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Central coke charging (CCC) is a widely used burden distribution method for blast furnaces (BFs). Adjusting the central coke ratio can change the burden temperature field and affect the smooth operation of BF. This study presents a coupled physical and mathematical model, incorporating particle motion, gas flow, and heat transfer between the burden and gas in two 5500 m3 BFs. The central coke ratios of the blast furnace A (BFA) and blast furnace B (BFB) is 15% and 20%, respectively. The root positions of the cohesive zone in the BFA and BFB are in the lower part of the stack and bosh zones, respectively. In the central area of the BF, the gas flow rate, gas temperature, and burden temperature of the BFB are higher. In the edge area of the BF, the gas flow rate, gas temperature, and burden temperature of the BFA are higher. The actual top gas temperature and gas pressure verify the accuracy of the proposed model. This model investigates the influence of the central coke ratio on the position of the cohesive zone, gas flow rate, gas temperature, and burden temperature, providing a cost‐effective method for studying the effect of the burden distribution matrix on the internal state of the BF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coke calcination is a process that involves heating green petroleum coke to purify it and eliminate volatile materials for subsequent processing. Due to the complexity of the rotary kiln used in this process, conducting experimental studies can be challenging and restricted. However, quantitative analyses based on developed models can provide a foundation for optimizing and controlling the process, which can significantly enhance the design efficiency. A three-dimensional simulation model of a rotary calcining kiln for petroleum coke was created using COMSOL Multiphysics in a steady-state mode. This model accounted for all relevant physical and chemical phenomena in the gas stream and coke bed flow, including heat transfer, combustion, and the evolution of volatile matter and coke dust. The mathematical modeling yielded distributions of temperature and mass fractions within the kiln, as well as the velocity field. The results revealed two distinct peak temperatures in the gas phase: 1,780 K near the primary air injection point and 1,605 K near the tertiary air injection points. The findings were analyzed, and the impact of key variables was explored. The simulation data indicated that for every decrease of 10–15 m/s in air flow, the gas peak temperature dropped by approximately 100°. Additionally, an increase in the input oxygen concentration led to enhanced combustion, resulting in higher peak concentrations of CO2. The developed simulation model has proven to be a valuable and promising tool for the design and optimization of petroleum coke rotary kilns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an ecolinguistic framework for analysing advertising and applies it to a wide range of TV advertisements for Coca-Cola. This particular product was selected because of well-publicised criticisms of its impact on health and the environment. The framework classifies advertisements into one of five types: classic-type, identity-type, narrative-type, cause-type, and counter-type, with many advertisements being hybrids of more than one type. The analysis uses multimodal discourse analysis to reveal underlying messages behind the advertisements, and judges these according to an ecosophy based on the World Health Organisation's concept of One Health. The aim of the analysis is to reveal linguistic and multimodal features that are used to persuade people to purchase products which potentially harm both the consumer and the environment. The results can be practically applied in critical language awareness materials that can promote healthier and more environmentally beneficial purchasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Janus membrane materials have received widespread attention in oily wastewater due to their special wettability and high selectivity, however, the poor structural stability and weak mechanical properties of membrane significantly restrain the practical application. Herein, cellulose was used as the membrane matrix and modified with dopamine as the hydrophilic modifier and adhesive to obtain a polydopamine/cellulose superhydrophilic membrane (PDA/CM). Secondly, the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) electrospinning solution prepared from waste Coca-Cola bottles was used to electrospin PET membrane on the surface of PDA/CM superhydrophilic membrane to form hydrophobic PET layer, and finally obtained PET/PDA/CM Janus membrane with asymmetric wetting properties. The PDA/CM membrane side exhibits superhydrophilicity, which can separate various oil-in-water emulsions with efficiency of above 98%. Oppositely, the PET side owns hydrophobicity, which can separate various water-in-water emulsions with efficiency of above 98.7%. After 10 cycles, the separation efficiency remained over 98.6% for oil-in-water emulsions and 98.5% for water-in-oil emulsions, demonstrating its good recycling ability. Moreover, compared with the original cellulose membrane, the obtained Janus membrane has stronger mechanical properties, and because PDA acts as a structural adhesive between the two layers, the membrane does not delaminate during the mechanical stretching process. This study provides a novel strategy for design stability structure and enhanced mechanical ability of Janus membrane toward oily wastewater purification in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the Promotional Strategies can help us to know the customer's reaction and response towards the offers and all promotion activities about COKE products and the perception of the target customer. It can also useful to know the services that can provide by the company to the customers, in increase of sales of the company and create a brand image. A promotional strategy is what businesses and companies use to communicate with others about their product and services. The use of Promotional Products and Printing is an integral part of this strategy. Every marketing piece is a apart of this strategy. We can help to