World Leader Research Articles

Editorial

Scientific research underlies the pillars of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision. Umm Al-Qura University was built with the aim of becoming a world leader in scientific research and a well-established port for quality evidence-based scientific publications. In furtherance of these aims, and to encourage healthy competition between researchers, the Scientific Research Day (Innovation in Dental Research) is held at the Umm Al-Qura College of Dentistry. The mission of the scientific research was to create an inspiring knowledge base for the academic community to learn about the latest scientific research findings that contribute to enriching this renewed health sector, and to reveal research gaps that will advance qualitative development forward. Besides, it aimed to enable dental students to evaluate and determine their professionals and research paths based on the future trends of the sector, building bridges of communication with academic experts, and discussing ways of cooperation with them. The scientific research days showed some promising investment opportunities in the dental sector by enabling relevant business entities to know the future needs of this growing sector. Lastly, the scientific research aimed to provide a platform that brings together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to find opportunities for future cooperation in areas of common interest.

Historical emission and reduction of VOCs from the petroleum refining industry and their potential for secondary pollution formation in Guangdong, China

China became the world leader in crude oil processing capacity in 2021. However, petroleum refining generates significant volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and the composite source profile, source-specific emission factors, and emission inventories of VOCs in the petroleum refining industry remain poorly understood. In this study, we focused on Guangdong, China's major province for crude oil processing, and systematically evaluated the historical emissions and reduction of VOCs in the petroleum refining industry from 2001 to 2020. We accomplished this by establishing local source-specific emission factors and composite source profiles. Finally, we quantitatively assessed the potential impact of these emissions on ozone and secondary organic aerosol formation. Our results revealed that VOC emissions from the petroleum refining industry in Guangdong followed an increasing-then-decreasing trend from 2001 to 2020, peaking at 37.3 Gg in 2016 and declining to 18.7 Gg in 2020. Storage tanks and wastewater collection and treatment remained the two largest sources, accounting for 41.9 %–53.4 % and 20.6 %–27.5 % of total emissions, respectively. Initially, Guangzhou and Maoming made the most significant contributions, with Huizhou becoming a notable contributor after 2008. Emission reduction efforts for VOCs in Guangdong's petroleum refining industry began showing results in 2017, with an average annual VOC emission reduction of 21.5 Gg from 2017 to 2020 compared to the unabated scenario. Storage tanks, wastewater collection and treatment, and loading operations were the primary sources of emission reduction, with significant contributions from Maoming, Huizhou, and Guangzhou. Alkanes made the largest contribution to VOC emissions, while alkenes/alkynes and aromatics comprised the most significant portions of ozone formation potential (OFP) and secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAP). We also estimated VOC emissions and reduction from petroleum refining for China from 2001 to 2020, and measures such as “one enterprise, one policy” and deep control strategies could reduce emissions by at least 103.9 Gg.

John Robert Lawrence Allen. 25 October 1932—18 October 2020

John Allen was one of the leading British geologists of the late twentieth century, who changed his primary research focus in mid career from clastic sedimentology to geoarchaeology. He read for a BSc degree in geology at the University of Sheffield, graduating with first class honours in 1955. He continued at Sheffield as a postgraduate student researching the geology of the Old Red Sandstone of the Clee Hills in Shropshire, but never submitted a PhD thesis. However, in 1958 the University of Reading offered him a research fellowship to investigate the geology of the hydrocarbon-rich River Niger delta region. In 1961 he became a lecturer in geology and a member of the new purpose-built Sedimentology Research Laboratory at Reading. The international renown of the laboratory was largely based on his prodigious sedimentological research output relating to sedimentary structures, river and coastal environments and Devonian continental deposits. He was appointed reader in 1967 and professor in 1972. In 1974 he led the founding of a taught MSc course in ‘Sedimentology and its applications’, which soon became a world leader. In 1988, in the context of the rationalization of university geology departments, Reading's department was selected for closure. However, John Allen's research esteem was such that a special case was made and a postgraduate-only institute specializing in sedimentology was established with him as director. He resigned the directorship after five years in favour of a research professorship. His objectives changed from orthodox old-rock studies to research on recent muddy estuarine sediments. By selecting the estuary of the River Severn as his new field area, he soon realized that this opened up a rich area of collaboration with colleagues in archaeology. His geological skills were subsequently applied to a range of archaeological problems. He became a key contributor to a new MSc degree course in geoarchaeology.

