bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surrogacy in China: Public Opinion, Litigations, and Court Rulings
Authors: Tang Qian
Published: September 2019

Culturally, commercial surrogacy has come to be viewed and criticized as immoral. Thus, many prefer it to be outlawed in China. At the same time, “to carry on the bloodline of the family” and having more children are also culturally celebrated in Chinese society.  The two cultural traditions, together with the implementation and gradual revocation of the one-child policy in the 21st century, have led to a dilemma modern Chinese parents are facing: more and more couples feel morally obligated to have more children after the revocation of the one-child policy but are too old to naturally reproduce. With the vagueness of regulations around commercial surrogacy in China, more couples have resorted to surrogacy in the past decade, which currently functions in a grey market. Within the unregulated market, both moral and legal concerns emerge. Through analysis of public opinion, litigations, as well as court rulings on surrogacy in China, this paper asks the following question: To what extent does the societal attitude in China on surrogacy align with that of litigations and court rulings on surrogacy in China? This paper hopes to provide insight into the Chinese surrogacy markets and responses from different actors within the process of surrogacy, leading to broader questions such as: How can litigations in China on surrogacy be improved? How can we ensure rights of all actors in a transaction concerning surrogacy? Should surrogacy be permissible at all? These are relevant questions relating to the structural violence prevalent in the seemingly peaceful modern China and have an impact on the direction of future feminist studies.
Hybrid organizations: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Secinaro Silvana , Corvo Luigi , Brescia Valerio , Iannaci Daniel
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review literature concerning hybrid structures, that is, structures that are used to implement various forms of management. More specifically, the authors aim to answer two questions: can the evolution of hybrid organizations be analyzed and mapped, and if so, what are the factors that govern their development?

The document is based on a systematic review approach of Little et al. (2009), which aims to make the selection of literature and the review process transparent and replicable following steps, eliminating the problem of prejudice to ensure objectivity of the research and credibility in the results as demonstrated by Rosenthal (1979) and Cooper (2003).

What emerges from the literature of hybrid organizations seen from the point of view of NPM, the concept of Paradox, PPPs and Hybrid Impact is very interesting because by tidying up the concepts that various scholars have found it is possible to define what have been the factors that influenced the evolution of hybrid organizations giving a historical definition and helping to understand the roots of the concept and specifically where these new entities will generate impact. Several documents have analyzed the contribution of these approaches to the improvement of Management, Decision-Making, Identity Work, Governance, Hybrid Laws, Microfinance Institutions MFIs and Corporatizing.

Through this research the authors hope to contribute to the academic and professional community by summarizing the known literature and suggesting paths for further research precisely because it is necessary the cooperation.
Exploring EFL Teachers’ Perceptions of CLIL and Its Implementation in the Saudi EFL Context
Authors: Hashmi Uzma Manzur
Published: September 2019

This study aims to explore the perceptions of English as Foreign Language (EFL) teachers about the notion of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in the Saudi EFL contexts. The veteran EFL teachers share their views regarding the application and implementation of CLIL approach. This study has looked into this issue from an interpretivist lens employing qualitative data collection technique, i. e. semi-structured interviews. The data were collected from 10 EFL teachers. The qualitative data were thematically analyzed that led to four major themes. The key findings reveal that CLIL is not a frequently used concept in this part of the world; however, its usefulness and effectiveness are recognized by the participants who also express their views about the pros and cons and other practical constraints that might affect the implementation of CLIL programs in the Saudi EFL context. One of the major issues that teachers have highlighted is the training programs that should encompass the idea of CLIL and train EFL teachers on the latest teaching skills to upgrade their pedagogical repertoire. Based on the findings, the study has suggested directions for the future researchers to fill the gap in the existing literature and investigate the phenomenon of CLIL in more depth in order to acknowledge its significance in the light of the Vision 2030.
The Usage Level of Time-Saving Measurement and Evaluation Techniques in Teacher Training Programs
Authors: Kılınç Mustafa
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study is to explore the level of use of timesaving measurement and evaluation techniques in pre-service teacher training. The research is designed and conducted as a descriptive survey. 200 teacher candidates studying in seven different teacher education programs conveniently sampled from the education faculty located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The data was collected through the inventory developed by the researcher. The data analyzed with pairwise and multiple comparison techniques. The study revealed that the instructors at the education faculty were using time-saving measurement and evaluation techniques in their courses at a moderate level. These techniques were mostly used the by pre-school education, and least used in the department of mathematics education. The most commonly used time-saving measurement and evaluation technique in all teacher training programs was the Advantage/Disadvantage Listing Technique. The least-used technique was One Minute Paper Test. The prospective teachers’ opinions did not differ according to their gender. Findings have been discussed in terms of teacher qualifications on the relative to current literature.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 12, No. 10
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: September 2019