make sure your brand is supported by all the marketing products you use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the component composition of coal batches and the final temperature of the coking process on the resistivity of coke was studied. Taking into account that the resistivity and reactivity are influenced by some common factors, such as the temperature level and coke readiness, which indicates the orderliness of its structure, the relationship between these indicators was established. The electrical resistivity can be considered a cumulative characteristic of coke properties, as evidenced by the mathematical dependencies of the change electrical resistance on the ash content, sulfur content, volatile yield, and petrographic composition. Analysis of the dependencies and their statistical evaluation indicate that the studied relationships are characterized by high values of correlation (0.6–0.84). The proposed regression equations can be recommended for optimizing the component composition and quality of production batches, given their significant impact on the resistivity of coke. This is especially relevant when coke is used in electrothermal processes, since the productivity and the electrical and thermal efficiency of the furnace depends on the resistivity of the coke in electrochemical processes in which carbon materials are used as anodes and lining elements and in the production of capacitor technology. As the resistivity test requires much less time to perform than the reactivity test, it can be considered as an alternative approach to the reactivity testing currently performed for quality control purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coke formation poses a significant obstacle in the direct conversion of methane into valuable chemicals such as ethylene, benzene, and hydrogen via methane dehydro-aromatization (MDA). At the elevated temperatures necessary for this reaction, coke is the thermodynamically favored product, causing rapid catalyst deactivation and hence necessitating frequent catalyst regeneration. Successful industrial implementation of MDA requires the advancement of catalyst regeneration processes and a comprehensive understanding of coke formation to enhance catalyst performance. Here, we examined the types of coke generated during MDA over a Fe-ZSM-5 catalyst and their impact on deactivation. By combining reactivity studies using catalysts with carefully controlled coke populations with the characterization of the catalyst via XRD, H2-TPR, and pyridine FTIR, we find that soft coke is formed at the Brønsted acid sites, resulting in loss of selectivity, while hard coke is formed at the metal sites causing a loss of activity. While soft coke can be removed at low regeneration temperatures, the removal of hard coke requires harsh conditions which compromise catalyst stability. An investigation into the use of CO2 as an alternative, mild oxidant for catalyst regeneration, however, shows that the mild oxidation strength of CO2 requires even higher regeneration temperatures and hence irreversible loss of Brønsted acid sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas at the metallurgical plant is distributed through gas control points. To date, on the territory of the Russian Federation and the CIS countries, the absence of a unified approved methodology for visual and measuring quality control of gas control points has been revealed. The lack of a unified methodology does not allow for a quick decision on the correct technology for assembling and welding a structural element, as well as subsequently preventing accidents and emergency situations, in turn, the requirements for the quality of structures and monitoring of emergency and emergency situations are provided for by the safety rules in the gas industry. Objects of metallurgical and coke chemical enterprises and production plants. The article studies and conducts comparative analyses of measures and procedures carried out during the preparation and conduct of visual and measuring control at metallurgical and coke chemical enterprises, where the permissible measurement error should be within 0.1-1.0 mm in order to ensure the safety of life and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pre-chamber pressure is an important control parameter that affects the coke dry quenching process. It often fluctuates violently and is detrimental for the safe operation of the coke dry quenching process. This study proposes an intelligent control method for the pre-chamber pressure based on working condition identification for the coke dry quenching process to realize stable control of the pre-chamber pressure. First, by describing the coke dry quenching process and analyzing the factors affecting the pre-chamber pressure, an intelligent control strategy was developed. Then, the K-means clustering algorithm was used to identify the working conditions of pre-chamber, and the working conditions were divided into two categories: stable and fluctuating. For stable conditions, a fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative controller was designed to improve the pressure control accuracy. For fluctuating conditions, an expert controller was designed to rapidly adjust the pressure. Finally, experiments based on actual data were performed and the results showed that the proposed method can effectively improve the control accuracy of pressure under different conditions. This satisfies the requirements for a continuous coke dry quenching process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomic layer deposition was applied on mesoporous silica to synthesize a highly dispersed gallium oxide catalyst. This system was used as starting material to investigate different loadings of nickel in the dehydrogenation of propane under industrially relevant, Oleflex‐like conditions. The formation of NiGa alloys was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis and electron microscopy. Surprisingly, the nanoalloys enhanced the selectivity towards C3H6 while decreasing the tendency for coking. Herein, in situ thermogravimetry, and measured mass fractions of carbon revealed that the coking rate was reduced by over 50 % compared to the pristine gallium oxide. Generally, the increased