Local Aspects Research Articles

Platforms or flatforms? Insights from an auto-ethnographic account of a virtual cycling app

ABSTRACT This paper examines the flatform side of platforms: instead of looking at their abstract and global dimension (platforms as large infrastructures) on which platform studies mostly focus, it traces their local, material and experiential aspects (platforms as flat screen devices: ‘plat’ means ‘flat,’ in French). Based on a personal auto-ethnography of a virtual cycling platform, it suggests that flatforms clearly function as both matching and attaching devices. They do so by providing visual affordances that play with quantified self, qualified self and gamified self features. However, the paper also shows that the seductive power of platforms is challenged by surrounding elements, such as the user’s personal trajectory and the usage environment they create. To meet this challenge, platforms are engaged in a constant work of redesign aimed at attracting and retaining subscribers and their equipment, whatever their specificities.

Runability Analysis of the New Storstrøm Bridge Due to Wind Action and Ship Impacts

In the process of designing long span bridges, runability analysis plays an important role. In fact, it deals with the assessment of the impact on the structure’s response and train running safety of external factors such as environmental actions, like wind and earthquake, or catastrophic events like ship impact. Runability analysis involves a combination of local aspects (e.g. wheel–rail interaction) with global and local bridge dynamic response. In this respect, runability analysis represents a complex task to be tackled and requires adequate modelling. The present work proposes a runability study to be performed on the New Storstrøm Bridge, which is currently under construction in Denmark connecting Zealand with Falster. In this numerical analysis. two scenarios have been considered separately: ship impact on the bridge’s superstructure and wind action on a rail vehicle, using both the “Chinese hat” and stochastic turbulent wind formulations. The outcomes of this study clearly show that, even when threshold values were locally reached in terms of train running safety, a close examination of the local wheel–rail contact condition helps in defining the expected evolution of the dynamics of the train and thus documenting a higher safety level than indicated by the basic requirements.

Relationship Between Perilesional Skin Condition and Survival in Terminally Ill Patients with Pressure Ulcers.

Background and Objectives: In the context of palliative care, the aim is to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life, with particular attention to PUs, which have a significant impact on quality of life and survival. This study examines the relationship between perilesional skin condition and survival in terminally ill patients with pressure ulcers (PUs). Materials and Methods: A descriptive and observational study was conducted in two hospitals in Valencia with a sample of 100 terminally ill patients. Sociodemographic, clinical and PPU-specific variables were assessed using validated scales such as FEDPALLA-II and the Barthel Index. Results: Although it is a study of an observational nature, which may preclude establishing causality, the results showed that functional capacity, perilesional tissue epithelialization, and albumin levels were significant predictors of survival, while the number and location of PUs had no direct impact. Perilesional tissue epithelialization was highlighted as a critical indicator reflecting the systemic stability of the patient. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to palliative care that addresses both the local aspects of the lesions and the patient's systemic and functional status. These findings support the implementation of therapeutic interventions based on a structured perilesional tissue assessment to improve quality of life and prolong survival in terminally ill patients. In addition, a positive correlation was found between Barthel Score and survival, suggesting that patients with greater functional independence have a longer life expectancy. On the other hand, the negative correlation between total lymphocyte count and survival suggests that lymphocytopenia may be a marker of adaptive immunosuppression. Perilesional tissue epithelialization, overall functionality and serum albumin levels are key factors in predicting survival, highlighting the need for a comprehensive palliative care approach to optimize quality of life and prolong survival in terminally ill patients with PUs.

The polycentric consumer in tourism: ethnocentrism and xenocentrism profiles’ interplay with authenticity in tourists’ destination choices

