21st Century Research Articles

Comparison of Environmental Benefits between Photovoltaic and Wind Power Based on LCA Method

Since the 21st century, climate change is a global issue that affects every corner of the world and extreme weather occurs frequently. The Paris Agreement proposes that countries should strengthen their response to the threat of climate change. Countries around the world are actively seeking energy transition. Photovoltaic power generation and wind power generation are the most important renewable energy generation methods in the world. These two technologies are pollution-free and zero carbon emission during the power generation process. But from the perspective of the full life cycle, there is still some controversy over the environmental benefits of both at present. This article normalizes and analyzes the input-output data of the cradle to grave process using the LCA methodology, and the results indicate that the environmental impact of photovoltaic power generation throughout the full life cycle is significantly greater than that of wind power generation. Based on the above conclusions, several measures are proposed to improve the ecological benefits of both photovoltaic and wind power generation.

Factors Influencing the Bond Strength between FRP Bars and Concrete and the Calculation Methods for Anchorage Length

Since the 21st century, developed countries such as Japan, the United States, and Europe have designated Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) as a key industry for development. Currently, FRP sheets, represented by carbon fiber fabric, have become an important material for structural reinforcement and are widely used in the renovation and reinforcement of various civil and industrial buildings. For example, in the early 1960s, the American company Marshall-Vega produced Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars to address the issue of salt corrosion in reinforced concrete structures in coastal and cold regions. In the design of the ArtScience Museum in Singapore, to ensure the integrity and smoothness of the architectural form, facilitate prefabrication and assembly of components, and meet structural, fire safety, and security requirements, the designers evaluated various materials and ultimately selected polyethylene resin-based GFRP panels. This paper employs a literature review methodology, first analyzing the factors that affect the bond strength between FRP bars and concrete, then reviewing standards to understand the calculation methods for anchorage length in different countries, collecting relevant experimental data, and finally analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of various anchorage length calculation methods.

Spatial distribution and influencing factors of China’s overseas farmland investment projects under the background of food security

Since the 21st century, overseas farmland investment has gradually become the focus of research in the field of transnational agricultural investment. Under the background of China’s “going out” strategy, exploring the spatial distribution pattern and influencing factors of China’s overseas farmland investment activities in different regions of the world and reducing domestic food supply pressure through effective use of overseas farmland resources has become an important path for China to ensure food security. Based on the case data of China’s overseas cultivated Land investment in the Land Matrix database, this paper sorted out the utilization status of China’s global cultivated land resources, and analyzed the spatial distribution and influencing factors by using spatial analysis method and grey correlation analysis method. The results show that: (1) At present, the host countries of China’s overseas cultivated land investment have obvious spatial aggregation, showing the spatial characteristics of “small agglomeration and large dispersion,” and have the characteristics of distribution along the border and river; (2) China’s overseas farmland investment is affected by geo-economy, resource base, geo-culture and geopolitics, and the degree of impact is weakened in turn. Among them, the average annual import and export value, total water resources and other indicators have a significant impact on the investment choice of Chinese enterprises. Based on this, on the basis of identifying the spatial distribution pattern of China’s global overseas farmland investment and development and analyzing its key driving factors, this study proposed the path that overseas farmland investment and development can help improve the resilience of food system with the goal of ensuring the food security of sustainable agricultural system. It provides a theoretical basis for the country to formulate food security strategy based on overseas farmland investment and guide enterprises to invest overseas farmland.

Covert Sourcing Strategies as Activism Against Fake News

ABSTRACTIn the 21st century, fake news has detrimental consequences on global communities, relationships, and democracies. Unfortunately, youth unknowingly engage with misinformed content on their social media platforms. Teenagers often turn to social media for information, and it is essential that teachers address reading strategies such as sourcing to support informed reading. However, although teachers understand the benefits of sourcing, otherwise known as investigating online claims, research shows that educators do not feel confident in teaching such skills. With personal stories embedded throughout, this research‐to‐practice article provides practical strategies for teachers to gently incorporate sourcing into their classrooms.

Genomic analysis and replication kinetics of the closely related EHV-1 neuropathogenic 21P40 and abortigenic 97P70 strains.

