Multidimensional Effects Research Articles

Internal efficiency of Higher education system in armed conflict-affected countries-Yemen case

Yemen has witnessed decades of political unrest and the current armed conflict has significantly impacted human development. The economic activity has been severely disrupted which in turn affected the delivery of public services including the financing and operation of the higher education system (HE), where efficiency was negatively impacted.The purpose of this research is to investigate the extent of which the internal efficiency of the Yemen HE has been affected. This will be achieved through analysing the main three domains of teaching and learning activities as well as the impacts of the adopted policies by HE management. Structured interviews with standardized closed-ended and open-ended questions were conducted online with 51 academics who have been purposely selected. Despite the devastating effects of the armed conflict, the HE has continued to perform its duties, providing space for learning and contributing effectively in social cohesion. Nonetheless, the education process has been impacted quantitatively and qualitatively.Yemen has been deprived of its well-qualified human capital, and the brain-drain is still ongoing. The continuity of conflict will yield a generation who is either uneducated or poorly educated, and this will in turn continue feeding the violence and jeopardizing Yemen’s future.This paper represents a first attempt to study the effects of Yemen’s armed conflict on HE. Future research should shed light on tracing students who abandoned education as well as the level of knowledge, skills and competencies of those lately graduated. The multi-dimensional effects of brain-drain are equally important.

Assessing the Effects of Teaching Vocabulary in Developing Receptive Skills: A Review Article

Vocabulary is central to English language teaching. Through vocabulary, students can understand, communicate, and write well. Without sufficient vocabulary knowledge, students cannot understand others or express their own ideas. The aim of this topic is to find out if teaching vocabulary can help students in improving reading or listening or not? Behind this question, there are some reasons in the Afghan context. First, students mostly have basic vocabulary knowledge and a mass of vocabulary, but the reading power is weak. This is especially true in most university students having a problem reading fluency and accuracy. Second, while students listen to native speakers, they have problems catching ideas and comprehension from their speech. Hence, it is vitally important to teach vocabulary accurately to improve sub-skill (vocabulary) and receptive skills (reading and writing). For these reasons, I have reviewed ten different articles discussing the importance and effects of teaching vocabulary to improve students’ receptive skills (reading and listening). This issue is vital in the Afghan context for acquiring receptive skills and sub-skill (vocabulary). The current study conducted to find out appropriate answers for the following research questions: What are the effects of teaching vocabulary in developing receptive skills? How teaching vocabulary influences the development of receptive skills? The ten articles reviewed show that teaching vocabulary influences the development of receptive language learning skills, especially learning English as a foreign language. The findings of the study indicate that vocabulary teaching not only influence the development of one skill of learning a language, but it can have multi-dimensional effects regarding the development of language skills, particularly the development of the primary skills of learning a language, for example; listening, speaking, reading and writing. For this reason, the articles strongly support the statement that vocabulary is one of the vital skills through which a learner can be able to develop performance skills and comprehension (receptive) skills.

Multidimensional effect of covid-19 on the economy: evidence from survey data

This study aims to analyze the multidimensional effects of COVID-19 on the economy via considering the individuals and multi-sectors such as individuals/households, tourism, travel and transportation sector, environment, globalization, trade, economy, and the response of the government to the pandemic and also the economic and financial conditions of the respondents. Gathering primary data of 1015 sample sizes from eleven countries (including three countries from the top-ten most affected COVID-19 countries), the descriptive and graphical analysis and pre and post COVID-19 comparison confirmed the real impact of the global pandemic. All the mentioned sectors and the education and individual/household, are negatively affected except the environment positively affected. Based on the findings, policy recommendations are provided.

Close-in weapon system planning based on multi-living agent theory

The close-in weapon system (CIWS) is a combat system that faces a complex environment full of dynamic and unknown challenges, whose construction and planning require a systematic design method. Multi-living agent (MLA) theory is a methodology for the combat system design, which uses the livelihood degree to evaluate the multi-dimensional long-term operational effectiveness of the system; whereas, there is still no uniform quantization framework for the livelihood degree, and the adjustment methods of livelihood degree need to be further improved. In this paper, we propose the uniform quantization framework for the livelihood degree and detailed discuss the methods of livelihood adjustment. Based on the MLA theory, the multi-dimensional operational effectiveness of the missile-gun integrated weapon system (MGIWS) is analyzed, and the long-term combat effectiveness against the saturation attack is assessed. Furthermore, the planning problem of the equipment deployment and configuration is investigated. Two objectives, including the overall livelihood degree and cost-effectiveness (CE), are proposed, and the optimization method based on genetic algorithm (GA) is studied for the planning problem.