PurposeConsumer centrism’s perspectives serve as crucial determinants in decision-making processes, yet the burgeoning discourse on global marketing’s interplay with tourism scarcely addresses the nuanced interconnections between consumer dispositions toward global or local destinations, which assert a global preference bias in developing countries and their predilections for tourist destination selection. This study aims to elucidate the dynamics between ethnocentric and xenocentric dispositions and the selection of domestic tourist locales within developing countries, conditioned to perceived authentic experiences.Design/methodology/approachBased on a sample of 264 tourists, we employed structural equation modeling and mediation analysis to determine the direct and indirect interplay of consumer centrism and the mechanisms of authenticity for destination choice and latent class analysis to unveil consumer heterogeneous profiles and their implications.FindingsThe results suggest the existence of a polycentric consumer due to the strong preference for domestic destinations among ethnocentric consumers. While xenocentrism did not have a similar direct impact, its influence on local destination choice emerged through the mediating effect of perceived authenticity. This finding provides evidence for the assumption of a global preference bias in developing nations, even within tourism contexts. Additionally, we identified four distinct heterogeneous tourist profiles based on consumer inclinations toward global and local aspects, allowing for a detailed exploration of their specific influences on tourism destinations.Practical implicationsEffective tourism strategies in developing countries can boost the economy based on authenticity, creating experiences that consider the duality of tourist inclinations and promoting cultural preservation. Practical examples include cultural events, themed tours, personalized marketing, influencer partnerships, social media engagement and loyalty programs, all aimed at engaging diverse consumer groups and strengthening consumer connections toward the local and xenocentric dispositions.Originality/valueThe study advances our understanding by proposing a polycentric profile of consumer inclinations toward tourism in developing countries, driven by the perceived authenticity of destinations. This profile highlights the nuanced interplay between ethnocentric and xenocentric dispositions, illustrating how local and global preferences coexist and influence travel decisions. By emphasizing the role of authenticity, the study provides valuable insights into the factors shaping tourism behaviors in developing countries.

Urban regeneration in Mexico city's historic center in the 21st century

Mexico City has experienced significant revitalization in a few major areas over the first two decades of the twenty-first century. During the past 25 years, this process has been accompanied by social, economic, and urban shifts. Numerous urban initiatives have included housing, transportation, cultural institutions, urban infrastructure, and numerous other public buildings in an effort to reverse the urban deterioration that was present in different areas of the city. Without a doubt, the city's historic center is the most crucial location for urban regeneration. The purpose of this article is to examine the physical urban changes that have occurred in the historic center over the years, with a focus on the various actors and their initiatives that have been involved in initiating and managing the regeneration processes. It accomplishes this by looking at government records, books, and site observations. In addition to showing how important urban physical changes have contributed to the historic center's urban recovery, this study also draws attention to the divergent local and external viewpoints and aspects that have shaped the regeneration's outcomes. Urban regeneration processes are influenced by global market forces in a variety of ways to meet economic interests, but local forces can also be very significant in opposing and diverting these efforts to propel regeneration in the direction of the demands of the local community.

A discussion on How Hamstring Dysfunction leads to Low Back Pain (LBP) Through its Effects on the Pelvis

Background: Low back pain represents a significant and growing cause of pain and disability, affecting both athletes and the general population. Given its high prevalence and recurrence, it can be considered a global health burden. The prevailing approach in traditional studies is to focus on the localized aspects of the low back. This has led to a considerable body of work on the underlying mechanisms and treatments for this condition. Purpose: This article aims to contribute to the study of low back pain by examining the role of indirect muscles, such as the hamstrings, and their functional connection with the pelvis in the context of this condition. Conclusion: The findings indicate a direct correlation between hamstring dysfunction, including tightness and weakness, and low back pain. This is due to the excessive pelvic tilt that is caused by the aforementioned hamstring issues. Furthermore, asymmetries in length and strength between the left and right sides can also contribute to the development of low back pain. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether the pelvis plays a role in this process.

Local aspect in Ukrainian dance as a factor of individualization of the choreographic language

Today, trends in the development of national dance have become guiding in the aspect of choreographic theory and practice, first of all, the figurative world of dance, which is interpreted by scientists at the level of a “fresh” scientific lacuna — choreology. It notes the latest peculiarities in the presentation of a dance image. They are the background for the generation of the latest state and functioning of this area — individualization, which is a state-of-the-art figurative visual-sensual aesthetic phenomenon, in the body and form of which the multi-colored palette of choreographic art is combined — from the director’s staging message to the presentation of the modern language of choreography. The purpose of this study is to reveal the main trends in the art of choreography, which are inherent in its domestic content and form, with the highlighting of individualized characteristics and qualitative and quantitative indicators that distinguish local features of dance, considered in the context of the development of the language of choreography. The methodology is based on both general logical and general scientific principles, approaches, methods that have been developed in the field of cultural studies, and approaches and methods that are important in the system of choreology and choreography, contribute to the full disclosure of the research issues, — on historical, cultural comparative, semiotic and hermeneutic, that their application allows to systematically master modern scientific and popular science approaches to the study of dance as a cultural phenomenon, as a subject of ethnography, ethnochoreology, etc. The conclusions of the research prove its relevance at the time of the integration of traditional Ukrainian dance with the best world examples, highlight the relationship between traditional local aspects of its historical and cultural genesis, considered at the level of ethnography, mental choreography, and modernizations in its content and form, expressed in the set of its individualized images. The scientific novelty of the study is revealed as a re-sult of the involvement of modern approaches to the study of the genesis and development of Ukrainian dance, the latest vision of the individuality of the language of dance through its correlation with historical-cultural ethnic regional-locative features, the creation of national dance, modern trends, in particular in the field, directorial innovations that contribute multifaceted search for its newest elements, considered from the standpoint of modern choreography and chorology. The practical significance of the article is the use of information about the peculiarities of the local aspect in the national stage dance, as a factor in the individualization of the national choreographic language in the process of creating a choreographic production.

