State Power Research Articles

Critical Power and Maximal Lactate Steady State in Cycling: "Watts" the Difference?

From a physiological perspective, the delineation between steady-state and non-steady-state exercise, also referred to as the maximal metabolic steady state, holds paramount importance for evaluating athletic performance and designing and monitoring training programs. The critical power and the maximal lactate steady state are two widely used indices to estimate this threshold, yet previous studies consistently reported significant discrepancies between their associated power outputs. These findings have fueled the debate regarding the interchangeability of critical power and themaximal lactate steady state in practice. This paper reviews the methodological intricacies intrinsic to the determination of these thresholds, and elucidates how inappropriate determination methods and methodological inconsistencies between studies have contributed to the documented differences in the literature. Through a critical examination of relevant literature and by integration of our laboratory data, we demonstrate that differences between critical power and themaximal lactate steady state may be reconciled to only a few Watts when applying appropriate and strict determination criteria, so that both indices may be used to estimate the maximal metabolic steady-state threshold in practice. To this end, we have defined a set of good practice guidelines to assist scientists and coaches in obtaining the most valid critical power and maximal lactate steady state estimates.

Victory Day in Russia: Performative patriotism and state discourse

Victory Day celebrations in Russia have frequently been characterized as a vehicle for state militarism, particularly in the context of the full‐scale invasion of Ukraine. This article challenges the notion that the state is the sole proprietor of this national holiday. Drawing on recent ethnographies of Victory Day, the article argues that a trend towards patriotic performativity increasingly defines public celebrations. This trend has two outcomes: strengthening participants’ sense of national community while reinforcing statist discourse – even among the holiday's critics. By examining the relationship between the Russian state and Victory Day, the article illuminates the crucial distinction between a reiterated, performative victory and the realities of actual warfare. This analysis contributes to broader discussions on collective memory, state power and the role of public celebrations in shaping national identity in post‐Soviet contexts.

Through the Lens of Neoclassical Realism: Understanding the Decline in Malaysia– India Relations Under Mahathir 2.0

This article suggests that since the end of the Cold War, Malaysia’s foreign policy towards a rising India has significantly intertwined with its overarching hedging calculations vis-à-vis the burgeoning power competition between the United States and China. Hedging, based on the conceptualization of Dr Cheng-Chwee Kuik, incorporates a largely structure-induced logic that encompasses a survival-driven, risk-averse and insurance-seeking behaviour to ensure the survival of less powerful states without putting all eggs in one great power’s basket due to concerns over future uncertainty. While the US and China are the most immediate and consequential structural factors impacting Malaysian foreign policy, Kuik presents the concept of dominance-denial as a sub-element of hedging, where a less powerful state aims to forge positive and functional ties with all major powers in the system based on its economic and security interests. Strengthening ties with India has been crucial in Putrajaya’s dominance-denial strategy. However, while Malaysia–India economic and defence ties continued to grow since the 1990s, bilateral relations backslid in 2019 due to former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed’s provocative stance towards New Delhi, leading to a considerable decline in economic relations. Therefore, this article seeks to theoretically explain these constraints in the relations between Putrajaya and New Delhi through a neoclassical realist lens in order to supplement Kuik’s hedging framework.

Sliding mode-based direct power control of unified power quality conditioner

The Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) is a promising solution for mitigating multiple Power Quality(PQ) issues in distribution systems, including harmonics, poor power factor, voltage sag/swell and voltage imbalance. The conventional Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) in UPQCs suffers from wide switching frequency variations, chattering problems, and inherent active and reactive power coupling. This study proposes a nonlinear control method, Sliding Mode-based Direct Power Control (SMC-DPC), for the simultaneous regulation of the shunt and series compensators in a UPQC. By optimizing voltage vector selection based on real-time power errors, the proposed method effectively mitigates chattering, and reduces switching frequency variations, and ensures precise tracking of instantaneous active and reactive powers even in the presence of coupling effects. The proposed approach simplifies the system design and improves steady state and dynamic power tracking. The simulation results in MATLAB Simulink® on a 20 kVA system demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a source current THD of 1.52%, compared to 2.31% for conventional SMC and 5.11% for linear controller. Furthermore, the method is robust to grid parameter variations and demonstrates satisfactory performance in both strong and weak grids. In weak grids, the proposed method reduces the line losses by 13.71% and 14.54% compared to SMC and linear controller respectively. The reported results comply with international standards such as IEEE-519 and IEC 61000-3-12, confirming effectiveness of SMC-DPC for enhancing PQ in distribution system.