(Invited) The Status of SOFC and SOEC R&D in the Clean Hydrogen Partnership

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership—the successor of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU)—aims to accelerate the development and improvement of advanced clean hydrogen technologies. It builds on 13 years of cooperation between public and private sectors through the FCH JU to help innovative technologies graduate from the experimental phases to be exploited by industry, businesses, and consumers for the benefit of Europe. The three members of the partnership are the European Commission, fuel cell and hydrogen industries represented by Hydrogen Europe and the research community represented by Hydrogen Europe Research. Supported topics cover all fuel cell technologies, SOFC being mostly developed for the stationary heat and power applications, while SOEC technologies are considered for the hydrogen production applications.There are different groups working in Europe on the SOFC/SOEC technologies and supported partially by the Clean Hydrogen partnership. So far, around €262 million have been allocated to support 71 projects, which address specifically SOFC or SOEC technologies. Largely thanks to this support, the EU is now a world leader on SOFC and SOEC technology with a well-established supply and value chain. In addition, several EU companies have commenced their efforts to increase their manufacturing capabilities with views to introduce their products beyond Europe. The mentioned figures do not include all projects of the first Call for Proposals 2022 of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership as some are still pending signature at the moment of writing. The Clean Hydrogen Partnership presentation will cover the status of R&D in Solid Oxide technologies in Europe including an overview of the European competitiveness in this sector.

Rolls-Royce - 100 Years of Power

The date of December 17th 2003 is well recognised as the centenary of the first powered flight. What is less well known is that May 4th 2004 also represented another historical centenary for aerospace. On this date in 1904, the Charles Rolls and Henry Royce first met and their drive and ambition led to the formation of this world famous company. Since that day, Rolls-Royce has established itself with a reputation for excellence and innovation across a wide range of engineering products. This presentation will explore the evolution of aero-engine development at Rolls-Royce. The story starts with the highly successful Eagle and Falcon, which dominated the Allied propulsion systems of World War I. This success was followed with the Merlin, arguably the most recognised name in aerospace engines in the 1940s, before Frank Whittle’s pioneering work led to the development of the modern jet engine. Rolls-Royce is also the world leader for the unique propulsion technologies required for both supersonic and V/STOL flight and this presentation will describe design and development of these engines. The Olympus engine, which has accrued almost one million engine flying hours on Concorde and over one billion supersonic engine miles. Rolls-Royce V/STOL experience on the innovative Pegasus engine in the Harrier has also secured a position on the LiftSystemTM, the STOVL propulsion system for the Joint Strike Fighter. Today Rolls-Royce is a world leader in gas turbine technology for civil and defence aerospace, marine and energy power systems. This presentation will describe the process of developing technology once, and using it many times which has led to the development of a broad range of the latest gas turbine engines and technologies, including EJ200, F136, Adour and RTM322 for the latest military combat, trainer and helicopter aircraft. The next 100 years in gas turbine technology is certainly going to be as challenging, new and exciting as the past century. We can expect the growth of UAVs requiring More Electric, Variable Cycle and High Mach engines as well as a wealth of unique, new propulsion systems. With over 100 years success and innovation in the aerospace power business, Rolls-Royce is ideally placed to face these challenges