AMC‐YOLO: Improved YOLOv8‐based defect detection for cigarette packs

AbstractDefect detection in cigarette packaging is a crucial process for ensuring product quality meets industry standards within the tobacco manufacturing sector. Defect detection methods based on deep learning have significantly enhanced efficiency. However, challenges remain in addressing issues such as blurred boundary textures of cigarette pack defects and the complex differentiability and similarity among defects. Consequently, this study presents the design of a defect detector for cigarette packs that is sensitive to detail features, named AMC‐YOLO. Initially, an Adaptive Spatial Weight Perception (ASWP) module is designed to emphasize local information from different regions during the downsampling process and integrate effective features. Additionally, a Multidimensional Aggregation Radiative Feature Pyramid Networks (MARFPN) is proposed to aggregate multi‐scale semantic information across dimensions and relay it back to various levels within the network to facilitate the learning of more refined feature. Lastly, a Cross‐Layer Collaborative Detection Head (CLCDH) is introduced to further weight and fuse the contextual information between local and global aspects. Experimental results demonstrate that AMC‐YOLO outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods on the Cigarette Pack Defect and GC10‐DET datasets, exhibiting the highest detection precision and excellent generalization. These findings highlight the significant potential for the application of AMC‐YOLO in cigarette pack defect detection.

Pemberdayaan Literasi Digital untuk Pengembangan UMKM Kota Soe Kabupaten TTS

Purpose: This PKM has goals and solutions: (1) Helping to increase sales, (2) Expanding market share, (3) Outputs in this activity. Research methodology: This activity began by socializing about the importance of this PKM activity which has good prospects for improving and progressing the business of MSME Actors in Soe City, South Central Timor Regency. This PKM Service Methods in the form of lecture and discussion methods. The activity was carried out in a Hybrid manner (Combined Offline and Online) with Zoom Pro. Results: In this PKM, the first speaker delivered a presentation on the characteristic profile of MSMEs in Soe and also detailed problems related to geographical conditions and awareness of MSME data collection administration. The second speaker conveyed the importance of digital literacy. The efforts of the service team in organizing the event have been successful due to the large number of MSME actors and government employees who have attended. Conclusions: PKM partners also evaluate the running of PKM activities by submitting all responses consisting of criticism and suggestions. The criticism in question is that the resource person can explain examples of ways to be registered in E-commerce. The suggestions given are so that service activities are carried out in a sustainable manner. The Chairman of PKM explained that he responded to the material by confirming the digitization of MSMEs. Limitations: The limitations of this PKM include detailed aspects of assisting all MSMEs so that they are still registered on digital platforms are still very limited. Contribution: This contribution of service includes all representatives of MSMEs in Soe City, TTS Regency are able to market regional superior products so that they can compete with larger companies by upholding local aspects.

Climate actions on the neighbourhood level—Individual, collective, cultural, and socio-structural factors

This paper takes a multi-perspective approach to understand drivers and barriers of climate action on the neighbourhood level. We start with the assumption that climate actions on the level of citizens are most motivating and promising, when conducted jointly within established social systems like neighbourhoods. A survey implemented in neighbourhoods (3 in Austria, 2 in Norway, 2 in Italy, 2 in Finland). The neighbourhoods were partly in rural communities (4) and partly in urban or semi-urban areas (5). In total, 1.084 answers were retained between summer 2022 and summer 2023. The impact of factors from the different perspectives on the self-reported number of implemented climate actions were tested in a stepwise structural-equation-modelling-approach. The analyses show that intentions to act both on the individual and collective level impact climate actions as represented by behaviour in four domains (travel, diet, protest, and general climate action) implemented by citizens in the neighbourhoods, but individual intentions are more important. In addition, local cultural aspects have an impact on climate action, as indicated by the two extremely rural Finnish neighbourhoods being different on many variables. On the socio-structural level, males and households with younger children report less climate action, whereas larger households in general and people with university degree report more. Intentions to act individually are mostly determined by perceived individual efficacy and attitudes, but also selected cultural and socio-structural factors. Collective intentions to act depend on the social capital in the neighbourhood, collective efficacy, and social norms, as well as selected socio-structural and cultural factors. Concluding, this paper emphasises that in order to understand and stimulate climate-related action of citizens, the individual, collective, cultural and socio-structural factors must be taken into account and that the level of neighbourhoods, where everyday action takes place, is a relevant unit of analysis to do so.

