bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methyl Jasmonate and Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin Individually Boost Triterpenoid Biosynthesis in Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii UVM4
Authors: Commault Audrey S. , Kuzhiumparambil Unnikrishnan , Herdean Andrei , Fabris Michele , Jaramillo-Madrid Ana Cristina , Abbriano Raffaela M. , Ralph Peter J. , Pernice Mathieu
Published: February 2021

The commercialisation of valuable plant triterpenoids faces major challenges, including low abundance in natural hosts and costly downstream purification procedures. Endeavours to produce these compounds at industrial scale using microbial systems are gaining attention. Here, we report on a strategy to enrich the biomass of the biotechnologically-relevant Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain UVM4 with valuable triterpenes, such as squalene and (S)-2,3-epoxysqualene. C. reinhardtii UVM4 was subjected to the elicitor compounds methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and methyl-β-cyclodextrine (MβCD) to increase triterpene yields. MeJA treatment triggered oxidative stress, arrested growth, and altered the photosynthetic activity of the cells, while increasing squalene, (S)-2,3-epoxysqualene, and cycloartenol contents. Applying MβCD to cultures of C. reinhardtii lead to the sequestration of the two main sterols (ergosterol and 7-dehydroporiferasterol) into the growth medium and the intracellular accumulation of the intermediate cycloartenol, without compromising cell growth. When MβCD was applied in combination with MeJA, it counteracted the negative effects of MeJA on cell growth and physiology, but no synergistic effect on triterpene yield was observed. Together, our findings provide strategies for the triterpene enrichment of microalgal biomass and medium.
Monitoring New Long-Lasting Intravitreal Formulation for Glaucoma with Vitreous Images Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Rodrigo Maria Jesus , Palomar Amaya Pérez del , Montolío Alberto , Mendez-Martinez Silvia , Subias Manuel , Cardiel Maria Jose , Martinez-Rincon Teresa , Cegoñino José , Fraile José Maria , Vispe Eugenio , Mayoral José Antonio , Polo Vicente , Garcia-Martin Elena
Published: February 2021

Intravitreal injection is the gold standard therapeutic option for posterior segment pathologies, and long-lasting release is necessary to avoid reinjections. There is no effective intravitreal treatment for glaucoma or other optic neuropathies in daily practice, nor is there a non-invasive method to monitor drug levels in the vitreous. Here we show that a glaucoma treatment combining a hypotensive and neuroprotective intravitreal formulation (IF) of brimonidine–Laponite (BRI/LAP) can be monitored non-invasively using vitreoretinal interface imaging captured with optical coherence tomography (OCT) over 24 weeks of follow-up. Qualitative and quantitative characterisation was achieved by analysing the changes in vitreous (VIT) signal intensity, expressed as a ratio of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) intensity. Vitreous hyperreflective aggregates mixed in the vitreous and tended to settle on the retinal surface. Relative intensity and aggregate size progressively decreased over 24 weeks in treated rat eyes as the BRI/LAP IF degraded. VIT/RPE relative intensity and total aggregate area correlated with brimonidine levels measured in the eye. The OCT-derived VIT/RPE relative intensity may be a useful and objective marker for non-invasive monitoring of BRI/LAP IF.
Viral-Vector-Delivered Anti-Angiogenic Therapies to the Eye
Authors: Koponen Sanna , Kokki Emmi , Kinnunen Kati , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo
Published: February 2021

Pathological vessel growth harms vision and may finally lead to vision loss. Anti-angiogenic gene therapy with viral vectors for ocular neovascularization has shown great promise in preclinical studies. Most of the studies have been conducted with different adeno-associated serotype vectors. In addition, adeno- and lentivirus vectors have been used. Therapy has been targeted towards blocking vascular endothelial growth factors or other pro-angiogenic factors. Clinical trials of intraocular gene therapy for neovascularization have shown the treatment to be safe without severe adverse events or systemic effects. Nevertheless, clinical studies have not proceeded further than Phase 2 trials.
Grazing Intensity Alters Leaf and Spike Photosynthesis, Transpiration, and Related Parameters of Three Grass Species on an Alpine Steppe in the Qilian Mountains
Authors: Li Jin , Hou Fujiang , Ren Jizhou
Published: February 2021

