State Control Research Articles

Navigating Tensions between Authoritarian Governance and Human Rights: Towards a Business and Human Rights Regime within China’s Dual-State Context

ABSTRACT This article examines the intricate dynamics between authoritarian governance and human rights within the context of China’s evolving business and human rights (BHR) regime. Utilizing Ernst Fraenkel’s dual-state framework and new institutional theory, the study delves into the mechanisms through which China navigates the tensions between state control and the global human rights agenda. Through expert interviews and analysis of policy documents and digital media, the research uncovers the roles of government-organized non-governmental organizations, NGOs, and businesses in shaping China’s BHR landscape. The findings suggest that despite the challenges posed by China’s authoritarian system, institutional actors are taking a strategic and evolutionary approach to foster a BHR regime. This is characterized by a complex interplay between the normative and prerogative states, reflecting a nuanced adaptation of BHR principles within China’s political and legal framework. The article contributes to broader discourse on the integration of human rights into business practices in authoritarian contexts, offering insights into the potential for institutional change and the advancement of human rights within such regimes.

Acute high-intensity muscle contraction moderates AChR gene expression independent of rapamycin-sensitive mTORC1 pathway in rat skeletal muscle.

The relationship between mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activation after resistance exercise and acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subunit gene expression remains largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation-induced intense muscle contraction, which mimics acute resistance exercise, on the mRNA expression of AChR genes and the signalling pathways involved in neuromuscular junction (NMJ) maintenance, such as mTORC1 and muscle-specific kinase (MuSK). The gastrocnemius muscle of male adult Sprague-Dawley rats was isometrically exercised. Upon completion of muscle contraction, the rats were euthanized in the early (after 0, 1, 3, 6 or 24h) and late (after 48 or 72h) recovery phases and the gastrocnemius muscles were removed. Non-exercised control animals were euthanized in the basal state (control group). In the early recovery phase, Agrn gene expression increased whereas LRP4 decreased without any change in the protein and gene expression of AChR gene subunits. In the late recovery phase, Agrn, Musk, Chrnb1, Chrnd and Chrne gene expression were altered and agrin and MuSK protein expression increased. Moreover, mTORC1 and protein kinase B/Akt-histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC) were activated in the early phase but not in the late recovery phase. Furthermore, rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1, did not disturb changes in AChR subunit gene expression after muscle contraction. However, rapamycin addition slightly increased AChR gene expression, while insulin did not impact it in rat L6 myotube. These results suggest that changes in the AChR subunits after muscle contraction are independent of the rapamycin-sensitive mTORC1 pathway.

MODERNIZATION OF STATE POLICY IN THE FIELD OF STATE CONTROL (SUPERVISION) OVER ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

The article analyzes the essence of modernization of the State policy in the field of control (supervision) over economic activity with due regard for the changing political and economic situation in the country. The author examines the main conceptual approaches to the definition of basic terms, and also identifies the features and purpose of state control (supervision) in the economic sphere. It is found that the state of the system of control (supervision) over economic activity does not always correspond to the realities of today. Hence, the author concludes that the control system is not always relevant and effective. The author identifies the main problems on the way to modernization of legislation in the field of control (supervision) over economic activity. The author proposes to use adequate means of regulating and controlling economic activity during a special period caused, for example, by a pandemic, military operations on the territory of Ukraine, etc. The author examines the key areas of state policy in the field of legal regulation of control (supervision) over economic activity. The author defines the system of regulatory and legal support of the state policy in the field of control over economic activity at different stages of economic development of the country. The author analyzes the legal acts adopted under the legal regime of martial law aimed at stabilizing the situation in the economic system of our country.