Mapping the proteome landscape of Indian Zebu (Sahiwal) spermatozoa using high-resolution mass spectrometry and in-silico annotation

Proteomic analysis of sperm cells offers significant insights into proteins’ structural, functional, and localization aspects within biological systems. Sahiwal, a native Indian cattle breed, is well known for its disease resistance, calving ease, and resilience to drought. This study addressed the gap in Sahiwal’s comprehensive sperm proteome profiling data. The research involved the global in-silico quantitative high-resolution mass spectrometry-based protein profiling of Indian Zebu sperm, identifying 4651 sperm proteins. Beyond mere identification, the study characterized these proteins at a sub-organellar level to facilitate a better understanding of their functional attributes. Gene Ontology analysis of sperm proteins facilitated the segregation of proteins based on their function, localization, and mode of action. The study revealed that despite the limited number of organelles, sperm cells encapsulate a wide array of crucial proteins, compensating for the deficiency of organelles through the presence of multifunctional proteins. Most identified sperm proteins actively participate in spermatogenesis, motility, acrosome reaction, capacitation, and seminal plasma binding, directly or indirectly. Notably, the results not only present the highest number of identified bovine sperm proteins but also hold the potential to pave the way for empirical research on sperm functionality, egg-sperm interaction, sperm-sex sorting biomarkers, sperm quality, and bull fertility.

Online peer feedback training based on self-regulated learning in english as a foreign language writing: Perceived usefulness and students’ engagement

Peer feedback is crucial in second language academic writing. As technology progresses, online peer feedback is replacing traditional feedback methods in tertiary education. In this study, wherein we utilized Zimmerman’s self-regulated learning model, the authors aimed to train English as a foreign language (EFL) students in providing self-regulated learning-based online peer feedback over one semester. We explored English as a foreign language students’ engagement in providing and receiving feedback, their interpretations, their follow-up actions in response to peer feedback during the training, and their overall perceived improvements in self-regulated writing strategies by analyzing the feedback that peers received and how they responded to that feedback. Data were collected from analyses of peer feedback on essays written by 20 Vietnamese university students. The results revealed that feedback typically includes critical and constructive remarks about language details, as well as praise for content; students prioritize feedback on local language aspects such as grammar and vocabulary over aspects such as global content and structure. The results also showed that providing and receiving online peer feedback significantly enhance English as a foreign language students’ self-regulated writing strategy use by fostering learning motivation, positive attitudes toward online peer feedback, a positive learning environment, and the increased use of writing and peer help-seeking strategies, as well as self-improvement strategies and knowledge transfers from peer assistance across the three phases of self-regulated learning. These findings suggest that self-regulated learning-based online peer feedback can enhance English as a foreign language students’ writing skills and strategic learning application, providing insights for instructional practice.

Potential of the upcoming Biomass P-band radar mission for digital terrain modelling beneath dense tropical forests: first accuracy assessment

Abstract. P-band radar surveys can be used to produce digital elevation models (DEMs) at ground level in dense tropical forest areas. However, the previous performance studies were carried out on DEMs derived from high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) acquisitions, while the upcoming Biomass space mission should provide DEMs at a coarser resolution due to a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz in range. The aim of this study is to predict the quality of the DEM products derived from Biomass data through dense forest. A DEM was produced in a slant range geometry at a 15-m mesh size using SAR tomography. It was compared to the reference LiDAR survey in terms of elevation and slope, and the statistical distribution of the corresponding error was analysed with regards to the radar off-nadir angle and to the local slope and aspect. The results show that the DEM elevation has no systematic error despite the presence of forest, and it has an RMS error of 3 meters. The DEM slope has a mean error of 2° and an RMS error of 6°. The behaviour of these errors for different terrain slopes and aspects will allow to predict the quality of Biomass DEMs on a variety of terrestrial landscapes.