The effect of grazing on leaf photosynthesis has been extensively studied. However, the influence of grazing on photosynthesis in other green tissues, especially spike, has remained poorly understood. This study investigated the impact of different grazing intensities (light grazing (LG), medium grazing (MG), and heavy grazing (HG)) on leaf and spike photosynthesis parameters and photosynthetic pigments of three grass species (Stipa purpurea, Achnatherum inebrians, and Leymus secalinus) on an alpine steppe in the Qilian Mountains. Grazing promoted leaf photosynthesis rate in S. purpurea and L. secalinus but reduced it in A. inebrians. Conversely, spike photosynthesis rate decreased in S. purpurea and L. secalinus under intense grazing, while there was no significant difference in spike photosynthesis rate in A. inebrians. The leaf and spike net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and transpiration rate (Tr) in S. purpurea were the greatest among the three species, while their organ temperatures were the lowest. On the other hand, grazing stimulated leaf chlorophyll biosynthesis in S. purpurea and L. secalinus but accelerated leaf chlorophyll degradation in A. inebrians. Furthermore, spike chlorophyll biosynthesis was inhibited in the three species under grazing, and only L. secalinus had the ability to recover from the impairment. Grazing had a positive effect on leaf photosynthesis parameters of S. purpurea and L. secalinus but a negative effect on those of A. inebrians. However, spike photosynthesis parameters were negatively influenced by grazing. Among the three species investigated, S. purpurea displayed the greatest ability for leaf and spike photosynthesis to withstand and acclimate to grazing stress. This study suggests that moderate grazing enhanced leaf photosynthetic capacity of S. purpurea and L. secalinus but reduced it in A. inebrians. However, spike photosynthetic capacity of three grass species decreased in response to grazing intensities.
Rheological Properties Related to Extrusion of Polyolefins
Authors: Mitsoulis Evan , Hatzikiriakos Savvas G.
Published: February 2021

Rheological properties related to the extrusion of polyolefins are the shear viscosity, the elongational viscosity, the slip velocity and their temperature- and pressure-dependencies. These properties are measured in the rheology lab mainly via a parallel-plate rheometer and a capillary rheometer. Then appropriate rheological models have to be used to account for all these properties. Such models are either viscous (e.g., the Cross model) or viscoelastic (e.g., the K-BKZ model). The latter gives the best fitting of the experimental data and offers excellent results in numerical simulations, especially in extrusion flows. Wall slip effects are also found and measured by rheometric flows. Modeling of extrusion flows should make use of appropriate slip models that take into effect the various slip parameters, including the effects of shear stress, molecular characteristics, temperature and pressure on the slip velocity. In this paper the importance of these properties in extrusion are discussed.
MXene Enabling the Long-Term Superior Thermo-Oxidative Resistance for Elastomers
Authors: Liu Gui-Xiang , Yang Ya-Dong , Zhu Ding , Wei Yan-Chan , Liao Shuangquan , Luo Mingchao
Published: February 2021

The ability of long-term thermo-oxidative resistance is very important for elastomers in application. However, many conventional antioxidants are difficult to realize the long-term thermo-oxidative resistance. To overcome this limitation, a design strategy is introduced by combing elastomers with MXene and natural rubber (NR) is chosen as a model material. MXene is efficient in absorbing oxygen and the generated free radicals in the NR matrix and can inhibit the diffusion of oxygen toward the interior. Moreover, MXene, like graphene and carbon black, absorbs molecular chains, inhibiting the migration of MXene toward the surface of the sample. Such characteristics of MXene endow NR/MXene with the long-term outstanding thermo-oxidative resistance. For example, after three days of the thermo-oxidative process for NR/MXene, the tensile strength is 19 MPa and the retention of tensile strength is 63%, which far exceeds the effects of conventional antioxidants. This work not only provides a good guide for the universal design of elastomers with long-term thermo-oxidative resistance but also expands the application of MXene.
Reactive Extrusion of Maleic-Anhydride-Grafted Polypropylene by Torque Rheometer and Its Application as Compatibilizer
Authors: Tariq Asra , Ahmad Nasir M. , Abbas Muhammad Asad , Shakir M Fayzan , Khaliq Zubair , Rafiq Sikandar , Ali Zulfiqar , Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: February 2021

This study is based upon the functionalization of polypropylene (PP) by radical polymerization to optimize its properties by influencing its molecular weight. Grafting of PP was done at different concentrations of maleic anhydride (MAH) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The effect on viscosity during and after the reaction was studied by torque rheometer and melt flow index. Results showed that a higher concentration of BPO led to excessive side-chain reactions. At a high percentage of grafting, lower molecular weight product was produced, which was analyzed by viscosity change during and after the reaction. Percentage crystallinity increased by grafting due to the shorter chains, which consequently led to an improvement in the chain’s packing. Prepared Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAH-g-PP) enhanced interactions in PP-PET blends caused a partially homogeneous blend with less voids.
An Overview on Fault Diagnosis, Prognosis and Resilient Control for Wind Turbine Systems
Authors: Gao Zhiwei , Liu Xiaoxu
Published: February 2021

