bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the principal in the management of teacher stress in selected secondary schools in Chatsworth
Authors:   , Govender Magesvari
Published: September 2021

South Africa has been undergoing political change and this has impacted on education. There have been major shifts in education policy, structures and curriculum. Stakeholders in education and teachers, in particular, have had to cope with this new reality. As a result of the changes in education, teachers have been confronted with a variety of problems such as fewer resources, an increase in working hours and having to perform numerous administrative and fund-raising tasks. New school management structures have been established, class sizes have been altered and Outcomes-based Education has been introduced. Poor working conditions, increased workload, role conflict and ambiguity, the threat of redundancy and re-deployment, time pressures and pupil problems are additional stressors that teachers find themselves exposed to at school. These are but some of the stressors that have contributed towards teachers experiencing stress at school and which have impacted negatively on their work performance. However, at both the Education Department level as well as at school level, very little appears to be done to address the problem of teacher stress despite the negative impact that teacher stress has on the work performance of teachers. In order for schools to function efficiently and effectively, school management authorities will have to devise appropriate strategies to manage teacher stress. This study is confined to those aspects of teacher stress that impact negatively on teacher performance and that are within the scope of the principal's responsibilities at school. It Page vii investigates whether teacher stress is a management issue by examining its impact on the work performance of teachers at school, identifies school-based and school-related stressors and presents a set of recommendations that can be used by school principals to manage teacher stress in secondary schools.
The problem of communication between educators, learners and parents in multicultural secondary schools in the Durban-south region of Kwazulu-Natal : some management solutions
Authors:   , Bobbychun Rajan
Published: September 2021

This study filled a void in the existing educational management literature and highlighted the communication problems that exist between the educators, learners, and parents in multicultural secondary schools, especially when the educator, learner and the parent belong to different cultural groups. The communication problems between educators, learners and parents pose a serious challenge to management as they impede the progress of teaching and learning in the classrooms. The thorny issue of language in education in South African schools has not been given much emphasis. Neither have educationists and policy makers given much attention to the problem of communication in multicultural schools. Opening schools to all cultures did not solve the communication problems, but created new ones. The main method used in this investigation was the literature study. Using the investigative methods associated with qualitative studies, the researcher attempted to investigate data collected from a number of sources. Research on co-operation in the multi-ethnic classroom revealed that pupils of different ethnic groups preferred to socialize in their own language groups. This study confirmed that culture and language influenced not only which peers pupils choose to play with, but also who they deliberately excluded from their games. In many schools, there are few systematic attempts to enhance pupils' cross-ethnic friendships and this may work to consolidate the evident 'own race and language preference' of a large portion of pupils. Thus there is a need for communication to enhance cross-cultural friendships. There is an increasing need for educators to encourage intercultural communication. Educators should use the language of instruction to learn about each others' culture and language so that there are mutual respect and tolerance. Teaching in multicultural classrooms demands a high level of expertise among educators. Culturally diverse learners may have prior learning experiences that predispose them to learn in ways that may not be compatible with some methods of instruction in common use in many classrooms. Therefore, educators need to adopt an inclusive and flexible approach to instruction, observing their pupil's responses and adjusting instructions to meet the needs of individuals and groups in the classroom. It is now becoming clear that even educators and school managers need guidance and assistance in coping with communication in the multicultural school. The more people of different cultures communicate with each other, the more they discover how similar they are. This study examined some of the communication problems present in multicultural schools, the possible causes of the problems and management solutions to some of the problems.
The relationship and interpretation of clothing behaviour and identity of African South African women in the corporate world in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
Authors:   , Modiba Maite
Published: September 2021

This study addresses the relationship between the clothing behaviour and identity of African South African women in the corporate world, with reference to black identity and Western style of clothes. Central to these two issues the study tried to focus on the factors which may have an influence on the clothing behaviour of African South African women. Clothing as communication and factors which influence people's clothing behaviour were also covered to find out why people wear the clothes they wear. The sample consisted of African South African women (n =100) in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Research was conducted by means of a structured questionnaire. The qualitative method provided a systematic investigation of the topic. The research methods included descriptive and inferential Statistics. Three hypotheses were formulated for the investigation. Each of the clothing variables was examined relative to the hypothesized relationship. There were fifty-one clothing variables employed in the analyses. The results exhibited a need for ethnically influenced clothes for African South Africans. The findings indicate that there was symbolic meaning attached to ethnically influenced clothing and beads, and that the symbolism attached to clothing items can influence a person's clothing behaviour. Recommendations were noted and followed by the Conclusion.
Target Testing and Specificity of Nucleic Acid Based Diagnostics for COVID-19
Authors: Rubi Ghazala , Qayyum Zia Musbih ul , Yousaf Rana Muhammad , Akbar Ayaz , Javiad Zainab
Published: September 2021

Objective: The seek of this study is to provide an indication on the features of diagnostic testing of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR, including parameters of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios.