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 12, No. 10, 2019.
A Literature-Based Approach on Age Factors in Second Language Acquisition: Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Authors: Ozfidan Burhan , Burlbaw Lynn M.
Published: September 2019

Age is an essential factor in Second Language Acquisition (SLA), impacting the success of students and instructional methods. The purpose of this study is to examine the age factor in SLA by examining three age categories – children, adolescents and adults. In doing so, the study considers the Critical Period Hypothesis as a base of linguistic research in the area of age factor. The study disapproves the assertion of the hypothesis that all prepubescent learners are able to acquire native-like proficiency in target language pronunciation. The study analyzes common SLA beliefs, including: 1) younger learners are more successful than older learners, 2) the language learning processes of younger learners are less stressful and require less of an effort, and 3) young learners are more skillful in language learning. Adolescents and adults are considered as older learners in terms of cognitive maturity. The results of the study indicated that children learn a language easier than adolescents and adults, particularly with respect to pronunciation and morpho syntax. Adolescents are good at syntax and listening sills, while the best results for adults are for reading and writing activities. Thus, the types of brain organization at learners of different developmental stages lead to the need for a diversity of instructional methods for children, adolescents and adults.
Beliefs About Scientific Creativity Held by Pre-Service Science Teachers in the State of Kuwait
Authors: Alsahou Hamed Jassim , Alsammari Ahmad Shallal
Published: September 2019

Understanding teachers’ sentiments and views is a central goal of the educational research community; especially, understanding teachers’ beliefs which could be transferred to classroom practices. Teachers’ beliefs about creativity and how they can nurture it has been investigated in several studies, but there is a lack of studies exploring teachers’ beliefs about creativity in the science classroom. The current study aims to understand the beliefs of pre-service science teachers about scientific creativity, fostering creativity in the science classroom, the characteristics of creative students in science, and the encouraging and challenging factors. The research design has an exploratory nature based on a questionnaire consisting of 18 closed-ended questions and eight open-ended questions. 152 questionnaires were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The results indicated that science is seen as a creative school subject. Participants view scientific creativity as original, useful, imaginative, and having empirical actions. Commitment, curiosity, enthusiasm, questioning, and experimenting are the characteristics of creative students in the science classroom. Other factors that encourage or hinder the process of nurturing scientific creativity were also identified. Implementations and suggestions for future study are also discussed.
A Review on University Students’ Resilience and Levels of Social Exclusion and Forgiveness
Authors: Traş Zeliha , Öztemel Kemal , Kağnıcı Esra
Published: September 2019

The aim of this research is to review the relationship between university students’ resilience and levels of social exclusion and forgiveness. Study group of the research includes 355–206 (58%) female and 149 (42%) male–students who marked at least one item in Risk Factors Determination List. This study is a correlational survey model. The Resilience Scale, The Risk Factors Determination List, The Social Exclusion Scale for Adolescents and Forgiveness Scale are used as data collection tools. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis are used in data analysis. In the wake of correlation analysis, a significant relationship cannot be found between resilience and forgiveness level. A negative and significant relationship is found between resilience and exclusion and negligence sub-dimensions of social exclusion. In the wake of regression analysis, sub-dimensions of social exclusion predict resilience. In order to increase the resilience of university students, rejection by their friends should be minimized, and in order to prevent individuals from being exposed to social exclusion, communication skills can be improved. Social support, which is among the protective factors of resilience, has an important place in life of university students. Therefore, social activities that every student can participate in can be hold.
Impact of Cornell Notes vs. REAP on EFL Secondary School Students’ Critical Reading Skills
Authors: Ahmad Samah Zakareya
Published: September 2019

This study compared the effect of two notetaking strategies (Cornell Notes vs. REAP) on EFL secondary school students’ critical reading skills. The Alternative Treatment Design with Pretest was used where three intact classes of first-year EFL secondary school students were randomly assigned as a control group and two experimental groups. All participants were administered to a critical reading skills test both before and after the treatment. For 12 weeks, participants in the control group received their regular instruction while those in the first experimental group used Cornell Notes and those in the second experimental group used REAP. Using one-way analysis of variance did not reveal any significant differences among the means of scores of the three groups on the pretest of critical reading skills (f=0.36, p>0.05). However, the one-way analysis of variance indicated that significant differences existed among the means of scores of the three groups on the posttest of critical reading skills (f=14.45, p
Analysis of Self Efficacy-Sufficiency Levels of Individuals with Visual Impairment According to Some Variables
Authors: Dalbudak İbrahim , Musa Mihriay
Published: September 2019