selectivity can be explained by the partial hydrogenation and reduction of the gallium oxide surface. The optimum temperature for the removal of deposited carbon was evaluated by a temperature programmed oxidation. Finally, the best‐performing Ni−GaOx catalyst was employed in a cycled experiment with periodic reaction and regeneration tests. After regeneration, the selected Ni−GaOx catalyst provided a higher yield of propylene compared to the unmodified gallium oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the morphology, chemical structure, alkali enrichment, and solution loss reactivity in the radial direction of the lumpy feed coke and its corresponding raceway coke from two large blast furnaces are comparatively using multiple characterization methods. The results indicate that the erosion of coke and pore development not only occurs on the surface but also in the center, which can be described as gradient reaction model. The enrichment level of K is higher than Na. K content decreases gradually from the edge to the center of the raceway coke, and the formation of nepheline causes cracks in coke observed by morphology. The crystallite order of the raceway coke is higher than that of the feed coke, with the enrichment of alkali metals, the raceway coke shows variability in the radial direction, and the orderliness gradually decreases from the surface to the interior. With the enrichment of alkali metals, the microcrystalline ordering of the raceway coke decreases from the surface to the interior, and the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide after the entry into the raceway leads to the preferential reaction of the carbon dioxide with the coke matrix which contains K and many reactive sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that the production of blast furnace coke using stamping technology allows the use of a large amount of cheap gas coal without reducing the quality of the blast furnace coke obtained. However, despite the fact that this coking technology has been used for a long time, the literature data as per the effect of increasing density on coke quality parameters are very scarce and outdated. Furthermore, the findings in these articles are sometimes contradictory. Taking into account the above, the purpose of the study was to verify the appropriate cost-effectiveness and efficiency of coke production while optimizing the consumption of scarce raw materials, which would allow optimizing production in the conditions of an operating coke chemical enterprise. The article describes the main technical solutions for transferring the operating coke battery from the technology of loading coking chambers by gravity to the technology of loading stamped coal cake and gives the results of the reconstructed coke battery. This project was developed and implemented by the companies SE GIPROKOKS and HuDe. The economic and technological indicators of coke quality as a result of the transfer of the operating coke battery to the stamped coal cake loading technology compared to its operation parameters using the gravity loading method of coking chambers were considered and compared. It is shown that during the control observation period (19 months) of the enterprise's operation, the mechanical strength of coke M25 increased from 85.2 to 87.4% on average; the coke strength after reaction CSR - from 48.9 to 53.9%; at the same time, the index M10 was decreased from 8.0 to 5.9%; and CRI - from 38.0 to 37.2%, respectively, when working with the stamping technology compared to operation with the gravity method technology. Also, coke obtained using the charge stamping method is characterized by lower values of ash content and total sulfur content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coke plays a key role as the skeleton of the charge column in BF. The gas path formed by the coke layer in the BF has a decisive influence on gas permeability. At high temperatures, the interface between coke and ore undergoes a melting reaction of coke and a reduction reaction of ore. The better the reducibility of the ore, the more conducive it is to the coupling reaction of ore and coke. The melting loss reaction of coke becomes more intense, and the corresponding strength of coke will decrease, which will affect the permeability of the blast furnace and is not conducive to the smooth operation of the blast furnace. Especially with a deterioration in iron ore quality, BF operation faces severe challenges, which makes it necessary to find an effective way to strengthen BF operation. In this study, a melting-dropping furnace was used to develop and clarify the high-temperature interaction between coke and iron ores with different layer thicknesses. The influencing factors were studied by establishing a gas permeability mathematical model and observing the metallographic microscope images of samples after the coke solution loss reaction. The relationships between coke layer thickness, distribution of gas flow, and pressure drop were obtained. The results showed that, under certain conditions, the gas permeability property of a furnace burden has been improved after the coke layer thickness increased. Upon observing the size of coke particles at the interface reaction site, the degree of melting loss reaction can be determined. A smaller particle size indicates more melting loss reaction. A dripping eigenvalue for molten metal was introduced to evaluate the dynamic changes in the comprehensive dripping properties of molten metal of furnace burden, which showed that the dripping eigenvalue for the molten metal could deteriorate because of the unruly thickness and the coke layer thickness should be limited through considering the operational indicators of the blast furnace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the erosive potential of various commercial energy drinks (EDs), sports drinks (SDs), and sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) and to correlate quantitative changes in tooth enamel volume loss based on the pH and titratable acidity of the drinks. Methods: A flat plane on the facial surface of 36 human incisor teeth was created and embedded in sample holders using resin. After pre-scanning with a profilometer (Proscan 2000, Scantron, Ind