bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amplitude phase‐field crystal model for the hexagonal close‐packed lattice
Authors: De Donno Marcello , Salvalaglio Marco
Published: September 2023

The phase‐field crystal model allows the study of materials on atomic length and diffusive time scales. It accounts for elastic and plastic deformation in crystal lattices, including several processes such as growth, dislocation dynamics, and microstructure evolution. The amplitude expansion of the phase‐field crystal model (APFC) describes the atomic density by a small set of Fourier modes with slowly‐varying amplitudes characterizing lattice deformations. This approach allows for tackling large, three‐dimensional systems. However, it has been used mostly for modeling basic lattice symmetries. In this work, we present a coarse‐grained description of the hexagonal closed‐packed (HCP) lattice that supports lattice deformation and defects. It builds on recent developments of the APFC model and introduces specific modeling aspects for this crystal structure. After illustrating the general modeling framework, we show that the proposed approach allows for simulating relatively large three‐dimensional HCP systems hosting complex defect networks.
The Work that Work does: How intrinsic and instrumental values are transformed into relational values through active work participation in Swiss community supported agriculture
Authors: Geissberger Stefan , Chapman Mollie
Published: September 2023

Community supported agriculture (CSA) is an alternative food network that aims to enable sustainable and just food production by bringing consumers and producers together. One version of CSA (Solidarische Landwirtschaft in German or Solidarity Agriculture) requires active labour participation of members as part of the subscription price.

This paper uses a relational values approach to explore what motivates members to join and participate in solidarity agriculture cooperatives and how the experience of participation changes their values and behaviour. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 members of three co‐operatives and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Specifically, we applied the Syntax of Environmental Values Framework, developed by Deplazes‐Zemp and Chapman.

Results show that members typically hold strong intrinsic values regarding fair compensation for farmer's work and local environmental sustainability and instrumental values regarding food quality and healthy eating. We found that participation and work practices at the cooperative added to and changed values and behaviour through new relational connections to food, farmers and to nature via the agricultural landscape.

These findings provide new insight into the ways that relational values can be adopted and more broadly on the relationship between values and behaviour. This paper concludes that values, especially relational values, can form and change through lived experiences. Our results can help guide programs aiming to foster pro‐environmental values in a local population by highlighting one possible mechanism to do so.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Beneficial cooperation
Authors: Kaenders Wilhelm , Leitenstorfer Alfred , Tauser Florian
Published: September 2023

Motivated by the first laboratory demonstration of a self‐referenced femtosecond frequency comb using a fiber laser [1], Toptica Photonics and the Ultrafast Phenomena and Photonics research group of Alfred Leitenstorfer at the University of Konstanz have established a direct link of collaboration since 2004. This long‐standing knowledge transfer has now been recognized with the Technology Transfer Prize of the German Physical Society (DPG).
Examining barriers and facilitators in asthma inhaler technique education and technology‐enhanced educational tools in children: A mixed methods evaluation using the theoretical domains framework
Authors: O'Connor Antonia , Tai Andrew , Brinn Malcolm , Hoang Amy , Cataldi Daniele , Carson‐Chahhoud Kristin
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Educational interventions for asthma inhaler technique have been identified as successful in improving technique in children, yet inhaler technique has not improved over time. New approaches should be considered, including the use of technology‐based interventions such as smartphone and tablet applications. Adoption and implementation of such technology in healthcare has been historically slow. This mixed‐methods study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators of delivering and receiving asthma inhaler education for children in a hospital setting, including technology‐based interventions.

Methods

Children with asthma, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals who regularly provide asthma education, were invited to participate in a qualitative interview and brief questionnaire to describe their experiences, knowledge, beliefs, and recommendations about asthma education delivery. The Theoretical Domains Framework was used to develop questions for the semistructured moderator guide, questionnaire, and provide the rigorous evaluation framework for deductive thematic analysis.

Results

Sixteen interviews and questionnaires were conducted with participants. Overall, healthcare professionals perceived more barriers in asthma inhaler education delivery than asthmatic children and their caregivers to receiving the education. Healthcare professionals and caregivers identified time‐pressures within a hospital setting as a barrier for providing sufficient education. However, all participants felt they had adequate knowledge in their asthma management skills and inhaler technique. Technology‐based innovations were viewed positively by all participant groups to improve asthma education.

Conclusions

Several barriers and facilitators to current hospital‐based asthma education delivery were reported by target end‐users. Future programs should consider these findings when developing asthma inhaler educational interventions, particularly those using technology‐enhanced information delivery.
Combustion and secondary atomization behavior of nanofuel droplets laden with hematite, magnetite and lanthanum orthoferrites nanoparticles**
Authors: Küçükosman Rıdvan , Alper Yontar Ahmet , Gökhan Ünlü Cumhur , Ocakoglu Kasim
Published: September 2023

