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Carr Kelman C, Barton CJ, Whitman K, Lhoest S, Anderson DM, Gerber LR. Five approaches to producing actionable science in conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14039. [PMID: 36511152 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge produced by conservation scientists must be actionable in order to address urgent conservation challenges. To understand the process of creating actionable science, we interviewed 71 conservation scientists who had participated in 1 of 3 fellowship programs focused on training scientists to become agents of change. Using a grounded theory approach, we identified 16 activities that these researchers employed to make their scientific products more actionable. Some activities were more common than others and, arguably, more foundational. We organized these activities into 3 nested categories (motivations, strategies, and tactics). Using a co-occurrence matrix, we found that most activities were positively correlated. These correlations allowed us to identify 5 approaches, framed as profiles, to actionable science: the discloser, focused on open access; the educator, focused on science communication; the networker, focused on user needs and building relationships; the collaborator, focused on boundary spanning; and the pluralist, focused on knowledge coproduction resulting in valuable outcomes for all parties. These profiles build on one another in a hierarchy determined by their complexity and level of engagement, their potential to support actionable science, and their proximity to ideal coproduction with knowledge users. Our results provide clear guidance for conservation scientists to generate actionable science to address the global biodiversity conservation challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Carr Kelman
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Chris J Barton
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Kyle Whitman
- Office of University Affairs, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Simon Lhoest
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Forest is Life, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Derrick M Anderson
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- ASU School of Public Affairs, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Leah R Gerber
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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Papp CR, Scheele BC, Rákosy L, Hartel T. Transdisciplinary deficit in large carnivore conservation funding in Europe. NATURE CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.49.81469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Achieving coexistence between humans and large carnivores in human-shaped landscapes is a complex challenge. Addressing this challenge requires the revaluation of the approaches academia uses to foster carnivore conservation and human-large carnivore coexistence. In this forum paper, we provide a brief overview of the three archetypical approaches of knowledge generation for large carnivore conservation in human dominated landscapes (disciplinary, interdisciplinary and emerging transdisciplinary approaches) and highlight the need for more explicit consideration of transdisciplinarity in large carnivore conservation funding. We refer to transdisciplinary deficit (TDD) for those situations when the context allows the implementation of transdisciplinarity but research and practice remains disciplinary or interdisciplinary. We identify drivers of this TDD and provide a brief overview of current and past conservation funding programmes at the European level in terms of their capacity to promote transdisciplinary approaches for large carnivore conservation. We show that current funding programmes favour sectorial and disciplinary approaches, resulting in low transdisciplinary substance in large carnivore conservation projects. TDD can be overcome by transforming the character of public funding towards multi-stakeholder collaboration, designing and nurturing effective communities of practice, and reducing co-financing rates for large, integrated projects.
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Kelley PH, Dietl GP. Core Competencies for Training Conservation Paleobiology Students in a Wicked World. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.851014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the promise conservation paleobiology holds for using geohistorical data and insights to solve conservation problems, training in the field typically does not equip students to be competent environmental problem solvers. The intention of this perspective piece is to start a conversation about how we might train conservation paleobiology students better, focusing on the competencies needed to promote deep engagement with “wicked” conservation problems that are difficult to solve. Ongoing conversations regarding design of academic programs in sustainability, a field allied with conservation science, can inform our discussion. The sustainability literature has defined an interrelated set of “core competencies” that go beyond general academic competencies to enable real-world sustainability problem solving: systems thinking, temporal thinking, normative thinking, strategic thinking, and interpersonal competence. Conservation paleobiology is usually taught within geology programs, where students are exposed to systems thinking and temporal thinking. However, the remaining competencies typically are absent or insufficiently developed. To infuse these competencies into conservation paleobiology curricula, we recommend: (1) enhancing connections with sustainability programs and encouraging a more cross-disciplinary approach to training; (2) developing a “menu” of concepts and methodologies for each competence from which to choose; and (3) recognizing that different skills are appropriate at different levels of education and experience. The proposed competency-based framework serves as a shared reference that can be used to develop pedagogies to better prepare conservation paleobiology students to navigate the wicked conservation challenges of our time.
