bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Efficiency Measurement and Spatial Spillover Effect of China’s Regional E-Commerce Poverty Alleviation from the Perspective of Sustainable Development
Authors: Xu Guoyin , Zhao Tong , Wang Rong
Published: July 2022

The development of e-commerce plays a very important role in changing the production and operation mode, optimizing the allocation of market resources, promoting sustainable development, and ultimately achieving the goal of e-commerce poverty alleviation. Therefore, the efficiency of e-commerce poverty alleviation has become a focus of attention for both the government and academia. The authors of this paper selected the panel data of 30 provinces and cities in China from 2010 to 2021, in order to measure the poverty alleviation efficiency of e-commerce in each province and city. We used the Moran’s I index to measure its spatial correlation to verify the existence of its spatial effect; we then used the spatial Durbin model to analyze the spatial spillover effect in the efficiency of e-commerce poverty alleviation. The conclusions are as follows: First, there is a significant positive spatial correlation of the efficiency of e-commerce poverty alleviation among different regions in China. Moran’s I index exceeds 0.5, indicating that there is a significant spatial effect in the efficiency of e-commerce poverty alleviation, and the existence of its spatial effect is unavoidable in the empirical analysis. Secondly, from the perspective of the efficiency of e-commerce poverty alleviation in various regions of the country, the overall e-commerce poverty alleviation efficiency is not high, and there are large differences among regions. The regions in which efficiency is higher include Tianjin, Beijing, and Shanghai. Regionally, the highest are in the east and the lowest are in the west. Secondly, from the decomposition of spatial spillover effects, the direct effects of each influencing factor are all positive. Only the financial development environment is less significant, and the indirect effects indicate that only four indicators have significant spatial spillover effects, of which the most significant is industrial agglomeration. The level of industrial agglomeration is not significantly related to the level of human capital, and there is a negative correlation between it and the efficiency of e-commerce poverty alleviation. The authors studied the poverty alleviation efficiency and spatial spillover effect of China’s regional e-commerce from the perspective of sustainable development, which is beneficial to China’s regional poverty alleviation results, providing practical guidance and decision-making reference for implementing differentiated coping strategies in different regions. The research complements, improves, and expands the research content in this field.
Time-Dependent Behavior of Callovo-Oxfordian Claystone for Nuclear Waste Disposal: Uncertainty Quantification from In-Situ Convergence Measurements
Authors: Do Duc-Phi , Tran Ngoc-Tuyen , Hoxha Dashnor , Vu Minh-Ngoc , Armand Gilles
Published: July 2022

The sustainability of geotechnical infrastructures is closely linked with their long-time behavior. In fact, there is not a straightforward procedure to predict this behavior, and very often, the back analyses of observed data are the best tool to understand their long-time response. In-situ observations of drifts constructed in the Callovo-Oxfordian (COx) claystone, the potential host formation for geological radioactive waste disposal, in France exhibit a progressive convergence. These convergence measurements with quite significant dispersions reveal a considerable uncertainty of time-dependent behavior of this argillaceous rock that can strongly affect the transmit loading to liners, hence the long term stability of the drift. Consequently, the uncertain quantification of the creep behavior of COx claystone presents an important task before analyzing the safety of the waste disposal system. In this work, this challenge was conducted by using the well-known Bayesian inference technique. For this aim, on the one hand, the effectiveness of the classical and hierarchical Bayesian techniques to quantify the epistemic and aleatoric uncertainties of the time-dependent behavior of the host rock were investigated using synthetic data. On the other hand, we dealt with the uncertain quantification of the Lemaitre parameters that characterize the visco-plastic behavior of COx claystone thanks to the real data of in-situ convergence measurements of drifts.
Sustaining Consumer E-Commerce Adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa: Do Trust and Payment Method Matter?
Authors: Amofah Dennis Owusu , Chai Junwu
Published: July 2022

The long-term sustainability of e-commerce usage for improving quality of life is dependent on several factors. Presently, trust and payment methods have emerged as critical factors influencing e-commerce adoption. Consequently, this study investigates the UTAUT determinants of consumer e-commerce adoption in Ghana by focusing on the mediating and moderating roles of trust and payment method. The study employs the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) to estimate the survey response of 535 purposively selected respondents from six regions in Ghana. The results corroborate a direct relationship between the UTAUT variables and e-commerce adoption. However, the payment method suggests no moderating effect on trust and e-commerce adoption connection. Nevertheless, trust significantly mediates the UTAUT variables and e-commerce adoption. Finally, the mediation was highest between social influence and trust but lowest between effort expectancy and trust. This challenges practitioners and managers of e-commerce platforms to consider the mediating role of trust to improve adoption and the sustainable usage of e-commerce.
Motivations and Loyalty of the Demand for Adventure Tourism as Sustainable Travel
Authors: Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Contreras-Moscol Daniel , Orden-Mejía Miguel , Carvache-Franco Wilmer , Vera-Holguin Héctor , Carvache-Franco Orly
Published: July 2022

