bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Characterization and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel Propofol Micelles with Low-Lipid and Low-Free Propofol
Authors: Chu Yongchao , Sun Tao , Xie Zichen , Sun Keyu , Jiang Chen
Published: February 2022

We developed safe and stable mixed polymeric micelles with low lipids and free propofol for intravenous administration, to overcome the biological barrier of the reticuloendothelial system (RES), reduce pain upon injection, and complications of marketed propofol formulation. The propofol-mixed micelles were composed of distearoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-methoxy-poly (ethylene glycol 2000) (DSPE mPEG2k) and Solutol HS 15 and were optimized using Box Behnken design (BBD). The optimized formulation was evaluated for globule size, zeta potential, loading content, encapsulation efficiency, pain on injection, histological evaluation, hemolysis test, in vivo anesthetic action, and pharmacokinetics, in comparison to the commercialized emulsion Diprivan. The optimized micelle formulation displayed homogenous particle sizes, and the free drug concentration in the micelles was 60.9% lower than that of Diprivan. The paw-lick study demonstrated that propofol-mixed micelles significantly reduced pain symptoms. The anesthetic action of the mixed micelles were similar with the Diprivan. Therefore, we conclude that the novel propofol-mixed micelle reduces injection-site pain and the risk of hyperlipidemia due to the low content of free propofol and low-lipid constituent. It may be a more promising clinical alternative for anesthetic.
In Vivo Evaluation of Mechanically Processed Stromal Vascular Fraction in a Chamber Vascularized by an Arteriovenous Shunt
Authors: Kim Bong-Sung , Chen Shih-Heng , Vasella Mauro , Guidi Marco , Gousopoulos Epameinondas , Lindenblatt Nicole , Kao Huang-Kai
Published: February 2022

Mechanically processed stromal vascular fraction (mSVF) is a promising source for regenerative purposes. To study the in vivo fate of the mSVF, we herein used a vascularized tissue engineering chamber that insulates the target mSVF from the surrounding environment. In contrast to previous models, we propose an arteriovenous (AV) shunt between saphenous vessels in rats without a venous graft. Mechanical SVF was processed from the fat pads of male Sprague Dawley rats, mixed with a fibrin hydrogel and implanted into an inguinal tissue engineering chamber. An arteriovenous shunt was established between saphenous artery and vein. On the contralateral side, an mSVF-fibrin hydrogel mix without vascular axis served as a non-vascularized control. After two and six weeks, rats were sacrificed for further analysis. Mechanical SVF showed significant numbers of mesenchymal stromal cells. Vascularized mSVF explants gained weight over time. Perilipin and CD31 expression were significantly higher in the mSVF explants after six weeks while no difference in DAPI positive cells, collagen deposition and FABP4 expression was observed. Morphologically, no differentiated adipocytes but a dense cell-rich tissue with perilipin-positive cells was found after six weeks. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was significantly enhanced after six weeks while Akt activation remained unaltered. Finally, mSVF explants stably expressed and released VEGF, bFGF and TGFb. Vascularized mSVF is able to proliferate and express adipocyte-specific markers. The AV shunt model is a valuable refinement of currently existing AV loop models in the rat which contributes to the fundamental 3R principles of animal research.
Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Sustainable Agriculture: Their Application as Light Converters, Nanosensors, and Delivery Tools
Authors: Zhu Lan , Chen Lingling , Gu Jiangjiang , Ma Huixin , Wu Honghong
Published: February 2022

Nano-enabled agriculture is now receiving increasing attentions. Among the used nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials are good candidates for sustainable agriculture. Previous review papers about the role of carbon-based nanomaterials in agriculture are either focused on one type of carbon-based nanomaterial or lack systematic discussion of the potential wide applications in agriculture. In this review, different types of carbon-based nanomaterials and their applications in light converters, nanosensors, and delivery tools in agriculture are summarized. Possible knowledge gaps are discussed. Overall, this review helps to better understand the role and the potential of carbon-based nanomaterials for nano-enabled agriculture.
As It Stands: The Palouse Wild Cider Apple Breeding Program
Authors: James Tymon , Johnson Alexandra , Schaller Alexander , Vanderzande Stijn , Luo Feixiong , Sandefur Paul , Ru Sushan , Peace Cameron
Published: February 2022

Providing hands-on education for the next generation of plant breeders would help maximize effectiveness of future breeding efforts. Such education should include training in introgression of crop wild relative alleles, which can increase genetic diversity while providing cultivar attributes that meet industry and consumer demands in a crop such as cider apple. Incorporation of DNA information in breeding decisions has become more common and is another skill future plant breeders need. The Palouse Wild Cider apple breeding program (PWCabp) was established at Washington State University in early 2014 as a student-run experiential learning opportunity. The objectives of this study were to describe the PWCabp’s approaches, outcomes, and student involvement to date that has relied on a systematic operational structure, utilization of wild relatives, and incorporation of DNA information. Students chose the crop (cider apple) and initial target market and stakeholders (backyard growers and hobbyists of the Palouse region). Twelve target attributes were defined including high phenolics and red flesh. Phase one and two field trials were established. Two promising high-bitterness selections were identified and propagated. By running the PWCabp, more than 20 undergraduate and graduate students gained experience in the decisions and operations of a fruit breeding program. PWCabp activities have produced desirable new germplasm via utilization of highly diverse Malus germplasm and trained new plant breeding professionals via experiential learning.
Impact of Immersion Media on Physical Properties and Bioactivity of Epoxy Resin-Based and Bioceramic Endodontic Sealers
Authors: Moraes Thais Gomes de , Menezes Alan Silva de , Grazziotin-Soares Renata , Moraes Rafael Ubaldo Moreira e , Ferreira Paulo Vitor Campos , Carvalho Ceci Nunes , Bauer Jose , Carvalho Edilausson Moreno
Published: February 2022