Background: Coronavirus Disease is the fifth international emergency after 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, triggered by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). On 30 January, the WHO acknowledged COVID-19 to be a global health disaster of international importance and a pandemic on 11 March 2020. In vitro analyses of the data shows that for SARS-CoV-2 the RT-PCR test is highly specific, as it is not counter react with nucleic acid of other viruses.

Methods: Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected into a 3 ml viral transport media (VTM) and transported to Laboratory. Extraction of the viral RNA was done by Qiasymphony DSP Virus/ Pathogen mini kit (Qiagen GmbH, Germany). For amplification process of RT-PCR qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA utilizing with SYSTAAQ 2019-Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Real time PCR kit using a BIORAD-CFX 96.

Results: Out of 15,049, 3195 samples were positive for covid-19 qPCR. Ratio of the Males patients were greater than females. 63.7% males and 36.3% females were effected with Covid-19. Symptom wise analysis shows 62% patient were asymptomatic, 22.7% mild, 1.7% moderate, 12.7% stable, 0.6% severe and 0.2% were critical. Our analysis reveals age group 1 (4.9%), group 2 (55.5%), group 3 (27.5%), and group 4 (12.1%) were effected with SARS-nCoV-2. Our result shows 3.0 % patients were deceased and 97% were recovered.

Conclusion: Our findings contribute to the evolving understanding of the sophisticated interaction between this emerging SARS-CoV-2 virus and nucleic acid based target testing of COVID-19.
Moving ahead in HCV diagnostics: Need for the introduction of HCV core antigen assay in low and middle-income countries
Authors: Gupta Ekta , Gupta Akshita , Rao PadakiNagaraja , Narsimhachar Srinivas Chakravarthy , Arora Anil , Sickan Jaganathan , Darbar Ajay , Ali Hussain
Published: September 2021

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality globally. The diagnosis of HCV is primarily based on indirect serological assays such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemiluminescence immunoassay (CIA), and rapid diagnostic tests to detect HCV antibodies. Direct tests detect/quantify components of HCV virions, such as HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) (nucleic acid test or nucleic acid amplification test [NAT]) and HCV core antigen (HCVcAg). The HCVcAg assay (CIA, Abbott ARCHITECT) is an immune assay used for the quantitative determination of the HCVcAg. This test is simple and fast with the potential to be incorporated into diagnostic guidelines and be used in combination with anti-HCV (CIA) as an effective screening test. HCVcAg can also be used as a potential biomarker for treatment initiation and monitoring patients to assess the treatment response. Apart from this, the scope for implementation of the HCVcAg assay in resource limited setting lies in screening of immune compromised patients where anti-HCV serology is not dependable. However, concerns related to lower sensitivity compared to HCV RNA do exist. Nevertheless, the HCVcAg assay can make a significant difference in the measures taken for the control and eradication of hepatitis C and its complications in India.
Análisis de los factores socioeconómicos apoyado por un modelo de componentes principales como predictor de la recaudación del impuesto predial, San Martín-Perú
Authors: Villafuerte de la Cruz Avelino , Fasabi Jhon Bautista , Ruíz Muñoz Rosa Katherine , Pérez García José L
Published: September 2021

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la relación entre los factores socioeconómicos y la recaudación del impuesto predial de las municipalidades de una provincia en Perú y determinar el análisis de componente principal por factores socioeconómicos y recaudación del impuesto predial. La investigación fue de tipo aplicada y diseño no experimental, de alcance exploratorio correlacional. La técnica utilizada fue la encuesta y el instrumento fue el cuestionario a una muestra de 152 contribuyentes de la provincia; el muestreo fue no probabilístico por conveniencia. El resultado nos indica que existe una correlación positiva considerable de 0,751 y un nivel de significancia de 0,000. Frente a este p-valor menor que 0,05 se rechaza la hipótesis nula y se acepta la hipótesis alterna, del análisis factorial multivariado de componentes principales, variable factores socioeconómicos, componente 1, consideran que contribuyen con el desarrollo de su distrito (0.853), componente 2, consideran que se promueve iniciativas para recaudar impuestos (0.796), variable recaudación del impuesto predial, componente 1, consideran que han sido notificados por incumplimiento (0.865), componente 2, consideran que conocen las formas de pago de impuestos (0.747). Se concluye que existe una relación significativa entre los factores socioeconómicos y la recaudación del Impuesto predial en las municipalidades, es decir si el nivel socioeconómico es alto, la recaudación del Impuesto predial también mejora, además del análisis de componentes principales se determinó dos componentes por variable.
High school dropouts
Authors: Amoroso Nestor R. , Cordero Victoria S. , Dence Bacaling Maurice
Published: September 2021