Products Ltd., Taunton, UK), the six samples per group were immersed for 4 h into either Monster Energy™ (ED), Rockstar™ (ED), Red Bull™ (ED), or 5-h Energy™ (ED) and, for comparison with a sports drink, Gatorade™ (SD) and a sugar sweetened beverage, Coca-Cola® (SSB). After immersion and post-scanning, the quantitative volume loss of the tooth enamel of the 36 samples was calculated (Proscan 3D software V2.1.1.15B), and the pH and titratable acidity (TA) of each drink was determined. Results: All drinks tested caused enamel volume loss. The actual amount varied among the different drinks, from 0.39 mm3 for Red Bull™, up to 1.01 mm3 for Gatorade™. The pH measurements differed for each drink, ranging from 2.6 to 3.7. There was a small reverse correlation of 0.326 between the pH of all drinks and volume loss. Among the energy drinks, titratable acidity was similar and there was only a weak correlation between TA and volume loss (0.319 at p = 0.53). Conclusions: Energy drinks, sugar sweetened beverages, and sport drinks all have the potential to cause enamel tooth surface loss resulting in demineralization. Therefore, the pH of a drink cannot be the sole determinant for choosing a less harmful commercial beverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coke production is an important source of environmental polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), including parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives. The focus near coking plants has primarily been on parent-PAH contamination, with less attention given to highly toxic derivatives. In this study, soil samples were collected from both within and outside of a coking plant. The concentrations of parent-PAHs and their derivatives, including methylated-PAHs, oxygenated-PAHs, and nitrated-PAHs, were examined. Spatial interpolation was employed to determine their spatial distribution patterns. Methods for identifying potential sources and conducting incremental lifetime cancer risk analysis were used. This could achieve a comprehensive understanding of the status of PAC pollution and the associated health risks caused by coke production. The concentrations of total PACs inside the plant ranged from 7.4 to 115.8 mg/kg, higher than those outside (in the range of 0.2 to 65.7 mg/kg). The spatial distribution of parent-PAH concentration and their derivatives consistently decreased with increasing distance from the plant. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) among parent-PAHs and their derivatives was observed, indicating relatively consistent sources. Based on diagnostic ratios, the potential emission sources of soil PACs could be attributed to coal combustion and vehicle emissions, while principal component analysis–multiple linear regression further indicated that primary emissions and secondary formation jointly influenced the PAC content, accounting for 60.4% and 39.6%, respectively. The exposure risk of soil PACs was dominated by 16 priority control PAHs; the non-priority PAHs' contribution to the exposure risk was only 6.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the impact of a competing firm's substantial expansion in product variety, achieved through modularity and delayed differentiation, on the sales and inventory of the focal firm in the market. Intuitively, the firm's sales are expected to decrease when a competitor increases its product variety, as existing consumers are drawn to the greater range of competing products, resulting in a substitution effect. However, we also emphasize a simultaneous spillover effect, where the dramatic increase in a competitor's product variety can expand the overall market for all firms (including the focal firm) by attracting new consumers to the market. The net impact thus depends on the tradeoff between the substitution effect and spillover effect, forming an empirical question. To explore this tradeoff and quantify the net impact of a competitor's substantial increase in product variety on the focal firm's sales and inventory, we exploit the launch of Coca-Cola's Freestyle dispenser that offers over 120 beverage products via modularity and delayed differentiation. Our analysis focuses on the treatment effects of the launch of Freestyle on changes in the focal firm's sales quantity, sales dispersion, and inventory levels. Contrary to common intuition, we find that the focal firm's total sales remain unchanged following the launch of Freestyle dispensers, but its sales dispersion increases by 2.2%, which in turn leads to a 1.0% increase in inventory levels at distribution centers. The unchanged total sales and increased sales dispersion imply a redistribution of sales among the focal firm's stock keeping units (SKUs). By analyzing data at the SKU level and the business customer level, we uncover the mechanism behind this sales re-allocation: a 1.9% increase in the sales of the focal firm's long-tail products at the expense of its star product sales. Meanwhile, we identify a 0.9% increase in sales to retailers and entertainment locations, while sales to restaurants decline. These empirical results help disentangle the substitution and spillover effects on the focal firm's sales resulting from its competitor's substantially increased product variety. Managerial implications derived from these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft drink overconsumption is a growing public health concern. The present research investigated whether priming nudges could decrease soft drink choices from a vending machine. We compared the effect of six vending machine wraps (Mount Franklin ™ logo, Coca-Cola™ logo, picture of water, picture of soft drink, blue, red) on beverage choice against a black (control) computerised vending machine display. In two studies, young adult participants (17 – 25 years) were recruited from [removed for blind review] (Study 1, n = 142, Study 2, n = 232). Participants were randomly allocated to choose a beverage from one of the wrap conditions. They also rated how much the beverage was liked and how often it was consumed (Study 1), or rated the refreshing value, healthiness, taste, and energy of each beverage in the vending machine (Study 2). We predicted that wraps referencing water would produce healthier