A vine-copulas based multi-sensor fusion structural damage monitoring method and its application in dam engineering

As a civil engineer that is susceptible to the mechanism of slow and continuous deterioration, the dam must detect damage according to the static data of the arranged sensors, which is an important issue in structural health monitoring. Due to the characteristics of huge solid structures, damage with a slight degree and small range usually does not cause significant changes in the monitoring data of a single sensor. Therefore, it is difficult to effectively detect local damage by traditional monitoring methods that establish operating warning values for a single sensor. Currently, there have been some approaches to fuse sensor information that consider correlations between multiple sensors as well as the overall operational behavior of the dam. However, their objectives are focused on improving the accuracy of response variable prediction models without addressing the local damage identification aspect. In this study, we apply the Vine-Copula model for the first time in a multi-sensor information fusion dam damage detection method based on static monitoring data. In this way, it improves the sensitivity of local damage identification for huge solid structures. A prediction model is fitted with the measuring data of each sensor to obtain the residual series. Then the joint probability distribution of the multidimensional residuals is acquired by constructing the Vine-Copula model. Finally, the joint cumulative distribution function value is used as an alarm limit to determine whether the structure has an abnormal damage condition. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method were demonstrated in both a numerical arch dam simulating local damage and an actual rockfill dam engineering with cracks at the crest.

The Role of Training Improvement Capacity and Local Cultural Influence on Behavioral Change in Village Government Apparatus

This research discusses the role of capacity-building training and local culture's influence in changing village government officials' behaviour. The main focus of this research is the importance of integrating technical and local cultural aspects in training to make it more effective and relevant. Training that only focuses on technical skills without paying attention to the local sociocultural context can cause resistance and be less accepted by officials and the community. On the other hand, training integrated with local cultural values ​​, such as cooperation and openness, increases the professionalism of the apparatus, improves the quality of public services, and strengthens public trust in the village government. This research uses a qualitative approach to understand the role of capacity-building training and the influence of local culture in changing apparatus behaviour. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews, participant observation, and analysis of documents related to the training program. The primary informants for this research were the village head, village secretary, and village staff, who were selected purposefully to ensure the relevance of the data. Data analysis used NVivo 12 software with open and axial coding techniques to identify central themes and relationships between concepts. The research results show that the success of training is greatly influenced by its relevance to local culture and the ability of the apparatus to respond to community needs. This research recommendation includes the need for contextual, participatory and sustainable training design to achieve positive.

Navigating the definition of urban flooding: A conceptual and systematic review of the literature.

Urban flooding is a pervasive global risk, posing a great challenge to urban planners, policymakers, and particularly communities. This paper reviews the literature to analyze how urban flooding is defined across scientific disciplines. Our objectives are to uncover the elements used to define urban flooding and evaluate how these elements can impact future research and practice. A key difficulty is the lack of a consistent, comprehensive definition that captures both physical and social dimensions of urban flooding. Current definitions often focus solely on physical aspects (e.g., rainfall, infrastructure) or social impacts, rarely integrating both. This fragmentation hinders effective flood risk management and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our contribution is a multifaceted definition incorporating spatial and social concerns, including water origins, built environment characteristics, and local community aspects. We introduce the 'Urban Water Transect' concept to illustrate the continuum of flood risk across urban zones, addressing a gap in the literature. The analysis reveals that many papers discuss flooding causes without providing an explicit definition. Urban flooding is predominantly defined based on water source, imperviousness, and drainage infrastructure. Future research should adopt an interdisciplinary perspective considering both physical and social aspects, potentially transforming urban flood risk management.

Artemis’ Love and Care for Youths and Children. The Iconography of Artemis on Two Votive Reliefs of the Fourth Century BC from Tegea

Abstract This article looks at two reliefs that depict Artemis, in one case with a hero and in the other with two important gods. It is interesting to point out that both reliefs were found by chance at the beginning and the middle of the twentieth century near the modern village of Alea at Tegea. The first embedded in a wall of a Roman house and the other during excavations near the sanctuary of Athena and therefore it does not have the proper context of the relief’s original settings. The reliefs, both unique for their depictions, are two of the few examples from the Peloponnesian iconography of Artemis and reflect different local aspects of the goddess, who was regarded as a protector of the younger citizens and – together with Herakles and Dionysos – one of the main characters in one of Tegea’s most important heroic ancestors, Telephos. Most likely dating from the fourth century BC, they offer some new and essential information on the goddess’ iconography and her meaning both as a protector of future hoplites and as a ‘surrogate mother’, through her doe, during Telephos’ infancy, in a famous Peloponnesian city.