Conceptual Definition of A New Very-Light-Jet Aircraft Configuration

Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of business aircraft. IAI has developed and introduced to the market several biz-jets (Westwind I and II, Astra-AKA Gulfstream G-100, and Galaxy- AKA Gulfstream G-200). All these aircraft have been in the midsize and recently "super-midsize" category. During the last two years, IAI has been evaluating a new aircraft design, the ProJet that belongs to the new, emerging category of "very-light jets" (VLJ). This lightweight twin turbofan aircraft is characterized by its small size and low target price, compared to existing IAI designs. The ProJet will be certificated to FAR23 normal category requirements, including single pilot operation. The ProJet exploits newly developed technologies and capabilities, such as: new, small and efficient turbofan engines; advanced low cost and sophisticated avionic systems; advanced low cost mechanical and electrical systems; rapid and efficient development and production methods. All these attributes will provide the capability of introducing a very low cost aircraft into the emerging new VLJ market sector. The ProJet is a twin turbofan, low wing, T-tail airplane utilizing an all-metal airframe; designed in accordance with damage tolerance requirements. It features a comfortable pressurized cabin with optimized seating for 6 occupants, including 2 pilots, and excellent performance. The ProJet will have a VFR range of 1200nm, a cruise ceiling of 41,000ft, and a cruise speed of 365kt. It will take-off and land on runways shorter than 3000ft. Generous allowance for baggage stowage is provided in the pressurized internal baggage compartment, and in the external rear baggage compartment. The ProJet flight deck features an all-glass cockpit with an integrated avionics package, designed for ease of operation and reduced workload. Composite materials are utilized in flight control surfaces and secondary structures. Two FADEC controlled turbofan engines mounted on the upper aft fuselage supply the ProJet power. Each engine generates about 1300 pounds static installed thrust at ISA +10°C.

Violent Crime and Destiny Control: Theorizing a Missing Variable in Criminology

U.S. citizens believe they can control their destinies at rates higher than any other nation. The U.S. is also a world leader in violent crimes. This article argues for correlations between these two trends. A theory is proposed based on three distinct trajectories related to destiny control. One trajectory involves persons modifying their destiny-control beliefs through turning points in the life course. On another trajectory, persons with low destiny-control beliefs are prone to anxiety/depression. The third track is that of high-rate offenders. Due to such things as attachment traumas, feelings of entitlement, internal/external barriers, and substance abuse they do not often modify their adolescent views that they are in complete control of their destinies. For some this translates into violent crimes. Implications for society and research are raised. [Article copies available for a fee from The Transformative Studies Institute. E-mail address: journal@transformativestudies.org Website: http://www.transformativestudies.org ©2023 by The Transformative Studies Institute. All rights reserved.]

Format Kepemimpinan Di Tengah Krisis Keteladanan (Studi Analisis Teori Dan Realitas)

A leader is a figure who has the ability to move people or groups of people in an effort to achieve common goals according to planning in an effort to achieve prosperity, harmony, peace. Any form of organization requires a leader who is able to provide comfort for the members of the organization he leads. Criteria and models of leadership have been put forward by many experts in line with the socio-cultural development of humans. This is because the criteria and model of leadership are largely determined by the socio-culture in which the organization and leadership are located. Exemplary for a leader is absolutely necessary because the style of leadership accompanied by the example of a personal leader will have a positive impact on achieving the goals of success of an organization. Therefore, the exemplary nature that emerged from the person of a world leader, namely the Prophet Muhammad SAW, was complemented by the traits inherent in his personality, namely Shidiq, Amanah, Fathonah, and Tabligh. These four traits accompany the success of the Prophet Muhammad, SAW in leading a nation. This study aims to display the leadership format in an effort to achieve the success of an organization. Which includes the nature, style, criteria and exemplary of a leader.