This study was conducted with the aim of determining self efficacy-sufficiency levels of visually impaired individuals according to some variables. Bandura (1994) states that self-sufficiency, defined as an individual’s belief on operating a specific job, is an important factor for the athletes. Self-sufficiency results in choosing a field of study voluntarily, feeling a high motivation for accomplishing that job, endeavoring and spending time on the study. Self-sufficiency is about the individual’s specific area or behavior group (Akkoyunlu & Orhan, 2003). The study was conducted on 127 male and 60 female visually-impaired individuals, a total of 187, with different visual acuity in different visually-handicapped clubs. The voluntary basis was taken into consideration in participation. As the data collection tool, “Personal Information Form” and “Self-Efficacy–Sufficiency Scale” which was developed by Sherer et al. (1982), and adopted into Turkish by Gözüm and Aksayan (1999). The data set was analyzed in SPSS 20.0 packaged programme. The data was purified from loss and wrong coding, and the normality hypothesis was done with kurtosis and skewness values. In the analysis of the data, frequency, the average standard deviation was used; besides, T-Test (in paired comparisons) gender, disability status, marital status and branches of sports; one-way variance (ANOVA) test in age, level of education, level of income and visual acuity were used. When one-way ANOVA results of self-sufficiency scores according to gender, age, disability status, level of education, level of income, and visual acuity were analyzed, it was stated that there was a significant difference (p0,05). When evaluated the information above, it can be said that like self efficacy-sufficiency concept can be in different levels and different dimension in different areas of life; it is effective on visually-impaired individuals. In this respect, it is considered that this study will open a new window to this area and contribute to the visually-impaired athletes. Besides, it is suggested that a new study on how self efficacy-sufficiency concept is in the visually-impaired athletes and other individuals, and evaluation of how they are affected. In this concept, the general aim of this study is to analyze the levels of self efficacy-sufficiency of visually-impaired athletes.
Implementation of Microteaching in Special Teaching Methods I And II Courses: An Action Research
Authors: Özbal Ayşe Feray
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study is to implement micro teaching method in Special Teaching Methods I and II courses in order to teach preservice teachers how to make lesson plans and help them gain experiences in classroom management issues; i.e. to improve their teaching skills. The study was designed according to the principles of action research. Pre-service teachers carried out micro teaching sessions during the fall and the spring term as a requirement of Special Teaching Methods I and II courses. The research process started at the beginning of each term. In the first 7 weeks, the instructor provided preservice teachers with theoretical knowledge about special teaching methods. The practice phase started after the mid-term exams, in which the participants were divided into groups and taught lessons on predetermined topics by using micro teaching methods. The teaching practices were video recorded. The data of the study were obtained from video recordings of the micro teaching sessions, the semi-structured interviews conducted with the participants and the learner diaries. A total of 40 preservice teachers participated in the study; however, the data from 10 participants were used in the analysis. The results revealed that preservice teachers gained experience in teaching and improved their teaching, classroom management, and lesson plan preparation skills thanks to this implementation.
The Relationship Between Interpersonal Approaches of Thesis Supervisors and Graduate Student Satisfaction
Authors: Aldosari Dalal M. , Ibrahim Ali S.
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this explanatory mixed method study is to describe students’ perceptions of the thesis supervision approaches used, their satisfaction with these approaches, and whether their satisfaction differed based on students’ gender, degree sought, and concentration. The study comprised two parts. First, a questionnaire was distributed to all graduate students who had written a thesis/dissertation during 2015-2017 (N=213) at one of the universities in the United Arab Emirates. Second, a group of students from among those mentioned above (N=16) were interviewed. The study revealed that the most commonly used approach by the supervisors was the collaborative interpersonal approach and the least used one was the directive informational approach. There was no significant difference according to the degree sought and concentration. However, when it came to gender, female students believed that the supervisors had used the collaborative approach more than the male students. Overall, graduate students were satisfied with their supervisors’ approaches, while some were highly satisfied. The findings indicated a pattern where the more collaborative the supervisor was, the more satisfied the student became and the more the supervisor used the non-directive interpersonal approach, the less satisfied the students became. The study recommends that faculty supervisors attend to the various needs and preferences of their students and be ready to shift away from their preferred approach to suit the diverse needs and abilities of their students.
Influence of Accelerated Temperature on Thermal Stability of Inactivated Oil Based Vaccines
Authors: Sarmad Muhammad , Mehmood Muhammad Danish , Anwar Huma , Ghani Muhammad Usman , Farwa Khusbu , Munir Saira
Published: September 2019

Accelerated thermal stability of vaccines during shelf life has vital impact on its potency. Temperature directly affects the stability of the vaccines and degradation of immunogen depends upon the storage and environmental conditions. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the potency of three different inactivated oil based commercial vaccines under artificially induced thermal conditions such as 4°C, 24°C, 36°C and 45°C. The vaccines were analyzed for their viscosity, density, pH, stability, particle distribution and serological potency after 10, 20 and 30 days. It was revealed that vaccines stored for 30 days at 4°C upto 24°C showed significantly better physiochemical response and in vivo serological potency (p>0.05) as compared to vaccines stored for 30 days at 36°C and 45°C (p<0.05). Otto ND showed significantly better emulsion stability even under accelerated temperature at 45°C for 30 days (p>0.05) as compared to Gallimune and Medivac (p<0.05). The density of Medivac was stable under thermal stress conditions even at 36°C for 30 days (p>0.05) as compare to Otto ND and Gallimune vaccine (p<0.05).