Current research concerns the droplet combustion behavior of gasoline‐based nanofuel droplets containing hematite (Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4) and lanthanum orthoferrites (LaFeO3, La0.5Fe1.5O3 and La0.75Fe1.25O3) perovskite type nanoparticles (NPs) at 2.5 % wt. particle loadings. The results showed that the size distribution of hematite and magnetite NPs is on the 90–100 nm scale, while the lanthanum orthoferrites NPs have a particle size distribution of 25–40 nm. The particles with the largest surface area (78,5098 m2/g) and enhanced oxygen adsorbing ability were La0.5Fe1.5O3 NPs. Droplet combustion experiments were recorded with a high speed camera and a 7.5–14 μm spectral area thermal camera. Fe3O4 and LaFeO3 NPs high agglomerate tendency allowed only a single microexplosion event in nanofuel droplets towards the end of the experiment. Only the G/La0.5Fe1.5O3 fuel droplets trended to obey the D2‐law. Nanofuel droplets containing La0.5Fe1.5O3 NPs exhibited the highest maximum flame temperature of 264 °C. The catalytic activity of lanthanum orthoferrite perovskite‐type NPs during combustion was improved due to the decrease in the La ratio in the A‐site and the increase in the Fe ratio in the B‐site.
Ginkgo biloba extract promotes Treg differentiation to ameliorate ischemic stroke via inhibition of HIF‐1α/HK2 pathway
Authors: Hui Wenyu , Huang Wei , Zheng Zuguo , Li Yi , Li Ping , Yang Hua
Published: September 2023

The ischemic brain can dialogue with peripheral tissues through the immune system. Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) was used to regulate various neurological disorders; however, the impact of EGb on ischemic stroke is still unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate whether immunomodulation has participated in the beneficial effects of EGb on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) brain injury. Mice were orally administered with EGb once daily for 7 days before the induction of I/R. Neurobehavioral scores, infarct volume, and brain inflammation were determined. The proportion of CD4+ T cells was detected by flow cytometry. EGb significantly lowered neurobehavioral scores, infarct volume, and the level of inflammatory cytokines in I/R mice. Interestingly, EGb altered the proportion of CD4+ T cells, particularly increasing the proportion of Treg cells. Depletion of Treg cells weakened the neuroprotective effects of EGb on ischemic stroke; furthermore, EGb decreased the expression of HIF‐1α and HK2 and promoted the differentiation of Treg cells in vitro. EGb suppressed the HIF‐1α/HK2 signaling pathway to promote the differentiation of Treg cells and ameliorate ischemic stroke in mice. The expansion effect of EGb on Treg cells could be exploited as part of future stroke therapy.
Galangin attenuates doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity via activating nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 signaling pathway to suppress oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Fang Guangyao , Li Xiuchuan , Yang Fengyuan , Huang Ting , Qiu Chenming , Peng Ke , Yang Yongjian , Lan Cong
Published: September 2023

Doxorubicin (DOX) has aroused contradiction between its potent anti‐tumor capacity and severe cardiotoxicity. Galangin (Gal) possesses antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities. We aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanisms of Gal on DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with DOX (3 mg/kg, every 2 days for 2 weeks) to generate cardiotoxicity model and Gal (15 mg/kg, 2 weeks) was co‐administered via gavage daily. Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) specific inhibitor, ML385, was employed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Compared to DOX‐insulted mice, Gal effectively improved cardiac dysfunction and ameliorated myocardial damage. DOX‐induced increase of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and NADPH oxidase activity and downregulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were blunted by Gal. Gal also markedly blocked increase of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in DOX‐insulted heart. Mechanistically, Gal reversed DOX‐induced downregulation of Nrf2, HO‐1, and promoted nuclear translocation of Nrf2. ML385 markedly blunted the cardioprotective effects of Gal, as well as inhibitive effects on oxidative stress and inflammation. Gal ameliorates DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation via activating Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway. Gal may serve as a promising cardioprotective agent for DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity.
Quantum Communication Networks for Energy Applications: Review and Perspective
Authors: Paudel Hari P. , Crawford Scott E. , Lee Yueh‐Lin , Shugayev Roman A. , Leuenberger Michael N. , Syamlal Madhava , Ohodnicki Paul R. , Lu Ping , Mollot Darren , Duan Yuhua
Published: September 2023

The energy sector is expected to undergo significant changes in the coming decades with the advent of new technologies, including smart grid development, microgrid expansion, increasing electric vehicle and renewable energy usage, and enhanced measures to minimize greenhouse gas emission, among others. In tandem, these changes are expected to create new opportunities for the deployment of quantum technologies within the energy sector. Building on the authors' previous reviews on the current state of and future opportunities for quantum sensing, quantum computing and quantum simulations for energy sector applications, this work provides an overview of recent progress in quantum networking and communications for the energy industry, with a focus on platforms, devices, and protocols, including quantum teleportation and quantum key distribution. Specific areas of relevance to the energy sector are then analyzed, including the role of quantum networks for greenhouse gas monitoring, secure data collection and transmission in smart grids, nuclear power plants’ safety, facilitating oil and gas exploration, and other energy‐relevant applications. This review concludes with a brief overview of areas for future innovation, including the need for platforms for simulating quantum networks, quantum material and platform design, and computational approaches to accelerate quantum protocol discovery and development.
Bright Source of Purcell‐Enhanced, Triggered, Single Photons in the Telecom C‐Band
Authors: Nawrath Cornelius , Joos Raphael , Kolatschek Sascha , Bauer Stephanie , Pruy Pascal , Hornung Florian , Fischer Julius , Huang Jiasheng , Vijayan Ponraj , Sittig Robert , Jetter Michael , Portalupi Simone Luca , Michler Peter
Published: September 2023

