikova Olga , Rodicheva Irina ,   Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management, Russian Federation
Published: January 2023

The practical methods of studying Zen, known as ‘pure zazen’ and the ‘koan method’ of the Buddhist schools of Rinzai and Soto are subjected to comparative analysis. This study focuses on the comprehension of Zen philosophy, and also analyzes the basic attitudes regarding the difference from the old Buddhist schools in Japan: practical activity, self-improvememt and indifference to death come first, as well as new aesthetic norms and ideals. Simplicity, the absence of any authority, the absence of rituals and anti-intellectualism corresponded to the spirit of the era when the once unshakable moral values were collapsing. Comparing the two Buddhist schools, the authors of the article note that the distinguishing feature of Soto, founded in Japan by Dogen, is absolute immersion in the meditative practice of ‘Silent illumination of Zen’ (黙想 mokuso), which outlines the path to enlightenment through sitting meditation. At the same time the emphasis is placed on the fact that this is a complex and not fast process of passing through certain stages in comprehending the teaching. Rinzai Zen in Japan is most associated with learning through koan work, and the origin of this practice dates back to master Linji from the time of the Song dynasty, namely Daie Soko, who collected and arranged all the major koans in a specific order for ease of use. But the very practice of comprehending the teaching is distinguished by its rather harsh and cruel methods, since the teachers considered it necessary to tear the student out of everyday life and the fastest way is to hit or to shout at a person. It was this philosophical practice of Rinzai Zen that was spread in Japan by Eisai. As a result of the study, the authors came to the conclusion that the masters of the Rinzai school proclaim the importance of ‘sudden enlightenment’, and the masters of the Soto school teach to follow the path of ‘progressive enlightenment’, and thus Soto and Rinzai become Zen schools that use opposite methods to achieve insight.
The impact of financial literacy on risk propensity mediated by access to finance
Authors: Addo Selma Dzifa , Asantey Joseph , Awadzie David Mensah
Published: January 2023

Purpose – Financial literacy has become an important area of research in recent years. Its significance in making wise financial choices has also been documented in recent studies. In developing economies, business sustainability is a major issue as has been identified in many prior studies. Most SMEs are unable to survive 3 years after establishment. Prior researchers have mostly attributed this to a lack of access to finance. Recently, it has been discovered that financial literacy tends to assist SMEs with the needed skills and knowledge such as understanding the various sources of finance and analyzing different financial choices accurately, in order to be able to make the right financial choices. This study hence examines the impact of financial literacy on risk propensity mediated by access to finance.
Methodology – Data for the study was collected from SME owners/managers through structured questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered to 432 SME owners/managers. Descriptive statistics was used in describing the demographic statistics of the respondents. PLS Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for the data analysis.
Findings – The study’s hypotheses were confirmed. The findings showed that access to finance partially mediates the association between financial literacy and risk propensity. The relationship between financial literacy and risk propensity was likewise strongly favorable, and it was further established that access to finance significantly impacts on risk propensity.
Conclusion ¬– Financial literacy and access to finance both remain a significant aspect of SME sustainability, both have a positive and significant implication for risk propensity. SMEs should hence include financial literacy programs such as workshops and seminars in their annual programs to help improve their financial knowledge since financial literacy impacts both access to finance and risk propensity. Policymakers should also put in more effort in making policies such as financial literacy training compulsory to help improve the financial knowledge of SMEs.
Perceived support and entrepreneurial intentions among Omani undergraduate students
Authors: Tumati Raja , Kumar Jyoti
Published: January 2023

Purpose – The study's goal is to determine whether there is a relationship between family income, the father's occupation, education, and study plan, and Omani students' perceived support for entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the research will look into the relationship between Omani underground students' perceived support and their entrepreneurial intentions.
Methodology – The study employed deductive research methodology and a quantitative research approach since it was empirical research that employed analytical techniques to provide quantifiable data. The descriptive research design was also employed because it summarises the characteristics of the population or problem under consideration. Furthermore, the purposive sampling strategy, a non-probability sampling technique, was used as the study's sampling strategy. In total, 478 undergraduate Omani students were chosen as respondents, and the data was analysed using descriptive and regression techniques using the latest version of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, 21.0.
Findings – The findings indicate that students have a favourable perception of support for entrepreneurship. The highest mean scores recorded for the place where students live indicate sufficient awareness of entrepreneurship (4.51) and that college experience and knowledge have inspired them to become entrepreneurs (4.35), with a verbal interpretation of "strongly agree" for both factors. Besides family income, the father's occupation, education, and study plan had no discernible influence on Omani students' intentions to start their own businesses. It denotes that the hypothesis factors have no bearing on entrepreneurial inclinations. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation of 0.720 and p-value of 0.000 < 0.05 indicated that entrepreneurial intention is highly and significantly correlated with perceived entrepreneurship support.
Conclusion - The results of the study show that Oman's underground students have a moderately high perceived level of support for entrepreneurship. Besides, students believe they have support from the government, their families, and friends to achieve their business ambitions after graduation. A link between students' perceived entrepreneurial support and their entrepreneurial goals was also discovered by the study.
Claudius Amyand’s hernia: An uncommon form of appendicitis
Authors: Bouali Mounir , El Maghraoui Omar , Eddaoudi Yassine , El Bakouri Abdelilal , El Hattabi Khalid , Bensardi Fatimazahra , Fadil Abdelaziz
Published: January 2023

