bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investor-to-state dispute settlement mechanisms: The Commission’s “new EU approach”, the European Parliament’s “new system”, five new questions and one old problem
Authors: Carta Andrea
Published: October 2020

On 5 May 2015, Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström announced on her blog the publication of a
concept paper on “Investment in TTIP and beyond – the path for reform”. The concept paper, which was discussed one day later with Members of the European Parliament in the INTA Committee and the following day within EU Trade Ministers Council, has the objective of describing the Trade Commissioner’s “new approach” to international investment law. On 8 July 2015, the European Parliament adopted a resolution containing “recommendations to the European Commission on the negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)”. This article comments on these two documents.
Conference report: “Innovations for sustainability: The perception of chances and risks” Protestant academy Loccum, 20 - 22 January 2014
Authors: Beiderwieden Lisa , Brockmann Sarah
Published: October 2020

Sustainability is becoming more and more important in social discourses: new technologies are needed in order to face the problems of climate change and to use limited resources in an effective and efficient way. According to Kilian Bizer, Professor for Economic Policy and Director of the Center for European, Governance and Economic Development Research (cege) at the Georg-August University of Göttingen, governmental incentives for the individual and situation-specific motivation of economic actors are not able to bring about an on-going dynamic innovation process that is based on the guiding principles of sustainable development. Instead, framework conditions are needed that allow for a process in which actors control the consistency between their actions and the normative goal on their own initiative. In the case of a detected discrepancy, creative and appropriate solutions should be developed without permanent accompanying government stimuli. Therefore, the question is how these conditions should be drafted and which incentives and obstacles for sustainable innovations exist. This amounts to creating an innovation-friendly legal framework that sets the appropriate incentives for actors to behave according to the established targets.
These questions were dealt with during the conference “Innovations for sustainability. The perception of chances and risk”, that was held in the Protestant Academy Loccum from 20-22 January 2014. The conference concentrated on chemical regulations with a specific focus on nano-materials and the relationship between breeder privileges and biopatents. This conference report summarizes the different discussion threads and positions.
Governing environmental impact assessment law in Turkey and the latest EIA regulation (Statement)
Authors: Aykul Ömer
Published: October 2020

“Environment Law” was adopted in Turkey in 1983 after the concept was included in the Constitution. Environmental affairs were carried out by an “Undersecretariat” until the “Ministry of Environment” was established in 1991. The Ministry was reorganised as the “Ministry of Environment and Forestry”, but following another structural change, it currently functions as “Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation”. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation was drafted in 1997. The regulation, which has been amended 20 times in total in the last 18 years, has deviated gradually from its purpose of preserving the ecosystem. In addition to this, another problem has been the tremendous increase in abstaining from the EIA process by means of specific decisions. The regulations drafted are far from realising the principle of “sustainable life” and lack “watershed based and cumulative” assessment capability in technical terms. The concepts of social, health and cultural impact assessment are not even mentioned. This paper issues a statement on environmental impact assessment law in Turkey.
Environmental modernization and administrative simplification in Portugal
Authors: Aragão Alexandra
Published: October 2020

The fight against bureaucracy has been a constitutional goal in Portugal since 1982, when the first constitutional amendments were made. In Article 267(1), the following was included on the organization and goals of the Public Administration: “the Public Administration shall be structured in such a way as to avoid bureaucratisation, bring departments and services closer to local people and ensure that interested parties take part in its effective management, particularly via public associations, residents’ organisations and other forms of democratic representation”. Unfortunately, the mere fact of having a constitutional article dedicated to bureaucracy does not automatically fulfil the intended goal unless there is also the political will, governmental commitment and institutional capacity to achieve the objective.
Since 2005 the conditions for serious and systematic simplification have finally been met. In this article, the legal and political context in which the first modernization initiatives occurred, firstly, is briefly explained. Then, the article moves on to a more detailed presentation and critical analysis of the recent legal changes that took place in 2015 and transformed the environmental bureaucracy landscape in Portugal.
The Non-Regression Principle under EU and German Water Law ‘on the Ground’: A landmark decision of the European Court of Justice that leaves many questions open
Authors: Rehbinder Eckard
Published: October 2020