Several emission features mark semiconductor quantum dots as promising non‐classical light sources for prospective quantum implementations. For long‐distance transmission and Si‐based on‐chip processing, the possibility to match the telecom C‐band is decisive, while source brightness and high single‐photon purity are key features in virtually any quantum implementation. An InAs/InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot emitting in the telecom C‐band coupled to a circular Bragg grating is presented here. This cavity structure stands out due to its high broadband collection efficiency and high attainable Purcell factors. Here, simultaneously high brightness with a fiber‐coupled single‐photon count rate of 13.9 MHz for an excitation repetition rate of 228 MHz (first‐lens single‐photon collection efficiency ≈17% for NA = 0.6), while maintaining a low multi‐photon contribution of is demonstrated. Moreover, the compatibility with temperatures of up to 40 K attainable with compact cryo coolers, further underlines the suitability for out‐of‐the‐lab implementations.
Hesperidin: Enrichment, forced degradation, and structural elucidation of potential degradation products using spectral techniques
Authors: Bisen Amol Chhatrapati , Rawat Priyanka , Sharma Gaurav , Sanap Sachin Nashik , Agrawal Sristi , Kumar Shiv , Kumar Ashok , Choudhury Abhijit Deb , Kamboj Sakshi , Narender Tadigoppula , Shukla Sanjeev K. , Kanojiya Sanjeev , Bhatta Rabi Sankar
Published: September 2023

Rationale

Hesperidin (HES) is a well‐known citrus bioflavonoid phyto‐nutraceutical agent with polypharmacological properties. After 2019, HES was widely used for prophylaxis and COVID‐19 treatment. Moreover, it is commonly prescribed for treating varicose veins and other diseases in routine clinical practice. Pharmaceutical impurities and degradation products (DP) impact the drug's quality and safety and thus its effectiveness. Therefore, forced degradation studies help study drug stability, degradation mechanisms, and their DPs. This study was performed because stress stability studies using detailed structural characterization of hesperidin are currently unavailable in the literature.

Methods

In the HES enrichment method crude HES was converted to its pure form (98% purity) using column chromatography and then subjected to forced degradation under acid, base, and neutral hydrolyses followed by oxidative, reductive, photolytic, and thermal stress testing (International Conference on Harmonization guidelines). The stability‐indicating analytical method (SIAM) was developed to determine DPs using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (C18 column with methanol and 0.1% v/v acetic acid in deionized water [70:30, v/v] at 284 nm). Further, structural characterization of DPs was performed using liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In addition, in silico toxicity predictions were performed using pKCSM and DataWarior freeware.

Results

HES was found to be susceptible to acidic and basic hydrolytic conditions and yielded three DPs in each, which were detected using designed SIAM. Of six DPs, three were pseudo‐DPs (short lived), and the remaining were characterized using LC–MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy. The tentative mechanism of the formation of proposed DPs was explained. The proposed DPs were found inactive from in silico toxicity predictions.

Conclusions

Hesperidin was labile under acidic and basic stress conditions. The potential DPs were characterized using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS and NMR spectral techniques. The proposed mechanism of formation was hypothesized. In addition, to identify and characterize the DPs, a SIAM, which has broad biomedical applications, was successfully developed.
Impact of differentiated service delivery models on retention in HIV care and viral suppression among people living with HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Bwire George M. , Njiro Belinda J. , Ndumwa Harieth P. , Munishi Castory G. , Mpondo Bonaventura C. , Mganga Mathew , Mang'ombe Emmanuel , Bakari Muhammad , Sangeda Raphael Z. , Sudfeld Christopher R. , Killewo Japthet
Published: September 2023

Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, such as adherence clubs (ACs), are client‐centred approaches where clinically stable people living with HIV (PLHIV) meet to receive various services, including psychosocial support, brief symptoms screening, and refills of antiretroviral medications, among others. We conducted a review to assess the impact of DSD models, including ACs, on sustaining retention in care (RC) and achieving viral suppression (VS) among PLHIV in sub‐Saharan Africa. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023418988). We searched the literature from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar from their inception through May 2023. Eligible randomised controlled trials of adherence clubs were reviewed to assess impact on retention and viral suppression. Random effect models were used to estimate the risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The literature search yielded a total of 1596 records of which 16 randomised clinical trials were determined to be eligible. The trials were conducted in diverse populations among adults and children with a total of 13,886 participants. The RR between any DSD models and standard of care (SoC) was 1.09 (95% CI: 1.08–1.11, I2: 0%, p: <0.96) and 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00–1.02, I2: 0%, p: <0.85) for RC and VS, respectively. The RR between ACs and SoC was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.96–1.07, I2: 84%, p: <0.01) and 1.02 (95% CI: 0.98–1.07, I2: 77%, p: <0.01) for RC and VS, respectively. DSD models, including ACs, show comparable effectiveness to SoC in maintaining care and achieving viral suppression for stable PLHIV. To maximise adoption, an implementation science approach is crucial for designing effective strategies and overcoming challenges.
Control Lyapunov–Barrier function based model predictive control for stochastic nonlinear affine systems
Authors: Zheng Weijiang , Zhu Bing
Published: September 2023

