• The Journal of Art Theory & Practice
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• no.8
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• pp.185-215
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• 2009

In Malaysia, figurative painting has increasingly become a means for artists to pose questions about presumptions of power and assumptions of history. The body, its potentially breached boundaries and defenses, forms an integral component of the battle for political influence. The degree of control over one's own and other people's bodies has become a measuring stick to determine the power of potential political leaders. Anxiety about boundaries and access to powerful bodies is intertwined with the questions of who has the right to hold power; the relevance of moral bodies and of what comprises an ideal self or selves. These questions are raised in intriguing ways in contemporary Malaysian art. While eschewing a direct take on current politics, Malaysian artists have increasingly turned to the body to address issues in Malaysian history, culture and the distribution of power. This paper will explore some works by three artists in particular, Wong Hoy Cheong, Nadiah Bamadhaj and Ahmad Fuad Osman use the figure to problematise dominant narratives in Malaysian history. Their work variously challenge political, racial and gender hierarchies and in so doing, reveal them as social constructions.

• Journal of KIISE:Computer Systems and Theory
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.185-191
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• 2002

In this paper, we propose a 3D object LOD(Level of Detail) modeling system that constructs a mesh from range images and generates the mesh of various LOD using the wavelet transform. In the initial mesh generation, we use the marching cube algorithm. We modify the original algorithm to apply it to construct the mesh from multiple range images efficiently. To get the base mesh we use the decimation algorithm which simplifies a mesh with preserving the topology Finally, when reconstructing new mesh which is similar to initial mesh we calculate the wavelet coefficients by using the wavelet transform. We solve the critical problem of wavelet-based methods - the surface crease problem (1) - by using the mesh simplification as the base mesh generation method.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.105-126
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• 2016

In the present study, modelling and vibration control of axially moving laminated Carbon nanotubes/fiber/polymer composite (CNTFPC) plate under initial tension are investigated. Orthotropic visco-Pasternak foundation is developed to consider the influences of orthotropy angle, damping coefficient, normal and shear modulus. The governing equations of the laminated CNTFPC plates are derived based on new form of first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT) which is simpler than the conventional one due to reducing the number of unknowns and governing equations, and significantly, it does not require a shear correction factor. Halpin-Tsai model is utilized to evaluate the material properties of two-phase composite consist of uniformly distributed and randomly oriented CNTs through the epoxy resin matrix. Afterwards, the structural properties of CNT reinforced polymer matrix which is assumed as a new matrix and then reinforced with E-Glass fiber are calculated by fiber micromechanics approach. Employing Hamilton's principle, the equations of motion are obtained and solved by Hybrid analytical numerical method. Results indicate that the critical speed of moving laminated CNTFPC plate can be improved by adding appropriate values of CNTs. These findings can be used in design and manufacturing of marine vessels and aircrafts.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.605-616
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• 2014

When the periodic cellular structure is loaded or swelling beyond the critical value, the structure may undergo a pattern transformation owing to the local elastic instabilities, thus leading to structural collapse and the structure changing to a new configuration. Based on this deformation-triggered pattern, we have proposed the novel composite gel materials. This designed material is a type of architectural material possessing special mechanical properties. In this study, the mechanical behavior of the composite gel periodic structure with various gel inclusions is studied further through numerical simulations. When pattern transformation occurs, it results in a different elastic relationship compared with the material at untransformed state. Based on the obtained nominal stress versus nominal strain behavior, the Poisson's ratio and corresponding deformed structure patterns, we investigate the performance of designed composite materials and the effects of the uniformly distributed gel inclusions on composite materials. A better understanding of the characteristics of these composite gel materials is a key to develop its potential applications on new soft machines.

• Journal of Contemporary Eastern Asia
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.259-277
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• 2021

This article investigates the geopolitics of the energy transition era, concentrating on China's solar photovoltaic (PV) industry. Authors have noted that the rise of renewables is changing the geopolitical landscape of world energy systems, but these new energy sources carry their own technical characteristics and geopolitical implications. Bearing this in mind, this research answers the questions: What are the structural factors that facilitate China's use of renewable energy to achieve political goals, and what are their implications? In order to analyze the data, I devise an analytical framework based on the energy statecraft literature and contrast rival explanations, particularly the "prosumer theory" and the premise of less geopolitical interdependence in a renewable-centered world. I show that asymmetric interdependence in the solar PV sector is already a reality. China's solar PV industry is a case that suffices all conditions (centrality in industrial capacity, market share, and companies' compliance, but to a lesser extent in critical materials and technological endowments) in the solar PV sector to devise effective strategies aimed at reaping benefits out of its asymmetric interdependence with the rest of the world.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.152-158
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• 2021