This study assessed the effects of immersion media [distilled water (dw), phosphate buffered saline (pbs) and simulated body fluid (sbf)] in the physical properties [fluid uptake/sorption/solubility and alkalinization activity (pH)] and bioactivity of a bioceramic sealer: the BioRoot RCS (BioRoot) (Septodont). The epoxy-resin sealer AH Plus (Dentsply) was used as comparison. Sealers were immersed in dw, pbs and sbf to evaluate the fluid uptake/sorption/solubility and pH’s media. Bioactivity was assessed with SEM/EDS, FTIR-ATR and XRD. BioRoot solubility was as follows: sbf > pbs = dw. BioRoot had alkaline pH, and AH Plus had neutral pH, regardless of the medium. BioRoot presented mineral precipitates and peaks indicating hydroxyapatite-precursors in pbs and sbf. AH Plus physical properties were not affected by immersion media and it had no bioactivity. pbs and sbf should be preferred to investigate bioceramic sealers over distilled water, because they were able to highlight the sealer properties. BioRoot maintained the alkaline environment and favored hard tissue deposition.
Polymeric Coating of Silica Microspheres for Biological Applications: Suppression of Non-Specific Binding and Functionalization with Biomolecules
Authors: Brambilla Dario , Mussida Alessandro , Ferretti Anna M. , Sola Laura , Damin Francesco , Chiari Marcella
Published: February 2022

The use of micro- and nanoparticles in biological applications has dramatically grown during the last few decades due to the ease of protocols development and compatibility with microfluidics devices. Particles can be composed by different materials, i.e., polymers, inorganic dielectrics, and metals. Among them, silica is a suitable material for the development of biosensing applications. Depending on their final application, the surface properties of particles, including silica, are tailored by means of chemical modification or polymeric coating. The latter strategy represents a powerful tool to create a hydrophilic environment that enables the functionalization of particles with biomolecules and the further interaction with analytes. Here, the use of MCP-6, a dimethylacrylamide (DMA)-based ter-copolymer, to coat silica microspheres is presented. MCP-6 offers unprecedented ease of coating, imparting silica particles a hydrophilic coating with antifouling properties that is able to provide high-density immobilization of biological probes.
Wood Warping Composite by 3D Printing
Authors: Kam Doron , Levin Ido , Kutner Yinnon , Lanciano Omri , Sharon Eran , Shoseyov Oded , Magdassi Shlomo
Published: February 2022

Wood warping is a phenomenon known as a deformation in wood that occurs when changes in moisture content cause an unevenly volumetric change due to fiber orientation. Here we present an investigation of wood warped objects that were fabricated by 3D printing. Similar to natural wood warping, water evaporation causes volume decrease of the printed object, but in contrast, the printing pathway pattern and flow rate dictate the direction of the alignment and its intensity, all of which can be predesigned and affect the resulting structure after drying. The fabrication of the objects was performed by an extrusion-based 3D printing technique that enables the deposition of water-based inks into 3D objects. The printing ink was composed of 100% wood-based materials, wood flour, and plant-extracted natural binders cellulose nanocrystals, and xyloglucan, without the need for any additional synthetic resins. Two archetypal structures were printed: cylindrical structure and helices. In the former, we identified a new length scale that gauges the effect of gravity on the shape. In the latter, the structure exhibited a shape transition analogous to the opening of a seedpod, quantitatively reproducing theoretical predictions. Together, by carefully tuning the flow rate and printing pathway, the morphology of the fully dried wooden objects can be controlled. Hence, it is possible to design the printing of wet objects that will form different final 3D structures.
Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films as a Potential Buccal Platform for Drug Delivery
Authors: Pilicheva Bissera , Uzunova Yordanka , Marudova Maria
Published: February 2022

The goal of this research was to study the potential of polyelectrolyte multilayers as buccal dosage forms for drug delivery and to investigate how the properties of the drugs impact the overall performance of the delivery system. Multilayer films based on the polyelectrolyte interaction between casein and chitosan were developed using benzydamine, tolfenamic acid and betahistine as model drugs. The samples were characterized for surface pH, moisture content and moisture absorption, swelling behavior and mucoadhesion. Additionally, surface morphology was investigated, as well as the drugs’ physical state after incorporation in the multilayer films. The samples proved to be non-irritant (pH was within the physiological range), physically stable (moisture content and moisture absorption below 5%) and mucoadhesive, adsorbing from 60 to 70% mucin. The release behavior corelated to the swelling index profiles of the samples and was strongly dependent on the drug solubility. The developed multilayer films appeared to be an optimum delivery system for sparingly soluble drugs due to the high drug loading achieved.
Polymeric Insulator Conditions Estimation by Using Leakage Current Characteristics Based on Simulation and Experimental Investigation
Authors: Salem Ali Ahmed , Lau Kwan Yiew , Abdul-Malek Zulkurnain , Mohammed Nabil , Al-Shaalan Abdullah M. , Al-Shamma’a Abdullrahman A. , Farh Hassan M. H.
Published: February 2022