For quite some time, non-regression of environmental law has been propagated as a principle of international, European and national environmental law. While emphasis has been placed on the ‘non-regression movement’ in a legal context in the sense that environmental legislation should not back-trap, the non-regression principle also applies to environmental quality as such. This appears plausible since non-regression of environmental law is not an objective in itself but serves to maintain and improve the quality of the environment. An expression of the non-regression principle has been established in the European Water Framework Directive of 2000 (WFD). In contrast to previous EU law, the Directive does not only regulate water pollution but also the ecological quality of water bodies. The case this article deals with concerned the deepening of three segments of the lower Weser in north-western Germany to make the river navigable for very large sea-going vessels up to the ports of Bremerhaven, Brake and Bremen. The legality of the planning permission was challenged by an environmental association before the Federal Administrative Court of Germany. The Federal Administrative Court assumed that the legislature had intended to implement the WFD without rendering German law more severe than the Directive. Therefore, it referred the case to the European Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling on the interpretation of the non-deterioration obligation under Article 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). On the 1st July 2015, the Court rendered its judgement on the case. The decision can quite rightly be denominated as a landmark decision on EU water policy. This article assesses this decision of the European Court of Justice on the Non-Regression Principle and specifically addresses remaining open questions not answered by the court.
Evidence based legislation? Adequate protection of EU citizens against aircraft noise – Discussion of current scientific knowledge on aircraft noise with respect to EU legislation concerning noise protection
Authors: Heß Franziska , Führ Martin
Published: October 2020

This article focuses on air noise protection in European law. The consideration of legal implications is based on a meta study (synopsis) of scientific research on aircraft noise-induced health impairments, annoyance and learning disorders. The synopsis concludes that the association of noise with an increased incidence of chronic arterial hypertension has been shown in large-scale epidemiological studies and reproduced with sophisticated methodology. It is therefore considered scientifically confirmed. In addition to hypertension, the relationship between aircraft noise and the risk of myocardial infarctions as well as strokes has been discussed. Based on recent epidemiological studies the relationship can also be considered scientifically confirmed. However, with regard to heart failure an association is very likely, but not enough studies are available to allow a definite statement.
By reviewing the current studies, the authors held that legally standardized immission limit values for aircraft noise exposure must be provided in order to protect residents in the vicinity of airports. From the available studies an upper limit of 50 dB(A) for Lden as a 24 h value and 45 dB(A) for Lnight are to be derived to avoid annoyance, cognitive constrictions and health impairments. To avoid sleeping disorder at night, an 8 hour period without noise is required.
Environment and free trade: Environmentally sound design of TTIP
Authors: Dross Miriam
Published: October 2020

Since June 2013, the EU and the USA have been engaged in negotiations on a free-trade and investment agreement. TTIP has sparked off a broad discussion in society about the advantages and disadvantages of (transatlantic) free trade. The present public debate about TTIP shows that the general public is now becoming aware of the tensions between trade liberalisation and environmental protection that have long been under discussion in expert circles.
This paper sums up highlights from a recent statement by the German Advisory Council on the Environment as regards the impacts that the planned TTIP agreement could have on German and European environmental protection standards.
Exploring CETA’ s Relation to Environment Law
Authors: Misonne Delphine
Published: October 2020

This article gives an introduction on the potential impact of CETA on environmental law.
CETA – The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement negotiated between Canada, the European Union and its 28 Member States, still awaiting ratification – is likely to have an impact on environmental law, even if it cannot be categorized as an environmental treaty. CETA provides a definition of what environmental law means, it mentions that “it is inappropriate to encourage trade or investment by weakening the levels of protection afforded in their environmental law,” it establishes a panel of experts which must have specialized knowledge or expertise in environmental law, it reaffirms “the rights of the Parties to regulate to achieve legitimate policy objectives, such as the protection of public health and the environment,” it mentions that “Parties are committed to high levels of protection for the environment” but also adds that this is “in accordance to the TBT Agreement, the SPS Agreement, the GATT 1994, the GATS and this Agreement,” it contains a whole chapter on ‘Trade and Sustainable Development’ and a whole chapter on ‘Trade and Environment.’ But the question must be asked of whether it sufficiently captures and accommodates the possible confrontation between a trade vision and an investment-protection vision. In that regard, scholarship and UNEP have been long quite clear that the transition towards a greener economy, even if fully WTO-consistent, could include considerable drawbacks from the application of investment disciplines – through the possible award of substantial amounts in damages. CETA seeks definitely to carve out more space for environmental regulation within investment disciplines, but does it go far enough?
Sustainability and precautionary aspects of CETA dissected
Authors: Douma Wybe Th.
Published: October 2020

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU, its Member States and Canada has been presented as “the best trade agreement the EU has ever negotiated”. While there are certainly many advantages compared to older trade treaties, two remaining points of concern are investigated in this contribution.
The first one relates to the manner in which the EU utilises its own system for ensuring that sustainability concerns are integrated into trade agreements. In the first part of this contribution, it is investigated whether the manner in which the integration instrument is employed in the case of CETA, notably where the inclusion of an investor state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism is concerned, is in line with consistent, evidence-based policy choices and with the self-imposed guidelines as laid down in the so-called Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment (TSIA) Handbook.
The second part of this contribution investigates whether the continued implementation of the precautionary principle on the side of the EU is properly secured in the view of the various rules, procedures and institutional arrangements contained in the CETA text. In that respect, the findings of a detailed study on this topic are summarised first, after which some of the critique from the side of the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and from the EU Commissioner for Trade is examined and commented upon.
Access to Justice: Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations According to the Aarhus Regulation
Authors: Moolenaar Thirza , Nóbrega Sandra
Published: October 2020

