bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape‐level variation in Bt crops predict Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistance in cotton agroecosystems
Authors: Dorman Seth J , Hopperstad Kristen A , Reich Brian J , Majumder Suman , Kennedy George , Reisig Dominic D , Greene Jeremy K , Reay‐Jones Francis PF , Collins Guy , Bacheler Jack S , Huseth Anders S
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) damage to Bt cotton and maize has increased as a result of widespread Bt resistance across the USA Cotton Belt. Our objective was to link Bt crop production patterns to cotton damage through a series of spatial and temporal surveys of commercial fields to understand how Bt crop production relates to greater than expected H. zea damage to Bt cotton. To do this, we assembled longitudinal cotton damage data that spanned the Bt adoption period, collected cotton damage data since Bt resistance has been detected, and estimated local population susceptibility using replicated on‐farm studies that included all Bt pyramids marketed in cotton.

RESULTS

Significant year effects of H. zea damage frequency in commercial cotton were observed throughout the Bt adoption period, with a recent damage increase after 2012. Landscape‐level Bt crop production intensity over time was positively associated with the risk of H. zea damage in two‐ and three‐toxin pyramided Bt cotton. Helicoverpa zea damage also varied across Bt toxin types in spatially replicated on‐farm studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Landscape‐level predictors of H. zea damage in Bt cotton can be used to identify heightened Bt resistance risk areas and serves as a model to understand factors that drive pest resistance evolution to Bt toxins in the southeastern United States. These results provide a framework for more effective insect resistance management strategies to be used in combination with conventional pest management practices that improve Bt trait durability while minimizing the environmental footprint of row crop agriculture. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Toward transformative climate justice: An emerging research agenda
Authors: Newell Peter , Srivastava Shilpi , Naess Lars Otto , Torres Contreras Gerardo A. , Price Roz
Published: August 2021

Calls for climate justice abound as evidence accumulates of the growing social and environmental injustices aggravated or driven by climate change. There is now a considerable and diverse literature on procedural, distributional and intergenerational dimensions, including questions of recognition in climate justice. Yet its meaning, scope and practical implications are still contested. Importantly, the broader landscape within which climate justice is situated is rapidly changing, bringing new challenges to the understanding and practice of climate justice. This review takes stock of climate justice literature in view of this new context. We find several disconnects and tensions between more philosophical and academic treatments of the subject on the one hand, and “activist”‐oriented approaches to climate justice on the other. Scholarship often falls into silos around scales from global and local, between mitigation and adaptation or draws distinctions between climate justice and other forms of (in)justice. This inhibits an understanding of climate justice that can address more directly its underlying root causes in an historically constituted global economic system and intersecting set of social inequalities. We propose a research agenda centered on a transformative approach to climate justice, placing analysis of power in its various guises at the center of its enquiry, and subverting and moving beyond existing distinctions by focusing on the social and institutional relations and inequalities that both produce climate change and profoundly shape responses to it. We elaborate on three key strands of such an approach: inclusive climate justice, deepening climate justice and governance for climate justice.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Ethics and Climate Change

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Climate Change and Global Justice
The BET bromodomain inhibitor ZEN-3365 targets the Hedgehog signaling pathway in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wellbrock Jasmin , Behrmann Lena , Muschhammer Jana , Modemann Franziska , Khoury Kais , Brauneck Franziska , Bokemeyer Carsten , Campeau Eric , Fiedler Walter
Published: August 2021

Modern cancer therapies increased the survival rates of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients tremendously. However, the complexity of the disease and the identification of new targets require the adaptation of treatment protocols to reduce side effects and increase benefit for the patients. One key regulator of leukemogenesis and chemotherapy resistance in AML is the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway. It is deregulated in numerous cancer entities and inhibition of its downstream transcription factors GLI translates into anti-leukemic effects. One major regulator of GLI is BRD4, a BET family member with epigenetic functions. We investigated the effect of ZEN-3365, a novel BRD4 inhibitor, on AML cells in regard to the HH pathway. We show that ZEN-3365 alone or in combination with GANT-61 reduced GLI promoter activity, cell proliferation and colony formation in AML cell lines and primary cells. Our findings strongly support the evaluation of the BRD4 inhibitor ZEN-3365 as a new therapeutic option in AML.
Connected Subgraph Defense Games
Authors: Akrida Eleni C. , Deligkas Argyrios , Melissourgos Themistoklis , Spirakis Paul G.
Published: August 2021