Electrospray ionization (ESI) and ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (IMS-MS) were employed to investigate the solvated structures of ionic species in the lithium iodide electrolyte solution in the gas phase. The Li⁺I^-Li⁺ triple ion and single standalone Li+ ions solvated by 1,4-dioxane were successfully generated and observed by ESI-MS under the influence of dioxane vapor at the inlet region. Under the present experimental condition, (1,4-dioxane)_m·Li⁺ complex ions (m = 1, 2, and 3) and a (1,4-dioxane)·Li⁺I^-Li⁺ complex ion were observed, which were further examined by IMS to investigate their structures. The presence of multiple structural isomers was confirmed, which accounts for the endothermic conformational transition of 1,4-dioxane from a chair to a boat to achieve bidentate O-donor binding to Li⁺ and Li⁺I^-Li⁺. Further structural details critical for the ion-solvent interactions were also examined and discussed with the help of density functional theory calculations.

• Asian Journal of Business Environment
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.31-38
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• 2021

Purpose: This paper uses the resource-dependency theory to present the case of the Pakistan sugar industry to highlight how the industry uses a strategic alliance to gain a powerful bargaining position over its critical dependencies. The case of the Pakistan sugar industry is well-known and it is common knowledge that the alliance or the cartel within it is responsible for frequent price hikes and sugar supply shortages in the country. Research design, data and methodology: We use a case study, qualitative document analysis design to trace how the alliance overcomes its various dependencies, and in doing so, how does it harm various stakeholder interests. Results: This paper finds that the sugar industry alliance maintains its bargaining power by manipulating sugar supply through horizontal alliances, political affiliations, underselling and under-reporting sugar stocks, purchasing sugarcane from the black market, and by gaining billions of rupees in export subsidies by hoarding stock and using its political connections. Conclusion: The paper concludes by providing a summary of the measures which the government has taken to curb this anticompetitive conduct; the most important of which is the removal of protectionist measures for sugar trade and allowing market forces to control the demand and supply of sugar in the local market.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.12
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• pp.345-352
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• 2021

Guided by a resource-based theory, this study is the first one that takes a quantitative approach to identify determinants of competitiveness of women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. The study employs time series data of Vietnamese SMEs extracted from the Vietnam Small and Medium Enterprises Survey conducted biennially from 2005 to 2015 in ten Vietnamese provinces. Firm competitiveness hereby is indicated by revenue, market share, profitability, and export volume. The research reveals a number of determining factors, of all, research and development, labor skills, business environment, technology investment are the most important factors, followed by capital and headcount. It is indicated that the determining factors have different influences on competitiveness obtained by different measurements. Therefore, it is based on specific targets and situations to make wise business decisions. The authors also make comparisons among groups of women-owned enterprises divided by their firm age, location, ownership, export, age, and educational background of business owners. The findings serve as critical empirical evidence and provide policy recommendations for improving the competitiveness of women-owned SMEs in Vietnam. The recommendations range from technology support, education and professional support for female entrepreneurs, access to capital and human resources to business environment improvement.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.1011-1017
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• 2021

An effective measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is wearing masks in public places. This solution is highly recommended in many countries all over the world. The objective of this study is to identify the antecedents of citizens' intention to purchase masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the current study analyzes attitudes toward mask-purchasing, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, to assess their impact on intention to purchase masks. In total, six variables are examined: attitude toward mask-wearing, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and the intention to wear masks. Data are collected from 243 respondents in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. They were processed through by factor analysis and multiple regressions. The results report that all three factors positively affect citizens' intention to buy masks in the following ascending order: Attitude toward mask-purchasing, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Our study is the first research that applies TPB to investigate citizens' intention to purchase masks to during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, this study provides guidelines to the Vietnamese public managers to combat COVID-19 through the purchase of masks. Shopkeepers would be well advised to observe the intentions of consumers toward masks.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.71 no.5
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• pp.525-544
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• 2019

In the present study, buckling and free vibration analyses of annular thin sector plate made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) resting on visco-elastic Pasternak foundation, subjected to external radial, circumferential and shear in-plane loads is investigated. Material properties are assumed to vary along the thickness according to an power law with Poisson's ratio held constant. First, based on the classical plate theory (CPT), the governing equation of motion is derived using Hamilton's principle and then is solved using the generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM). Numerical results are compared to those available in the literature to validate the convergence and accuracy of the present approach. Finally, the effects of power-law exponent, ratio of radii, thickness of the plate, sector angle, and coefficients of foundation on the fundamental and higher natural frequencies of transverse vibration and critical buckling loads are considered for various boundary conditions. Also, vibration and buckling mode shapes of functionally graded (FG) sector plate have been shown in this research. One of the important obtained results from this work show that ratio of the frequency of FG annular sector plate to the corresponding values of homogeneous plate are independent from boundary conditions and frequency number.