Transfer of solitons and half-vortex solitons via adiabatic passage

We show that the transfer of matter-wave solitons and half-vortex solitons in a spin-orbit coupled Bose-Einstein condensate between two (or more) arbitrarily chosen sites of an optical lattice can be implemented using the adiabatic passage. The underlying linear Hamiltonian has a flat band in its spectrum, so that even sufficiently weak interatomic interactions can sustain well-localized Wannier solitons which are involved in the transfer process. The adiabatic passage is assisted by properly chosen spatial and temporal modulations of the Rabi frequency. Within the framework of a few-mode approximation, the mechanism is enabled by a dark state created by coupling the initial and target low-energy solitons with a high-energy extended Bloch state, like in the conventional stimulated Raman adiabatic passage used for the coherent control of quantum states. In real space, however, the atomic transfer between initial and target states is sustained by the current carried by the extended Bloch state, which remains populated during the whole process. The full description of the transfer is provided by the Gross-Pitaevskii equation. Protocols for the adiabatic passage are described for one- and two-dimensional optical lattices, as well as for splitting and subsequent transfer of an initial wave packet simultaneously to two different target locations. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Deciphering the new governance experiment of dilapidated neighborhoods in China: A case of Xi'ma New Village, Wuhan

Approximately 100 million residents in Chinese cities inhabit former work-unit neighborhoods and municipal housing areas. Since the 1990s, the state has retreated from the direct provision of neighborhood services. However, as the alternative approach, commercialized property management has largely failed in these neighborhoods, leading to their gradual decline into “dilapidated neighborhoods.” Consequently, the poor living conditions and inadequate services severely constrained the well-being of these residents. Recently, new governance experiments have emerged in dilapidated neighborhoods across Chinese cities, warranting significant attention and exploration. Drawing on fieldwork and interviews conducted from 2019 to 2023 in Xi'ma New Village, Wuhan City, this research investigates the evolving governance shaped by affordable property management. Our findings indicate that, first, when sponsoring dilapidated neighbourhoods for affordable property management, the state's rationale is to address the crisis and alleviate social tensions; second, state leadership is reinforced through a multi-scalar governance network surrounding property management; third, in this case, the process of how the state achieved the above goals through deploying and mobilizing market and society exemplifies “state entrepreneurialism” in Chinese cities. Thus, the study offers nuanced insights, particularly at the neighborhood level, enabling readers to understand the evolving governance modalities in Chinese cities, especially in the context of (re)increasing state control and leadership.

Therapeutic potential of Bergenin in the management of neurological-based diseases and disorders.

Originally sourced from plants, Bergenin has been used as a medicinal compound in traditional medicine for centuries, and anecdotal reports suggest a wide range of therapeutic uses. Naturally-occurring and lab-synthesized Bergenin, as well as some of its related compounds, have been shown in in vivo and in vitro studies to alter activity of several enzymes and proteins critical in cellular functioning, including reelin, GSK-3β, Lingo-1, Ten-4, GP-43, Aβ 1-42, P-tau, SOD1,2, GPx, Glx1, NQO1, HO1, PPAR-ɣ, BDNF, VEGF, and STAT6. Additionally, Bergenin alters levels of several cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β. Behavioral and cellular effects of Bergenin have been shown to involve PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, PKC, Nrf2, and Sirt1/FOXO3a pathways. These pathways, enzymes, and proteins have been shown to be important in normal neurological functioning, and/or dysfunctions in these pathways and proteins have been shown to be important in several neuro-based disorders or diseases, which suggests that Bergenin could be therapeutic in management of neuropsychiatric conditions or neurological disorders. In preclinical studies, Bergenin has been shown to be useful for the management of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, anxiety, depression, addiction, epilepsy, insomnia, stroke, and potentially, state control. Our review aims to summarize current evidence supporting the conclusion that Bergenin could play a role in treating various neuro-based disorders and that future studies should be conducted to evaluate the mechanisms by which Bergenin could exert its therapeutic effects.

Quantum subspace controllability implying full controllability

In the analysis of controllability of finite dimensional quantum systems, subspace controllability refers to the situation where the underlying Hilbert space splits into the direct sum of invariant subspaces, and, on each of such invariant subspaces, it is possible to generate any arbitrary unitary operation using appropriate control functions. This is a typical situation in the presence of symmetries for the dynamics.We investigate whether and when if subspace controllability is verified, the addition of an extra Hamiltonian to the dynamics implies full controllability of the system. Under the natural (and necessary) condition that the new Hamiltonian connects all the invariant subspaces, we show that this is always the case, except for a very specific case we shall describe. Even in this specific case, a weaker notion of controllability, controllability of the state (Pure State Controllability) is verified.