It is concluded that inactivated oil based ND vaccines can resist elevated thermal stress up to 36°C for 30 days without any ill effect on physiochemical properties of emulsion and decline in serological potency. The vaccines showed significant deterioration physically at temperature >30°C when stored for 30 days whereas, immunogenic response was protective with minimal uniformity. However, above vaccine could be used for effective immune-prophylaxis in poultry.
Price Discrimination as a Marketing Strategy
Authors: Alhabeeb M. J.
Published: September 2019

Many empirical studies have confirmed the validity and utility of price discrimination as a tool to attract more customers, increase sales, and boost revenues and profits. Several of these studies found strong market evidence of both second and third-degree price discrimination. This study confirms that price discrimination would not only work for monopolistic firms, as we have learned in the classic economic analysis, but also works effectively as essential element in a marketing strategy, especially for companies which adhere to the marketing principles on consumer satisfaction. This study also examines the utilization of price discrimination as a marketing tool by presenting the underlying theory and offering illustrative numerical examples. It further shows the different forms in which price discrimination comes in, the appropriate products eligible for price discrimination, the fields where such a strategy is applied, and the empirical studies involved.
Marketing Strategies in Equity Crowdfunding: A Comparative Study of Italian Platforms
Authors: Troise Ciro
Published: September 2019

This paper explores equity crowdfunding platforms from a marketing perspective. The present exploratory study attempts to make a double contribution to the current literature on equity crowdfunding. Firstly, it analyzes the marketing strategies of the platforms by focusing on the well-known 4Ps marketing mix framework, i.e. product, price, promotion and placement. Each dimension presents three types of categories. Second, the study investigates the marketing strategies of both large platforms and small platforms, then the differences between these two types of platforms are examined in terms of campaigns’ outcomes, i.e. funding collected (in %), funding amount (in €) and number of investors. Platforms adopt a standardization strategy for pricing and placement, while a differentiation strategy is mainly adopted for promotion and products. Large platforms offer a wider range of services (in particular ongoing campaign services and post-campaign services) and promotional activities (in particular leverage many communication channels). The analyses disclose significant statistically differences between these two types of platforms. Projects posted on large platforms are more likely to get higher campaigns’ outcomes. In literature, little is known about marketing strategies in equity crowdfunding platforms, thus this study tries to fill this gap. The paper is the first to analyze the 4Ps of platforms and to conduct a comparative empirical study to determine the differences of campaigns’ outcomes between large and small platforms. The Italian context represents a significant case of developed country in theme of equity crowdfunding. The results are useful for platform managers, entrepreneurs, investors and authorities.
Social Media Marketing and Luxury Consumption: A Literature Review
Authors: Colella Giuseppe , Amatulli Cesare , Martinez-Ruiz Maria Pilar
Published: September 2019

People and companies worldwide are by now involved and attached to web 2.0 technologies and in particular to social media platforms. In this context, these digital technologies and social media have modified and improved the way to communicate and collaborate between companies and customers in all sectors through by implementing effective interaction mechanisms. However, the approach to social media and digital technologies in sectors such as luxury has been slower. Therefore, the main aim of this study is firstly to systematically examine and review the current studies conducted on the related area of ​​social media and luxury marketing. Secondly, in addition to providing an overview of the main themes and trends covered by the relevant literature, this review has focused on the consumption of luxury and the dual dimension that it can take in a social media context. Third, a systematic review of the literature on academic research on social media marketing in luxury brands was conducted to collect, examine and synthesize the reactive studies. This review also provided important insights on social media marketing in luxury brands and key research topics were classified into three insights, on consumer behavior, brand awareness and advertising activities in a social media context. Therefore, this study, for both academics and marketer manager, could represent a solid theoretical basis for empirical studies on the phenomenon of social media marketing in the field of luxury marketing and luxury brands.
Climate Change Perception in Lebanon: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Hussein Akil , Hussein Trabulsi , Moussaid Grace , Moussaid Grace
Published: September 2019

This paper is intended to explore the Climate Change (CC) perception in Lebanon. An exploratory study based on individual interviews is conducted. The results of in this study reveal that only a small percentage of citizens have high level of CC perception and intentions to reducing carbon lifestyle. The results demonstrate that the CC is a marketing-communication problem that generates individual barriers to decarbonisation. These findings imply new marketing-communication recommendations.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Mathematics Research, Vol. 11, No. 5
Authors: Wang Sophia
Published: September 2019

Journal of Mathematics Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal is greatly appreciated.