A review of some aspects of goat meat quality: future research recommendations

The global goat meat sector is advancing and contributes to long-term food security, especially in meeting the protein demands of the growing human population in developing countries. Spanning all countries, Australia, is the largest exporter of goat meat, although it has negligible consumption. However, Australia does potentially have a secure future as an innovative, profitable, and resilient world leader in goat production, provided some challenges are addressed. These challenges facing the goat meat sector require suitable strategies and interventions for better profitability and acceptance of goat meat consumed in Australia and as an export product. Limited research on goat meat quality and the lack of an adequate grading system for goat meat quality are two of the major issues that need attention from the industry and researchers. Some of the most critical areas that need further research to enable growth of the goat meat industry are the influence of genetics and age of animals on meat quality, standardisation of the ageing period of various goat meat cuts, cooking innovations, consumer acceptance and sensory analysis of goat meat (both farmed and rangeland goats). This paper reviews the status of the goat meat sector and identifies the opportunities for the goat meat sector, particularly in Australia. In addition, we highlight several key issues requiring further research and interventions to enhance the growth of the goat meat industry.

Chinese mining industry: state of the art review

The territory of the present-day People’s Republic of China is rich in mineral and energy resources which stimulate the growth of the extractive industry in the country. China is currently the world leader in the production of 31 commodities (mineral products): molybdenum, tungsten, iron, aluminum, lead, zinc, gold, coal, gypsum, bentonite, and many others. This stimulates the development of the appropriate infrastructure and training of specialists in the mining industry, the development of international links for investment and the exchange of best production practices. The purpose of this work was to study the history of exploration and extraction of natural resources, establish a domestic strategy for the development of the mining and metallurgical sector, and review leading Chinese mining and metallurgical companies. The paper reviewed key domestic processes in China which would affect the domestic and global mining and metallurgical industry. An assessment of natural resource deposits throughout the whole territory of the country was carried out with their brief description, highlighting the prime prospects, and presenting commodity reserves. The paper presents the main challenges for the mining and metallurgical industry to be met in the 14th Five-Year Plan. The development of the industry up to 2025 implies the expansion of extractive capacities with an overall reduction in dependence on imports, enhancing exploration programs, and the reduction of harmful emissions from operating enterprises, etc. Special attention is paid to publicly traded mining and metallurgical companies in China. The leaders in each sector are presented, and their brief economic indicators are given.

The Relation between Regional Power Policies of Turkey and the Media Strategy of President Erdoğan

This research investigates the relation between regional power policies of Turkey and the media strategy of President Erdoğan. After the coup attempt on July 15, 2016, the Justice and Development Party started to implement regional power policies, which are focusing on security affairs. The political power fell into the hands of the President. Regional power policies are used as a legitimised as a tool for the transition to authoritarianism. The main purpose of this transition is to suppress dissident voices by controlling the media. In this article, I argue that President Erdoğan uses regional power policies as a tool to control the national media. The President is trying to create the image of a world leader for himself by using the pro-government media companies. Turkey’s of natural gas, the Libya issue and the NATO Summit in Madrid will be discussed in terms of media’s perspectives.

Multicultural Diversity Workforce and Global Technology Collaboration Empowered Semiconductor Manufacturing Excellence in Taiwan: A Manufacturing Engineer’s Perspective

Abstract This paper summarizes the perspectives from a manufacturing engineer on how the government policy, global partnership, and diversity of the United States (US), Japanese, European, and traditional Chinese cultures in Taiwan have created a workforce of semiconductor manufacturing talent in the past five decades. The complex interwoven events of Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain resilience, national security, and geopolitical conflicts have made semiconductor manufacturing a key focus of government policy. As a world leader in integrated circuit (IC) design, design software, equipment, and research, the US has struggled in the past few years on the high yield volume manufacturing of the most advanced logic IC and failed to translate research innovations to quality production. Manufacturing, not innovation or equipment, is a key barrier of the US semiconductor industry. Two models for excellence in advanced manufacturing are described. Three pillars of government policy, global collaboration, and multicultural diversity empower semiconductor manufacturing excellence in Taiwan is described. An approach to evaluate, select, educate, and train manufacturing talents is proposed. Directions for semiconductor manufacturing research are discussed. There is no genius in semiconductor manufacturing, which requires extensive experience and continuous improvement without shortcuts to be competitive. The steadfast good government policy, multicultural diversity workforce, and global technology collaboration to achieve semiconductor manufacturing excellence are the focus of the conclusion.