Observation of widely separated soliton molecules in a mode-locked Yb-doped fiber laser operating with net anomalous dispersion

This paper investigates the generation and characterization of soliton molecules (SM) in a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) mode-locked Yb-doped fiber laser with a linear cavity. By adjusting the pump power, both single-pulsing (SP) and double-pulsing (DP) states can be achieved. The observed soliton molecules are highly stable, with minimal temporal jitter despite being separated by 1.56ns. While SM have been observed in many different cavities this is one of the few reports in a Fabry–Perot cavity rather than a ring cavity and again most previous observations of soliton molecules having been in the anomalous dispersion regime. This configuration thus provides detailed and valuable insights into the behaviour of SM, shedding light on their formation, stability, and dynamics. This study contributes to understanding long range soliton interactions in fiber lasers, with potential implications for applications such as multi-bit transmission, bit storage, and pump-probe experiments to study the dynamics of chemical reactions.

Broadband nanotubes-based nonlinear modulators for erbium- and thulium-doped lasers

Carbon-based nanomaterials have become a long-term research hotspot in the fields of material science and nanotechnology. Carbon nanotubes as one-dimensional nanomaterials have shown great application value in the fields of electronics and optoelectronics. Herein, stable mode-locked pulsed lasers in both 1.5- and 2-μm bands were achieved by combining and balancing the stimulated emission effect of rare-earth ions and saturable absorption effect of carbon nanotubes. In the Er-doped fiber laser, pulses with a SNR of 61 dB and a peak power of 2.97 W were achieved at the wavelength of 1565.8 nm. Meanwhile, bound states were observed in the same laser, where the time delay of pulses was adjustable from 9.84 to 21.77 ps by tuning the pump power and polarization state. In the Tm-doped laser, output pulses were obtained at the wavelength of 1921.0 nm with a 60-dB SNR and a 12.82-W peak power. These results demonstrate that carbon nanotubes are ideal candidates for saturable absorber in mode-locked fiber lasers, which can be applied to a variety of applications, including fiber optic sensing, optical communication, and nanoscale processing.

Constant Current Precharging Algorithm for Solid State Power Controllers

Constant Current Precharging Algorithm for Solid State Power Controllers

Experimental investigation of steady state power balance in double null and single null H mode plasmas in MAST Upgrade

Global power balance calculations in steady state H mode plasmas varying the distance between separatrices (drsep) and the divertor configuration have been performed in MAST Upgrade. As drsep becomes more negative, more of the power crossing the separatrix goes to the lower divertor. The inner divertor receives a higher fraction of the power exhaust in a Super-X divertor plasma compared to a conventional divertor plasma at similar negative drsep, which is a concern for high power devices employing alternative divertor configurations for power exhaust handling. Global power accounting suggests >30% of the input power is unaccounted for with the power loss channels quantified in this work. Charge exchange and orbit losses from the NBI could account for a large fraction of unaccounted power but it is not possible to precisely determine this without further diagnostic calibration.

