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Japanese popular culture (pop culture) has penetrated and influenced foreign cultural markets through various means. Japanese city pop music, popular from the 1970s through the 1980s, has charted a new trajectory in this transnational cultural spillover. The attractiveness of the city pop genre was rediscovered abroad; the hit songs were disseminated through social media, which eventually led to a revival of this genre's popularity in Japan. This study refers to this phenomenon as cultural re-importation and proposes some theoretical deliberations to capture it. It recognises that the complex process of re-importation is mediated by digital means of communication, such as social media platforms YouTube and TikTok. This study employs three theoretical perspectives on the cultural spillover mechanism, namely, Japan's soft power, transnational cultural flows, and digital influence. To elucidate these processes empirically, we analysed data from in-depth interviews with 35 young people from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan. Secondary data were collected as well, including online news and media releases. Based on the interview findings, this study posits that cultural re-importation is a complex interplay of several factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

News personalization in one-party dominant countries has been understudied or often analyzed through a Western lens. This study unpacked this phenomenon in one-party dominant country with the theory of leadership cult and soft power and compared news personalization of Xi Jinping in China with that of Donald Trump in the U.S. against the backdrop of the U.S.–China trade conflict. This study also investigated the influence of press ideology, political–geographical scope of news coverage and the trade conflict period on the presence and valence of personalization within each country. Results showed that leadership personalization was less prominent in China than in the U.S. The manifestation of news personalization in the U.S. was affected more by press ideology, while contextual factors, such as news political scope and the conflict period, played bigger roles in China. These findings provide insights into how news personalization is displayed in divergent political and media systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era of heightened geopolitical tension, marked by a dynamic power shift between the West and China, the 2022 Winter Olympic Games emerged as a focal point of diplomatic contention. Several Western nations signalled their dissent through diplomatic boycotts, while China, conversely, seized this platform to strategically enhance its soft power. This paper explores how the Chinese government utilized the 2022 Winter Olympic Games' opening ceremony as a canvas for the portrayal of its national image, and examines the resonance of this portrayal with the global audience. The opening ceremony provided China with an unrivalled opportunity to express its cultural identity, political ideology and aspirations to an international audience. Consequently, this research delves into the intangible aspects of media and image perception, with a particular focus on the role of YouTube as a repository for live streams from the traditional broadcaster, Eurosport. It is crucial to understand that the depiction of national image and its perception by a global audience are not static, but fluid concepts, constantly shaped by the socio-political context. Therefore, this paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of the fluidity inherent in the construction and projection of China's soft power. It sheds light on the intricate choreography of international diplomacy, media strategy and national branding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: As a leading programme aimed at promoting "connectivity" and "exchanges of people," BRI is providing a new avenue to expand China's presence and influence in Latin America and contribute to its rise at the systemic (global) level. Research shows that China's BRI in Latin America is not merely an economic initiative, but offers a combination of economic, political, and strategic objectives and consequences. Purpose: The purpose of the research is to examine China's BRI in Latin America from geopolitical perspectives, as well as its motivations, focuses, and consequences. It contributes to the scholarly discussion by analysing China's BRI in the greater picture of China's rise at the systemic (global) level and examining it through a political economy lens. Approach and methods: The research examines China's BRI in Latin America with a special focus on large‐scale infrastructure projects that may have geopolitical implications and transform the built landscape in the region. The research is based on a critical review of the literature, and especially the Chinese academic literature, government documents, and corporate documents provided by some Chinese companies involved in large‐scale BRI projects. Findings: The research finds that BRI helps China increase its economic and political co‐operation with the states of Latin America. China is increasingly capable of reaping not only economic but also geopolitical benefits from BRI by intensifying economic and, by extension, political relations with Latin America. Policy implications: China's BRI in Latin America looks to obtain not merely economic, but also political and strategic benefits from China's "soft" power. Chinese policy‐makers should be aware that China's "soft power" and interest could be strengthened if BRI could be implemented in accordance with the principles of advancing democratization, "good governance," and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing from an analysis of media coverage of the Olympics from 2012 to 2022, the study posits that international media outfits tend to underreport the performance of non-democratic states despite considerable medal success, and overreport the sporting activities of democracies even if they underperform. We argue that this is due to the international media's normative bias towards a world order that privileges liberal democracy and its adjacent values. Our findings indicate strong support for our hypothesis that the media is not a level playing field in the coverage of