Varicellovirus equidalpha 1, formerly known as Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), is highly prevalent and can lead to various problems, such as respiratory problems, abortion, neonatal foal death, and neurological disorders. The latter is known as equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Cases of EHM have significantly increased since the beginning of the twenty-first century. The genomic sequences of five isolates associated with the fatal neurological outbreak in Valencia, Spain, in 2021 were analyzed and documented. The genome and replication kinetics of the Belgian EHM isolate 21P40, associated with the Valencia outbreak, and the well-characterized abortigenic strain 97P70 were compared. Both strains exhibited a nucleotide identity of 99.96%, with only seven genetic mutations in ORFs 13, 24, 30, 32, 40, 65, and 71. Isoleucine and asparagine at loci 291 and 207 of ORF30 (DNA polymerase) and ORF65 (ICP22), respectively, were unique to isolates from the Valencia outbreak. The replication kinetics of these two genetically closely related strains were determined in rabbit kidney (RK-13), equine respiratory, and vaginal mucosal explant cells, as well as equine blood monocytes (CD172a+). Both strains replicated equally well in RK-13 cells. The neuropathogenic isolate 21P40 exhibited a more extensive infection in respiratory explants and blood monocytes, as demonstrated by more plaques and single infected leukocytes, and a higher percentage of infected monocytes. In contrast, vaginal explants infected with the abortigenic strain 97P70 demonstrated more plaques and single infected leukocytes. In conclusion, 21P40 replicated significantly different compared to 97P70 but shared similarities with the Belgian well-studied neuropathogenic EHV-1 strain 03P37.

Management styles and change management in healthcare organizations

Changes are phenomena that are permanently embedded in the scenario of how the world functions. They can appear as a result of intentional actions, i.e. deliberate human interventions, but they can also occur without their conscious participation. In such cases, we speak of their natural sources. Currently observed trends in this area allow us to assume that the frequency of changes, their speed and scope will increase significantly. To face the 21st century, we need to understand the constancy of changes and accept the uncertainty that accompanies them. This, in turn, requires mastering new rules and a new way of thinking. "Old rules" are not enough to understand the processes of a rapidly changing reality. An area of particular importance for the description of changes and the change management process are organizations. Changes in organizations are currently a phenomenon that determines their characteristics, essence, survival and development. The key element of conducting the change management process are people who change the organization. The appropriate management style, participation and involvement of organization members in the change process have become an absolute requirement. Building social commitment to change is a determinant of its positive adaptation. Change does not then become a forced and imposed evil. The aim of the study was to conduct an empirical study aimed at demonstrating that the management style when introducing changes in a medical organization has a decisive influence on its functioning. The study was conducted on a group of 100 nurses and nurses working in medical entities in Poland.

Textiles as Product and Symbol. Ritual Gift Exchange Among the Karakalpaks and its Central Asian Parallels

This article focuses on the structure, content, and symbolic form of gift exchange practices among the Karakalpaks in the 20th and early 21st centuries, drawing on methodologies used by Russian and Western ethnographers. Our approach is based on a comparative analysis of practices and ideology of donating textile products among the Turkic peoples of Central Asia. We used field, archival, and published materials on the ethnography of the Karakalpaks, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Altaians, etc. Characteristics of gift exchange traditions are outlined, functions and symbolism of textiles in rituals are described, and tendencies of their transformation in modern society are assessed. Findings suggest that among most Turkic peoples of Central Asia, gift exchange using textiles has traditionally accompanied many social practices. In Karakalpak family rituals, pieces of cloth were regarded as both material and spiritual values, and their exchange ensured the transfer of vital forces and strengthening the clan structure. As the analysis of modern Karakalpak gift exchange practices has shown, textiles are no longer regarded as products, but have retained their symbolic function at the level of social communication. Such an exchange has become a symbolic expression of mutual aid and solidarity at the family, clan, ethnic, and national levels.