Wind energy is contributing to more and more portions in the world energy market. However, one deterrent to even greater investment in wind energy is the considerable failure rate of turbines. In particular, large wind turbines are expensive, with less tolerance for system performance degradations, unscheduled system shut downs, and even system damages caused by various malfunctions or faults occurring in system components such as rotor blades, hydraulic systems, generator, electronic control units, electric systems, sensors, and so forth. As a result, there is a high demand to improve the operation reliability, availability, and productivity of wind turbine systems. It is thus paramount to detect and identify any kinds of abnormalities as early as possible, predict potential faults and the remaining useful life of the components, and implement resilient control and management for minimizing performance degradation and economic cost, and avoiding dangerous situations. During the last 20 years, interesting and intensive research results were reported on fault diagnosis, prognosis, and resilient control techniques for wind turbine systems. This paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art overview on the existing fault diagnosis, prognosis, and resilient control methods and techniques for wind turbine systems, with particular attention on the results reported during the last decade. Finally, an overlook on the future development of the fault diagnosis, prognosis, and resilient control techniques for wind turbine systems is presented.
Simultaneous Removal of Al, Cu and Zn Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Ion and Precipitate Flotation Methods
Authors: Rybarczyk Piotr , Kawalec-Pietrenko Bożenna
Published: February 2021

This paper presents the results of investigations concerning the simultaneous removal of Al(III), Cu(II), and Zn(II) from dilute aqueous solutions using ion and precipitate flotation methods. The effects of initial solution pH, surface active substance concentration, and the gas velocity on the flotations’ efficiency and course are studied. Experimental results are discussed in terms of physicochemical aspects related to aqueous solutions of metal salts. The results indicate that satisfying simultaneous flotations of aluminum, copper and zinc species are observed if the pH value ranges between 7.0 and 9.0. It was found that an increase in collector concentration results in a decrease in the flotation rate constants. An increase in the gas velocity results in an increase in the ion and precipitate flotation rates.
Trauma and Sacrifice in Divided Communities: The Sacralisation of the Victims of Terrorism in Spain
Authors: Alemán Eliana , Pérez-Agote José
Published: February 2021

This work aims to show that the sacrificial status of the victims of acts of terrorism, such as the 2004 Madrid train bombings (“11-M”) and ETA (Basque Homeland and Liberty) attacks in Spain, is determined by how it is interpreted by the communities affected and the manner in which it is ritually elaborated a posteriori by society and institutionalised by the state. We also explore the way in which the sacralisation of the victim is used in socially and politically divided societies to establish the limits of the pure and the impure in defining the “Us”, which is a subject of dispute. To demonstrate this, we first describe two traumatic events of particular social and political significance (the case of Miguel Ángel Blanco and the 2004 Madrid train bombings). Secondly, we analyse different manifestations of the institutional discourse regarding victims in Spain, examining their representation in legislation, in public demonstrations by associations of victims of terrorism and in commemorative “performances” staged in Spain. We conclude that in societies such as Spain’s, where there exists a polarisation of the definition of the “Us”, the success of cultural and institutional performances oriented towards reparation of the terrorist trauma is precarious. Consequently, the validity of the post-sacrificial narrative centring on the sacred value of human life is ephemeral and thus fails to displace sacrificial narratives in which particularist definitions of the sacred Us predominate.
Automatic High-Accuracy Sea Ice Mapping in the Arctic Using MODIS Data
Authors: Jiang Liyuan , Ma Yong , Chen Fu , Liu Jianbo , Yao Wutao , Shang Erping
Published: February 2021

The sea ice cover is changing rapidly in polar regions, and sea ice products with high temporal and spatial resolution are of great importance in studying global climate change and navigation. In this paper, an ice map generation model based on Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) reflectance bands is constructed to obtain sea ice data with a high temporal and spatial resolution. By constructing a training sample library and using a multi-feature fusion machine learning algorithm for model classification, the high-accuracy recognition of ice and cloud regions is achieved. The first product provided by this algorithm is a near real-time single-scene sea ice presence map. Compared with the photo-interpreted ground truth, the verification shows that the algorithm can obtain a higher recognition accuracy for ice, clouds, and water, and the accuracy exceeds 98%. The second product is a daily and weekly clear sky map, which provides synthetic ice presence maps for one day or seven consecutive days. A filtering method based on cloud motion is used to make the product more accurate. The third product is a weekly fusion of clear sky optical images. In a comparison with the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) sea ice concentration products performed in August 2019 and September 2020, these composite images showed spatial consistency over time, suggesting that they can be used in many scientific and practical applications in the future.
Evaluation of Arctic Water Vapor Profile Observations from a Differential Absorption Lidar
Authors: Mariani Zen , Hicks-Jalali Shannon , Strawbridge Kevin , Gwozdecky Jack , Crawford Robert W. , Casati Barbara , Lemay François , Lehtinen Raisa , Tuominen Pekko
Published: February 2021