sporting events, and that it pays to be a democracy when it comes to soft power gains. Overall, the study contributes to the growing body of literature examining sports as an arena of political contestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the main factors that helped facilitate the transformation of Kuwait from an Emirate ‘Emarah’ (a non‐state) to an internationally recognised state during the rule of Sheikh Abdullah Al‐Salem from 1950 to 1965. It identifies the soft power actions and public relations communication strategies that facilitated the transformation of Kuwait from Sheikhdom to statehood. Sheikh Al‐Salem's strategies set the foundations for Kuwait to become recognised and respected in international affairs, not only in the Middle East but also globally. Data were collected and reviewed from the academic literature, from public records, legal documents, letters, press releases and newspaper and magazine articles as well as songs and TV interviews. The evidence shows that Sheikh Al‐Salem's use of soft power actions and public relations techniques were influential in facilitating the formation of the new state and made Kuwait an important player in the international arena while maintaining Arab nationalism and Islamic values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a modular resonant inverter is proposed for high frequency industrial heating applications. To maintain a uniform heating profile, the inverter is operated in constant power mode. A hybrid voltage and frequency control is proposed. Voltage control is used for active power tracking while frequency control is used to minimise circulating current due to reactive power and to achieve soft switching for the inverter switches. Analytical and test results are shown to verify the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a remarkable confidence in Irish culture right now. In the decade to 2024, Ireland successfully emerged from a devastating recession while overseeing significant investment by the State in the arts. A new generation of artists are shaping Irish identity, forged in the heat of a rapidly growing multicultural population, to construct a new national narrative of Ireland. This paper examines the instrumentalisation of artists in Ireland’s nation brand. Based on interviews with renowned Irish artists, the author applies an autoethnographic approach to capture specific insights from these elite expert informants. The study establishes that artists are complicit in their use of the arts as a tool of soft power. It confirms their unique role in building a nation’s reputation, and engaging international publics with the multiplicity of narratives, within an evolving Irish identity. It calls for a conceptual repositioning of artists as critical co-authors in effective nation branding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document "Digital Walls and Global Bridges: The Paradox of China's Internet Censorship and Its International Cultural Exchange" extensively explores the contradiction between China's strict internet censorship and its global cultural exchange efforts. It investigates the impact of China's digital governance on global perceptions of its culture, diplomacy, and soft power through qualitative interviews with individuals from Iran, Romania, and Spain. The study reveals widespread criticism of China's social media platform censorship, noting a significant decrease in trust in the Chinese government among participants. The research calls for further interdisciplinary studies to understand the complex dynamics between media censorship, public confidence, cultural representation, and international diplomacy, highlighting the necessity for China to reassess its policies toward openness and cultural exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine battlefield environment is the important condition that restricts the effectiveness of maritime weapons and the conduct of military operations. Accurate assessment of environmental impact is the "soft power" for improving maritime combat capability and battlefield construction. Firstly, this paper briefly introduces the marine battlefield environment and its impact assessment. Then, the assessment methods and modeling techniques of battlefield environment are summarized into four categories: dynamic simulation-based assessment method, decision science-based assessment method, data science-based assessment method and uncertain artificial intelligence-based assessment methods, and the above methods are described in detail. Finally, the different methods are compared and the application prospect is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks to invigorate research on state power and influence by focusing on external perceptions. To this end, we quantitatively operationalised a refined theoretical model indicating the potential factors that determine a state's perceived power and influence in two steps. First, we constructed a model based on a six-factor index comprising both hard and soft resources of power. Second, we applied this factorial taxonomy to our country case study—Romania—to test empirically whether our model holds, using original surveys conducted in two neighbouring countries, Ukraine and Moldova. We sought to learn which of these factors is the most impactful and found that a hierarchy of these factors could be established, which varied depending on each country-to-country interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews prominent definitions of global competency, explores the available (though limited) current evidence for its potential benefits, and offers recommendations for framing an understanding of the salience of global affairs education within theories of national security and related practice. The article identifies three potential pathways through which global competency benefits security. First, global competency—especially through phased primary, secondary and tertiary educational models—may contribute to a stronger and more competitive workforce in direct and indirect ways, in turn enhancing a country's innovative capacities and economic and military power and resilience to shocks. Second, global competency can serve as a form of public diplomacy, in turn supporting a country's soft power and global influence. Third, global competency can strengthen domestic