Showing papers by "Southern Illinois University Carbondale published in 2020"

TRY plant trait database : Enhanced coverage and open access

Abstract: Plant traits-the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants-determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait-based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits-almost complete coverage for 'plant growth form'. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait-environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives.

Parasitic angiosperms: How often and how many?

Abstract: Angiosperms that morphologically and physiologically attach to other flowering plants by means of a haustorium have evolved 12 times independently resulting in 292 genera and ca. 4750 species. Although hemiparasites predominate, holoparasitism has evolved in all but two clades, Cassytha (Lauraceae) and Krameria (Krameriaceae). Santalales contains the largest number of genera (179) and species (2428) among the 12 parasitic plant lineages whereas Orobanchaceae is the largest single family with 102 genera and over 2100 species. This review presents the current state of knowledge on the molecular phylogenetic relationships among all clades of parasitic angiosperms. These methods have been particularly important in revealing the closest non-parasitic relatives of holoparasites, plants that exhibit reduced morphologies, increased substitution rates, and frequent horizontal gene transfers, all of which confound phylogenetics. Although comprehensive molecular phylogenies are still lacking for many of the large genera, nearly complete generic level sampling exists, thus allowing unprecedented understanding of the evolutionary relationships within and among these fascinating plants.

A Market Framework for Decentralized Congestion Management in Smart Distribution Grids Considering Collaboration Among Electric Vehicle Aggregators

Abstract: This paper proposes a day-ahead market framework for congestion management in smart distribution networks. The presented scheme provides a platform for collaboration between distribution-level market operator (DMO) and data traffic operator (DTO) to alleviate congested feeders such that data transmission traffic between market participants is effectively managed in a smart grid. In addition, a decentralized mechanism is developed for collaboration of electric vehicle (EV) aggregators with common clients to take advantage of EVs not only as flexible loads but also as mobile distributed storage (MDS) for congestion management. Moreover, the proposed framework outlines an administrative action for distribution system operator (DSO) to support the market when the decentralized competitions among distributed generation (DG) aggregators and EV aggregators do not fully relieve a serious congestion. The proposed day-ahead congestion management scheme is validated on an unbalanced 136-bus distribution system massively integrated with wind turbine DGs (WTDGs), photovoltaic DGs (PVDGs), diesel-engine DGs (DEDGs), and EVs.

Catalytic Reduction of CO2 to CO via Reverse Water Gas Shift Reaction: Recent Advances in the Design of Active and Selective Supported Metal Catalysts

Abstract: The catalytic conversion of CO2 to CO via a reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction followed by well-established synthesis gas conversion technologies may provide a potential approach to convert CO2 to valuable chemicals and fuels. However, this reaction is mildly endothermic and competed by a strongly exothermic CO2 methanation reaction at low temperatures. Therefore, the improvement in the low-temperature activities and selectivity of the RWGS reaction is a key challenge for catalyst designs. We reviewed recent advances in the design strategies of supported metal catalysts for enhancing the activity of CO2 conversion and its selectivity to CO. These strategies include varying support, tuning metal–support interactions, adding reducible transition metal oxide promoters, forming bimetallic alloys, adding alkali metals, and enveloping metal particles. These advances suggest that enhancing CO2 adsorption and facilitating CO desorption are key factors to enhance CO2 conversion and CO selectivity. This short review may provide insights into future RWGS catalyst designs and optimization.