The current work contributes an estimate of the time-frequency characteristics of a leakage current in assessing the health condition of a polluted polymeric insulator. A 33 kV polymer insulator string was subjected to a series of laboratory tests under a range of environmental conditions, including pollution, wetting rate (WR), non-soluble deposit density (NSDD), and non-uniform distribution pollution (FT/B). The temporal and frequency features of the leakage current were then extracted and used as assessment indicators for insulator conditions based on laboratory test findings. Two indices were generated from the leakage current waveform in the time domain: the curve slope index (F1), which is determined by measuring the inclination of the curve between two successive time peaks of the leakage current, and the crest factor indicator (F2). The frequency domain of the leakage current signal was used to calculate the other two indices. These are the odd harmonic indicators derived from the odd frequency harmonics of the leakage current up to the 9th component (F3) and the 5th to 3rd harmonics ratio (F4). The findings showed that the suggested indicators were capable of evaluating insulator conditions. Finally, the confusion matrix for the experimental and prediction results obtained with the proposed indices was used to assess which indicator performed the best. Therefore, the analysis suggests an alternative and effective method for estimating the health condition of a polluted insulator through leakage current characteristics obtained in the time and frequency domains.
Proteins Adsorbing onto Surface-Modified Nanoparticles: Effect of Surface Curvature, pH, and the Interplay of Polymers and Proteins Acid–Base Equilibrium
Authors: Gonzalez Solveyra Estefania , Thompson David H. , Szleifer Igal
Published: February 2022

Protein adsorption onto nanomaterials is a process of vital significance and it is commonly controlled by functionalizing their surface with polymers. The efficiency of this strategy depends on the design parameters of the nanoconstruct. Although significant amount of work has been carried out on planar surfaces modified with different types of polymers, studies investigating the role of surface curvature are not as abundant. Here, we present a comprehensive and systematic study of the protein adsorption process, analyzing the effect of curvature and morphology, the grafting of polymer mixtures, the type of monomer (neutral, acidic, basic), the proteins in solution, and the conditions of the solution. The theoretical approach we employed is based on a molecular theory that allows to explicitly consider the acid–base reactions of the amino acids in the proteins and the monomers on the surface. The calculations showed that surface curvature modulates the molecular organization in space, but key variables are the bulk pH and salt concentration (in the millimolar range). When grafting the NP with acidic or basic polymers, the surface coating could disfavor or promote adsorption, depending on the solution’s conditions. When NPs are in contact with protein mixtures in solution, a nontrivial competitive adsorption process is observed. The calculations reflect the balance between molecular organization and chemical state of polymers and proteins, and how it is modulated by the curvature of the underlying surface.
Clinical Application of 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Polycaprolactone/Beta Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffold for Complex Zygomatico-Maxillary Defects
Authors: Jeong Woo-Shik , Kim Young-Chul , Min Jae-Cheong , Park Ho-Jin , Lee Eun-Ju , Shim Jin-Hyung , Choi Jong-Woo
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of a 3D-printed, patient-specific polycaprolactone/beta tricalcium phosphate (PCL/β-TCP) scaffold in the treatment of complex zygomatico-maxillary defects. (2) Methods: We evaluated eight patients who underwent immediate or delayed maxillary reconstruction with patient-specific PCL implants between December 2019 and June 2021. The efficacy of these techniques was assessed using the volume and density analysis of computed tomography data obtained before surgery and six months after surgery. (3) Results: Patients underwent maxillary reconstruction with the 3D-printed PCL/β-TCP scaffold based on various reconstructive techniques, including bone graft, fasciocutaneous free flaps, and fat graft. In the volume analysis, satisfactory volume conformity was achieved between the preoperative simulation and actual implant volume with a mean volume conformity of 79.71%, ranging from 70.89% to 86.31%. The ratio of de novo bone formation to total implant volume (bone volume fraction) was satisfactory with a mean bone fraction volume of 23.34%, ranging from 7.81% to 66.21%. Mean tissue density in the region of interest was 188.84 HU, ranging from 151.48 HU to 291.74 HU. (4) Conclusions: The combined use of the PCL/β-TCP scaffold with virtual surgical simulation and 3D printing techniques may replace traditional non-absorbable implants in the future owing to its accuracy and biocompatible properties.
Analysis of Elongational Viscosity of Entangled Poly (Propylene Carbonate) Melts by Primitive Chain Network Simulations
Authors: Masubuchi Yuichi , Yang Lixin , Uneyama Takashi , Doi Yuya
Published: February 2022