GaN Solid State Power Amplifiers for Microwave Power Transfer and Microwave Heating

GaN Solid State Power Amplifiers for Microwave Power Transfer and Microwave Heating

Political Expression in Non-mainstream Metaphorical Music:Exploring the Metaphorical Musical Works of Hong Kong, China-based Artist Wong Yiu Ming

The intensification of authoritarian ideology and censorship in China has made it increasingly challenging to communicate politically sensitive messages through cultural products (Ye and Zhao, 2023). To navigate these constraints, it is crucial to examine the strategic use of political metaphors in music. This dissertation explores the political metaphors embedded in the musical oeuvre of Wong Yiu-Ming (Anthony Wong), a prominent artist from Hong Kong, China. Through a comprehensive analysis of imagery and textual content, this study investigates how these metaphors facilitate the expression of political orientations and assesses the impact of Wong's identity and actions on his audience. The findings suggest that non-mainstream music holds a distinct political significance compared to mainstream music. Metaphorical representations in non-mainstream music effectively challenge state power by circumventing censorship, leveraging the global industrial network, enabling political expression, and aligning with the artist's multifaceted identity.

Geopolitical Aspects of Demographic Processes: Development of Scientific Ideas of L. L. Rybakovsky

Demographic processes play a key role in the formation of the geopolitical picture of the world. Population size, its age structure, growth rates and migration flows have a significant impact on the economic power of states, their military potential and their ability to project power in the international arena. This article examines contemporary and historical views on the significance of demographic factors in the geopolitical competition of countries and the measurement of a state's national power. The study covers both contemporary and historical aspects of the issue. The paper provides a systematic review of the evolution of scientific views on the significance of demographic factors in the geopolitical context. Particular attention is paid to modern methodological approaches to measuring the national power of a state considering demographic indicators. The article offers a critical analysis of existing models for assessing geopolitical influence based on demographic factors and considers their applicability in the context of global demographic transformations. The study also addresses topical issues of the impact of demographic trends on the geopolitical strategies of states in the 21st century, including the problems of population aging, migration processes and demographic imbalances between developed and developing countries. Special attention is paid to the analysis of geopolitical aspects of demographic processes in the works of the outstanding Russian demographer L.L.Rybakovsky. The paper considers the key concepts of the scientist, including demographic security, the geopolitical significance of migration processes, the relationship between demography and spatial development of Russia, as well as the role of demographic policy as an instrument of geopolitical influence.

Integrating drumming, body percussion, sound therapy, and trance therapy into Subconscious Energy Healing Therapy (SEHT) for Peak Performance

This comprehensive concept note delves into the potential of combining drumming, body percussion, sound therapy, and trance therapy within the framework of Subconscious Energy Healing Therapy (SEHT) to enhance peak performance. By leveraging the distinct and synergistic effects of rhythmic and sound-based interventions, along with the deep transformative power of trance states, this approach aims to optimize mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Each component is explored in detail, emphasizing their individual contributions to the mind-body connection, emotional release, and subconscious healing. The note further addresses the current gaps in their application and offers strategic recommendations for the adoption of this integrative therapy by corporations and the general public, highlighting its wide-ranging benefits on both the mind and body.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПРОВЕДЕНИЯ ИНДУСТРИАЛИЗАЦИИ В СССР (1928-1930-Е ГГ.): ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ДОРЕВОЛЮЦИОННОГО ПРОМЫШЛЕННОГО ПОТЕНЦИАЛА И СОЗДАНИЕ НОВЫХ СОЦИАЛИСТИЧЕСКИХ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЙ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ КЛИНЦОВСКОГО ОКРУГА ЗАПАДНОЙ ОБЛАСТИ)

The article reveals the possibility of using the pre-revolutionary industrial potential for the restoration, reconstruction, and commissioning of former enterprises of the cloth and match industry in the Western region, created by Old Believers and co-religionists in the XIX-early XX century in the Russian Empire, then belonging to the territory of the northern counties of Chernihiv province. In the Soviet period (late 1920-1930), due to the change in the administrative and territorial division, they became part of the Western Region of the RSFSR. The course towards industrialization, taken by the XIV Congress of the CPSU (b), assumed the creation of a strong, powerful industrial state in the Country of the Soviets, not inferior in its potential to Western countries. To this end, there was a change in the administrative and territorial division within the country, the creation of districts uniting several regions into a single industrial area. This was the Klintsovsky district of the Western region, which assumed not only the creation of new industrial enterprises, but also in nd the restoration and reconstruction of the former ones. Reliance on internal reserves, loans from the population, and the training of their own personnel should have contributed to the transformation of the backward Western region into an agrarian-industrial one. In the post-war period, factories built by Old Believers and co-religionists became new industrial socialist enterprises, the basis of the industrial potential of the southwestern districts of the Bryansk region in 1930-1980.