Wings of Fire: A Fascinating Journey from the Local to the Global

Wings of Fire is an autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam. It portrays the story of Kalam, who later became an accomplished scientist who led India’s efforts towards developing missiles and conducting space exploration. This paper examines Kalam's life story as a fascinating example of a shift from the local to the universal and explores how Kalam's upbringing and schooling in a small hamlet influenced his ideals and way of thinking, as well as how he later rose to prominence in India's scientific and technological community. The study also examines Kalam's involvement in promoting education and renewable energy in India, in addition to his contributions to the advancement of missile and space technology. It also shows how Kalam's story is representative of India's broader story of becoming a world leader in science and technology. Additionally, it might look at how Kalam's leadership and principles affected others and motivated a generation of scientists and leaders in India and beyond. Finally, the piece may be concluded by discussing the lessons that can be drawn from Kalam's journey, and how they can be applied to promote social and economic growth in other contexts.

The three eras of Australian practice on MPAs: the interaction between national and international law and policy

ABSTRACT Australia has attempted to position itself as a world leader in Marine Protected Area (MPA) practice through leveraging its significant national MPA network as well as its heavy involvement in the creation of high seas MPAs in the Antarctic. However, the quality of Australia’s domestic and international MPA practice have separately been subject to similar and convincing critiques. Despite this, little research exists which highlights how these two levels of law-making may interact regarding MPAs. Hence, the question to be addressed is: ‘How does Australia’s domestic and international MPA practice interact?’ Through drawing upon middle power theory to characterise this interaction, three distinct eras of practice can be observed: 1990–2000, 2001–2012 and 2013–present. By understanding the common interactions between the national and international levels of law making across these eras, it is possible to better understand the motivations behind Australia’s international MPA practice, as well as to anticipate future actions.

Vietnam ports: becoming a new leader?

Vietnam's port system occupies a special place in the East Asian region, which is currently the world leader in the port industry and sea transportation. Over the past twenty years, Vietnam has been significantly ahead of its regional neighbors in terms of the average annual increase in port capacity. High port indicators become a response to an active state policy in this area. The article is devoted to the study of the increasing role of Vietnamese ports in the East Asian port system, the analysis of the current development and key problems of the port industry of Vietnam.

Late Permian evaporite facies variation in the Forth Approaches Basin, North Sea: implications for hydrogen storage

Hydrogen is expected to play a key role in decarbonizing industry and storing energy from intermittent sources such as wind energy. Underground salt caverns are an attractive target for storage due to their large volumes and effective sealing capacity. Despite ambitious goals to become a world leader in hydrogen, there are no onshore salt basins in Scotland. Therefore, the offshore Forth Approaches Basin (FAB), currently undergoing development of the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm, could provide a critical storage site. Re-evaluation of petrophysical data from five legacy hydrocarbon wells allowed an updated assessment of the composition and variability of the Late Permian Zechstein evaporite sequence. Well analysis is combined with seismic interpretation to understand the salt bodies and their suitability for solution mining. Three halite formations are identified: (1) the Stassfurt Halite Formation, which has insufficient thickness for solution mining; (2) the Leine Halite Formation, which comprises three subunits with a KCl-dominated unit separating two halite-dominated units; and (3) the Aller Halite Formation, which is only identified in the centre of the FAB. Where halokinesis has occurred, the Leine Halite Formation reaches sufficient thicknesses (>300 m) and purity for salt cavern placement; however, heterogeneities are challenging to predict. Layered evaporites only reach sufficient thickness where the Aller Halite Formation is present and could be developed with the underlying Leine Halite Formation. Heterogeneities can be correlated across wells within the layered sequences, aiding prediction. A strong understanding of evaporite facies distribution is required to ensure that halite bodies are suitable for safe and economic solution mining in the FAB and other salt basins globally. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Hydrogen as a future energy source collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/hydrogen