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Metcalfe K, White L, Lee ME, Fay JM, Abitsi G, Parnell RJ, Smith RJ, Agamboue PD, Bayet JP, Mve Beh JH, Bongo S, Boussamba F, De Bruyne G, Cardiec F, Chartrain E, Collins T, Doherty PD, Formia A, Gately M, Gnandji MS, Ikoubou I, Kema Kema JR, Kombila K, Kongo PE, Manfoumbi JC, Maxwell SM, Mba Asseko GH, McClellan CM, Minton G, Ndjimbou SO, Nkoane Ndoutoume G, Bibang Bi Nguema JN, Nkizogho T, Nzegoue J, Kouerey Oliwina CK, Otsagha FM, Savarit D, Pikesley SK, du Plessis P, Rainey H, Kingbell Rockombeny LAD, Rosenbaum HC, Segan D, Sounguet G, Stokes EJ, Tilley D, Vilela R, Viljoen W, Weber SB, Witt MJ, Godley BJ. Fulfilling global marine commitments; lessons learned from Gabon. Conserv Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Metcalfe
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn UK
| | - Lee White
- Ministère des Forêts de la Mer et de l'Environnement Libreville Gabon
- Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale Libreville Gabon
- African Forest Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences University of Stirling Stirling UK
- Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN) Libreville Gabon
| | - Michelle E. Lee
- Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale Libreville Gabon
- Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN) Libreville Gabon
- Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University Durham North Carolina USA
| | - J. Michael Fay
- Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN) Libreville Gabon
| | - Gaspard Abitsi
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Gabon Program Libreville Gabon
| | | | - Robert J. Smith
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | | | - Jean Pierre Bayet
- Ibonga ‐ Association pour la Connaissance et la Protection de L'Environnement (Ibonga‐ACPE) Gamba Gabon
| | - Jean Hervé Mve Beh
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CENAREST) Libreville Gabon
- Direction Générale des Ecosystèmes Aquatiques Ministère des Forêts, de la Mer et de l'Environnement Libreville Gabon
| | - Serge Bongo
- Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN) Libreville Gabon
- Agence Nationale des Pêches et de l'Aquaculture Libreville Gabon
| | | | | | - Floriane Cardiec
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Gabon Program Libreville Gabon
| | | | - Tim Collins
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Marine Program Bronx New York USA
| | - Philip D. Doherty
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn UK
| | - Angela Formia
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Gabon Program Libreville Gabon
- Department of Biology University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino (FI) Italy
- African Aquatic Conservation Fund (AACF) Joal Senegal
| | - Mark Gately
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Congo Program Brazzaville Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Madagascar and the West Indian Ocean Kigali Rwanda
| | - Micheline Schummer Gnandji
- Direction Générale des Pêches et de l'Aquaculture Ministère de l'Agriculture de l'Elevage de la Pêche et de la Sécurité Alimentaire Boulevard Triomphale Libreville Gabon
| | | | | | - Koumba Kombila
- Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN) Libreville Gabon
| | | | - Jean Churley Manfoumbi
- Ibonga ‐ Association pour la Connaissance et la Protection de L'Environnement (Ibonga‐ACPE) Gamba Gabon
- The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Libreville Gabon
| | - Sara M. Maxwell
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences University of Washington Bothell Campus Bothell Washington USA
| | | | - Catherine M. McClellan
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn UK
- Manga Cap Estérias Libreville Gabon
- Conservation des Espèces Marines (CEM) Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Gianna Minton
- Megaptera Marine Conservation Wassenaar The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Teddy Nkizogho
- Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN) Libreville Gabon
| | - Jacob Nzegoue
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Gabon Program Libreville Gabon
| | | | | | - Diane Savarit
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Gabon Program Libreville Gabon
- The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Libreville Gabon
| | - Stephen K. Pikesley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn UK
| | | | - Hugo Rainey
- Wildlife Conservation Society Global Conservation Program Bronx New York USA
| | | | - Howard C. Rosenbaum
- Wildlife Conservation Society Ocean Giants Program Bronx New York USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology Columbia University New York New York USA
| | - Dan Segan
- Wildlife Conservation Society Global Conservation Program Bronx New York USA
- Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Stateline Nevada USA
| | - Guy‐Philippe Sounguet
- Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN) Libreville Gabon
- Agence Nationale des Pêches et de l'Aquaculture Libreville Gabon
| | - Emma J. Stokes
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Central Africa & Gulf of Guinea Kigali Rwanda
| | - Dominic Tilley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn UK
| | - Raul Vilela
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Gabon Program Libreville Gabon
| | - Wynand Viljoen
- Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN) Libreville Gabon
| | - Sam B. Weber
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn UK
| | - Matthew J. Witt
- Environmental Biology Group, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hatherly Laboratories University of Exeter Exeter UK
| | - Brendan J. Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn UK
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Kadykalo AN, Buxton RT, Morrison P, Anderson CM, Bickerton H, Francis CM, Smith AC, Fahrig L. Bridging research and practice in conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33738830 DOI: 10.1111/cobi13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Calls for biodiversity conservation practice to be more evidence based are growing, and we agree evidence use in conservation practice needs improvement. However, evidence-based conservation will not be realized without improved access to evidence. In medicine, unlike in conservation, a well-established and well-funded layer of intermediary individuals and organizations engage with medical practitioners, synthesize primary research relevant to decision making, and make evidence easily accessible. These intermediaries prepare targeted evidence summaries and distribute them to practitioners faced with time-sensitive and value-laden decisions. To be effective, these intermediaries, who we refer to as evidence bridges, should identify research topics based on the priorities of practitioners; synthesize evidence; prepare and distribute easy-to-find and easy-to-use evidence summaries; and develop and maintain networks of connections with researchers and practitioners. Based on a review of the literature regarding evidence intermediaries in conservation and environmental management, as well as an anonymous questionnaire searching for such organizations, we found few intermediaries that met all these criteria. Few evidence bridges that do exist are unable to reach most conservation practitioners, which include resource managers in government and industry, conservation organizations, and farmers and other private landowners. We argue that the lack of evidence bridges from research to practitioners contributes to evidence complacency and limits the use of evidence in conservation action. Nevertheless, several existing organizations help reduce the gap between evidence and practice and could serve as a foundation for building additional components of evidence bridges in conservation. Although evidence bridges need expertise in research and evidence synthesis, they also require expertise in identifying and communicating with the community of practitioners most in need of clear and concise syntheses of evidence. Article Impact Statement: Evidence-based conservation will not be realized without improved access to evidence. We call for intermediary evidence bridges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel T Buxton