A stochastic model predictive control (MPC) framework is presented in this paper for nonlinear affine systems with stability and feasibility guarantee. We first introduce the concept of stochastic control Lyapunov–Barrier function (CLBF) and provide a method to construct CLBF by combining an unconstrained control Lyapunov function (CLF) and control barrier functions. The unconstrained CLF is obtained from its corresponding semi‐linear system through dynamic feedback linearization. Based on the constructed CLBF, we utilize sampled‐data MPC framework to deal with states and inputs constraints, and to analyze stability of closed‐loop systems. Moreover, event‐triggering mechanisms are integrated into MPC framework to improve performance during sampling intervals. The proposed CLBF based stochastic MPC is validated via an obstacle avoidance example.
A novel iterative learning control scheme based on Broyden‐class optimization method
Authors: Qian Jiaxi , Shen Dong
Published: September 2023

This study proposes a novel iterative learning control scheme for discrete‐time linear systems based on the Broyden‐class optimization method. To overcome the difficulty of lacking system information, a cost function is introduced for the performance index by constructing a positive‐definite matrix with little system information. An optimization‐based learning control algorithm is proposed using a Hessian matrix approximation and the generated input sequence is demonstrated to exhibit a superlinear convergence rate. The proposed scheme is extended to address the point‐to‐point tracking problem. Numerical simulations are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Inconsistency identification in network meta‐analysis via stochastic search variable selection
Authors: Seitidis Georgios , Nikolakopoulos Stavros , Ntzoufras Ioannis , Mavridis Dimitris
Published: September 2023

The reliability of the results of network meta‐analysis (NMA) lies in the plausibility of the key assumption of transitivity. This assumption implies that the effect modifiers' distribution is similar across treatment comparisons. Transitivity is statistically manifested through the consistency assumption which suggests that direct and indirect evidence are in agreement. Several methods have been suggested to evaluate consistency. A popular approach suggests adding inconsistency factors to the NMA model. We follow a different direction by describing each inconsistency factor with a candidate covariate whose choice relies on variable selection techniques. Our proposed method, stochastic search inconsistency factor selection (SSIFS), evaluates the consistency assumption both locally and globally, by applying the stochastic search variable selection method to determine whether the inconsistency factors should be included in the model. The posterior inclusion probability of each inconsistency factor quantifies how likely is a specific comparison to be inconsistent. We use posterior model odds or the median probability model to decide on the importance of inconsistency factors. Differences between direct and indirect evidence can be incorporated into the inconsistency detection process. A key point of our proposed approach is the construction of a reasonable “informative” prior concerning network consistency. The prior is based on the elicitation of information derived historical data from 201 published network meta‐analyses. The performance of our proposed method is evaluated in two published network meta‐analyses. The proposed methodology is publicly available in an R package calledssifs, published on CRAN and developed and maintained by the authors of this work.
A Case Study on the Dermatoscopic Findings of Darier's Disease in Skin Type VI
Authors: Khan Samavia , Farabi Banu , Zufall Alina , Peacock Anjelica , Helmandollar Kenneth , Shulman Kenneth , Safai Bijan
Published: September 2023

We present dermatoscopic findings of long-standing, untreated Darier's disease (DD) in skin type VI that differs from current findings in literature. Robust hyperkeratotic polygonal-shaped plugs without a surrounding white halo and classic vascular features were noted on the anterior scalp, neck, axilla, midline trunk, and extensors. Through this case, we aim to contribute to emerging literature in describing features of DD under dermatoscopy to augment diagnosis.
First‐Principles Electronic Structure Calculations on Modified Graphene Sheets for Solar Cell Applications: A Review
Authors: Liang Xuefeng , Tan Xinyuan , Zhao Yongze , Feng Xin , Li Huifang , He Yan , Zhang Lisheng
Published: September 2023

As industrial development and over‐consumption of fossil fuel resources lead to an increasing demand for renewable and sustainable energy sources, making solar energy an ideal source of energy. Graphene has attracted much attention in the field of solar cells due to its unique electronic, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties, as well as its high specific surface area, high carrier mobility, and high Young's modulus. In this comprehensive review article, we summarize the theoretical advances of graphene and its derivatives, such as graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene quantum dots, hybridized graphene, and graphene doped with heteroatoms, in the field of solar cells. The observed enhancement of solar cell performance due to the incorporation of graphene and its derivatives is explained in detail by first‐principles. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the fundamental mechanisms of the interactions between graphene and its derivatives solar cells through first‐principles to provide theoretical support for their continued development in the field of solar cells, while paving the way for the creation of new strategies to improve solar cell performance and advance the development of sustainable energy technologies.
Microfluidic Brain‐on‐a‐Chip: From Key Technology to System Integration and Application
Authors: Wang Zhaohe , Zhang Yongqian , Li Zhe , Wang Hao , Li Nuomin , Deng Yulin
Published: September 2023

