Structural transformations and their impact on the mechanical and antifriction properties in the process of alloying graphitized hypereutectoid steel with copper

The purpose of the work is to develop a cast antifriction material based on an iron-carbon alloy with a high copper content for use in large, heavy duty sliding friction units. Using the casting method in self-hardening liquid glass mixtures, two specimens of hypereutectoid graphitized steel with different copper contents (0.09 and 8.76 wt.%) were produced. To obtain graphite in the steel structure, modification with the silicocalcium (SiCa) was used. The microstructural examination was carried out using optical metallography, SEM and TEM methods. The impact of copper on the structure as well as the mechanical and antifriction properties of graphitized hypereutectoid steel was studied. It was found that adding 8.76 wt.% of copper to the steel composition leads to an increase in the Brinell hardness level of the material from 250 to 300 HB, ultimate tensile strength from 250 to 380 MPa and compressive strength from 1050 to 1200  MPa, which is associated with an increase in the microhardness of pearlite from 350 to 420 HV. To assess the impact of copper on the sliding friction coefficient of graphitized hypereutectoid steel, a curve of sliding friction coefficient vs applied load was plotted; the experiment was carried out according to the liner-on-disk scheme. The wear resistance of materials under sliding friction conditions was also assessed using this method. Copper alloying has a positive effect on the wear resistance of graphitized hypereutectoid steel by increasing the mechanical properties of the material and also by reducing the level of the sliding friction coefficient under boundary lubrication conditions

Value formation of innovative product : a way to commercialization

Purpose: The issues of studying the value formation process of an innovative product, from the idea to the prototype to the commercialization of the output from the production line, depending on the type of innovations, are the aims of this article. Design/Methodology/Approach: The conceptual framework of "value" and "innovations" is explored and the theoretical basis of the value approach is revealed at the beginning of the article. The definition of an innovative product is given and the development process and the mechanism of its value formation at each development phase are revealed. Findings: The value-added elements are specified, from the idea generation to the commercialization of the innovative product. The expenses for the calculation items and the development phases of the innovative product are estimated. Practical Implications: Categories of the innovation-based economy development, as "innovation", "innovative product", and "value" are not sufficiently studied. Intensive discussions are taking place in the scientific community regarding what an innovative product is and how its value is formed. A specific result of intellectual activity, at the initial stage of its formation represents an idea that is difficult to be estimated. Originality/Value: The problematics for further research of value formation of innovative products depending on their specific nature is put.The article was prepared in the course of carrying out research work within the framework of the project part of the state task in the field of scientific activity in accordance with the task No. 26.2758.2017 / PCh (26.2758.2017 / 4.6) for 2017-2019 on the topic "System for the formation and distribution analysis of the value of innovative products based on the infrastructure concept".peer-reviewe

Efficacy of lorlatinib in lung carcinomas carrying distinct ALK translocation variants: The results of a single-center study

Background: Lorlatinib is a novel potent ALK inhibitor, with only a few studies reporting the results of its clinical use. Methods: This study describes the outcomes of lorlatinib treatment for 35 non-small cell lung cancer patients with ALK rearrangements, who had 2 (n = 5), 1 (n = 26) or none (n = 4) prior tyrosine kinase inhibitors and received lorlatinib mainly within the compassionate use program. Results: Objective tumor response (OR) and disease control (DC) were registered in 15/35 (43%) and 33/35 (94%) patients, respectively; brain metastases were particularly responsive to the treatment (OR: 22/27 (81%); DC: 27/27 (100%)). Median progression free survival (PFS) was estimated to be 21.8 months, and median overall survival (OS) approached to 70.1 months. Only 4 out of 35 patients experienced no adverse effects; two of them were the only subjects who had no clinical benefit from lorlatinib. PFS and OS in the no-adverse-events lorlatinib users were strikingly lower as compared to the remaining patients (1.1 months vs. 23.7 months and 10.5 months vs. not reached, respectively; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). ALK translocation variants were known for 28 patients; there was no statistical difference between patients with V.1 and V.3 rearrangements with regard to the OS or PFS. Conclusion: Use of lorlatinib results in excellent disease outcomes, however caution must be taken for patients experiencing no adverse effects from this drug