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Morrison
- EcoEcoAnalysis, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Charles M Francis
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam C Smith
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lenore Fahrig
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Kadykalo AN, Buxton RT, Morrison P, Anderson CM, Bickerton H, Francis CM, Smith AC, Fahrig L. Bridging research and practice in conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1725-1737. [PMID: 33738830 PMCID: PMC9291548 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Calls for biodiversity conservation practice to be more evidence based are growing, and we agree evidence use in conservation practice needs improvement. However, evidence-based conservation will not be realized without improved access to evidence. In medicine, unlike in conservation, a well-established and well-funded layer of intermediary individuals and organizations engage with medical practitioners, synthesize primary research relevant to decision making, and make evidence easily accessible. These intermediaries prepare targeted evidence summaries and distribute them to practitioners faced with time-sensitive and value-laden decisions. To be effective, these intermediaries, who we refer to as evidence bridges, should identify research topics based on the priorities of practitioners; synthesize evidence; prepare and distribute easy-to-find and easy-to-use evidence summaries; and develop and maintain networks of connections with researchers and practitioners. Based on a review of the literature regarding evidence intermediaries in conservation and environmental management, as well as an anonymous questionnaire searching for such organizations, we found few intermediaries that met all these criteria. Few evidence bridges that do exist are unable to reach most conservation practitioners, which include resource managers in government and industry, conservation organizations, and farmers and other private landowners. We argue that the lack of evidence bridges from research to practitioners contributes to evidence complacency and limits the use of evidence in conservation action. Nevertheless, several existing organizations help reduce the gap between evidence and practice and could serve as a foundation for building additional components of evidence bridges in conservation. Although evidence bridges need expertise in research and evidence synthesis, they also require expertise in identifying and communicating with the community of practitioners most in need of clear and concise syntheses of evidence. Article Impact Statement: Evidence-based conservation will not be realized without improved access to evidence. We call for intermediary evidence bridges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter Morrison
- EcoEcoAnalysisOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of Natural Resource SciencesMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐BellevueQuebecCanada
| | | | | | - Charles M. Francis
- Department of BiologyCarleton UniversityOttawaOntarioCanada
- Canadian Wildlife ServiceEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Adam C. Smith
- Department of BiologyCarleton UniversityOttawaOntarioCanada
- Canadian Wildlife ServiceEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Lenore Fahrig
- Department of BiologyCarleton UniversityOttawaOntarioCanada
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Buschke F, du Randt L, Mokhehle N, Gouws I, Oberholzer T, Mamatho W, Mapapu S, Mehlomakhulu Z, Mehlomakhulu M, Dondolo B. The legal principles guiding a cohort of early career environmental professionals. S AFR J SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.17159/sajs.2021/9298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Falko Buschke
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Lischen du Randt
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Ntsu Mokhehle
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Izak Gouws
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Thia Oberholzer
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Witness Mamatho
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Sivuyisiwe Mapapu
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Zimkhitha Mehlomakhulu
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Mqondisi Mehlomakhulu
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Boipelo Dondolo
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Vimal R, Morgans C. Using knowledge mapping to rethink the gap between science and action. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:1433-1443. [PMID: 32506700 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Scholars have long stressed the need to bridge the gap between science and action and seek the most efficient use of knowledge for decision making. Many contributors have attempted to consider and understand the sociopolitical forces involved in knowledge generation and exchange. We argue, however, that a model is still needed to adequately conceptualize and frame the knowledge networks in which these processes are embedded. We devised a model for knowledge mapping as a prerequisite for knowledge management in the context of conservation. Using great ape conservation to frame our approach, we propose that knowledge mapping should be based on 2 key principles. First, each conservation network results from the conglomeration of subnetworks of expertise producing and using knowledge. Second, beyond the research-management gradient, other dimensions, such as the scale of operation, geographic location, and organizational characteristics, must also be considered. Assessing both knowledge production and trajectory across different dimensions of the network opens new space for investigating and reducing the gap between science and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruppert Vimal
- GEODE UMR 5602, CNRS, Université Jean-Jaurès, 5 Allée Antonio-Machado, Toulouse, 31058, France
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Courtney Morgans
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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Gerber LR, Barton CJ, Cheng SH, Anderson D. Producing actionable science in conservation: Best practices for organizations and individuals. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris J. Barton
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes Tempe Arizona USA
- School for the Future of Innovation in Society Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
| | - Samantha H. Cheng
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes Tempe Arizona USA
- American Museum of Natural History New York City New York USA
| | - Derrick Anderson
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes Tempe Arizona USA
- School of Public Affairs Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
- Center for Organizational Research and Design Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
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