From Large to Powerful: International Comparison, Challenges and Strategic Choices for China’s Livestock Industry

Accelerating the construction of a strong livestock industry is of great significance to better guarantee the supply of livestock products and improve the quality, efficiency and competitiveness of the industry. This study constructed an evaluation index system including supply security, scientific and technological support, industrial resilience and international trade to evaluate the strength of China’s livestock industry, and then conducted an in-depth analysis of the issues and challenges of the construction of a livestock powerhouse. The research results showed that China’s livestock industry ranked 5th in the world, such that China was transitioning from being a large-producing livestock country to being a livestock powerhouse, although improvement was still needed to reach the goal. There were significant differences across species. China’s layer industry was a world leader; the pig, sheep and goat, and broiler industries were strong; and the beef cattle and dairy industries were weaker. There are still many challenges, such as the fact that the domestic supply security capacity needs to be strengthened, the level of scientific and technological support needs to be improved, the modern operation system needs to be sound, the industry and supply chain are not highly resilient, the international trade risks are increasing, and the policy support system needs to be improved. It is recommended to improve the institutional mechanism for the construction of the livestock industry, promote a high level of self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology, build a modern livestock operation system, enhance the resilience and security level of the industry and supply chain, and consolidate and expand international trade and cooperation.

Time and quantile domain connectedness between the geopolitical risk of China and precious metals markets

It is expected that the irrational behavior of the investors due to psychological reasons in risk situations, the decisions taken in fear and panic affect the performance of investment instruments, and thus the decisions of the diversified portfolio. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the existence of the argument that precious metals investments as an investment asset can protect against geopolitical risks and potentially act as a safe haven against such risks. To this end, we examine the impact of geopolitical risk for China, because China is the world leader in terms of the production of precious metals, on gold, silver, palladium, and platinum prices. In doing so, the monthly data from January 1990 to August 2022 is analyzed with time-varying quantile connectedness method. Our results show that especially during the higher tension periods such as the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia in 1999, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the trade war between the USA and China and Covid-19 pandemic, high precious metals have received spillover from the geopolitical risk index.

Connected: rooftop solar, prepay and reducing energy insecurity in remote Australia

ABSTRACT ‘It’s a good life, that solar’. Australia is a world leader in per-capita deployment of rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) with more than three million households realising benefits including reduced energy bills and improved energy security. However, these benefits are unevenly distributed. Research shows First Nations residents of public housing in remote Australia using prepay metering experience frequent ‘self-disconnection’ from energy services, a known indicator of energy insecurity. Upfront capital costs and an absence of local regulations codifying the ability to connect solar PV have long locked out these households from realising benefits of energy transition in regions host to world class renewable energy generation potential. This article describes early experiences of those residents among the first to install and grid-connect rooftop solar to prepay in Australia’s remote Northern Territory. In addition to reduced electricity expenditures, rooftop solar PV mitigates experiences of energy insecurity through reducing the incidence of involuntary ‘self-disconnection’ due to inability to pay. Support for rooftop solar for prepay households can alleviate frequent exposure to disconnection, bringing multiple co-benefits. Policy responses should focus on reducing barriers to realising the benefits of rooftop PV for priority communities, including First Nations families living in public housing using prepay.

China's refractory industry. Reforms, problems and prospects

The stages of development of the refractory industry in China are considered. Currently, China is a world leader in the production of refractories. As a result of the reforms carried out in the country, the domestic market was completely saturated with refractories and penetration into the market of Europe and other countries began. In recent years, there has been a tendency to deepen partnership relations with Russia.