bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional Quality, Governance and Progress towards the SDGs
Authors: Barbier Edward B. , Burgess Joanne C.
Published: October 2021

Whether institutional quality and governance help or hinder progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of UN Agenda 2030 is an important issue to consider. These fundamental social structures are generally under-represented among the SDGs, but institutional quality and governance often have an important role in supporting or constraining efforts to achieve sustainable development. We compare estimates of the changes in net welfare that reflect progress towards the 17 SDGs over 2000–2018 with two institutional quality and governance indicators over the same period. We do this at the world level, for the group of low-income countries and for nine representative developing countries. We utilize the Worldwide Governance Indicators and OECD’s Country Risk Classification as our two institutional quality and governance measures. We find that SDG welfare gains are somewhat correlated with institutional quality and highly correlated with lower country risk. These results suggest that good governance and institutional effectiveness are associated with long-run development and sustainability success. Long-term progress towards the SDGs may hinge on improved institutional quality and reduced country risk.
Farmers’ Awareness in the Context of Climate Change: An Underutilized Way for Ensuring Sustainable Farmland Adaptation and Surface Water Quality
Authors: Awad Ahmed , Luo Wan , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Elbeltagi Ahmed , El-Rawy Mustafa , Farres Hesham N. , Gabr Mohamed EL-Sayed
Published: October 2021

Simulations using the Crop Water and Irrigation Requirements model (CROPWAT), show that the projected climatic changes over the period from 2026 to 2050 in the Yanyun irrigation district, Yangzhou, China, will cause the paddy lands there to lose about 12.4% to 37.4%, and 1.6% to 45.6%, of their future seasonal rainwater in runoff under the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP45 and RCP85), respectively. This may increase future irrigation requirements (IRs), alongside threatening the quality of adjacent water bodies. The CROPWAT simulations were re-run after increasing the Surface Storage Capacity (SSC) of the land by 50% and 100% of its baseline value. The results state that future rainwater runoff will be reduced by up to 76% and 100%, and 53% and 100% when the SSC is increased by 50% and 100%, under RCP45 and RCP85, respectively. This mitigates the future increase in IRs (e.g., under RCP45, up to about 11% and 16% of future IRs will be saved when increasing the SSC by 50% and 100%, respectively), thus saving the adjacent water bodies from the contaminated runoff from these lands. Adjusting the SSC of farmlands is an easy physical approach that can be practiced by farmers, and therefore educating them on how to follow up the rainfall forecast and then adjust the level of their farmlands’ boundaries according to these forecasts may help in the self-adaptation of vast areas of farmlands to climate change. These findings will help water users conserve agricultural water resources (by mitigating the future increase in IRs) alongside ensuring better quality for adjacent water bodies (by decreasing future runoff from these farmlands). Increasing farmers’ awareness, an underutilized approach, is a potential tool for ensuring improved agricultural circumstances amid projected climate changes and preserving the available water resources.
Road Transport and Its Impact on Air Pollution during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Vichova Katerina , Veselik Petr , Heinzova Romana , Dvoracek Radek
Published: October 2021

This paper discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on air pollution. Many urban inhabitants were confined to their homes during the lockdown. This had an impact air pollution, due to a reduction the number of vehicles being operated in cities. People also limited the number of visits to shopping centers; additionally, sports venues were closed and cultural events cancelled. The COVID-19 pandemic therefore had a positive impact on air pollution. Several studies from around the world confirm this. The research presented here is based on hourly measurements of PM10 and NO2 concentrations measured in background ambient air at a specific intersection located in Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic. The aim of the paper is to confirm or exclude the hypothesis that the measured concentrations of PM10 and NO2 pollutants were lower during 2020 than in 2019, when states of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic were declared. The data were aggregated into monthly subsets and statistically analyzed. The data was graphically visualized and evaluated by means of exploratory data analysis. To compare the pollution levels in individual months, a parametric statistical analysis (two-sample t-test) was used. A statistically significant reduction was observed in the measured concentrations in 2020 compared to 2019 during periods when states of emergency were declared.
Fasting Plastic—The Role of Media Reports in a ‘Window of Opportunity’ to Reduce Plastic Consumption
Authors: Barkela Berend , Werling Kristen , Filler Signe Elisa , Heidbreder Lea Marie
Published: October 2021