It has been established that the elongational rheology of polymers depends on their chemistry. However, the analysis of experimental data has been reported for only a few polymers. In this study, we analyzed the elongational viscosity of poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC) melts in terms of monomeric friction via primitive chain network simulations. By incorporating a small polydispersity of materials, the linear viscoelastic response was semi-quantitatively reproduced. Owing to this agreement, we determined units of time and modulus to carry out elongational simulations. The simulation with constant monomeric friction overestimated elongational viscosity, whereas it nicely captured the experimental data if friction decreased with increasing segment orientation. To see the effect of chemistry, we also conducted the simulation for a polystyrene (PS) melt, which has a similar entanglement number per chain and a polydispersity index. The results imply that PPC and PS behave similarly in terms of the reduction of friction under fast deformations.
“The Tragedy of Messianic Politics”: Gustav Landauer’s Hidden Legacy in Franz Rosenzweig and Walter Benjamin
Authors: Pisano Libera
Published: February 2022

Gustav Landauer (1870–1919) was a German-Jewish anarchist and radical thinker who was brutally murdered in the Munich Soviet Republic. Paul Mendes-Flohr has contributed enormously to the rediscovery of this long-neglected figure, who nonetheless played a crucial role in the intellectual debates of his time. Mendes-Flohr emphasizes the impact that Landauer’s death had on Martin Buber’s conception of politics at a time when Jewish revolutionaries were attempting to combine messianism and activism. In this essay, as a complement to Mendes-Flohr’s insightful work, I will attempt to show how Landauer’s legacy can be traced in two other German-Jewish thinkers, Franz Rosenzweig and Walter Benjamin, albeit with important differences. In particular, I want to illustrate how Landauer’s idea of an anarchic diaspora, as well as his idea of revolution as interruption, both based on a unique conception of time, can be seen as two powerful theologico-political devices that he used in order to dismantle a too narrow and too technical idea of politics. I will, therefore, examine how the anarchic diaspora finds its echo in Rosenzweig’s thought, and how the idea of interruption and inversion can be found in Benjamin’s conception of revolution.
Monitoring of Land Subsidence and Ground Fissure Activity within the Su-Xi-Chang Area Based on Time-Series InSAR
Authors: Yang Chengsheng , Lv Sen , Hou Zuhang , Zhang Qin , Li Tao , Zhao Chaoying
Published: February 2022

Serious land subsidence and ground fissure (GF) disasters have brought huge economic losses to the Su-Xi-Chang area (China) and threatened the safety of its residents. To better understand the development of these disasters, it is urgent to carry out long-term and large-scale deformation monitoring in this region. In this study, based on time-series interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technology, ground deformation characteristics were obtained at different periods. Meanwhile, Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in Three Dimensions (FLAC3D) version 5.00 was used to study the stress, seepage field, and displacement changes in the soil layers caused by pumping activities at the bedrock bulge. The results showed that three subsidence centers were located in Suzhou, Wuxi, and Changzhou from 2007 to 2010. The ground fissures in Guangming village had obvious differential settlements and intense activities. The land subsidence in the Su-Xi-Chang area was under control from 2018 to 2021, while there was a relative rebound in most areas. Combined with numerical simulation and geological data, we demonstrated that pumping activities would accelerate and intensify the land subsidence process, and differential subsidence was prone to occur at the buried hill, which in turn led to the formation of ground fissures. By comparing the characteristics of ground deformation in different periods, it was proven that banning groundwater exploitation is an effective measure for preventing and controlling such disasters.
The Roles of Sea Ice Export, Atmospheric and Oceanic Factors in the Seasonal and Regional Variability of Arctic Sea Ice during 1979–2020
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Ke Changqing , Cheng Bin , Shen Xiaoyi , He Yue , Sha Dexuan
Published: February 2022

The seasonal and regional variability of Arctic sea ice area (SIA) and thickness (SIT) were investigated between 1979 and 2020 for the Atlantic sector (AS), Pacific sector (PS) and Barents–Kara Seas (BKSs). We applied the SIA data from remote sensing observations and SIT data from numerical model calculations. We found the large summer variability of SIA and SIT in AS and PS compared with those in winter. The opposite feature was seen in the BKSs. The annual declining rates of SIA and SIT were the largest in PS (−1.73 × 104 km2 yr−1) and AS (−3.36 × 10−2 m yr−1), respectively. The SIA variability was modest for winter PS and the northern Canadian Arctic Archipelago of AS. The annual and winter SIA flux from PS to AS gradually increased in 1979–2020; the summer SIA flux accounted for 11% of the PS summer SIA decline. The annual and seasonal SIA outflow through the Fram Strait during 1979–2020 steadily increased while for annual and winter SIA export, the increase mainly occurred in 1979–2000; the summer SIA outflow was only 1.45% equivalent to the decrease in the entire Arctic summer SIA. We concluded that sea ice export was not a major impact factor on the seasonal and regional decline of SIA and SIT except for the individual years. The near surface air temperature (SAT) and sea surface temperature (SST) were responsible for the retreat and thinning of the sea ice. The dramatic increase in SAT in winter resulted in a strong decrease in winter sea ice in BKS. The outgoing longwave radiation had significant negative correlations with SIA and SIT and positive correlations with SAT and SST. The Atlantic multi-decadal oscillation, related to the North Atlantic Ocean’s SST anomalies, had significant negative correlations with SIA and SIT. The SIT had higher correlations with the atmospheric and oceanic factors compared with SIA, which indicates that SIT is important for predictions of Arctic sea ice and climate change.
The Possible Seismo-Ionospheric Perturbations Recorded by the China-Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite
Authors: Zhima Zeren , Yan Rui , Lin Jian , Wang Qiao , Yang Yanyan , Lv Fangxian , Huang Jianping , Cui Jing , Liu Qinqin , Zhao Shufan , Zhang Zhenxia , Xu Song , Liu Dapeng , Chu Wei , Zhu Keying , Sun Xiaoying , Lu Hengxin , Guo Feng , Tan Qiao , Zhou Na , Yang Dehe , Huang He , Wang Jie , Shen Xuhui
Published: February 2022

