Polyelectrolyte brush bilayer under shear at linear and nonlinear response regimes: A combination of the density functional theory framework and the scaling theory

The density functional theory framework and the scaling theory are employed to approach the problem of the Polyelectrolyte brush bilayer under shear. It turns out that, the system at shear rates larger than a critical shear rate undergo a global restructuring during which chains stretch in the shear direction. In the absence of the electrostatic interactions as well as the hydrodynamic interactions, this global restructuring causes a sublinear scaling of the shear stress with the shear rate which makes the shear thinning effect. Nevertheless, in the presence of the hydrodynamic interactions, not only there is no sublinear regime but also a weak superlinear regime which makes a weak shear thickening effect. In the presence of the electrostatic interactions, the stress tensor components change by their second Virial coefficients, however, their shear rate power law are untouched. Nonetheless, the kinetic friction coefficient is independent of the electrostatic interactions. This suggests that the lubrication is not very much different than the neutral bilayers and the electrostatic interactions do not change that. The results of this study offers that maybe nature uses another mechanism to reduce friction coefficient in synovial joint and other biological systems.

BRICS and Global Restructuring: Notes for the Near Future

The multipolar cooperation between Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) countries seems to be a significant development in the current phase of restructuring of globalization. This article explores the relationship between the emerging radical readjustment of the world hegemony equilibrium with the past and future dynamics of the global socioeconomic system. It examines the relation of the ongoing institutionalization by the BRICS with the established international institutions and the relation of BRICS to the promotion of global economic development. After presenting a structured interpretation of the actual emergence of a “new globalization,” the article focuses on the aspects of BRICS evolution and dynamics that contribute to the discussion of the rise of a more balanced and more democratic multipolar global regime. It notices that multipolar cooperation at the international level should be more democratic as the BRICS claim, although these countries (China and Russia, in particular) face increasing concerns for their liberal rights and democratization domestically. In conclusion, it seems that a new and relatively stable global system now requires a repositioned conception of capitalism as an evolutionary socioeconomic phenomenon, in which innovation is the central and predominant organic process within all organizations.

The Dynamics of the Current Global Restructuring and Contemporary Framework of the US–China Trade War

The current escalation of the US–China trade war shows that the dynamics of the crisis and restructuring of the global socioeconomic system are in an accelerating phase. In the present study, we seek to explore the fundamental dimensions and future directions of the US–China trade war and delineate a conceptual framework for understanding its significance for restructuring of the global system. Through some representative scientific contributions to the study on the US–China trade war, we find an increasing emphasis on the declining and repositioning of US global hegemony, which the earlier optimistic theoretical forecasts did not manage to predict. By linking the dynamics of the crisis and restructuring of the global socioeconomic system to the forces of innovation and change management, we argue that this trade war is yet another proof of the gradual restructuring of global equilibriums. These alterations of the structures of the global system seem to lead to the creation of a new equilibrium regime we call “new globalization,” which requires the gradual construction of a new global architecture.