Is your ad hoc model selection strategy affecting your multimodel inference

Abstract: Ecologists routinely fit complex models with multiple parameters of interest, where hundreds or more competing models are plausible. To limit the number of fitted models, ecologists often define a model selection strategy composed of a series of stages in which certain features of a model are compared while other features are held constant. Defining these multi-stage strategies requires making a series of decisions, which may potentially impact inferences, but have not been critically evaluated. We begin by identifying key features of strategies, introducing descriptive terms when they did not already exist in the literature. Strategies differ in how they define and order model building stages. Sequential-by-sub-model strategies focus on one sub-model (parameter) at a time with modeling of subsequent sub-models dependent on the selected sub-model structures from the previous stages. Secondary candidate set strategies model sub-models independently and combine the top set of models from each sub-model for selection in a final stage. Build-up approaches define stages across sub-models and increase in complexity at each stage. Strategies also differ in how the top set of models is selected in each stage and whether they use null or more complex sub-model structures for non-target sub-models. We tested the performance of different model selection strategies using four data sets and three model types. For each data set, we determined the \"true\" distribution of AIC weights by fitting all plausible models. Then, we calculated the number of models that would have been fitted and the portion of \"true\" AIC weight we recovered under different model selection strategies. Sequential-by-sub-model strategies often performed poorly. Based on our results, we recommend using a build-up or secondary candidate sets, which were more reliable and carrying all models within 5–10 AIC of the top model forward to subsequent stages. The structure of non-target sub-models was less important. Multi-stage approaches cannot compensate for a lack of critical thought in selecting covariates and building models to represent competing a priori hypotheses. However, even when competing hypotheses for different sub-models are limited, thousands or more models may be possible so strategies to explore candidate model space reliably and efficiently will be necessary.

Construction of Highly Active and Selective PolydopamineModified Hollow ZnO/Co 3 O 4 p‑n HeterojunctionCatalyst for Photocatalytic CO 2 Reduction

Abstract: The facile synthesis of low-cost, eco-friendly photocatalysts with high charge separation efficiency and CO2 adsorption capacity for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction remains a challenge. Here...

An Overview of Additive Manufacturing of Polymers and Associated Composites.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing is rapidly evolving and opening new possibilities for many industries. This article gives an overview of the current status of additive manufacturing with polymers and polymer composites. Various types of reinforcements in polymers and architectured cellular material printing including the auxetic metamaterials and the triply periodic minimal surface structures are discussed. Finally, applications, current challenges, and future directions are highlighted here.

Post-Synthetically Elaborated BODIPY-Based Porous Organic Polymers (POPs) for the Photochemical Detoxification of a Sulfur Mustard Simulant.

Abstract: Designing new materials for the effective detoxification of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is of current interest given the recent use of CWAs. Although halogenated boron-dipyrromethene derivatives (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene or BDP or BODIPY) at the 2 and 6 positions have been extensively explored as efficient photosensitizers for generating singlet oxygen (1O2) in homogeneous media, their utilization in the design of porous organic polymers (POPs) has remained elusive due to the difficulty of controlling polymerization processes through cross-coupling synthesis pathways. Our approach to overcome these difficulties and prepare halogenated BODIPY-based porous organic polymers (X-BDP-POP where X = Br or I) represents an attractive alternative through post-synthesis modification (PSM) of the parent hydrogenated polymer. Upon synthesis of both the parent polymer, H-BDP-POP, and its post-synthetically modified derivatives, Br-BDP-POP and I-BDP-POP, the BET surface areas of all POPs have been measured and found to be 640, 430, and 400 m2·g-1, respectively. In addition, the insertion of heavy halogen atoms at the 2 and 6 positions of the BODIPY unit leads to the quenching of fluorescence (both polymer and solution-phase monomer forms) and the enhancement of phosphorescence (particularly for the iodo versions of the polymers and monomers), as a result of efficient intersystem crossing. The heterogeneous photocatalytic activities of both the parent POP and its derivatives for the detoxification of the sulfur mustard simulant, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), have been examined; the results show a significant enhancement in the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2). Both the bromination and iodination of H-BDP-POP served to shorten by 5-fold of the time needed for the selective and catalytic photo-oxidation of CEES to 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide (CEESO).

Performance Analysis of Intelligent Reflective Surfaces for Wireless Communication

Abstract: A statistical characterization of the fundamental performance bounds of an intelligent reflective surface (IRS) intended for aiding wireless communications is presented. To this end, the outage probability, average symbol error probability and achievable rate bounds are derived in closed-form. By virtue of an asymptotic analysis in high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime, the achievable diversity order is derived. Thereby, we show that a diversity gain in the order of the number of passive reflective elements embedded within the IRS can be achieved with only controllable phase adjustments. Thus, IRS has a great potential of boosting the wireless performance by intelligently controlling the propagation channels without employing additional active radio frequency chains.