choices and those referencing soft drink would result in unhealthier choices. Contrary to these predictions, the type of vending machine wrap did not significantly influence beverage choice in Study 1. However, viewing the black vending machine wrap resulted in significantly more caffeine-based selections in Study 2. Other significant predictors of the choice of beverage were how often the beverages were consumed and how much they were liked (Study 1), as well as their perceptions of the taste, healthiness and refreshing value (Study 2). The finding that the black vending machine produced more caffeine-based beverage choices demonstrates, in principle, that color-based priming nudges could influence beverage choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yo-yo is a simple toy to play and with a low cost to obtain, making it popular in several countries. Coca-Cola teamed up with Russell, starting in 1982, in Brazil, to manufacture yo-yos printed with the soft drink logo to boost sales of its drinks among children. The objective of this study was to identify the total number and per model of yo-yo, describe them, as well as the tricks in the 1982 promotional campaign. The research was carried out by reading printed and electronic texts, broadcasting videos on social networks, reading content on websites, and conversations with yo-yo collectors from three different Brazilian states. The 1982 Coca-Cola-Russell yo-yo promotional campaign was a pioneer for these companies in Brazil. Eight regular yo-yo models were launched, four of which were Super and another four Professional (two each of Coca-Cola, Fanta Laranja, Minuano-Limão, and Guaraná Taí soft drinks), in addition to a special Coca- Cola Master yo-yo. Super yo-yos have a translucent edge, while the Professional ones have a solid edge. Regular yo-yos can be identified by having the soft drink’s name logo surrounded in a square. The writing is white on all yo-yos, except those from Minuano Limão with lime green writing. Eight official tricks were identified (used in official yo-yo competitions), plus 12 additional ones. The study identified the total number and per model of Coca-Cola-Russell yo-yos, described them, as well as the tricks in the 1982 promotional campaign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the effect of impact of the nature of solid fuel on performance indicators of a shaft melting furnace of the cupola type with an internal diameter of 2200 mm and a layer height of 4.5 m, and conditions for its oxidation, the real range of change in the properties of industrial coke batches of various manufacturers is determined (8 varieties) under conditions of non-oxidation heating of coke samples in an argon atmosphere at the rate of 5 deg/min to a temperature of 1000°C and isothermal exposure in an air atmosphere. Operating conditions of the mine unit on these cokes are evaluated with respect to values of specific coke consumption, mineral melt yield, thermal efficiency and changes in conditions for development of heat transfer from gases to materials based upon the ratio of heat capacities of their flows obtained from industrial tests. It is shown that an increase in the complete coke oxidation interval from 7 to 12.5 – 13.0 min will provide a decrease in specific coke consumption from 265 to 225 kg/ton of melt, i.e., by 15.9%, an increase in yield of mineral melt from 25.3 to 30.02%, i.e., by 18.66%, with a decrease in cupola total thermal efficiency from 61.7 to 60.2%, i.e., by 1,5%. For this it is advisable to use coke with maximum heat of combustion. Use of coke mineral raw material during melting, which has a rate of change of sample weight from 5.0 up to 8.0 – 8.5%/min (more active coke), provides a coke minimum specific consumption at the level of 224 kg/ton of melt with a maximum yield of molten smelting product of at least 29.8% of the weight of the initial components with unit thermal efficiency at 61.7%. For this it is necessary to use more active coke with respect to blast oxygen. Heat transfer process conditions from gases to materials during smelting are characterized by low intensity with the lowest ratio of heat capacities of material and gas flows not lower than 0.827 in the range of complete coke oxidation 12.5 – 13.0 min and an average rate of change in sample weight of about 6.0%/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coca-Cola is the most typical modern drink. The Coca-Cola system is universal, with the help of which the drink was imposed on all people in the world. That universality is often sought to be copied by its competitors. This means that Coca-Cola has to invent new skills and products to stand out from the rest. The Coca-Cola product does not exist without the marketing dimension. Coca-Cola campaigns are present all over the planet. The marketing product has grown into an essential dimension in the life of the company. Coca-Cola has its own marketing department but also works with specialized marketing agencies in the concept of building the personality of the product. They are obliged to position themselves for all propaganda works. This marketing has a single goal: to convince consumers to buy Coca-Cola again. It is a product like man. It needs to be revived, to build personality and to be attractive. The specificity of Coca-Cola's marketing is the marketing mix. Marketing mix (or market planning) allows you to put in place an overall strategy that takes into account the different elements needed to achieve your goals. When you start a new market, you will not have to leave anything to chance to know your audience, and your competitors and have a clear view of your marketing campaigns. The marketing mix allows you to effectively structure these campaigns by grouping them by domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