Synthesis and Advanced Applications of Transition Metal Oxides

Transition metal oxide semiconductor materials have gained significant attention in recent years because of their unique electrical, magnetic, and optical features. Transition metal oxides (TMOs) with partially filled d-shells have a wide range of characteristics and play important roles in a variety of technological applications. They are influenced by stoichiometry changes, which alter their physical, chemical, and electrical properties. Controlled synthesis, doping, and post-synthesis treatments can all have an impact on the size, shape, crystal structure, and overall attributes of TMOs. These changes affect applications such as magnetic materials and smart windows. Effective techniques include valence state control, dopants, alloying, structure engineering, nano and defect structuring, and surface modification. This article discusses the synthesis methods, crystal structures, electrical properties, and applications of transition metal oxides, as well as their involvement in cutting-edge technologies such as electronics, optoelectronics, energy storage, and catalysis.

Signed-network-based consensus control for nonlinear multi-agent systems: a dynamic encryption–decryption approach

Abstract This paper is concerned with the bipartite secure control issue for a class of discrete-time nonlinear multi-agent systems under a dynamic encryption–decryption approach. First, the coupling relationships between agents are portrayed through a signed graph topology containing the edges of positive and negative connection weights. Next, the information transmissions between agents and their neighbors are executed via a shared communication network. The dynamic encryption–decryption approach is implemented to transform original signals into ciphertexts. Under the assumption that the signed graph is structurally balanced, a signed-network-based bipartite secure controller is designed to achieve the desired state control for the nonlinear multi-agent system and sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of the desired signed-network-based state controller. Furthermore, a precise definition of the minimum channel capacity is proposed to understand the factors affecting the minimum channel capacity. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated by two simulation examples.

Towards Durability of Redundant Composite Beams

The relevance of the study lies in the methodology improvement of assessing the durability of metal span structures with composite beams via the control for the stress-strain state on the basis of the system redundancy and self-organization. The variation in loads on composite beams of bridge spans during a long operation, is considered herein.Purpose: The aim of this work is to develop a methodology for estimation of durability of composite beams as self-organized systems under load.Research findings: It is shown that redundant composite beams increase their durability and technical utilization.Practical implications: Durability of composite beams with regard to the yield strength delay.

Fuel Efficiency Optimization in Adaptive Cruise Control: A Comparative Study of Model Predictive Control-Based Approaches

This work investigates the fuel efficiency potential of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) systems, focusing on two optimization-based control approaches for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. In particular, this study compares two model predictive control (MPC) designs. In the first approach, a strictly quadratic cost is adopted, and fuel consumption is indirectly minimized by adjusting the weights assigned to state tracking and control effort. In the second approach, a fuel consumption map is explicitly included in the MPC cost function, aiming to directly minimize it. Both approaches are compared to a globally optimal benchmark obtained with dynamic programming. Although these methods have been discussed in the literature, no systematic comparison of their relative performance has been conducted, which is the primary contribution of this article. The results demonstrate that, with proper tuning, the simpler quadratic approach can achieve comparable fuel savings to the approach with explicit fuel consumption minimization, with a maximum variation of 0.5%. These results imply that the first alternative is more suitable for online implementation, due to the more favorable characteristics of the associated optimization problem.

Multi Combustor Turbine Engine Acceleration Process Control Law Design

Abstract Focusing on the collaborative fuel supply and acceleration problem of multi combustor turbine engine, a variable geometry composite regulation acceleration control law design method based on the combination of compressor intermediate stage air bleed(CIB) and low-pressure turbine guide vanes(LTGV) is proposed. The multi combustor collaborative fuel supply law and variable geometry regulation law during acceleration process are obtained by Particle Swarm Optimization-Sequence Quadratic Program (PSO-SQP) optimization, and the composite regulation acceleration control strategy of dual/single combustion chamber idle acceleration process is explored. The multi combustor acceleration process simulation results indicate that the variable geometry composite regulation method can effectively alleviate the stability margin limitation of the compressor during the initial acceleration stage. Compared with conventional acceleration methods, the maximum relative reduction in acceleration time of our method reaches 26%; Enhancing the combustion exergy efficiency during the acceleration process can significantly improve the engine's acceleration performance.; For the acceleration process from single combustion chamber idle operation to normal operation of a dual combustion chamber, simultaneous fuel supply from both combustion chambers during acceleration has a shorter acceleration time. The research results of this paper can provide important references for the design of transition state control systems for multi combustor turbine engines.