Транспарентность и политические риски: вызовы и перспективы для российской государственной системы

The article analyzes the problems of political risks and transparency of state power, paying special attention to domestic and foreign research in this area. The author points out the insufficient systematization and understanding of political risks in Russian science. Special attention is paid to the concept of transpar-ency as a key principle of the functioning of modern government. The article examines examples of legal regulation of transparency in countries such as Australia, the Netherlands and New Zealand. The author emphasizes the importance of creating a balanced system where transparency must be combined with the need to protect national security. In addition, the article discusses the problem of "double standards" in international politics, considered as an instrument of information warfare and a means of manipulating public consciousness.

Legality - Theory and Practice

Legality is a multifaceted, complex legal phenomenon. This phenomenon is central to legal theory and can be considered from many different aspects: political - ideological, economic - social, ethical, and legal. Law is the method of organizing and exercising state power, the principles of organization and operation of agencies, organizations, officials, civil servants, and the behavior of individuals. Today, under the impact of the market economy, misconducts, corruption, and legal violations tend to increase, so it is necessary to apply synchronous solutions to strengthen the legality

The Ngirri Regulatory Society and Power Reinforcement in Local Governance in the Mbum-land Northwest Region, Cameroon: ca. 1800 - 1902

Besides many others, Ngirri, as a regulatory society in the African context in general and specifically in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, is a political institution that regulates state power. This happened more especially in the pre-colonial states, where each chiefdom or kingdom was a state on its own. In contemporary African society, such regulatory role has been greatly reduced, as regulatory societies have been reduced to mere socio-cultural groups. The problem that necessitated this study is the fact that Ngirri’s regulatory role has been diminished by the intruding Europeans, to such a point that its preponderant activities have been misinterpreted and viewed as secret and it has been finally referred to as a secret society. This study therefore sought to trace its origin, develop its evolution in the Mbum-land, bring out its contribution towards local governance, and show the challenges it faced in reinforcing the power of the traditional government in the pre-colonial Mbum society. To accomplish this, the article primarily utilized the qualitative method of analysis. Consequently, it made use of oral tradition and interviews, as well as archival materials and other primary, secondary, and tertiary sources. These sources were cross-checked against each other in order to be certain of the facts. The findings were that Ngirri did not play only a social role. Most importantly, it played a governmental role as the executive arm of the traditional government. It therefore facilitated local governance in the Mbum traditional states through its inclusive handling of issues.

PECULIARITIES OF INFORMATION AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT IN DECISION-MAKING WITHIN GOVERNMENT BODIES

The modern world is increasingly entering the era of an information society, where the role of information becomes ever more significant. Information is accumulating rapidly and in large volumes, so quickly that people struggle to process and thoroughly comprehend the incoming information flow, leading to an overall reduction in usable information. In order to process relevant data effectively in the context of professional or other activities today, it is no longer sufficient to rely solely on traditional administrative experience to make informed management decisions. It is essential to incorporate scientific knowledge, comprehensive awareness, analytical and forecasting skills, as well as socio-political responsibilities, with an appropriate recognition of these processes. This is particularly relevant for public administration bodies—both central and regional levels of executive state power—and increasingly for local government authorities, which are gaining more authority as part of the decentralization process. In Ukraine, in particular, the ideology and framework for interaction between the state and society are changing, with an increased use of decentralization mechanisms that delegate specific functions and powers from state bodies (to varying degrees) to the level of territorial communities and even to civil society. The purpose of this article is to define the peculiarities of information and analytical support in the decision-making process within government bodies. The article systematizes approaches to information and analytical support in public administration. It identifies the subjects and objects of the information and analytical support system in state management processes and specifies the goals of such support. It justifies the need to highlight the key elements of the information and analytical support system for public administration. The article also outlines the principles guiding information and analytical activities conducted by government and local authorities. Levels of information and analytical work are established, taking into account the temporal dimension. Furthermore, the article identifies issues with information and analytical support in government bodies in Ukraine and suggests ways to address these challenges.