McDonald’s continues its conquest of the world. The hamburger is not, contrary to what is often claimed, an American diet for adolescents. It represents the first food that undermines all culinary cultures and destroys traditional ways of eating. It plays on the crisis of social and family institutions. It is also a prototype of modernist business which, under the guise of psychologizing the work relationship, disqualifies men as much as customers or food. McDonalds represents the most famous brand in the world after Coca-Cola. McDonald’s with 80,000 billion hamburgers sold worldwide and its presence in more than 80 countries still stands out. McDonald’s is also my marketing strategy. Technical management represents all power. It is not only the sum of particular standards of manufacturing and marketing of products. It represents a conception of life in business and society. McDonald's marketing is above all unforgettable names like Big Mac, Potatoes, Caramel Sunday, Happy Meal, Mac Flurry... These few words resonate with millions of people around the world and prove to what extent McDonald's marketing is well thought out. In this article, we will see how McDonald’s marketing strategy works and how it has evolved. McDonald's has been a pioneer in fast food marketing, from its early days, when clowns like Ronald McDonald's were used to attract children to more sophisticated strategies like working with influencers, social media campaigns, or numerous product placements. Its main objective is to increase sales by targeting specific audiences, a classic in marketing, but we will see all of that in detail in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this pilot study, the effects of temporary visual deprivation on sensitivity to the basic tastes in normal sighted subjects were assessed. The sip‐and‐spit method to assess taste recognition thresholds was applied. The recognition thresholds of five basic tastes were assessed in two conditions: when the participants were blindfolded and when their blindfolds were removed and their eyes were open. In the blindfolded condition, the recognition threshold for sweet taste (saccharose) was lower than in the eyes open condition (means: 2.49 g/L vs. 3.80 g/L, p =.046). For bitter taste, a similar tendency was observed, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (means: 0.11 g/L vs. 0.13 g/L, p =.078). No difference in taste recognition thresholds between these two conditions were noted for salty, sour, and umami. Thus, the impact of temporary visual deprivation on taste experience seems stronger for sweet than for other taste modalities. Practical Applications: Our pilot study suggests potential applications, for example, re‐evaluating sugar content in foods served in dim/dark environments, like cinemas or blind cafés where food is consumed in total darkness. The sweet taste recognition threshold for saccharose being lower by 1.3 g/L in dark surroundings than in lit environments may become an incentive for beverages/snacks/desserts producers to lower sugar content. Coco‐Cola Original Taste has 10.6 g of sugar/100 mL, and a 1‐L Coca‐Cola serving (one of the cinema‐sized beverages) contains 106 g of sugar (22 teaspoons). An appropriate reduction of sugar in such beverages should not change their taste/palatability, and may benefit consumers and producers (Valicente et al., 2023, Journal of Sensory Studies, 38(1), e12803). For instance, Coca‐Cola/Coke is produced by mixing a relevant syrup with water and adding CO2 (Coca‐Cola Original Taste/Zero Sugar/Cherry, etc.); producing an additional syrup with lower than original sugar content seems feasible for a company regularly introducing new products to the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Surface modification and coating is one of the effective methods to increase the performance and service life of wooden structures. All kinds of super-hydrophobic techniques with the contact angle above 150 degrees and a sliding angle less than 10 degrees, in addition to creating high hydrophobicity, also improve the antimicrobial and other surface properties of the substrate. Nevertheless, resistance to mechanical and moisture damage are very important in connection with super-hydrophobic surfaces. Natural waxes are one of the efficient and healthy materials for creating a durable super-hydrophobic coating with high biocompatibility. In this research, nano-silica modified with non-fluorine alkyl materials in the presence of epoxy resin has been used to create super-hydrophobic surfaces of birch wood (Betula pendula). Also, carnauba wax has been used to improve water repellency, self-cleaning property and durability in conditions of mechanical damage, humidity and harsh environments, comparatively. Materials and methods: Dodecyltrichlorosilane was used in the presence of toluene solvent for functionalizing and hydrophobicizing silica nanoparticles. A formulation containing 2% of modified nano silica and some epoxy resin was used by spray method to fabricate superhydrophobic coating on birch wood. Also, the optimal amount of vegetable carnauba wax (Brazilian palm) was used as a reinforcing agent to make the nanohybrid formulation. Durability and stability to mechanical damage (sandpaper abrasion, water impact) and harsh environments (acidic, alkaline, ultraviolet rays and solvents) were investigated. Finally, the self-cleaning potential of the processed wooden surfaces was evaluated by qualitative (inclined surface) and quantitative (dropping) methods using edible liquids. Results: Both types of nanocomposite (without wax) and nanohybrid (containing wax) coatings caused the super-hydrophobicity on birch wood. The adding the optimal amount of carnauba wax to the epoxy-based nanocoating structure leads to a contact angle of 170 degrees and a sliding angle of less than 3 degrees by water drops. In addition, carnauba wax caused the stability and strength of super-hydrophobic surfaces in aging and mechanical conditions. The highest level of stability in harsh environments was related to the hybrid nanocoating. The highest contact angle was observed for pomegranate juice and the lowest for milk. Also, the self-cleaning potential with various types of Fanta and Coca-Cola drinks on the super-hydrophobic surface was successful. Conclusion: The use of carnauba wax increased the contact angle and decreased the sliding angle. The use of carnauba wax significantly improved the mechanical properties and waterrepellency of the super-hydrophobic coating. The chemical nature and morphological structure of wax in the coating is the reason for this superiority. The super-hydrophobic surface made with nanohybrid coating in the presence of carnauba