The impact of reservoirs on the soils of adjacent areas: overview of global and local aspects

AbstractThis study aims to analyze the impact of reservoirs on the soils of surrounding areas to elucidate potential ecological consequences. To achieve this goal, a territorial analysis of the soil surrounding such reservoirs as the Kyiv, Kaniv, Kremenchuk, and Kakhovka, which constitute the Dnieper Cascade of Reservoirs, was conducted. The study found that the average soil pH changes in reservoirs range from 6.0 to 7.5, while nitrogen and phosphorus content in the soil varies from 0.2% to 1.5% and from 0.1% to 0.5%, respectively. Average changes in the content of humic substances and fulvic acids in the reservoirs range from 1.0 to 3.5 and from 0.2 to 1.5 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, it was found that the creation of large reservoirs on the Dnieper River is accompanied by significant consequences for shoreline soils. The geomorphological study of the reservoirs within the Dnieper Cascade revealed their diversity in terms of shoreline types. Some have more erodible shores, indicating vulnerability to erosion, as observed in the Kakhovka Reservoir, while others have more neutral shores less susceptible to erosion, such as the Kremenchuk Reservoir. The distribution of humic substances in the reservoirs of the Dnieper Cascade is determined by the hydrological structure and water inflows, with the highest concentrations in the upper regions. Decreased flow velocity in the lower part of the cascade leads to the deposition of humic substances in bottom sediments. The threat to ecological systems is exacerbated by incidents such as the catastrophe at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station in 2023, which triggered a serious ecological crisis with a wide range of consequences. Consequently, the application of a comprehensive approach to water resource management and environmental protection becomes crucial. This entails meticulous planning of construction, implementation of ecological technologies, and engaging the public in the water resource management process.

Development of an Effective Curriculum for United Kingdom Language Learning Based on Local Wisdom

Background. The development of an United Kingdom language learning curriculum that is relevant to the local context is a challenge in the world of education, especially in Indonesia which is rich in local culture and wisdom. United Kingdom language learning has tended to adopt global standards without paying attention to students' cultural backgrounds, making it less relevant for students in areas with strong cultures. In this context, the development of a curriculum based on local wisdom is expected to increase student engagement and the quality of United Kingdom language learning. Purpose. This study aims to develop an effective United Kingdom curriculum by integrating elements of local wisdom, as well as evaluating the impact of the implementation of the curriculum on students' motivation and language skills. Method. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach, involving five schools in rural and urban areas. Data were collected through interviews, classroom observations, and questionnaires given to 100 students and 10 teachers. Results. The results of the study show that the integration of local wisdom in United Kingdom language learning increases student motivation and participation, especially in rural areas. Students in urban areas tend to need materials that combine more local and global aspects. Teachers face challenges in finding suitable teaching materials, but in general this approach is considered effective. Conclusion. The conclusion of this study is that the curriculum based on local wisdom is able to increase the relevance and effectiveness of United Kingdom language learning. However, flexibility is needed in its application so that it can be adjusted to the needs of students in various regions.

Satellite measurement of forest disturbance, recovery and deposit distribution following explosive volcanic eruptions

The characteristics and extent of forest damage, and the subsequent patterns of recovery, reflect the intensity of an explosive volcanic eruption and have the potential to be a novel proxy for eruption magnitude and impact. Using satellite measurements of vegetation damage and recovery patterns, following the 2015 explosive eruption of Calbuco, Chile, we assess the impact on surrounding temperate forests and how areas impacted by different deposit types recover post-eruption. The Calbuco eruption resulted in tephra deposition over hundreds of square kilometres, pyroclastic flows extending 6 km and lahars extending 15 km. We explore NDVI derived from optical imagery (June 2013–May 2023) as well as radar backscatter and phase coherence (October 2014–June 2023) through time series analysis, clustering and estimation of recovery timescales to find patterns in forest disturbance and recovery. We find that forest damage and recovery correspond primarily with deposit type, thickness and dispersal directions. The thickest tephra deposits (> 40 cm) correlate with the most vegetation loss, so our vegetation impact maps allow us to refine the spatial mapping of tephra fall-deposit isopachs to give a revised eruption volume of 0.28 km3. Vegetation recovery rates relate to initial impact type and intensity, but also local topography, aspect and altitude. Our results demonstrate a novel application of optical and radar satellite remote sensing to determine eruption extents and magnitudes through vegetation disturbance. We show that measuring vegetation disturbance, particularly in remote and densely vegetated environments, can help refine field-based analyses in inaccessible or intensely damaged zones.