bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Way Coupling Simulation of Solid-Liquid Two-Phase Flow and Wear Experiments in a Slurry Pump
Authors: Jiang Lei , Bai Ling , Xue Peng , Peng Guangjie , Zhou Ling
Published: January 2022

The slurry pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment in mineral transportation and separation systems, and it has complex two-phase flow characteristics and wear mechanisms. By employing numerical and experimental methods, the solid–liquid two-phase flow characteristics and wear patterns were investigated in this study. A two-way coupling discrete phase model (DPM) method was used to predict the flow pattern and the wear location and shows good agreement with the experimental observations. The pump performance characteristics of numerical results under pure water conditions were consistent with the experimental results. The effects of particle parameters and operating conditions on the internal flow field and wear were compared and discussed. The results show that the wear degree increased with the increase in volume flow rate and solid volume fraction. With the increase in particle size, the wear range at the impeller inlet became significantly smaller, but the wear degree became obviously larger. This study provides a basis for reducing the wear and improving the hydraulic performance of slurry pumps.
Effect of Supplementation of Dried Bioflocs Produced by Freeze-Drying and Oven-Drying Methods on Water Quality, Growth Performance and Proximate Composition of Red Hybrid Tilapia
Authors: Binalshikh-Abubkr Tarq , Mohd Hanafiah Marlia
Published: January 2022

Supplementation of dried bioflocs for red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) was examined during 57 days of feeding trials. Five experimental treatments; T1 (the control; without bioflocs), T2 (4% freeze-dried bioflocs), T3 (16% freeze-dried bioflocs), T4 (4% oven-dried bioflocs), and T5 (16% oven-dried bioflocs) were prepared to examine the water quality, growth performance and body composition of red hybrid tilapia. T2 and T4 treatments resulted in a higher growth rate and survival similar to the control, while T3 and T5 treatments showed the lowest values of growth performance among all treatments. T1 treatment showed the best quality of culture water followed by T2 and T4 treatments, while T3 treatment resulted in poor water quality followed by T5 treatment. Based on these results, the ratios of bioflocs (4% and 16%) had more effect on fish growth and water quality than the drying methods (freeze-drying and oven-drying). The ratio of 4% freeze-dried or oven-dried bioflocs provided higher growth rates and better water quality parameters similar to the control, while the ratio of 16% showed the worst growth performance and water quality in the present study. In addition, body compositions of tilapia fed 4% dried bioflocs showed better nutritional value than tilapia fed 16% dried bioflocs. Protein and energy levels showed an increasing trend with decreasing supplement levels of bioflocs. Moisture content was significantly higher when supplementation of 16% bioflocs was used. Overall, supplementation of 4% freeze-dried or oven-dried bioflocs can be successively included in red hybrid tilapia diets without any effects on growth or body composition and can result in a good quality of culture water for red hybrid tilapia.
Alignment Error Modelling, Analysis and Experiment of the Deep-Water Bolt Flange Automatic Connection Tool
Authors: Wang Pengpeng , Gong Haixia , Wang Liquan , Yun Feihong , Nan Yibo , Ju Ming , Li Chao , Wang Honghai , Xu Kai
Published: January 2022

A deep-water bolt flange automatic connection tool plays a very important role in the process of offshore oil exploitation and transportation. In the connection process, the alignment error of bolts and nuts is the key factor to ensure the connection process is successful. Using the kinematics modeling method, this paper created the alignment error model of the deep-water bolt flange automatic connection tool and analyzed the influence of manufacturing accuracy on the alignment error of bolts and nuts through computer simulation software. Based on the error matching design method, the manufacturing accuracy of parts were optimized with a part-size-based priority sequence to ensure the bolt–nut alignment error was within the allowable limits. The land tests, the pool tests and the sea test were carried out. The test results showed that the bolt and nut can be connected in the subsea environment reliably.
Development of a Towed Underwater Platform That Can Operate in a Marine Environment and Explore the Sea Bottom
Authors: Yun Sung-Jo , Kim Hyo-Gon , Park Jung-Woo , Lee Hyo-Jun , Kim Jong-Chan , Hwang Jeong-Hwan , Choi Young-Ho , Lee Sin-Je , Ryu Jae-Kwan , Suh Jin-Ho , Park Joon-Goo
Published: January 2022

Owing to environmental constraints, it is challenging to stably conduct various missions or surveys of the seabed for a prolonged period in the marine environment. To address this challenge, several devices and technologies are being developed. In this study, we aimed to develop an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV)—specifically, a towed underwater platform—that can be loaded and unloaded via joint operation with an unmanned surface vehicle, which can be connected to a wired cable to obtain a stable power supply and high-speed communication. In addition, various sensors for detection are employed to investigate the marine environment and conduct missions. Furthermore, we operated the developed UUV in actual waters, reviewed the results, and examined its practical operability.
Design of a Disc-Shaped Autonomous Underwater Helicopter with Stable Fins
Authors: Du Peizhou , Huang S. H. , Yang Wencheng , Wang Yingqiang , Wang Zhikun , Hu Ruoyu , Chen Ying
Published: January 2022