institutions, combatting dis/misinformation about global issues and reducing vulnerability to malign actors who aim to leverage inaccurate and fear-based messages about the world to influence and destabilize foreign electorates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate how Qatar Airways' sponsorship of FC Barcelona affects Qatar's sports diplomacy and brand awareness. It focuses on the sponsorship's demand strategy and takes into account the opinions and attitudes of Spanish nationals toward Qatar and Qatar Airways. Design/methodology/approach: To assess this, a survey of 434 Spanish nationals from 17 different regions from four zones (North, South, Center, and East) in Spain between November 3, 2022 and November 21, 2022 was conducted using a strata sampling method. Findings: We argue that Qatar Airways' sponsorship of FC Barcelona serves to improve Qatar's recognition and national reputation in Spain. We also found that there is a need for consistent sponsorship and marketing efforts in sports diplomacy to better fulfill public diplomacy aims. Overall, this paper concludes that Qatar Airways' sponsorship of FC Barcelona positively contributes to the country's sports diplomacy despite significant challenges. Originality/value: The major contribution of this study to the literature is the discussion of the role of sports sponsorships in the recognition of the sponsor, which was assessed through conducting a quantitative analysis of public opinion in the sponsored team's host country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Political & International Approaches / Faṣlnāmah-i Rahyāft/hā-yi Siyāsī va Biyn/almilalī is the property of Shahid Beheshti University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the face of escalating global competition in science and technology, complex product systems (CoPS) have emerged as a significant indicator of comprehensive national strength. The exploration of the catch-up phenomenon holds substantial implications for subsequent development of CoPS. Existing CoPS research often focuses on a single engineering task (such as high-speed rail) and market logic (such as the telecommunications industry), examining the catch-up phenomenon from a single or hard-power perspective. However, the China Manned Space Engineering Application System (CMSEAS), with its significant international influence and dual characteristics of scientific research and engineering development, presents a different scenario. Its market value is difficult to be reflected in a short time, making the relevance of existing research limited. This study selected CMSEAS as a case, and acquired data through interviews, internal meetings, on-site observations, official websites, archives, and other forms. Based on grounded theory, open coding, axial coding, selective coding, and a saturation test were carried out, and a catch-up model of CoPS was constructed by considering various influencing factors. The results show that the catch-up is driven by five major factors: support force is the basic condition for its gradual growth; the management system, technical capability, and human resource are interdependent and serve as the direct drivers of the catch-up; and social influence plays a significant role in propelling the catch-up indirectly. Notably, the setup of a general department, interaction among different factors, cultural soft power, and social influence serve as useful complements to previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Relaciones Internacionales (1699-3950) is the property of Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain, International Relations Studies Group (GERI) Law Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Alternative Politics / Alternatif Politika is the property of Alternatif Politika and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article aims to explore the evolution of the debates surrounding human rights in the discourse(s) of major sporting events (MSEs), particularly the Olympics. The paper will first analyse the western-centric origins of the "universality" of the Olympic philosophy and how it affected the protection and promotion of human rights, as well as addressing practical challenges or limitations faced. It will then focus on unpacking the elements of sportswashing and soft power in the multi-discursive context of sport where power, privilege, politics, and position are (re)produced. In doing so it draws upon the emergent field of Sports Diplomacy as the most appropriate explanatory framework to share in this discourse. Finally, it will explore the potential impact of anti-corruption reforms on the establishment of a meaningful human rights legacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative messages that present logically equivalent information, often referred to as equivalence frames, have been shown to influence readers' opinions on public issues. While equivalence framing has been studied in the context of issue advocacy, exhibiting pervasive effects across domains of decision‐making, little attention has been paid to whether the general public is able to choose these equivalence frames based on the goal of persuasion. Given that framing effects have important implications on democratic decision‐making, this paper reports on experiments that manipulate the strategic goal of policy advocacy (i.e., supporting alternative policy proposals) and ask respondents to select between equivalence frames to enhance the persuasive power of the advocacy toward the specified goal. Findings across three issue topics suggest that for the general adult population, only a small proportion of people were able to select equivalence frames based on the goal of persuasion with most people failing to do so. Also, a follow‐up study with a university student sample showed that familiarity with one equivalence frame over the other was a more consistent predictor of equivalence frame use than the goal of advocacy in communicating policy issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn a manner almost reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire’s frantic search (late nineteenth to early twentieth century) for müstemlekat (colonies) in Africa, modern Turkey seems to have revived its imperialist dreams in contemporary Africa. Following the elaboration of a proactive African foreign