We study a security game over a network played between adefenderandkattackers. Every attacker chooses, probabilistically, a node of the network to damage. The defender chooses, probabilistically as well, a connected induced subgraph of the network of$$\lambda $$λnodes to scan and clean. Each attacker wishes to maximize the probability of escaping her cleaning by the defender. On the other hand, the goal of the defender is to maximize the expected number of attackers that she catches. This game is a generalization of the model from the seminal paper of Mavronicolas et al. Mavronicolas et al. (in: International symposium on mathematical foundations of computer science, MFCS, pp 717–728, 2006). We are interested in Nash equilibria of this game, as well as in characterizingdefense-optimalnetworks which allow for the bestequilibrium defense ratio; this is the ratio ofkover the expected number of attackers that the defender catches in equilibrium. We provide a characterization of the Nash equilibria of this game and defense-optimal networks. The equilibrium characterizations allow us to show that even if the attackers are centrally controlled the equilibria of the game remain the same. In addition, we give an algorithm for computing Nash equilibria. Our algorithm requires exponential time in the worst case, but it is polynomial-time for$$\lambda $$λconstantly close to 1 orn. For the special case of tree-networks, we further refine our characterization which allows us to derive a polynomial-time algorithm for deciding whether a tree is defense-optimal and if this is the case it computes a defense-optimal Nash equilibrium. On the other hand, we prove that it is$${\mathtt {NP}}$$NP-hard to find a best-defense strategy if the tree is not defense-optimal. We complement this negative result with a polynomial-time constant-approximation algorithm that computes solutions that are close to optimal ones for general graphs. Finally, we provide asymptotically (almost) tight bounds for thePrice of Defensefor any$$\lambda $$λ; this is the worst equilibrium defense ratio over all graphs.
Needs for information about lifestyle and rehabilitation in long-term young adult cancer survivors
Authors: Thorsen Lene , Bøhn Synne-Kristin H. , Lie Hanne C. , Fosså Sophie D. , Kiserud Cecilie E.
Published: August 2021

Background

Healthy lifestyle and rehabilitation may mitigate late effects after cancer treatment, but knowledge about lifestyle and rehabilitation information needs among long-term young adult cancer survivors (YACSs) (≥ 5 years from diagnosis) is limited. The present study aimed to examine such information needs among long-term YACSs, and identify characteristics of those with needs.

Material and methods

The Cancer Registry of Norway identified long-term YACSs diagnosed with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, or malignant melanoma at the age of 19–39 years, between 1985 and 2009. Survivors were mailed a questionnaire, in which respondents reported their information needs on physical activity, diet, and rehabilitation services 5–30 years post-diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the prevalence of information needs and associated factors.

Results

Of 1488 respondents (a response rate of 42%), 947 were included. Median age at diagnosis was 35 years (range 19–39) and median observation time since diagnosis was 14 years (range 5–30). In total, 41% reported information needs for information about physical activity, 45% about diet, and 47% about rehabilitation services. Information needs were associated with higher treatment intensity, increasing number of late effects, and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

A large proportion of long-term YACSs report information needs regarding lifestyle and/or rehabilitation more than a decade beyond treatment. Assessments of such information needs should become a part of long-term care of these cancer survivors.
What next for local government climate emergency declarations? The gap between rhetoric and action
Authors: Howarth Candice , Lane Matthew , Fankhauser Sam
Published: August 2021

The UK, like other countries, has seen a proliferation of declarations of local climate emergencies. While these declarations have been interpreted as a demonstration of ambition, little is known about how and why they actually came about when they did and the implications this will have for what happens next. Focusing on London, UK, we present evidence collected via semi-structured interviews with experts and practitioners involved in the propagation of climate emergency declarations to critically explore how and why these declarations emerged, and the various different roles they are perceived to play for different local actors. Our findings reveal four journeys to local government declaration of a climate emergency (made actively from above, passively from above, actively from below, and passively from across) and three interwoven purposes (statements of intent, acting as a political gesture, and stimulating local action). We argue that these three purposes combine and coalesce to correlate the declaration of climate emergency with a local responsibility for emissions reduction, leaving little analytical space to question the scalar disconnect between the immediacy of the narrative at local scales and the slow-burning (and) global nature of the threat in question. If these emergency declarations are to be an opportunity for change in the governance of climate change, then the question of ‘what next?’ requires more in-depth, thorough and constructive engagement with the type of climate action the declarations are expected to induce while considering how this aligns with existing responsibilities and resource bases of local government.
Laser pyrolysis in papers and patents
Authors: Spreafico Christian , Russo Davide , Degl’Innocenti Riccardo
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a critical review of laser pyrolysis. Although this technology is almost 60 years old, in literature many researchers, both from academia and industry, are still developing and improving it. On the contrary industrial applications are struggling to take off, if not in very restricted areas, although the technology has undoubted advantages that justify future development. The aim of this work consists in analysing a representative pool of scientific papers (230) and patents (121), from the last 20 years, to have an overview about the evolution of the method and try to understand the efforts spent to improve this technology effectively in academia and in industry. This study is important to provide a complete review about the argument, still missing in the literature. The objective is to provide an overview sufficiently broad and representative in the sources and to capture all the main ways in which laser pyrolysis has been used and with what distribution. The main focuses of the study are the analyses of the functions carried out by laser technologies, the application fields, and the types of used laser (i.e. models, power and fluence). Among the main results, the study showed that the main use of laser pyrolysis is to produce nanoparticles and coatings, the main materials worked by laser pyrolysis are silicon and carbon dioxide and the main searched properties in the products of laser pyrolysis are catalysts activity and electrical conductivity. CO2 lasers are the most used and the have high versatility compared to others. In conclusion, the study showed that laser pyrolysis is a consolidated technology within its main application fields (nanoparticles and coatings) for several years. Within this context, the technology has been developed on very different sizes and processes, obtaining a very wide range of results. Finally, these results may also have stimulated new areas of experimentation that emerged mainly in recent years and which concern biomedical applications, additive manufacturing, and waste disposal.