To tackle the problems of plastic pollution in the environment, the reduction of plastic consumption plays a major role. To initiate behavior changes in consumption patterns, the content and time point of interventions are key factors. Furthermore, current studies have outlined the effect of role models on others’ behavior. Thus, this paper investigates the impact of role models in media reports on efficacy beliefs and consumption behavior using an intervention. Two online studies with quoted samples, in the fasting period Lent (Study 1: n = 656) and a random period (Study 2: n = 947), were conducted. Both studies included two measurement points to investigate the change in plastic consumption over time. In study 1 (during the Lent period), participants were divided into one experimental group that viewed a media report including information on the plastic problem and role-model-like behavior for reducing plastic consumption and one control group that viewed a media report including only information on the plastic problem. In study 2 (during a random period), an additional control group was added where participants did not view a media report at all. Results revealed that a decrease in plastic consumption during the fasting period could be found; however, a decrease in plastic consumption outside of the fasting period could not be found. Media reports that addressed plastic pollution and role models avoiding plastic had no relevant impact on participants’ efficacy beliefs or plastic consumption intention or behavior.
Policy and Governance Implications for Transition to NTFP-Based Bioeconomy in Kashmir Himalayas
Authors: Peerzada Ishtiyak Ahmad , Chamberlain James , Reddy Mohan , Dhyani Shalini , Saha Somidh
Published: October 2021

Forests of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have a rich diversity of valuable non-timber forest products (NTFP) that local communities extract for their sustenance and income. The region is home to over 60% of species recognized for novel bio-medicinal properties in the Indian Himalayas. There is significant national and international demand for these species, providing income and employment for more than 60% of the population of J&K. Despite this, NTFP are not adequately recognized for their contributions to rural livelihoods and the regional economy due to the lack of appropriate policy and governance mechanisms. In this study, we embrace a bioresource vision to examine challenges and opportunities for transition to a sustainable bioeconomy in J&K. Selected NTFP were considered for valuation to showcase their bioeconomy potential using two approaches. First, we used the ‘market price method’ to estimate the contribution of NTFP to the local economy. Second, the ‘maximum willingness to pay method’ was used to project the bioeconomy potential of NTFP in the region. The analysis reveals that local communities’ revenues could increase by as much as 18 times their current price with appropriate actions to include NTFP. However, to realize this potential, policies and governance frameworks based on increased access and benefit sharing with inclusive institutional models would support the transition of the local economy into a bioeconomy. Fostering public–community partnership by improving the local participation of producers and processors in NTFP value chains for overcoming the existing governance barriers is needed.
Consumer Sentiment Involvement in Big Data Analytics and Its Impact on Product Design Innovation
Authors: Liu Chang , Xu Yueli
Published: October 2021

With the development of Internet technology and the digital market in China, consumption through e-commerce platforms and giving online reviews after purchase have become mainstream. However, current market research still uses traditional methods of surveys and questionnaires, which largely influences the efficiency of relevant enterprises in finding key product issues and lowers new product performance. This paper conducts the aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA) method to study the impact of consumer sentiment involvement (CSI) on new product performance. We took the ceramic industry as a case study, and collected 3.22 million consumer responses for ABSA. A total of 22 performances of new products were analyzed for CSI hypothesis testing. We found that CSI big data analytics were positively related to new product performance and enterprise innovation. Our study contributes in three ways. First, we extend the concept of co-creation in open innovation studies into an intelligent data intensive context. The data-driven open innovation is conducive to product design and new product performance. Second, we enrich the empirical industry of ABSA sentiment analysis in the Chinese ceramic industry. Third, we contribute to the collaboration method to motivate consumers to participate, which means to make effective product reviews in this research.
Effect of SME’s Managerial Ability and Executive Compensation on Firm Value
Authors: Park Won , Byun Chunggyu
Published: October 2021

This paper analyzes the impact of the managerial ability and level of compensation on firm value in small and medium enterprises. The ability of managers is important for the sustainability and growth of small and medium enterprises because they lack awareness of resources, technology, and reputation compared to large enterprises. The managerial ability is the ability to efficiently utilize resources and choose the investment plan with the highest future net cash flows. Managerial ability is also an indicator of the level of compensation for executives. Therefore, the level of executive compensation can help a firm value or growth if it is based on managerial abilities. In addition, high executive compensation standards can be an opportunity or motivation to work hard for the wealth of companies and shareholders. We analyzed 1872 small and medium-sized companies listed on the Korean stock market to achieve the purpose of the research. We analyzed the accounting period of 6 years from 2012 to 2017. Our results have had a positive impact on firm value with executive compensation. In groups with excellent managerial skills, executive compensation has had a positive (+) impact on firm value. However, executive compensation did not have a significant impact on firm value in groups with poor managerial skills. These results validate that the CEO’s role in small and medium enterprise is important and that the level of compensation for executives is important to motivate. It also suggests that executive compensation cannot affect the firm value in groups with low managerial abilities.
Peer-to-Peer Confirmation, Positive Automatic Thoughts, and Flourishing of Computer Programming E-Learners
Authors: Dirzyte Aiste , Sederevičiūtė-Pačiauskienė Živilė , Šliogerienė Jolita , Vijaikis Aivaras , Perminas Aidas , Kaminskis Lukas , Žebrauskas Giedrius , Mačiulaitis Kęstutis
Published: October 2021