Migration and the elderly: Analyzing the social challenges of families left behind

Migration has emerged as one of the most transformative global phenomena of the 21st century, reshaping not only economies but also family structures and social dynamics. While much attention has been paid to the economic and labor market impacts of migration, far less is known about the effects on families left behind, particularly the elderly. This article delves into the myriad social challenges faced by elderly individuals whose children have migrated, often leaving them behind in vulnerable situations. These elderly parents, separated from their primary caregivers, frequently confront issues such as social isolation, emotional distress, financial instability, and disrupted family roles. Drawing from multiple disciplines—including sociology, economics, and gerontology—this article analyzes the intersection of migration and aging, with a particular focus on how migration-induced changes in family structure affect the elderly. Additionally, the paper explores the potential role of policy interventions and community-based solutions to mitigate these challenges. Ultimately, the study seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of the social and emotional repercussions of migration on the elderly population, while providing recommendations to address these pressing issues in the context of modern global migration patterns.

Research on Innovative Models of New Media Art and Personalized Education

This paper delves into the synergy between New Media Art and personalized education, assessing how the fusion of digital art and educational practices can revolutionize learning experiences. New Media Art, characterized by its use of digital technology and interactivity, offers a dynamic platform for engaging students in a more personalized and immersive educational environment. The study underscores the significance of personalized education in the 21st century, where the demand for creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills is escalating. It examines the cultural impact of New Media Art, which extends beyond the art world to influence societal values and norms, and how it challenges traditional definitions of art to foster a more inclusive dialogue. Technological advancements such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the landscape of New Media Art, providing new avenues for artistic expression and educational engagement. The paper discusses the challenges and potential solutions in implementing New Media Art in educational settings, emphasizing the need for overcoming technological and pedagogical barriers. In conclusion, the integration of New Media Art into personalized education models is posited as a promising direction for educational innovation, capable of transforming learning experiences to be more engaging, relevant, and effective, preparing students for the dynamic digital world.

Some reflections on ‘How should we think about globalization in a postglobalization era?’

In ‘How Should We Think About Globalization in A Post Globalization Era?’, Victor Roudometof posits that since 9/11 – that is, the start of the twenty-first century – we have been living in a postglobalization era, by which he means an era marked by the breakdown of the 1990s Washington consensus of neoliberal, economic policy-oriented globalization. He then outlines ways to think about globalization for this new era via redefining integral versus interactive globalization beyond modernization and westernization. While moving away from modernization as telos and Western-centrism is a good idea, one cannot erase the colonial/modern project and its impact globally. Perhaps in the future we may see a different kind of integral and interactive globalization, but for now the modern/colonial imprint still reverberates, and dismissing it is irresponsible.

Digital Infographic Creation in Design Education: A Participatory Learning Algorithm Measuring Location‐Based Spatial Impact

AbstractDesign education includes many pursuits that deal with creativity, thinking and visual communication techniques in the learning process. This study aims to create a participatory learning algorithm based on a location, while measuring the spatial impact through an emergent situation. The exemplified issue is determined as fire that emerged due to climate change, which has become a significant agenda of the 21st century in most countries. The scope of the study is based on the creation of an algorithm for participatory learning techniques by using social media to create digital infographics in a workshop redefining Mugla, an affected place after the fire. The workshop context is designed to reveal the interaction between humankind and its natural environment, including nature, topography, animals, aids and all actors affected after the fire, while students are involved in research practices on participatory learning, using the diary method as a pedagogical research tool. The outputs of the participatory learning algorithm examine the informative part of the produced digital infographics with ethnomethodology and the visual part with descriptive analysis as a hybrid methodology taking data materials from social media. Cumulative results that reflect the location‐based spatial impact are measured with a coding system of frequencies and a time‐series data of polar mapping. We propose that such a participatory learning algorithm can improve students' visual communication, design creation, visualisation, expression of ideas and organisation of knowledge skills with the discipline of working together to make multilayered spatial readings.

Optimizing Public Spaces for Age-Friendly Living: Renovation Strategies for 1980s Residential Communities in Hangzhou, China