Article 10 of the Aarhus Regulation provides an opportunity for environmental non-governmental organisations (hereafter ENGOs) to request an internal review to an EU institution or body that has adopted an administrative act under environmental law, or should have done so in the case of an alleged administrative omission. The criteria that have to be met for an ENGO to be entitled to make this request are defined in Article 11 of the Regulation. Together, these criteria can be regarded as the criteria which define an ENGO at the European Union level. The aim of this article is to investigate whether these criteria are sufficiently clear and whether they contribute to the objective of providing wide access for ENGOs to the internal review procedure.
In order to understand the aim the EU institutions had in mind when they decided on the standing criteria, this article examines how these criteria were selected by analysing the legislative documents that resulted in the adoption of the Aarhus Regulation. It helps to identify whether the Commission is currently interpreting these criteria in line with the spirit with which they have been defined. Furthermore, internal review requests which provide insights into the scope of the Article 11 criteria have been selected in order to understand how the European Commission currently interprets the standing criteria. Finally, a conclusion is provided on the questions raised, together with recommendations for improvement and further research.
Environmental Law in Morocco: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Chougrani Elhoucine
Published: October 2020

Environmental law is an age-old subject of debate in Morocco. So the Moroccan doctrine and NGOs have advised developing effective environmental law in the country. Morocco is now defined as a ‘water-stressed’ country, with a strong energy dependency, limited economic growth and social development policies, weakness to create job opportunities and reduce social and spatial disparities between regions and generations. However, Morocco can build capacities to adapt to vulnerability due to climate change. In attempting to solve some difficulties and problems, this paper examines the opportunities and the challenges in applying environmental law and enforce sustainable development goals.
The contribution focuses on the legal framework to protect the environment, describes how to integrate environmental dimensions in public policy and looks into the opportunities and specific challenges for environmental protection.
UK Environmental Law Post Brexit
Authors: Heyvaert Veerle , Čavoški Aleksandra
Published: October 2020

While much of the post referendum Brexit discussion has focused on economic and constitutional issues, the future of environmental law and policies has received much less attention. Environmental protection barely featured as a campaign issue on either side of the referendum debate, and it is notably overlooked in the Brexit White Paper. Yet UK environmental law is deeply rooted in EU law and policies, and departure from the EU may herald significant changes within national law. Environmental law covers a broad range of public policies including biodiversity protection, air and water quality control, climate change and waste management, and deeply impacts other key domestic policies such as agriculture, transport, industrial and energy policy. Moreover, uncertainty in environmental regulation significantly jeopardises its chance of effectiveness. Therefore, careful reflection on the impact of Brexit on environmental law is essential.
This article investigates what a gradual repatriation of EU law might mean, for specific areas (climate, ETS, biodiversity, air and water), for public authorities but also for civil society. The authors of this article envisage how cooperation between the UK and the EU could actually proceed in the future, on environmental law issues. Because there is actually no escape, or rather “an inescapable physical reality”: environmental problems will continue to require concerted action.
The EU as guarantor of environmental protection in Germany
Authors: Ormond Thomas
Published: October 2020

In recent years it has become fashionable again among politicians and publicists across Europe to practice ‘Brussels bashing’ and make the EU responsible for many ills of globalisation and modern society. This applies in particular to the field of environmental law. The European Union has been active in the field of environmental protection since the 1970s, i.e. since a time when there was no Union yet but a European Economic Community (EEC), a European Coal and Steel Community and a European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The EEC Treaty of 1957 did not know the term ‘environmental protection’ and for the next decades did not contain any explicit legislative competence for this subject matter. The main instrument of EU environmental policy is the directive. In the European context it means a framework law, as proposed by the EU Commission and adopted by the Council and the European Parliament, which the Member States have to transpose within certain deadlines into their national law, and specify and implement by their authorities into practice. The directive is binding as regards the objective (the result to be achieved) but leaves the choice of form and methods to the national authorities. It is estimated that 80% of current environmental law in Germany (as well as probably in other Member States) is determined by the European Union.
The author of this article presents his thoughts on how the EU shapes Member State environmental law and policy, highlighting inter alia “innovation from Brussels” such as EIA, access to environmental information and climate protection, as well as the systematic and risk-based approach as hallmark of EU legislation.
Promoting the Green Economy in Morocco: Analysis of the contextual specificities
Authors: Arib Fatima
Published: October 2020