Driven by the objective of earthquake disaster prevention and mitigation, China launched the Zhangheng mission to build a stereoscopic earthquake monitoring system from the lithosphere to space. This report briefly presents the possible seismic ionospheric disturbances recorded by the first probe of the Zhangheng mission, which is known as the China-Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES). The routine data preprocessing and seismo-ionospheric information analysis methods are briefly introduced. The possible seismo-ionospheric disturbances that appeared during the strong shallow earthquakes (with a magnitude over 7 and a depth shallower than 30 km) are analyzed by using CSES and other multi-source data. Investigating seismo-ionospheric mechanisms requires multidisciplinary knowledge involving geophysics, atmosphere/ionosphere physics, geochemistry/atmospheric chemistry, etc. We state that the results from the CSES scientific application center are preliminary, calling for international scientists to contribute to the seismo-ionospheric perturbation phenomena, which is one of the most challenging scientific problems.
Multispectral Imagery Provides Benefits for Mapping Spruce Tree Decline Due to Bark Beetle Infestation When Acquired Late in the Season
Authors: Junttila Samuli , Näsi Roope , Koivumäki Niko , Imangholiloo Mohammad , Saarinen Ninni , Raisio Juha , Holopainen Markus , Hyyppä Hannu , Hyyppä Juha , Lyytikäinen-Saarenmaa Päivi , Vastaranta Mikko , Honkavaara Eija
Published: February 2022

Climate change is increasing pest insects’ ability to reproduce as temperatures rise, resulting in vast tree mortality globally. Early information on pest infestation is urgently needed for timely decisions to mitigate the damage. We investigated the mapping of trees that were in decline due to European spruce bark beetle infestation using multispectral unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)-based imagery collected in spring and fall in four study areas in Helsinki, Finland. We used the Random Forest machine learning to classify trees based on their symptoms during both occasions. Our approach achieved an overall classification accuracy of 78.2% and 84.5% for healthy, declined and dead trees for spring and fall datasets, respectively. The results suggest that fall or the end of summer provides the most accurate tree vitality classification results. We also investigated the transferability of Random Forest classifiers between different areas, resulting in overall classification accuracies ranging from 59.3% to 84.7%. The findings of this study indicate that multispectral UAV-based imagery is capable of classifying tree decline in Norway spruce trees during a bark beetle infestation.
Specific Effects of the 1988 Earthquake on Topography and Glaciation of the Tsambagarav Ridge (Mongolian Altai) Based on Remote Sensing and Field Data
Authors: Agatova Anna , Nepop Roman , Ganyushkin Dmitry , Otgonbayar Demberel , Griga Semen , Ovchinnikov Ivan
Published: February 2022

Strong earthquakes could serve as a trigger for glacier detachment and associated ice–rock avalanches. The 1988 Tsambagarav earthquake (M = 6.4) initiated collapse of part of the glacier tongue and a further ice–rock avalanche with an abnormal 5 km long path in Zuslan valley, Tsambagarav ridge (Mongolian Altai). Early documentation of surface effects in 1988, remote sensing and field data gathered 16 and 30 years after this event allowed for the assessment of the seismic impact on a reduction of “damaged” glacier under conditions of global warming as well as estimating topography changes in this arid and seismically active area. Because of the earthquake, the glacier immediately lost 10.4 % of its area (0.1 km2 of tongue surface). Additionally, 56% of its area was lost during 1988–2015, shrinking much faster than neighboring glaciers of similar size and exposition. Collapse of snow–ice cornice in the accumulation zone could play a key role in rapid acceleration of the detached ice block and abnormally long path of the ice–rock avalanche. A large amount of debris material provided more than 16 years of ice melting. Downstream, the valley avalanche debris cover repeats the topography of underlying Pleistocene moraines, which should be considered in regional paleogeographical reconstructions.
Treatment of Tide Gauge Time Series and Marine GNSS Measurements for Vertical Land Motion with Relevance to the Implementation of the Baltic Sea Chart Datum 2000
Authors: Varbla Sander , Ågren Jonas , Ellmann Artu , Poutanen Markku
Published: February 2022

