Dominant Force Research Articles

Platformized production of homonationalism: An ethnography of queer media production in China

Queer media production research, almost exclusively conducted in the western context, predominantly focuses on the queer-capital interplay and overlooks the role of the state in contexts where the state remains the dominant force in limiting LGBTQ rights. In bridging queer media production with homonationalism, this paper presents an ethnographic account of Danlan, the longest-lasting commercial queer media in China. We demonstrate that Danlan is experimenting with a nationalism-infused, non-confrontational, and de-westernized approach to LGBTQ visibility that requires it to align with the Chinese authority and distance from the framework of LGBTQ advocacy deemed western. Situated in the context of platformization, homonationalism also functions as a template for workers at Danlan to facilitate everyday production while minimizing political risks and increasing traffic, which further complicates its social-political implications. We understand this form of homonationalism as a quotidian platform practice that relies on intentional self-depoliticization and alignment with the state to sustain itself.

Abelmoschus manihot gum improves the water retention capacity of low-salt myofibrillar protein gels: Perspective on aggregation behaviour and conformational changes during heating

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Abelmoschus manihot gum (AMG) on the water retention capacity of low-salt myofibrillar protein (MP) gel by analysing its aggregation behaviour and conformational changes during heating (30–80 °C). The results revealed that AMG significantly increased the water holding capacity and facilitated the formation of a more uniform gel network structure in low-salt MP gel (P < 0.05). During the heat-induced gelation process, the solubility of low-salt MP significantly decreased, whereas its turbidity evidently increased as the level of added AMG increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the dynamic rheological behaviours indicated that low-salt MP-AMG gels underwent early denaturation and unfolded at 58 °C, finally forming an irreversible three-dimensional network at 80 °C. Moreover, adding AMG promoted α-helix-to-β-sheet transition in low-salt MP and decreased its fluorescence intensity during the heating process. Hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonds were the two dominant forces governing the formation and maintenance of low-salt MP gel. The present study provides theoretical guidance for the production of novel low-salt healthy meat products.

Factors Influencing Consumer Loyalty: A Study in the Tech Industry

Since Apple’s 2010 release of the revolutionary iPhone 4, the brand has become a dominant force in the tech industry, fostering high customer loyalty through its integrated, secure ecosystem. This study aims to explore the factors driving Apple’s consumer loyalty in Malaysia, focusing on brand experience, brand innovativeness, social influence, perceived value, and brand trust. Primary and secondary data were collected, and a digital survey of 150 Malaysian Apple users provided insights into their loyalty determinants. Using regression analysis, the findings reveal that perceived value and brand trust significantly and positively impact consumer loyalty, while brand experience, brand innovativeness, and social influence show minimal influence. With an R-squared value of 0.596, the model suggests that nearly 60% of loyalty variance is explained by these factors, highlighting perceived value and trust as critical components. These results imply that Apple should prioritize enhancing perceived value and maintaining brand trust to strengthen consumer loyalty in competitive markets. Future research could explore additional factors like sustainability and community engagement to provide a fuller understanding of loyalty drivers in the tech industry

Valorization of apple pomace: Structural and rheological characterization of low-Methoxyl Pectins extracted with green agents of citric acid/sodium citrate

Traditional production of low-methoxyl pectin (LMP) is labor-intensive and environmentally harmful. This study explores using citric acid/sodium citrate as a green extractant for valorizing LMPs from apple pomace. Two types of pectin, AP-5 and AP-8, were extracted at pH 5.0 and 8.0, resulting in LMPs with methoxylation degrees of 42.33 % and 34.68 %, respectively. Monosaccharide composition and SEC-MALLS analysis revealed that APs are rich in arabinose side chains and contain heterogeneous fractions, while FTIR spectra confirmed their low-methoxyl structure. Compared to the commercial low-methoxyl pectin, APs exhibited higher critical pH but lower critical Ca2+ levels for acid- and Ca2+-induced gels, where hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions were the dominant intermolecular forces. Notably, AP-8 and AP-5 demonstrated superior stability in acid- and Ca2+-induced gels. Additionally, combined acidic and Ca2+ conditions enhanced the gel strength and stability of APs. These findings highlight the potential of APs in developing novel, particularly low-calorie, food products.