Numerical study on fuel-NO formation characteristics of ammonia-added methane fuel in laminar non-premixed flames with oxygen/carbon dioxide oxidizer

Ammonia (NH3) is considered as an attractive carbon-free fuel although a technical obstacle involves the formation of large amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) due to its N-atom. The study focuses on the fuel-NO formation characteristics in ammonia-added methane flame with an oxygen/carbon dioxide (O2/CO2) oxidizer to elucidate the key elementary reaction steps. Two well-known reaction mechanisms were employed in two-dimensional axisymmetric computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and one-dimensional opposite-diffusion (OPPDIF) flame simulations, and the results were compared with those of experimentally measured NOx emission trends. Hence, a region with a significant difference in nitrogen monoxide (NO) formation characteristics calculated using the two reaction mechanisms was determined via local distributions and statistical analysis of the 2D CFD results. Additionally, the multidimensional effect was observed while comparing the axial profiles of 1D OPPDIF and radial distributions of 2D CFD at various axial positions from the fuel nozzle. Reaction pathways were extracted at the representative positions, and the major NO production and destruction steps were analyzed via the dimensionless conversion rate of NH3 to NO species. The results demonstrated that the fast N-related reactions in the NH – N – NO pathway, N + OH → NO + H in particular, highly influenced the predicted fuel-NO formation trends with increases in the oxygen concentration in the oxidizer.

10 years of the Syrian conflict: a time to act and not merely to remember

10 years of the Syrian conflict: a time to act and not merely to remember

Financial development and energy poverty: global evidence.

This study aims to shed light on the determinants of energy poverty by examining the role of financial development. Notably, the study analyses the multidimensional effects of financial development (including two subsectors and three dimensions on five indicators of energy poverty). Various estimates are applied with a global sample of 65 economies, consisting of 36 low- and lower-middle-income economies and 29 upper-middle-income economies for 2002-2015. First, financial development can alleviate energy poverty. Second, the results are properly consistent across the two subsectors and three dimensions. Third, the two subsectors and three dimensions of financial development are found to reduce energy poverty in low- and lower-middle-income economies but have heteroscedastic effects in upper-middle-income economies.

COPING STRATEGIES OF CHILDREN FROM DIVORCED FAMILIES IN NORTH-WESTERN ETHIOPIA

Objective: Since children from divorced families suffered from multi-dimensional effects of divorce and those children are more likely to be involved in different income generating activities. This study attempted to investigate the coping strategies of children from divorced families in North-Western Ethiopia.
 Methods: The qualitative, specifically phenomenological research design was employed for understanding the lived experiences of children from divorced families. The data were collected from children of a divorced family and experts through in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and key informant interviews. Then, participants of the study were selected using the snowball sampling technique. As well, the collected data analyzed and interpreted thematically to address the aforementioned objective of the study.
 Results: The findings of the study reveal that children from divorced families developed a wide range of survival strategies within the face of challenges and difficulties that support their life on their own such as petty business, Shoeshine, labor activities, delinquent activities, and begging.
 Conclusion: The study concluded that the problem of divorce needs appropriate attention from governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as social institutions akin to family and religion.

GIS-Based Multi-Criteria and Multi-Objective Evaluation for Sustainable Land-Use Planning (Case Study: Qaleh Ganj County, Iran) \u201cLanduse Planning Using MCE and Mola\u201d

Land evaluation is a key factor in land-use spatial planning, affecting both success and sustainability. This study showcases the value of using the multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) and multi-objective land allocation (MOLA) GIS decision-making tools determine the most favorable spatial development of various land-use types, for Qaleh Ganj County in Iran. Weighted linear combination (WLC) and ordered weighted averaging (OWA) were used to assess the potential of seven land uses based on predefined criteria. MOLA was also used for land-use zoning based on suitability. The results derived from these techniques indicate that the rangeland zone with 30.80% and the ecotourism zone with 22.9% have the highest suitability potential, and aquaculture with 0.26% and tourism with 0.24% have the lowest potential in Qaleh Ganj. Considering the 7 land uses and a lot of defined criteria, MCE and MOLA provided an automatic and flexible way of dealing with qualitative multi-dimensional environmental effects, factors, constraints and objectives. The combination of WLC and OWA helped to manage selection factors differently, as their level of risk and trade-off is different. The result can be considered as optimal suitability maps with an environmental preservation goal which can help to protect the natural environment of this area, and will also allow for continued economic development. The approach described in this study can help developing countries and the sensitive area facing environmental challenges due to rapid development. This approach and its application procedures can be applied to similar territorial contexts, where several territorial factors should be considered and taken into account.