Population aging and urbanization are two of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century. Against the backdrop of rapid aging in China, developing age-friendly community environments, particularly through the renovation of legacy residential communities, not only supports active and healthy aging but also promotes equity and sustainable development. This study focuses on residential communities built in the 1980s in Hangzhou, exploring strategies for the age-friendly renovation of outdoor public spaces. The residential communities that flourished during the construction boom of the 1980s are now confronting a dual challenge: aging populations and deteriorating facilities. However, existing renovation efforts often pay insufficient attention to the comprehensive age-friendly transformation of outdoor public spaces within these neighborhoods. Following a structured research framework encompassing investigation, evaluation, design, and discussion, this study first analyzes linear grid layouts and usage patterns of these communities. Then, the research team uses post-occupancy evaluation (POE) to assess the age-friendliness of outdoor public spaces. Semi-structured interviews with elderly residents identify key concerns and establish a preliminary evaluation framework, while a Likert-scale questionnaire quantifies the satisfaction with age-friendly features across four communities. The assessment reveals that key age-friendliness issues, including poor traffic safety, dispersed activity spaces, and insufficiently adapted facilities, are closely linked to the linear usage patterns within the spatial framework of the grid layouts. Based on the findings, the study develops tiered renovation goals, renovation principles and implemented an age-friendly design in the Hemu Community. The strengths, weaknesses, and feasibility of the renovation plan are discussed, while three recommendations are made to ensure successful implementation. The study is intended to provide a valuable reference for advancing age-friendly residential renewal efforts in Hangzhou and contributing to the broader objective of sustainable, inclusive city development.

IDENTIFICATION OF DIRECTIONS FOR THE APPLICATION OF NEW TEACHING METHODS FOR THE EFFECTIVE ORGANIZATION OF TRAINING

The effective organization of training is a critical aspect of modern education systems, requiring innovative teaching methods that align with the needs of the XXI century learner. This study explores the application of new teaching methodologies, focusing on their implementation strategies and effectiveness in various educational contexts. By examining a range of pedagogical techniques—including collaborative learning, technology integration, and experiential methods—this paper identifies practical approaches to enhancing teaching efficacy. Findings suggest that adopting diverse and student-centered methodologies significantly improves engagement and learning outcomes.

THE ADEQUATE MEANS OF ESTABLISHING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

The effective organization of training is a critical aspect of modern education systems, requiring innovative teaching methods that align with the needs of the XXI century learner. This study explores the application of new teaching methodologies, focusing on their implementation strategies and effectiveness in various educational contexts. By examining a range of pedagogical techniques—including collaborative learning, technology integration, and experiential methods—this paper identifies practical approaches to enhancing teaching efficacy. Findings suggest that adopting diverse and student-centered methodologies significantly improves engagement and learning outcomes.

What explains monetary policy rate uncertainty? Evidence from the Americas

ABSTRACT Using Consensus Forecasts for 8 American countries, we compute uncertainty regarding outcomes based on the sum of disagreement across forecasters and the error variance of the mean forecaster. Uncertainty for inflation and monetary policy tend to move together. This is consistent with economic forecasters using a Taylor rule to form their expectations and believing that central bankers put a high weight on inflation deviations. We find that monetary policy rate uncertainty in the short term (12 months ahead) is strongly associated with higher uncertainty regarding the inflation rate in the next year. The result is significant across all countries in the medium term. Inflation uncertainty is a much more powerful predictor of monetary policy uncertainty than GDP growth uncertainty in the medium term. Furthermore, the post-pandemic years are the first period in the twenty-first century in which uncertainty for monetary policy and inflation surged across all countries. The post-pandemic period saw a significant reduction in GDP growth uncertainty across all countries (except Argentina), but this was not enough to attenuate the increase in inflation and monetary policy uncertainty.

Analysis Workshop Management, Time Management and Problem Solving Ability to Automotive Electrical Competence

In the 21st century, the industrial revolution 4.0 occurred where required to change aspects of human life. Therefore, the quality of human resources must also be carried out increase. The quality of human resources can be seen in terms of their competence at work. In this study, we want to identify the factors that influence competence, especially in the automotive electrical. The data analysis of this research is using SEM analysis to see the direct and indirect effect on competence. The results showed that workshop management had a significant effect on the ability to solve problems, while time management did not directly affect the ability to solve problems and competence. Partially, workshop management and problem solving ability have a significant direct influence on competence. Competence is influenced indirectly by workshop management through the ability to solve problems. In contrast to time management which does not affect competence indirectly through problem solving ability. Therefore, in order to improve student competence, it is necessary to do improvement of problem solving ability and improvement of workshop management qualityIn the 21st century, the industrial revolution 4.0 occurred where required to change aspects of human life. Therefore, the quality of human resources must also be carried out increase. The quality of human resources can be seen in terms of their competence at work. In this study, we want to identify the factors that influence competence, especially in the automotive electrical. The data analysis of this research is using SEM analysis to see the direct and indirect effect on competence. The results showed that workshop management had a significant effect on the ability to solve problems, while time management did not directly affect the ability to solve problems and competence. Partially, workshop management and problem solving ability have a significant direct influence on competence. Competence is influenced indirectly by workshop management through the ability to solve problems. In contrast to time management which does not affect competence indirectly through problem solving ability. Therefore, in order to improve student competence, it is necessary to do improvement of problem solving ability and improvement of workshop management quality.