Tide gauge (TG) time series and GNSS measurements have become standard datasets for various scientific and practical applications. However, the TG and geodetic networks in the Baltic Sea region are deforming due to vertical land motion (VLM), the primary cause of which is the glacial isostatic adjustment. Consequently, a correction for VLM, either obtained from a suitable VLM model or by utilizing space-geodetic techniques, must be applied to ensure compatibility of various data sources. It is common to consider the VLM rate relative to an arbitrary reference epoch, but this also yields that the resulting datasets may not be directly comparable. The common height reference, Baltic Sea Chart Datum 2000 (BSCD2000), has been initiated to facilitate the effective use of GNSS methods for accurate navigation and offshore surveying. The BSCD2000 agrees with the current national height realizations of the Baltic Sea countries. As TGs managed by national authorities are rigorously connected to the national height systems, the TG data can also be used in a common system. Hence, this contribution aims to review the treatment of TG time series for VLM and outline potential error sources for utilizing TG data relative to a common reference. Similar consideration is given for marine GNSS measurements that likewise require VLM correction for some marine applications (such as validating marine geoid models). The described principles are illustrated by analyzing and discussing numerical examples. These include investigations of TG time series and validation of shipborne GNSS determined sea surface heights. The latter employs a high-resolution geoid model and hydrodynamic model-based dynamic topography, which is linked to the height reference using VLM corrected TG data. Validation of the presented VLM corrected marine GNSS measurements yields a 1.7 cm standard deviation and −2.7 cm mean residual. The estimates are 1.9 cm and −10.2 cm, respectively, by neglecting VLM correction. The inclusion of VLM correction thus demonstrates significant improvement toward data consistency. Although the focus is on the Baltic Sea region, the principles described here are also applicable elsewhere.
Individual Tree Identification in ULS Point Clouds Using a Crown Width Mixed-Effects Model Based on NFI Data
Authors: Kubišta Jaroslav , Surový Peter
Published: February 2022

A linear mixed-effects model was used to relate crown width to height using an inventory plot as a random effect for trees in Czechia based on data from the National Forest Inventory (NFI). This model was used to estimate window size for a local maximum filter procedure (LMF) to detect individual tree tops in unmanned aerial laser scanning (ULS) point clouds of mixed species forest stands with diverse structures. Random model parameters were estimated for the study site based on several sample trees. Models calibrated with five or more samples achieved significantly better results (mean percentage error; MPE −0.17 for 5 samples) compared to when a fixed-effects model (MPE −0.62) was used. Lower performance was observed in dense stands with trees that were between 5 and 10 m in height. It was concluded that locally calibrated models predicting crown widths from tree heights might serve as a universal point of departure when searching for an optimal window size setting in LMF procedures.
Performance of DGPS Smartphone Positioning with the Use of P(L1) vs. P(L5) Pseudorange Measurements
Authors: Bakuła Mieczysław , Uradziński Marcin , Krasuski Kamil
Published: February 2022

This paper presents numerical analyzes of code differential GPS positioning with the use of two Huawei P30 Pro mobile phones. Code observations on L1 and L5 frequencies were chosen for DGPS positioning analysis. For project purposes, we additionally used one high-class geodetic GNSS receiver (Javad Alpha) acting as a reference station. Smartphones were placed at the same distance of 0.5 m from the reference receiver. Such a close distance was specially planned by the authors in order to achieve identical observation conditions. Thus, it was possible to compare the DGPS positioning accuracy using the same satellites and the P(L1) and P(L5) code only, for single observation epochs and for sequential DGPS adjustment. Additionally, the precision of observations of the second differences in the observations P(L1) and P(L5) was analyzed. In general, the use of the P(L5) code to derive DGPS positions has made it possible to significantly increase the accuracy with respect to the positions derived using the P(L1) code. Average errors of horizontal and vertical coordinates were about 60–80% lower for the DGPS solution using the P(L5) code than using the P(L1) code. Based on the simulated statistical analyses, an accuracy of about 0.4 m (3D) with 16 satellites may be obtained using a smartphone with P(L5) code. An accuracy of about 0.3 m (3D) can be achieved with 26 satellites.
Continuous Lactate Monitoring System Based on Percutaneous Microneedle Array
Authors: Chien Ming-Nan , Fan Shih-Hao , Huang Chi-Huang , Wu Chien-Chen , Huang Jung-Tung
Published: February 2022

Lactate measurement is important in the fields of sports and medicine. Lactate accumulation can seriously affect an athlete’s performance. The most common problem caused by lactate accumulation in athletes is muscle soreness due to excessive exercise. Moreover, from a medical viewpoint, lactate is one of the main prognostic factors of sepsis. Currently, blood sampling is the most common approach to lactate measurement for lactate sensing, and continuous measurement is not available. In this study, a low-cost continuous lactate monitoring system (CLMS) is developed based on a percutaneous microneedle array that uses a three-electrode lactate sensor. The working electrode has an area of 10 mm × 6 mm, including a 3 × 3 array of stainless-steel microneedles. The length, width, and thickness of each needle are 1 mm, 0.44 mm, and 0.03 mm, respectively. The working electrode is then plated with gold, polyaniline, lactate enzyme, Nafion, and Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly HEMA). The reference electrode is a 2 × 1 array covered with AgCl, and the counter electrode is a 2 × 1 array plated with gold. The sensor is incorporated into the CLMS and connected to a smartphone application and the cloud. The CLMS was tested on 40 human subjects who rode indoor bicycles, starting at 100 W and increasing in steps of 25 W at intervals of 5 min until exhaustion. The data acquired from the app connected to the CLMS were analyzed to determine the subjects’ lactate response to exercise and the feasibility of assessing exercise performance and training exercise intensity by using the proposed system.
The Influence of COVID-19 on Women’s Perceptions of Work-Family Conflict in Singapore
Authors: Neo Loo Seng , Tan Jean Yi Colette , Chew Tierra Wan Yi
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has facilitated a shift in working arrangements. Work from home may blur work and family boundaries, with potential deleterious influence on Work-Family conflict levels. This is especially so for women, who have traditionally been associated with a greater share of homecare and family duties. Using a sample of 754 married, working mothers in Singapore, this study seeks to examine the conflicting roles of women in Singapore during COVID-19 and their consequences on Work-Family conflict. Results show that the negative impacts of COVID-19 increased Work-Family conflict levels. Additionally, factors such as work occupational commitment, work role overload, parental demands, and family support are found to be key predictors for Work-Family conflict during COVID-19. Implications are then discussed, and the findings can inform companies and governmental institutions on strategies to reduce Work-Family conflict levels.
Rural Transportation Infrastructure in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review of Impacts, Implications, and Interventions
Authors: Kaiser Noah , Barstow Christina K.
Published: February 2022