Efectos multidimensionales emergentes de la cuarentena como consecuencia del covid-19 en los estudiantes universitarios de Bolivia

Con la declaratoria de alerta roja en relación a la pandemia de Covid-19 para precautelar la salud de la población en el Estado plurinacional de Bolivia, comenzó a regir una cuarentena rígida para evitar que las personas salgan de sus domicilios con el objeto de evitar los contagios, Es así que, como medida inmediata, muchas instituciones educativas privadas, tomaron la iniciativa del uso de herramientas tecnológicas disponibles para garantizar la continuidad de sus actividades académicas. Súbitamente, la disposición fue alargada y muchas universidades comenzaron a emplear plataformas para garantizar la continuidad académica. El presente artículo de análisis crítico, está basado en una comprensión desde una perspectiva compleja y transdisciplinar basada en la experiencia un numero de estudiantes de universidades privadas de distintas carreras, que permitió obtener información para identificar cuáles son los efectos multidimensionales emergentes de la educación virtual que afectan el proceso de enseñanza - aprendizaje como consecuencia de la medida de confinamiento ya que tanto docentes como estudiantes, no estaban preparados para afrontar un cambio tan repentino de esta magnitud, razón por la cual los efectos se fueron suscitando paulatinamente, generando diversas consecuencias clasificadas de la siguiente manera: Efectos en el rendimiento académico por la nueva modalidad de educación a distancia, efectos emocionales y psicológicos como consecuencia de la educación virtual y efectos socioeconómicos en las familias a causa de esta modalidad en el proceso de enseñanza – aprendizaje.

Zinc: Multidimensional Effects on Living Organisms.

Zinc is a redox-inert trace element that is second only to iron in abundance in biological systems. In cells, zinc is typically buffered and bound to metalloproteins, but it may also exist in a labile or chelatable (free ion) form. Zinc plays a critical role in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, ranging from structural to catalytic to replication to demise. This review discusses the influential properties of zinc on various mechanisms of bacterial proliferation and synergistic action as an antimicrobial element. We also touch upon the significance of zinc among eukaryotic cells and how it may modulate their survival and death through its inhibitory or modulatory effect on certain receptors, enzymes, and signaling proteins. A brief discussion on zinc chelators is also presented, and chelating agents may be used with or against zinc to affect therapeutics against human diseases. Overall, the multidimensional effects of zinc in cells attest to the growing number of scientific research that reveal the consequential prominence of this remarkable transition metal in human health and disease.

A Framework for Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Wildfire Disturbance Severity from Remotely Sensed Ecosystem Functioning Attributes

Wildfire disturbances can cause modifications in different dimensions of ecosystem functioning, i.e., the flows of matter and energy. There is an increasing need for methods to assess such changes, as functional approaches offer advantages over those focused solely on structural or compositional attributes. In this regard, remote sensing can support indicators for estimating a wide variety of effects of fire on ecosystem functioning, beyond burn severity assessment. These indicators can be described using intra-annual metrics of quantity, seasonality, and timing, called Ecosystem Functioning Attributes (EFAs). Here, we propose a satellite-based framework to evaluate the impacts, at short to medium term (i.e., from the year of fire to the second year after), of wildfires on four dimensions of ecosystem functioning: (i) primary productivity, (ii) vegetation water content, (iii) albedo, and (iv) sensible heat. We illustrated our approach by comparing inter-annual anomalies in satellite-based EFAs in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, from 2000 to 2018. Random Forest models were used to assess the ability of EFAs to discriminate burned vs. unburned areas and to rank the predictive importance of EFAs. Together with effect sizes, this ranking was used to select a parsimonious set of indicators for analyzing the main effects of wildfire disturbances on ecosystem functioning, for both the whole study area (i.e., regional scale), as well as for four selected burned patches with different environmental conditions (i.e., local scale). With both high accuracies (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) > 0.98) and effect sizes (Cohen’s |d| > 0.8), we found important effects on all four dimensions, especially on primary productivity and sensible heat, with the best performance for quantity metrics. Different spatiotemporal patterns of wildfire severity across the selected burned patches for different dimensions further highlighted the importance of considering the multi-dimensional effects of wildfire disturbances on key aspects of ecosystem functioning at different timeframes, which allowed us to diagnose both abrupt and lagged effects. Finally, we discuss the applicability as well as the potential advantages of the proposed approach for more comprehensive assessments of fire severity.

