Effect of transient heating of the outer surface of a radial crack-containing ring specimen on its brittle fracture resistance

Experimental studies on the effect of transient heating of the outer surface of radial crack-containing ring specimens from 45 steel on their fracture toughness are described. Such a treatment contributes to an increase in brittle fracture resistance at low temperature. As numerical simulation results demonstrated, transient heating of the outer specimen surface results in localized plastic flow near the crack tip, leading to strain hardening and its blunting.Peer reviewe

Entrepreneurial self-efficacy in Central Asian transition economies: quantitative and qualitative analyses

In both quantitative and qualitative field studies, the self-efficacy of entrepreneurs in the transition economies of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is examined. Using a social cognitive framework, the complex interaction among these entrepreneurs' (N=133) personal characteristics, environment, and self-efficacy is analyzed by structural equation modeling. Their self-efficacy was found to have a direct and mediating impact on performance. Another sample of entrepreneurs from these countries (N=239) qualitatively assessed what they actually do in their day-to-day activities. The findings from these two studies contribute to better understanding and have implications for successful entrepreneurial practice in countries undergoing the difficult process of transition to a market economy. Journal of International Business Studies (2006) 37, 92–110. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400173