policy strategy, Turkey declared 2005 the Year of Africa, and established diplomatic relations with a raft of Muslim-majority African countries (MMACs). While Ghana is not an MMAC, Turkey re-established diplomatic ties with Accra in 2010, heralding a burgeoning relationship. Drawing on the theory of sub-­imperialism in tandem with the diplomacy of architecture (DoA) framework, this work will argue that Turkey has cleverly utilised the symbolism and siting of the Ghana National Mosque Complex (GNMC) to make the most visible and audacious broadcast yet of its imperial intentions in Africa, and in record time. In unpacking the argument my primary interest will be to canvass the view that architectural imprints have become a powerful cultural weapon in the geostrategic soft-power arsenal of recent rising powers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft actuators with unique mechanics have gained significant interests for unique capabilities and versatile applications. However, their actuation mechanisms (usually driven by light, heat, or chemical reactions) result in long actuation times. Reported magnetically actuated soft actuators can produce rapid and precise motions, yet their complex manufacturing processes may constrain their range of applications. Here, the "bone‐in‐flesh" is proposed that constructs combining rigid magnetic structures encapsulated within soft polymers to create untethered magnetic soft actuators. This approach enables these soft, impact‐resistant, agile actuators with a significantly simplified fabrication process. As demonstration examples, multiple soft actuators are fabricated and tested, including actuators for auxetic properties, 2D–3D transformations, and multi‐stable states. As such, this work offers a promising solution to challenges associated with soft actuators to potentially expand their applications in various domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive studies on China’s soft power assets and strategies, the role of symphonic music within its cultural statecraft remains underexplored. This paper introduces the notion of ‘symphonic statecraft’ to examine the targeted and context-specific nature of China’s cultural efforts, focusing on how China adapts this globally recognized art form for its nation-building project. Using mixed methods, the study analyses awards from national composition contests between 1978 and 2012 and the programming choices of the China National Symphony Orchestra from 2006 to 2023 to reveal an environment shaped by selective state sponsorship that allows for artistic autonomy. The findings demonstrate a nuanced interplay between global influences and local interpretations, illustrating how China crafts narratives that interweave its enduring civilizational essence with contemporary aspirations. This evolving strategy absorbs increasingly diverse themes and moves beyond surface-level propaganda while maintaining strategic boundaries, reflecting the process of selective openness in China’s symphonic identity formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iran’s contemporary transnational connection with Turkish Alevis and Shiites has been a curious case. This study examines the perceptions of Alevi, Shiite, and Mutashayyi (converted Shiite) religious minorities in Turkey towards the Islamic Republic of Iran, shedding light on the complex interplay between denominational public opinion and international politics. The research unveils divergent perspectives held by these minority groups through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the ‘opinion-maker’ religious elites. While Alevis, motivated by secularist concerns, shows political opposition to the Iranian regime despite the common religious symbolisms, Shiites and Mutashayyis demonstrate different degrees of sympathy or allegiance towards Iran. The study elucidates the complexities of multi-layered identities and their possible ramifications for international relations. Furthermore, the findings provide insights into the Iranian regime’s soft power potential and dynamics through religious diplomacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines South Korean propaganda aimed at influencing the public towards North Korea through the military-themed drama series Crash Landing on You interspersed with romantic stories typical of Korean dramas. The propaganda techniques used in the drama use glorification and demonization techniques. The purpose of this paper is to analyze South Korean soft power propaganda in the drama series Crash Landing on You. Propaganda in international relations is used as an analytical tool in this study, as well as the meaning of propaganda and propaganda techniques as supporting concepts for this study. The method used is a qualitative method, observations are made by observing the contents of the drama. The type of data used in this study is secondary data in the form of document studies, and the validity of the data is obtained by observing the drama series which is the research instrument. Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that South Korea uses popular culture as propaganda which contains elements of glorification and demonization. Korean dramas are the most easily accepted media and are easier to influence public perception. So through the drama series Crash Landing on You as a propaganda medium and wrapped in romantic stories, which have a significant influence in shaping public opinion about North Korea as a "backward" country and creating a positive image of South Korea. The broadcast of the drama had a negative impact on North Korea because the public increasingly viewed North Korea negatively as a country with a cruel dictator leader. This certainly benefited South Korea because the drama series was quite popular, but it also harmed North Korea because the country's image became worse in the eyes of the world. So from this propaganda, the relationship between the two countries became heated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft power draws attention to the way governments, and other actors, create a positive image of themselves so that they can attract others and influence them. In this article, we examine how Russia and China use education to implement soft power in Tajikistan and the differences between the two approaches. This article examines academic