The rural transport infrastructure sector is a critical force for sustainable development that is interwoven with many other sectors. Rural transportation is an underlying driver of many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a crucial contributor to many socioeconomic benefits for rural people around the world. This review paper expands upon, enhances, and cross-references the perspectives outlined in previous rural infrastructure-focused review papers. Firstly, this work gives a thorough look into the progress of the rural transportation sector in recent years by focusing on the thematic relationships between infrastructure and other components of sustainable development, namely, economics and agriculture, policy and governance, health, gender, education, and climate change and the environment. Secondly, several strategies, approaches, and tools employed by governments and practitioners within the rural transport sector are analyzed and discussed for their contributions to the wellbeing of rural dwellers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These include rural roads, bridges, maintenance, and non-infrastructural approaches that include concepts such as advanced technological innovations, intermediate modes of transport (IMTs), and transport services. This paper concludes that enhancement, improvement, and extension of rural transportation infrastructure brings significant benefits to rural dwellers. However, this paper also calls for additional integration of the sector and increased usage of systems approaches that view rural transport as an active part of many other sectors and a key leverage point within rural development as a whole. Further, this paper notes areas for future research and investigation, including increased investigation of the relationship between rural transportation infrastructure and education, improved data collection and management in support of improved policymaking, improved prioritization of interventions and institutionalization of maintenance, and expansion of pro-poor transportation strategies and interventions.
A Test Method to Evaluate the Adhesive Property between Asphalt and Aggregate Based on Simulating Actual Working Conditions
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Sun Mutian , Wu Shaoming , Huang Wenyuan , Fan Zhenyang , Du Xiaobo
Published: February 2022

The adhesive property between asphalt and aggregate is a crucial factor that affects the resistance of asphalt pavement to moisture damage. In this study, by simulating the actual working conditions of asphalt–aggregate bonding characteristics, test equipment was developed and a method for evaluating the adhesive properties between asphalt and aggregate—the brush damage test—was proposed. A steel-wire brush as the brush type, a total of 0.5 kg/m2 asphalt content, 70 °C as the maintenance temperature, and 4 h as the maintenance time, as well as mass loss rate (ML) of specimens before and after brushing, were used as the evaluation index. The brush damage test was conducted on five commonly used asphalt binders and two commonly used aggregates. Finally, the results of the brush damage test were analyzed in comparison with those of a binder bond strength (BBS) test. It was indicated that the evaluation results for the adhesive properties between asphalt and aggregate were not consistent under the two test methods. The pull-off tensile strength under dry conditions (POTSdry) and under wet conditions (POTSwet) when ignoring the influence of the texture of aggregate did not reflect the adhesive properties. ΔPOTS, representing the ability of asphalt to resist the loss of adhesion strength due to moisture damage, can be used to evaluate the adhesion properties between asphalt and aggregate. Under appropriate conditions, the brush damage test has the advantages of simple operation, high credibility, and good discrimination.
Performance of Push–Pull Technology in Low-Fertility Soils under Conventional and Conservation Agriculture Farming Systems in Malawi
Authors: Niassy Saliou , Agbodzavu Mawufe Komi , Mudereri Bester Tawona , Kamalongo Donwell , Ligowe Ivy , Hailu Girma , Kimathi Emily , Jere Zwide , Ochatum Nathan , Pittchar Jimmy , Kassie Menale , Khan Zeyaur
Published: February 2022