Impact of Cloud Computing in Finance Graphs

The financial sector, which serves as the backbone of the global economy, has undergone significant transformation with the adoption of cloud computing. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the connection between cloud computing and finance, drawing insights from an in-depth review of scholarly articles in the Scopus database. As financial institutions navigate evolving customer demands, regulatory challenges, and the need for innovation, cloud computing has emerged as a dominant force. It has ushered in a new era where competition is reshaped and operational efficiency is prioritized. The introduction highlights the critical role cloud computing plays in enhancing the financial landscape. Traditionally, financial institutions have been complex and resource-heavy systems, but they now face the pressing need for digital transformation. Cloud technology's scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency offer a guiding light for organisations aiming to reimagine their operations in this digital era. This paper examines not just the evolution but the profound shift in which cloud technology becomes a key driver in redesigning the way financial services are developed, delivered, and experienced. Keywords—cloud computing, AWS, machine learning, finance.

Deciphering the evolution of thermodynamic properties and their connection to the global kinematics of high-speed coronal mass ejections using FRIS model

ABSTRACT Most earlier studies have been limited to estimating the kinematic evolution of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and only limited efforts have been made to investigate their thermodynamic evolution. We focus on the interplay of the thermal properties of CMEs with their observed global kinematics. We implement the Flux rope Internal State model to estimate variations in the polytropic index, heating rate per unit mass, temperature, pressure, and various internal forces. The model incorporates inputs of 3D kinematics obtained from the Graduated Cylindrical Shell (GCS) model. In our study, we chose nine fast-speed CMEs from 2010 to 2012. Our investigation elucidates that the selected fast-speed CMEs show a heat-release phase at the beginning, followed by a heat-absorption phase with a near-isothermal state in their later propagation phase. The thermal state transition, from heat release to heat absorption, occurs at around 3($\pm$0.3) to 7($\pm$0.7) $R_\odot$ for different CMEs. We found that the CMEs with higher expansion speeds experience a less pronounced sharp temperature decrease before gaining a near-isothermal state. The differential emission measurement (DEM) analysis findings, using multiwavelength observation from Solar Dynamics Observatory/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly, also show a heat release state of CMEs at lower coronal heights. We also find the dominant internal forces influencing CME radial expansion at varying distances from the Sun. Our study shows the need to characterize the internal thermodynamic properties of CMEs better in both observational and modeling studies, offering insights for refining assumptions of a constant value of the polytropic index during the evolution of CMEs.

Preparation and performance characterization of insoluble dietary fiber-alginate-pea protein ternary composite gels

Increased consumption of plant-based foods and better utilization of by-products could reduce the environmental impact of food consumption. In this study, IDF-SA-PPI ternary composite gels were prepared by a pH-controlled method by adding IDF (insoluble dietary fiber from bamboo shoot by-products) to pea protein isolate (PPI)-sodium alginate (SA) binary gels. The effects of pH and IDF content on the properties of PPI-SA binary gels were systematically investigated. Textural analysis, water retention measurements, and rheological studies showed that the IDF-SA-PPI hydrogels exhibited high gel strength, water retention capacity, and energy storage modulus. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated the appearance of new absorption peaks in the ternary composite gels, suggesting that hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions were the dominant molecular forces. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the addition of IDF enhanced the thermal stability of the gels. Additionally, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) analysis revealed that IDF facilitated the conversion of free water to immobilized water within the gel matrix. The advanced ternary composite hydrogel was natural, sustainable, and robust, exhibiting significant potential as a multifunctional material across various applications. Additionally, it could enhance the utilization of bamboo shoot by-products in the food processing industry.