The continuous measuring of the vertical profile of water vapor in the boundary layer using a commercially available differential absorption lidar (DIAL) has only recently been made possible. Since September 2018, a new pre-production version of the Vaisala DIAL system has operated at the Iqaluit supersite (63.74°N, 68.51°W), commissioned by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) as part of the Canadian Arctic Weather Science project. This study presents its evaluation during the extremely dry conditions experienced in the Arctic by comparing it with coincident radiosonde and Raman lidar observations. Comparisons over a one year period were strongly correlated (r > 0.8 at almost all heights) and exhibited an average bias of +0.13 ± 0.01 g/kg (DIAL-sonde) and +0.18 ± 0.02 g/kg (DIAL-Raman). Larger differences exhibiting distinct artifacts were found between 250 and 400 m above ground level (AGL). The DIAL’s observations were also used to conduct a verification case study of operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) models during the World Meteorological Organization’s Year of Polar Prediction. Comparisons to ECCC’s global environmental multiscale model (GEM-2.5 km and GEM-10 km) indicate good agreement with an average bias < 0.16 g/kg for the higher-resolution (GEM-2.5 km) models. All models performed significantly better during the winter than the summer, likely due to the winter’s lower water vapor concentrations and decreased variability. This study provides evidence in favor of using high temporal resolution lidar water vapor profile measurements to complement radiosonde observations and for NWP model verification and process studies.
Incident Angle Dependence of Sentinel-1 Texture Features for Sea Ice Classification
Authors: Lohse Johannes , Doulgeris Anthony P. , Dierking Wolfgang
Published: February 2021

Robust and reliable classification of sea ice types in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is needed for various operational and environmental applications. Previous studies have investigated the class-dependent decrease in SAR backscatter intensity with incident angle (IA); others have shown the potential of textural information to improve automated image classification. In this work, we investigate the inclusion of Sentinel-1 (S1) texture features into a Bayesian classifier that accounts for linear per-class variation of its features with IA. We use the S1 extra-wide swath (EW) product in ground-range detected format at medium resolution (GRDM), and we compute seven grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture features from the HH and the HV backscatter intensity in the linear and logarithmic domain. While GLCM texture features obtained in the linear domain vary significantly with IA, the features computed from the logarithmic intensity do not depend on IA or reveal only a weak, approximately linear dependency. They can therefore be directly included in the IA-sensitive classifier that assumes a linear variation. The different number of looks in the first sub-swath (EW1) of the product causes a distinct offset in texture at the sub-swath boundary between EW1 and the second sub-swath (EW2). This offset must be considered when using texture in classification; we demonstrate a manual correction for the example of GLCM contrast. Based on the Jeffries–Matusita distance between class histograms, we perform a separability analysis for 57 different GLCM parameter settings. We select a suitable combination of features for the ice classes in our data set and classify several test images using a combination of intensity and texture features. We compare the results to a classifier using only intensity. Particular improvements are achieved for the generalized separation of ice and water, as well as the classification of young ice and multi-year ice.
Use of Sentinel-1 Multi-Configuration and Multi-Temporal Series for Monitoring Parameters of Winter Wheat
Authors: Gorrab Azza , Ameline Maël , Albergel Clément , Baup Frédéric
Published: February 2021

The present study aims to investigate the potential of multi-configuration Sentinel-1 (S-1) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images for characterizing four wheat parameters: total fresh mass (TFM), total dry mass (TDM), plant heights (He), and water content (WC). Because they are almost independent on the weather conditions, we have chosen to use only SAR. Samples of wheat parameters were collected over seven fields (three irrigated and four rainfed fields) in Southwestern France. We first analyzed the temporal behaviors of wheat parameters (He, TDM, TFM and WC) between February and June 2016. Then, the temporal profiles of the S-1 backscattering coefficients (VV, VH), the difference (VH − VV), the sum of the polarizations (VH + VV) and their cumulative values are analyzed for two orbits (30 and 132) during the wheat-growing season (from January to July 2016). After that, S-1 signals were statistically compared with all crop parameters considering the impact of pass orbit, irrigation and two vegetative periods in order to identify the best S-1 configuration for estimating crop parameters. Interesting S-1 backscattering behaviors were observed with the various wheat parameters after separating irrigation impacts and vegetative periods. For the orbit 30 (mean incidence angle of 33.6°); results show that the best S-1 configurations (with coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.7) were obtained using the VV and VH + VV as a function of the He, TDM and WC, over irrigated fields and during the second vegetative period. For the orbit 132 (mean incidence angle of 43.4°), the highest dynamic sensitivities (R2 > 0.8) were observed for the VV and VH + VV configurations with He, TDM and TFM over irrigated fields during the first vegetative period. Overall, the sensitivity of S-1 data to wheat variables depended on the radar configuration (orbits and polarizations), the vegetative periods and was often better over irrigated fields in comparison with rainfed ones. Significant improvements of the determination coefficients were obtained when the cumulative (VH + VV) index was considered for He (R² > 0.9), TDM (R² > 0.9) and TFM (R² > 0.75) for irrigated fields, all along the crop cycle. The estimate of WC was more limited (R² > 0.6) and remained limited to the second period of the vegetation cycle (from flowering onwards). Whatever parameters were considered, the relative errors never exceeded 23%. This study has shown the importance of considering the agricultural practices (irrigation) and vegetative periods to effectively monitor some wheat parameters with S-1 data.
New Understanding of Bar Top Hollows in Dryland Sandy Braided Rivers from Outcrops with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Ground Penetrating Radar Surveys
Authors: Zhang Xianguo , Lin Chengyan , Zhang Tao , Huang Daowu , Huang Derong , Liu Shanwei
Published: February 2021