Computer programming e-learners faced stressful life circumstances and educational changes that affected the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the cognitive model of flourishing focuses on cognitions rather than situations themselves, it was deemed significant to identify peer-to-peer confirmation, positive automatic thoughts, flourishing, and the links between these study variables in a group of computer programming e-learners and compare the results with other e-learners. This study applied the Flourishing Scale (FS), the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire—Positive (ATQP), and the Student-to-Student Confirmation Scale. The sample consisted of 453 e-learners, including 211 computer programming e-learners. The results revealed that computer programming e-learners differed from other e-learners in flourishing, positive daily functioning, and peer-to-peer confirmation. In both samples, positive daily functioning and positive future expectations predicted self-reported flourishing. Positive automatic thoughts and flourishing predicted peer-to-peer confirmation just in the group of computer programming e-learners. The SEM analysis revealed that peer-to-peer confirmation and positive automatic thoughts explained 57.4% of the variance of flourishing in the computer programming e-learners group and 9.3% of the variance in the social sciences e-learners group, χ2 = 81.320, df = 36, p < 0.001; NFI = 0.963; TLI = 0.967; CFI = 0.979; RMSEA = 0.075 [0.053–0.096]; SRMR = 0.033. The findings signify the importance of peer-to-peer confirmation and positive thoughts for computer programming e-learners’ psychological well-being. Nevertheless, the results of this particular study should be regarded with caution due to the relatively small sample size and other limitations. In the future, it would be valuable to identify the underlying mechanisms and the added value of positive states such as flow, which have recently received the increased attention of researchers.
Stacking Model for Optimizing Subjective Well-Being Predictions Based on the CGSS Database
Authors: Ke Na , Shi Guoqing , Zhou Ying
Published: October 2021

Subjective Well-Being (SWB) is an important indicator reflecting the satisfaction of residents’ lives and social welfare. As a prevalent technique, machine learning is playing a more significant role in various domains. However, few studies have used machine learning techniques to study SWB. This paper puts forward a stacking model based on ANN, XGBoost, LR, CatBoost, and LightGBM to predict the SWB of Chinese residents, using the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) datasets from 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. Furthermore, the feature importance index of tree models is used to reveal the changes in the important factors affecting SWB. The results show that the stacking model proposed in this paper is superior to traditional models such as LR or other single machine learning models. The results also show some common features that have contributed to SWB in different years. The methods used in this study are effective and the results provide support for making society more harmonious.
Development of Ecosystem Health Assessment (EHA) and Application Method: A Review
Authors: Fu Shaokang , Zhao Lin , Qiao Zhi , Sun Tong , Sun Meng , Hao Yuying , Hu Siyu , Zhang Yanchang
Published: October 2021

Human industrialization has caused damage to ecosystems. In this context, researchers have developed several methods to assess the health of various types of ecosystems. In this paper, we evaluated the developmental history and status of ecosystem health (EH) and summarized the concept of EH. We also reviewed ecosystem health assessment (EHA) methods and analyzed the application of EHA methods. EHA methods are generally classified into biological indicator and index system method. The former method is mainly based on the number of dominant species, such as diatom, plankton, and macroinvertebrate. Results indicate that trophic diatom index (TDI), plankton index of biotic integrity (P-IBI), and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) are the most commonly used indices. The latter method combines multiple ecosystem metrics and reflects ecosystem processes. The pressure–state–response (PSR) model most commonly uses the index system method. For the application of EHA methods, biological indicator methods are mostly applied in rivers/streams ecosystem, while the index system is primarily involved in urban ecosystems. Therefore, the information presented in this review may be helpful for the modification of EHA methods.
Blockchain: Future of e-Governance in Smart Cities
Authors: Khanna Abhirup , Sah Anushree , Bolshev Vadim , Jasinski Michal , Vinogradov Alexander , Leonowicz Zbigniew , Jasiński Marek
Published: October 2021

In recent times, Blockchain has emerged as a transformational technology with the ability to disrupt and evolve multiple domains. As a decentralized, immutable distributed ledger, Blockchain technology is one of the most recent entrants to the comprehensive ideology of Smart Cities. The rise of urbanization and increased citizen participation have led to various technology integrations in our present-day cities. For cities to become smart, we need standard frameworks and procedures for integrating technology, citizens and governments. In this paper, we explore the potential of Blockchain technology as an enabler for e-governance in smart cities. We examine the daily challenges of citizens and compare them with the benefits being offered by Blockchain integration. On the basis of a comprehensive literature review, we identified four key areas of e-governance wherein Blockchain can provide monumental advantages. In the context of Blockchain integration for e-governance, the paper presents a survey of prominent published works discussing various urban applications.
An Attribute-Based Evaluation Framework for Sustainable Scientific Instruments Platforms
Authors: Wang Xiaobo , Zhao Xueru , Zhang Caixia
Published: October 2021