Impact of Experimentally Induced Pain on Logical Reasoning and Underlying Attention-Related Psychophysiological Mechanisms

Background. Pain is known to negatively impact attention, but its influence on more complex cognitive abilities, such as logical reasoning, remains inconsistent. This may be due to compensatory mechanisms (e.g., investing additional resources), which might not be detectable at the behavioral level but can be observed through psychophysiological measures. In this study, we investigated whether experimentally induced pain affects logical reasoning and underlying attentional mechanisms, using both behavioral and electroencephalographic (EEG) measures. Methods. A total of 98 female participants were divided into a pain-free control group (N = 47) and a pain group (N = 51). Both groups completed the Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) task, with EEG recordings capturing task-related power (TRP) changes in the upper alpha frequency band (10–12 Hz). We used a mixed design where all participants completed half of the APM task in a pain-free state (control condition); the second half was completed under pain induction by the pain group but not the pain-free group (experimental condition). Results. Logical reasoning performance, as measured by APM scores and response times, declined during the experimental condition, compared to the control condition for both groups, indicating that the second part of the APM was more difficult than the first part. However, no significant differences were found between the pain and pain-free groups, suggesting that pain did not impair cognitive performance at the behavioral level. In contrast, EEG measures revealed significant differences in upper alpha band power, particularly at fronto-central sites. In the pain group, the decrease in TRP during the experimental condition was significantly smaller compared to both the control condition and the pain-free group. Conclusions. Pain did not impair task performance at the behavioral level but reduced attentional resources, as reflected by changes in upper alpha band activity. This underscores the importance of incorporating more sensitive psychophysiological measures alongside behavioral measures to better understand the impact of pain on cognitive processes.

DESAFIOS JURÍDICOS NA REGULAMENTAÇÃO DAS CRIPTOMOEDAS SOB A CONSTITUIÇÃO BRASILEIRA

The research addresses the "Legal Challenges in the Regulation of Cryptocurrencies under the Brazilian Constitution", with the objective of analyzing the legal difficulties related to the regulation of cryptocurrencies in the country. In addition, it seeks to investigate how these digital currencies align with constitutional principles, examine their impact on the Brazilian economy and the security of the business environment, and propose recommendations for adequate regulation. The research problem can be summarized in the following question: In what way does the regulation of cryptocurrencies, in light of the Brazilian Constitution, influence the individual guarantees of citizens and the legal security of the system? The regulation of cryptocurrencies in Brazil presents significant challenges in the legal and constitutional context. Although these virtual currencies play a growing role in the global economy, their decentralized nature, lack of state control, and volatility generate uncertainties that directly affect the Brazilian legal system. The research uses a bibliographical approach, based on academic studies, doctrines, and legislation, aiming to offer a critical view on the subject and contribute to the legal debate around cryptocurrencies in the national scenario.

Governmentality at the urban grassroots: governing from below in an informal settlement

ABSTRACT In urban informal settlements, the state’s material presence is often thought to be marginal or even absent. However, the state can be very much present in different forms even when its material presence might be seemingly absent. Examining the ways governing rationalities of the state may circulate and get reproduced in spaces of informality can thus offer a nuanced understanding of how the informal is governed in the everyday at the urban grassroots. Using Foucauldian notions of governmentality as an analytical lens, this paper examines the governing rationalities and subjectivities of urban citizenship that residents of an informal settlement reproduce in their everyday expressions and spatial practices of self and neighbourhood management. Drawing on empirical data from ethnographic fieldwork in Dhaka, the paper reveals how by reproducing the logics of the state at the urban grassroots, the settlement residents in effect reproduce state control within conditions of informality.

