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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
Grassroots initiatives (GIs) are local, yet globally connected networks of activists that generate novel solutions for sustainability. While GIs are often claimed to play an important role for urban sustainability transitions, little research has examined how such innovations consolidate beyond isolated local initiatives. This article summarizes findings from a case study of the collaborative econ
In the present article we explore when, where, and how Swedish sexual minority women experience minority stress and microaggression. Drawing on deductive thematic analysis of forty-eight interviews, we show that minority stress and microaggressions were experienced in a wide range of everyday life areas. Exposure was described in the forms of physical violence, threats and verbal abuse, ignorance
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
This paper extends the application of quantile-based Bayesian inference to probability distributions defined in terms of quantiles of observable quantities. Quantile-parameterized distributions are characterized by high shape flexibility and parameter interpretability, making them useful for eliciting information about observables. To encode uncertainty in the quantiles elicited from experts, we p
The self avoiding walk (SAW) model of the polymer has been extended to study the equilibrium properties of double stranded DNA (dsDNA) where two strands of the dsDNA are modeled by two mutually attracting self-avoiding walks (MASAWs) in the presence of an attractive surface. We study simultaneous adsorption and force induced melting transitions and explore different phases of DNA. It is observed t
Applying evidence builds on the conclusions of the assessment of the evidence. The aim of the chapter is to describe a range of ways of summarising and visualising different types of evidence so that it can be used in various decision-making processes. Evidence can also be presented as part of evidence capture sheets, argument maps, mind maps, theories of change, Bayesian networks or evidence rest
Arctic ecosystems are warming nearly 4 times faster than the global average, which is resulting in plant community shifts and subsequent changes in biogeochemical processes such as gaseous fluxes. Additionally, herbivores shape plant communities and thereby may alter the magnitude and composition of ecosystem respiration and biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions. Here we determine th
Pollution by chemicals and waste impacts human and ecosystem health on regional, national, and global scales, resulting, together with climate change and biodiversity loss, in a triple planetary crisis. Consequently, in 2022, countries agreed to establish an intergovernmental science-policy panel (SPP) on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention, complementary to the existing intergovernmental s
In this study we derive analytically the equilibrium melting probabilities for basepairs of a DNA molecule with a defect site. We assume that the defect is characterized by a change in the Watson-Crick basepair energy of the defect basepair, and in the associated two stacking energies for the defect, as compared to the remaining parts of the DNA. The defect site could, for instance, occur due to D
We present a novel high-resolution inverse modelling system ("FLEXVAR") based on FLEXPARTCOSMO back trajectories driven by COSMO meteorological fields at 7 km×7 km resolution over the European COSMO-7 domain and the four-dimensional variational (4DVAR) data assimilation technique. FLEXVAR is coupled offline with the global inverse modelling system TM5-4DVAR to provide background mole fractions ("b
The carnivorous pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea is native to North America, but has been introduced into Europe, where it is now widespread. Understanding of how this species functions in its non-native range is limited. We measured pitcher morphology and prey capture by S. purpurea in its non-native range in Britain and Ireland. Pitchers were removed from different plants at each of six bogs co
Optimal stomatal theory predicts that stomata operate to maximise photosynthesis (Anet) and minimise transpirational water loss to achieve optimal intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE). We tested whether this theory can predict stomatal responses to elevated atmospheric CO2 (eCO2), and whether it can capture differences in responsiveness among woody plant functional types (PFTs). We conducted a me
Two conspicuous wet shifts in the peat stratigraphy of Store Mosse in southern Sweden, associated with bog-wide changes in vegetation and degree of peat decomposition, were analysed at high resolution. The bog-surface wetness (BSW) proxy data (organic matter bulk density, C/N ratio, plant macrofossils and testate amoebae) highlight the importance of interactions between vegetation composition, mic
Food systems transformation is critical for meeting our climate goals, and for ensuring individual health and food security by boosting resilience to external shocks. We face the challenge of producing enough nutritious food for our growing global population, whilst reducing our environmental impact at a time of increased competition and scarcity of resources. Protein diversification can play an i
Second-hand consumption of clothing can support the transition to circular economies by prolonging the lifespan of products through reuse. Historically, not-for-profit businesses have been dominant actors in second-hand markets across Western Europe and North America. However, with the growing interest in second-hand consumption, for-profit firms have increasingly entered this market over the last
We investigated the occurrence of microplastics (size range 5,000-50 µm) in leach-ates at 11 landfills of different age and operational status in Finland, Iceland and Nor-way. Collective sampling was carried out by pumping leachate with a stainless-steel submergible pump through a custom-made, stainless-steel filter unit containing filter plates with decreasing pore sizes (5,000, 417 and 47 µm, re
English is widely recognized as the language of science, and English-language publications (ELPs) are rapidly increasing. It is often assumed that the number of non-ELPs is decreasing. This assumption contributes to the underuse of non-ELPs in conservation science, practice, and policy, especially at the international level. However, the number of conservation articles published in different langu
Mass production and consumption based on virgin materials have been the mainstream practice for decades across industrialised nations. Resource consumption has reached an unsustainable level, leading to devastating environmental impacts. For a more sustainable future, not only environmentally but economically and socially, material cycles need to be slowed down and, if possible, closed. Upcycling