Many school administrators in the Department of Education faced a big problem in the form of student dropouts. The aim of the study was to look at the demographic data and reasons for student dropouts in the school year 2018–2019, as well as establish an intervention program to help students avoid dropping out. The mixed method design was used in this action study. The research study used a purposive sampling method, with students who dropped out during the 2018-2019 school year as participants. In addition, random sampling was used to select focus-group discussions (FGD) in order to obtain in-depth information on the subject of this research. For this study, simple statistics such as ranking and percentage were used as statistical tools. The majority of dropouts cited personal reasons for leaving school, especially a lack of interest due to poverty, while others were affected by peers. The results were used to improve the guidance program at the school in order to keep students from dropping out. Teachers, particularly those with advisory classes, were given training on how poverty can lead to students dropping out.
PENGGUNAAN GOOGLE FORM DALAM EVALUASI HASIL BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK DI MASA PANDEMI C0VID-19
Authors: UTAMI LINA WAHYU SETYA
Published: September 2021

Artikel penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan mengenai keefektifan pemanfaatan Google Form dalam pelaksanaan evaluasi hasil belajar peserta didik di masa pandemi Covid-19. Fitur yang di teliti fokusnya adalah penggunaan aplikasi Google Form sebagai  alat evaluasi hasil belajar siswa . Dalam pembelajaran diperlukan evaluasi untuk mengetahui hasil dari proses belajar peserta didik, yang semula evaluasi dilaksanakan secara tatap muka dengan media kertas sementara di masa pandemi Covid-19 ini, evaluasi secara konvensional tidak bisa dilakukan karena dituntut untuk melakukan pembelajaran secara daring atau pembelajaran jarak jauh. Peningkatan penggunaan pembelajaran online memberikan tantangan bagi para pendidik dan peserta didik untuk memilih metode yang tepat untuk memfasilitasi peserta didik dalam pembelajaran daring khususnya dalam hal penilaian. Penggunaan aplikasi Google Form dalam kegiatan evaluasi hasil belajar siswa ternyata sangat efektif .Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode angket ada 35 siswa yang menjadi responden dan memberikan tanggapan positif  dengan perolehan skor 71.50 % berkategori baik.  Hasil ini membuktikan bahwa penggunaan Google Form sebagai media  untuk melaksanakan evaluasi hasil belajar siswa adalah efektif di tengah-tengah masa pandemi Covid-19 yang pembelajarannya tidak bisa dilakukan dengan tatap muka akan tetapi secara daring.
Malaria treatment compared for homeopathic medicines and Coartem in homeopathic clinics in Kenya â€“ A multicentre, pragmatic, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, ongoing trial
Authors: Brands Martien , Saio Mauro , Berkel Suzanne van
Published: September 2021

Malaria still has in Kenya a high mortality and morbidity rate; this is coupled with rising resistance levels to the new standard drug Coartem in several South Asian countries, according to WHO reports. Homeopathy can be considered a form of individualized immune therapy and as such it deserves a place next to treatments focused at the microorganisms themselves. These factors require scientific evidence that may support its application in endemic diseases. We have developed a research line that comprises both qualitative and quantitative aspects of homeopathic management of malaria patients. The first two studies have been conducted in 2014, the third in 2015.

Aims: The assessment of homeopathically treated patients in several rural health care settings. This involves treatment of malaria in homeopathic clinics where comorbidity is also treated. The documentation of individualized homeopathy within homeopathic clinics, not an isolated study in a context where homeopathy usually not is applied.

Material and Methods:

1. In a retrospective design in one clinic, the 2013-2014 rain season, a group of 54 malaria patients were assessed for classical malaria symptoms, homeopathic case taking, laboratory tests and prescription strategies.

2. The prospective study in three clinics assessed the 2014 March â€“ June rain season patients for the effect of homeopathic individual treatment. 86 patients were assessed and 69 completed follow up. All but one who returned for follow-up were negative for parasites. A drop-out analysis was made, indicating logistics as the main cause.

3. In 2015 a comparative study is being conducted between the effectiveness of homeopathy and the standard treatment of Coartem. Dependent variables are parasite conversion and quality of life. Both homeopathic and government clinic patients are participating; until now 50 cases from both groups have been confirmed negative for malaria parasites.

4. Pooled results from the three studies shall be analyzed using principal component analysis, for correlation of patterns of affected organs and prescribed remedies.
Variability and trends of the surface solar spectral ultraviolet irradiance in Italy: a possible influence of lower and upper stratospheric ozone trends
Authors: Fountoulakis Ilias , Diémoz Henri , Siani Anna Maria , di Sarra Alcide , Meloni Daniela , Sferlazzo Damiano M.
Published: September 2021