Adventure tourism as a form of sustainable tourism is a potential source of social, economic, and environmental development, and the more the tourism industry is exploited in a responsible manner, the greater the development of a country. The present research proposes the following objectives: (i) to identify the motivational dimensions of demand in an adventure destination, and (ii) to determine the motivational dimensions of demand that predict the return, recommendation, and saying positive things of the adventure destination as loyalty variables. The study was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic in Guayaquil, and the participants had visited the province of Santa Elena in Ecuador, an adventure tourism destination. This quantitative study used a sample of 318 valid questionnaires that were collected online and analyzed using factor analysis and the multiple regression enter method. The results show five motivational dimensions in adventure tourism: learning, social, biosecurity, relaxation, and competence mastery. The relaxation dimension is the most important and most influential predictor in return, recommendation, and saying positive things about the demand for adventure tourism. The results will contribute as management guides for DMOs and as sources of information for companies involved in the marketing and development of post-pandemic products. The study is also a contribution to the academic literature on adventure destinations.
Exploring the Group Difference in the Nonlinear Relationship between Commuting Satisfaction and Commuting Time
Authors: Yang Jiankun , He Min , He Mingwei
Published: July 2022

Analyzing commuting-time satisfaction could help to improve the subjective well-being of society. This study aimed to explore the nonlinear relationship between commuting satisfaction and commuting times in different groups and its influencing factors. An empirical study was conducted in Kunming, China. Firstly, applying a random forest algorithm revealed that there was a nonlinear relationship between commuting satisfaction and commuting time. Secondly, the k-means clustering algorithm was used to divide the respondents into three types of commuter: short-duration-tolerant (group 1), medium-duration-tolerant (group 2), and long-duration-tolerant (group 3). It was found that the commuting-time satisfaction of these three clustered groups had different threshold effects. Specifically, the commuting satisfaction of group 1 showed a nonlinear downward trend, which decreased significantly at 12 and 28 min, respectively; the commuting satisfaction of group 2 rapidly decreased at 35 min; the commuting satisfaction of group 3 first increased in the range of 20–30 min, decreased significantly after 45 min, and decreased sharply above 70 min. These time thresholds were consistent with the ideal commuting times (ICTs) and tolerance thresholds of the commuting times (TTCTs) of the three clustered groups, which indicates that the ICT and TTCT had significant effects on commuting satisfaction. Lastly, the results of the multinominal logistic model showed that variables such as the commuting mode, job–housing distance, income, and educational background had significant effects on the three clustered groups. The policy implications of the study are that commuting circles should be planned with the TTCT as a constraint boundary and ICT as the optimal goal; in addition, different strategies should be adopted for different commuting groups to improve commuting satisfaction.
How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Influenced the Tourism Behaviour of International Students in Poland?
Authors: Szlachciuk Julita , Kulykovets Olena , Dębski Maciej , Krawczyk Adriana , Górska-Warsewicz Hanna
Published: July 2022

Nearly 20 years after the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic, we are facing another COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the aim of our study was to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism behaviour of international students in Poland. We paid attention to the overall impact of the pandemic on life, travel, choice of tourist destination, tourism activity, ecotourism preference, and health and safety issues. We formulated two research questions: What areas of international student tourism behaviour were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? What differences in travel behaviour occurred between international students from Europe and Asia? Participants were recruited from universities located in Warsaw between June and September 2020. A total of 806 questionnaires were collected, 87 of which were eliminated due to non-response. The research sample consisted of 719 people. Six factors were identified in the survey results: tourism inclination, impact on tourist destination, hygiene and accommodation, impact on life, impact on tourism, and mode of tourism. Impact on life and impact on tourism were attributed to the general impact dimension; tourism inclination and mode of tourism can be summarized as attitude and preference. Food and accommodation were assigned to hygiene and safety dimensions. In almost all aspects, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s lives was greater for Asian respondents. Asian respondents were more likely to say that they would avoid COVID-19-affected areas when choosing tourist destinations in the future, and avoid travelling to crowded large cities after COVID-19 ended. European survey participants’ responses were more moderate.
Consumers’ Switching from Cash to Mobile Payment under the Fear of COVID-19 in Taiwan
Authors: Yu Shih-Yi , Chen Der Chao
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic impacts our lives significantly; people have changed their daily lives in response to the unprecedented epidemic which not only awakened the arrival of a new normal in business, but also new lifestyles. For example, the adaptation of contactless mobile payment has grown in the past two years to avoid unnecessary contact and possible infections. In this study, we intend to examine behavioral intentions that made consumers shift from traditional cash payment to mobile payment during the COVID-19 period. Our research framework and hypotheses were developed and examined through the push (dissatisfaction)–pull (alternative attractiveness)–mooring (perceived fear) model. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to validate our model and corresponding hypotheses. The results of this study showed that dissatisfaction with tradition-al payments and customer’s perceived fears positively and significantly affected switching intentions. However, alternative attractiveness had no significant impact on consumers’ switching intentions from cash to mobile payments during the pandemic. Moreover, this study shows how perceived fear has a mediating effect that motivates people to change their payment behaviors. Implications and future research directions about consumers changing in such a dynamic time are also discussed.
Assessment of Multi-Satellite Precipitation Products over the Himalayan Mountains of Pakistan, South Asia
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad Umer , Anjum Muhammad Naveed , Afzal Arslan , Azam Muhammad , Hussain Fiaz , Usman Muhammad , Javaid Muhammad Mashood , Mukhtar Muhammad Ahsan , Majeed Faizan
Published: July 2022