diplomacy and the role of educational programs and research collaboration in the projection of China and Russia's soft power in Tajikistan. We conclude that a latent geopolitical rivalry exists between the two great powers that is manifesting itself in a number of ways. Russia is in a stronger position to project soft power in Tajikistan, and, although the escalation of the war in Ukraine in February 2022 will undermine this influence, China will not displace Russia's soft power in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022 the Confucius Institute (CI), part of China's cultural outreach around the world, found itself at the centre of intense debate in the United Kingdom (UK). Its 30 branches on British university campuses became a symbol of a changed attitude towards a country that had been regarded as a partner, but was increasingly seen as a systemic challenge, or even a threat to national security. In this article, I posit the CI as the bellwether of the bilateral relationship over the past decade (2013–2022), contrasting its images as reflecting the dynamics in the British political environment and the UK's standing in a post-Brexit context. Via content analysis of British media representation of the CI, I interpret China's soft power through the lens of cultural diplomacy and analyse the emerging themes in the stories about CIs in the UK. I highlight the political divergence over attitudes towards the CIs' presence between England and Scotland and examine evidence of their influence in public life and among their target audiences. While CIs in the UK resisted threats of closure, the introduction of new policies in England prompted some distancing from these controversial outposts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indo-Pacific is a geopolitical construct that combines the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, representing the new strategic reality of the twenty-first century. Indo-Pacific is also considered significant for countries as it is a strategic and economic domain with a critical role in maritime security and cooperation. With a strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region, India is now a theatre of opportunity to increase its role regionally and globally. The Indian Ocean carries 90 per cent of India's trade and its energy sources, and nearly 50 per cent of India's trade is centred in the Indo- Pacific region. India's relations with incredible powers, island nations, and smaller littoral states will significantly shape India's Indo-Pacific strategy. Increasing non-traditional threats and growing challenges from rising China are significant drivers of India's policy options in the post-pandemic world. India's soft power diplomacy and bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the region continue to be decisive factors for security and balance of power in the post-pandemic scenario. Thus, the geo-strategic environment of the Indo-Pacific in the post-pandemic era is crucial for India and the countries in the Indo-Pacific region as a whole for their growth, development, and security. Thus, this paper explores India's crucial role in ensuring the security and equilibrium of the post-pandemic Indo-Pacific through a comprehensive analysis of its strategic initiatives and regional dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New crises that have erupted this decade, such as COVID-19 and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have led the European Union (EU) to wake up to the need to expedite certain decision-making processes. This would allow it to play a more geopolitical role on the international stage and move past the traditional European approach of soft power as a means of influence. To do so, it is essential to advance towards greater geopolitical capabilities that enable true strategic autonomy in areas such as security and defence: new challenges must be met with different strategies and instruments. This paper examines the functioning, potential institutionalisation and capacities of the European Political Community (EPC) as a driver of a geopolitical Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-energy soft x-ray diagnostic is planned to operate in the small aspect ratio tokamak (SMART), consisting of five cameras: one for core measurements, two for edge, and two for divertors. Each camera is equipped with four absolute extreme ultra-violet diodes, with three of them filtered by Ti and Al foils for C and O line emissions, respectively, and Be foils for temperature measurements. In addition, two spectrometers will be installed with a vertical line of sight for impurity control. This study introduces a synthetic model designed to characterize radiated power and soft x-ray emissions. The developed code extracts the radiated power and Zeff values by leveraging distributions of electron density, temperatures, and impurity concentrations. The investigation is centered on the predicted scenarios of SMART's first phase of operation (Ip = 100 kA; Bt = 0.1 T), employing a double-null configuration with positive and negative triangularity. The anticipated impurities encompass C (1%) and Fe (0.01%) from the vessel, as well as O and N (0.1%) from air and water. For simplicity, the distribution is assumed to be homogeneous within the plasma, considering different mixtures with Zeff values ranging between 1 and 2. Finally, the model estimates signal strength for the diagnostic design, proving its feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of 'black swan' and 'grey rhino' events is creating new risks for communities, and building resilient communities has become a global consensus. Using the Bibliometrix tool, we collected 3146 articles published from 2000 to 2022 to explore research hotspots, change trends and future directions in community resilience. The results show that community resilience study exhibited an exponential development pattern, with periods of sluggish rise (2000–2009) and rapid growth (2010–2019). From 2020 to 2022, the average annual number of articles spiked to 484 due to the outbreak of COVID‐19. Scholars from the United States, China and the United Kingdom are the main contributors in this field, but the research locations are gradually shifting from the United States to the European and Asian countries. Hot topics related to community resilience