Scientific instrument platforms (SIPs) suffer from a lack of opinion and suggestions on sustainable operation management, leading to widely poor operation status nowadays. It is possible to guarantee the quality and efficiency of scientific and technological innovation activities and to improve the economic and social benefits of scientific and technological resources by constructing a framework system to promote the sustainability of the operation and management for SIPs. To meet the examination and evaluation requirements of the current operation and management of SIPs in China, this paper aims to establish an evaluation framework composed of indicators and attributes running through the construction and development of the SIPs from four aspects of learning and growth, process management, customers, and finance. Based on the existing research and operation practice, and according to the knowledge and preference of 627 SIP stakeholders, factor analysis has been adopted to extract and validate the hierarchical structure containing key sustainability indicators. The results show that the attribute characteristics of sustainable operating management for SIPs involve four significant dimensions of target positioning, team building, internal process control, and external service, among which the first and third ones have relatively higher priority. An effective and reliable evaluation tool is identified to be designed and provided for SIP operating management, which can also be used for self-evaluation and unified management of the sustainable operation of SIPs.
Trusting Testcases Using Blockchain-Based Repository Approach
Authors: Al Zaabi Abdulla , Yeun Chan Yeob , Damiani Ernesto
Published: October 2021

Modern vehicles have evolved to support connected and self-driving capabilities. The concepts such as connected driving, cooperative driving, and intelligent transportation systems have resulted in an increase in the connectivity of vehicles and subsequently created new information security risks. The original vehicular ad-hoc network term is now emerged to a new term, Internet of Vehicles (IoV), which is a typical application of symmetry of Internet of Things (IoT). Vehicle manufacturers address some critical issues such as software bugs or security issues through remote updates, and this gives rise to concerns regarding the security of updated components. Moreover, aftermarket units such as those imposed by transportation authorities or insurance companies expose vehicles to high risk. Software testing aims to ensure that software products are reliable and behave as expected. Many commercial and open-source software products undergo formal certifications to increase users’ confidence in their accuracy, reliability, and security. There are different techniques for software certification, including test-based certification. Testcase repositories are available to support software testing and certification, such as the Linux Test Project for Linux kernel testing. Previous studies performed various testing and experimental evaluation of different parts of modern vehicles to assess the security risks. Due to the lack of trusted testcase repositories and a common approach for testing, testing efforts are performed individually. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-based approach for a testcase repository to support test-based software and security testing and overcome the lack of trusted testcase repositories. The novel concept Proof-of-Validation to manage global state is proposed to manage updates to the repository. The initial work in this study considers the LTP test suite as a use case for the testcase repository. This research work is expected to contribute to the further development in including evidence generation for testing verification.
Analysis and Suppression of the Eddy Current Damping Force of the Cooling Plate of a Permanent Magnet Linear Motor
Authors: Wang Mingyi , Sun Qinwei , Kang Kai , Li Liyi
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a new symmetrical cooling plate. It can significantly reduce the eddy current damping force of the water-cooled metal plate. To increase the thrust density of coreless permanent magnet linear motors, cooling plates must be placed on the armature surface to reduce the temperature rise that is caused by high electrical density. However, when the motor moves at a high speed, extra damping force will be generated in the cooling plate, which affects the thrust quality and precision of the permanent magnet linear motor. In this study, we elaborate the mechanism of damping force generation in the cooling plate and propose a new symmetrical cooling plate with low damping force. This paper introduces the topology of a linear motor cooling system and presents an analytical model of the eddy current distribution of a water-cooled plate. The surface current equivalence method is used to calculate the magnitude of the damping force. A new, symmetrical water-cooled plate design method is proposed. This method uses the eddy current vector synthesis principle to cancel the eddy currents that are generated in each region, and to reduce the damping force that is generated in the cooling plate during motor motion. Finally, a 3D simulation model of the motor system is established and an experimental platform is built. The correctness of the analytical model and the effectiveness of the cooling plate design are verified using a simulation and an experiment.
Special Issue: “Symmetries in Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics”
Authors: Junker Georg
Published: October 2021

Symmetry is a fundamental concept in science and has played a significant role since the early days of quantum physics [...]
Molecular Docking and Comparative Inhibitory Efficacy of Naturally Occurring Compounds on Vegetative Growth and Deoxynivalenol Biosynthesis in Fusarium culmorum
Authors: Oufensou Safa , Dessì Alessandro , Dallocchio Roberto , Balmas Virgilio , Azara Emanuela , Carta Paola , Migheli Quirico , Delogu Giovanna
Published: October 2021