wax has the potential of self-cleaning, biocompatibility and stability in service conditions and can be used to protect all types of general surfaces in the field of food, especially lignocellulosic substrates such as wood and paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An issue related to using concrete for building structures is to ensure their stability and durability during operation within wide limits. Therefore, the object of research was the change in the properties of concrete in case of fire and its protection when applied with a reactive coating capable of forming a foam coke layer under the influence of high temperature on the coating. It has been proven that in the process of thermal action on the fire-resistant coating, the process of heat insulation of concrete involves the formation of soot-like products on the surface of the material. Thus, under the influence of the flame of the burner, a temperature arose on the surface of the sample, which led to the swelling of the coating by more than 18 mm. The measured temperature on the surface of the concrete sample under the layer of foam coke was no more than 140 °C, which indicates the formation of a fire barrier. In this regard, modeling of the process of heat transfer through the formed layer of foam coke in the process of its protection with a reactive coating was carried out and dependence was established, which makes it possible to estimate the coefficients of temperature conductivity and thermal conductivity during high-temperature action. According to the experimental data and the established dependences, the coefficient of temperature conductivity and heat conductivity of foam coke was calculated, which is 9.17·10–7 m²/s and 0.17 W/(m·K). The assessment of the maximum possible penetration of fire through the layer of foam coke was carried out. A temperature was formed on the surface of the sample, which significantly exceeded the temperature of the destruction of concrete, and on the surface of concrete under the coating it did not reach 250 °C. So, there are reasons to assert the possibility of targeted regulation of concrete fire protection processes by using reactive coatings capable of forming a protective layer on the surface of the material that inhibits the rate of heat transfer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the expansion of America's global influence in the early twentieth century, consuming American cold refreshments, such as Coca-Cola (Coke) and Hazelwood Ice Cream, became an urban fashion in Republican Shanghai during the 1930s and 1940s. Their American merchants, the Coca-Cola and Henningsen Companies, published advertisements depicting women consuming these American refreshments in Shanghai-based print media. Both companies used localized strategies to advertise their products to Chinese customers. Specifically, they used many fashion images of a modern way of life that was at once Sinicized and Americanized, with ads featuring healthy, free, dignified, and, at times, sexualized female models as their consumers. Focusing on these American refreshments' advertisements, this article argues that American capitalists presented a hybridized modernity to market their products in Republican Shanghai, the most Western-influenced Chinese cosmopolitan city; however, their advertising strategies varied to an extent because they used different business modes and coped with different levels of domestic competition in the Chinese market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although research has consistently demonstrated that people prefer to purchase products and brands that represent their identity, relatively little research has examined how this identity relevance influences product usage. Drawing from work on intertemporal choice, the present work proposes a conceptual framework for the influence of identity on product usage. The authors theorize and demonstrate an identity conservation effect, in that consumers are less likely to use nondurable identity products compared to nonidentity products because the tradeoff between possession value and in-use value is larger for identity products. Six studies demonstrate the identity conservation effect and provide support for the value tradeoff framework through both mediation and theoretically supported moderation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food and drinks are necessary components of daily life. Similar to other types of advertising, food advertising frequently employs images of models to promote a company's products, thus creating stereotypically gendered representations. This study aims to analyse the key discursive strategies employed in the representation of masculinity (and femininity) in contemporary food and beverage advertising in a sample of 35 print advertisements launched between 2000 and 2020. Food and beverages constitute utilitarian products, in contrast to hedonic products. This study analyses posters that promote products that fit into five major categories: (1) alcoholic and (2) non-alcoholic beverages, (3) fast food, (4) snacks, and (5) sport nutrition, in order to trace the relation between the types of endorsed products and the strategies employed in the representations of masculinity. Among the brands advertised are Burger King, Carl's Jr., Coca-Cola, Maximuscle, McDonald's, KFC and Nespresso. The study investigates how ideals of masculinity (and femininity) are represented, especially in terms of body ideals, and how these representations construct and promote socially desirable gendered bodies, thus having an impact on an individual's satisfaction with their own body. We will show that the "framing of visibility" featuring male models as strong and therefore powerful, with trained muscular bodies, is contrasted with the "framing of invisibility," in which female models are primarily represented as skinny and lightweight, but hyper-feminine and sexually appealing, which in turn leads to their objectification and sexualisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Thermomechanical fatigue tests are performed on SA387Gr11CL2 (1.25Cr-0.5Mo) low alloy steel, which is widely used in the manufacture of coke drum. Thermomechanical fatigue mechanical behavior and life are