The autonomous underwater helicopter, shortly referred to as AUH, is a newly developed underwater platform with a unique disc shape. An autonomous underwater helicopter with a suboptimal disc shape is presented in this paper. It adopts a multirotor configuration and stable fins to overcome the shape shortcoming for motion stabilization. Its motion analysis and mathematical model have been introduced accordingly. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation is carried out to evaluate fins’ hydrodynamic performance. Proportional integral derivative (PID) and sliding mode fuzzy (SMF) control are adopted for controller design. Finally, the controller is applied on this AUH and extensively tested in various simulations and experiments, and the results illustrate the high stabilization and robustness of the controller and the hovering stability and manoeuvrability of AUH.
Effects of Groundwater Inputs to the Hydraulic Circulation, Water Residence Time, and Salinity in a Moroccan Atlantic Lagoon
Authors: Elyaagoubi Soukaina , Umgiesser Georg , Maanan Mehdi , Maicu Francesco , Mėžinė Jovita , Hilmi Karim , Razinkovas-Baziukas Artūras
Published: January 2022

The finite element model SHYFEM was used to study the hydrodynamics and variability of water level, salinity, temperature, and water residence time (WRT) in the Oualidia lagoon located on the Moroccan Atlantic coast. The lagoon hosts a RAMSAR convention-protected area and also offers a set of valuable ecosystem services providing the source of income for the local population. To assess the effects of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) inputs in the study area, four simulations were set up using different SGD inputs estimates in addition to tidal forcing, bathymetry, meteorological data including solar radiation, rain, and wind, in addition to boundary conditions in the Atlantic such as salinity, water level, and water temperature. The model was calibrated and validated using hydrodynamic measurements of previous studies in 2012 and 2013. The final results from the model are in good agreement with measured data. The simulation with SGD input ~0.05 m3 s−1 produced salinity values closest to the observed ones. Calculated spatial distribution of WRT, temperature, and salinity reduced to coordinates in two PCA axes is consistent with lagoon zones developed earlier using the benthic macroinvertebrate distribution. The calculated spatial distribution of WRT allowed us to evaluate the placement of oyster aquaculture farms and small-scale fisheries in relation to water quality issues existing in the lagoon.
A Solution to Sand Production from Natural Gas Hydrate Deposits with Radial Wells: Combined Gravel Packing and Sand Screen
Authors: Zhang Yiqun , Wang Wei , Zhang Panpan , Li Gensheng , Tian Shouceng , Lu Jingsheng , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2022

Sand production is one of the main problems restricting the safe, efficient and sustainable exploitation of marine natural gas hydrate. To explore the sand-control effects of gravel packing, experiments that simulate hydrate extraction in the water-rich environment were conducted with designed hydrate synthesis and exploitation devices. Three sand control completion methods, including 120 mesh sand screen, 400 mesh sand screen, 120 mesh sand screen combined with gravel packing, are adopted. Sand and gas production rates were compared under different well types and sand control completion methods. Results show that the gas production modes of radial wells and vertical wells are almost the same at the same time due to the small experimental scale and high permeability. The sand production of the vertical well with gravel packing combined with a sand-control screen is 50% lower than that of the vertical well with sand-control screens only. Radial well with gravel packing combined with sand-control screens produced 87% less sand than screen mesh alone. The cumulative gas production and recovery rates of a radial well with the composite sand control method are better than those without gravel packing in the same development time.
Dynamic Responses of a Multilayered Transversely Isotropic Poroelastic Seabed Subjected to Ocean Waves and Currents
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Qi , Zheng Xiang Yuan , Lei Yu
Published: January 2022

In this study, a semi-analytical solution to the dynamic responses of a multilayered transversely isotropic poroelastic seabed under combined wave and current loadings is proposed based on the dynamic stiffness matrix method. This solution is first analytically validated with a single-layered and a two-layered isotropic seabed and then verified against previous experimental results. After that, parametric studies are carried out to probe the effects of the soil’s anisotropic characteristics and the effects of ocean waves and currents on the dynamic responses and the maximum liquefaction depth. The results show that the dynamic responses of a transversely isotropic seabed are more sensitive to the ratio of the soil’s vertical Young’s modulus to horizontal Young’s modulus (Ev/Eh) and the ratio of the vertical shear modulus to Ev (Gv/Ev) than to the vertical-to-horizontal ratio of the permeability coefficient (Kv/Kh). A lower degree of quasi-saturation, higher porosity, a shorter wave period, and a following current all result in a greater maximum liquefaction depth. Moreover, it is revealed that the maximum liquefaction depth of a transversely isotropic seabed would be underestimated under the isotropic assumption. Furthermore, unlike the behavior of an isotropic seabed, the transversely isotropic seabed tends to liquefy when fully saturated in nonlinear waves. This result supplements and reinforces the conclusions determined in previous studies. This work affirms that it is necessary for offshore engineering to consider the transversely isotropic characteristics of the seabed for bottom-fixed and subsea offshore structures.
Dental and Oral Manifestations of COVID-19 Related Mucormycosis: Diagnoses, Management Strategies and Outcomes
Authors: Janjua Omer Sefvan , Shaikh Muhammad Saad , Fareed Muhammad Amber , Qureshi Sana Mehmood , Khan Muhammad Ikram , Hashem Danya , Zafar Muhammad Sohail
Published: January 2022