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Economic diplomacy serves as a key tool of foreign policy aimed at promoting and protecting a state's economic interests. In the context of globalization and an open economy, states strive to utilize economic diplomacy to foster sustainable development, create jobs, and attract foreign investment. Modern geopolitica l and geo-economic challenges require a reevaluation of traditional approaches to economic diplomacy, including strengthening the role of the state and regional organizations.The article presents classic theories of international relations, regional studies, and politic a l science used to study economic diplomacy: realism, neorealism, liberalism, neoliberalis m, and constructivism, as well as political elites. It demonstrates that realism, which focuses on the role of the state as the primary actor in international relations, is actively employed in the study of economic diplomacy. Neorealism expands the understanding of state power and acknowledges the importance of international organizations. Liberalism emphasizes interstate cooperation and institutiona l mechanisms. The inclusion of business representatives in official visits supports neoliberal theory. Constructivism, in continuation of neoliberalism's tenets, analyzes internationa l and regional relations through the lens of identity and the perception of actorstowards one another.The main conclusions of the article underscore the necessity of an integrative and interdisciplinary approach to the study of economic diplomacy, as well as the importance of revisiting and diversifying approaches and concepts in light of contemporary globa l transformations.

Decomposition of a parallel automaton into a net of sequential automata and low power state assignment of them at asynchronous implementation

Objectives. The problems of decomposition of a parallel automaton into a net of sequential automata at synchronous realization and low power race free state assignment of them are considered. The objective of the paper is to investigate the possibilities of applying decomposition in state assignment of partial states in order to decrease the problem dimension taking into account the peculiar properties of the asynchronous realization.Methods. The given parallel automaton is decomposed into a net of sequential asynchronous automata whose states are assigned then with ternary vectors. The power consumption lowering of the designed device is achieved by lowering the intensity of its memory elements switching that is appreciated by probabilities of transitions between the states of the automaton. The state assignment is reduced to the problem of minimal weighted cover. The probabilities of transitions between sets are calculated by means of solving a system of linear equations according to the Chapmann – Kolmogorov method.Results. A method to construct a net of sequential asynchronous automata that realizes the given parallel automaton is described. The paper touches upon the problem of minimization of interconnections in the net.Conclusion. Applying parallel automaton decomposition allows decreasing the dimension of the laborious problem of state assignment. The proposed method is intended for application in computer aided systems for design of discrete devices.

Voices From the Fringes: The Eco-Poetics of Niger Delta Women

To say that the Niger Delta literature or the poetics of extraction in the Delta has attracted numerous scholarly engagements is an understatement. However, most of the critical works written about the Niger Delta have been by male writers such as Gabriel Okara, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Tanure Ojaide, Ogaga Ifowodo, Nnimmo Bassey and others who are known for drawing attention to the environmental despoilment and the suffering of the various Indigenous communities of the Delta. In this article, I am interested in the framing of the Delta by female poets from the region. Building on Gayatri Spivak’s concept of the subaltern, I ask, are Niger Delta women writing? And if so, how do they contextualise women and nature in their poetic imagination? Mindful of the complexities in the region, what literary devices do they employ to aid their navigation of the murky confluence of state power, multinational corporations, and environmental degradation that abounds in the region unabated? This work applies the theoretical positions of ecofeminist scholars to the close reading of select poems from Sophia Obi’s Tears in a Basket (2005), Ekaete George’s Saints and Scoundrels (2018), and Iquo DianaAbasi’s Coming Undone as Stitches Tighten (2021).