Application of the Blended Learning Approach in Developing Student Character in the Digital Era of the 21st Century

In the digital era of the 21st century, the development of information and communication technology has had a significant impact on the world of education, opening up more flexible learning spaces through online platforms. Learning that is no longer limited to the classroom, utilizes blended learning—a combination of face-to-face and online learning—to accommodate the needs of developing 21st century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. This study aims to explore the application of the blended learning approach in student character development, focusing on values such as responsibility, discipline, and cooperation. The method used is a literature study, reviewing various previous studies related to blended learning and character education. The results of the study show that blended learning can strengthen students' character education, by providing opportunities for them to be more independent in managing learning and engaging in collaborative activities. However, the main challenges faced are the inequality of access to technology and the limitations of digital literacy which can affect the effectiveness of this method. Therefore, an education policy that supports equal access and increased digital literacy is needed to optimize the implementation of blended learning.

Analysis of the influencing factors of the trade potential between countries along the ‘Belt and Road’ and China: a study based on spatial panel data model

ABSTRACT In 2013, China launched a cooperative initiative to build the “Silk Road Economic Belt” and the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road”. Based on the data of import and export trade between 57 countries along the “Belt and Road” and China from 2010 to 2021, this paper conducts research using the spatial Durbin model. The results show that the double fixed-effects model is optimal. The 57 countries along the “Belt and Road” have significant positive spatial spillover effects on trade with China, among which economic development, educational development, and transportation accessibility have significantly promoted trade between the countries along the “Belt and Road” and China.

Get the Ball Rolling: Update and Perspective on the Role of Chloroplast Plastoglobule-associated Protein under Abiotic Stress.

Plastid-localized plastoglobules (PGs) are monolayer lipid droplets typically associated with the outer envelope of thylakoid membranes in chloroplasts. The size and number of PGs can vary significantly in response to different environmental stimuli. Since the early 21st century, a variety of proteins attached to the surface of PGs have been identified and experimentally characterized using advanced biotechnological techniques, revealing their biological functions. This article aims to review the latest discoveries regarding PG-associated proteins and explore their dynamics under both single and combined abiotic stress conditions, providing insights into the critical role of plastid lipid droplets in plant adaptation to global climate-related challenges.

Thornthwaite Moisture Index for the Triângulo Mineiro, Brazilian Cerrado Region, Under Climate Change

Climate change represents one of the main challenges of the 21st century for planning and sustainable development. However, little is known about how climate change can affect a region's climate zones. The objective was to evaluate probable changes in climatic zones using the Thornthwaite climate classification (1948). Historical series between 1981 and 2021 of rainfall and air temperature were used. The water balance was calculated from Thornthwaite and Mather. Thornthwaite's humidity index (1948) was used to classify localities according to their level of humidity and the scenarios RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, RCP 6.0 and RCP 8.5 to analyze projections for the 21st century (period 2081–2100). The current characterization, with historical data, of the region's climate presented air temperature, rainfall and average potential evapotranspiration, respectively, of 22.4ºC, 1,318.8 mm and 1,123.74 mm, in addition to a water surplus of 391.04 mm and water deficit of 195.04 mm. The region currently has five climate indices, with a prevalence of more humid classes (B1, B2 and B3), corresponding to 62% of the territory. The results derived from the projections indicate reductions in climate classes and an increase in the area occupied by drier climates. For example, the percentage of area occupied by class C1 (dry subhumid) would increase from the current 8.4% to 69.68% in the RCP 8.5 scenario. The study of these change projections is important since profound consequences for the hydrology, ecology and social area of the region will take place, potentially harming agriculture, the region's main economic activity.