Over the past decades, the protection of the environment has become one of the major challenges that Morocco has committed to. The limited impact of the socio-economic programs, coupled with significant environmental degradation, require a shift in policy and priorities to a green and inclusive economy that can contribute to the reduction of poverty and unemployment, and the unwinding of territorial imbalances.
This paper aims to analyse the main contextual features of the green economy in Morocco. The main aspects that mark the socio-economic, environmental and regulatory contexts are thus drawn up. The paper concludes by highlighting the importance of the progress made by Morocco and the challenges it needs to overcome.
Taking access to justice seriously: diffuse interests and actio popularis. Why not?
Authors: Aragão Aleksandra , Carvalho Ana Celeste
Published: October 2020

The authors of this contribution explain the Portuguese system of actio popularis: according to the authors the most favourable of all with regard to locus standi in environmental matters. They argue that the dichotomy between public and private environmental damage underlying the construction of the right of access to justice is not an accurate representation of the real life social relations concerning the environment. This is where the concept of diffuse interests, adopted in Portuguese constitutional law comes in.
Reducing hazardous substances in municipalities through public procurement
Authors: Kontturi Katja , Yliruusi Hannamaria , Futter Martyn
Published: October 2020

Municipal public procurement is one way of reducing the environmental load of hazardous substances. Turku University of Applies Sciences studied what is the status quo in the NonHazCity partner municipalities with regards to sustainable public procurement and how hazardous substances are considered in tenders. This paper presents results from interviews conducted with representatives of Gdańsk, Kaunas, Pärnu, Riga, Šilalė, Turku, Västerås, and Stockholm. Interviews were performed between April and June 2017 and any description of regulations is based on reports from interviewees. Interviewees were persons dealing with public procurement – procurement and environmental experts and in Stockholm personnel with special expertise in chemicals.
The role of legislation and courts in the protection of the environment in the European Union and its impact on the European integration of Albania
Authors: Muharremaj Erjon
Published: October 2020

This paper analyses the main role of legislation and courts in the protection of the environment in the EU and its impact on the course of the European integration of Albania, a candidate country for EU membership. It begins with a brief analysis of the relationship between EU law and domestic law of Member States. It continues with the analysis of the relationship between international law and domestic law in Albania, and sets out the role of the courts in the protection of environment in the EU. Further, the scope of the analysis includes the challenges, the status, and the role of courts in the process of the approximation with the environmental acquis in Albania. Lastly, it is argued that the protection of the environment is multi-faceted and requires an integrated approach. Although Albania has generally harmonised its environmental legislation with the acquis communautaire, it must make serious efforts towards its proper implementation in practice.
Simulation games in the Regulatory Impact Assessment – Simulation of the implementation of the EIA Amending Directive 2014/52/EU
Authors: Führ Martin , Dopfer Jaqui , Bizer Kilian , Balla Stefan , Bunge Thomas , Schenten Julian , Schicketanz Sven
Published: October 2020

Laws have the task of influencing the behaviour of the respective addressees in such a way that the legislator achieves their intended goals. A (new) law would not be required if existing framework conditions were already designed such that regulatory goals could be achieved. In this case actors would already have sufficient incentives to behave in a targeted manner. But this is not usually the case; on the contrary: legislation has the task of addressing "non-conforming" behaviour and of getting actors to participate in the implementation of regulatory goals. This is a demanding task and applies even in cases where compliance can be assumed. However, it is even more difficult if evasive behaviour is to be expected or it is feared that the addressees could develop and implement individual or collusive counter-strategies.
The present contribution and the underlying simulation games on the EIA Amending Directive were funded by the German Federal Environment Agency in the research project "Further development of the EIA instrument – solution proposals and simulation game for the implementation of the EIA Amending Directive 2014/52/EU" (duration 2015 – 2017) within the environmental research plan.
This essay is split into two parts. The first part primarily regards the experience from the simulation game on the EIA Amending Directive, which was aligned with the new version of the German Environmental Impact Assessment Act (EIAA). The second part of the essay, which will be published in the next issue of the elni Review, deals with experiences from other simulation games and, based on this, describes more comprehensively the possibilities and limits of simulation games for the purpose of regulatory impact assessment.
EU Dieselgate: unveiling the weirdness of the EU’s attitude to compliance on environmental matters
Authors: Misonne Delphine
Published: October 2020

