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Metallic finishing of materials, unlike non‐metallic finishing, comprises various popular surface modification processes, e.g. electroplating, conversion coating, anodizing, metal spraying, hot dip coating and also diffusion coatings. Diffusion coatings on metallic substrates are well known for their better abrasion resistance and adhesion to the substrate. Resistance to corrosion may also be incorporated on these surfaces by the addition of appropriate dopant elements like Cr, Ni and Al. However, these diffusion alloy‐layers are more sought after for functional properties than their aesthetic look. It appears that the concept of functional metal finishing is gaining ground for its longer service‐life and better performance. Discusses some of these aspects of diffusion alloy coatings on mild steel substrate and analyses their comparative merits and demerits. In this connection, three distinctly different types of barrier layers, namely, hard diffusion alloy layer, e.g. chromiding, Ni‐Cr diffusion coatings and soft‐diffusion layer, e.g. Pb‐Cd, Zn‐Sn barriers and those in between, e.g. hot dip zinc‐alloy coated barrier layers, have been highlighted for their corrosion resistance properties.

It is shown that complete derusting of structural steel is not necessary if rust converter which can convert adherent rust into a protective coating is used. The performance of the rust converter developed by the authors is described in this paper.

This paper aims to clarify the relationship between stator tooth shape and DC voltage fluctuation of a double salient hybrid excitation generator (DSHEG). It analyzes the asymmetrical characteristics of the magnetic circuit and inductance between each phase. The study aims to reduce voltage fluctuation by using a stator shape optimization scheme, which helps reducing inductance difference.

This paper opted for a method combined with theoretical analysis, simulation and experimental verification. The stator tooth optimization scheme is given based on theoretical asymmetrical analysis and Taguchi method. A series of two-dimensional finite element analysis simulation of different conditions are conducted. Two prototypes with different stator tooth shape are made and experiments are carried out.

The paper provides empirical insights into how the stator tooth shape influences the asymmetry of inductance and DC voltage fluctuation. Compensation adjustments to the stator tooth shape can narrow the inductance differences of each phase. It suggests that “LTL” shaped DSHEG has lower voltage ripple than “III” shaped DSHEG without sacrificing output power.

Because of the chosen research approach, the gap between magnets and stator and end effect are not considered. Errors exist between simulation and experimental results.

The paper includes implications for other “C” shaped tooth optimization. Study on phase asymmetry of the special machine can further improve quality testing and simplify control strategy.

This paper analyzes the asymmetry of DSHEG and proposes an optimized stator tooth shape to reduce DC voltage fluctuation.

This paper aims to problematise the relation between “legality” and the state, through a case study analysis of law at work within the built environment. In doing so, the paper argues that studies on law and geography should consider the broader processes of state “law making” to understand the production of illegal space.

The liminal boundary of illegal/legal and its relation with the state is developed through a case study on the legalisation process of a “squatter” settlement located on the outskirts of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The paper draws on primary qualitative research (semi-structured interviews) and legal analysis undertaken in Kyrgyzstan at various times over seven months between 2011 and 2013.

Examining law as static and pre-existing is problematic in developing an understanding of the production of illegal and legal spaces within the built environment. An emphasis on law-making and the process of legalisation draws attention to the different groups, practices and policies involved and reframes the relation between the state and legality.

Using a case study anchoring the analysis within law’s constitutive and contested presence within the built environment, the paper addresses a theoretical and empirical panacea in legal geography by unpacking the “legal” with reference to its plurality internally within the state. Moreover, studies on law and geography have tended to focus on European or North American contexts, whereas this paper draws on data from Central Asia.

The Minister of Civil Aviation, Lord Pakenham, has appointed Mr J. Roland Adams, K.C., to hold a Public Court of Inquiry into the accident which occurred at Mill Hill, London, N.W.7, on Tuesday, October 17, 1950, to the British European Airways Dakota aircraft G‐AG1W.

Mine rope‐wire profile is prone to stress concentration zones by virtue of its manufacturing style and reveals a metastable surface. Metastability, being a non‐equilibrium state, tends to revert back to stability. Such a process of reversion may generate a number of non‐equilibrium states on the surface, which in contact with the mining‐environment foster the growth of a stable and adherent passive‐film.

Introduction Welding and brazing fall into the broad category of engineering joints, where the former is a stronger joint than the latter. Nevertheless, both these joints are heterogeneous and are susceptible to environmental effects, in the form of enhanced corrosion, due to their retained residual stresses and matrix heterogeneity. Partial melting, micro structural transformation, diffusional alloy layer formation, etc. are some of the phenomena met within these joints. It is argued that relief of stresses, by heating these joints to appropriate temperatures, which are below the transformation temperature range, may deactivate the stress raiser sites, so that susceptibility to micro galvanic action is considerably reduced. Such treatment may also cause thermally‐activated reorganization of the micro structure, resulting in matrix uniformity. Such structural uniformity and stress matching may pay further for reducing the corrosion loss by reduction of micro‐galvanic action.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and social distancing, the Virtual Mobility Program (Promover) implemented in 2021 in Brazil aimed to allow students enrolled in Brazilian federal universities to take curricular components at other institutions of the system remotely. The main objective of this research was to identify the most important factors, in students' perception, that affected their satisfaction with virtual mobility (VM) and the factors that drive the intention to continue mobility.

Data collection was performed through 433 questionnaires answered online. R software was used for descriptive analysis and SmartPLS to examine the relationship between independent and dependent variables through Structural Equation Modeling.

A positive relationship was verified between the constructs, and the hypothesized relations were confirmed at statistically significant level, revealing the students' satisfaction with VM and their intention to continue exploring this online learning option through Promover. The results showed that the motivations for VM are linked to the pursuit of knowledge and more opportunities for training and work. Plus, the use of VM proved to be a motivator for student engagement and e-learning effectiveness.

The findings can be useful as they highlight the opportunity to expand VM programs for students, even after the return to on-campus academic activities.

The effect of high voltage pulses on the resistance of polymer thick film resistors (PTFR) is studied. It is found that the resistance decreases with both the amplitude and duration of the high voltage pulses and with the number of pulses. The change in resistance is attributed to the dielectrophoretic motion of graphite granules in the PVC medium when high voltage pulses are applied to PTFR. A model has been proposed through which the percentage change in resistance can be estimated in terms of the number of pulses, duration of pulses etc. Based on these investigations, we suggest a downward trimming method for PTFR through the application of high voltage pulses. This method of trimming is a clean process and trimmed resistors are free from hot spots.

This study examines the way the government of Kazakhstan confronted informal (squatter) settlements and their property in Almaty in 2006. It argues that the way the state handled the issue as part of a broader state economic strategy was neither appropriate for the aim of creating a functioning property market nor for advancing social justice and welfare. The analysis focuses on the attempted demolition of two informal settlements, Bakay and Shanyrak, and subsequent events, including (a) militant and political responses among the residents and their supporters, (b) the legalization campaign, and (c) the effects of the global credit crunch on construction and property market in Almaty. The goal here is to refine the claim to a connection between formal economy, state practice, and squatters' experiences.