As an ideal in vitro model, brain‐on‐chip (BoC) is an important tool to comprehensively elucidate brain characteristics. However, the in vitro model for the definition scope of BoC has not been universally recognized. In this review, BoC is divided into brain cells‐on‐a‐ chip, brain slices‐on‐a‐chip, and brain organoids‐on‐a‐chip according to the type of culture on the chip. Although these three microfluidic BoCs are constructed in different ways, they all use microfluidic chips as carrier tools. This method can better meet the needs of maintaining high culture activity on a chip for a long time. Moreover, BoC has successfully integrated cell biology, the biological material platform technology of microenvironment on a chip, manufacturing technology, online detection technology on a chip, and so on, enabling the chip to present structural diversity and high compatibility to meet different experimental needs and expand the scope of applications. Here, the relevant core technologies, challenges, and future development trends of BoC are summarized.
Cell‐Based Micro/Nano‐Robots for Biomedical Applications: A Review
Authors: Chen Bo , Sun Hongyan , Zhang Jiaying , Xu Junjie , Song Zeyu , Zhan Guangdong , Bai Xue , Feng Lin
Published: September 2023

Micro/nano‐robots are powerful tools for biomedical applications and are applied in disease diagnosis, tumor imaging, drug delivery, and targeted therapy. Among the various types of micro‐robots, cell‐based micro‐robots exhibit unique properties because of their different cell sources. In combination with various actuation methods, particularly externally propelled methods, cell‐based microrobots have enormous potential for biomedical applications. This review introduces recent progress and applications of cell‐based micro/nano‐robots. Different actuation methods for micro/nano‐robots are summarized, and cell‐based micro‐robots with different cell templates are introduced. Furthermore, the review focuses on the combination of cell‐based micro/nano‐robots with precise control using different external fields. Potential challenges, further prospects, and clinical translations are also discussed.
A failed proof can yield a useful test
Authors: Huang Li , Meyer Bertrand
Published: September 2023

A successful automated program proof is, in software verification, the ultimate triumph. In practice, however, the road to such success is paved with many failed proof attempts. Unlike a failed test, which provides concrete evidence of an actual bug in the program, a failed proof leaves the programmer in the dark. Can we instead learn something useful from it? The work reported here takes advantage of the rich information that some automatic provers internally collect about the program when attempting a proof. If the proof fails, the Proof2Test tool presented in this article uses the counterexample generated by the prover (specifically, the SMT solver underlying the Boogie tool used in the AutoProof system to perform correctness proofs of contract‐equipped Eiffel programs) to produce a failed test, which provides the programmer with immediately exploitable information to correct the program. The discussion presents Proof2Test and the application of the ideas and tool to a collection of representative examples.
Sustainable lake restoration: From challenges to solutions
Authors: Tammeorg Olga , Chorus Ingrid , Spears Bryan , Nõges Peeter , Nürnberg Gertrud K. , Tammeorg Priit , Søndergaard Martin , Jeppesen Erik , Paerl Hans , Huser Brian , Horppila Jukka , Jilbert Tom , Budzyńska Agnieszka , Dondajewska‐Pielka Renata , Gołdyn Ryszard , Haasler Sina , Hellsten Seppo , Härkönen Laura H. , Kiani Mina , Kozak Anna , Kotamäki Niina , Kowalczewska‐Madura Katarzyna , Newell Silvia , Nurminen Leena , Nõges Tiina , Reitzel Kasper , Rosińska Joanna , Ruuhijärvi Jukka , Silvonen Soila , Skov Christian , Važić Tamara , Ventelä Anne‐Mari , Waajen Guido , Lürling Miquel
Published: September 2023

Sustainable management of lakes requires us to overcome ecological, economic, and social challenges. These challenges can be addressed by focusing on achieving ecological improvement within a multifaceted, co‐beneficial context. In‐lake restoration measures may promote more rapid ecosystem responses than is feasible with catchment measures alone, even if multiple interventions are needed. In particular, we identify restoration methods that support the overarching societal target of a circular economy through the use of nutrients, sediments, or biomass that are removed from a lake, in agriculture, as food, or for biogas production. In this emerging field of sustainable restoration techniques, we show examples, discuss benefits and pitfalls, and flag areas for further research and development. Each lake should be assessed individually to ensure that restoration approaches will effectively address lake‐specific problems, do not harm the target lake or downstream ecosystems, are cost‐effective, promote delivery of valuable ecosystem services, minimize conflicts in public interests, and eliminate the necessity for repeated interventions. Achieving optimal, sustainable results from lake restoration relies on multidisciplinary research and close interactions between environmental, social, political, and economic sectors.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Water Quality

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness
Exploring yeast‐based microbial interactions: The next frontier in postharvest biocontrol
Authors: Agirman Bilal , Carsanba Erdem , Settanni Luca , Erten Huseyin
Published: September 2023