The fungal pathogen Fusarium culmorum causes Fusarium head blight in cereals, resulting in yield loss and contamination of the grain by type B trichothecene mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON), and its acetylated derivatives. Synthesis of trichothecenes is driven by a trichodiene synthase (TRI5) that converts farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) to trichodiene. In this work, 15 naturally occurring compounds that belong to the structural phenol and hydroxylated biphenyl classes were tested in vitro and in planta (durum wheat) to determine their inhibitory activity towards TRI5. In vitro analysis highlighted the fungicidal effect of these compounds when applied at 0.25 mM. Greenhouse assays showed a strong inhibitory activity of octyl gallate 5, honokiol 13 and the combination propyl gallate 4 + thymol 7 on trichothecene biosynthesis. Docking analyses were run on the 3D model of F. culmorum TRI5 containing the inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) or FPP. Significant ligand affinities with TRI-PPi and TRI-FPP were observed for the same sites for almost all compounds, with 1 and 2 as privileged sites. Octyl gallate 5 and honokiol 13 interacted almost exclusively with sites 1 and 2, by concurrently activating strong H-bonds with common sets of amino acids. These results open new perspectives for the targeted search of naturally occurring compounds that may find practical application in the eco-friendly control of FHB in wheat.
A High Rate Algal Pond Hosting a Dynamic Community of RNA Viruses
Authors: Chase Emily E. , Monteil-Bouchard Sonia , Gobet Angélique , Andrianjakarivony Felana H. , Desnues Christelle , Blanc Guillaume
Published: October 2021

Despite a surge of RNA virome sequencing in recent years, there are still many RNA viruses to uncover—as indicated by the relevance of viral dark matter to RNA virome studies (i.e., putative viruses that do not match to taxonomically identified viruses). This study explores a unique site, a high-rate algal pond (HRAP), for culturing industrially microalgae, to elucidate new RNA viruses. The importance of viral-host interactions in aquatic systems are well documented, and the ever-expanding microalgae industry is no exception. As the industry becomes a more important source of sustainable plastic manufacturing, a producer of cosmetic pigments and alternative protein sources, and a means of CO2 remediation in the face of climate change, studying microalgal viruses becomes a vital practice for proactive management of microalgae cultures at the industrial level. This study provides evidence of RNA microalgal viruses persisting in a CO2 remediation pilot project HRAP and uncovers the diversity of the RNA virosphere contained within it. Evidence shows that family Marnaviridae is cultured in the basin, alongside other potential microalgal infecting viruses (e.g., family Narnaviridae, family Totitiviridae, and family Yueviridae). Finally, we demonstrate that the RNA viral diversity of the HRAP is temporally dynamic across two successive culturing seasons.
Alum Pickering Emulsion as Effective Adjuvant to Improve Malaria Vaccine Efficacy
Authors: Chen Qiuting , Wu Nan , Gao Yuhui , Wang Xiaojun , Wu Jie , Ma Guanghui
Published: October 2021

Malaria is a life-threatening global epidemic disease and has caused more than 400,000 deaths in 2019. To control and prevent malaria, the development of a vaccine is a potential method. An effective malaria vaccine should either combine antigens from all stages of the malaria parasite’s life cycle, or epitopes of multiple key antigens due to the complexity of the Plasmodium parasite. Malaria’s random constructed antigen-1 (M.RCAg-1) is one of the recombinant vaccines, which was selected from a DNA library containing thousands of diverse multi-epitope chimeric antigen genes. Moreover, besides selecting an antigen, using an adjuvant is another important procedure for most vaccine development procedures. Freund’s adjuvant is considered an effective vaccine adjuvant for malaria vaccine, but it cannot be used in clinical settings because of its serious side effects. Traditional adjuvants, such as alum adjuvant, are limited by their unsatisfactory immune effects in malaria vaccines, hence there is an urgent need to develop a novel, safe and efficient adjuvant. In recent years, Pickering emulsions have attracted increasing attention as novel adjuvant. In contrast to classical emulsions, Pickering emulsions are stabilized by solid particles instead of surfactant, having pliability and lateral mobility. In this study, we selected aluminum hydroxide gel (termed as “alum”) as a stabilizer to prepare alum-stabilized Pickering emulsions (ALPE) as a malaria vaccine adjuvant. In addition, monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) as an immunostimulant was incorporated into the Pickering emulsion (ALMPE) to further enhance the immune response. In vitro tests showed that, compared with alum, ALPE and ALMPE showed higher antigen load rates and could be effectively endocytosed by J774a.1 cells. In vivo studies indicated that ALMPE could induce as high antibody titers as Freund’s adjuvant. The biocompatibility study also proved ALMPE with excellent biocompatibility. These results suggest that ALMPE is a potential adjuvant for a malaria vaccine.
Silver-Modified β-Cyclodextrin Polymer for Water Treatment: A Balanced Adsorption and Antibacterial Performance
Authors: Wang Xin , Chen Huafeng , Wang Jianyu , Zhou Yi , Cui Changzheng , Zhou Yanbo
Published: October 2021

Water pollution caused by organic pollutants and pathogenic microorganism is a critical issue. In this study, we reported a silver-modified β-cyclodextrin polymer (CD-CA/PDA-Ag) used for the removal of dyes and the suppression of microorganisms from water. In order to avoid silver nanoparticles agglomeration, the material was first coated with polydopamine (PDA) on β-cyclodextrin matrix, whose reducing catechol groups subsequently immobilized silver ions in situ to form uniformly dispersed silver nanoparticles. CD-CA/PDA-0.5Ag displayed a high adsorption capacity of methylene blue (535.93 mg/g), which is mainly attributed to electrostatic interactions, host-guest inclusions and π-π bond stacking effects. Furthermore, both diffusion inhibition zone tests and colony formation unit tests were investigated, which showed excellent antimicrobial capability on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. auerus). Overall, CD-CA/PDA-Ag proved to have an excellent adsorption capacity and antibacterial performance, which provides a great potential in water purification.
Size Effects of MoS2 on Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Ghanashyam Gyawali , Jeong Hae Kyung
Published: October 2021