It has been nearly two years since the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected the world. Several innovations and discoveries related to COVID-19 are surfacing every day and new problems associated with the COVID-19 virus are also coming to light. A similar situation is with the emergence of deep invasive fungal infections associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent literature reported the cases of pulmonary and rhino-cerebral fungal infections appearing in patients previously infected by COVID-19. Histopathological analysis of these cases has shown that most of such infections are diagnosed as mucormycosis or aspergillosis. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis usually affects the maxillary sinus with involvement of maxillary teeth, orbits, and ethmoidal sinuses. Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for both COVID-19 as well as mucormycosis. At this point, there is scanty data on the subject and most of the published literature comprises of either case reports or case series with no long-term data available. The aim of this review paper is to present the characteristics of COVID-19 related mucormycosis and associated clinical features, outcome, diagnostic and management strategies. A prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment planning can surely benefit these patients.
A Simple and Low-Cost Strategy to Improve Conidial Yield and Stress Resistance of Trichoderma guizhouense through Optimizing Illumination Conditions
Authors: Li Yifan , Meng Xiya , Guo Degang , Gao Jia , Huang Qiwei , Zhang Jian , Fischer Reinhard , Shen Qirong , Yu Zhenzhong
Published: January 2022

Light is perceived by photoreceptors in fungi and further integrated into the stress-activated MAPK HOG pathway, and thereby potentially activates the expression of genes for stress responses. This indicates that the precise control of light conditions can likely improve the conidial yield and stress resistance to guarantee the low cost and long shelf life of Trichoderma-based biocontrol agents and biofertilizers. In this study, effects of wavelengths and intensities of light on conidial yield and stress tolerance to osmotic, oxidative and pH stresses in Trichoderma guizhouense were investigated. We found that 2 μmol photons/(m2 × s) of blue light increased the conidial yield more than 1000 folds as compared to dark condition and simultaneously enhanced conidial stress resistance. The enhanced conidial stress resistance is probably due to the upregulated stress-related genes in blue light, which is under the control of the blue light receptor BLR1 and the MAP kinase HOG1.
Uncovering Novel Plasma Membrane Carboxylate Transporters in the Yeast Cyberlindnera jadinii
Authors: Sousa-Silva Maria , Soares Pedro , Alves João , Vieira Daniel , Casal Margarida , Soares-Silva Isabel
Published: January 2022

The yeast Cyberlindnera jadinii has great potential in the biotechnology industry due to its ability to produce a variety of compounds of interest, including carboxylic acids. In this work, we identified genes encoding carboxylate transporters from this yeast species. The functional characterization of sixteen plasma membrane carboxylate transporters belonging to the AceTr, SHS, TDT, MCT, SSS, and DASS families was performed by heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The newly identified C. jadinii transporters present specificity for mono-, di-, and tricarboxylates. The transporters CjAto5, CjJen6, CjSlc5, and CjSlc13-1 display the broadest substrate specificity; CjAto2 accepts mono- and dicarboxylates; and CjAto1,3,4, CjJen1-5, CjSlc16, and CjSlc13-2 are specific for monocarboxylic acids. A detailed characterization of these transporters, including phylogenetic reconstruction, 3D structure prediction, and molecular docking analysis is presented here. The properties presented by these transporters make them interesting targets to be explored as organic acid exporters in microbial cell factories.
Impact of Smoking Status on Lung Cancer Characteristics and Mortality Rates between Screened and Non-Screened Lung Cancer Cohorts: Real-World Knowledge Translation and Education
Authors: Wu Fu-Zong , Wu Yun-Ju , Chen Chi-Shen , Yang Shu-Ching
Published: January 2022