Push–pull technology (PPT) is one of the most viable low-cost agroecological practices that reduces the effects of insect pest infestations (e.g., stemborer) and parasitic weeds (e.g., Striga) in croplands. PPT was evaluated in low-fertility soils and two farming practices, minimum-tilled conservation agriculture practice (CA), and conventionally tilled practice (CP), in contrasting agroecological zones at the Chitedze, Mbawa, and Chitala stations in Malawi. Stemborer and Striga infestations were also investigated and the suitability levels of two Desmodium species. Farmers’ perceptions of PPT were gathered through a focus group discussion. The performance of PPT varied significantly between treatments, sites, and years on grain yields and the number of cobs that could be assigned to soil attributes. Significant variations were found in the number of exit holes, stemborer damage severity, and the number of Striga-affected plants with severe infestation. In Chitedze, CP recorded significantly shorter maize plants by 14.1, 11.6, and 5.8 cm than CP–PP, CA, and CA–PP, respectively, in 2016–2017. There were no significant differences in plant height between CP–PP, CA, and CA–PP. Similar results were also found in 2017–2018. Focus group discussions among farmers attested to up to 70% reductions in Striga weed and stemborer pests under PPT over the two seasons. Farmers who used push–pull technology reported a 45–50% yield increase. Push–pull was also perceived as a technology that improves soil fertility and controls soil erosion. The study presented the importance of soil physicochemical properties in the performance of the technology, as supported by the high occurrence of Striga asiatica in the country and the low suitability of Greenleaf Desmodium. Results reaffirmed the technology’s agronomic benefits in productivity, pest management, plant vigour, and Striga control. The cost of labour was described as a challenge, and research to identify more suitable Desmodium species is needed. The current study suggests the release of the technology in Malawi, emphasizing the inclusion of Desmodium and Brachiaria as animal fodder for the adoption of the technology.
Development of Landscape Architecture Design Students’ Pro-Environmental Awareness by Project-Based Learning
Authors: Xi Juan , Wang Xinjun
Published: February 2022

With a rapid pace of urbanization, urban environment problems have affected large numbers of people and aroused widespread concern. Landscape architecture design helps improve the welfare of urban residents and ecological function of urban green spaces. Course-based influence of college students majoring in landscape architecture is an efficient way to prepare future landscape architects with environmental awareness. This research applied project-based learning (PBL) and zone of proximal development (ZPD) in the landscape architecture design course, and developed the investigation–design–construction PBL modules of the course. The experimental group, 57 college juniors majoring in landscape architecture, received PBL education while learning the course. At the end of the course, a questionnaire was answered by the junior students and the control group, which comprised 60 senior students who received no PBL instruction while learning the same course in the third year. The results indicate that the PBL approach was well accepted by 90% of the experimental group, who were 17.37% more likely to employ pro-environmental design methods in their future work than the control group. It was also found that employing the PBL approach in the landscape architecture design course had a positive influence upon students’ pro-environmental values, knowledge and attitudes.
The Coordination of Multi-Stage Discounts in a Dual Channel Fresh Agricultural Produce Supply Chain: Minimizing the Loss of Quantity and Quality
Authors: Zheng Xiaojing
Published: February 2022

This paper explores the coordination of the agricultural cooperative to supermarket or E-commerce supply chain, under the condition of quantity loss with a mixed decay function of exponential and logistical distribution. The nature of this process is analyzed, and the corresponding demand and supply functions with single- and multi-stage discount strategies are constructed, respectively, to create a working model. The optimal discount ratios for supermarkets and agricultural cooperatives in decentralized and centralized decision-making modes coupled with single- and multi-stage discounts are calculated, respectively. Finally, a universal optimal strategy is designed, which can be applied to various quantity decay scenarios and makes the discount strategy more generalized. The results show that discounts can coordinate supply chains more effectively; not only would fresh agricultural produce be sold out before it starts to rot, but also the benefit conflicts arising from both supermarkets vs. cooperatives and traditional vs. E-commerce channels could be equilibrated. Further, multi-stage discounts are more difficult to coordinate than single-stage ones, the corresponding optimal discount ratios rely on the initial quantity of fresh agricultural produce in the supply chain, its market share in the traditional distribution channel, the potential market size, retail price, the price sensitivity coefficient of the channel, the cross-elasticity coefficient of prices between different channels, and the properties of the quantity loss. It is concluded that, regardless of what kind of quantity and quality loss occurs, whether decentralized or centralized decision making is selected, or whether the supermarket’s or agricultural cooperative’s discount ratio is considered, a universal price discount consisting of a fixed term and a drift term could both maximize supply chain profit and coordinate this dual-channel supply chain.
FDI, Green Innovation and Environmental Quality Nexus: New Insights from BRICS Economies
Authors: Ali Najabat , Phoungthong Khamphe , Techato Kuaanan , Ali Waheed , Abbas Shah , Dhanraj Joshuva Arockia , Khan Anwar
Published: February 2022

One major concern about foreign direct investment (FDI) is the potential negative environmental impact due to increased CO2 emissions. However, there is a possibility that FDI mitigates CO2 emissions through green innovation and creates a cleaner environment. In the existing literature, there is no significant empirical evidence on the linkage among FDI, green innovation and CO2 emissions in the context of BRICS countries. Hence, this study aims to analyze the impact of FDI and green innovation on the environmental quality of BRICS economies for 1990–2014. The study employed Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimators for empirical data analysis. The study’s findings depict that foreign direct investment, energy use, and economic growth have a significant and positive impact on the CO2 emissions of BRICS economies. Moreover, green innovation has a significant inverse impact on CO2 emissions. The results show bidirectional causalities between CO2 emissions and green innovation, trade openness and CO2 emissions, energy use and CO2 emissions, and urbanization and CO2 emissions. Additionally, the findings reveal a one-way causality from CO2 emissions to GDP and CO2 emissions to urbanization. This study offers essential policy recommendations for the environmental sustainability of BRICS countries through green innovation.