Bar top hollows (BTHs) are morphological elements recognized in modern braided rivers; however, information regarding their depositional features and types of filling units in ancient strata is unclear. This is an important reason behind why it is difficult to identify BTH units in subsurface reservoirs. A Middle Jurassic dryland sandy braided river outcrop in northwestern China is characterized in this study through the application of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveying and mapping, and ground penetrating radar (GPR). A workflow of UAV data processing has been established, and a 3D digital outcrop model has been built. By observation and measurement of the outcrop model and GPR profiles, two types of BTH filled units were found: (a) sandstone-filled, and (b) mudstone-filled hollows. Both of these units were located between two adjacent bar units in an area that is limited to a compound bar, and were developed in the upper part of a braided bar depositional sequence. The ellipse-shaped, sandstone-filled unit measures 10 m × 27 m in map view and reaches a maximum thickness of 5 m. The transversal cross-section across the BTHs displays a concave upward basal surface, while the angle of the inclined structures infilling the BTHs decreases up-section. The GPR data show that, in the longitudinal profile, the basal surface is relatively flat, and low-angle, inclined layers can be observed in the lower- and middle part of the sandstone-filled BTHs. In contrast, no obvious depositional structures were observed in the mudstone-filled BTH in outcrop. The new understanding of BTH has a wide application, including the optimization of CO2 storage sites, fresh water aquifers exploration, and oil and gas reservoir characterization.
Using Time Series Sentinel-1 Images for Object-Oriented Crop Classification in Google Earth Engine
Authors: Luo Chong , Qi Beisong , Liu Huanjun , Guo Dong , Lu Lvping , Fu Qiang , Shao Yiqun
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and applicability of object-oriented crop classification using Sentinel-1 images in the Google Earth Engine (GEE). In this study, two study areas (Keshan farm and Tongnan town) with different average plot sizes in Heilongjiang Province, China, were selected. The research time was two consecutive years (2018 and 2019), which were used to verify the robustness of the method. Sentinel-1 images of the crop growth period (May to September) in each study area were composited with three time intervals (10 d, 15 d and 30 d). Then, the composite images were segmented by simple noniterative clustering (SNIC) according to different sizes and finally, the training samples and processed images were input into a random forest classifier for crop classification. The results showed the following: (1) the overall accuracy of using the object-oriented classification method combined composite Sentinel-1 image represented a great improvement compared with the pixel-based classification method in areas with large average plots (increase by 10%), the applicable scope of the method depends on the plot size of the study area; (2) the shorter time interval of the composite Sentinel-1 image was, the higher the crop classification accuracy was; (3) the features with high importance of composite Sentinel-1 images with different time intervals were mainly distributed in July, August and September, which was mainly due to the large differences in crop growth in these months; and (4) the optimal segmentation size of crop classification was closely related to image resolution and plot size. Previous studies usually emphasize the advantages of object-oriented classification. Our research not only emphasizes the advantages of object-oriented classification but also analyzes the constraints of using object-oriented classification, which is very important for the follow-up research of crop classification using object-oriented and synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
Recent Advancement in Mangrove Forests Mapping and Monitoring of the World Using Earth Observation Satellite Data
Authors: Giri Chandra
Published: February 2021

Mangrove forests are distributed in the inter-tidal region between the sea and the land in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world largely between 30° N and 30° S latitude [...]
A Mechanistic Approach for Modeling Soil Development Using Remotely Sensed Data Collected from Invaded Coasts
Authors: Liu Li-An , Yang Ren-Min , Zhang Xin , Zhu Chang-Ming , Zhang Zhong-Qi
Published: February 2021