Fresh fruits and vegetables are susceptible to a large variety of spoilage agents before and after harvest. Among these, fungi are mostly responsible for the microbiological deteriorations that lead to economically significant losses of fresh produce. Today, synthetic fungicides represent the first approach for controlling postharvest spoilage in fruits and vegetables worldwide. However, the emergence of fungicide‐resistant pathogen biotypes and the increasing awareness of consumers toward the health implications of hazardous chemicals imposed an urgent need to reduce the use of synthetic fungicides in the food supply; this phenomenon strengthened the search for alternative biocontrol strategies that are more effective, safer, nontoxic, low‐residue, environment friendly, and cost‐effective. In the last decade, biocontrol with antagonistic yeasts became a promising strategy to reduce chemical compounds during fruit and vegetable postharvest, and several yeast‐based biocontrol products have been commercialized. Biocontrol is a multipartite system that includes different microbial groups (spoilage mold, yeast, bacteria, and nonspoilage resident microorganisms), host fruit, vegetables, or plants, and the environment. The majority of biocontrol studies focused on yeast‐mold mechanisms, with little consideration for yeast–bacteria and yeast–yeast interactions. The current review focused mainly on the unexplored yeast‐based interactions and the mechanisms of actions in biocontrol systems as well as on the importance and advantages of using yeasts as biocontrol agents, improving antagonist efficiency, the commercialization process and associated challenges, and future perspectives.
Black-Tailed and Mule Deer
Authors: Larsen Randy T. , McMillan Brock R.
Published: September 2023

Black-tailed and mule deer (both designated as Odocoileus hemionus; hereafter referred to as “deer” or “mule deer”) comprise an iconic species that is broadly distributed across western North America. This species occurs in all rangeland types including grasslands, desert shrublands, forests, savannah woodlands, and even portions of tundra. The distribution of mule deer has changed little since Euro-American settlement, but abundance has fluctuated in response to environmental variation and rangeland management practices. These deer are medium-sized, polygynous mammals classified as generalist herbivores (foregut fermenters). Population growth in this species is strongly influenced by survival of adult females and recruitment of young. The management of rangelands has direct influence on deer populations given the wide distribution of this species and measurable responses to rangeland management practices. Rangeland management practices including development of water, grazing by domestic livestock, prescribed fire, energy extraction, vegetation alteration, and others can have positive or negative influences or both on this species. Although mule deer are widely distributed and relatively abundant, conservation of this species is challenged by rapid changes currently occurring on rangelands of western North America. Altered fire regimes due to climate change and invasive plants, competition (with feral horses [Equus ferus caballus], livestock, and other wild ungulates), development of energy, ex-urban and urban expansion, and many other challenges threaten continued abundance of this species. Rangelands and their associated management will continue to play a disproportionally large role in the conservation of mule deer in the future.
Pronghorn
Authors: Jones Paul F. , Reinking Adele K. , Jakes Andrew F. , Miller Myrna M. , Creekmore Terry , Guenzel Rich
Published: September 2023

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are an endemic ungulate in western North America and occupy rangelands concurrently with domestic livestock. When rangelands are in healthy condition, there is little-to-no competition between pronghorn and domestic livestock. When rangeland health deteriorates, direct competition occurs when both compete for limited resources. Pronghorn are a highly mobile species that cope with challenging environmental conditions (both natural and human-imposed) through daily and seasonal movements to more favorable habitats. Maintaining healthy rangelands and rangeland connectivity will allow pronghorn to move freely and adapt to increased human disturbance. In addition, understanding the cumulative effects and identifying mitigation strategies of deleterious anthropogenic effects (i.e., habitat conversion, linear features, energy development, and climate changes) will help to ensure long-term persistence of pronghorn populations. Mitigation will be critical, in conjunction with expanded research efforts, to help gain a greater knowledge of the role of environmental conditions and anthropogenic disturbances on pronghorn fitness, persistence, and their ability to move across the land in response to an ever-changing landscape.
Elk and Rangelands
Authors: Kohl Michel T. , Cleveland Shawn M. , Ellis Calvin C. , Halseth Ashlyn N. , Merkle Jerod A. , Proffitt Kelly M. , Rowland Mary M. , Wisdom Michael J.
Published: September 2023

Elk (Cervus canadensis) are the second largest member of the deer family that reside in North America. Historically, the species occupied most of North America, however, today, they occupy only a small proportion of that range. Across their historical and contemporary distribution, they occupied diverse vegetation communities including both rangelands and forest ecosystems. Given this broad distribution, elk face numerous conservation and management threats including competition with wild and domestic ungulates, disease considerations, and human-elk conflicts. This chapter highlights these and other conservation and management concerns, especially as they pertain to rangelands. In closing, we identify current and future research needs that will be important for the continued persistence and expansion of elk populations across their range.
Prairie Grouse
Authors: McNew Lance B. , Dwayne Elmore R. , Hagen Christian A.
Published: September 2023