Size-based separation of fine mineral particles using inertial microfluidics: A case of jarosite and anglesite

Many metal phases in industrial hazardous waste coexist as fine mineral particles (FMPs, with particle sizes of 0.01 μm–10 μm) in a physical mixture, making conventional methods unable to achieve separation. Advanced microfluidics has demonstrated its potential in the separation of FMPs, as exemplified by jarosite and anglesite. Our study innovatively proposed an inertial microfluidic method for the separation of FMPs by force difference in curved microchannels, thus produced two distinct migration behaviors and subsequent separation. In addition, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation model was constructed to predict and analyze the migration behavior and separation trend of FMPs through flow field simulation and particle trajectory tracking. The results indicated that 2.1 μm and 3.6 μm small particles migrated to the outer outlet of the microchannel due to the dominant Dean vortex force, while 7.2 μm and 9.4 μm large particles migrated to the inner outlet relying on inertial focusing. At a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min, the separation efficiency of 3.6 μm jarosite and 9.4 μm anglesite has achieved a leap from 0 % to 60.7 %. This discovery provided feasibility and insights into the application of microfluidic technology for particle separation, and offered enormous potential for practical iron residue treatment.

Extremes and Short‐Term Fluctuations in Coastal Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia

AbstractIn Eastern boundary upwelling systems, such as the California Current System (CCS), seasonal upwelling brings low oxygen and low pH waters to the continental shelf, causing ocean acidification and hypoxia (OAH). The location, frequency, and intensity of OAH events is influenced by a combination of large‐scale climatic trends, seasonal changes, small‐scale circulation, and local human activities. Here, we use results from two 20‐year long submesoscale‐resolving simulations of the Northern and Southern U.S. West Coast (USWC) for the 1997–2017 period, to describe the characteristics and drivers of OAH events. These simulations reveal the emergence of hotspots in which seasonal declines in oxygen and pH are accompanied by localized short‐term extremes in OAH. While OAH hotspots show substantial seasonal variability, significant intra‐seasonal fluctuations occur, reflecting the interaction between low‐ and high‐frequency forcings that shape OAH events. The mechanisms behind the seasonal decreases in pH and oxygen vary along the USWC. While remineralization remains the dominant force causing these declines throughout the coast, physical transport partially offsets these effects in Southern and Central California, but contributes to seasonal oxygen loss and acidification on the Northern Coast. Critically, the seasonal decline is not sufficient to predict the occurrence and duration of OAH extremes. Locally enhanced biogeochemical rates, including shallow benthic remineralization and rapid wind‐driven transport, shape the spatial and temporal patterns of coastal OAH.

Binary collision dynamics of immiscible Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid droplets

This experimental and theoretical study is devoted to the investigation of head-on collisions of two immiscible Newtonian and non-Newtonian droplets. The density of the two droplets is similar, and the viscosity of 0.3% carboxymethyl cellulose droplet is slightly larger than 10 cSt silicone oil. The sizes and relative velocity of the colliding droplets close to the point of impact are measured by means of image processing. The deformed states after the impact and their evolution with time are studied by experimental visualization and the energy evolution with time are discussed by numerical results. The accuracy of the two-dimensional axisymmetric three-phase flow computational model is validated. We study the effects of collisions of non-Newtonian droplets with Newtonian droplets and the subsequent retraction kinetics. Droplet “cannibalization” is commonly observed: after collision and spreading, the droplet retracts rapidly, resulting in a Newtonian droplet wrapping around a non-Newtonian droplet. We show the whole process of droplet collision captured by a high-speed camera and obtain the cloud and velocity vector maps of the droplets by numerical simulation. The droplet wrapping phenomenon is produced by different three-phase interfacial tensions and viscosities. We delineate the different phases of the collision process and discuss the dominant forces in each phase. We calculate the energy evolution of the spreading phase and use it to derive a predictive model for the dimensionless maximum spreading diameter and spreading time.