include conceptual discernment, assessment frameworks, influencing factors and enhancement strategies. In the future, more attention should be given to the localization of theories, soft power elements and special groups. We developed a community resilience cycle framework that integrates the latest conceptual statement of community resilience and the evolution of trajectories of system disturbance stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dual-active hybrid full-bridge (H-FDAB) DC–DC converter has great potential in medium-voltage high-power photovoltaic power station applications by introducing a three-level bridge arm to increase the output voltage range. However, its mathematical model and optimum modulation schemes have not been fully explored. Under the traditional PI control, the H-FDAB DC–DC converter will produce significant reflux power, which will lead to a decrease in converter efficiency and output voltage fluctuation. On this basis, this paper proposes a reflux power optimization strategy for an H-FDAB DC-DC converter based on active disturbance rejection control (ADRC). Firstly, the structure and power characteristics of the H-FDAB DC–DC converter are analyzed, and the relationship among the reflux power, the transmission power, and the phase shift angle is derived. Secondly, to reduce the complexity of the control calculation, upon the foundation of dual phase-shifting modulation, the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) condition is used to solve for the phase shift angle that corresponds to the minimum reflux power. Simultaneously, we develop an ADRC loop utilizing an extended state observer (ESO) for the real-time estimation of system states. We also consider the sudden changes in input voltage, load switching, and transmission power fluctuations caused by reflux power optimization strategies as system disturbances and compensate for them accordingly. Finally, the experiments conclusively validate the designed control strategy's correctness and feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the announcement of Balfour Declaration (1917), the Zionist movement established a clear strategic plan to Judaize Palestine and build its settlement and imperial project in the Arab region through means of both hard and soft power, including political propaganda, deceitful tactics, and religious myths. To achieve its goals of securing Palestine and displacing its people, the Zionist movement allied with certain Arabic regimes both before and after the declaration of the »State of Israel.» Since the 1920s, various projects and initiatives have been proposed to facilitate the Zionist project in Palestine and eliminate all forms of resistance. These Arab regimes have campaigned to mobilize the Arab masses to accept settlement plans with the Zionist enemy and to peacefully coexist with it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on visual analysis of the China Pictorial magazine in two historical periods (Mao and post-Mao), this article identifies six key themes of representing Africa in Chinese state media and finds a parallel between China's representation of Africa, Sino-African relations, and the shifting geopolitics. Different from Western stereotypes about Africa, China Pictorial constructs a romanticized image of Africa, which is interpreted through the concept of the "socialist gaze." Empirically, this article explains and historicizes how China Pictorial constructs meanings about Africa through its visual representational systems, shedding new light on China–Africa relations and the increasingly active South–South media flows. Theoretically, this article expands our understanding of media representation beyond the "colonial gaze." While the "socialist gaze" may function as a counter-representation to the "colonial gaze," it can also create new differences and stereotypes, thus enhancing power asymmetry between China and Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studii de Ştiintă şi Cultură is the property of Studii de Stiinta si Cultura and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The successful emergence of the Gulf states as central players in the global sporting ecosystem has revived the intellectual debate on the political and diplomatic use of sport. In the last decade, the amount of research on the topic have radically increase. The old narrative traditions explaining sport diplomacy have recently been joined by a new set of literature about the concept of sportswashing, which questions the place of non-democratic governments in the sporting world. Considering that current approaches are somehow limited to explain the real scope of the situation, this article proposes a new systematization of the political and diplomatic use of sport today, differentiating between practices, actors, and objectives. The aim is to demonstrate how sport as a tool of soft power has transcended the limits of public diplomacy and goes far beyond the simplistic and preconceptual analysis developed by authors who support the concept of sportswashing. The new conceptual framework warns that the politicization of sport is not always positive and shows how some political practices can jeopardies the core values of sport and delegitimize its positive aspect. The results open a new agenda for political science research on a topic that, despite its interest and importance, remains understudied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Cultural Studies / Kültür Araştırmaları Dergisi is the property of Journal of Cultural Studies / Kultur Arastirmalari Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to analyze the impact of Hu's music diplomacy on Mongolia's national branding program. The study employs a descriptive qualitative method with secondary data analysis from journal articles, books, relevant reports, and media covering The Hu's activities. The results indicate that The Hu, with their unique approach of combining traditional Mongolian music elements with modern rock, has successfully raised global awareness of Mongolian culture and enhanced the country's positive image. Their international performances received awards, and collaborations with renowned musicians have introduced Mongolian cultural elements to a wider audience, creating curiosity and appreciation for Mongolia's cultural heritage. Strategic recommendations