Photographs are widely used to visualise science. However, the influence of visual quality of photographs on the effectiveness of science communication is often disregarded and seldom tested. This study examines how the visual quality of photographs affects science communication on interpretive signage within Xixi National Wetland Park, China. Results show that a high-quality photograph on the signage significantly increased the following affective and cognitive aspects of communication: (1) a visitor’s intention to read the signage, (2) enjoyment of reading the interpretive information, (3) understanding and (4) recall of the information on the signage. This study offers empirical evidence for the benefits of using high-quality photographs to visualise science. To improve the effectiveness of science communication in interpretive products, we argue that the quality of the selected photographs should be considered seriously.

To explore what types of photographs are more helpful means to interpret natural attractions within national parks, this study focused on the relationship between the photographs with different visual characteristics and their perceived visual appeal. A photograph-based Q method was adopted. Results confirmed the visual quality of a photograph was the most important characteristic that determined its perceived attractiveness; those photographs with a high visual quality could successfully attract tourists’ attention. The subject also significantly affected the preferences of observers, suggesting an interest-dependent pattern. Using photographs of birds as examples, the participants who were interested in birds were attracted by the photographs of birds rather than those of other subjects. This study provides a better understanding of the effectiveness of photographs for communication. Findings may help researchers, communicators and national park marketers better understand and select appropriate photographs for interpretation within national parks.

Abstract-Through exploring far-reaching influence of village public space on construction of village culture and social order and its significance and deeply analyzing and contrasting concrete transformation of village public space in urban-rural integration process, the research finds out traditional folk belief creates an important carrier and public space for transmission of politics, economy and civilization, making for nourishing village public spirit and reconstructing "cultural fundamental order" of the village. This paper proposes it is an effective impetus to objectively look upon folk belief, extract its elements and reconstruct new rural public space based on modern aesthetic and function needs for activation of rural culture and construction of new countryside with regional features.

Erect-crested penguins are the least studied of all penguins. They breed on two isolated subantarctic island groups, the Antipodes and Bounty Islands. Sporadic nest counts indicate a dramatic decline in numbers of erect-crested penguins over the last 50 years. Here we present data from a study undertaken in 1998 on the breeding biology, behavior and hormones of erect-crested penguins. It represents, even today, by far the most detailed data available on this species. The penguins exhibited extreme reversed egg-size dimorphism, whereby the first-laid A-egg was much smaller than the second-laid B-egg. A-eggs were lost before (42.3%) or on (37.8%) the day the B-egg was laid, and none survived more than 7 days after that. The penguins were in a low state of reproductive readiness, as evidenced by low levels of copulation, fighting, and testosterone in males during the courtship/laying period when, curiously, plasma levels of testosterone were at least as high in females. The laying interval (5.4 days) is the longest recorded for any penguin species, and incubation was highly variable until clutch completion. Most nests (91.2%) contained no nesting material and eggs were laid directly onto the ground. A-eggs were lost mainly by rolling out of the nest. However, even when prevented from doing so by an experimental manipulation, A-eggs survived no longer than those in control nests. Testosterone levels in males increased after clutch completion, when they remained in attendance at the nest for up to 13 days, despite females assuming most of the incubation duties. The bills of males were significantly larger than those of females and probably help with guarding the nest. We discuss explanations for obligate brood reduction in crested penguins and the options for conservation in light of our census results, which indicate that this enigmatic penguin species could be in trouble.

Citizen science projects, which entail scientific work undertaken by members of the public, have increased substantially over the last three decades. However, the credibility of such science has been questioned, especially with respect to its prospects for producing peer-reviewed publications, the principal means by which science is communicated and validated. We conducted a meta-analysis of 895 citizen science projects launched between 1890 and 2018. Three-quarters (674) did not produce a single peer-reviewed paper. The remaining 221 projects produced 2075 publications, although just five projects accounted for nearly half the publications. The average time from project launch to first publication was 9.15 years. Projects in health and medicine and astronomy were most likely to produce publications. Projects in biology (65.8% of all projects), computer science, and social sciences were least likely to publish their results. In conclusion, the “science” element of most citizen science projects is largely irrelevant as it is never validated or communicated. We propose reclassifying citizen science projects into two types: (i) Citizen Science, where the focus is on science, and participants essentially function as sampling devices; and (ii) Citizen Engagement, where the value lies more in citizen engagement than it does in citizen science.

The specific qualities of theatre distinguish itself from any other literary genres. As a theatre presupposes performance, undoubtedly then, it must contain the factors that make it playable. The aesthetic constitution of a theatre and the characteristics of theatrical discourse, which, together with the aesthetic quality of theatre as a branch of literature, make the total charm of a piece of theatrical creation

Green buildings and green construction have the greatest opportunity to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since the global buildings are responsible for up to 30% of GHG [1]. Along with the growing awareness of sustainable development, many governments in different countries have been adopting or setting green building standards and regulations as well as financial incentives for sustainable development [2]. To facilitate the green building movement, the Building and Authority of Singapore (BCA) has introduced three Green Building Masterplans from 2006. Owing to Green Building Masterplans and other green initiatives, such as the Green Mark certification and green retrofitting scheme, the number of Singapore's green building stock increased from 17 in 2005 to 2155 in July 2014, accounting for about 25% of Singapore buildings [3].

An anti-collision structure for bridge piers made by waste containers is proposed in this article, which including waste containers and filling. The top of container is cut and removed, a number of containers arranged with different styles on the main route of rolling stones and in front of the bridge piers to be protected. Rock and soil is filled in the cavity of container. The energy generated by rolling stones acts on the used containers instead of acting directly on the bridge piers. It is economical, convenient and fast construction speed to build the anti-collision structure with waste containers around bridge piers.