Plasma sprayed titanium coatings with/without a shroud

Abstract: Titanium coatings were deposited by plasma spraying with and without a shroud. The titanium coatings were then assessed by scanning electron microscopy. A comparison in microstructure between titanium coatings with and without the shroud was carried out. The results showed that the shroud played an important role in protecting the titanium particles from oxidation. The presence of the shroud led to a reduction in coating porosity. The reduction in air entrainment with t he shroud resulted in better heating of the particles, and an enhanced microstructure with lower porosity in the shrouded titanium coatings were observed compared to the air plasma sprayed counterpart

Context sensitivity of regional complex knowledge: From an analytical framework to empirical studies

Regional complex knowledge evolution has become a popular topic in the economic geography literature. Scholars measure regional complex knowledge to explain regional economic complexity or the agglomeration of innovative activities. According to the literature, such knowledge is tacit in nature, and it is mainly static and ingrained in the workers, companies, and institutions of specific locations. While studies have provided valuable insights into the agglomerative spatial patterns of complex knowledge production, making significant advancements in how it is measured and evaluated, they have not addressed the sensitivity of the context of complex regional knowledge in economic geography. To address such a gap, this dissertation aims to advance the understanding of complex knowledge by examining knowledge base combinations. I do so by exploring and comparing knowledge evolutionary processes in two industries in Shanghai: high-end medical devices and electric vehicles. This dissertation makes four main contributions. First, it advances the understanding of complex knowledge from a CKB perspective, providing a complementary approach to measuring complex knowledge in economic geography. Second, it introduces a contextsensitive theory of complex knowledge evolution by combining the concepts of CKBs and ISR. Third, it draws on a recent empirical study of the Shanghai medical device and automobile industries to illustrate the theory and shed light on complex knowledge trajectories and the relations among multiple sectors at the regional level. Fourth, it examines upstream–downstream interactions in the Shanghai medical device and electric vehicle industrial chains, refining complex knowledge research at different spatial scales and transitional contexts

Hybrid vehicles: a temporary step

The presented paper discusses the diffusion of hybrid electric technology in vehicles. It is put into question whether the current strong acceptance of the technology especially by US consumers is of sustainable nature. Therefore, different variables influencing the diffusion of the technology are presented and their influence on the market analyzed. It is found that non-financial criteria drive consumers' buying decisions significantly.The article also presents an overview of company strategies in the field of OEMs and suppliers of hybrid electric components. It is found that most companies integrate hybrid electric vehicles in their technology portfolio. It is concluded that even though hybrid electric technology can not yet being applied profitably yet it seems to be a key technology to the industry due to its current positive perception in the US. However, diesel technology and the intelligent use of cost efficient measures to reduce fuel consumption provide sustainable alternatives.automobile; hybrid technology; innovation; strategy

Technological Solutions for Energy Security and Sustainability

This paper addresses the question: how can we minimize the expected time between now and the time when we achieve three measures of sustainability and security together -- independence from oil in cars and trucks, very deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and deep reductions in natural gas for electricity? Specific new technologies and metrics for progress are discussed, in context, linked to new information from IEEE, NSF, the State of the Future project and other sources

French direct investment in China: A survey report

This paper attempts to explain the economic effects of French direct investment in China on the French economy, based on our survey results using the relative data and case study. The paper begins with a brief description of the scale, location, industries, firms and forms of French direct investment in China, and then explains the economic effects of French FDI in China on both nations, such as the employment and income, import and export, balance of payments, industry hollowing, technological improvement, and others. Finally, the paper provides a case study about the success of Qingdao Hairun Water Supply Corp. Ltd, one of EJV of Sino French Water Development Company Ltd.

Great Surges of development and alternative forms of globalization

The present understanding of globalization is inextricably tied to the free market ideology for both proponents and opponents. This paper will argue that globalization has many potential forms of which the neo-liberal recipe, applied up to now, is only one. Globalization need not be neo-liberal. A pro-development version of globalization has not yet been designed or defended as such. It will be argued that, without it, not only would it be very difficult to relaunch development in the South but also to overcome the present instabilities, imbalances and recessionary trends in the economies of the North.

Reinterpret 4As framework of energy security from the perspective of human security – an analysis of China’s electric vehicle (EV) development

This research addresses two issues: expanding the understanding of human security with the case of China’s electric vehicle (EV) development and examining the human security implications of China’s EV development. This research adopts an online ethnographic method to record very personal driving forces and barriers to China’s EV uptake through the experiences shared by ordinary Chinese people. From a theoretical perspective, this research provides more evidence for the applicability of the broad human security approach in energy security analysis through the case of China’s EV development. By reinterpreting the 4As framework (availability, affordability, accessibility, and acceptability), which is one of the most frequently adopted frameworks in the analysis of energy security on the state level, (Cherp & Jewell, 2014, p. 416), this research challenges the current understanding of human security by demonstrating that threats to human security exist at all levels of development and touch not only the most vulnerable but also people living in well-developed regions in the face of the lasted technological transformation. The analysis of China’s EV development as a strategic energy security consideration sheds some light on the complicated relationship between state and individual security within China’s security discussion. It enriches the understanding of human security by exploring how it has been adapted to the Chinese social and political context. Meanwhile, drawing on the insights from ontological security through the lens of some key indicators (protection, autonomy, and social acceptance), this research emphasises the necessity of incorporating the subjective dimension in human security analysis to capture subjective feelings and psychological factors in everyday security. This research contributes empirically to identifying human security implications of EV development based on the real-life experiences shared by the Chinese people, which may constitute barriers to China’s EV uptake. Informed by the flexible interpretation of security agency offered by the broad human security approach, this research demonstrates that apart from the state’s dominant position as the main security provider, other players, such as carmakers, also play an important role in shaping people’s perceptions of how secure EVs are. Recognising that the misoperation of an automobile can cause serious physical harm to both those on board and other road users, this research argues that ordinary people should not be only considered as the object of protection but also as the agent with the power to exert influence on the security implications of the new technology

Smart product platforming powered by AI and Generative AI : Personalization for the circular economy

Peer reviewe