Influence of morphology on the dynamic mechanical characteristics of PP-EP/EVA/organoclay nanocomposites

A study on the dynamic mechanical properties of polypropylene copolymer/ethylene–vinyl acetate/organoclay (PP-EP/EVA/C20A) nanocomposites is presented. Nanocomposites were obtained by melt blending. Morphology consisting of intercalated–exfoliated clay nanolayers preferentially located within the EVA phase was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Polar groups of vinyl acetate in the EVA facilitated the polymer–clay interactions. Changes in the glass transition temperature (T_g) were correlated with changes in the clay intercalation–exfoliation levels. The highly reinforced with intercalated–exfoliated clay layers EVA phase was considered as the origin of the improvement on mechanical properties of the ternary nanocomposites and is associated with the increase on viscosity, heat deflection temperature (HDT), and storage modulus.     

Do digital inclusive finance,innovation, and entrepreneurship activities stimulate vitality of the urban economy? Empirical evidence from the Yangtze River Delta,China

This research empirically analyzes the impact of digital inclusive finance on urban economic vitality in Yangtze River Delta, China. The findings are as follows. 1) The development of digital inclusive finance significantly boosts the economic vitality of urban areas. 2) The promotion effect of digital finance on urban economic vitality varies regionally, as such vitality is more strongly impacted by the overall degree of digital inclusive finance development in core areas than it is by that in non-core areas. 3) The economic impact of digital inclusive finance has a clear spatial spillover, whereby an increase in digital financial inclusion in one region boosts the economic vitality of neighboring regions. 4) The total levels of innovation and entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial activity, and innovation activity all have a double threshold effect in the threshold model, indicating that digital inclusive finance has a leapfrog-promoting influence on urban economic vitality via an increase in innovation and entrepreneurship levels. Future developments in digital technology should therefore be fully embraced, and the state of inclusive digital finance should be enhanced. Governments and relevant authorities can target to advance the leadership roles of innovation and entrepreneurship and raise the contribution of mass entrepreneurship and innovation to urban economic growth.     

Exergy analysis and optimization of a HT-PEMFC using developed Manta Ray Foraging Optimization Algorithm

This paper analyzes the efficiency of a high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) by calculating the output voltage of the cell in different working conditions, using the semi-experimental relationships. The irreversibility and the exergy efficiency of the fuel cell is calculated under different working conditions and the effect of temperature and pressure has been studied. To achieve optimal design for the PEMFC, its parameters are optimized based on irreversibility, exergy efficiency, and its work. The system optimization is applied by a modified version of the Manta Ray Foraging Optimization Algorithm. The suggested algorithm is then compared with other algorithms from the literature and also simulation results and showed a high agreement between the suggested algorithm and the simulation results.     

Mobile ICT support for construction process improvement

This paper brings together the visions for information and communications technologies (ICT) in construction and the changing requirements of the construction industry. Drawing on case studies, previous research and future scenarios outlined by research road mapping projects, it illustrates how the areas identified as having potential for improvement can be addressed through the use of mobile IT. This vision is then developed into a scenario for communicating to industry professionals the construction site of the future. Their feedback on this scenario is used to assess the viability of the research propositions within mainstream construction. Finally, the paper examines the implications for the construction industry should the vision for the future be adopted; the potential for new islands of automation; the effects on our human resources; and the potential impact on knowledge management initiatives.     

食品安全监管主体责任研究

近年来,经济高速发展,人们的生活水平稳步提升,人民对食品安全提出了更高的要求。本文从政府、企业、行业协会和公众四方主体对食品安全监管负有的法律责任入手,指出当前政府监管存在一些职责划分不清、事前预防不到位和伦理精神和责任意识缺失的问题;企业违法成本低、内部监督控制存在弊端和社会责任意识亟需加强的问题;行业协会和公众参与积极性不高的问题。针对以上问题,本文提出,政府主体应首先立足于监管体制建设,坚持依法行政,加强问责,同时加强政府伦理责任建设;其次从法律角度,应加大对食品安全违法犯罪行为的惩治力度,增加违法成本,引入惩罚性赔偿;同时企业应重视内部监督控制,做好企业内部的检查、评价和备案工作。重点应鼓励和引导行业协会与社会公众积极参与,挖掘二者在食品安全监督中的监管潜力。