“Google fined €4.34bn by EU over Android antitrust violations”. June 2018: the European Commission imposes a record penalty, after a 39-month investigation into Google’s Android operating system. This worldwide level news confirms the power of the European Union and its Commission in relation to competition and antitrust issues: a direct power to investigate and a power to sanction. By contrast, European environmental law looks like a ‘parent pauvre’. In this area, the European Commission does not enjoy a similar centralized investigative power, not even a faint shadow of it. No European Union institution or agency has such power in environmental matters, not even the European Environmental Agency. While the Commission’s role is to ensure the full application of Community legislation on the environment, enforcement of environmental law is and has always been primarily a responsibility of the Member States. The present paper wants to address the question whether the current inspection landscape, as applicable in the European Union and as far as environmental matters (and emissions into the environment in particular) are concerned, could have taken hold of what is now called ‘dieselgate’ and if both aspects (dieselgate and inspection) are, somehow, interrelated.
Strategic Environmental Assessment: The Term “Plans and Programmes” as Interpreted by the European Court of Justice
Authors: Bunge Thomas
Published: October 2020

One of the key terms of the SEA Directive is ‘Plans and Programmes’, defining the range of application of strategic environmental assessment. Although this notion has a high degree of relevance, the Directive itself abstains from a clear-cut definition. It rather presupposes what is meant and only lays down for which specific plans and programmes SEA is mandatory. Two provisions deal with the matter: Article 2 (Definitions) and Article 3 (‘Scope’).
The European Court of Justice interprets these provisions broadly, as it has pointed out several times. This view is based on the general intention of the SEA Directive to provide for a high level of protection of the environment, as laid down in its Article 1, and on its objective to subject plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment to an environmental assessment. Thus, the Court extends its general understanding of the EIA Directive (2011/92/EU) also to the SEA Directive – an argument which, in view of the close relationship and far-reaching similarities of these directives, certainly seems adequate, since Article 3(1) of the SEA Directive makes it clear that SEA is required for plans and programmes due to the effects on the environment they have when implemented. A parallel provision exists in Article 2(1) of the EIA Directive.
This contribution outlines the main elements of these provisions as interpreted by the Court. It begins by briefly addressing the Court’s views regarding Article 2 lit. (a), and then deals with the various components of Article 3(1) to (4).
Strategic Environmental Assessment in Air Quality Planning in Germany
Authors: Weiland Ulrike
Published: October 2020

Despite successes in immission control, significant increases of limit value transgressions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter have been observed in Germany in the last years. Health impacts of these pollutants range from impaired respiratory function to increased mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, with high short-term as well as lower long-term exposure both being relevant to health. Air quality planning as sectoral planning for immission control should ensure or at least contribute to improved air quality in developed areas, especially in large cities.
Under certain preconditions, strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) have to be carried out for air quality plans (AQPs). These SEAs should ensure that air quality planning pursues an integrative environmental approach, and that the intended air quality policies do not negatively impact other environmental aspects such as biodiversity, water, landscape, or sites of the NATURA 2000 network. To date, little is known about the requirements and practice of conducting SEAs in air quality planning.
Because SEAs are integrated in the preparation and updating of AQPs, several issues of air quality planning relevant for SEAs are first presented. Then, hints regarding relevant legal aspects of SEA performance, procedures and methods are given. This contribution presents results of an empirical analysis of roughly one hundred AQPs from 2010 – 2016. Thereafter it is investigated, whether a SEA could have been necessary because of potential significant effects on a NATURA 2000 site. By means of a comparison of legal requirements for the SEA performance with SEA practice, the article appraises to what extent SEA practice in AQP meets these requirements. Finally, conclusions are drawn from the investigation results.
Compliance Challenges of the Automotive Industry Concerning Obligations of Article 33 REACH
Authors: Winkler-Portmann Simon Johannes
Published: October 2020

In the last 15 years, the European Union has fundamentally renewed and expanded the regulation of chemicals. It inter alia integrated international treaties on substance use such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants into the legal framework (in this case the EU-POP Regulation), regulated the use of biocidal products, and harmonised the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals. As a central element, the REACH Regulation governs the complete supply chain for chemicals right through to the consumer with the aim of ensuring a high level of protection for human health and the environment.
This examination compares the target state of the regulations from Art. 33 REACH with the status quo of the compliance measures in order to identify the delta in terms of compliance deficiencies. It also takes into account the incentives and impediments which influence the actors in the goal attainment. From these findings, the analysis concludes with recommendations for the relevant actors.
Market Opportunities for “More Sustainable Chemistry” Through the REACH Regulation - Results from a Case Study of the Global Supply Chains in the Textile and Sporting Goods Industry
Authors: Kleihauer Silke , Lennartz Leonie
Published: October 2020