Graphical abstract
Therapy satisfaction and willingness-to-pay in Polish patients with restless legs syndrome
Authors: Sieminski Mariusz , Skrzypek-Czerko Marcelina , Chełminiak Łukasz
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a serious burden for patients which can be measured in economic terms by assessing the money spent on therapy and the willingness to pay. The aim of this study was to assess whether or not patients feel satisfied with the therapy relative to the money they spent on the treatment, and to assess patients’ willingness to pay for therapy that fully eliminates all RLS symptoms.

Methods

Adult subjects with RLS confirmed by actual international consensus criteria, a positive RLS-Diagnostic Index (RLS-DI) score, and clinical examinations and observations were assessed to generate a disease severity index. An original set of questions was used to collect data on patient satisfaction with therapy and their willingness to pay.

Results

Among 100 subjects, 27% were not satisfied with therapy; this subgroup was characterized by lower indices of severity of the disease. Patients spent approximately 3% of their income in treating RLS. They are willing to pay up to 8.3% of their income to eliminate symptoms.

Conclusions

The cost of RLS therapy is a significant part of patient expenditure. Nevertheless, RLS may at times remain so troublesome for patients that they are willing to spend more on therapy to eliminate symptoms.
Assessing life cycle environmental impacts of inoculating soybeans in Argentina with Bradyrhizobium japonicum
Authors: Mendoza Beltran Angelica , Scheel Claus Nordstrøm , Fitton Nuala , Schmidt Jannick , Kløverpris Jesper Hedal
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To estimate life cycle impacts from introducing the yield-enhancing inoculant containing the nitrogen-fixing bacteriumBradyrhizobium japonicumand the signal molecule lipochitooligosaccharide (LCO) in Argentinian soybean production. The study focuses on soybeans grown in rotation with corn in the Buenos Aires province. We also provide the life cycle impact assessment for the inoculant production. The study represents a novel scope in terms of the studied crop, inoculant type, and location.

Methods

Consequential LCA is used to assess the cradle-to-gate soybean production systems with and without inoculant use. Stepwise is used for quantification of 16 impacts at mid-point level. Also, the LCA-based guidance of Kløverpris et al. (2020) is followed, and we divide the change in impacts caused by the inoculant’s use into four effects. The field effect accounts for changes in field emissions. The yield effect accounts for additional soybean production in the inoculant system that displaces soybean production elsewhere (system expansion). The upstream effect covers the inoculant production and the downstream effect covers post-harvest changes such as soybean transport and drying. Small plot field-trials data is applied in the biogeochemical model DayCent to estimate field emissions, among others.

Results and discussion

The use of this inoculant reduces environmental impacts from soybean production in all studied impact categories. The main contributing factor is the yield effect, i.e., reduced impacts via avoided soybean production elsewhere including reduced pressure on land and thereby avoided impacts in the form of indirect land-use-change (iLUC). The field effect is the second-largest contributor to the overall impact reduction. Upstream and downstream effects only had minor influence on results. The yield and field effects are closely tied to the yield change from the inoculant use, which was not fully captured in the DayCent modeling. Thereby, a potential underestimation of the environmental benefits of roughly 10% can be expected, corresponding to the difference of empiric yield data and the modeled yield data in DayCent.