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has been widely used as a catalyst for the bifunctional activities of hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER). Here, we investigated size dependent HER and OER performance of MoS2. The smallest size (90 nm) of MoS2 exhibits the lowest overpotential of −0.28 V at −10 mAcm−2 and 1.52 V at 300 mAcm−2 with the smallest Tafel slopes of 151 and 176 mVdec−1 for HER and OER, respectively, compared to bigger sizes (2 μm and 6 μm) of MoS2. The better HER and OER performance is attributed to high electrochemical active surface area (6 × 10−4 cm2) with edge sites and low charge transfer resistance (18.1 Ω), confirming that the smaller MoS2 nanosheets have the better catalytic behavior.
A New Recursive Composite Adaptive Controller for Robot Manipulators
Authors: Li Jianfei , Wang Yaobing , Liu Zhiyong , Jing Xin , Hu Chengwei
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a new recursive implementation of composite adaptive control for robot manipulators is proposed. We investigate the recursive composite adaptive algorithm and prove the stability directly based on the Newton-Euler equations in matrix form, which, to our knowledge, is the first result on this point in the literature. The proposed algorithm has an amount of computationOn, which is less than any existing similar algorithms and can satisfy the computation need of the complicated multidegree manipulators. The manipulator of the Chinese Space Station is employed as a simulation example, and the results verify the effectiveness of this proposed recursive algorithm.
Investigation of the common Q-switching voltage choice in dual-wavelength alternating Q-switched infrared laser
Authors: Sun Jingdong , Yu Chunhe , Dong Yuan , Yu Yongji , Jin Guangyong
Published: October 2021

A dual-wavelength co-voltage alternating Q-switched infrared laser is demonstrated by combining the voltage-increased and voltage-decreased electro-optic (EO) Q-switched technologies. We experimentally studied the output characteristics of the laser under different common Q-switching voltages. The selection law of the common Q-switching voltage for 1064 nm and 1319 nm dual-wavelength laser is obtained. The results show that the selection of the common Q-switching voltage should be slightly greater than the quarter-wave voltage of 1319 nm laser(1500 V). Otherwise, the threshold of 1319 nm laser will become higher or the difference of maximum single pulse energy between two wavelengths will be greater.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) in Somaliland – why is change so slow?
Authors: Johansson Annika , Osman Gaas Abdirahman , Mahmoud Warsame Amina
Published: October 2021

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as any procedure involving the alteration or excision of external female genitalia for no medical reason. Somaliland has among the highest prevalence rates of FGM globally. In this article we describe how the Civil Society Organisation (CSO) ‘Network against female genital mutilation in Somaliland’ (NAFIS) has approached the challenge to reduce the high FGM prevalence. From its start in 2006, NAFIS has developed a multifaceted program to reach the overall goal: the elimination of all forms of FGM in Somaliland.
Alone among the group of CSOs in the network, NAFIS introduced in its activities medical care and counselling for women who suffer from the consequences of FGM. From 2011 and onwards, thousands of women have been relieved of their FGM-related health complications and participated in counselling sessions at project centres. Shortly after this visit they have been invited to participate in community group meetings to share their experiences with other women who also have received FGM care and counselling, and other community members.
The aim of the article is to describe this model of work - combining FGM care and counselling with community dialogues. The article is basically descriptive, using the authors’ own observations and encounters with project clients and staff over eight years. We have also used findings from three Master's theses on aspects of the process, and from other small scale studies to highlight people’s understanding, experiences and opinions in a context of an on-going health intervention.
A lesson learnt from NAFIS project is that it has helped to open up communicative spaces in community dialogues where experiences are shared and understanding created of the harm caused by FGM, without the habitual stigma and shame. We discuss this process in a context of behavioural change theories. A major challenge during the process has been to involve men in the project’s FGM information and counselling activities. The role of nurses/midwives, being the first to meet women with FGM complications, is also discussed and the need emphasised to strengthen capacity of this category of health workers.  One type of FGM gaining in usage is the poorly defined sunna, the health risks of which are unclear.
MOTIVATIONAL AND SUPERVISORY COMPETENCIES OF SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS IN THE NEW NORMAL EDUCATION
Authors: Ramel V. Pastrano  , Dr. Ronald S. Decano
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the study was to assess the motivational and supervisory competencies of secondary school administrators in the new normal education within the New Bataan District. It explored a quantitative descriptive survey method that discovered the level of motivational competencies of secondary school administrators as perceived by themselves and teachers in terms of appreciation, feedbacking, human relations, and human drive in new normal education. Determined the level of supervisory competencies of secondary school administrators as perceived by themselves and teachers in leadership, team building, professional growth, and planning. The study found out that the administrators and teachers differ significantly in their perception of the motivational and supervisory competence of the school administrators. The administrators and teachers did not vary in their perceptions of motivational and supervisory competence when analyzed according to educational qualification attainment, gender, and length of service. Furthermore, school administrators and teachers were committed to their work. The motivational qualities and managerial effectiveness lie in the leader’s commitment and high sense of responsibility, especially this time of the pandemic. Towards the end of the study, school administrators need to apply measures to demonstrate a positive attitude of protection and care towards their teachers, to adapt to new work schedules, and build effective team relationships despite the challenges. As a result, school administrators evaluated their leadership competencies more positively even this time of the pandemic. Several suggestions were proposed for improving school administrators’ leadership competencies.
KEYWORDS- Motivational competencies, supervisory competencies, new normal education, and descriptive-survey method
Effect of dwelling time and plunge depth on the joint properties of the dissimilar friction stir spot welded aluminum and steel
Authors:   Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering. Suez University, Suez 43511, Egypt, Ahmed Mohamed M. Z. , Abdul-Maksoud Mahmoud A. Abdu ,   Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering at Al Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, KSA, Seleman Mohamed M. El-Sayed ,   Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering. Suez University, Suez 43511, Egypt,   Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering at Al Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, KSA
Published: October 2021