The report outlines the results of the research project ‘Market opportunities for “more sustainable chemistry” through the REACH Regulation (Sustainable Sporting Goods – SuSport)’. The aim of the project completed in 2018 is to support ‘more sustainable chemistry’ in the textile supply chain and to broaden the view from the ‘reactive’ compliance position to a ‘proactive’ – beyond compliance perspective. Strategically, this approach is based on the following consideration: those who still want to be ‘compliant’ tomorrow have to act ‘beyond compliance’ today. Such a strategy not only guarantees legal compliance, but also opens up new market opportunities. Relevant actors participating in the transdisciplinary research project are mainly manufacturers of textile chemicals (organised in Germany in the TEGEWA association, partner in the SuSport project) as well as companies that manufacture and sell textile products, such as clothing and sporting goods (for sporting goods in Germany organised in the BSI, also project partner). However, since the project’s subject addresses a transformation process of the global textile supply chains, all other actors involved in the production processes must also be taken into account.
Tricky Relationships: Chemicals, Waste and Product Legislation
Authors: Friege Henning , Kummer Beate , Steinhäuser Klaus-Günter , Wuttke Joachim , Zeschmar-Lahl Barbara
Published: October 2020

The authors of this contribution comment on the ‘tricky relationships’ of chemicals, waste and product legislation. Considering the interfaces and intersections of these frameworks they formulate eminent policy recommendations aimed to ensure that ‘Circular Economies’ are capable of avoiding the ‘recycling’ of problematic chemical substances present in (waste) raw materials.
Neuroendoscopic options in myelomeningocele related hydrocephalus
Authors: Furtado Leopoldo Mandic Ferreira , Val Filho José Aloysio da Costa , Dantas François , De Sousa Camila Moura
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The use of neuroendoscopic for the management of myelomeningocele-associated hydrocephalus is still controversial. Anatomic variations and abnormalities of the ventricular system and the confusing topography of the floor of the third ventricle are of utmost importance in this approach. 

Case presentation: The present case video displayed a case of a 4-year-old girl with myelomeningocele related hydrocephalus presented with a closure of third ventriculostomy after tethered cord release. Several neuroendoscopic options were depicted such as third ventriculostomy using bipolar diathermia, ventriculocystostomy of a quadrigeminal arachnoid cyst and a choroid plexus cauterization as a strategy to improve the success rate of this procedure and handle the difficulties presented in this form of hydrocephalus.

Discussion: This video warned the young neurosurgeons regarding ventricular anatomic challenges presented in this case as well as the need of customization of neuroendoscopic approach.

Conclusion: Neuroendoscopic approach is an effective strategy to manage myelomeningocele-associated-hydrocephalus.
Ameliorative Effects of Kolaviron on Behavioural Deficits and Oxidative Damage in Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus of Cuprizone-Induced Demyelinated Mice
Authors:   Department of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, Omotoso Gabriel , Adebayo Joseph ,   Department of Physiology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, Olajide Olayemi ,   Department of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, Gbadamosi Ismail ,   Department of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, Enaibe1 Bernard ,   Department of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, Akinola Oluwole ,   Department of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, Owoyele Bamidele ,   Department of Physiology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Published: October 2020

Cuprizone neurotoxicity is commonly induced to mimic demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system, especially multiple sclerosis. This study assessed the role of kolaviron, a Garcinia kola biflavonoid, in restoring behavioural functions in cuprizone-induced neurotoxicity after termination of cuprizone treatment. Eighteen adult male Swiss albino mice aged between 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into 3 equal groups (A to C). Group A (control) mice were fed with normal rodent diet while groups B and C received 0.2% cuprizone diet for 5 weeks to induce demyelination; thereafter group B mice with cuprizone-induced demyelination were administered corn oil (0.5 mL), while group C mice with cuprizone-induced demyelination were administered kolaviron (200 mg/kg/d) for 14 days. The mice were assessed for learning, memory, anxiety and exploratory drive, and thereafter the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of the mice were evaluated. Findings revealed improved behavioural outcomes in mice treated with kolaviron compared to control and the untreated cuprizone-induced demyelinated mice. There was significant reduction in SOD and GPx activities with significant increase in MDA concentration in the untreated cuprizone-induced mice compared to controls. However, there was significant increase in SOD and GPx activities with significant reduction in MDA concentration in the kolaviron-treated cuprizone-induced mice compared to those of untreated cuprizone-induced mice. The results suggest that kolaviron may effectively ameliorate the oxidative damage and behavioural deficits associated with cuprizone-induced neurotoxicity.
Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Effects of Eugenol on Formaldehyde Induced Neurotoxicity in Wistar Rats
Authors:   1Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Texila American University, Zambia, Mesole Samuel , Okpanachi Omachonu ,   2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Uganda, Adebisi Sunday ,   Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, Yusuf Uthman ,   Department of Anatomy, Mulungushi University, Zambia, Godam Elvis ,   Department of Human Anatomy, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Chisunka Chanda ,   Department of Human Physiology, Texila American University, Zambia, Ivang Andrew ,   Clinical Anatomy Unit, Department of Clinical Biology, University of Rwanda, Abdulrazaq Animoku ,   Department of Anatomy, Kogi State University, Ayingba, Nigeria, Kolawole Tosin ,   Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Published: October 2020