Conclusion and recommendations

The use of this inoculant shows environmental benefits and no trade-offs for the 16 impacts assessed. Results depend primarily on avoided soybean production (the yield effect) which entails iLUC impacts in Brazil and USA, and to a lesser degree on field emissions modelled with DayCent. Better data and parametrization of DayCent, to better capture the change in yields and estimate field emissions, economic modelling for the system expansion assumptions, and accounting for uncertainty in iLUC modelling could improve the assessment.
No child left behind, nor singled out: is it possible to combine adaptive instruction and inclusive pedagogy in early math software?
Authors: Gulz Agneta , Haake Magnus
Published: August 2021

The article addresses the challenge of combining adaptive and inclusive instruction in early math software, that is, to provide different kinds of support and challenges to different individuals in response to their different needs—yet avoid exposing children (whether far behind or far ahead) as being different. Arguments for adaption as well as inclusion are discussed, and an evaluative user study is conducted in which 42 3- to 6-year-old preschool children made use of a digital play-&-learn game for early math designed to combine adaptive instruction with inclusion during a period of 6 weeks. Data logging, performance measures, observations of children playing, and interviews with teachers are used to evaluate whether the adaptive and inclusive strategies worked out as intended. Results indicate that the goals of inclusion as well as the goals of adaptivity were met. A preliminary conclusion is that it is possible to combine adaptation and inclusion in early math software.
Language policy and planning: a discussion on the complexity of language matters and the role of computational methods
Authors: Civico Marco
Published: August 2021

In this paper I argue in favour of the adoption of an interdisciplinary approach based on computational methods for the development of language policies. As a consequence of large-scale phenomena such as globalization, economic and political integration and the progress in information and communication technologies, social systems have become increasingly interconnected. Language-related systems are no exception. Besides, language matters are never just language matters. Their causes and consequences are to be found in many seemingly unrelated fields. Therefore, we can no longer overlook the numerous variables involved in the unfolding of linguistic and sociolinguistic phenomena if we wish to develop effective language policy measures. A genuinely interdisciplinary approach is key to address language matters (as well as many other public policy matters). In this regard, the tools of complexity theory, such as computational methods based on computer simulations, have proved useful in other fields of public policy.
Sutureless Laser Labiaplasty of Labia Minora
Authors: Bizjak-Ogrinc Urška , Senčar Sabina
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Female genital cosmetic surgery includes traditional surgical procedures resulting in alterations in genital size, appearance, and function as well as cosmetic vulvar and labial procedures. Vaginal labiaplasty, the surgical reduction of the labia minora as a treatment for labia hypertrophy, is becoming more and more common and there are many different techniques with no optimal approach suggested.

Aim

The purpose of this study is to report on a “sutureless” laser labiaplasty and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique.

Methods

A retrospective chart review analysis of all 80 patients who underwent laser labiaplasty between February 2015 and April 2018 was conducted.

Main Outcome Measures

Women were asked about or checked for side effect and answered a questionnaire regarding their satisfaction.

Results

Majority of women did not report of any side effect, 7 reported wound infection, bleeding was reported by 1 patient, and 1 woman reported hematoma formation. All of the patients reported high satisfaction. There were no partly satisfied or dissatisfied patients.

Conclusion

Sutureless laser labiaplasty is a safe and effective way of improving women's lives and is associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction.
Comorbidities Among Sexual Problems in Men: Results From an Internet Convenience Sample
Authors: Rowland David L. , Oosterhouse Laurel B. , Kneusel Julia A. , Hevesi Krisztina
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Men suffering from one sexual problem sometimes report having another sexual problem, but few studies have determined concordance rates among dysfunctions in non-clinical samples.

Aim

This study determined comorbidities among sexual dysfunctions based on an internet convenience sample of 4432 men from Hungary, the USA, and other world regions that visit social media fora.

Method

Participants completed an online 55-item questionnaire that included questions assessing erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), delayed ejaculation (DE), and lack of sexual interest (LSI).

Main Outcome Measures

Concordance rates and odds ratios among sexual dysfunctions.

Results

Approximately 8% of men suffered from two or more sexual problems; men with a severe sexual problem were significantly more likely to suffer from a second sexual problem; concordance between PE and erectile dysfunction ranged from 23–29%, with subtypes of lifelong vs acquired PE showing patterns similar to one another; and most men with delayed ejaculation reported minimal problems with LSI, although LSI was generally key to understanding all other dysfunctions.

Conclusion

The percentage of men with one sexual problem having a second sexual problem was substantial, ranging from 23–40%. These findings will help clinicians better understand the intertwined nature of sexual problems and assist them in developing management protocols that address concomitant inadequacies in sexual response.
Genetic Profiles and Three-year Follow-up Study of Chinese Males with Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Zhang Luyao , Gao Yuting , Du Qin , Liu Liyi , Li Yanbing , Dey Subrata Kumar , Banerjee Santasree , Liao Zhihong
Published: August 2021

Background

The correlation between long-term treatment outcomes with genotypes in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) males is rarely reported.

Aim

To investigate the correlations among genotypes, phenotypes, and treatment outcomes for CHH male patients.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing was performed for 73 Chinese CHH males from one academic center. Patients self-selected one of the 4 treatments: pulsatile Gonadorelin pump (PGP), cyclical gonadotropins therapy (CGT), human menopausal gonadotropin monotherapy, or testosterone replacement treatment. Clinical assessments were performed every 3 months for 3 years.

