Aluminum is widely used in many industries like automotive, aerospace and construction because of its low weight, good mechanical strength and resistance to corrosion. This resistance comes mainly from a passive oxide layer that forms on its surface. However, when aluminum is exposed to harsh environments, especially those containing chloride ions in marine environments, this layer can break down and lead to localized corrosion, such as pitting. This study examined aluminum profiles at different processing stages, including homogenization and aging, anodizing and pre-anodizing followed by painting. Corrosion behavior of samples was studied using two electrochemical methods. Potentiodynamic polarization was used to measure corrosion rate and current density, while Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) helped to understand the behavior of protective layers and corrosion progression. Tests were carried out in a 3.5% NaCl solution at room temperature. EIS results were analyzed using equivalent circuit models to better understand electrochemical processes. Overall, this study shows how surface treatment affects corrosion resistance and highlights advantages of EIS in studying corrosion behavior in a more reliable and repeatable way.

A simple and versatile chemical solution deposition process is reported to manipulate the wettability properties of copper sheets. The whole process has the advantage of being time-saving low cost and environment-friendly. An adherent silver coating was achieved under optimal conditions. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to examine the silver film structure. A confocal microscope was used to record the 3D topography and assess the film roughness of the surface. A dual morphology was revealed, consisting of broad regions with feather-like structured morphologies and some areas with spherical morphologies. Such silver-coated copper samples exhibited a sufficiently stable coating with superhydrophobicity, having a maximum water contact angle of 152°, along with an oleophilic nature. The corrosion behavior of the produced hydrophobic copper under optimal conditions was evaluated by means of potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) using a 3.5% NaCl solution. The corrosion protection mechanism was elucidated by the proposed equivalent circuits, indicating that the superhydrophobic silver coating acted as an effective barrier, separating the Cu substrate from the corrosive solution. The superhydrophobic coating demonstrated enhanced anti-corrosion properties against NaCl aqueous solution in relation to the copper substrate as indicated from both EIS and potentiodynamic polarization experiments.

This paper explores the motives, barriers and the facilitators of adults' participation in two training programs, organized by the Center of Training and Lifelong Learning (KE.DI.VI.M.) of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. 215 trainees completed the qu e stionnaire in the first program, entitled `Training of Lifelong Learning Adult Trainers', while 70 students having attended the second program 'Vocational Education and Training: Specialization of Adult Executives, Teachers and Trainers' completed the questionnaire. It was found that the professional and personal development arc the main reasons for participating in training. Regarding the barriers, the situational and institutional ones are the most important factors for non-participation in the training. Regarding the facilitators to participation in training, distance learning, recognition of certifications acquired from participation to training programs, salary's improvement and dissemination of seminars taking place are the main facilitators for participating in lifelong learning programs.

This article presents the implementation and the evaluation of the blended learning program Training of Lifelong Learning Adult Trainers, which was organized by the Center of Training and Lifelong Learning of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece, during the last two years (2016-2017). The aim of the training program was to give the opportunity to adult trainers to certify their educational competence and update their knowledge in the field of adult education, enhancing their employability. After the completion of the program, the trainees assessed the implementation methodology, the educational content, the microteachings, the quality, and the organization of the program. The results of the evaluation showed that the program was of a high level, flawlessly organized, and with excellent educational material, while the blended learning model worked effectively, receiving positive reviews by the participants. It was concluded that blended learning is indeed adequate in adult educational programs increasing the participation and facilitating adult trainees to better integrate their learning experiences.

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