investigated under different mechanical strain amplitudes. A prediction model of thermomechanical fatigue life is developed according to mechanical strain range, and thermomechanical fatigue life of coke drum with SA387Gr11CL2 low alloy steel in service is estimated based on the proposed prediction model and numerical analysis method. Thermomechanical fatigue life of coke drum with SA387Gr11CL2 low alloy steel in service are discussed under different operating parameters. The results indicate that the mechanical strain amplitude has effect on cyclic response of maximum tensile stress, but it has a limited effect on cyclic response of maximum compressive stress. Thermomechanical fatigue life of SA387Gr11CL2 low alloy steel decreases significantly with the increase of mechanical strain amplitude. The stress–strain hysteresis loops are obviously asymmetric. The thermomechanical fatigue prediction life of this studied coke drum with SA387Gr11CL2 low alloy steel is more than 20 years. Considering the safety of coke drum during operation, the time of vapor heating and steam quenching should be prolonged, and the velocity of oil filling and water quenching should be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the quantity of nickel and chromium ions released from orthodontic wires when subjected to various beverage solutions and distilled water. Materials and Methods: Orthodontic appliances composed of five brackets, one band and 0.016-inch stainless steel and nickel titanium wires were immersed in Coke, tea, coffee and distilled water. The samples were incubated at 37°C for 1 hour, 6 hours, 24 hours, and one week. There was a total of 120 appliances divided into 24 groups (n=5 in each group). Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to examine the amount of released ions. Two-way and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test were used for statistical analysis and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The release of nickel ions from both wires was highest in Coke and lowest in distilled water at all time points. Coffee and tea demonstrated values in-between these two limits. Similarly, chromium ion release from both wires was highest in Coke at all time-points compared to all other solutions (P<0.05). None of the other tested drinks showed significant differences in chromium ion release compared to distilled water. Conclusion: Restricting the intake of acidic drinks, particularly carbonated beverages like Coke, plays a critical role in safeguarding orthodontic wire components. Educating patients and providing dietary guidelines are essential for maximizing treatment effectiveness. Further research is required to investigate additional factors impacting ion release and devising methods to mitigate potential harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coca-Cola is one of the most recognized brands in the world. The multinational corporation, based in Atlanta, GA, has subsidiaries around the globe. In 2021, Coca-Cola lost a $3 billion lawsuit in U.S. Tax Court related to transfer pricing and its syrup subsidiaries. This case study examines the issue of transfer pricing for use in Advanced Accounting and Advanced Tax courses. It can also be used to apply ethical frameworks to accounting decisions. After completing this case, students will be able to explain why companies and tax jurisdictions care about transfer pricing, the alternatives available for setting transfer prices, and the importance of tax planning for multinational corporations. Students can also evaluate the ethical considerations associated with shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess how different soft drinks affect the deterioration of conventional and memory orthodontic elastomeric chains. Materials and Methods: We used 500 five-loop segments of elastomeric chains, which were divided into two equal groups of conventional and memory chains. The samples were kept in artificial saliva during the study period. Each group was further divided into 5 subgroups consisting of artificial saliva (controls), CocaCola®, non-alcoholic beer (ISTAK®), and carbonated and non-carbonated yoghurt-based drinks (Alis®). Treatment with the soft drinks consisted of immersion in the test liquids twice a day for 3 minutes each time. Force measurements were taken on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Data were analyzed using One- and three-way ANOVA tests, and independent t-test, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The mean initial force for the conventional and memory elastomeric chains was 3.34±0.112N and 2.49±0.209N, respectively. Conventional chains showed significantly greater degradation than memory chains (P<0.01). Soft drinks had a significant impact on force degradation for both types of chains at all time points (P<0.01). Coca-Cola® had the highest level of force degradation, while non-carbonated yoghurt-based drinks had the lowest (P<0.01). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that orthodontic patients choose non-carbonated yoghurt-based drinks during their treatment. Memory elastomeric chains may be more suitable for patients who consume large amounts of carbonated soft drinks, due to their lower amount of force degradation compared to conventional chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents experimental data on the nature of coke movement in the DRY COKE QUENCHING PLANT (DCQP) chamber during its unloading. It is shown that when the coke is unloaded, zones of accelerated coke descent and stagnant zones appear. The number of zones of accelerated descent of the quenched coke increases in proportion to the number of structural reinforcing beams. The dimensions of these zones are the larger, the smaller the surface of the blow head. A larger number of zones of accelerated descent create a condition for a more uniform descent of coke throughout the entire volume of the DCQP chamber. Also, the manifestation of the action of zones of accelerated descent begins the earlier, the smaller the surface of the blow head. This required a constructive way to achieve the uniformity of the descent of coke to improve the technological characteristics of the work of the DCQP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]