Many authors, regardless of whether Journal of Mathematics Research publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers.

Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 5

 

Alan Jalal Abdulqader, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Iraq

Gener Santiago Subia, Wesleyan University, Philippines

Jalal Hatem, Baghdad University, Iraq

Khalil Ezzinbi, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco

Mashadi Ali, Riau University, Indonesia

Meltem Erden Ege, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Turkey

N. V. Ramana Murty, Andhra Loyola College, India

Özen ÖZER, Kirklareli University, Turkey

Rami Ahmad El-Nabulsi, Athens Institute for Education and Research, Greece

Sanjib Kumar Datta, University of Kalyani, India

Sergiy Koshkin, University of Houston Downtown, USA

Xingbo WANG, Foshan University, China

 

Sophia Wang

On behalf of,

The Editorial Board of Journal of Mathematics Research

Canadian Center of Science and Education
Sustainability of Climate Change Adaptation Practices in South-Western Coastal Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Md. Humayain , Baten Mohammed Abdul
Published: September 2019

In Bangladesh, South Western (SW) coastal area is the most vulnerable due to its geo-morphological characteristics and socio-economic conditions. Consequently, this study aims at find out the sustainable adaptation practices to climate change impacts through a series of field study along with questionnaire survey and reviewing the secondary literature. The study shows that near about 50 adaptation practices are exercised in SW coastal area of Bangladesh. Among these, growing local rice variety, rainwater harvesting, directly use of pond water through proper pond management, raising plinth, lowering use roof etc. are the more sustainable adaptation practices. On the other hand, homestead gardening, dyke nursery, cropping on raised mound, school cum cyclone shelter, purification of pond water trough traditional knowledge are the moderately popular and sustainable adaptation practices in terms of social, economic and environmental aspects. Furthermore, shrimp cultivation at homestead, fish-vegetables combined cultivation, purification of pond water through govt. supported filter, pond filter, bamboo made piling house etc. are the less sustainable one.
Pyrolysis of Wood Residues in a Cylindrical Batch Reactor: Effect of Operating Parameters on the Quality and Yield of Products
Authors: Kizza R. , Banadda N. , Kabenge I. , Seay J. , Willet S. , Kiggundu N. , Zziwa A.
Published: September 2019

Appropriate technology for conversion of waste biomass into valuable products has often been overlooked in Sub-Saharan Africa. The influence of operating parameters such as; type of technology, and biomass type, on the conversion process, is a barely known. This contribution aimed at studying the pyrolysis of wood residues and the specific objectives included; (1) characterization of the organic products (wood vinegar and tar) of pyrolysis of wood residues, (2) investigation of the effect of temperature and feedstock type on the yield of products and (3) to carry out an energy balance of the pyrolysis reactor system. Wood residues were pyrolysed in a cylindrical batch reactor at temperatures 300-350, 400-450 and 500-5500C and the organic were characterised using a gas chromatograph (GC) fitted with a flame ionisation detector (FID). The most notable compounds in the wood vinegar and tar were; alcohols, acids, furans, phenols, aldehydes, and ketones. The yield of vinegar, tar and char reduced significantly with increase in temperature and the maximums were produced at 300-3500C whereas the yield of non-condensable gases increased with increase in temperature. The type of feedstock used had no significant effect on the yield and distribution of products. The energy balance of the system revealed that the process was 78% efficient. The presence of the oxygenated aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons makes the wood vinegar and tar potential sources of chemicals and engine fuels. Preliminary trials with wood vinegar were lethal to black ants that are predominantly a menace to farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
CO2 Emissions from Asheville’s Craft Brewing Industry
Authors: Couzo Evan , Meloche Metis , Taylor Jacob
Published: September 2019