This was a retrospective hospital-based cohort study of participants diagnosed with lung cancer in the lung cancer register database, and our goal was to evaluate the impact of smoking and screening status on lung cancer characteristics and clinical outcomes. According to the hospital-based lung cancer register database, a total of 2883 lung cancers were diagnosed in 2883 patients between January 2007 and September 2017, which were divided into four groups according to smoking and screening status. A comparison was performed in terms of clinical characteristics and outcomes of lung cancer between the four groups. For non-smokers, age, gender, screened status, tumor size, targeted therapy, and curative surgery were independent prognostic factors of overall survival for lung cancer subjects. However, screened status and gender were not significant prognostic factors for lung cancer survival in smokers with lung cancer. For the non-smoker group, about 4.9% of lung cancer subjects (N = 81) were detected by screening. However, only 0.97% of lung cancer subjects (N = 12) were detected by screening in smokers. This could be attributed to smokers’ negative attitudes and low socioeconomic status preventing LDCT lung cancer screening. In summary, our real-world data suggest that effectively encouraging smokers to be more willing to participate in lung cancer screening programs with screening allowance and educational training in the future is an important issue.
Profit versus Quality: The Enigma of Scientific Wellness
Authors: Carbonara Katrina , MacNeil Adam J. , O’Leary Deborah D. , Coorssen Jens R.
Published: January 2022

The “best of both worlds” is not often the case when it comes to implementing new health models, particularly in community settings. It is often a struggle between choosing or balancing between two components: depth of research or financial profit. This has become even more apparent with the recent shift to move away from a traditionally reactive model of medicine toward a predictive/preventative one. This has given rise to many new concepts and approaches with a variety of often overlapping aims. The purpose of this perspective is to highlight the pros and cons of the numerous ventures already implementing new concepts, to varying degrees, in community settings of quite differing scales—some successful and some falling short. Scientific wellness is a complex, multifaceted concept that requires integrated experimental/analytical designs that demand both high-quality research/healthcare and significant funding. We currently see the more likely long-term success of those ventures in which any profit is largely reinvested into research efforts and health/healthspan is the primary focus.
Unravelling the Proteomics of HLA-B*57:01+ Antigen Presenting Cells during Abacavir Medication
Authors: Haukamp Funmilola , Gall Eline , Hò Gia-Gia , Hiemisch Wiebke , Stieglitz Florian , Kuhn Joachim , Blasczyk Rainer , Pich Andreas , Bade-Döding Christina
Published: January 2022

Type B adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are unpredictable based on the drug’s pharmacology and represent a key challenge in pharmacovigilance. For human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mediated type B ADRs, it is assumed that the protein/small-molecule interaction alters the biophysical and mechanistic properties of the antigen presenting cells. Sophisticated methods enabled the molecular appreciation of HLA-mediated ADRs; in several instances, the drug molecule occupies part of the HLA peptide binding groove and modifies the recruited peptide repertoire thereby causing a strong T-cell-mediated immune response that is resolved upon withdrawal of medication. The severe ADR in HLA-B*57:01+ patients treated with the antiretroviral drug abacavir (ABC) in anti-HIV therapy is an example of HLA-drug-T cell cooperation. However, the long-term damages of the HLA-B*57:01-expressing immune cells following ABC treatment remain unexplained. Utilizing full proteome sequencing following ABC treatment of HLA-B*57:01+ cells, we demonstrate stringent proteomic alteration of the HLA/drug presenting cells. The proteomic content indisputably reflects the cellular condition; this knowledge directs towards individual pharmacovigilance for the development of personalized and safe medication.
A New Framework to Interpret Individual Inter-Hemispheric Compensatory Communication after Stroke
Authors: Brancaccio Arianna , Tabarelli Davide , Belardinelli Paolo
Published: January 2022

Stroke constitutes the main cause of adult disability worldwide. Even after application of standard rehabilitation protocols, the majority of patients still show relevant motor impairment. Outcomes of standard rehabilitation protocols have led to mixed results, suggesting that relevant factors for brain re-organization after stroke have not been considered in explanatory models. Therefore, finding a comprehensive model to optimally define patient-dependent rehabilitation protocols represents a crucial topic in clinical neuroscience. In this context, we first report on the rehabilitation models conceived thus far in the attempt of predicting stroke rehabilitation outcomes. Then, we propose a new framework to interpret results in stroke literature in the light of the latest evidence regarding: (1) the role of the callosum in inter-hemispheric communication, (2) the role of prefrontal cortices in exerting a control function, and (3) diaschisis mechanisms. These new pieces of evidence on the role of callosum can help to understand which compensatory mechanism may take place following a stroke. Moreover, depending on the individual impairment, the prefrontal control network will play different roles according to the need of high-level motor control. We believe that our new model, which includes crucial overlooked factors, will enable clinicians to better define individualized motor rehabilitation protocols.
Multicenter Study of Benign Thyroid Nodules with Radiofrequency Ablation: Results of 762 Cases over 4 Years in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Wei-Che , Wang Cheng-Kang , Wang Wen-Hung , Kuo Chi-Yu , Chiang Pi-Ling , Lin An-Ni , Baek Jung Hwan , Wu Ming-Hsun , Cheng Kai-Lun
Published: January 2022