Outcomes

The pathogenicity of variants was determined. Baseline clinical features, spermatogenesis outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

62 variants were identified in 51 patients (69.9%), 17 of which were novel. Among these mutations, variants on FGFR1, PROKR2, CHD7, ANOS1 and NSMF gene were 16.1%, 16.1%, 11.3%, 8.1% and 8.1% respectively. 11 patients followed the oligogenic pattern (21.6%). All CHD7 patients had hearing impairment or structural deformities of external/inner ear, and were diagnosed as CHARGE syndrome. 24.7% of CHH patients manifested with ear/hearing anomalies. KS patients had higher rates of cryptorchidism history and ear/hearing anomalies than normosmic CHH subjects. Male patients with PROKR2 mutations showed relatively better testicular development, less dental deformity when compared with FGFR1 mutations. About 30% normosmic patients defined by simple olfactory assessment showed olfactory nerve center (ONC) dysplasia under nasal sinus MRI examination. Among the CHH males treated with CGT or PGP, 70.2% reached spermatogenesis within 3 years of treatment.

Clinical Implications

No direct correlation was observed between certain responsible genes and spermatogenic outcomes. When CHH patients were identified with CHD7 variants, ear/hearing evaluation should be carefully performed. The precise assessment of ONC development was advised for normosmic CHH subjects.

Strengths & Limitations

This study provided informative long-term treatment data of CHH male patients screened with whole exome sequencing. The limitations included small number of subgroups with multifaceted gene variants, clinical heterogeneity, and uncontrolled sperm-inducing treatment method. The seventeen novel mutations worth experimental validation in the future.

CONCLUSION

The clinical severity is partially related with specific gene variants, and detailed individualized data and outcomes were provided. Ear/hearing anomalies were closely connected with CHD7 variants, and were common problems for CHH patients. Simple olfactory assessment underestimated the true olfactory deficit.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 and Dengue Virus Co-infection: Indian Perspectives
Authors: Venkatesh U. , Ish Pranav , Kumari Shilpi , Gupta Nitesh , Sharma Akash
Published: August 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) and Dengue virus (DENV) Coinfection can be a pertinent issue in a country like India, where Dengue is endemic, and Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is also reported from all states of the country. The coinfection of these viruses has already been reported in different dengue‐endemic countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Bangladesh. The outcome and the dynamics of each of the diseases may be altered in the presence of coinfection. We highlighted the critical characteristic similarities and differences between COVID-19 and Dengue infection & the specific point, which may challenge diagnosing and managing these coinfections. COVID-19 and Dengue coinfection can be deadly in combination with an atypical presentation, providing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A high index of suspicion, early recognition of symptoms, and warning signs are vital to prevent double jeopardy.
DESIGNING FOR CALIBRATED TRUST: EXPLORING THE CHALLENGES IN CALIBRATING TRUST BETWEEN USERS AND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
Authors: Valentine David Callisto , Smit Iskander , Kim Euiyoung
Published: August 2021

Trust is an important factor in building acceptance of autonomous vehicles within our society, but the complex nature of trust makes it challenging to design for an appropriate level of trust. This can lead to instances of mistrust and/or distrust between users and AV’s. Designing for calibrated trust is a possible option to address this challenge. Existing research on designing for calibrated trust focuses on the human machine interaction (HMI), while from literature we infer that trust creation beings much before the first interaction between a user and an AV. The goal of our research is to broaden the scope of calibrated trust, by exploring the pre-use phase and understand the challenges faced in calibration of trust. Within our study 16 mobility experts were interviewed and a thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted. The analysis revealed the lack of clear communication between stakeholders, a solutionism approach towards designing and lack of transparency in design as the prominent challenges. Building on the research insights, we briefly introduce the Calibrated Trust Toolkit as our design solution, and conclude by proposing a sweet spot for achieving calibration of trust between users and autonomous vehicles.
AN APPROACH FOR SEMI-AUTOMATIC REDESIGN OF MECHATRONIC PRODUCTS BY MULTIDISCIPLINARY OPTIMISATION
Authors: Walter Leonie , Schleich Benjamin , Wartzack Sandro
Published: August 2021

Mechatronic products are widely spread today, but their development still is a challenge. In addition, with the trend of individualisation, not only one solution must be designed but multiple configurations are needed to fulfil customer-specific requirements. To reduce cost and development time, usually existing products are adapted for this purpose. Even though a lot of knowledge is already available through the previous product version, because of multiple disciplines that must be considered in mechatronic systems, even redesign processes are complex. To support the adaption of mechatronic products to changed requirements, an approach to systematically reuse the knowledge available from previous product versions is proposed in this contribution. Through multidisciplinary behaviour optimisation, the solution space is reduced to build an adapted product meeting the new requirements. The approach is explained in detail and illustrated with the example of an electric window regulator and the results are discussed thoroughly.
BRINGING SYSTEMIC DESIGN IN THE EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE: THE CASE OF GENDER EQUALITY IN AN ACADEMIC CONTEXT
Authors: Jacoby Alexis JP , Van Ael Kristel
Published: August 2021

The field of design practice and design education is reaching out to address problems that cannot be solved by introducing a single product or service. Complex societal problems such as gender inequality cannot be solved using a traditional problem-solving oriented design approach. The specific characteristics of these problems require new ways of dealing with the dynamics, scale and complexity of the problem.

