Fungi are known to be nature’s decomposers, allowing the recycling of nutrients for the utilization of other organisms. Members of Kingdom Fungi are known to have inhabited various habitats. On the other hand, lichens are the result of a... more
Fungi are known to be nature’s decomposers, allowing the recycling of nutrients for the utilization of other organisms. Members of Kingdom Fungi are known to have inhabited various habitats. On the other hand, lichens are the result of a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi. Lichens serve as bioindicators in the environment. Both groups have a variety of species. Both fungi and lichens fulfil important roles in ecosystems: decomposition of organic material (saprophytic fungi), symbiosis with higher plant species via the fungus roots or mycorrhizas (symbiotic fungi), parasitism (certain fungi), sources of nourishment and shelter for numerous microscopic living organisms (fungi and lichens), colonisation of new environments (lichens), nesting material (lichens), etc. Moreover, fungi and lichens in general are very sensitive to changes in their environment, which makes them good bio-indicators. It is important in this context that lichens are very sensitive to air pollution. The rule is that the more polluted the air, the smaller the variety of species will be. In addition, not all lichen species react in the same way to the different pollutants.
If “magical thinking,” to use her words, is essential to Suzanne Anker’s practice of integrating science and visual art, it is also indispensable to the viewer entering her recent exhibition, Genetic Seed Bank, at the Art | Sci Gallery in... more
If “magical thinking,” to use her words, is essential to Suzanne Anker’s practice of integrating science and visual art, it is also indispensable to the viewer entering her recent exhibition, Genetic Seed Bank, at the Art | Sci Gallery in the California Nanosystems Institute at UCLA.
Die Lebenssoziologie hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten ohne Zweifel zu einer veritablen Wissenschaft des Sozialen formiert. Dabei handelt es sich jedoch nicht um eine Wissenschaft im klassischen Sinn, nicht um eine ›Königswissenschaft‹,... more
Die Lebenssoziologie hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten ohne Zweifel zu einer veritablen Wissenschaft des Sozialen formiert. Dabei handelt es sich jedoch nicht um eine Wissenschaft im klassischen Sinn, nicht um eine ›Königswissenschaft‹, die mit etablierten Theore-men, kanonisiertem Lektüren und festen Wissensbeständen operieren würde. Vielmehr hat sich die lebenssoziologische Wissenschaft nicht nur als exzentrische, sondern auch als intensive Wissenschaft erwiesen. Um deren Darstellung soll es in diesem Kapitel gehen. Im Anschluss an die im Band bis hier dargestellten theoriehistorischen Arbeiten, theoretischen Konzepte, empirischen Einzelfallstudien und kritischen Auseinandersetzungen soll in diesem abschließenden Kapitel die Lebenssoziologie als eigenständige Wissenschaft vorgestellt werden. Das umfasst die Diskussion eines Theorieprogramms, einer Methode und die Durchführung einer exemplarischen Fallstudie. Die Theorie setzt sich aus zentralen Schlüsselbegriffen zusammen. Diese beziehen sich auf Begriffe, die in diesem Band bereits Erwähnung gefunden haben: auf die Begriffe des Werdens, der Intensität und des Mehr-als-Lebens, darüber hinaus aber auch auf eine spezifische Differenztheorie – die nicht von einem konstitutiven Außen, sondern von einem konstitutiven Zwischen ausgeht –; und auf die Konzepte der Affektivität, Suspension und Interpassivität. Am Anschluss daran entwickelt der Aufsatz auch eine spezifisch lebenssoziologische Methode, die Intensitätsanalyse, die illustrativ an einer empirischen Fallstudie zu algorithmischen Praktiken im ›automati-schen‹ Börsenhandel durchgeführt wird.
Objective: We describe a major factor in research in warnings – namely, forensics. Background: During the past three decades, much of the empirical warnings research has been published in human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) literature. A... more
Objective: We describe a major factor in research in warnings – namely, forensics. Background: During the past three decades, much of the empirical warnings research has been published in human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) literature. A major impetus to that research has been concurrent activity by HF/E professionals par- ticipating as expert witnesses in product liability and personal injury cases in which there is a claim of failure to adequately warn about associated hazards. Method: We review how the issues in forensics can identify researchable questions. This effort has prompted important questions to be addressed that have resulted in publications. Two examples are provided: vehicle seat recline and explicitness. Results: The research has contributed to theory and model building of the processing involved. The research prompted by practical forensic issues can contribute to knowledge that is not limited in scope to particular instances, as is sometimes ascribed to applied research; it can also offer confirmatory support for theory or its modification. Conclusion: A practice-driven approach to the initiation of research can benefit not only application and practice but also theory. Application: Results in the warnings research domain can enhance safety and aid decisions in forensic contexts.
Cetoniinae beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Scarabaeidae) can occupy the nests of social insects. In many cases the beetles located within the colonies of social insects encounter a place of shelter and food resources for both adults... more
Cetoniinae beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Scarabaeidae) can occupy the nests of social insects. In many cases the beetles located within the colonies of social insects encounter a place of shelter and food resources for both adults and immatures. Despite the numerous cohabitation records, the relationship of Cetoniinae beetles with their ant hosts remains mostly unexplored. In this review we provide hypotheses explaining this ant–beetle association. A conceptual model is presented on the processes underpinning the occupation of the nest and the consequences that unfold after occupation, including: (i) death of the ant colony (ii) death of beetles; and (iii) coexistence. We also provide an exhaustive list of American Cetoniinae beetle species found associated with ants and discuss the symbiotic relationships occurring between the beetles and their host ants.