The Dominance of TikTok in Shaping Online Purchasing Intention

In recent years, TikTok has emerged as a dominant force in the realm of social media, captivating millions worldwide with its short-form video content. This paper explores the significant influence of TikTok on consumers' online purchase intentions. Through an examination of relevant literature and empirical studies, the paper elucidates the mechanisms through which TikTok impacts consumer behavior and decision-making processes. It delves into the role of user-generated content, influencer marketing, and algorithmic recommendations in shaping consumer preferences and driving purchase intentions on the platform. Additionally, the paper discusses the unique features of TikTok, such as its immersive and engaging format, personalized content delivery, and seamless integration of e-commerce functionalities, which contribute to its efficacy as a persuasive tool for brands and marketers. Furthermore, the paper highlights the implications of TikTok's dominance for businesses seeking to leverage the platform for marketing purposes and outlines strategies for effectively harnessing its potential to enhance online sales and brand engagement. Overall, this paper sheds light on the transformative influence of TikTok in the digital landscape and underscores its pivotal role in shaping contemporary consumer behavior and purchase intentions.

Effects of soybean insoluble dietary fiber and CaCl2 on the structure and properties of low-moisture extruded products.

Texturized vegetable protein is currently a leading alternative to animal meat. This study examined the effects of soybean insoluble dietary fiber (SIDF) (0% to 20%) and CaCl2 (0% to 1%) on the structure and properties of extruded products made from a soybean protein isolate-wheat gluten (SPI-WG) composite. The study showed that SIDF (4% to 8%) increased the viscosity of extruded products, enhanced their specific mechanical energy, and improved their rehydration rate and tensile strength compared with a control group. The rehydration rate of the extruded products reached a maximum value of 331.67% in the 8% SIDF, 0.5% CaCl2 groups. The addition of excess SIDF prevented the cross-linking of protein molecules to form a loose network structure. Analysis of the infrared spectrum and intermolecular forces showed that physical interactions between fibers and proteins were the dominant forces, with hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds primarily maintaining the structure of the extruded products. The addition of CaCl2 (0.5%) led to protein aggregation and further improved the rehydration and tensile strength of extruded products. Soybean insoluble dietary fiber can improve the rehydration rate and quality of extruded products. The addition of CaCl2 mitigated the weakening of the protein structure caused by excess SIDF. These results provide a basis for the improvement of the quality of low-moisture-extruded texturized vegetable protein products with a high dietary fiber concentration and a high rehydration rate. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Export Dilemma of China under the WTO Framework: An Anti-Dumping Study on the Determination of Market Economy Status

As China emerges as a dominant force in the global economy, the issue of non-market economy status has become a key issue, particularly in the face of biased anti-dumping measures enforced by other nations. These measures have seriously affected China's export-oriented economy by creating substantial trade barriers. The essay utilizes a blend of literature review, comparative analysis, and data examination, drawing on historical experience and the legal principles and rules as outlined in the WTO agreements. The results show that although China has achieved certain advancements in pursuing acknowledgment of its market economy status, it still faces significant challenges due to political and economic factors.This essay will discuss anti-dumping measures exert considerable pressure on businesses operating within developing economies, and on this basis, it will provide corresponding thoughts and suggestions for China to secure the market economy status, and for Chinese enterprises not to be hit by it as far as possible.

A novel optimization‐based modal pushover analysis procedure for estimating the response of structures

AbstractIn recent years, studies have focused on the seismic behavior of various structural systems, including single‐ and double‐layered spatial structures. While nonlinear dynamic analyses are common for these studies, they are time‐consuming and complex. To address this, many pushover procedures have been developed, but their effectiveness in spatial structures remains underexplored. This study introduces an optimized lateral loading profile for evaluating the seismic response of walled bilayer spatial structures. By combining dominant inertial forces and optimizing their corresponding coefficients with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, an optimal loading profile is derived. The method's accuracy was tested on models with varying arch height‐to‐span ratios and a constant wall height‐to‐span ratio, as well as a 15‐story frame structure. The results obtained showed that the proposed method closely matches incremental dynamic analyses (IDAs) in predicting base shear, initial stiffness, and displacements, especially for higher arch height‐to‐span ratios. Additionally, the method accurately estimates drift profiles and nodal displacements on roofs and walls, and performs better than similar mode‐based methods for frame structures.