Systemic design is a design approach integrating systems thinking in combination with more traditional design methodologies, addressing complex and systemic problems. This paper reports a systemic design approach in an educational context for the case of academic gender inequality. We show the way the problem was addressed and how design students were invited to take a systemic perspective, provide integrated interventions and take first steps in providing instruments for implementation. We conclude with the learnings from this case study, both on the process and the results.
COMPARING DESIGN OUTCOMES ACHIEVED BY TEAMS OF EXPERT AND NOVICE DESIGNERS THROUGH AGENT-BASED SIMULATION
Authors: Singh Harshika , Cascini Gaetano , McComb Christopher
Published: August 2021

Previous research has shown that experienced and novice individuals behave and think differently. Although experienced individuals are better at solving problems, organisations are constantly forming teams of experienced and novice designers to work together on their projects. It is crucial to understand how these teams affect the design outcomes. Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate how collaborative design teams perform when composed of varying numbers of experienced and novice agents. Specifically in this paper, teams work on a routine task and design outcomes are measured in terms of quality, variety, and exploration of the design space. Since the parameters in the empirical laboratory experiments are difficult to control, an agent-based model was used to simulate these teams. In general, the results show that a team of novice agents with a small number of experienced agents produces solutions of higher quality than an all novice team of agents. However, an all novice team of agents does provide a higher variety of solutions. These results have important implications when teams of experienced and novice designers are formed to work together in practice.
DERIVATION OF MOTIVATORS FOR THE USE OF ALUMINUM FOAM SANDWICH AND ADVANTAGEOUS APPLICATIONS
Authors: Hommel Patrick , Roth Daniel , Binz Hansgeorg
Published: August 2021

Aluminum foam sandwich (AFS) is an innovative material combination for designing lighter products and has many advantages such as a high bending stiffness at a low density and good energy absorption properties. Although the material is ready for series production, the number of industrial applications is low because of the high costs of the material, a lack of design knowledge and missing reference applications. This paper focuses on the aspect of missing reference applications and how to improve this situation in order to give designers an idea of where the material could be used profitably and to provide the basis for a selection method. Therefore, a systematic literature review is carried out to identify profitable applications with their respective advantages. As a main result, a set of motivators for the use of aluminum foam sandwich is developed, which will support the designer in evaluating the potential use of aluminum foam sandwich.
Neural network approximation
Authors: DeVore Ronald , Hanin Boris , Petrova Guergana
Published: August 2021

Neural networks (NNs) are the method of choice for building learning algorithms. They are now being investigated for other numerical tasks such as solving high-dimensional partial differential equations. Their popularity stems from their empirical success on several challenging learning problems (computer chess/Go, autonomous navigation, face recognition). However, most scholars agree that a convincing theoretical explanation for this success is still lacking. Since these applications revolve around approximating an unknown function from data observations, part of the answer must involve the ability of NNs to produce accurate approximations.

This article surveys the known approximation properties of the outputs of NNs with the aim of uncovering the properties that are not present in the more traditional methods of approximation used in numerical analysis, such as approximations using polynomials, wavelets, rational functions and splines. Comparisons are made with traditional approximation methods from the viewpoint of rate distortion, i.e. error versus the number of parameters used to create the approximant. Another major component in the analysis of numerical approximation is the computational time needed to construct the approximation, and this in turn is intimately connected with the stability of the approximation algorithm. So the stability of numerical approximation using NNs is a large part of the analysis put forward.

The survey, for the most part, is concerned with NNs using the popular ReLU activation function. In this case the outputs of the NNs are piecewise linear functions on rather complicated partitions of the domain of f into cells that are convex polytopes. When the architecture of the NN is fixed and the parameters are allowed to vary, the set of output functions of the NN is a parametrized nonlinear manifold. It is shown that this manifold has certain space-filling properties leading to an increased ability to approximate (better rate distortion) but at the expense of numerical stability. The space filling creates the challenge to the numerical method of finding best or good parameter choices when trying to approximate.
Online Learning Probabilistic Event Calculus Theories in Answer Set Programming
Authors: KATZOURIS NIKOS , PALIOURAS GEORGIOS , ARTIKIS ALEXANDER
Published: August 2021