Herbivores at the highest risk of extinction among mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Abstract: As a result of their extensive home ranges and slow population growth rates, predators have often been perceived to suffer higher risks of extinction than other trophic groups. Our study challenges this extinction-risk paradigm by quantitatively comparing patterns of extinction risk across different trophic groups of mammals, birds, and reptiles. We found that trophic level and body size were significant factors that influenced extinction risk in all taxa. At multiple spatial and temporal scales, herbivores, especially herbivorous reptiles and large-bodied herbivores, consistently have the highest proportions of threatened species. This observed elevated extinction risk for herbivores is ecologically consequential, given the important roles that herbivores are known to play in controlling ecosystem function.

Insights on Otolaryngology Residency Training during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract: Otolaryngology residency training programs are facing a novel challenge due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The widespread impact and chronicity of this pandemic makes it unique from any crisis faced by our training programs to date. This international medical crisis has the potential to significantly alter the course of training for our current resident cohort. The decrease in clinical opportunities due to the limitations on elective surgical cases and office visits as well as potential resident redeployment could lead to a decline in overall experience as well as key indicator cases. It is important that we closely monitor the impact of this pandemic on resident education and ensure the implementation of alternative learning strategies while maintaining an emphasis on safety and well-being.

Can human nutrition be improved through better fish feeding practices? a review paper.

Abstract: Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 of zero hunger and malnutrition by 2030 will require dietary shifts that include increasing the consumption of nutrient dense foods by populations in low- and middle-income countries. Animal source foods are known to be rich in a number of highly bioavailable nutrients that otherwise are not often consumed in the staple-food based diets of poorer populations throughout the world. Fish is the dominant animal source food in many low- and middle-income countries in the global south and is available from both fisheries and aquaculture. Consumers often perceive that wild caught fish have higher nutritional value than fish produced through aquaculture, and this may be true for some nutrients, for example omega-3 fatty acid content. However, there is potential to modify the nutritional value of farmed fish through feeds and through production systems, illustrated by the common practice of supplementing omega-3 fatty acids in fish diets to optimize their fatty acid profile. This manuscript reviews the evidence related to fish feeds and the nutritional composition of fish with respect to a number of nutrients of interest to human health, including iron, zinc, vitamins A and D, selenium, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, with low- and middle-income country populations in mind. In general, we find that the research on fortification of fish diet particularly with vitamins and minerals has not been directed toward human health but rather toward improvement of fish growth and health performance. We were unable to identify any studies directly exploring the impact of fish feed modification on the health of human consumers of fish, but as nutrition and health rises in the development agenda and consumer attention, the topic requires more urgent attention in future feed formulations.

Understanding intercropping to improve agricultural resiliency and environmental sustainability

Abstract: Intercropping existed early in the evolution of agriculture. However, for several decades, use of this sustainable cropping system approach remained limited to small operations in developing nations. Intensified monoculture production requires increased inputs to maximize productivity; this has resulted in compromised soil health, water and air quality issues due to nitrate, phosphorous, and pesticide runoff and leaching, greenhouse gas emissions, and thus reduced sustainability of farming systems. Well-designed intercropping operations efficiently use natural resources, increase biodiversity, manage pests, and in many instances, enhance crop productivity and quality, and natural soil fertility with reduced consumption of off-farm inputs. The primary consideration in intercropping is selecting compatible crops to minimize competitive inhibition, allow for ease of field management, and increase profit per land unit compared to monocultures. This chapter aims to review more than 50 years of literature addressing intercropping. Following a discussion of tradeoffs and considerations of common types of intercropping, various methods of economic assessments as well as ecosystem services and environmental benefits of intercropping will be reviewed.