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment for benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) in five medical centers in Taiwan. Methods: From April 2016 to July 2020, 762 patients underwent ultrasound guided RFA treatment of 826 benign thyroid nodules at five medical centers in Taiwan. The RFA procedure was performed by radiologists, otolaryngologists, or surgeons. Patients were grouped into three subgroups according to the initial volume of BTNs. The volume reduction ratio (VRR) of each nodule, and complications were analyzed at 1, 3, and 6 months after RFA treatment and the three groups compared. Results: The large nodular group showed greater VRR compared to the other two groups at first 1-month follow-up. At 6-months follow-up, there was no significant difference of VRR among the three groups. Goiters with difference in size can attain a successful VRR (>50%) although different specialists demonstrated variable VRR after 6-months follow-up. A total of 40 (4.8%) complications were reported. All patients recovered spontaneously without surgery intervention. Conclusions: The reliability and safety of RFA for benign thyroid nodules had been established. RFA has gradually become an alternative to surgery in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules in Taiwan.
Exports and Imports-Led Growth: Evidence from a Small Developing Economy
Authors: Panta Humnath , Devkota Mitra Lal , Banjade Dhruba
Published: January 2022

This paper examines equilibrium relationships and dynamic causality between economic growth, exports, and imports in Nepal using time-series data between 1965 and 2020. This research examines the impact of exports and imports on the economic growth of Nepal and documents empirical evidence in exports-led growth, imports-led growth, growth-led exports, and growth-led imports hypotheses in both the short and long run. The test results show no evidence favoring the exports-led growth and growth-led exports hypotheses in both the short and long run. However, the study finds evidence supporting the imports-led growth hypothesis in the short term and the growth-led imports hypothesis in the long term. Overall, this paper finds no evidence in favor of the notion that foreign trade supports the economic growth of Nepal in the long run. The research findings may have important implications for policymakers in Nepal. The paper contributes to trade and economic growth literature by investigating the relationship between exports, imports, capital, and gross domestic products in a small economy such as Nepal, where exports make a minimal and imports make an extensive contribution to gross domestic products by using cointegration and the vector error correction model.
Predictability of the Realised Volatility of International Stock Markets Amid Uncertainty Related to Infectious Diseases
Authors: Shiba Sisa , Cunado Juncal , Gupta Rangan
Published: January 2022

In the context of the great turmoil in the financial markets caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the predictability of daily infectious diseases-related uncertainty (EMVID) for international stock markets volatilities is examined using heterogeneous autoregressive realised variance (HAR-RV) models. A recursive estimation approach in the short-, medium- and long-run out-of-sample predictability is considered and the main findings show that the EMVID index plays a significant role in forecasting the volatility of international stock markets. Furthermore, the results suggest that the most vulnerable stock markets to EMVID are those in Singapore, Portugal and The Netherlands. The implications of these results for investors and portfolio managers amid high levels of uncertainty resulting from infectious diseases are discussed.
Development of a Mobile Application to Buy Books through Visual Recognition
Authors: Sarasa-Cabezuelo Antonio
Published: January 2022

Mobile devices have become the most used tool for a large number of tasks that we regularly perform such as relating them, searching for information, and in particular for making purchases. A situation that is frequently repeated in many areas is discovering an object that belongs to another person but we would be interested in being able to acquire it. However, the problem arises of knowing where to buy it. For example, this happens with the clothes that other people are wearing. Today, technology offers recognition mechanisms that can help solve this problem. This article presents an Android app that can recognize a book based on an image and offer places where it can be purchased. For this, Google technology was used to recognize objects from images and it has been combined with the information provided by Google Books to find stores that sell recognized books. In this way, a system has been created that makes it easier for any user to identify and purchase books that they discover at any given time.
The Dynamic Value of China’s High-Tech Zones: Direct and Indirect Influence on Urban Ecological Innovation
Authors: Yang Siying , Liu Wei , Zhang Zhe
Published: January 2022

China’s High-tech Industrial Development Zones (HTZ) are industrial agglomeration areas established by the local government to foster economic innovation. As springboards for cities to implement innovation-driven development strategies, HTZs have significant spillover and driving effects on urban ecological innovation. Based on panel data taken from 215 cities between 2003 and 2016, this paper empirically analyzes the impact of HTZ construction and its mechanisms as they pertain to urban ecological innovation. This analysis is framed by the double difference model and the intermediary effect model. It found that HTZ construction can effectively enhance urban ecological innovation, and formidably promote ecological innovation in central and eastern cities, as well as cities with superior scientific and educational resources. The intermediary mechanism analysis revealed that HTZs result in a policy depression effect, which may promote the agglomeration of urban innovation factors (including high-quality talents and investment), thereby bolstering urban ecological innovation. Moreover, HTZs’ investment agglomeration effect is primarily responsible for driving urban ecological innovation. Indeed, the HTZ construction may not only promote the local ecological innovation, but also have a significant spillover effect on the ecological innovation activities of other cities in the province.
Evaluation of Rural Landscape Resources Based on Cloud Model and Probabilistic Linguistic Term Set
Authors: Li Weiwen , Zhou Yijiang , Xun Ge
Published: January 2022