Complex Event Recognition (CER) systems detect event occurrences in streaming time-stamped input using predefined event patterns. Logic-based approaches are of special interest in CER, since, via Statistical Relational AI, they combine uncertainty-resilient reasoning with time and change, with machine learning, thus alleviating the cost of manual event pattern authoring. We present a system based on Answer Set Programming (ASP), capable of probabilistic reasoning with complex event patterns in the form of weighted rules in the Event Calculus, whose structure and weights are learnt online. We compare our ASP-based implementation with a Markov Logic-based one and with a number of state-of-the-art batch learning algorithms on CER data sets for activity recognition, maritime surveillance and fleet management. Our results demonstrate the superiority of our novel approach, both in terms of efficiency and predictive performance. This paper is under consideration for publication in Theory and Practice of Logic Programming (TPLP).
Where and When to Collect Tracer Data to Diagnose Hillslope Permeability Architecture
Authors: Ameli Ali A. , Laudon Hjalmar , Teutschbein Claudia , Bishop Kevin
Published: August 2021

The permeability architecture has a major influence on hillslope flow path and hydrogeochemistry. To constrain this architecture and overcome equifinality in the diagnosis of hillslope flow paths within hydrologic transport models, different types of complementary data (e.g., tracer) have been recommended. However, there is still little information on the extent to which such complementary data can unravel the permeability architecture, and where and when to measure such data to most efficiently constrain models. Here, we couple a Richards‐based flow and transport model with extensive long‐term field measurements to compare the relative value of different types of hydrometric and tracer data in discriminating between contrasting permeability (or saturated hydraulic conductivity ()) architectures, in the absence of macropore flow. Our results show that compared to streamflow and water table observations, stream tracer data have a stronger evaluative potential to constrain hillslope vertical pattern in , in particular during seasons when flow is on average low (e.g., winter or summer). Tracer data from within the hillslope are even more helpful to discriminate between different vertical patterns in Ks than stream tracer data. This suggests a higher evaluative potential for hillslope tracer observations. This evaluative potential of hillslope data depends on where and when the data are collected, and increases with depth from the soil surface, with distance from the stream and during seasons when flow is low. The findings also emphasize the importance of incorporating hillslope permeability architecture in hydrologic transport models in order to reduce the uncertainty in the predictions of stream water quality.
Interactions Between Gas Slug Ascent and Exchange Flow in the Conduit of Persistently Active Volcanoes
Authors: Qin Zhipeng , Beckett Frances M. , Rust Alison C. , Suckale Jenny
Published: August 2021

Many volcanoes around the world are persistently active with continuous degassing for years or even centuries, sometimes exceeding historic records. Such long‐term stability contrasts with short‐term instability, reflected in eruptive episodes that punctuate passive degassing. These two aspects of persistent activity, long‐term stability as opposed to short‐term instability, are often conceptualized through two distinct model frameworks: Exchange‐flow in volcanic conduits is commonly invoked to explain the long‐term thermal balance and sustained passive degassing, while the ascent of large gas slugs is called upon to understand explosive eruptions. While typically considered separately, we propose here that both flow processes could occur jointly in the conduits of persistently active volcanoes and in transient connections between subvolcanic melt lenses. To understand the dynamic interplay between exchange flow and slug ascent, we link analogue laboratory experiments with direct numerical simulations. We find that the two flows superimpose without creating major disruptions when only considering the ascent of a single gas slug. However, the sequential ascent of multiple gas slugs is disruptive to the ambient exchange flow, because it may entail continual buildup of buoyant magma at depth. While our study focuses on the laboratory scale, we propose that the dependence of exchange‐flow stability on sequential slug ascent is relevant for understanding why explosive sequences are sometimes followed by effusive eruptions. Taken together, our work suggests that integrating exchange flow and slug ascent could provide a more complete understanding of persistently active volcanoes than either model framework offers in isolation.
Sustained‐Flux Global Warming Potential Driven by Nitrogen Inflow and Hydroperiod in a Model of Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands
Authors: Yuan Y. , Sharp S. J. , Martina J. P. , Elgersma K. J. , Currie W. S.
Published: August 2021