Weight-Oriented Approximation for Energy-Efficient Neural Network Inference Accelerators

Abstract: Current research in the area of Neural Networks (NN) has resulted in performance advancements for a variety of complex problems. Especially, embedded system applications rely more and more on the utilization of convolutional NNs to provide services such as image/audio classification and object detection. The core arithmetic computation performed during NN inference is the multiply-accumulate (MAC) operation. In order to meet tighter and tighter throughput constraints, NN accelerators integrate thousands of MAC units resulting in a significant increase in power consumption. Approximate computing is established as a design alternative to improve the efficiency of computing systems by trading computational accuracy for high energy savings. In this work, we bring approximate computing principles and NN inference together by designing NN specific approximate multipliers that feature multiple accuracy levels at run-time. We propose a time-efficient automated framework for mapping the NN weights to the accuracy levels of the approximate reconfigurable accelerator. The proposed weight-oriented approximation mapping is able to satisfy tight accuracy loss thresholds, while significantly reducing energy consumption without any need for intensive NN retraining. Our approach is evaluated against several NNs demonstrating that it delivers high energy savings (17.8% on average) with a minimal loss in inference accuracy (0.5%).

Performance Analysis of Intelligent Reflective Surfaces for Wireless Communication

Abstract: A statistical characterization of the fundamental performance bounds of an intelligent reflective surface (IRS) intended for aiding wireless communications is presented. To this end, the outage probability, average symbol error probability, and achievable rate bounds are derived in closed-form. By virtue of asymptotic analysis in the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime, the achievable diversity order is derived. Thereby, we show that a diversity gain in the order of the number of passive reflective elements embedded within the IRS can be achieved with only controllable phase adjustments. Thus, IRS has a great potential of boosting the wireless performance by intelligently controlling the propagation channels without employing additional active radio frequency chains.

Is the just transition socially accepted? Energy history, place, and support for coal and solar in Illinois, Texas, and Vermont

Abstract: Given a myriad of challenges and technological advancement, the energy system has been constantly evolving and transforming, which requires compatible adjustments in energy policies. For regions with highly diverse energy sources, such as the United States, it's important to not only analyze public perceptions of various energy sources, but also examine relative levels of support for energy transition policies. We examine public perceptions of two energy sources, coal and solar energy, as well as the public's support for energy transition policies that assist the transition from coal to renewable energy, specifically solar. To better understand how place influences attitudes and policies of coal and solar, we sampled respondents from three areas with varying ties to coal and solar: Saline County, IL, Houston, TX, and Burlington, VT. Our results suggest that one’s place has an important effect in differentiating the public perceptions of renewable and nonrenewable energy and for support in an energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. While residents of places with historical attachment to coal mining have positive attitudes toward coal, our data show that they have even more positive attitudes toward sustainable energy sources. These attitudes hold for future development and government assistance. If federal or state governments seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (and consequently energy from coal, a major source of greenhouse gases), solar and other sustainable energy policies need to be targeted at places with historical ties to coal and other fossil fuels to ensure a procedurally just energy transition.

Immunotherapies and Combination Strategies for Immuno-Oncology.

Abstract: The advent of novel immunotherapies in the treatment of cancers has dramatically changed the landscape of the oncology field. Recent developments in checkpoint inhibition therapies, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapies, chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, and cancer vaccines have shown immense promise for significant advancements in cancer treatments. Immunotherapies act on distinct steps of immune response to augment the body's natural ability to recognize, target, and destroy cancerous cells. Combination treatments with immunotherapies and other modalities intend to activate immune response, decrease immunosuppression, and target signaling and resistance pathways to offer a more durable, long-lasting treatment compared to traditional therapies and immunotherapies as monotherapies for cancers. This review aims to briefly describe the rationale, mechanisms of action, and clinical efficacy of common immunotherapies and highlight promising combination strategies currently approved or under clinical development. Additionally, we will discuss the benefits and limitations of these immunotherapy approaches as monotherapies as well as in combination with other treatments.