The economic and environmental costs and benefits of the renewable fuel standard

Mandates, like the renewable fuel standard (RFS), for biofuels from corn and cellulosic feedstocks, impact the environment in multiple ways by affecting land use, nitrogen (N)-leakage, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We analyze the differing trade-offs these different types of biofuels offer among these multi-dimensional environmental effects and convert them to a monetized value of environmental damages (or benefits) that can be compared with the economic costs of extending these mandates over the 2016–2030 period. The discounted values of cumulative net benefits (or costs) are then compared to those with a counterfactual level of biofuels that would have been produced in the absence of the RFS over this period. We find that maintaining the corn ethanol mandate at 56 billion l till 2030 will lead to a discounted cumulative value of an economic cost of $199 billion over the 2016–2030 period compared to the counterfactual scenario; this includes $109 billion of economic costs and $85 billion of net monetized environmental damages. The additional implementation of a cellulosic biofuel mandate for 60 billion l by 2030 will increase this economic cost by $69 billion which will be partly offset by the net discounted monetized value of environmental benefits of $20 billion, resulting in a net cost of $49 billion over the 2016–2030 period. We explore the sensitivity of these net (economic and environmental) costs to alternative values of the social costs of carbon and nitrogen and other technological and market parameters. We find that, unlike corn ethanol, cellulosic biofuels can result in positive net benefits if the monetary benefits of GHG mitigation are valued high and those of N-damages are not very high.

Do the flipped impacts of hotels matter to the popularity of Airbnb?

Purpose By building on cooperation–competition theory, this study aims to investigate the multidimensional flipped effects of neighborhood hotels on Airbnb listings’ popularity, examining the degree to which such impacts are influenced by hotel types and geographical areas. Design/methodology/approach This study explores the interdependent and competitive relationship between neighborhood hotels and Airbnb from the perspective of effects on Airbnb listings’ popularity by exploring a data set covering 10,492 Airbnb listings and 2,691 hotels from Ctrip. Findings Results reveal that neighborhood hotels’ number of reviews, review ratings and prices each have positive spillover effects on Airbnb listings’ popularity, while quality assurance labels and negative review topic sentiments exert competitive effects on Airbnb popularity. Moreover, the number of budget chain hotels and high-star hotels have positive and negative effects on Airbnb popularity, respectively. Geographical areas also have a moderating effect on the relationship between various hotel-related influencing factors and Airbnb. Practical implications This study can offer hotel managers and Airbnb operators a clearer understanding of these businesses’ coexisting relationship. Findings can also provide Airbnb-specific guidelines for practitioners in terms of site selection, promotional features and development strategies for Airbnb listings. Originality/value This study establishes a cooperation–competition relationship model between hotels and Airbnb and considers the flipped effects of hotels on Airbnb for the first time. It expands previous studies by considering the multidimensional effects of hotels on Airbnb listings’ popularity and by examining the influences of hotel types and geographical areas on hotels’ impacts on Airbnb.

The impact of immigration on human capital and carbon dioxide emissions in the USA: an empirical investigation

The phenomenon of migration is an essential component in designing sustainable development policies, and it is valuable to investigate the multidimensional effects of migration. While the current literature focuses more on the economic, social, and political impacts of migration, its impact on the environment is relatively less explored. This paper, which aims to overcome this shortcoming in the literature, examines the relationship between immigration, human capital, economic growth, financial development, energy, and environmental pollution in the USA with the STIRPAT model. We follow unit root and structural breaks co-integration tests, then parameter estimates and causality analysis. According to the results, while migration, financial development, and energy consumption have an increasing effect on environmental pollution, economic growth has a decreasing impact on pollution. There is no statistically significant relationship between human capital and the environment. On the other hand, immigration contributes to human capital accumulation in the long run.

Cerebral small vessel disease may worsen motor function, cognition, and mood in Parkinson's disease