This study examined the relationship between two foundational identities of Asheville, North Carolina — its environmentally mindful community and the craft brewing industry. We quantified CO2 emissions from the fermentation process of brewing beer at several local breweries in Asheville. Additionally, this project determined whether emissions from fermentation were substantial compared to CO2 emissions from the breweries’ electricity usage. We analyzed data from four breweries of varying size. Our results showed that the emissions from fermentation were small compared to emissions from electricity usage. Total CO2 emissions from electricity usage from all four breweries were slightly less than 180,000 tonnes compared to just over 600 tonnes from the fermentation process. Emissions from fermentation were less than 0.5% of emissions from electricity usage at all four breweries. While 600 tonnes of CO2 may not seem substantial, this study was limited to just four of the more than 35 breweries in Asheville as of 2016. Given the size and rate of growth of the craft brewing industry in the region, it is too soon to dismiss fermentation emissions as unimportant to Asheville’s total carbon footprint.
Calculation of SS, TN and TP Specific Concentration Factors for Land-Use Types Using a Simple Watershed Model
Authors: Yoshikawa Seiko , Ma Donglai , Saito Tadamasa , Matsumori Kenji , Itoh Yuko , Kohyama Kazunori , Kobayashi Masahiro
Published: September 2019

To contribute to the prediction of rainfall-related disasters, specific concentration factors that indicate the suspended solid (SS), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) load intensities to river water for each land-use type were calculated using a simple watershed land-use model across Japan by applying the following multiple regression equation, according to the land-use ratios and published SS, TN and TP data.

C=i=14aixi

C: SS, TN and TP concentrations (mg L-1); ai: SS, TN and TP specific concentration factor for land use i; xi: ratio of land use i; land use: 1 paddy fields, 2 upland fields, 3 forests, 4 urban areas.

The land-use ratios for watersheds, whose lower ends were observation points of river water quality, were determined by the GIS technique using a published database of DEM and LULC mesh data. The SS specific concentration factor was 15.4 (from a 95% lower limit value of 12.0 to a 95% upper limit value of 18.8), 11.5 (7.4 to 15.6), 3.9 (2.6 to 5.1), and 11.2 (9.2 to 13.2) for paddy fields, upland fields, forests and urban areas, respectively (n=5103). The TN specific concentration factor was 1.67 (from a 95% lower limit value of 1.34 to a 95% upper limit value of 2.01), 4.08 (3.64 to 4.51), 0.76 (0.67 to 0.90), and 3.57 (3.38 to 3.76) for paddy fields, upland fields, forests and urban areas, respectively (n=3256). The TP specific concentration factor was 0.146 (from a 95% lower limit value of 0.119 to a 95% upper limit value of 0.172), 0.172 (0.138 to 0.206), 0.044 (0.033 to 0.055), and 0.267 (0.253 to 0.282) for paddy fields, upland fields, forests and urban areas, respectively (n=3256). These specific concentration factors had regional tendencies, such as suburban or rural, intensive or extensive agriculture, and so on.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Sustainable Development, Vol. 12, No. 5
Authors: Sun Sherry
Published: September 2019

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Sustainable Development, Vol. 12, No. 5, 2019
The Role of Faith Systems and Religions in the Future of Sustainable Development: An Islamic Outlook
Authors: Sobaihi Mamdouh M. A.
Published: September 2019

Reference material concerning sustainable development has increased dramatically over the last decades, with more and more countries, agencies and businesses following the sustainable development ideals and principles. However, one of the most basic of human institutions has not contributed, and perhaps not allowed to contribute, to the debate. Religion and faith systems have a great potential in influencing not only the definitions of sustainable development but also concepts of human sustainable practices to achieve sustainable development goals. The main obstacle to the fulfillment of this potential appears to be the lack of outreach and acceptance of the scientific community to the religious and faith system institutions and individuals. In this paper, a review of the literature is carried out to shed light on the root of this schism between science and belief systems. In addition, the paper will highlight how the majority of the literature deals with process rather than the individual human being and how to make him/her a better practitioner of sustainability. It is also aimed that the paper shed some light on how religious and faith system ideals can be incorporated into sustainable development plans and systems. The main focus of the paper is to cast light on the religion of Islam and some of the Islamic teachings and Ideals and how they can be incorporated in delivering the message of sustainable development since the religion of Islam is forecast to be the largest faith on the planet in the not too distant future. In conclusion, a discussion on how the various religious networks can deliver the message of sustainability will be discussed.
Sustainability of Rural Water Supply Systems: A Case Study of Kwamekrom Water System in the Volta Region of Ghana
Authors: Adadzi Patrick , Coffie Harrison , Afetorgbor Emmanuel
Published: September 2019