Prairie grouse, which include greater prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus cupido), lesser prairie-chicken (T. pallidicinctus), and sharp-tailed grouse (T.phasianellus), are species of high conservation concern and have been identified as potential indicator species for various rangeland ecosystems. Greater prairie-chickens are found in scattered populations in isolated tallgrass prairie throughout the Midwest, but primarily occur in the more expansive tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies in the Great Plains. Lesser prairie-chickens occur in mixed-grass, shortgrass, and arid shrublands of the southern Great Plains. Sharp-tailed grouse occur in mixed-grass, shortgrass, shrub steppe, and prairie parkland vegetation types and are broadly distributed across the northern Great Plains, portions of the Great Basin, and boreal parkland areas of Alaska and Canada. Due to reliance on a variety of rangeland types, consideration of management and anthropogenic activities on rangelands are critical for prairie grouse conservation. Grazing is one of the more prominent activities that has the potential to affect prairie grouse by altering plant structure and composition, and recent research has attempted to identify the mechanisms of grazing effects on prairie grouse. Fire is another important disturbance affecting grouse habitat, especially considering how the current distribution and intensity of fire differs from what occurred historically. Additionally, human infrastructure in the form of roads and energy development, as well as land conversion and degradation such as tillage and tree encroachment can fragment and reduce habitat for prairie grouse. Finally, weather including drought, extended rain, and temperature extremes are common across the distribution of prairie grouse. Although not directly under management control, the effects of weather are an overarching factor that need to be considered in conservation planning. This chapter will summarize the life-histories and habitat requirements of prairie grouse, discuss how rangeland management and other human activities affect them, highlight major threats to prairie grouse and provide recommendations for future management and research.
Proving Termination of C Programs with Lists
Authors: Hensel Jera , Giesl Jürgen
Published: September 2023

There are many techniques and tools to prove termination of programs, but up to now these tools were not very powerful for fully automated termination proofs of programs whose termination depends on recursive data structures like lists. We present the first approach that extends powerful techniques for termination analysis of programs (with memory allocation and explicit pointer arithmetic) to lists.
Proving Almost-Sure Innermost Termination of Probabilistic Term Rewriting Using Dependency Pairs
Authors: Kassing Jan-Christoph , Giesl Jürgen
Published: September 2023

Dependency pairs are one of the most powerful techniques to analyze termination of term rewrite systems (TRSs) automatically. We adapt the dependency pair framework to the probabilistic setting in order to prove almost-sure innermost termination of probabilistic TRSs. To evaluate its power, we implemented the new framework in our tool .
Towards Fast Nominal Anti-unification of Letrec-Expressions
Authors: Schmidt-Schauß Manfred , Nantes-Sobrinho Daniele
Published: September 2023

This paper describes anti-unification algorithms for computing least general generalizations of two expressions in a functional programming language with recursive let. First, by exploring a semantic approach to the problem, we argue for an improvement of the technique used in previous papers which avoids infinite chains of properly descending generalizations. Second, we present a (non-deterministic) nominal general anti-unification algorithm applicable to general expressions, which is complete, terminating and requires polynomial time. Third, we propose a specialized anti-unification algorithm applicable to two or more garbage-free ground expressions that produces a single least general generalization in polynomial time, and which can also exploit further semantically correct equivalences. Our results have potential applications in finding clones in functional programs.
Naturbasierte Lösungen zur Stärkung der Resilienz in Städten
Authors: Zandersen Marianne , Banzhaf Ellen , Knopp Julius , Scheffler Janice , Levin Gregor , Guell Cornelia , Wicke Marielene
Published: September 2023

Als naturbasierte Lösungen (NBL) werden auf EU-Ebene naturbezogene Ansätze bezeichnet, die als Instrumente zur Bewältigung gesellschaftlicher Herausforderungen hinsichtlich des Klimawandels dienen. Eine Stadt erhöht ihre Resilienz, wenn ihre NBL-Ansätze auch soziale Probleme und das Wohlergehen der Bürger*innen ansprechen. Dieser Beitrag ist der beispielhaften Anwendung von NBL in drei europäischen Städten unterschiedlicher Größe gewidmet: einer Megacity (Region Paris, Frankreich), einer mittelgroßen Stadt (Aarhus, Dänemark) und einer Kleinstadt (Velika Gorica, Kroatien). Dabei wird untersucht, welche Herausforderungen und Chancen bei der Anwendung von NBL in verschiedenen sozialen und ökologischen Systemen auftreten und inwiefern NBL ein Schlüssel zur städtischen Resilienz sind.
Die resiliente Stadt aus der Sicht des Stadtentwicklungsplaners Stefan Heinig
Authors: Heinig Stefan
Published: September 2023

In dem Interview äußert sich der Stadtplaner Stefan Heinig zum Verständnis und der Anwendung des Resilienzkonzepts in der Stadtplanungspraxis. Dabei greift er seine Erfahrungen aus dem Expertenbeirat des Bundesinnenministeriums zur Erarbeitung des Memorandums Urbane Resilienz auf und beleuchtet die Herausforderungen bei der Umsetzung des Memorandums.
Urbane Resilienz, Realexperimente und die Stadt als Labor: Zum paradoxen Zusammenhang von Beharrungsvermögen und Veränderung
Authors: Groß Matthias
Published: September 2023