Performance assessment of satellite-based precipitation products (SPPs) is critical for their application and development. This study assessed the accuracies of four satellite-based precipitation products (PERSIANN-CDR, PERSIANN-CCS, PERSIANN-DIR, and PERSIANN) using data of in situ weather stations installed over the Himalayan Mountains of Pakistan. All SPPs were evaluated on annual, seasonal, monthly, and daily bases from 2010 to 2017, over the whole spatial domain and at point-to-pixel scale. The assessment was conducted using widely used evaluation indices (root mean square error (RMSE), correlation coefficient (CC), bias, and relative bias (rBias)) along with categorical indices (false alarm ratio (FAR), probability of detection (POD), success ratio (SR), and critical success index (CSI)). Results showed: (1) PERSIANN and PERSIANN-DIR products efficiently traced the spatio-temporal distribution of precipitation over the Himalayan Mountains. (2) On monthly scale, the estimates of all SPPs were more consistent with the reference data than on the daily scale. (3) On seasonal scale, PERSIANN and PERSIANN-DIR showed better performances than the PERSIANN-CDR and PERSIANN-CCS products. (4) All SPPs were less accurate in sensing daily light to medium intensity precipitation events. Subsequently, for future hydro-meteorological investigations in the Himalayan range, we advocate the use of monthly PERSIANN and PERSIANN-DIR products.
Changing Climatic Scenarios Anticipate Dwindling of Suitable Habitats for Endemic Species of Himalaya—Predictions of Ensemble Modelling Using Aconitum heterophyllum as a Model Plant
Authors: Wani Zishan Ahmad , Ridwan Qamer , Khan Sajid , Pant Shreekar , Siddiqui Sazada , Moustafa Mahmoud , Ahmad Ahmed Ezzat , Yassin Habab M.
Published: July 2022

In the changing climatic conditions, species distribution modelling is considered as a key strategy to estimate the probable influence of climatic variabilities on the habitat ranges of any species. The present study explores the potential distribution of Aconitum heterophyllum under current and future climatic scenarios. The results unfold that the distribution of this endemic species is governed significantly by bio12, i.e., Annual Precipitation. Ensemble modelling predicted that higher altitudes of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are suitable habitats for A. heterophyllum. However, the future climatic modelling revealed that there will be a significant decrease in the suitable habitats for A. heterophyllum. Most of the shrinkage of habitats is predicted to occur within the time period of 2050, which seriously challenges their survival. The present study recommends an urgent need to frame a pertinent conservation and management policy for Aconitum heterophyllum and will act as a framework for planning such a policy.
Optimization of a Water-Saving and Fertilizer-Saving Model for Enhancing Xinjiang Korla Fragrant Pear Yield, Quality, and Net Profits under Water and Fertilizer Coupling
Authors: Wang Jiaxin , He Xinlin , Gong Ping , Zhao Danqi , Zhang Yao , Wang Zonglan , Zhang Jingrui
Published: July 2022