include greater government support, enhanced collaboration with digital platforms, and educational and cultural exchange programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the Summit of South American–Arab Countries (ASPA) created in 2005, UAE–South American relations have continued to develop based on a combination of pragmatism, threat perception, political support and expanding economic interests. We argue that the strength of UAE engagement in this region is consistent with its attempts to build, deploy and benefit from soft power globally through economic statecraft in a mutually reinforcing series of bilateral and multilateral relationships. These include forums such as the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and the expanding BRICS grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). The article draws on primary and secondary data in English, Portuguese and Spanish, focusing mainly on UAE relations with Brazil and Venezuela. We find that through a myriad of growing investment relations and first‐mover advantage on arms and industrial cooperation, the UAE is well positioned vis‐à‐vis other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to benefit from the economic, diplomatic and security ties that could boost its relational autonomy in a competitive and uncertain regional and international environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Food marketing has long been recognized to influence food preferences, consumption and health, yet little is known about the nature and extent of food marketing to young adults – especially with respect to their real-world encounters with food marketing and the appeals they find persuasive. This study aims to engage young adults to explore the persuasive power of food marketing and its platforms of exposure. Design/methodology/approach: Participatory research with 45 young adults, who used a specially designed mobile app to capture the food marketing they encountered for seven days, including information on brand, product, platform and "power" (i.e. the specific techniques that made the advertisement persuasive). Findings: A total of 618 ads were captured for analysis. Results revealed the dominance of digital platforms (especially Instagram, comprising 43% of ads), fast food and beverage brands (48% of ads) and the top persuasive techniques of visual style, special offer and theme. Originality/value: This study uniquely draws from framing theory to advance the notions of selection and salience to understand food marketing power. It is the first study of its kind to provide a comprehensive look at the platforms and persuasive techniques of food marketing to adults as selected, captured and tagged by participants. It provides timely insights into young adults and food marketing to adults, including where it is encountered, the (generally unhealthy) brands and products promoted and how it is made meaningful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a predictive power control strategy for the three‐phase, six‐switch Vienna rectifier without grid voltage sensors to reduce the hardware cost and complexity of a high‐power PWM rectifier system. Firstly, an algorithm for calculating the AC‐side voltage in the αβ coordinate system is derived according to the operating principle of the Vienna rectifier, and a voltage observer is constructed by combining a second‐order low‐pass filter to estimate the grid voltage. Secondly, a soft start method is designed to solve the problem that the rectifier is prone to inrush current when it is started. Furthermore, the control method of grid voltage sensorless is combined with predictive power control with good dynamic characteristics and simple parameter settings to form the control strategy proposed in this paper. Finally, simulation analysis and experimental verification are carried out on the proposed control strategy. Simulation and experimental results show that the grid voltage estimation has high accuracy, a good surge current suppression effect, unit power factor operation, low input current harmonic content, and good dynamic and steady‐state performance. Therefore, the correctness and effectiveness of the strategy proposed in this paper are verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several power assist robots have been developed to reduce workloads, and address worker shortages and an aging workforce. Previously, the authors developed a power assist device to maintain shoulder posture using a braking mechanism; however, the device presented technical issues regarding the rigidity and weight of the mechanism. To address these issues, in this study, a flexible linear brake (FLB), a brake mechanism driven by negative pressure, was developed for power assist devices. Additionally, a braking force model for the FLB is proposed; the proposed model was verified by comparing the measured and modelled values. Finally, a shoulder assist device that uses the FLB and designed based on the proposed model is discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines how the distinction between complicated and complex education systems contributes to our understanding of global governance and how "soft power" concerned with gender is used in international development organisations' responses to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, the global goal for education. Four global governance approaches which shape these organisations are distinguished: partnership building, gender mainstreaming, gender activism and contestation by global feminist movements. These strands of soft power have implications for how meanings of gender, education, power and accountability are interpreted. The work of three organisations – the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the Gender at the Centre Initiative (GCI) and the Malala Fund – are reviewed to exemplify these global governance approaches. The analysis draws on a close reading of the organisations' published documents to build a history of how the gender concerns of SDG 4 came to be interpreted, negotiated, contested or ignored. The activities of the three organisations show considerable interplay between concepts of complicated and complex education systems. The discussion raises questions regarding what kind of work soft power in gender and education does in a context of huge and