Rural landscape resources are important ingredients of rural revitalization and modernization in developing countries and regions. Evaluation methods play a crucial role in the development planning, design, transformation, and protection of these resources. However, there has been a lack of research on the evaluation of rural landscape resources, especially from the perspective of rural revitalization. Based on previous evaluation methods and expert consultations on landscape planning and design, we proposed a new approach for evaluating rural landscape resources by establishing a new index system and using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and probabilistic linguistic Cloud Model. To demonstrate its applicability and effectiveness, we applied our model to the case of a village (Xiapu) in Guangdong, China, determined the parameter set of its rural landscape resources, and obtained related results showing that the method is practical and can reflect the value of resources objectively and efficiently. Based on this model, further suggestions are provided to improve the design and other utilizations of rural landscape resources.
Economic Spatial Structure in China: Evidence from Railway Transport Network
Authors: Niu Fangqu , Wang Fang
Published: January 2022

This study analyzes the structure of China’s overall railway transport network and its sub-networks of conventional railway and high-speed railway, with the aim to understand the country’s economic spatial structure that is reflected by or underlines the railway transport network. First, the results indicate that compared with developed cities, backward cities not only have fewer train services but also lack a symmetrical transport plan; backward cities tend to connect with developed cities rather than within themselves. Second, the national-level urban hierarchy was established using the proposed algorithm, which helped reveal the economic geography of three economic plates in China. Third, the law of the primate city is not prominent in a large country such as China, which is undergoing regional restructuring with the economic center of gravity shifting to the coastal area while also moving south.
Knowledge Transfer on Digital Transformation: An Analysis of the Olive Landscape in Andalusia, Spain
Authors: Reina-Usuga Liliana , Parra-López Carlos , Carmona-Torres Carmen
Published: January 2022

The global economy, and agriculture, in particular, faces significant challenges and transformation pressures. A major challenge, and opportunity, is the transformation towards digital agriculture or agriculture 4.0, where knowledge transfer (KT) has an important role to play not only in ensuring that digital innovations reach end-users, but also that these innovations contribute to development in rural landscapes. This paper analyses the role of KT in the framework of digital transformation (DT) in the Andalusian olive landscape. Thus, from the perspective of knowledge-generating agents, the main knowledge emitting and receiving actors in the DT are identified by using Social Network Analysis techniques (SNA). Subsequently, the performance of the Technological Innovation System (TIS) in KT is evaluated by using the multi-criteria Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The results suggest that the knowledge-generating agents, the knowledge transfer actors, and the scientific and dissemination media actors are the main knowledge emitters and highlight their role as cohesive actors of the social network. The main knowledge receivers are olive growers, cooperatives and non-cooperative groups. The results also indicate that the global performance of the TIS in the KT function is medium/low. Furthermore, in the KT sub-functions where the TIS in DT performs best is the quality of the transfer processes of DT, and where it performs worst is the sufficiency of spaces for KT.
Selected Aspects of Carbon Stock Assessment in Aboveground Biomass
Authors: Pechanec Vilém , Štěrbová Lenka , Purkyt Jan , Prokopová Marcela , Včeláková Renata , Cudlín Ondřej , Vyvlečka Pavel , Cienciala Emil , Cudlín Pavel
Published: January 2022

Given the significance of national carbon inventories, the importance of large-scale estimates of carbon stocks is increasing. Accurate biomass estimates are essential for tracking changes in the carbon stock through repeated assessment of carbon stock, widely used for both vegetation and soil, to estimate carbon sequestration. Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine the variability of several aspects of the carbon stock value when the input matrix was (1) expressed either as a vector or as a raster; (2) expressed as in local (1:10,000) or regional (1:100,000) scale data; and (3) rasterized with different pixel sizes of 1, 10, 100, and 1000 m. Method: The look-up table method, where expert carbon content values are attached to the mapped landscape matrix. Results: Different formats of input matrix did not show fundamental differences with exceptions of the biggest raster of size 1000 m for the local level. At the regional level, no differences were notable. Conclusions: The results contribute to the specification of best practices for the evaluation of carbon storage as a mitigation measure, as well as the implementation of national carbon inventories.
Timber Losses during Harvesting in Managed Shorea robusta Forests of Nepal
Authors: Aryal Upendra , Neupane Prem Raj , Rijal Bhawana , Manthey Michael
Published: January 2022