To develop an optimal irrigation and fertilization system for Korla fragrant pear in the Xinjiang region, the effects of water and fertilizer coupling on the quality, yield, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), fertilizer partial productivity (PFP), and net profits of Korla fragrant pear under the condition of limited water drip irrigation were studied through field experiments by combining multiple regression analysis and spatial analysis. A comprehensive quality evaluation model of fragrant pear was constructed using the principal component analysis, and 12 quality indices were evaluated comprehensively. The experiment adopted a two-factor crossover design with three irrigation levels (W1: 5250 m3 ha−1, W2: 6750 m3 ha−1, W3: 8250 m3 ha−1), accounting for 60%, 80% and 100% of the ETe (where ETe denotes evapotranspiration under sufficient water supply for crops); four fertilizer application levels (F1: 675 kg ha−1, F2: 750 kg ha−1, F3: 825 kg ha−1, F4: 900 kg ha−1), designated F80%, F90%, F100%, and F110%, respectively; and 12 treatments. The results showed that the overall quality of fragrant pear was improved based on the integrated quality of pear. Four principal components were extracted through the fragrant pear comprehensive quality evaluation model, and their cumulative contribution was 89.977%; the best comprehensive quality was obtained in the W3F2 treatment and the worst comprehensive quality in the W1F1 treatment. The spatial analysis showed that when the irrigation range is 7484–8250 m3 ha−1 and the N-P2O5-K2O fertilization range is (181-223-300)–(200-246-332) kg ha−1, the comprehensive quality, yield, IWUE, PFP, and net profits of fragrant pear can reach > 85% of the maximum value. These results provide a scientific basis for water and fertilizer management of fragrant pear orchard with drip irrigation in Korla, Xinjiang.
Farmers’ Livelihood Differentiation and Pesticide Application: Empirical Evidence from a Causal Mediation Analysis
Authors: Cai Liangmei , Wang Linping , Ning Manxiu
Published: July 2022

As agriculture is becoming a less reliable source of income, many farmers are turning to other industries to supplement their lackluster profits from farming in a process known as farmers’ livelihood differentiation. Despite the existence of a voluminous literature on farmers’ livelihood differentiation, little is known about its effect on agricultural production behavior. To fill this knowledge gap, this study uses rice planting data from 537 Chinese farm households to analyze how farmers’ livelihood differentiation affects pesticide application among rural farmers in China. This study not only examines the effects of farmers’ livelihood differentiation on farmers’ pesticide application, but also underscores the potential pathways behind the effects of farmers’ livelihood differentiation according to land resource endowment via a causal mediation analysis. The results showed that (1) farmers’ livelihood differentiation had a direct effect on the amount of pesticide use. Compared to the full-time agricultural households, regular part-time farmers and ir-regular part-time farmers generally tend to use lower levels of pesticides. (2) The mediating effect of farmers’ livelihood differentiation on pesticide use was through land resource endowment. Compared to the full-time agricultural households, ir-regular part-time farmers reduce their pesticide use through maintaining better land resource endowment, while regular part-time farmers increase their pesticide application by maintaining poor land resource endowment. These results may provide important implications for policymakers to improve cultivated land protection policies and encourage the use of soil testing technology to determine the formulation of the fertilizer used in the agricultural ecological environment.
Value Creation through Frugal Innovation, Innovation Capability and Knowledge Sharing in a Circular Economy
Authors: Yousaf Zahid , Panait Mirela , Tanveer Umair , Cretu Alina , Hrebenciuc Andrei , Zahid Sheikh Muhammad
Published: July 2022

This study aims to examine the direct effect of innovation capability on value creation. The mediating role of frugal innovation and the moderating role of knowledge sharing are also explored between innovation capability and value creation link. This exploratory study uses quantitative and cross-sectional data collected through questionnaires. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the hypothesis. Findings show a significant positive impact of innovation capability on value creation. Results proved that frugal innovation mediates the relations between innovation capability and value creation. Knowledge sharing strengthens the association between innovation capability and value creation in their association. Our research provides a framework for the sustainable advancement of SMEs in a circular economy and recommends that they increase the value creation of the products/services through frugal innovation based on the innovation capabilities. Moreover, knowledge-sharing practices speed up the interplay between innovation capability and value creation in the circular economy.
Creating Shared Value: Exploration in an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Authors: Royo-Vela Marcelo , Cuevas Lizama Jonathan
Published: July 2022

The effects of companies on society and the practices of Corporate Social Responsibility have been the source of interest for many research studies. Questions concerning the traditional model resulted in Porter and Kramer developing the concept of Creating Shared Value, an approach where companies consider the value of society and the environment in their business models, creating value for all stakeholders. We take the issue of shared value creation in an entrepreneurial ecosystem to determine how clustered companies understand and create shared value, identifying its antecedents and consequences. Using a single case study, we were able to identify that the entrepreneurial ecosystem becomes a favourable scenario for creating shared value, because participants benefit from resources and skills that allow them to grow their businesses, boost competitiveness and innovation and contribute to the economic, social, and environmental growth of their stakeholders.
Analysis of Agro Alternatives to Boost Cameroon’s Socio-Environmental Resilience, Sustainable Development, and Conservation of Native Forests
Authors: Bas Tomas Gabriel , Gagnon Jacques , Gagnon Philippe , Contreras Angela
Published: July 2022