Development of a Millet Starch Edible Film Containing Clove Essential Oil

Abstract: Medicinal plants contain various secondary metabolites. The present study analyzed the essential oil of buds from clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.; Family: Myrtaceae) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS analysis showed the presence of six major phytoconstituents, such as eugenol (66.01%), caryophyllene (19.88%), caryophyllene oxide (5.80%), phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-acetate (4.55%), and humulene (3.75%). The effect of clove essential oils (CEO) at 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% (w/w) on the mechanical and barrier properties of starch films was evaluated. The tensile strength (TS) and elongation (E) of films with clove essential oil were 6.25 ± 0.03 MPa and 5.67% ± 0.08%, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the films significantly increased the millet starch film and presented the lowest antioxidant activity (0.3%) at a 30 minute incubation for the control sample, while increasing CEO fraction in the starch film lead to an increase in antioxidant activity, and the 3% CEO combined film presented the highest antioxidant activity (15.96%) at 90 min incubation. This finding could be explained by the incorporation of clove oil containing antioxidant properties that significantly increased with the incorporation of CEO (p < 0.05). A zone of inhibition ranging from 16 to 27 mm in diameter was obtained when using a concentration of CEO ranging from 1% to 3%. We also observed the presence of an antimicrobial activity on several tested microorganism including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter sp, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Trichoderma fungi. Thus, the current study reveals the possibility of using a millet starch edible film as a preservation method.

A shift in sulfur-cycle manipulation from atmospheric emissions to agricultural additions

Abstract: Burning fossil fuels has resulted in a prominent yet unintended manipulation of the global sulfur cycle. Emissions of sulfur dioxide and reactive sulfur to the atmosphere have caused widespread health and environmental impacts and have led, ultimately, to calls to decrease sulfur emissions. However, anthropogenic modification of the sulfur cycle is far from over. Using four contrasting case studies from across the United States, we show how high levels of sulfur are added to croplands as fertilizers and pesticides and constitute a major yet under-studied environmental perturbation. Long-term sulfur additions to crops probably cause similar consequences for the health of soil and downstream aquatic ecosystems as those observed in regions historically impacted by acid rain, yet the cascade of effects has not been broadly explored. A new wave of research on the sulfur cycle will require studies that examine the integrated roles of climate, hydrology and other element cycles in modifying sulfur processes and flows within and downgradient of agricultural source areas. Such research must include not only scientists, but also farmers, regulating authorities and land managers who are engaged in developing approaches to monitor and mitigate environmental and human health impacts. Deliberate application of sulfur onto croplands as fertilizer and pesticide probably causes environmental damage similar to historical acid rain events, according to a literature review and four case studies from the United States.

Effectuations, social bricolage and causation in the response to a natural disaster

Abstract: This research uses the experience of residents and a local neighborhood association in Brazil before, during, and after a major natural disaster to examine entrepreneurial action in response to a major environmental jolt. When the community of Corrego d’Antas was hit by deadly mudslides in January of 2011, residents responded over time with combinations of different varieties of effectuation, social bricolage, and gradually more causation, supporting grassroots recovery efforts. We deepen inquiry into the intersection between entrepreneurship and disaster recovery using a temporal approach, involving alternate templates and more inductive analyses. Our results include new concepts, such as diseffectuation and extended effectuation, and a deeper understanding of the relation between effectuation and bricolage that may prove useful for the study of entrepreneurial action during crises and recuperation. We close with modest propositions connecting disaster recovery and entrepreneurship.

Visible-Light-Driven Multichannel Regulation of Local Electron Density to Accelerate Activation of O–H and B–H Bonds for Ammonia Borane Hydrolysis

Abstract: Regulating electron density at the active site by integrating contributions from multiple channels is an effective strategy to accelerate the reaction rate. Herein, the hydrolysis of ammonia borane...

Optimal hibernation theory

Abstract: Hibernation has received considerable attention from physiologists and natural historians, but theoretical and ecological treatments of hibernation are rarer. There is ample recent evidence that costs associated with hibernation affect the degree to which hibernation is expressed in nature, but we currently lack a quantitative framework under which to make predictions about how the costs and benefits of hibernation interact under various environmental conditions. Here, we attempt the first steps towards building an optimal hibernation theory for making specific predictions about the expression of hibernation (i.e. the depth and duration of torpor bouts), metabolic functioning, and the total period of hibernation in mammals and birds. Our current understanding of the costs associated with hibernation do not allow for parameterisation of optimal hibernation theory, but we hope this work provides a roadmap for physiologists and ecologists to collect the necessary data in the future.