The agronomic and oenological behavior of the Pinot noir grape variety was studied in relation to different rootstocks on the Agroscope estate in Leytron (VS): 3309 C, 5 BB, Fercal, 41 BMGt, Riparia Gloire, 420 AMGt, 101-14 MGt and 161-49 C. Rootstock primarily influenced vigor, speed of vine establishment, and mineral nutrition of the graft. Riparia Gloire, 41 BMGt, 420 AMGt and 161-49 C rootstocks were less vigorous and, for the last three, induced a lower nitrogen and potassium supply leading to the production of slightly more acidic wines. The less vigorous rootstocks and 101-14 MGt were slightly more sensitive to water stress.

Based on Landsat–7ETM + images of 2007 and 2012 and Landsat–8 images of 2018, this study took Fuyang City, Anhui Province (Yingzhou District, Yingdong District, Yingquan District) as the research object, and made a quantitative analysis of land use/cover change in Fuyang City from 2007 to 2018 with the Environment for Visualizing Images (ENVI) software. According to the data of land use types in three phases, the article analyzes the development trend of various land use types and the main reasons for the changes of land use, which provides a certain basis for the urban planning and environmental construction of Fuyang City. The results show that with the rapid economic development and continuous improvement of the urbanization level in Fuyang City during 11 years, the area of various land types in the study area has changed greatly. The area of construction land area changed by 448.27 km², with an increase of 543.57%; the area of arable land changed by 597.52 km², with a decrease of 34.74%; the area of bare land changed by 26.00 km², with a decrease of 80.68%. The changes were closely related to the rapid economic and social development in the study area. Under the influence of environmental protection policies and environmental awareness, the area of forest land changed by 85.00 km², with an increase of 97.58%; the water area changed by 84.35 km², with an increase of 201.39%.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum has the characteristics of fast-detection, high-sensitivity and low-requirements for sample pretreatment. It plays a more and more important role in the detection of organic pollutants. In this study, MIL-101 and Au nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal method and aqueous solution reduction method respectively, and MIL-101/Au composite nanoparticles were prepared by electrostatic interaction. The SERS properties of the composite substrate were optimized by adjusting the size of Au nanoparticles and the surface distribution density of MIL-101 nanoparticles. The detection limit of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) for the composite substrate with the optimal ratio was investigated, which was as low as 10^–11 M. It is proved that MIL-101/Au composite nanoparticles have high sensitivity to probe molecules. When they are applied to the detection of persistent organic pollutants, the detection limit for fluoranthene can reach 10^–9 M and for 3,3’,4,4’-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB-77) can reach 10^–5 M.

The expansion of road networks, taken place during the last decades, was driven by technological progress and economic growth. The most innovative products of this trend—modern motorways and international road corridors—provide an excellent level of service, traffic safety and necessary information to travelers. However, despite this undeniable progress, major impediments and respective challenges to road authorities and operators still remain. The present paper analytically presents the main current challenges in the road engineering field, namely: a) financing new projects, b) alternative energy resources, especially renewable energy, c) serviceability, including maintenance of road infrastructure, traffic congestion and quality of the network, d) climate change hazards due to greenhouse gas emissions increase, e) environmental impacts, f) safety on roads, streets and motorways, and g) economy and cost-effectiveness. In each country and over each network, challenges and concerns may vary, but, in most cases, competent authorities, engaged in road development policies, have to deal with most of these issues. The optimization of the means to achieve the best results seems to be an enduring stake. In the present paper, the origin and the main features of these challenges are outlined as well as their tendency to get amplified or diminished under the actual evolving economic conditions worldwide, where growth alternates with crisis and social hardship. Moreover, responses, meant to provide solutions to the said challenges, are suggested, including research findings of Aristotle University and innovative technological achievements, to drive the transition to a more sustainable future.