This paper review and analyze the sustainability of rural water systems facilitated by Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) in Ghana in both their capacity to continue to deliver adequate, safe and quality water for all the people of Kwamekrom township and surrounding villages. The paper focus on a case study of the sustainability of small-town piped water systems; the main used technology in rural areas of the Volta Region in Ghana. Part of the project was the implementation of infrastructure and building capacities in the community to manage and use their system after project completion. A recent development is that CWSA is shifting from community ownership and management (COM) towards participation in management, a shift that is expected to ensure the sustainability of the water systems. The study aimed to analyze the viability of the Kwamekrom water supply system in the Volta Region of Ghana, which was under the COM system utilizing a survey mechanism. The study revealed based on performance indexes indicated that the Kwamekrom water system was not sustainable under the COM. The result was mainly due to poor financial management and lack of adequate technical expertise coupled with socio-political impact under the COM. The new reform towards participation in the management of rural water supply is, therefore, an approach which could lead to sustainability.
Soybean Yields and Biomass Production of Winter Cover Crops in the Southwest of Parana – Brazil
Authors: Tessaro Amarildo Antonio , Pereira Mauricio Antonio , Calegari Ademir , Onofre Sideney Becker , Ralisch Ricardo
Published: September 2019

The use of winter cover crops is an important practice for the management and conservation of soil and water in southern Brazil. The objective of this work was to evaluate the accumulation of green mass and dry mass in the aerial part of winter cover crops in monocropping and intercropping in southwestern Paraná, in the years 2016 and 2017. Randomized blocks were used as experimental design with a subdivided plot scheme of 50 m² with five replications. The cover crops used in monocropping were black oats and wheat, while for the intercropping black oats + turnips + rye + white lupin (AP+NF+C+TB), black oats + turnips (AP+NF) and black oats + turnips + rye + vetches + white lupin + buckwheat (AP+NF+C+E+TB+TM) were used. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5 % probability. The intercrop composed of black oats + turnips + rye + vetches + white lupin + buckwheat had a higher production of green mass, with an average value of 50.880 kg ha-1. For the production of dry mass, the monocrop of black oats had higher yields, with an average value of 5.168 kg ha-1. The highest yields were obtained in the coverage area with black oats, turnips, rye, vetches, white lupin and buckwheat, presenting a yield in 2017 of 4.487 kg ha-1.
An Empirically Derived Conceptual Framework to Assess Dis-Adoption of Conservation Agriculture: Multiple Drivers and Institutional Deficiencies
Authors: Chinseu Edna L. , Stringer Lindsay C. , Dougill Andrew J.
Published: September 2019

Efforts of national governments and international agencies aimed at alleviating hunger and poverty are often undermined by lack of long-term adoption of agricultural innovations. Studies commonly explain farmers’ adoption decisions using household general determinants, yet decision-making, particularly for under-resourced smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, is a complex process. Using the case of conservation agriculture [CA], this article analyses dis-adoption of agricultural technologies by examining multiple domains of Malawi’s CA innovation system and how these influence farmer decision-making. It analyses institutional arrangements of CA promoters, national policies and farmers’ experiences. From this, we empirically derive a multifaceted dis-adoption drivers’ framework to explain CA dis-adoption in smallholder farming systems. Our findings reveal that adverse features in national policies, institutional arrangements, technological attributes and social cultural dimensions all lead to unfavourable experiences of CA for smallholder farmers, which can culminate in dis-adoption. The CA dis-adoption drivers’ framework we develop in this study provides a useful troubleshooting tool. It can be used to guide improvements in the design and implementation of project-based interventions seeking long-term adoption of agricultural innovations across sub-Saharan Africa.
Biodiversity Offsets Can Be a Valuable Tool in Achieving Sustainable Development Developing a Holistic Model for Biodiversity Offsets That Incorporates Environmental, Social and Economic Aspects of Sustainable Development
Authors: Abdo Linda J , Kemp Annabeth , Coupland Grey , Griffin Sandy
Published: September 2019

The interpretation and use of biodiversity offsets in planning and development is a contentious issue because they rarely encompass each of the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainable development. While currently agreed best practice for biodiversity offsets includes consideration of scope, scale, location, timing and duration, and monitoring, current literature on these components does not consider all aspects of sustainable development. Furthermore, much of the current agreed best practice focusses on the design of biodiversity offsets, without consideration of ongoing management or end-of-life. This manuscript reviews current best practice for biodiversity offsets, giving consideration to the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainable development. In particular, we report that consideration of cost and risk is key and the use of planning frameworks, bonds and advanced offsets could mitigate these risks and allow for long-term success. Following this approach, a holistic model for design, implementation and ongoing management of direct biodiversity offsets that balances all aspects of sustainable development is presented.
Comparing the Effect of Rotor Tilt Angle on Performance of Floating Offshore and Fixed Tower Wind Turbines
Authors: Wisatesajja Wongsakorn , Roynarin Wirachai , Intholo Decha
Published: September 2019