The invasion of the exotic species Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora) has profoundly influenced coastal soil development in China. Accurate assessment and monitoring of invasion-driven development in coastal soils requires the development of reliable methods to support the sustainable governance of coastal ecosystems. A space-for-time substitution method and a stratified random sampling strategy were utilized in this study to obtain soil data from 15 sites at three depth intervals (0–30, 30–60 and 60–100 cm) to obtain a total of 45 soil samples. We developed a mechanistic approach to model soil development using Sentinel-1 data. Here, soil development was represented by a comprehensive soil index, the soil quality index (SQI), which was calculated from key physical and chemical soil properties. In the structural equation model (SEM), soil, vegetation and remote-sensing data were initially assumed to be related to each other based on prior knowledge and were constructed from their corresponding observed variables. The results of the correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between the invasion processes and SQI values, especially in the topsoil of the upper 30 cm. The final SEM model showed that the invasion process had great direct and positive effects on SQI in the upper 60 cm depth soil; however, vegetation (represented by a vegetation index) had a negative influence on SQI in the topmost layer. We found that Sentinel-1 data explained the large variation in the interacting ecosystem of the invasion, vegetation, and soils, with R2 values ranging between 0.45 and 0.96. The results of model performance evaluation demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed model in predicting SQI, with a ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of 1.44 in the upper 60 cm. Our findings highlight the potential of Sentinel-1 data in monitoring the pace of soil development in constructed S. alterniflora marshes.
Detecting Risk Factors of Road Work Zone Crashes from the Information Provided in Police Crash Reports: The Case Study of Portugal
Authors: Santos Bertha , Trindade Valdemiro , Polónia Cláudia , Picado-Santos Luís
Published: February 2021

Several studies have shown that European police crash reports provide different detail degrees of work zone crash-related data. In this sense, the present study aims to verify the possibility of identifying significant risk factors involved in the occurrence of road work zone crashes with casualties, based on the official data usually available, through a descriptive, binary logistic, and probit regression statistical analysis. To accomplish the analysis, a total of 2597 police-reports related to 1767 Portuguese work zone crashes that occurred during the 2013–2015 period were considered and binary logistic and probit regression models were estimated by the main type of crash, contributing factor, and driver age group. Fifteen explanatory variables, selected based on the literature review and crash data provided in police crash reports, were considered in the analysis. The results obtained for the estimated coefficients and goodness-of-fit test values were found very similar for both link functions (logit and probit) and it was possible to identify risk factors. The modeling results pointed to excessive speed, disregard for vertical signs, luminosity, intersections, and motorcycle and heavy vehicle involvement as the most significant risk factors. Given the results, it is possible to conclude that binary logistic regression can be used in the statistical analysis of the available police official work zone crash data to identify and get some insight into the risk factors involved in work zone crashes. Data analysis also revealed the need to promote adequate and complete crash report filling by police officers. While police crash reports are not revised and standardized to incorporate more detailed work zone crash information, this approach can be used to support a more efficient road operation decision making and the review of some aspects related to work zone layout design.
Fourth Ageism: Real and Imaginary Old Age
Authors: Higgs Paul , Gilleard Chris
Published: February 2021

This paper is concerned with the issue of ageism and its salience in current debates about the COVID-19 pandemic. In it, we address the question of how best to interpret the impact that the pandemic has had on the older population. While many feel angry at what they see as discriminatory lock-down practices confining older people to their homes, others are equally concerned by the failure of state responses to protect and preserve the health of older people, especially those receiving long-term care. This contrast in framing ageist responses to the pandemic, we suggest, arises from differing social representations of later life, reflecting the selective foregrounding of third versus fourth age imaginaries. Recognising the tension between social and biological parameters of ageing and its social categorisations, we suggest, may offer a more measured, as well as a less discriminatory, approach to addressing the selective use of chronological age as a line of demarcation within society.
Evaluating the Impact of Mega-Sports Events on Urbanization Focusing on Land-Use Changes Using a Scenario-Based Model
Authors: Fan Jinjin , Li Yue , Zhu Wenquan , Chen Yan , Li Yao , Hou Hao , Hu Tangao
Published: February 2021

Mega-sports events have a profound impact on promoting the urbanization process, optimizing the urban spatial structure, and improving the competitiveness of the host city. Taking the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 (AGH) as an example, we used remote sensing data and a scenario-based model to simulate land-use changes and developments from 2005 to 2025. By setting two scenarios, natural development and AGH-driven development, we explored the impact of AGH on urban development and its driving factors. The results show that (1) cultivated land areas decreased by 369.96 km2, while construction land areas increased by 488.33 km2 among the main land-use types in Hangzhou from 2005 to 2020. Urban areas quickly expanded with the West Lake as the center. (2) Urban sprawl intensity under the AGH-driven scenario is expected to increase by 0.91% compared to in the natural-development scenario, indicating that hosting AGH would accelerate the expansion of urban land, particularly in districts set with sports venues such as Binjiang, Xiaoshan, and Yuhang. The strategic trend of supporting the Qiantang River is obvious. (3) Under the influence of AGH, the centroid of urban construction land shifted towards the southeast, and the spatial direction was remarkable. The construction of venues and supporting facilities, and construction land for public rail transit, are the main direct driving forces of urban expansion. The AGH enhances the pace of urbanization, significantly altering the urban spatial structure and helping the city achieve a major transition from the West Lake Era to the Qiantang River Era. Furthermore, our research can provide insights into other cities that will host mega-sports events.
Sustainability and Slovenian Karst Landscapes: Evaluation of a Low Karst Plain
Authors: Ribeiro Daniela , Zorn Matija
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of karst landscape on the sustainable development of the Bela krajina region, southeast Slovenia. In order to better understand the influence of karst landscape on sustainable development we used three approaches: (1) the Karst Disturbance Index, (2) a quantitative analysis by using sustainable development indicators and (3) a qualitative analysis using structured interviews. The Karst Disturbance Index classified the degree of disturbance in Bela krajina as low. According to sustainable development indicators we found differences in the structure related to economy, population and environment within the region. And, according to the qualitative analysis, the negative impacts of the karst landscape on sustainable development are mainly associated with hampered agriculture and the positive with tourism; thus, karst landscape cannot only be seen as a limiting factor, since it also has development potential. Regional development in karst areas should therefore be adapted to their specificities and take into account their vulnerability.
Resistance-Based Connectivity Model to Construct Corridors of the Przewalski’s Gazelle (Procapra Przewalskii) in Fragmented Landscape
Authors: Zhang Jingjie , Jiang Feng , Cai Zhenyuan , Dai Yunchuan , Liu Daoxin , Song Pengfei , Hou Yuansheng , Gao Hongmei , Zhang Tongzuo
Published: February 2021