Application of Advanced Algorithms in Port State Control for Offshore Vessels Using a Classification Tree and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making

This article examines the methods and application of classification trees and multi-criteria decision-making in the process of holding offshore vessels in port (Port State Control—PSC). This work aims to improve the efficiency and precision of the control processes in the detention of offshore vessels by using advanced analytical methods. Methodologically, a classification decision tree was used to identify the most important risk factors, enabling a faster and more accurate assessment of the possibility of detaining offshore vessels in port. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) also enabled the simultaneous assessment of multiple factors, ensuring a balanced, robust, accurate, and objective approach. The research results show that the integration of these methods into the PSC process can significantly increase the safety of shipping and reduce the operating costs of offshore vessels. The application of these analytical tools can lead to a more systematic and transparent inspection process. This paper suggests further research and training of inspectors in the use of these techniques to maximize their applicability and effectiveness. Finally, this paper emphasizes the potential of classification trees and MCDM for safer and more efficient maritime transport by improving PSC procedures.

Tangent Space Generators of Matrix Product States and Exact Floquet Quantum Scars

The advancement of quantum simulators motivates the development of a theoretical framework to assist with efficient state preparation in quantum many-body systems. Generally, preparing a target entangled state via unitary evolution with time-dependent couplings is a challenging task and very little is known about the existence of solutions and their properties. In this work we develop a constructive approach for preparing matrix product states (MPS) via continuous unitary evolution. We provide an explicit construction of the operator that exactly implements the evolution of a given MPS along a specified direction in its tangent space. This operator can be written as a sum of local terms of finite range, yet it is in general non-Hermitian. Relying on the explicit construction of the non-Hermitian generator of the dynamics, we demonstrate the existence of a Hermitian sequence of operators that implements the desired MPS evolution with an error that decreases exponentially with the operator range. The construction is benchmarked on an explicit periodic trajectory in a translationally invariant MPS manifold. We demonstrate that the Floquet unitary generating the dynamics over one period of the trajectory features an approximate MPS-like eigenstate embedded among a sea of thermalizing eigenstates. These results show that our construction is not only useful for state preparation and control of many-body systems, but also provides a generic route towards Floquet scars—periodically driven models with quasilocal generators of dynamics that have exact MPS eigenstates in their spectrum. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Optical control of topological end states via soliton formation in a 1D lattice

Abstract Discrete spatial solitons are self-consistent solutions of the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation that maintain their shape during propagation. Here we show, using a pump-probe technique, that soliton formation can be used to optically induce and control a linear topological end state in the bulk of a Su–Schrieffer–Heeger lattice, using evanescently-coupled waveguide arrays. Specifically, we observe an abrupt nonlinearly-induced transition above a certain power threshold due to an inversion symmetry-breaking nonlinear bifurcation. Our results demonstrate all-optical active control of topological states.

Control of the parameters of thermosetting binders directly during the molding of products made of polymer composite materials

For aviation binders at the moment there is no necessary methodological base on the basis of which it is possible to control the conditions of their curing by viscosity, reaction rate and glass transition temperature in real time. The paper presents a method of control of thermosetting binder parameters directly during the molding process. The epoxy binder VSE-59 was studied. A mathematical model of the relationship between the frequency maximum parameter of the imaginary component of the electrical impedance and the degree of curing is given, the results of dielectric analysis are compared with laboratory methods (differential scanning calorimetry and rheometry). It is shown that the convergence of the values of the degree of conversion is high. Rheological and dielectric analyses revealed a direct correlation between electrical and rheological properties in the range of injection temperatures. Equations were determined and coefficients were experimentally selected to describe the correlation between viscosity and glass transition temperature and dielectric parameters, which provides the possibility of their control in real time. The obtained results can be used to create a hardware and software base, which makes it possible to control the state of the binder at each moment of the process of forming products from polymer composite materials, as well as to carry out optimization to eliminate the emergence of conditions of uneven polymerization. Realization of the detailed control of the binder state in different parts of the product will allow to carry out verification of calculations, to predict and avoid the occurrence of warping and, accordingly, to increase the quality of composite products.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ЦИФРОВЫХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ В ОБЛАСТИ КОНТРОЛЬНО-НАДЗОРНОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ

The issues of the development of digital technologies in the field of activities of control (supervisory) bodies in the Russian Federation are considered. The main stages of the introduction of information systems in the process of state and municipal control are presented. The digital tools developed as a result of the process of a risk-based approach to ensuring security are examined. An overview of the system of pre-trial appeal of the inspections results and data on the impact on the relevance of the information technology mechanism are presented. The unified control types register is considered from the point of view of a business facilitation tool. Problematic issues in the implementation of digital technologies are also touched upon.