growing global inequalities and insecurities. In addition, the question is posed why there is still no institutional base to articulate a global feminist politics which confronts and seeks to dismantle unjust structures of power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the Chinese artist Qiu Zhijie's (b. 1969) three experimental "rewrites" of the canonical text Heart Sutra and their geopolitical connotations within and beyond China. Examining Qiu's copious writings as well as curatorial and artistic practices over a decade, the article shows how the artist's evolving views of Buddhism have triggered, justified, and added nuances to his shifting positions in art and politics, including assertions of "native" identity and aesthetics, pursuits of non-elitist art and "folk" wisdom, and ambivalent takes on cultural colonialism. To contextualize Qiu's Buddhist-affiliated art, the article also traces how the modernized versions of Buddhism entangled with avant-garde art and politics in the postwar era, and how concepts like authenticity and cultural influence claimed not only aesthetic and thus market value, but also territorial ambitions. The citation of Buddhist doctrines and practices, the article argues, enabled Qiu to present his aesthetic maneuvers as ostensibly apolitical and hence more powerful as embodied ideologies. The artworks create "fragile" yet potent symbols of geopolitical connections that serve the discourse of a Sinocentric world, where China shares roots with "peripheries" such as Taiwan and Tibet and draws its soft power from a collectively created yet mystical and singular identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examine the use of intangible cultural heritage as a vehicle for soft power in the service of geostrategic competitions between Iran and Turkey, two regional powers in West Asia. We focus on two significant trans-regional instances of intangible cultural heritage relevant to both countries: the mystic poet Rumi and the New Year's celebration of Nowruz. We draw on theories in political science and cultrual heritage as well as a host of sources in Persian, Turkish, and Azerbaijani, to demonstrate how heritage is mobilised concurrently as a nation-building device and a tool for soft power in international relations. We conclude by suggesting that, despite strong grounds for its claims, Iran's response in this competition has been reactive rather than proactive. Overall, the paper contributes to the scholarship on soft power and heritage diplomacy by presenting the first comparative analysis of cases of shared intangible heritage in West Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work addresses the development of diagnostics for core plasma radiated power and soft x-ray intensity measurements, which will be useful in future fusion reactors to ensure reliable plasma control (by monitoring the power loss across the separatrix) in accordance with the DEMO control requirements. For this purpose, we look into the development of such a detection system that will provide the required information via soft x-ray diagnostics. The target photon range for such a detecting system is considered to be 3–50 keV. The aspects of the development have included detailed diagnostics design, physics, engineering and integration studies, as well as an investigation into the feasibility and performance of the diagnostics and its components. The development is currently in the design phase. Nevertheless, the answer is already needed regarding the fulfillment of system requirements. In order to monitor the power crossing the separatrix, a precise estimation of the plasma radiation is needed to maintain the high-efficiency plasma. This requires strict measurement accuracy criteria, with 3% accuracy margin for the core plasma radiated power estimate and 5% noise for a single measurement of a single detector within the detector array. Here, an initial estimation of the detecting system's accuracy was provided based on an analysis of both the tomography reconstruction and detector measurement capabilities. The optimal number of lines of sight for tomography reconstruction was found for the considered plasma field of view. Additionally, the initial concept for a photon-sensitive chamber of the detecting system was developed. This allowed for the assessment of the predicted measurement accuracy of the detector for horizontal and vertical lines of sight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines public opinion on Twitter during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, focusing on the interplay between sport, communication, and soft power. It sheds light on the online discourse surrounding a global sporting event by analyzing tweet frequency, sentiment changes, prevalent topics, and the most popular tweets surrounding controversial events. Political discussions surrounding the World Cup initially dominated but gradually declined, shifting the focus to sporting achievements and cultural exchange. Throughout the tournament, the host country, European countries participating in the World Cup, and fans contested the narrative surrounding the event. However, the study highlights how celebrities and public figures had a more significant impact on shaping conversations about sports, cultural exchange, and sociopolitical issues. These findings deepen the understanding of the interplay between sports, politics, culture, and social issues, offering insights to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the findings of a research study on the videos posted by the New DPRK YouTube channel during a specific time period. The objective is to determine whether the channel represents a form of public diplomacy or international propaganda in the field of diplomacy. The study is based on the theoretical frameworks of public diplomacy and soft power by Joseph Nye Jr. and other authors. The videos analysed were categorised into twelve groups based on their objectives, target audience and composition. These categories provide a comprehensive understanding of the videos posted by New DPRK. In conclusion, the study suggests that although the YouTube channel exhibits some characteristics of a public diplomacy strategy, it does not align with the theoretical framework adopted in the study of public diplomacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]