Habitat connectivity is indispensable for the survival of species that occupy a small habitat area and have isolated habitat patches from each other. At present, the development of human economy squeezes the living space of wildlife and interferes and hinders the dispersal of species. The Przewalski’s gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) is one of the most endangered ungulates, which has experienced a significant reduction in population and severe habitat shrinkage. Although the population of this species has recovered to a certain extent, human infrastructure severely hinders the gene flow between several patches of this species. Therefore, we used the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to simulate the habitat suitability of the Przewalski’s gazelle. In addition, we combined habitat suitability and ecological characteristics of the species to obtain eight habitat patches. Finally, we used the least-cost path (LCP) and circuit theory based on the resistance model to simulate the landscape network of this species. The results showed that habitat patches and connectivity in the east of the Qinghai Lake were crucial to the communication between populations of the Przewalski gazelle, and our study provided important reference for the distribution of important habitats and the construction of corridor between patches. Our study aimed to provide habitat networks and maintain landscape connectivity for achieving the fundamental goal of protecting and revitalizing populations of the Przewalski’s gazelle.
Intelligent Drilling of Oil and Gas Wells Using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Bee Colony
Authors: Tewari Saurabh , Dwivedi Umakant Dhar , Biswas Susham
Published: February 2021

The oil and gas industry plays a vital role in meeting the ever-growing energy demand of the human race needed for its sustainable existence. Newer unconventional wells are drilled for the extraction of hydrocarbons that requires advanced innovations to encounter the challenges associated with the drilling operations. The type of drill bits utilized in any drilling operation has an economical influence on the overall drilling operation. The selection of suitable drill bits is a challenging task for driller while planning for new wells. Usually, when it comes to deciding the drill bit type, generally, the data of previously drilled wells present in similar geological formation are analyzed manually, making it subjective, erroneous, and time consuming. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to propose an automatic data-driven bit type selection method for drilling the target formation based on the Optimum Penetration Rate (ROP). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) have been utilized to develop a new data-driven modeling approach for the selection of optimum bit type. Data from three nearby Norwegian wells have been utilized for the testing of the proposed approach. RSM has been implemented to generate the objective function for ROP due to its strong data-fitting characteristic, while ABC has been utilized to locate the global optimal value of ROP. The proposed model has been generated with a 95% confidence level and compared with the existing model of Artificial Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm. The proposed approach can also be applied over any other geological field to automate the drill bit selection, which can minimize human error and drilling cost. The United Nations Development Programme also promotes innovations that are economical for industrial sectors and human sustainability.
The Ambiguities of “Sustainable” Berlin
Authors: Kalandides Ares , Grésillon Boris
Published: February 2021

City marketing has a strong tradition in Berlin, with two organizations, Berlin Partner and Visit Berlin, responsible for designing and implementing relevant strategies. Sustainability has been on and off the city marketing agenda, almost exclusively in its environmental dimension. In this article, we examine the current representations of Berlin as a “sustainable city” in the official city marketing strategies. We look at how sustainability is used and instrumentalized to create a specific city profile and also to attract particular target groups in tourism. We propose an analysis of sustainable planning in Berlin since reunification to show how it has moved into different directions over time and how this has (or has not) been followed by city marketing. In this endeavor, we move between the existing, and as we argue deeper and more sophisticated, environmental planning of the city on one hand, and the reductions and simplifications of city marketing representations on the other. Finally, we argue that there are inherent contradictions in marketing a sustainable city, where both in terms of tourism and economic development, the concept of growth seems to be reaching environmental limits.
Undergraduate Students Becoming Engineers: The Affordances of University-Based Makerspaces
Authors: Bouwma-Gearhart Jana , Choi Yoon Ha , Lenhart Cindy A. , Villanueva Idalis , Nadelson Louis S. , Soto Estefany
Published: February 2021