Das im Rahmen von Diskussionen um nachhaltige urbane Reallabore genutzte Konzept der Realexperimente knüpft an die These an, dass Städte im 21. Jahrhundert zunehmend in ergebnisoffene Prozesse der „experimentellen“ Innovation und gesellschaftlichen Gestaltung einbezogen werden. Resilienzkonzepte hingegen verweisen traditionell auf Möglichkeiten eines Systems, seine Funktion und Struktur gegenüber externen Veränderungen zu bewahren. Ein Kernthema aktueller Diskussionen um Resilienz ist damit der paradoxe Zusammenhang zwischen dem Beharrungsvermögen sozial-ökologischer Verhältnisse und eingeforderter radikaler Veränderung. Der folgende Beitrag arbeitet diesen Widerspruch in Diskussionen zur nachhaltigen Stadtentwicklung heraus und bietet vorsichtige konzeptuelle Vorschläge an, um beide Seiten – Resilienz und Experiment – mit der Idee strategischen Nichtwissens produktiv zu verknüpfen.
Impulse für eine kritische Debatte zur resilienten Stadtentwicklung am Beispiel der grünen Gentrifizierung
Authors: Haase Annegret , Schmidt Anika
Published: September 2023

Ziel des Beitrages ist es, am Beispiel der grünen Gentrifizierung Herausforderungen für eine auf Resilienz ausgerichtete Stadtentwicklung zu diskutieren. Er soll Impulse für eine kritische Resilienzdebatte geben, die den Kriterien der Sozialverträglichkeit und Gerechtigkeit verpflichtet ist und innerhalb derer Dimensionen und Bedingungen von Resilienz differenziert in den Blick zu nehmen sind. Der Beitrag führt die aktuellen Resilienzdiskussionen und die Perspektiven auf grüne Gentrifizierung zusammen, wobei die Resilienz als Denkhintergrund und die grüne Gentrifizierung als das illustrierende Beispiel fungiert. Zugleich zeigen die empirischen Befunde, dass aktuelle Resilienzstrategien und Politiken zu deren Umsetzung blinde Flecken und ungelöste Fragen beinhalten.
A bulk manifestation of Krylov complexity
Authors: Rabinovici E. , Sánchez-Garrido A. , Shir R. , Sonner J.
Published: September 2023

Abstract

There are various definitions of the concept of complexity in Quantum Field Theory as well as for finite quantum systems. For several of them there are conjectured holographic bulk duals. In this work we establish an entry in the AdS/CFT dictionary for one such class of complexity, namely Krylov or K-complexity. For this purpose we work in the double-scaled SYK model which is dual in a certain limit to JT gravity, a theory of gravity in AdS2. In particular, states on the boundary have a clear geometrical definition in the bulk. We use this result to show that Krylov complexity of the infinite-temperature thermofield double state on the boundary of AdS2 has a precise bulk description in JT gravity, namely the length of the two-sided wormhole. We do this by showing that the Krylov basis elements, which are eigenstates of the Krylov complexity operator, are mapped to length eigenstates in the bulk theory by subjecting K-complexity to the bulk-boundary map identifying the bulk/boundary Hilbert spaces. Our result makes extensive use of chord diagram techniques and identifies the Krylov basis of the boundary quantum system with fixed chord number states building the bulk gravitational Hilbert space.
2-charge circular fuzz-balls and their perturbations
Authors: Bianchi Massimo , Di Russo Giorgio
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We perform a detailed study of perturbations around 2-charge circular fuzz-balls and compare the results with the ones obtained in the case of ‘small’ BHs. In addition to the photon-sphere modes that govern the prompt ring-down, we also find a branch of long-lived QNMs localised inside the photon-sphere at the (meta)stable minimum of the radial effective potential. The latter are expected to dominate late time signals in the form of ‘echoes’. Moreover, contrary to ‘small’ BHs, some ‘static’ tidal Love numbers are non-zero and independent of the mass, charges and angular momentum of the fuzz-ball. We rely on the recently established connection between BH or fuzz-ball perturbation theory and quantum Seiberg-Witten curves for $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SYM theories, which in turn are related to Liouville CFT via the AGT correspondence. We test our results against numerical results obtained with Leaver’s method of continuous fractions or Breit-Wigner resonance method for direct integration and with the WKB approximation based on geodesic motion. In the probe approximation, we also exclude rotational super-radiance, due to the absence of an ergo-region, and absorption, due to the absence of a horizon.
Quantized strings and instantons in holography
Authors: Gautason Friðrik Freyr , Puletti Valentina Giangreco M. , van Muiden Jesse
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We study worldsheet instantons in holographic type IIA backgrounds directly in string theory. The first background is a dimensional reduction of AdS7 × S4 and is dual to the maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory on S5. The second background is AdS4 × CP3 dual to ABJM in the type IIA limit. We compute the one-loop partition function of the fundamental string in these backgrounds and show that the result is in exact agreement with field theory predictions. We argue that for higher rank instantons, the string partition function takes a product form of the single instanton partition function times the contribution of two orbifolds on the worldsheet. We determine the orbifold factor to be n−3/2 where n is the instanton rank. With this result, we reproduce the series of non-perturbative corrections in α′ to the planar S5 free energy. When studying the worldsheet instanton partition function on CP3, we encounter twelve fermionic and twelve bosonic zero modes. By deforming the ABJM theory, the zero-modes are lifted and consequently the tower of worldsheet instantons can be evaluated and matched to known results in the QFT. As a by-product, we determine a series of higher rank instanton corrections to the free energy of the mass-deformed and orbifolded ABJ(M) theory.