Viscous shear is a key force in Drosophila ventral furrow morphogenesis.

Ventral furrow (VF) formation in Drosophila melanogaster is an important model of epithelial folding. Previous models of VF formation require cell volume conservation to convert apically localized constriction forces into lateral cell elongation and tissue folding. Here, we have investigated embryonic morphogenesis in anillin knockdown (scra RNAi) embryos, where basal cell membranes fail to form and therefore cells can lose cytoplasmic volume through their basal side. Surprisingly, the mesoderm elongation and subsequent folding that comprise VF formation occurred essentially normally. We hypothesized that the effects of viscous shear may be sufficient to drive membrane elongation, providing effective volume conservation, and thus driving tissue folding. Since this hypothesis may not be possible to test experimentally, we turned to a computational approach. To test whether viscous shear is a dominant force for morphogenesis in vivo, we developed a 3D computational model incorporating both accurate cell and tissue geometry, and experimentally measured material parameters. Results from this model demonstrate that viscous shear generates sufficient force to drive cell elongation and tissue folding in vivo.

Lattice Boltzmann modeling of forced imbibition dynamics in dual-wetted porous media

Forced imbibition dynamics are critical for enhancing recovery rates in reservoirs, as efficient fluid displacement directly impacts resource extraction. This study employs the Zou-He velocity boundary condition and a modified convective boundary condition (mCBC) within the multi-component Shan-Chen lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), thus facilitating unobstructed flow of multi-component fluids at the outlet while maintaining constant outlet pressure. The model's validity was established through outflow tests of immiscible droplets in channels. Its accuracy was further confirmed by comparing results from forced imbibition dynamics tests in dual-wetted pores with theoretical predictions. A symmetrical porous medium was constructed using the stacking method, achieving dual wettability by fixing the contact angle in the upper region and varying it in the lower region. We performed 20 simulation sets under unfavorable viscosity ratios and varying capillary numbers, focusing on overall displacement efficiency before and after breakthrough, and employing energy balance equations to evaluate the dominant forces. Results reveal that capillary forces predominantly dictate forced imbibition dynamics in low capillary number scenarios. In strongly wetted regions, the invading fluid fully occupies pore spaces; however, in weakly wetted regions, displacement efficiency significantly declines as wettability approaches neutrality, even nearing zero. As capillary numbers increase, viscous forces become more prominent, controlling dynamics and leading to fingering and trapping of defending fluids. In weakly wetted areas, the increasing influence of viscous forces enhances fluid displacement, resulting in significant improvements in overall displacement efficiency compared to conditions dominated by capillary forces.

Decolonization is liberation: Operationalization of decolonial model of counseling using liberation psychology principles with the Latine population(s)

AbstractThe need for culturally affirming mental health interventions for Latine communities has been documented in the literature. Most of this literature centers around best practices, barriers to care, and Latine cultural values. Although much of this literature calls for providing services that acknowledge the specific needs of these communities and value ancestral knowledge, there is a void in the literature when exploring liberatory mental health interventions. Therefore, the present manuscript aims to offer readers a five‐stage counseling model centered on the decolonization process. The model integrates the principles of liberation psychology as interventions and outcomes, beginning with the stages of decolonization presented by Enriquez and further developed by Laenui. Furthermore, the model unpacks the principles of liberation psychology, such as deideologization, and provides bases to challenge the dominant social forces that shape realities. In addition, liberation psychology approaches imply Native counseling approaches, indicating that counselors must be familiar with precolonial cultures. The manuscript ends with recommendations for practitioners and implications for the counseling field, including the need to acknowledge trauma, given that colonization was a violent event.