Logging and sawing of timber using conventional tools by unskilled workers causes enormous damage to the valuable timber, residual stand, regeneration, and forest soil in Nepal. The purpose of this study was to find out the volume reduction factor and identify major strategies to reduce timber losses in the tree harvesting process in the Terai Shorea robusta forest of Nepal. Field measurements and product flow analysis of 51 felled trees from felling coupes and randomly selected 167 sawed logs were examined to study harvesting losses. Responses from 116 forest experts were analyzed to explore strategies for reducing harvesting and processing losses. The results showed that timber losses in the felling and bucking stage with and without stem rot were 23% and 22%, respectively. Similarly, timber losses in the sawing stage with and without stem rot were 31% and 30%, respectively. Paired t-test at 5% level of significance revealed that there was significant loss in both tree felling and log sawing stages with present harvesting practice. The most leading factor contributing to timber loss in all of the three stages was the use of inappropriate equipment during tree harvesting. Use of synthetic ropes for directional felling and skidding as well as flexible and portable sawing machine with size adjustment options during sawing were mainly recommended as strategies to reduce timber losses. This study serves as a baseline study to identify and quantify timber losses in different stages of tree conversion and also formulate their reduction strategies in Nepal.
Perception of the Values of the Biocultural Landscape Types of Slovakia by the Population
Authors: Izakovičová Zita , Špulerová Jana , Baránková Zuzana , Palaj Andrej
Published: January 2022

The perception of the landscape by society is becoming an integral part of many studies in terms of the quality of the living environment, sport and recreation and building and developing social relationships. To evaluate the perception and appreciation of individual landscape types by society, we used an online questionnaire as a form of sociological survey. We used the statistical method of non-metric multidimensional scaling NMDS in R package to determine the variability of responses in relation to respondents. The relationship between demographic factors and landscape perception and landscape type preferences was evaluated. The results of multidimensional scaling show a strong relationship between young men and a preference for recreation over agro-tourism. The middle generation with university education looks more frequently for cultural monuments. University-educated middle-aged men perceive the natural landscape as degraded and endangered, and middle-aged men with secondary education understand the need for the protection of traditional agricultural landscapes. It is important to integrate people’s preferences and needs into the landscape planning and decision-making processes, so that they can contribute to the creation of development plans and other strategic documents.
Public Interest in Spatial Planning Systems in Poland and Portugal
Authors: Gorzym-Wilkowski Waldemar A. , Trykacz Karolina
Published: January 2022

As the level of development increases, spatial planning is becoming more significant among public management tools. Although the issue of spatial planning and its mechanisms has been repeatedly investigated in the literature, the issue of clashing of interests of different actors remains to be examined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the enforcement mechanisms of the public interest in the spatial planning systems of Poland and Portugal. The analysis was based on a comparative analysis of the legal basis of the spatial planning systems of the countries. The research confirmed the hypothesis that even with some sociocultural and economic similarities, different countries do not have to create similar mechanisms for the realisation of the public interest in spatial planning processes. The specific solutions adopted in Poland and Portugal differ so much that the enforcement of the public interest proceeds with very few similarities. The integrated Portuguese planning system, with its hierarchical elements, facilitates the achievement of the objectives of public entities. On the other hand, the Polish system, with the dominant position of the municipality, pushes great possibilities of influencing the planning by land administrators, and the poor location of spatial planning in all public tasks makes it difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to achieve public goals in space.
Solutions to Financial Exclusion in Rural and Depopulated Areas: Evidence Based in Castilla y León (Spain)
Authors: Náñez Alonso Sergio Luis , Jorge-Vazquez Javier , Reier Forradellas Ricardo Francisco , Ahijado Dochado Elena
Published: January 2022

Access to banking and financial services is defined by various international organizations as essential to ensure the development of countries and regions. However, this access is not always guaranteed, even in developed countries. Our study focuses on analyzing the current situation of several rural and depopulated areas of Castilla y León (Spain) in terms of access to banking services and cash. For this purpose, an initial spatial analysis has been carried out to compute the access to these services measured in kilometers needed to travel to access them. Subsequently, we included, as a possible solution, the access to these financial services through their implementation (as a cash back point) in the extensive Spanish network of pharmacies. The results obtained in the spatial analysis show that the introduction of the network of pharmacies as a point of access to cash means a significant reduction in the distance to travel in municipalities in rural and unpopulated areas in order to access cash. In the case of the province of Avila the distance would be reduced by 55%, in the province of Segovia the distance would be reduced by 38.5%, in the province of Soria the distance would be reduced by 20%, in the province of Palencia the distance would be reduced by 22%; and finally in the province of Zamora the distance would be reduced by 33%.
Dynamics of Tree outside Forest Land Cover Development and Ecosystem Carbon Storage Change in Eastern Coastal Zone, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Imranul , Cui Shenghui , Hoque Muhammad Ziaul , Abdullah Hasan Muhammad , Tonny Kaniz Fatima , Ahmed Minhaz , Ferdush Jannatul , Xu Lilai , Ding Shengping
Published: January 2022