Abstract. In this study the short- and long-term variability of the surface spectral solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiance are investigated over Italy using high quality ground based measurements from three sites located at quite different environmental conditions, and covering the full latitudinal extent of the Italian territory: Aosta (45.7° N, 7.4°  E, 570 m a.s.l.), Rome (41.9° N, 12.5° E, 75 m a.s.l.), and Lampedusa (35.5° N, 12.6° E, 50 m a.s.l.). The variability of the irradiances at 307.5 nm, 324 nm, and of the ratio between the 307.5 nm and the 324 nm irradiances were investigated with respect to the corresponding variability in total ozone and the geopotential height at 250 hPa (GPH). The study was performed for two periods: 2006–2020 for all stations, and 1996–2020 only for Rome. A statistically significant correlation between the GPH and total ozone monthly anomalies was found for all stations and all seasons of the year. A corresponding statistically significant correlation was also found in most cases between the GPH and the 307.5 nm irradiance monthly anomalies. The correlation between GPH anomalies at different sites was statistically significant, possibly explaining the strong and significant correlation between the total ozone monthly anomalies at the three sites. A statistically significant decrease of total ozone, of ~0.1 %/year was found for Rome for the period 1996–2020, which however did not induce increasing trends in irradiance at 307.5 nm (neither increasing trends in the ratio between the 307.5 nm and the 324 nm irradiances) at SZA = 67°. Further analyses revealed positive trends in the ratio and the 307.5 nm irradiance at smaller solar zenith angles (SZA), which can be attributed to the fact that total ozone decrease is driven by a decrease in the lower stratosphere while upper stratospheric ozone increases, and the effect of changes of upper stratospheric ozone becoming disproportionately larger for increasing SZA. It was also showed that long-term changes in total ozone follow changes in GPH, which is an additional indication that negative trends in total ozone are mainly driven by changes in lower stratospheric ozone. An anti-correlation between the GPH long-term changes and total ozone was also evident for all stations in 2006–2020. Positive trends in UV irradiance for this latter period which were possibly driven by changes in clouds and/or aerosols were found for Rome and Aosta. This study clearly points out the significance of dynamical processes which take place in the troposphere for the variability of total ozone and surface solar UV irradiance.
Enhanced upward motion through the troposphere over the tropical western Pacific and its implication to transport of trace gases from the troposphere to the stratosphere
Authors: Qie Kai , Wang Wuke , Tian Wenshou , Huang Rui , Xu Mian , Wang Tao , Peng Yifeng
Published: September 2021

Abstract. The tropical western Pacific (TWP) is a preferential area of air uplifting from the surface to the upper troposphere. A significantly intensified upward motion through the troposphere over the TWP in the boreal wintertime (November to March of the next year) has been detected from 1958 to 2017 using the reanalysis datasets. Model simulations using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model, version 4 (WACCM4) suggest that warming global sea surface temperatures (SSTs), particularly TWP SSTs, play a dominant role in the intensification of the upward motion by strengthening the Pacific Walker circulation and enhancing the deep convection over the TWP. Using CO as a tropospheric tracer, numeric simulations show that more CO could be elevated to the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) by the enhanced upward motion over the TWP and subsequently into the stratosphere by the strengthened Brewer-Dobson (BD) circulation which is also mainly caused by global SST warming. This implies that more tropospheric trace gases and aerosols may enter the stratosphere through the TWP region and affect the stratospheric chemistry and climate.
Opinion: The germicidal effect of ambient air (open-air factor) revisited
Authors: Cox R. Anthony , Ammann Markus , Crowley John N. , Griffiths Paul T. , Herrmann Hartmut , Hoffmann Erik H. , Jenkin Michael E. , McNeill V. Faye , Mellouki Abdelwahid , Penkett Christopher J. , Tilgner Andreas , Wallington Timothy J.
Published: September 2021

Abstract. The term open-air factor (OAF) was coined following microbiological research in the 1960s and 1970s which established that rural air had powerful germicidal properties and attributed this to Criegee intermediates formed in the reaction of ozone with alkenes. We have re-evaluated those early experiments applying the current state of knowledge of ozone–alkene reactions. Contrary to previous speculation, neither Criegee intermediates nor the HO radicals formed in their decomposition are directly responsible for the germicidal activity attributed to the OAF. We identify other potential candidates, which are formed in ozone–alkene reactions and have known (and likely) germicidal properties, but the compounds responsible for the OAF remain a mystery. There has been very little research into the OAF since the 1970s, and this effect seems to have been largely forgotten. In this opinion piece we remind the community of the germicidal open-air factor. Given the current global pandemic spread by an airborne pathogen, understanding the natural germicidal effects of ambient air, solving the mystery of the open-air factor and determining how this effect can be used to improve human welfare should be a high priority for the atmospheric science community.
Measurement report: Cloud condensation nuclei activity and its variation with organic oxidation level and volatility observed during an aerosol life cycle intensive operational period (ALC-IOP)
Authors: Mei Fan , Wang Jian , Zhou Shan , Zhang Qi , Collier Sonya , Xu Jianzhong
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) spectrum and the CCN activated
fraction of size-resolved aerosols (SR-CCN) were measured at a rural site on
Long Island during the Department of Energy (DOE) aerosol life cycle
intensive operational period (ALC-IOP) from 15 July to 15 August 2011.
During the last week of the ALC-IOP, the dependence of the activated
fraction on aerosol volatility was characterized by sampling downstream of a
thermodenuder (TD) operated at temperatures up to 100 ∘C. Here we
present aerosol properties, including aerosol total number concentration,
CCN spectrum, and the CCN hygroscopicity, for air masses of representative
origins during the ALC-IOP. The hygroscopicity of organic species in the
aerosol is derived from CCN hygroscopicity and chemical composition. The
dependence of organic hygroscopicity on the organic oxidation level (e.g.,
atomic O:C ratio) agrees well with theoretical predictions and results from
previous laboratory and field studies. The derived κorg and O:C
ratio first increase as TD temperature increases from 20 ∘C (i.e.,
ambient temperature) to 50 or 75 ∘C and then decrease as TD temperature
further increases to 100 ∘C. The initial increases of O:C and
κorg with TD temperature below 50 ∘C are likely due to
evaporation of more volatile organics with relatively lower O:C and
hygroscopicity such as primary organic aerosol. At the high TD temperatures, the
decreases of O:C and κorg indicate that evaporated organics
were more oxygenated and had lower molecular weights. These trends are
different from previous laboratory experiments and field observations, which
reported that organic O:C increased monotonically with increasing TD
temperature, whereas κorg decreased with the TD temperature. One
possible reason is that previous studies were either focused on laboratory-generated secondary organic aerosol (SOA) or based on field observations at locations more
dominated by SOA.
Measurement report: Indirect evidence for the controlling influence of acidity on the speciation of iodine in Atlantic aerosols
Authors: Baker Alex R. , Yodle Chan
Published: September 2021