Located in Central Africa, Cameroon is a country with strong social inequalities and fragile governance and institutions. This has a direct impact on the sustainable development of its territory, communities, and native forest, which are subject to constant socio-environmental and economic pressures due to overexploitation. This research has three purposes: (1) to conduct a comparative theoretical/empirical diagnosis on the quality of Cameroon’s institutional framework, governance, and public policies related to territorial sustainability; (2) to assess the impact of the three clusters identified among the 44 stakeholders interviewed (forestry companies/certifiers; NGOs/communities; and banks/public institutions) on each other; and (3) to analyze the contribution of the use of cassava (Manihot esculenta) as an agro alternative to Cameroon’s socio-ecological resilience, sustainable development, and conservation of native forests. The research found: (1) the need for mixed governance with joint accountability to find equitable and lasting sustainable solutions for the parties involved, making communities/ethnic groups visible in the decision-making process; and (2) the agro use of cassava has a positive impact on socio-ecological resilience by contributing to employment, the protection of devastated soils, and the provision of quality food, and by reducing pollution from the cement industry through using cassava waste as an input.
Regional Differences and Spatial Convergence of Green Development in China
Authors: Li Chuan , Song Liangrong
Published: July 2022

Green development is an important path to achieving economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Based on the comprehensive evaluation system of economy, environment, and society, this study used the entropy method, Theil index decomposition method, and spatial β-convergence model to study the differences and spatial convergence of China’s green development from 2010 to 2020. The research conclusions are as follows: First, China’s green development has an upward trend, and the eastern region is higher. Second, the regional differences in green development have the characteristic of rising first and then falling, and the differences within regions are the main source of imbalances in China’s green development. Third, China’s green development has obvious characteristics of spatial absolute β-convergence and spatial conditional β-convergence. Green innovation is conducive to narrowing the gaps in the convergence speed of regional green development. The research results comprehensively explain the characteristics of China’s green development and provide realistic evidence for China’s green development in the future.
On the Existence of Radial Solutions to a Nonconstant Gradient-Constrained Problem
Authors: Giuffrè Sofia , Marcianò Attilio
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we study a variational problem with nonconstant gradient constraints. Several aspects related to problems with gradient constraints have been studied in the literature and have seen new developments in recent years. In the case of constant gradient constraint, the problem is the well-known elastic–plastic torsion problem. A relevant issue in this type of problem is the existence of Lagrange multipliers. Here, we consider the equivalent Lagrange multiplier formulation of a nonconstant gradient-constrained problem, and we investigate the class of solutions having a radial symmetry. We rewrite the problem in the radial symmetry case, and we analyse the different situations that may arise. In particular, in the planar case, we derive a condition characterizing the free boundary and obtain the explicit radial solution to the problem and the Lp Lagrange multiplier. Some examples support the results.
Optimal Solution to the Two-Stage Hybrid Flow Shop Scheduling Problem with Removal and Transportation Times
Authors: Hidri Lotfi , Elsherbeeny Ahmed M.
Published: July 2022

The two-stage hybrid flow shop scheduling problem with removal and transportation times is addressed in this paper. The maximum completion time is the objective function to be minimized. This scheduling problem is modeling real-life situations encountered in manufacturing and industrial areas. On the other hand, the studied problem is a challenging one from a theoretical point of view since it is NP-Hard in a strong sense. In addition, the problem is symmetric in the following sense. Scheduling from the second stage to the first provides the same optimal solution as the studied problem. This propriety allows extending all the proposed procedures to the symmetric problem in order to improve the quality of the obtained solution. Based on the existing literature and to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first one addressing the removal time and the transportation time in the hybrid flow shop environment simultaneously. In order to solve the studied problem optimally, a heuristic composed of two phases is proposed, and a new family of lower bounds is developed. In addition, an exact Branch and Bound algorithm is presented to solve the hard test problems. These hard instances are unsolved by the proposed heuristic. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed procedures, an extensive experimental study is carried out over benchmark test problems with a size of up to 200 jobs. The obtained computational results provide strong evidence that the presented procedures are very effective since 90% of test problems are solved optimally within a moderate time of 47.44 s. Furthermore, the unsolved test problems present a relative gap of only 2.4%.
Multivariate Symmetric Interpolating Dual Multiwavelet Frames
Authors: Krivoshein Aleksandr
Published: July 2022

The construction of symmetric multiwavelets in the multivariate case with useful in applications properties is a challenging task, mainly due to the complexity of the matrix extension problem. Nevertheless, for the interpolating case, a general technique can be developed. For an appropriate pair of symmetry group H and matrix dilation M and for a given H-symmetric interpolating refinable matrix mask, a method for the construction of H-symmetric dual refinable matrix masks with a preassigned order of sum rule is suggested. Wavelet matrix masks are constructed using a certain explicit matrix extension algorithm, and their symmetry properties are studied via its polyphase components. The resulting multiwavelet systems form dual multiwavelet frames, where wavelet functions have symmetry properties, preassigned order of vanishing moments and preassigned order of the balancing property. Several examples are presented.
How to Promote Online Education through Educational Software—An Analytical Study of Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling with Chinese Users as an Example
Authors: Wang Zheng , Jiang Qianling , Li Zichao
Published: July 2022