Claudius Amyand's hernia is defined by the incarceration of the vermicular appendix through the hernial sac. The first appendectomy was performed in 1735. It is a very rare pathology. Therefore, the frequency of this pathology is not yet established. We report the observation of a 54-year-old patient with an estimated BMI of 25.5 kg: height2 with a simple inguinal hernia that was not followed up and admitted to the emergency room with a painless and impulsive inguinal swelling when coughing. The management consisted of a conditioning and a pre-anesthetic assessment. The intraoperative exploration revealed a right inguinal hernia with caecal and appendicular contents of viable appearance. The procedure included an appendectomy and cure of the hernia using the Lichtenstein technique. The evolution was marked by a resumption of transit 24 hours postoperatively, Appendicitis complicating an Amyand's hernia is a rare pathology that often presents in an atypical clinical picture of an inguinal painful mass without the occlusive syndrome. Its preoperative radiological diagnosis, although exceptional, is of interest given the atypical presentation allowing the elimination of local pathologies that sometimes do not require emergency surgery.
Management of Dairy Calves and Heifers and the Economic Impact on First Lactation
Authors: Caixeta I. A. , Silva N. A. M. , Schultz E. B. , Raineri C.
Published: January 2023

Management of calves and heifers directly influence the future productivity of dairy animals. However, the pre-production stage is often neglected by farmers, as young cows do not yet produce milk and, therefore, revenue, while representing an important part of the total cost of the property. This study aimed to identify and determine the economic value of factors influencing the production in the first lactation of heifers in a herd. This was a case study carried out on a family property in the municipality of Patrocínio, state of Minas Gerais, using data from 54 heifers. Qualitative characteristics (sire, maternal grandsire, amount of colostrum consumed, antibiotics use on the first day of life; application of prostaglandin to induce estrus, application of prostaglandin for resynchronization, use of progesterone implant for resynchronization, occurrence of retention of placenta and/or abortion, induction of lactation) and quantitative characteristics (weight at 90 days, average daily gain at 90 days and age at first mating) were evaluated. Variables influencing the production in the first lactation were the application of antibiotics, retained placenta, induction of lactation and age at mating. The differences in milk revenue were -R$ 2,381.21 for the use of antibiotics in each female, -R$ 299.85 for each heat loss for the first mating, -R$ 5,043.11 for each lactation induction, -R$6,841.16 for each retained placenta with abortion and -R$1,060.96 for each case of retained placenta without abortion. Knowing the productive and economic consequences of each of these items provides the producer with subsidies for decision making, such as planning management strategies that avoid such losses, and choosing options to maximize the economic efficiency of production.
Expeller Soybean Meal: Evaluation of Holstein Cow Production and in Vitro Ruminal Kinetic
Authors: Macagnan R. , Fluck A. C. , Costa O. A. D. , Oliveira N. S. , Borba L. P.
Published: January 2023

We aimed to evaluate the inclusion of expeller soybean meal on the quality and milk production of Holstein cows, as well to estimate and compare the inherent parameters of the in vitro ruminal kinetics. Data collection was carried out on a private property, in the interior of the municipality of Dois Vizinhos - Paraná, Brazil. Twenty Holstein cows were used, divided into two treatments: one with the inclusion of expeller soybean meal and the other with conventional soybean meal. The design used was completely randomized with parity. Milk production was evaluated through weighing. Milk samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30 and 45 to evaluate the milk protein, fat, urea nitrogen, lactose and total solids. The In vitro ruminal kinetics of convencional and expeller soybean meal was performed at the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná €“ Paraná, Dois Vizinhos. The gas pressure and volume measures were taken after 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 36, 48 and 72 hours of sample incubation. The results obtained were applied in a two-compartmental mathematical model with no latency time in the first compartment for description of ruminal kinetics. Data were analyzed by variance (ANOVA) and compared by the F test. There was no significant difference in any of the variables evaluated from mil production and quality when soybean meal expeller was included in the animals' diet (P>0.05). The expeller soybean meal showed a lower degradation compared to the conventional meal. There were no significant differences for milk production as for concentration of solids in milk.