Over the years, Formaldehyde (FA) has been linked to increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and cognitive decline. However limited numbers of studies have shown the effect of eugenol on FA induced toxicity in Wistar rats. Therefore this study aimed at investigating the effects of eugenol on the FA induced toxicity in Wistar rats. A total of twenty male Wistar rats where divided into four groups: (Group I. 150 mg/kg eugenol; Group II, 5 mg/kg FA; Group III, 150 mg/kg eugenol + 5 mg/kg FA; Group IV/control, 2ml/kg distilled water) for thirty days. FA and eugenol were administered orally. Rats were humanely sacrificed under 0.8 mg/kg ketamine anaesthesia administered intraperitoneally. Cognitive tests using Morris water maze and Novel object recognition test were carried out, Oxidative stress parameters, acetylcholine activity and histometric analysis of hippocampal Cornu Ammonis (CA 1 and 3) pyramidal neuronal cells. Administration of FA resulted in significant (p<0.05) increased activity of malondialdehyde (MDA), intra-mitochondrial accumulation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), reduced activity level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acetylcholine levels. However co-administration of eugenol and FA resulted in significant (p<0.05) enhancement of cognitive ability and also significantly (p<0.05) reduced MDA and 8-OHdG levels, and increased SOD and acetylcholine levels. Our results indicate that eugenol would provide therapeutic value against FA induced oxidative stress and cognitive impairments.
Melatonin and Magnesium Restores Neurohistopathological Changes in the Hippocampus of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors:   Department of Human Anatomy,  Rivers State University, Port Harcourt Nigeria, Godam Elvis , Hamman Wilson ,   Department of Human Anatomy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, Oladele Sunday ,   Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, Samaila Modupeola ,   Department of Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, Musa Sunday ,   Department of Human Anatomy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Published: October 2020

Diabetic encephalopathy and its associated end organ damage have become a major global epidemic in many patients with diabetes mellitus. These diseased conditions are complex and poorly understood, therefore the need to seek for alternative management measures to attenuate the complications associated with it. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of co-administration of melatonin and magnesium on the cytoarchitecture of the hippocampus of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. STZ was used to induce type 1 diabetes mellitus. Fifty four rats: Forty eight diabetic and six normoglycaemic rats distributed in nine groups as follow; normal control, diabetic control (DC), melatonin low dose (MLD, 10 mg/kg), magnesium low dose (MgLD, 240 mg/kg), melatonin and magnesium combined dose (MMgLD, 10 mg/kg+240 mg/kg, respectively), melatonin high dose (MHD, 20 mg/kg), magnesium high dose (MgHD, 480 mg/kg), melatonin and magnesium high dose (MMgHD, 20 mg/kg+480 mg/kg, respectively) and insulin (IN, 500 mg/kg). Melatonin and insulin were administered through intraperitoneal injections while magnesium was orally. The control groups were given placebo and all treatments were for twenty-one days. Results showed distortion of hippocampal CA1 area in the diabetic control, MgLD, MgHD, MMgHD and IN groups. MLD, MHD and MMgLD groups showed organized structures of hippocampus CA1 area with no cellular distortions, while there were less positive GFAP in the MLD, MHD and MMgLD groups. The DC, MgLD. MgHD, MMgHD and IN groups showed strong GFAP reactivity. In conclusion, MLD, MHD and MMgLD increased neuroprotection of hippocampal neurocytes
Factors affecting beta in manufacturing companies in Indonesia Stock Exchange
Authors: Ambarwati Retnoning
Published: October 2020

This research has want to know and prove the effect of dividend payout, asset growth, asset size, liquidity, financial leverage, earning variability and accounting beta to beta of stock simultaneously and partially in manufacturing companies at Jakarta Stock Exchange.

 This research use secondary data which is collected based on time series data and cross section include 12 manufacturing company stocks as the sample. The data is collected from the online data of Jakarta Stock Exchange in YPKP, Indonesia Capital Market Directory, JSX Statistic, and Business News. The model of this research is estimated by Generalized Least Square (GLS) with Fixed Effect Model and Dummy Variable to estimate the effect of some financial variables specifically towards Beta of Stock.