Wetlands impact global warming by regulating the atmospheric exchange of greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). We investigated GHG emissions in the Great Lakes coastal wetlands across various hydrologic, temperature, and nitrogen (N) inflow regimes using a process‐based simulation model. We found the emission of CH4, N2O, and sequestration of C (i.e., negative net ecosystem exchange, NEE) in our simulations were all positively related to water residence time and N inflow, primarily due to greater plant productivity and N uptake, which facilitated greater C and N cycling rates in the model. Water level scenarios also had an effect on GHG exchanges by moderating the transitions between aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Temperature effects on GHGs were minimal compared with other factors. The net sustained‐flux global warming potential (SGWP; i.e., sum SGWP of CH4, N2O, and NEE) of wetlands on 20‐year and 100‐year time horizons were both primarily driven by CH4 emissions and strongly controlled by the tradeoffs between CH4 emission and CO2 sequestration, with a negligible amount of simulated N2O emissions. Future research could include model enhancements to provide increased process‐level details on the aerobic‐anaerobic transitions or the direct effects of plants on mediating GHG exchanges. Field studies addressing the interaction of N inflows and water residence time at appropriately large scales are needed to test the complex interactions revealed by our modeling study. Our results highlight the previously under‐appreciated role of nitrogen and water residence time in modulating SGWP in coastal wetlands.
Overexpression of SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE-LIKE (SVL) in Populus delays onset and reduces abundance of flowering in field-grown trees
Authors: Goralogia Greg S. , Howe Glenn T. , Brunner Amy M. , Helliwell Emily , Nagle Michael F. , Ma Cathleen , Lu Haiwei , Goddard Amanda L. , Magnuson Anna C. , Klocko Amy L. , Strauss Steven H.
Published: August 2021

The spread of transgenes and exotic germplasm from planted crops into wild or feral species is a difficult problem for public and regulatory acceptance of genetically engineered plants, particularly for wind-pollinated trees such as poplar. We report that overexpression of a poplar homolog of the floral repressor SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE-LIKE (SVL), a homolog of the Arabidopsis MADS-box repressor SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP), delayed the onset of flowering several years in three genotypes of field-grown transgenic poplars. Higher expression of SVL correlated with a delay in flowering onset and lower floral abundance, and did not cause morphologically obvious or statistically significant effects on leaf characteristics, tree form, or stem volume. Overexpression effects on reproductive and vegetative phenology in spring was modest and genotype-specific. Our results suggest that use of SVL and related floral repressors can be useful tools to enable a high level of containment for vegetatively propagated short-rotation woody energy or pulp crops.
Cuticle and skin cell walls have common and unique roles in grape berry splitting
Authors: Chang Ben-Min , Keller Markus
Published: August 2021

The skin protects a fruit from environmental stresses and supports the fruit’s structure. Failure of the skin leads to fruit splitting and may compromise commercial production for fruit growers. The mechanical properties of the cuticle and skin cell walls might influence the splitting susceptibility of fleshy fruits. Thin shell theory and fracture mechanics were utilized in this study to target the potential factors contributing to splitting susceptibility. The study analyzed the structure of the cuticle and epidermis in ripening grape berries and examined the temporal dynamics of berry splitting. Cuticular waxes were partially removed, and skin cell walls were manipulated using wall stiffening and loosening solutions that altered reactions involving hydrogen peroxide. A more than twofold difference in cuticle thickness among grape cultivars did not account for their differences in splitting resistance. However, while removing predominantly epicuticular wax did not alter the berries’ splitting resistance, their surface appearance and increasing yield strength following partial wax removal support the notion that cuticular waxes contribute to berry mechanical properties. Immersing berries in H2O2-based cell wall loosening solutions increased the splitting probability and accelerated berry splitting, whereas cell wall stiffening solutions decreased the splitting probability and delayed berry splitting. These results showed that both cuticle and skin cell walls contribute to the mechanical properties of grape berries and to their splitting resistance. The results also suggest that the two current explanations for fruit splitting, the critical turgor model and the zipper model, should be viewed as complementary rather than incompatible.
Integrative genomics reveals paths to sex dimorphism in Salix purpurea L
Authors: Hyden Brennan , Carlson Craig H , Gouker Fred E , Schmutz Jeremy , Barry Kerrie , Lipzen Anna , Sharma Aditi , Sandor Laura , Tuskan Gerald A , Feng Guanqiao , Olson Matthew S , DiFazio Stephen P , Smart Lawrence B
Published: August 2021

Sex dimorphism and gene expression were studied in developing catkins in 159 F2 individuals from the bioenergy crop Salix purpurea, and potential mechanisms and pathways for regulating sex development were explored. Differential expression, eQTL, bisulfite sequencing, and network analysis were used to characterize sex dimorphism, detect candidate master regulator genes, and identify pathways through which the sex determination region (SDR) may mediate sex dimorphism. Eleven genes are presented as candidates for master regulators of sex, supported by gene expression and network analyses. These include genes putatively involved in hormone signaling, epigenetic modification, and regulation of transcription. eQTL analysis revealed a suite of transcription factors and genes involved in secondary metabolism and floral development that were predicted to be under direct control of the sex determination region. Furthermore, data from bisulfite sequencing and small RNA sequencing revealed strong differences in expression between males and females that would implicate both of these processes in sex dimorphism pathways. These data indicate that the mechanism of sex determination in Salix purpurea is likely different from that observed in the related genus Populus. This further demonstrates the dynamic nature of SDRs in plants, which involves a multitude of mechanisms of sex determination and a high rate of turnover.