In the last decade, postsecondary institutions have seen a notable increase in makerspaces on their campuses and the integration of these spaces into engineering programs. Yet research into the efficacy of university-based makerspaces is sparse. We contribute to this nascent body of research in reporting on findings from a phenomenological study on the perceptions of faculty, staff, and students concerning six university-based makerspaces in the United States. We discuss the findings using a framework of heterogeneous engineering (integration of the social and technical aspects of engineering practice). Various physical, climate, and programmatic features of makerspaces were read as affordances for students’ development of engineering practices and their continued participation and persistence in engineering. We discuss the potential of makerspaces in helping students develop knowledge, skills, and proclivities that may support their attending to especially wicked societal problems, such as issues of sustainability. We offer implications for makerspace administrators, engineering program leaders, faculty, and staff, as well as those developing and delivering professional development for faculty and staff, to better incorporate makerspaces into the university engineering curriculum.
Have Sustainable Development Goal Depictions Functioned as a Nudge for the Younger Generation before and during the COVID-19 Outbreak?
Authors: Uehara Takuro , Sakurai Ryo
Published: February 2021

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their corresponding logos have become ubiquitous in Japan. While not legally binding, they allow us to choose how to contribute or not to the SDGs. Considering that SDGs share characteristics with nudges, we investigated whether SDGs, with their term and logos, have functioned as a nudge before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Using Japan as a case study, we analyzed newspaper articles to explore how the term SDGs has spread before and during the outbreak. We also conducted a questionnaire among college students (n = 421) to explore how exposure to the term or its logos has steered the behavior of the younger generation toward SDGs. Our analysis revealed that the use of the term in newspaper articles has rapidly increased and spread across newspaper sections, whereas the COVID-19 outbreak has slowed its spread. The results showed that 68.9% of the respondents were familiar with the term or logos. Of these, 25.4% had changed their behavior toward SDGs. Surprisingly, COVID-19 has had a rather positive influence as a catalyst in that more respondents have overall become more proactive or maintained previous behaviors (28.3%). This indicates that COVID-19 may be an opportunity to make a shift toward a more sustainable society.
Mitigation of the Water Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: Construction of Delocalized Water Collection and Retention Systems
Authors: Baratta Adolfo F. L. , Calcagnini Laura , Deyoko Abdoulaye , Finucci Fabrizio , Magarò Antonio , Mariani Massimo
Published: February 2021

This paper presents the results of a three-year research project aimed at addressing the issue of water shortage and retention/collection in drought-affected rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. The project consisted in the design, construction, and the upgrade of existing barrages near Kita, the regional capital of Kayes in Mali. The effort was led by the Department of Architecture of Roma Tre University in partnership with the Onlus Gente d’Africa (who handled the on-the-ground logistics), the Department of Architecture of the University of Florence and the École Supérieure d’Ingénierie, d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme of Bamako, Mali. The practical realization of the project was made possible by Romagna Acque Società delle Fonti Ltd., a water utility supplying drinking water in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) that provided the financing as well as the operational contribution of AES Architettura Emergenza Sviluppo, a nonprofit association operating in the depressed areas of the world. The completion of the research project resulted in the replenishment of reservoirs and renewed presence of water in the subsoil of the surrounding areas. Several economic activities such as fishing and rice cultivation have spawned from the availability of water. The monitoring of these results is still ongoing; however, it is already possible to assess some critical issues highlighted, especially with the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic in the research areas.
Mathematical Analysis of Criteria for Maintenance of Technical Systems in the Function of Achieving Sustainability
Authors: Otić Goran , Momčilović Oliver , Radovanović Ljiljana , Jovanov Goran , Radosav Dragica , Pekez Jasmina
Published: February 2021

Achieving sustainable development requires strategic efforts involving the entire organization. Maintenance efforts also play an important role. Company management needs to understand and develop an appropriate strategy to achieve sustainable development by applying maintenance performance measurements. The aim of this paper is to present possible ways of analyzing and ranking the impact of certain criteria with respect to achieving sustainability. The paper uses the method of Structural Equation Modeling—SEM in order to determine the most influential variable on the sustainability of maintenance of technical systems. Based on the set theoretical system model, for all its variables in the model, statements were made that describe them, on which 136 respondents gave their views (from 1 to 5, Likert scale) in the territory of the Republic of Serbia. An intuitive F-DEMATEL method was also used to prioritize variables. A team of 10 experts in the field of maintenance of technical systems was compared the criteria A—Application of technical diagnostics, B—Management of maintenance resources, C—Maintenance process planning, and the dependent variable D—Sustainability of maintenance of technical systems. According to experts, the importance of the criteria coincides with the results obtained by a survey with 136 respondents.