Abstract. The speciation of soluble iodine and major-ion
composition were determined in size-fractionated aerosols collected during
the AMT21 cruise between Avonmouth, UK, and Punta Arenas, Chile, in September–November 2011. The proportions of iodine species (iodide, iodate and
soluble organic iodine (SOI)) varied markedly between size fractions and
with the extent to which the samples were influenced by pollutants. In
general, fine mode aerosols (< 1 µm) contained higher
proportions of both iodide and SOI, while iodate was the dominant component
of coarse (< 1 µm) aerosols. The highest proportions of
iodate were observed in aerosols that contained (alkaline) unpolluted
sea spray or mineral dust. Fine mode samples with high concentrations of
acidic species (e.g. non-sea-salt sulfate) contained very little iodate and
elevated proportions of iodide and SOI. These results are in agreement with
modelling studies that indicate that iodate can be reduced under acidic
conditions and that the resulting hypoiodous acid (HOI) can react with
organic matter to produce SOI and iodide. Further work that investigates the
link between iodine speciation and aerosol pH directly, as well as studies
on the formation and decay of organo-iodine compounds under aerosol
conditions, will be necessary before the importance of this chemistry in
regulating aerosol iodine speciation can be confirmed.
Effects of aerosol size and coating thickness on the molecular detection using extractive electrospray ionization
Authors: Lee Chuan Ping , Surdu Mihnea , Bell David M. , Lamkaddam Houssni , Wang Mingyi , Ataei Farnoush , Hofbauer Victoria , Lopez Brandon , Donahue Neil M. , Dommen Josef , Prevot Andre S. H. , Slowik Jay G. , Wang Dongyu , Baltensperger Urs , El Haddad Imad
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Extractive electrospray ionization (EESI) has been a well-known
technique for high-throughput online molecular characterization of chemical
reaction products and intermediates, detection of native biomolecules, in
vivo metabolomics, and environmental monitoring with negligible thermal and
ionization-induced fragmentation for over two decades. However, the EESI
extraction mechanism remains uncertain. Prior studies disagree on whether
particles between 20 and 400 nm diameter are fully extracted or if the
extraction is limited to the surface layer. Here, we examined the analyte
extraction mechanism by assessing the influence of particle size and coating
thickness on the detection of the molecules therein. We find that particles
are extracted fully: organics-coated NH4NO3 particles with a
fixed core volume (156 and 226 nm in diameter without coating) showed
constant EESI signals for NH4NO3 independent of the shell coating
thickness, while the signals of the secondary organic molecules comprising
the shell varied proportionally to the shell volume. We also found that the
EESI sensitivity exhibited a strong size dependence, with an increase in
sensitivity by 1–3 orders of magnitude as particle size decreased
from 300 to 30 nm. This dependence varied with the electrospray (ES)
droplet size, the particle size and the residence time for coagulation in the
EESI inlet, suggesting that the EESI sensitivity was influenced by the
coagulation coefficient between particles and ES droplets. Overall, our
results indicate that, in the EESI, particles are fully extracted by the ES
droplets regardless of the chemical composition, when they are collected by
the ES droplets. However, their coalescence is not complete and depends
strongly on their size. This size dependence is especially relevant when
EESI is used to probe size-varying particles as is the case in aerosol
formation and growth studies with size ranges below 100 nm.
Retrievals of dust-related particle mass and ice-nucleating particle concentration profiles with ground-based polarization lidar and sun photometer over a megacity in central China
Authors: He Yun , Zhang Yunfei , Liu Fuchao , Yin Zhenping , Yi Yang , Zhan Yifan , Yi Fan
Published: September 2021

