Xiaobo Wang, Zhipeng Li, Wen Zhan, Jesong Tu, Xiaohua Zuo, Xiangyi Deng and Boyi Gui
This study aims to expand the reliability and special functions of lightweight materials for high-end equipment and green manufacturing, so that it is the first such research to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to expand the reliability and special functions of lightweight materials for high-end equipment and green manufacturing, so that it is the first such research to carry out nano-composite technology of nickel-coated carbon nanotubes (Ni-CNTs)-based titanium-zirconium chemical conversion on aluminum alloy substrate.
Design/methodology/approach
Corrosion behavior of various coatings was investigated using dropping corrosion test, linear polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that the corrosion resistance of the nano-composite conversion coatings was significantly improved to compare with the conventional titanium-zirconium conversion coating. The morphology and microdomain characteristics of the nano-composite conversion coatings were characterized by SEM/eds/EPMA, which indicated that the CNT or Ni-CNTs addition promoting the integrity coverage of coatings in a short time.
Findings
Surface morphology of titanium-zirconium (Ti-Zr)/Ni-CNT specimens exhibited smooth, compact and little pores. The nano-composite conversion coatings are mainly composed of Al, O, C and Ti elements and contain a small amount of F and Zr elements, which illuminated that CNT or Ni-CNT addition could co-deposit with aluminum and titanium metal oxides.
Originality/value
The study of corrosion resistance of nano-composite conversion coatings and the micro-zone film-formation characteristics would be provided theoretical support for the development of basic research on surface treatment of aluminum alloys.
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In these times of globalisation, distances are getting smaller, enhancing the interactions between people of different cultural backgrounds. This is especially true in the area of…
Abstract
In these times of globalisation, distances are getting smaller, enhancing the interactions between people of different cultural backgrounds. This is especially true in the area of tourism, a field that is shaped by manifold communication activities. The enormous increases in the numbers of Chinese tourists visiting Europe and other Western destinations require building up intercultural competencies to minimise conflicts and promote mutual understanding. It is therefore necessary to question one’s own cultural view, which is why the debate surrounding de-Westernisation is of crucial importance. The metaphor of the atmosphere – in Chinese qifen – offers a helpful access point to strengthen mutual understanding, because it creates a bridge between eastern and western thinking. Paul Watzlawick (1967) developed his well-known five axioms of communication, the second of which states that every communication has both content and a relational aspect, and the latter classifies the former. This chapter shows why the atmospheric dimension of communication should be established as the third axiom in order to understand communication holistically.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of the China–North Korea alliance that has been often described as “Lips and Teeth” or “Blood Tied.”
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of the China–North Korea alliance that has been often described as “Lips and Teeth” or “Blood Tied.”
Design/methodology/approach
In order to make accurate assessment of the China–North Korea relations, this paper conducts indepth historical analysis of the relations. The relations between two countries were formed in 1940s and lasts until today.
Findings
However, by looking into the history of two countries, this paper argues that the bilateral relations are not an extraordinary but an ordinary state-to-state relations dictated by national interests. Changes in their calculus of national interests affect their relations. They cooperate with each other when they see mutual benefit in doing so and tension arises when there is a conflict of interests. What should be noted is that the changes in the nature of relations is different from the deterioration in the relations. Recent improvement of their relations supports this paper’s argument.
Originality/value
This paper suggests new look at the China–North Korea relations that has been considered as an extraordinary relations. The findings of this paper suggest that the alliance relation is not different from other state-to-state relations where conflict and cooperation occurs based on their national interests.
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Qi Yang, ZhiQiang Feng, RuanBing Zhang, YunPu Wang, DengLe Duan, Qin Wang, XiaoYu Zou and YuHuan Liu
This study aims to develop a green, economical and efficient ultrasonic-/microwave assisted extraction (UMAE) process for the extraction of anthocyanins.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a green, economical and efficient ultrasonic-/microwave assisted extraction (UMAE) process for the extraction of anthocyanins.
Design/methodology/approach
After optimizing the extraction conditions by response surface methodology, three assays including DPPH, ABTS·+, FRAP were applied to analyze the antioxidant activity of the extracted anthocyanins. The stability under different temperatures, reductant concentrations and pHs was also discussed. The components of anthocyanins in blueberry were analyzed by HPLC-QTOF-MS2.
Findings
The optimal extraction parameters were ultrasonic power of 300 W, microwave power of 365.28 W and solid–liquid ratio of 30 (g/mL). The possible structures can be speculated as Delphinidin-3-O-galactoside, Delphinidin, Petunidin, Delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, Petunidin-3-O-glucoside, Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. The results demonstrated that the UMAE can improve the yield of anthocyanins in shorter extraction time with higher activity.
Originality/value
The present study may provide a promising and feasible route for extracting anthocyanins from blueberries and studying their physicochemical properties, ultimately promoting the utilization of blueberry anthocyanins.