Online learning has emerged as a fresh method to successfully prevent teacher and student gatherings as well as the propagation of viruses in the context of the ongoing influence of the COVID-19. A problem deserving of consideration is how to increase users’ desire to participate in online learning through online class APPs, identify the variables that affect users’ use of them, and create a useful assessment scale. In this study, user ratings from 68 students who had used an online class APP were collected using the combination of qualitative and quantitative research, and 200 online questionnaires were sent out to complement the interview findings, based on which 328 assessment questionnaires were gathered and 23 valid items were obtained. The influencing elements that had an impact on users’ online learning experiences were identified using factor analysis, and the relationships among the components were investigated using structural equation modeling. Perceived benefits are the main influencing factors, subjective norms and functional quality are the direct factors influencing users’ perceived benefits, and self-efficacy is influenced by subjective norms while promoting the perception of functional quality. The factors influencing users’ use of online class APPs are ultimately identified as perceived benefits, functional quality and self-efficacy. In order to facilitate users’ online learning, user psychological traits, social ties and software functions should be integrated into a cohesive system while designing online class APPs.
Assessment of Soil-Heavy Metal Pollution and the Health Risks in a Mining Area from Southern Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Chen Rui , Han Lei , Liu Zhao , Zhao Yonghua , Li Risheng , Xia Longfei , Fan Yamin
Published: July 2022

Soil-heavy metal pollution in mining areas is one of the problems in the comprehensive treatment of soil environmental pollution. To explore the degree of soil-heavy metal pollution and the human health risk in mining areas, the contents of soil As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Cr(VI) in an abandoned gold mining area were determined. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo), single-factor pollution index (SPI), Nemerow comprehensive pollution index (NCPI), potential ecological risk index (PERI), and the human health risk assessment model were used to assess the pollution degree and the risk of soil-heavy metal pollution. Finally, the assessment results were used to provide remediation guidance. The results showed that (1) the average contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, and Ni in the mining area exceeded the background values of the soil elements. (2) The mining area was polluted by heavy metals to different degrees and had strong potential ecological hazards. (3) The total carcinogenic risk of heavy metals exceeded the health risk standard. The main components of pollution in the mining area were As, Cd, Cr, and Hg. Results from this study are expected to play a positive role in pollution treatment and the balance between humans and ecology.
An Exemplary National COVID-19 Vaccination: Lessons from Bhutan
Authors: Phuntsho Sangay , Tshokey Tshokey , Gurung Mongal Singh , Wangdi Sonam , Wangdi Sonam , Wangchuk Sonam
Published: July 2022

Vaccination remains a key public health intervention against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, vaccine distribution and coverage are variable between countries due to access and implementation issues. Vaccine inequity was evident with some countries having no access to the vaccines while others have initiated multiple booster doses. We share Bhutan’s approach to COVID-19 vaccination and lessons learned during the successful conduct of a nationwide vaccination program. As of 12 December 2021, 80.3% of the Bhutanese population have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 77.0% have received at least two doses. Considering age groups, 97.2% of adults (18 years) have received at least one dose and 93.6% have received at least two doses. The first dose coverage for the adolescents 12–17 years was 99.7% and second dose coverage was 92.3% since some were not yet due for their second dose at the time of writing this report. The well-established existing national immunization program was especially useful in the implementation of the national COVID-19 vaccination program. The Bhutan Vaccine System, a digital platform for registration and monitoring of vaccination, was rapidly developed and extensively utilized during the campaign. The selfless leadership of the king, the government, and prior detailed planning with multi-sectoral collaboration and coordination, was the key in this exemplary vaccination program. Bhutan has successfully vaccinated children between 5–11 years with high coverage and no serious issues. Many adults have also received first and second booster doses, based on their risks and preferences.
Equine Incisor Lesions: Histologic Confirmation of Radiographic, Macroscopic, and Micro-Computed Tomographic Findings
Authors: Albers Louisa , Bienert-Zeit Astrid , Staszyk Carsten
Published: July 2022

Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) and other incisor lesions are often diagnosed only in advanced stages. The incisors of 20 horses were examined radiographically, macroscopically, and via micro-computed tomography (µCT) to discriminate EORTH-affected teeth. Five categories from healthy to severely affected teeth were formed and teeth from each category were examined histologically to evaluate the opportunity of earlier radiographic diagnosis. Histologically, odontoclastic resorptive lesions, leukocytic infiltrations, and areas of irregular cementum and granulation tissue were observed. The extent and severity of histological findings were correlated to the µCT data. Micro-CT imaging was suitable to detect subtle irregularities in the dental substances which were referred to as resorptive lesions. Although histological examinations confirmed the presence of resorptive lesions, not all of them were classified as pathological conditions. Instead, repaired surface lesions were documented which were regarded as a physiological condition. Nevertheless, incisors which were radiographically regarded as healthy can also feature histological signs of EOTRH. Therefore, due to the possibility of misinterpreting radiographic findings combined with superimpositions on intraoral radiographs, the detection of early resorptive lesions remains challenging.
Resistance and Pathogenicity of Salmonella Thompson Isolated from Incubation End of a Poultry Farm
Authors: Zhang Jingju , Liu Jing , Chen Chen , Wang Yufeng , Chen Xiaojie , Li Xiubo , Xu Fei
Published: July 2022