Sound joints of a far apart property, pure aluminum and mild steel, dissimilar materials were obtained by friction stir spot welding (FSSW) solid state joining process. Sheets of 2 mm thickness were overlapped and fixed with a fixture device then welded. Welding parameters that produced the sound joint were identified. Joints microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. A microstructural investigation has revealed a creation of mechanical interlocking and discontinuous formation of the intermetallic compounds found at the interface. The intermetallic compound (IMC) layer thickness ranged from 6 μm to 17 μm with the optimum condition specimen, 800 rpm and 5 Sec dwell time. Tensile–shear test showed that failure load has increased with increasing tool plunge depth and rotational speed. After the optimum value of rotational speed, the shear failure load decreased. The maximum shear failure load of 2.15 KN attained at 800 rpm and 2.4 mm plunge depth.
Emitter Clogging and Hydraulic Performance of Drip System under Different Water Qualities and Placement Techniques
Authors: Singh Deepak , Patel Neelam , Singh Nisha , Rosin KG , Yadav Devideen , Singh Saurabh , Kumar Gupta Anand , Kumawat Anita , Kumar Sharma Vinod , Kumar Manoj
Published: October 2021

The present study was conducted at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India, to evaluate the effect of sand-disc filters, pressure compensating (bioline) and non-pressure compensating (inline) emitters, and surface and subsurface placement of laterals on emitter clogging using wastewater and groundwater for irrigation. Results of this study revealed that besides water quality, the type of emitter, placement of laterals, and emitter position on laterals affected emitter's clogging. The major cause of clogging was associated with the precipitated substance accumulated at the emitter inlet concurrently close the micro-pore channels of the emitter, consequently reduce the emitter discharge. The major substances that took part in the clogging of emitter were EC, pH, HCO3, Turbidity, total solid, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and total coliform. It was observed that these substances (HCO3, Turbidity, total solid, E. coli, and total coliform) of groundwater and wastewater were categorized with a medium risk of clogging except for magnesium (low risk of clogging). Pressure compensating drip emitter showed better performance against clogging as compared to non-pressure compensating drip emitter. Sub-surface placement of drip emitter was more prone to clogging under both wastewater and groundwater. It was observed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect of lateral placement, emitter types, and the interaction between these factors on emitter's clogging under both types of water. Emitter flow rate decreased with the increasing time of operation of the drip systems at normal operating pressure, because of clogging of emitters. By flushing operation, it was observed a 3 to 5% higher flow rate in inline drip emitter than bioline (1-2%). The R2 value, which precisely describes the head-discharge relationship, was high (0.99) in most of the bioline treatments. This study also observed and recommended that pressure compensating emitter would be the most appropriate technique to reduce the clogging while using wastewater for irrigation. Flushing effectively controlled the emitter's clogging thus improved the emitter's water discharge rate.
Quantile Regression Analysis of Wage Inequality in West-African Countries
Authors: Ernest Ouédraogo  , Alou Dembélé  , Justin Lwungili Bationo
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we investigate the determinants of wage differences in West Africa while dealing with the problem of sample selection in occupational choice. Using data from Household Living Conditions Surveys from six west-African countries, namely Senegal, Mali, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger between 2010 and 2018, we estimate Heckman's two-stage model with non-linear quantile regression to assess the effect of individual characteristics on wage rates. After correcting for the sample selection effect, we find that education, experience, marital status, and gender are the major determinants of wage in west-African countries. Subsequently, we apply the Oaxaca decomposition, and the results suggest the presence of wage inequity that is not explained by the observable characteristics between women and men. This gender difference plausibly reflects the persistence of the discrimination against women in the labor market in west-African countries.
The Interplay of Context, Experience, and Emotion at World Heritage Sites: a Qualitative and Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Ginzarly Manal , Srour F. Jordan , Roders Ana Pereira
Published: October 2021