Abstract. The POLIPHON (polarization lidar photometer networking)
method is a powerful pathway to retrieve the height profiles of dust-related
particle mass and ice-nucleating particle (INP) concentrations. The
conversion factors fitted from the sun photometer observation data are the
major part of the POLIPHON computations, which can convert the
polarization-lidar-derived dust extinction coefficients into
dust-related particle mass and INP concentrations. For the central Chinese
megacity of Wuhan (30.5∘ N, 114.4∘ E), located at the
downstream area several thousands of kilometers far away from the source
regions of Asian dust, dust particles always mix with other aerosols from
local emissions. Therefore, very few dust case data sets can be available
when using the column-integrated Ångström exponent (for 440–870 nm) <0.3 and aerosol optical depth (at 532 nm) >0.1
recorded by a sun photometer as the filtering criteria. Instead, we present
another dust case data set screening scheme that applies the simultaneous
polarization lidar observation to verify the occurrence of dust. Based on
the 33 dust-intrusion days identified during 2011–2013, the
extinction-to-volume (cv,d) and extinction-to-large particle
(with radius >250 nm) number concentration
(c250,d) conversion factors are determined to be
(0.52±0.12)×10-12Mmm3m-3
and 0.19±0.05 Mm cm−3, respectively. The c250,d
for Wuhan is 27 % larger than that observed at Lanzhou SACOL
(36.0∘ N, 104.1∘ E), a site closer to the Gobi Desert,
and tends to be closer to those observed in North Africa and the Middle East,
indicating dust aerosols from these two sources are also possibly involved
in the dust events observed over Wuhan. As a comparison, the conversion
factor c290,c of 0.11±0.02Mmcm-3 for continental aerosol is much smaller than
c250,d, indicating that there is no significant influence of
urban aerosols on the retrievals of dust-related conversion factor over
Wuhan. The conversion factors are applied in a dust event in Wuhan to reveal
the typical dust-related immersion-mode INP concentration over East Asian
cities. The proposed dust case data set screening scheme may potentially be
extended to the other polluted city sites that are more influenced by mixed dust.
Coupling a weather model directly to GNSS orbit determination
Authors: Navarro Trastoy Angel , Strasser Sebastian , Tuppi Lauri , Vasiuta Maksym , Poutanen Markku , Mayer-Gürr Torsten , Järvinen Heikki
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Neutral atmosphere bends and delays propagation of microwave signals in satellite-based navigation. Weather prediction models can be used to estimate these effects by providing 3-dimensional refraction fields to estimate signal delay in the zenith direction and determine a low-dimensional mapping of this delay to desired azimuth and elevation angles. In this study, a global numerical weather prediction model (OpenIFS licensed for Academic use by ECMWF) is used to generate the refraction fields. The ray-traced slant delays are supplied as such – in contrast to mapping – for an orbit solver (GROOPS software toolkit of TUG) which applies the raw observation method. Here we show that such a close coupling is possible without need for major additional modifications in the solver codes. The main finding here is that the adopted approach provides a very good a priori model for the atmospheric effects on navigation signals, as measured with the midnight discontinuity of GNSS satellite orbits. Our interpretation is that removal of the intermediate mapping step allows to take advantage of the local refraction field asymmetries in the GNSS signal processing. Moreover, the direct coupling helps in identifying deficiencies in the slant delay computation because the modelling errors are not convoluted in the precision-reducing mapping. These conclusions appear robust, despite the relatively small data set of raw code and phase observations covering the core network of 66 ground-based stations of the International GNSS Service over one-month periods in December 2016 and June 2017. More generally, the new configuration enhances our control of geodetic and meteorological aspects of the orbit problem. This is pleasant because we can, for instance, regulate at will the weather model output frequency and increase coverage of spatio-temporal aspects of weather variations. The direct coupling of a weather model in precise GNSS orbit determination presented in this paper provides a unique framework for benefiting even more widely than previously the apparent synergies in space geodesy and meteorology.
iHydroSlide3D v1.0: an advanced hydrological-geotechnical model for hydrological simulation and three-dimensional landslide prediction
Authors: Chen Guoding , Zhang Ke , Wang Sheng , Xia Yi , Chao Lijun
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Forecasting flood–landslide cascading disasters in flood- and landslide-prone regions is an important topic within the scientific community. Existing hydrological-geotechnical models mainly employ infinite or static 3D stability model and very few models have incorporated the 3D landslide model into a distributed hydrological model. In this work, we modified a 3D landslide model to account for slope stability under various soil wetness states and then coupled it with the Coupled Routing and Excess STorage (CREST) distributed hydrology model, forming a new modelling system called iHydroSlide3D v1.0. The model features the feasibility of applying flexibly different simulating resolutions for hydrological and slope stability submodules by embedding a soil moisture downscaling method. For a large-scale application, we paralleled the code and elaborated several computational strategies. The model produces a relatively comprehensive and reliable diagnosis for flood-landslide events, including (i) complete hydrological components (e.g., soil moisture and streamflow), (ii) a landslide susceptibility assessment (factor of safety and probability of occurrence), and (iii) a landslide hazard analysis (geometric properties of potential failures). We evaluated the plausibility of the model by testing it in a large and complex geographical area, the Yuehe River Basin, China, where we attempted to reproduce cascading flood–landslide events. The results are well verified at both hydrological and geotechnical levels. iHydroSlide3D v1.0 is therefore appropriately used as an innovative tool for assessing and predicting cascading flood–landslide events once the model is well calibrated.
Testing a maximum evaporation theory over saturated land: Implications for potential evaporation estimation
Authors: Tu Zhuoyi , Yang Yuting , Roderick Michael L.
Published: September 2021

