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Microtubules are dynamic intracellular fibers that have been observed experimentally to undergo spontaneous self-alignment. We formulate a three-dimensional (3D) mean-field theory model to analyze the nematic phase transition of microtubules growing and interacting within a 3D space, then make a comparison with computational simulations. We identify a control parameter Geff and predict a unique cr
Uncertainty analysis should be an integral part of conducting a scientific investigation of the damaging human health effects of exposure to chemicals. Sources of uncertainty related to limitations in knowledge are present in all steps of a such risk assessment, i.e. the hazard identification, hazard characterization and exposure assessment. The purpose of uncertainty analysis is to evaluate the c
As humanity faces multiple mutually-reinforcing social-ecological crises, rhetoric on transformations abounds. However, transformations are normative, politically-contested processes that risk perpetuating, or even exacerbating, the ecological and socio-economic crises of today. We argue that transformations should seek to enhance human and non-human well-being within the planetary boundaries; a g
Feedback loops are among the core notions in systems thinking – and the various fields of theory and practice that draw on it, including systemic design. We use these notions to develop methodological approaches, conceptualise processes, assess the adequacy of solutions, and anticipate how the design object may interact with its immediate surroundings and beyond. In my presentation, I discuss the
At a geological time-scale, seas rise aloft and mountains crumble. We are currently in the middle of a debate on whether—in order to acknowledge the pervasive and geologically significant traces of human action on the planet—our present era should be labelled the “Anthropocene”, and if so, what would be the cut-off date for the commencement of that era. At the same moment, we are already contempla
Ecosystem functioning depends on biodiversity at multiple trophic levels, yet relationships between multitrophic diversity and ecosystem multifunctionality have been poorly explored, with studies often focusing on individual trophic levels and functions and on specific ecosystem types. Here, we show that plant diversity can affect ecosystem functioning both directly and by affecting other trophic
Bees are crucial for food security and biodiversity. However, managed bees are increasingly considered drivers of wild bee declines, leading to stakeholder conflicts and restrictive policies. We propose avenues to reconcile wild and managed bee proponents and point out knowledge gaps that hinder the development of evidence-based policies.
The vast potential of using sediment adsorbed DNA as a window to past and present biodiversity rely on the ability of solid surfaces to adsorb environmental DNA. However, a comprehensive insight into DNA adsorption at surfaces in general is lacking. Soot and charcoal are carbonaceous materials widespread in the environment where they read-ily can come in contact with extracellular DNA shed from or
Food systems have enormous impacts on people and the planet, with agriculture and food research becoming strategic for many countries. However, the way this research is conducted and the rise of new agri-food technologies have ethical and socio-economic implications. To address these, many scholars are gaining interest in participatory methods, such as citizen science, but are unfamiliar with the
Regional cerebral blood flow was measured in 21 normotensive subjects during supine rest and during head-up tilt to 70 degrees. The results showed significant and consistent regional cerebral blood flow changes in the frontal areas with lower relative flow distribution values (percentage of mean flow) during head-up tilt than during supine rest. The lower frontal flow distribution values during ti
The articles included in this thesis centre on what can be called the normative basis of risk analysis. Since risk analyses are decision procedures, they should adhere to norms of rational decision-making, and this they do. Most risk analysis schemes are built on a notion of the decision theoretic maxim that the goal of every decision is to maximize expected utility. However, for some thirty years
To address the problems of climate change and energy security, Chinese government strived to develop renewable power as an important alternative of conventional electricity. In this paper, the learning curve model is employed to describe the decreasing unit investment cost due to accumulated installed capacity; the technology diffusion model is used to analyze the potential of renewable power. Com
Indonesia has experienced rapid land use change over the last few decades as forests and peatswamps have been cleared for more intensively managed land uses, including oil palm and timber plantations. Fires are the predominant method of clearing and managing land for more intensive uses, and the related emissions affect public health by contributing to regional particulate matter and ozone concent
This study aims to verify the effect of physically removing the outer surface of contaminated concrete on total contents and on potential mobility of pollutants by means of leaching tests. Reclaimed concrete from 3 industrial sites in Sweden were included: A tar impregnated military storage, a military tar track-depot, as well as concrete constructions used for disposing of pesticide production su
The old city of Fez, Morocco, classified as Heritage of Humankind by the UNESCO, is subject to an integrated rehabilitation plan running over 15 years. The plan aims at restoring and preserving the economy, cultural value, and social heritage of the old city. The study follows a system dynamics approach to describe and analyze the rehabilitation plan in order to identify the strengths and defects
Interaction of synthetic TiO2 (anatase) nanoparticles in aqueous suspension at pH 5 was investigated as a function of time in the presence of various organic molecules in terms of adsorption and aggregation behaviour. ζ-potential and average particle diameter were determined with electrophoretic and dynamic light scattering, respectively, while batch adsorption experiments were used to quantify th
Studies on the natural human exposures to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and their elements composition are practically non-existent in South America. In order to understand the natural exposure of the typical Brazilian population to PM2.5 and their trace element composition, we measured PM2.5 concentrations and collected mass on filters for nine continuous hours during a typical workday of volun