The result show that all of the variables in this research consistent with the theory as expected. The coefficient direction of asset growth, financial leverage, earning variability and accounting beta shows positive, while the coefficient direction of dividend payout, asset size, liquidity shows oppositely. Simultaneously all variables influence beta of stock, in the other side partially shows that asset growth, earning variability, asset size, and liquidity, have significant effect to beta, whereas dividend payout ratio, financial leverage and accounting beta do not have significant effect.

One of the implications of this research is that the study of beta of stock should be more comprehensively, not only contains micro variables but also the macro variables as well include dimension of social economy and politic
Chinese Culture in Traditional Clothing-By Taking Cheongsam for Example
Authors: Biyun Zhang
Published: October 2020

Every country has its own unique culture. For China, a country with a long history and a separate cultural system, the traditional clothing can best reflect its cultural characteristics of different periods. For example, cheongsam, as a product of the most turbulent period in Chinese history, has established its unshakable status with its unique beauty, and has become a symbol of unique oriental charm. In this paper, we will interpret the unique Chinese cultural deposits contained in the development history of cheongsam
ANÁLISE DIALÓGICA DE MARIA DA VILA MATILDE: A CANÇÃO NO EMBATE CONTRA A VIOLÊNCIA DE GÊNERO
Authors: Sena dos Santos Rainy , Pinto Mayra
Published: October 2020

O presente trabalho analisa a canção Maria da Vila Matilde, de Douglas Germano, interpretada por Elza Soares, sob a perspectiva da Teoria dialógica do discurso. Em tempos em que o discurso feminista está ganhando força (boa parte por conta das redes sociais) e que a luta contra o machismo vem crescendo cada vez mais, o discurso artístico pode contribuir para fortalecer uma atitude de empoderamento e de enfrentamento dessa questão. Na análise, observa-se quais valores sociais e categorias discursivas constituem um discurso de denúncia da violência doméstica contra a mulher. A interpretação da cantora é analisada em sua clave irônica de modo a observar como essa categoria discursiva pode estabelecer os diversos matizes que constroem axiologicamente o tom de confronto do eu lírico feminino com os valores machistas.
DISCURSO KINIKINAU: CULTURA, IDENTIDADE E EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Morais Maira
Published: October 2020

Buscamos localizar, via materialidade linguística e com base em regularidades enunciativas, as diferentes formações discursivas, os interdiscursos e os efeitos de sentido possíveis que perpassam a memória discursiva do povo Kinikinau. A pesquisa ancorou-se nos pressupostos da Análise de Discurso para a discussão dos conceitos de sujeito, formação ideológica e discursiva, interdiscurso e memória discursiva, sobretudo nos estudos de Foucault (2008), Coracini (2007); nos estudos culturalistas, na Linguística Aplicada e no método arqueogenealógico de Foucault. O corpus são recortes extraídos de um Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso de um professor indígena Kinikinau e cinco textos produzidos por alunos do ensino fundamental 2 da escola da Aldeia São João. Os resultados apontaram que, em decorrência das inúmeras transformações nas estruturas econômicas e políticas, os povos indígenas tem sua cultura, língua e identidade afetadas pelos modos de vida do branco e, portanto, (re) significam suas práticas, crenças e necessidades na contemporaneidade, situando-se no entre lugar conflituoso que, de um lado,  o mantém em uma relação de dependência e integração com a natureza, com os valores culturais, linguísticos e identitários de seu grupo e, do outro, o coloca frente a frente com os valores da sociedade hegemônica que deseja para si.
ENTRE AS PRESCRIÇÕES DO CONCURSO E A CONSTITUIÇÃO DO SUJEITO-AUTOR
Authors: Luna Tatiana
Published: October 2020

Ancorado na perspectiva bakhtiniana e em outras pesquisas a ela vinculadas, este trabalho estuda as produções vencedoras na categoria crônica da quinta edição da Olimpíada de Língua Portuguesa Escrevendo o Futuro (doravante, OLPEF), realizada em 2016. Nosso objetivo é analisar as inter-relações estabelecidas entre as prescrições desse concurso de textos para a escrita cronística e a constituição dos sujeitos autores, identificando os posicionamentos assumidas pelas vozes estudantis. Verificamos como os discentes, em suas produções, negociaram com as regulações do Programa e inscreveram seus pontos de vista, com um olhar mais atento para os modos como representaram seu cotidiano local, o lugar onde vivem. Os resultados apontam que os estudantes se apropriaram das normas olímpicas, mas também assinalaram suas posições por meio de representações temáticas, estratégias discursivas e recursos linguístico-estilísticos não previstos. Ou seja, eles subverteram parte das coerções genéricas prescritas, estabelecendo com propriedade seu querer dizer, seus valores em relação à OLPEF.