Abstract. State-of-the-art evaporation models usually assume the net radiation (Rn) and surface temperature (Ts; or near-surface air temperature) to be independent forcings on evaporation. However, Rn depends directly on Ts via outgoing longwave radiation and this creates a physical coupling between Rn and Ts that extends to evaporation. In this study, we test a maximum evaporation theory originally developed for global ocean over saturated land surfaces, which explicitly acknowledges the interactions between radiation, Ts and evaporation. Similar to the ocean surface, we find a maximum evaporation (LEmax) emerges over saturated land that represents a generic trade-off between a lower Rn and a higher evaporation fraction as Ts increases. Compared with flux site observations at the daily scale, we show that LEmax corresponds well to observed evaporation under non-water-limited conditions and that the Ts at which LEmax occurs also corresponds with the observed Ts. Our results suggest that saturated land surfaces behave essentially the same as ocean surfaces at time scales longer than a day and further imply that the maximum evaporation concept is a natural attribute of saturated land surfaces, which can be the basis of a new approach to estimating evaporation.
Bias-correcting input variables enhances forecasting of reference crop evapotranspiration
Authors: Yang Qichun , Wang Quan J. , Hakala Kirsti , Tang Yating
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo) is calculated using a
standard formula with temperature, vapor pressure, solar radiation, and wind
speed as input variables. ETo forecasts can be produced when forecasts of
these input variables from numerical weather prediction (NWP) models are
available. As raw ETo forecasts are often subject to systematic errors,
statistical calibration is needed for improving forecast quality. The most
straightforward and widely used approach is to directly calibrate raw ETo
forecasts constructed with the raw forecasts of input variables. However,
the predictable signal in ETo forecasts may not be fully implemented by this
approach, which does not deal with error propagation from input variables to
ETo forecasts. We hypothesize that correcting errors in input variables as a
precursor to forecast calibration will lead to more skillful ETo forecasts.
To test this hypothesis, we evaluate two calibration strategies that
construct raw ETo forecasts with the raw (strategy i) or bias-corrected
(strategy ii) input variables in ETo forecast calibration across Australia.
Calibrated ETo forecasts based on bias-corrected input variables (strategy
ii) demonstrate lower biases, higher correlation coefficients, and higher
skills than forecasts produced by the calibration using raw input variables
(strategy i). This investigation indicates that improving raw forecasts of
input variables could effectively reduce error propagation and enhance ETo
forecast calibration. We anticipate that future NWP-based ETo forecasting
will benefit from adopting the calibration strategy developed in this study
to produce more skillful ETo forecasts.
Determinants of economic growth in Iraq: a standard study for the period (1970-2016)
Authors: Mousa Hayder Talib , Hussein Karim Salem
Published: September 2021

The subject of economic growth and development has taken a great space of importance in recent decades, level in terms of economic theory, scientific and academic research or the level of international institutions, and the level of countries and their economic orientations. Economic growth as a general phenomenon is a means of achieving various purposes. Growth rate or at least improve it by introducing all the conditions imposed by economic development. Economic growth remains the main concern of the various systems on the one hand and individuals on the other. It is at the top of the objectives of economic policies as it represents the material conclusion of economic and non-economic efforts in society
A Study of the Structural changes in the accounting environment as an introduction to the Practice of creative accounting
Authors: Abduallah Abdurhman A. H. , Abdelgalil Mohamed Hassan M.
Published: September 2021

This study aims to address the structural changes in the internal and external accounting environment and its role in creative accounting practices. The study problem has been represented in the structural changes of the accounting environmental factors that control the behavior and the profession ethics. The anomaly it causes is exploited as an entry point for creative accounting practices. The study has found a relationship between the structural changes in the accounting environment and the creative accounting practices. Chi square statistic reported is28.27 with 28 digress of freedom accompanied by a probability of 0.55 which means a relationship is available. The study recommends the necessity of becoming accustomed to the changes in the accounting environment so as not to affect negatively the accounting practices. In addition, attention has to be paid to the awareness of the risks of creative accounting practices and the commitment to the acknowledged accounting practices.
"Transformaciones y conflictos territoriales en el paisaje cultural minero del barrio Cerro Leones. Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires"
Authors: Jorge Noel Bidaure,
Published: September 2021