IntroductionEmerging evidence has suggested that cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) may worsen motor function and cognition in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the effect of CSVD on anxiety and depression in patients with PD remains unknown. This study explored the multi-dimensional effects of CSVD on PD outcomes (motor, cognition, and depression/anxiety). MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 431 patients with PD from Beijing Tiantan Hospital from May 2016 to August 2019. CSVD imaging markers were assessed and the four-point CSVD burden score was calculated. Motor function (MDS-UPDRS III score and subscores), cognition (MMSE, MoCA), anxiety (HAMA), and depression (HAMD) were assessed in these patients. The associations of CSVD with these outcomes were analyzed using the Spearman's correlation and multivariable linear regression models. ResultsMotor dysfunction, cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety were significantly worse in patients with severe CSVD than in those with mild CSVD. Multivariable linear regression showed that CSVD burden was significantly associated with motor dysfunction (MDS-UPDRS III score and rigidity and bradykinesia subscores), impaired cognition, and high levels of depression and anxiety. A marginally significant association was observed between CSVD burden and gait/postural instability in multivariable regression analysis. Among the CSVD imaging markers, white matter hyperintensity, number of lacunes, and microbleeds were positively correlated with the severity of motor, cognitive, and emotional impairments, while the perivascular space in the basal ganglia was only correlated with cognitive impairments. ConclusionsComorbid CSVD may affect multiple functional domains in patients with PD. Management of cerebrovascular disease may improve PD outcomes.

Mountain Disasters and Rescue Mechanism in Nepal

Geographically, Nepal is divided into three regions, namely; the Terai, the hills, and the mountains. Nepal is prone to many types of disasters due to the various causes and one of the main causes is its geographic setting. Some disasters and hazards are prevalent to all over the country, some are area specific. Mountain and high altitude hazards are unique in nature and have distinct features and they pose several challenges for the rescue and relief operations. Disasters in mountain regions of Nepal have multi-dimensional effects on human life, property and the environment. The paper analyzes the mountain disasters, their nature and their impacts. It also focuses on the institutional as well as legal arrangements regarding disaster rescue. For this purpose, a qualitative descriptive and analytical method is applied to achieve the desired objectives of the study. This paper depends upon the secondary source of data available in several works of literature; journal articles, books, news articles, government reports, and websites. The paper finds that the frequencies of mountain disasters are low in comparison to other parts of Nepal, but they are diverse and complex. There are institutional and legal mechanisms for disaster risk reduction, but they are not adequate to respond mountain disasters effectively. All security agencies along with private sectors involving in mountain search and rescue operations do not have sufficient mountain-specific rescue units, training, and logistics.

Geometric Effects on Charring Ablator: Modeling the Full-Scale Stardust Heat Shield

The multidimensional geometric effects within the heat shield of the Stardust sample return capsule are studied over its reentry trajectory, using a material response solver. The solver models material charring, conductive heat transfer, surface energy balance, pyrolysis gas transport, and orthotropic material properties in three dimensions. The material response of the heat shield is computed using isotropic and orthotropic models for conductivity and permeability, and both results are compared to the 1-D model. The orthotropic and isotropic models predict dissimilar responses, especially in regard to the surface blowing rates and pyrolysis gas transport. Although both models yield similar results for the surface temperature near the stagnation region, the temperature distribution within the heat shield differs. The 1-D model appears to greatly underestimate the thermal response deeper in the material, especially late in the trajectory.

Visual Study of Multi-Dimensional Data in Remote Earth Sensing Problems

The article deals with the problem of multidimensional data presentation based on the application of the scientific visualization method. A method of visual-interactive animation based on dynamic representation of images in the form of 2D cross-sectional models is proposed. The effect of multidimensionality is achieved through the choice of 2D models, the variability of the directions of dynamic sections and the use of stereoscopic vision capabilities.

COVID-19 Amid Rumors and Conspiracy Theories: The Interplay Between Local and Global Worlds.

Stories and narratives are part of our human sociocultural history, which are always preserved in what I call"societal memory." We construct stories to weave meanings that help us make sense of our lifeworlds. Like stories, rumors and conspiracy theories can offer deep meanings when analyzed in specific contexts. Such narratives become most prominent in times of looming uncertainties, anxieties, and fears. Thus, the challenging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become surrounded by plentiful rumors and conspiracy theories. These narratives reveal geopolitics when they code the pandemic as "bioengineered." They also demonstrate local concerns, as in Pakistan, people started drinking "miraculous" tea as a form of prevention, shaving their heads, and/or praying to God to undo his "punishment." Some conceptualized the pandemic as an invented "plot." These narratives seem to empower individuals to make sense of this pandemic and to deal with its multidimensional effects: they allow them to feel confident enough to go outside and earn their livelihood. In this chapter, the author builds on his long-term ethnographic fieldwork on infectious diseases, recent telephone interviews, and content analysis of the media to discuss narratives revolving around COVID-19 in Pakistan. The author argues that these rumors and conspiracy theories are social phenomena pregnant with multiple meanings that deserve to be thoroughly explored, especially by anthropologists. A dearth of understanding about COVID-19 and narratives surrounding it would substantially impede the strategies to deal with this ongoing pandemic.