The development of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs) aims to improve the potential performance of the wind turbine. However, a problem arises due to the angle of tilt from the wind flow and the floating platform, which leads to a vertical misalignment of the turbine axis, thereby reducing the available blade area and lowering the capacity to capture energy. To address this problem, this paper seeks to compare the influence of the rotor tilt angle on wind turbine performance between fixed tower wind turbines and FOWTs. The models used in the experiments have R1235 airfoil blades of diameter 84 cm. The experiment was analyzed using a wind tunnel and mathematical modelling techniques. Measurements were obtained using an angle meter, anemometer and tachometer. Testing involved wind speeds ranging from 2 m/s to 5.5 m/s, and the rotational speeds of the two turbine designs were compared. The study found that the rotational speeds of the FOWTs were lower than those of the fixed tower turbines. Moreover, at tilt angles from 3.5° – 6.1° there was a loss in performance which varied between 22% and 32% at different wind speeds. The tilt angle had a significant effect upon FOWTs due to the angle of attack was continuously changing, thus altering the optimal position of the turbine blades. This changing angle of attack caused the effective area of the rotor blade to change, leading to a reduction in power output at suboptimal angles. The study finally makes recommendations for future studies.
Achieving Green Building in Qatar through Legal and Fiscal Tools
Authors: Harmon Aaron , Truby Jon M.
Published: September 2019

In the midst of both a multi-State blockade of Qatar and the urgency to complete major building projects in time to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the limits of Qatar’s resource sustainability have been tested. The State of Qatar is the world’s highest per capita consumer of water and emitter of CO2 emissions. Qatar is also at considerable risk of becoming an unlivable nation if the global temperature change targets of the Paris Agreement are breached. National law and policy seek to address this by promoting sustainability and focusing on reducing consumption, though such efforts are commonly overwhelmed by the enormity of the construction projects.

This article considers how the advancement of green building can provide multiple dividends in Qatar by enabling reduced resource consumption and producing less waste. LEED® certified “green” buildings consume between 10% and 25% less energy and 11% less water and emit 34% lower greenhouse gases than similar conventional buildings. The article analyses Qatar’s law and policy approaches and available options. It further examines comparative law and policy models in the UK to explore how compatible such measures would be in Qatar. It concludes with possible legal and policy options available, assessing how effective such measures may work if transplanted into and/or adapted by Qatar.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 13, No. 10
Authors: Lee Sunny
Published: September 2019

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 13, No. 10
The Individualist Power and Adaptive New Religious Movement: Scientology Individual as an Ethical Subject
Authors: Parchev Ofer
Published: September 2019

New religion movements are one of the most interesting social phenomena in recent decades. As an alternative communal and individualist way of life, these movements offer a transcendental, non-secular way of life that challenges the values of liberal society while remaining within its legal and normative boundaries. In the course of this paper, and by using an analytical description of Foucault’s assumptions, I will examine the discursive and practical operation of the Scientology Church as a new religion movement that transcends the individual subject. I will describe the themes of Scientology as pastoral techniques, and its neo-liberal subjective constitution as a part of the conservative, normative mechanism of modern Western society, while arguing that they pose, at the same time, a potential ethical alternative that subverts the epistemological boundaries of Western liberal society.
Setor sucroenergético e estratégias microbiológicas para mitigação dos impactos ambientais da aplicação da vinhaça
Authors: Gasparotto Francielli , Silva Marcelo Teixeira , Watanabe Aline Yukie Minasse , Martins Guilherme Miglioli , Silva Cleiltan Novais da , Schmidt Filho Edison
Published: September 2019

No Brasil, a cana-de-açúcar tem sido usada como matéria-prima para a produção de etanol desde inicio do século XX, hoje a maioria das usinas de cana de açúcar produz além do etanol, açúcar e energia. A cadeia da cana-de-açúcar contribui de forma expressiva para o Produto interno Brasileiro (PIB) sendo o País o maior produtor mundial de etanol de cana-de-açúcar e sua produção deverá aumentar substancialmente nos próximos anos. No entanto, atrelado a expansão do setor surgem questões relacionadas com o aumento da geração de resíduos, como a vinhaça, gerada na etapa de destilação do caldo fermentado da cana-de-açúcar para a obtenção do etanol. Este resíduo é comumente usado na fertirrigação, porém quando usado sem critérios técnicos pode acarretar impactos ambientais, como a salinização do solo e contaminação do lençol freático. Neste estudo, além das tecnologias usualmente empregadas em usinas de cana-de-açúcar para a aplicação da vinhaça no Brasil, foram levantadas informações sobre o potencial da vinhaça como meio do cultivo de microrganismos e as possíveis alterações químicas desse resíduo após inoculação. As pesquisas apontaram a capacidade do desenvolvimento e crescimento de microrganismos e microalgas na vinhaça, observando as variações na caracterização química, bem como a possível diminuição da carga poluidora. A divulgação dessas informações tecnológicas ampliam as alternativas para descarte dos grandes volumes de vinhaça gerados pelas agroindústrias.