Salmonella Thompson, an important foodborne pathogen, is rarely found to be pathogenic to poultry. Accidentally, S. Thompson was found to be pathogenic to embryos of white feather broiler at a poultry farm in China. Therefore, this study aimed to explore antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity of clinical S. Thompson isolated from dead poultry embryos. The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA and seven housekeeping genes showed that the 14 clinical S. Thompson were closely related. The core-genome multilocus sequence typing of 14 clinical S. Thompson based on whole-genome sequencing was cgST-12774, consistent with the only two strains of S. Thompson from humans in China as reported in the NCBI database. The antimicrobial resistance gene analysis demonstrated that all strains carried aac(6′)-Iaa and the polymyxin resistance gene mcr-9. Antimicrobial sensitivity tests for 18 antibiotics showed that S. Thompson isolates displayed resistance against streptomycin (100%), ampicillin (35.7%), and doxycycline (14.3%), but sensitivity to polymyxin B, proving that the mcr-9 gene had not appeared resistance phenotype. Virulence genes Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI) SPI1-5, type I fimbriae gene (fimA), flagellar assembly genes (bcfC, flhD, fliA, fliC, fljB, flgK, and lpfC), and other virulence genes (iroN, pagC, and cigR) were found in each S. Thompson isolate. Additionally, the bacterial inoculation experiment with 1-day-old chicks revealed that clinical S. Thompson was highly pathogenic to newborn chicks after yolk sac inoculation. This study highlighted that the S. Thompson isolated from poultry embryos and the S. Thompson causing human foodborne diarrhea in some parts of China belong to the same cgMLST typology (cgST-12774) and showed the pathogenicity of this clinical S. Thompson to chicks.
Feed Space Allowance and Perch Design Criteria for Broiler Breeders Determined by Biometric Data
Authors: Brandes Angela Gabriela , Spindler Birgit , Giersberg Mona Franziska , Kemper Nicole
Published: July 2022

The equipment used in broiler breeder houses is an important factor in allowing the expression of the various behaviours of the animals, and thus realizing high welfare standards. Presently, detailed requirements for the equipment in broiler breeder houses are not specified in Germany, especially feed space and perch design allowance. One reason is that basic biometric data on broiler breeders are lacking. To close this gap, a pilot study was conducted, and birds’ width, weight, and feet were measured. Broiler breeders at 22 weeks of age (50 female and 17 male) were weighed and photographed digitally, and their body widths were calculated from the photographs. Female broiler breeders weighed 2791.80 ± 334.99 g on average and showed a body width of 20.63 ± 1.88 cm. For males, a mean of 3615.88 ± 432.46 g was measured with a body width of 21.94 ± 2.32 cm. Our examinations revealed that a trough side length of 21.00 cm per hen and 22.00 cm per cock must be provided to ensure that all broiler breeders have equal access to feed. The same dimensions should be planned as the perch length for each animal. Measurements of broiler breeders’ feet (506 female and 150 male Cobb 500) were performed at 60 weeks of age. The length of each toe and the width and length of the foot pad of both sexes were photographed and measured digitally. Female broiler breeders’ feet showed an average length of 10.14 cm, and male birds showed a length of 12.05 cm. Based on recommendations for the perch design for laying hens, round and oval perches for broiler breeders should have a circumference of at least 11.30 cm (female) or 13.40 cm (male). For angular perches, the upper contact area should have a width of 2.80 cm (female) or 3.40 cm (male). The obtained biometric data could be a useful basis for the development of legal requirements for broiler breeders.
Prevalence of Mycoplasma bovis Infection in Calves and Dairy Cows in Western Australia
Authors: Gogoi-Tiwari Jully , Tiwari Harish Kumar , Wawegama Nadeeka K. , Premachandra Chintha , Robertson Ian Duncan , Fisher Andrew David , Waichigio Frank Karanja , Irons Pete , Aleri Joshua W.
Published: July 2022