Adria microplate: a puzzling key stone in west-central Mediterranean geodynamics

The Mediterranean region denotes a special plate tectonic environment as the two big plates, Africa and Eurasia, primarily provide the main frame while the dominant players are the small oceanic basins and the continental micro plates (MP) that for the past 80 Ma was the Adria MP. In this environment slab rollback subduction, orogenic arc formation and rotation of crustal blocks are common. While the tectonic setting and involvement in geodynamic processes of Adria MP might not be unique in global terms, it presents Adria as an ideal natural laboratory to study the geodynamic processes individually and in their combined effects in a generally well-studied and rather wellaccessible region. The current extension of the Adria MP is defined by the continental Moho as far into the bounding orogens as the latter could be confirmed. The slabs surrounding Adria dominate and characterize the geodynamics of this MP and in most cases their geometries and the possible connection with Adria are well defined by tomographic images. The Ionian oceanic lithosphere slab subducting beneath Calabria has been torn off and detached from the very short South Apennines slab remaining attached to Adria. On the southeastern side we observe the Adria slab beneath the Hellenides that seems detached from the Ionian oceanic lithosphere slab of the Hellenic subduction zone. Along the Dinarides a slab gap is observed analogue to the slab window on Adria MP’s western side between the South Apennines and the North Apennines. Encircled by three orogens, the Adria continental lithosphere has been and still is strongly affected by the subductions surrounding it. In the northern part of the Adria MP, the North Apennines slab rollback is the obvious dominant geodynamic force acting locally on the plate while in contrast, the slabs beneath the Eastern Alps and beneath the Hellenides seem stagnant. This study presents a brief overview of the wealth of information aiming to summarize the main constraints on Adria MP available and it discusses some of the questions surrounding this key player in west-central Mediterranean geodynamics.

Characterization of the oil water two phase flow in a novel microchannel contactor equipped with helical wire static mixer

This study investigates an oil/water two-phase system to assess the potential efficacy of a novel passive mixer in enhancing the liquid-liquid interfacial area within a micro-channel contactor. In this system, two fluids are introduced into a microchannel with a diameter of 800 μm and a length of 20 cm, which is equipped with a stainless-steel helical wire measuring 250 μm in diameter. Throughout the experiments, both fluids are supplied at equal flow rates, and the dominant forces, including attachment and detachment forces, are examined. The results reveal a critical Weber number of 3.8 × 10−³, at which the first detachment occurs. A comparison between microchannels with and without the passive micromixer demonstrates that greater slug breakup occurs in the system incorporating the helical wire micromixer. This innovative configuration results in a significant reduction in slug/droplet size compared to a microchannel without a barrier, decreasing from approximately 600 μm to 390 μm at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Additionally, a flow map is presented, illustrating three distinct flow regimes: flow contains long slug, Slug-droplet flow, and droplet flow regimes, with the droplet flow regime covering the largest area. The findings indicate that the implementation of this innovative passive mixer substantially increases the interfacial area, providing significant advantages for mass transfer applications.

A study on active structural acoustic control using force radiation modes

Active Structural Acoustic Control (ASAC) is an effective method for sound radiation control. To solve the coupling effect or inconvenience problems existed in the application of conventional methods, by utilizing the characteristic of intuitive representation of radiated sound power through force radiation modes, the control forces are designed to make the total excitation force vector orthogonal to each dominant force radiation mode. Therefore, an ASAC method by utilizing force radiation modes is proposed, and detailed theoretical research and numerical calculation analysis are carried out. The research results indicate that the control force requirement can be intuitively obtained through the force radiation modes, and decoupled control of radiated sound power corresponding to each force radiation mode is achieved by the proposed method. Thus, the control strategy and system construction can be greatly simplified, and structural acoustic radiation can be effectively controlled.