Tree outside forest (TOF) has immense potential in economic and environmental development by increasing the amount of tree vegetation in and around rural settlements. It is an important source of carbon stocks and a critical option for climate change regulation, especially in land-scarce, densely populated developing countries such as Bangladesh. Spatio-temporal changes of TOF in the eastern coastal zone of Bangladesh were analyzed and mapped over 1988–2018, using Landsat land use land cover (LULC) maps and associated ecosystem carbon storage change by linking the InVEST carbon model. Landsat TM and OLI-TIRS data were classified through the Maximum Likelihood Classifier (MLC) algorithm using Semi-Automated Classification (SAC). In the InVEST model, aboveground, belowground, dead organic matter, and soil carbon densities of different LULC types were used. The findings revealed that the studied landscapes have differential features and changing trends in LULC where TOF, mangrove forest, built-up land, and salt-aquaculture land have increased due to the loss of agricultural land, mudflats, water bodies, and hill vegetation. Among different land biomes, TOF experienced the largest increase (1453.9 km2), and it also increased carbon storage by 9.01 Tg C. However, agricultural land and hill vegetation decreased rapidly by 1285.8 km2 and 365.7 km2 and reduced carbon storage by 3.09 Tg C and 4.89 Tg C, respectively. The total regional carbon storage increased by 1.27 Tg C during 1988–2018. In addition to anthropogenic drivers, land erosion and accretion were observed to significantly alter LULC and regional carbon storage, necessitating effective river channel and coastal embankment management to minimize food and environmental security tradeoff in the studied landscape.
Agricultural Water Use Efficiency: Is There Any Spatial Correlation between Different Regions?
Authors: Zhi Yanling , Zhang Fan , Wang Huimin , Qin Teng , Tong Jinping , Wang Ting , Wang Zhiqiang , Kang Jinle , Fang Zhou
Published: January 2022

Affected by global climate change and water shortages, food security continues to be challenged. Improving agricultural water use efficiency is essential to guarantee food security. China has been suffering from water scarcity for a long time, and insufficient water supply in the agricultural sector has seriously threatened regional food security and sustainable development. This study adopted the super-efficiency slack-based model (SBM) to measure the provincial agricultural water use efficiency (AWUE). Then, we applied the vector autoregression (VAR) Granger causality test and social network analysis (SNA) method to explore the spatial correlation of AWUE between different provinces and reveal the interprovincial transmission mechanism of spillover effects in AWUE. The results show the following: (1) In China, the provincial AWUE was significantly enhanced, and the gaps in provincial AWUE have widened in the past 20 years. (2) There were apparent spatial heterogeneity and correlations of provincial AWUE. The provinces with higher AWUE were mainly located in economically developed and coastal areas. (3) The correlation of AWUE between provinces showed significant network structure characteristics. Fujian, Hebei, Jiangsu, Shandong, and Hubei Qinghai were central to the network, with high centrality. (4) The AWUE spatial correlation network could be divided into four blocks. Each block played a different role in the cross-provincial transmission of spillover effects. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the agricultural water resources and improve water use efficiency from the perspective of the network.
Spatial Analysis of Environmental Impacts Linked to Changes in Urban Mobility Patterns during COVID-19: Lessons Learned from the Cartagena Case Study
Authors: García-Ayllón Salvador , Kyriakidis Phaedon
Published: January 2022

The impact of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 on urban pollution in our cities is a proven fact, although its mechanisms are not known in great detail. The change in urban mobility patterns due to the restrictions imposed on the population during lockdown is a phenomenon that can be parameterized and studied from the perspective of spatial analysis. This study proposes an analysis of the guiding parameters of these changes from the perspective of spatial analysis. To do so, the case study of the city of Cartagena, a medium-sized city in Spain, has been analyzed throughout the period of mobility restrictions due to COVID-19. By means of a geostatistical analysis, changes in urban mobility patterns and the modal distribution of transport have been correlated with the evolution of environmental air quality indicators in the city. The results show that despite the positive effect of the pandemic in its beginnings on the environmental impact of urban mobility, the changes generated in the behavior patterns of current mobility users favor the most polluting modes of travel in cities.
Ecologically Intermediate and Economically Final: The Role of the Ecosystem Services Framework in Measuring Sustainability in Agri-Food Systems
Authors: La Notte Alessandra
Published: January 2022

Ecosystem services can be defined as the ecosystem’s contribution to human activities. According to recent assessments, the agricultural sector is one of the most important economic users of ecosystem services in Europe. To assess, value, and account for ecosystem services related to the agri-food system offers the possibility to measure and investigate how agricultural management practices together with changing environmental conditions can affect ecological resilience. However, the accounting of ecosystem services’ flows needs to be carefully addressed, because the overlapping of services and benefits and the overlapping of what are considered intermediate and final services could create dangerous misunderstandings about the role and importance of ecosystem services in agriculture. This paper reports on the possible accounting approaches that can be used to assess crop provision, as well as their meanings and implications from an ecological to an economic perspective. The results demonstrate that an economic accounting-based assessment of ecosystem services needs to move from an ecological holistic view to a one-by-one disaggregation of ecosystem services in order to avoid underestimates that would ultimately affect the policy perception of the role of ecosystems with respect to the agri-food systems’ resilience.