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) can cause a multitude of diseases in cattle, with detrimental effects on the farm economy and the welfare of both adult and young cattle. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of M. bovis in adult cows and calves in the south-west region of Western Australia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 29 dairy farms with 699 apparently healthy adult lactating cows and 495 young calves during 2019–2020. Nasal swabs and blood samples collected from the animals and bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were assessed for M. bovis-specific proteins and antibodies by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Mycoplasma immunogenic lipase A- Enzyme-Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (MilA ELISA). A seroprevalence of 42.5% (95% CI: 38.9–46.2) and 61% (95% CI: 56.6–65.2) was found in adult lactating cows and calves, respectively. The herd-level seroprevalence of M. bovis ranged from 4% (95% CI: 07–19.5) to 92% (95% CI: 75.0–97.8) in adult lactating cows and 25% (95% CI: 10.2–49.5) to 87% (95% CI: 67.9–95.5) for calves in these farms. None of the BTM and nasal swab samples were positive for M. bovis, indicating an absence of any current active infections on the farms. The female calves and pure Holstein–Friesian animals are twice as likely to be seropositive for M. bovis compared to male calves (OR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7–3.5) and Holstein–Friesian crossbred calves (OR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7–3.5). The high seroprevalence in both adult and young cattle in the southwest dairy farms of Western Australia warrants more effective farm biosecurity measures and further evaluation of the current prevention and management measures practiced on the farms.
New Insights for Exploring the Risks of Bioaccumulation, Molecular Mechanisms, and Cellular Toxicities of AgNPs in Aquatic Ecosystem
Authors: Ramzan Uzma , Majeed Waqar , Hussain Abdul Ahad , Qurashi Fasiha , Qamar Safi Ur Rehman , Naeem Muhammad , Uddin Jalal , Khan Ajmal , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Razak Saiful Izwan Abd , Lee Tze Yan
Published: July 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly used in numerous consumer products, including textiles, cosmetics, and health care items. The widespread usage of AgNPs results in their unavoidable discharge into the ecosystem, which pollutes the aquatic, groundwater, sediments, and marine environments. These nanoparticles (NPs) activate the production of free radicals reactive species in aquatic organisms that interrupt the functions of DNA, cause mitochondrial dysfunction, and increase lipid peroxidation, which terminates the development and reproduction both in vivo and in vitro. The life present in the aquatic ecosystem is becoming threatened due to the release and exploitation of AgNPs. Managing the aquatic ecosystem from the AgNP effects in the near future is highly recommended. In this review, we discussed the background of AgNPs, their discharge, and uptake by aquatic organisms, the mechanism of toxicity, different pathways of cytotoxicity, and bioaccumulation, particularly in aquatic organisms. We have also discussed the antimicrobial activities of AgNPs along with acute and chronic toxicity in aquatic groups of organisms.
Formation of the economics noosphere in the process of the industrial revolution
Authors:   Department of Economic and Financial Disciplines, Moscow University for the Humanities, Zyablyuk Rimma Trofimovna
Published: July 2022

The article deals with the system of the modern industrial revolution and the content of labor, which forms the technotronic level of productive forces. The result of the interaction of the system elements is the formation of the third division of the economic space, i.e. the noosphere, and the process of gradual transformation of science into the main productive force. It is considered what changes should take place in the education system in order to correspond to these transformations. The materials of the article can be used in the educational process within the framework of the "Economics" and "Marketing" majors.
Influence of mass communications on the education of modern youth (from the experience of education in the College of the Moscow University for the Humanities)
Authors:   Department of Theory of Advertising and Mass Communications, University for the Humanities, Ksenofontova Alevtina Anatolievna , Chetskaya Mariya Valerievna ,   College of the Moscow University for the Humanities
Published: July 2022

The article reveals the theoretical aspects of the impact of mass communications on adolescents, as well as the practical experience of working with student youth of the College of the Moscow University for the Humanities in modern conditions. Particular attention is drawn to the influence of social networks and the redundancy of information about various aspects of modern reality, which create additional difficulties for building a systematic work with students.
TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL TYPOLOGY OF JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS
Authors: Kholuyanova E.
Published: July 2022

TThe article discusses the analysis of trends in the development of the architectural typology of Jewish community centers, substantiates the topicality of its study. The stages of development of architectural typology are described, based on graphic-analytical schemes of planning decisions of historical types of Jewish community centers. Conclusions are drawn about the continuity of the functional planning organization of the religious functional planning component of Jewish community centers. The conclusions of the analysis of experience in the implementation of Jewish centers are presented. It reveals the main factors influencing the formation of space-planning solutions. The nature of the town-planning placement and walking distance of Jewish community centers in St. Petersburg is considered. Based on the analysis of foreign and domestic experience in the design and implementation of such buildings at the present stage, the features of the functional and spatial organization of Jewish community centers are identified, and the principles of a consolidated classification of such buildings are formulated. It is shown that there is a relationship between the dominant functional and planning component of the Jewish community center and the nature of its planning organization. Approaches to the consideration of the construction of the architectural image of the Jewish community center from the point of view of morphology and semiotics are briefly outlined. Promising areas of research are formulated that reveal national identity through the semiotics of the architectural image of the Jewish community center.