En la presente tesis realizamos un análisis en clave antropológica acerca de las trasformaciones y conflictos territoriales en torno a la actividad minera extractiva y su posterior abandono en un sitio canteril del Barrio Cerro Leones de Tandil. Lo cual nos llevó a indagar sobre un proceso de producción del territorio que, en los últimos 150 años, derivó en un modelo productivo que configuró un tipo de paisaje cultural que determinó la identidad de esta región en torno a la actividad minera. En la primera parte de la tesis se analizaron las características naturales del emplazamiento y se realizó una historización de la explotación lítica regional que se inició con los cazadores recolectores, prosiguió con el auge y decadencia de la industria pedrera artesanal y el desarrollo, como producto de los cambios tecnológicos, de la industria de la piedra triturada. En la segunda parte analizamos el impacto del cierre de la cantera de Cerro Leones, con la conformación de un pasivo ambiental y de activo cultural. En un comienzo indagamos sobre la patrimonialización y refuncionalidad del lugar por parte de diferentes actores sociales. Por otra parte, analizamos los usos de las cavas inundadas como balnearios clandestinos y los consecuentes conflictos y discusiones en la esfera pública local, sobre todo a partir del fallecimiento de un joven en 2011. Podemos concluir que los procesos socioculturales que conformaron Cerro Leones como lugar antropológico implicaron la interacción entre diversos agentes sociales y múltiples escalas que conformaron un paisaje cultural minero y un pasivo ambiental, sobre el que aún persisten disputas por sus usos colectivos.
Educational Leadership in the U.S. and Vietnam: A Cross-Culture Comparative Study
Authors: Tran Bich Thi Ngoc
Published: September 2021

Under globalisation, comparative educational studies have become more relevant. This paper is the first of its kind to compare education and training for principals in Vietnam and the U.S. and will offer among the few systematic studies on school leadership in Vietnam. Utilizing previous research on educational leadership and culture in the U.S. and Vietnam, and survey results from Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2018, I used t-test analyses to test several hypotheses about the differences between principals in the two countries. The findings suggest differences in age, gender, managerial experience, teaching obligation, and obtained levels of education and training between American principals and Vietnamese principals. Principals in the U.S. are younger and less experienced than principals in Vietnam. Level of education and need for professional development programs potentially indicate that American principals receive more thorough training in their education compared to Vietnamese principals. Accordingly, this comparative study provides valuable insights for both countries and contributes to diversifying the literature on educational leadership which the West has long dominated.
Implementasi Metode Prototype dalam Membangun Sistem Informasi Penjualan Online pada Toko Herbal Pahlawan
Authors: Al Muhtadi Achmad Zuhri , Junaedi Lukman
Published: September 2021

Berkembangnya media informasi pada era globalisasi saat ini, teknologi informasi sangat berperan penting dalam menunjang berbagai macam kegiatan. Salah satu perilaku yang menjadi trend pada kalangan masyarakat saat ini adalah belanja online melalui E-Commerce, sehingga menjadikan E-Commerce sebagai sarana untuk melakukan aktivitas jual beli yang efisien dan efektif dari segi tenaga, biaya dan waktu yang telah ditentukan. Dalam penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membangun sistem informasi penjualan secara online pada Toko Herbal Pahlawan supaya memperluas jangkuan pemasaran produknya. Pada penelitian ini menggunakan metode prototype dan dirancang menggunakan unified modelling language (UML) dan aplikasi pencil sebagai desain interface. Pembuatan website menggunakan pemrograman Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), Framework Codeigniter dan MySql sebagai database untuk penyimpanan data. Hasil pengujian sistem tersebut menggunakan metode blackbox. Hasil dari penelitian ini berupa aplikasi penjualan online berbasis website pada Toko Herbal Pahlawan yang menyediakan fitur stok barang, laporan stok barang, laporan penjualan, melakukan transaksi, mengelola data produk.
Indonesian Millennials: Building Metrosexual Capitalist Industry through Instagram #cowokmilenial
Authors: Putranto Teguh Dwi , Susilo Daniel , Suyanto Bagong , Ariadi Septi
Published: September 2021

The digital era has changed the human lifestyle of social media use. Social media has become a platform not only to show “who one is” in cyberspace but also a platform for the capitalist industry to promote consumerism. As one of the most popular social media platforms, Instagram is utilized by the capitalist industry to achieve its goals of sales and growth. This study aims to determine how posts from Instagram with the hashtag. #cowokmilenial used by the capitalist industry build a metrosexual side. The researchers employed the qualitative approach with the semiotic method on Instagram through the hashtag #cowokmilenial during 2019. The findings in this study indicate that the capitalist industry constructs the meaning of metrosexual men among Indonesian millennials through skincare products (especially facial care/Rodeos soap) which promise to help them look handsome with a clean, bright, and acne-free face.