This study illustrates how user-generated content, posted in the form of heritage site reviews on social media, can serve to reveal the relationship between the cocreated interpretation of World Heritage Sites (WHSs)—in terms of values, tangible and intangible attributes, as well
as site visit logistics—and the emotional experience of the site. Two WHSs are taken as a case study. More than 2,000 reviews were retrieved from TripAdvisor and analyzed through the application of a mixed method that integrates qualitative digital ethnography and machine learning. Results
show that TripAdvisor reviews capture tourists' emotional reactions from personal encounters with heritage and provide insights into the range of values—including the social, historic, and aesthetical values—that visitors experience when engaging with aspects of the past to associate
meanings for the present. Results also show that the relation between experiences gained at WHSs and contextual aspects is not linear; instead, it is a complex one that results from the interaction of different factors and their associated sentiments. We discuss our results by reflecting on
their theoretical and practical implications.
ВСЕУКРАЇНСЬКИЙ ТИЖДЕНЬ ДОШКІЛЛЯ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Sysoieva Svitlana , Reipolska Olha
Published: October 2021

Висвітлено результати роботи Всеукраїнського тижня дошкілля, який відбувся 20-24 вересня 2021 р. Вперше за часи незалежної України урочистості з нагоди свята працівників дошкільної освіти тривали впродовж тижня, а події відзначалися широкомасштабністю та різноманітністю. З ініціативи Міністерства освіти і науки України, Національної академії педагогічних наук України, Всеукраїнської громадської організації «Асоціація працівників дошкільної освіти» та за підтримки підкомітету з питань раннього розвитку та дошкільної освіти Комітету Верховної Ради України з питань освіти, науки та інновацій проведено ряд заходів у форматі онлайн і офлайн, щоб якомога більше охочих могли долучитися до них і взяти участь. Серед учасників заходу були провідні вчені, викладачі закладів вищої освіти та інститутів післядипломної освіти, представники дошкільної освіти.
TOI-1518b: A Misaligned Ultra-hot Jupiter with Iron in Its Atmosphere
Authors: Cabot Samuel H. C. , Bello-Arufe Aaron , Mendonça João M. , Tronsgaard René , Wong Ian , Zhou George , Buchhave Lars A. , Fischer Debra A. , Stassun Keivan G. , Antoci Victoria , Baker David , Belinski Alexander A. , Benneke Björn , Bouma Luke G. , Christiansen Jessie L. , Collins Karen A. , Goliguzova Maria V. , Hagey Simone , Jenkins Jon M. , Jensen Eric L. N. , Kidwell Jr Richard C. , Laloum Didier , Massey Bob , McLeod Kim K. , Latham David W. , Morgan Edward H. , Ricker George , Safonov Boris S. , Schlieder Joshua E. , Seager Sara , Shporer Avi , Smith Jeffrey C. , Srdoc Gregor , Strakhov Ivan A. , Torres Guillermo , Twicken Joseph D. , Vanderspek Roland , Vezie Michael , Winn Joshua N.
Published: October 2021

We present the discovery of TOI-1518b—an ultra-hot Jupiter orbiting a bright star (V = 8.95). The transiting planet is confirmed using high-resolution optical transmission spectra from EXPRES. It is inflated, with R

p
= 1.875 ± 0.053 R
J, and exhibits several interesting properties, including a misaligned orbit (

240.34

−
0.98

+
0.93

degrees) and nearly grazing transit (

b
=

0.9036

−
0.0053

+
0.0061

). The planet orbits a fast-rotating F0 host star (T
eff ≃ 7300 K) in 1.9 days and experiences intense irradiation. Notably, the TESS data show a clear secondary eclipse with a depth of 364 ± 28 ppm and a significant phase-curve signal, from which we obtain a relative day–night planetary flux difference of roughly 320 ppm and a 5.2σ detection of ellipsoidal distortion on the host star. Prompted by recent detections of atomic and ionized species in ultra-hot Jupiter atmospheres, we conduct an atmospheric cross-correlation analysis. We detect neutral iron (5.2σ), at

K

p

=

157

−
44

+
68

km s−1 and

V

sys

=
−

16

−
4

+
2

, adding another object to the small sample of highly irradiated gas-giant planets with Fe detections in transmission. Detections so far favor particularly inflated gas giants with radii ≳1.78 R
J, which may be due to observational bias. With an equilibrium temperature of T
eq = 2492 ± 38 K and a measured dayside brightness temperature of 3237 ± 59 K (assuming zero geometric albedo), TOI-1518b is a promising candidate for future emission spectroscopy to probe for a thermal inversion.