bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing prevalence 2015–2019 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Pateri Maria Ida , Pilotto Silvy , Borghero Giuseppe , Pili Francesca , Pierri Vincenzo , Ercoli Tommaso , Gigante Angelo Fabio , Muroni Antonella , Defazio Giovanni
Published: March 2023

Background

While amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS) incidence has increased during the last decades, structured evidence on increased prevalence is lacking. After reporting a significant yearly increase of ALS incidence over a 10-year period, we checked for increased prevalence in Southern Sardinia over a quinquennium.

Methods

ALS patients (El Escorial Criteria) recruited from the study area and followed at ALS Centre, University of Cagliari, were included. Prevalence was computed for January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2019 and was calculated for the overall ALS population as well as for tracheostomized and non-tracheostomized patients.

Results

We observed a non-significant trend for greater ALS prevalence in 2019 than in 2015 (18.31 per 100,000 vs. 15.26 per 100,000; rate ratio: 1.83, p = 0.01). By contrast, a significantly raising 2015 to 2019 ALS prevalence was observed in tracheostomized patients. No significant difference could be detected in non-tracheostomized.

Conclusions

We provided the highest prevalence rate to date reported in the worldwide literature, and also showed a non-significant raising ALS prevalence in the Sardinian population over a quinquennium. The trend in raising ALS prevalence was likely due to extended survival due to invasive interventions.
How to tighten the control set?
Authors: Tallos Peter
Published: March 2023

We examine the problem of reducing the control set in a dynamical system so that the solution set and the attainable sets remain essentially unchanged. We cite some classical results to exhibit the problem and promote a set-valued approach. A necessary condition is formulated by using a concept of set-valued derivative, which can be regarded as an extension of the classical Relaxation theorem.
Clinical value of minimum apparent diffusion coefficient for prediction of clinically significant prostate cancer in the transition zone
Authors: Ono Ashita , Hashimoto Takeshi , Shishido Toshihide , Hirasawa Yosuke , Satake Naoya , Namiki Kazunori , Saito Kazuhiro , Ohno Yoshio
Published: March 2023

Background

This study investigated the association between apparent diffusion coefficients in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 4/5 lesions and clinically significant prostate cancer in the transition zone.

Methods

We included 102 patients who underwent transperineal cognitive fusion targeted biopsy for Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 4/5 lesions in the transition zone between 2016 and 2020. The association between apparent diffusion coefficients and prostate cancers in the transition zone was analyzed.

Results

The detection rate of prostate cancer was 49% (50/102), including clinically significant prostate cancer in 37.3% (38/102) of patients. The minimum apparent diffusion coefficients in patients with clinically significant prostate cancer were 494.5 ± 133.6 µm2/s, which was significantly lower than 653.8 ± 172.5 µm2/s in patients with benign histology or clinically insignificant prostate cancer. Age, prostate volume, transition zone volume, and mean and minimum apparent diffusion coefficients were associated with clinically significant prostate cancer. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the minimum apparent diffusion coefficient value (odds ratio: 0.994; p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of clinically significant prostate cancer. When the cutoff value of the minimum apparent diffusion coefficient was less than 595 µm2/s, indicating the presence of prostate cancer in the transition zone, the detection rate increased to 59.2% (29/49) in this cohort.

Conclusion

The minimum apparent diffusion coefficient provided additional value to indicate the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer in the transition zone. It may help consider the need for subsequent biopsies in patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 4/5 lesions and an initial negative targeted biopsy.
Changing patterns and clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 severe pneumonia treated with remdesivir according to vaccination status: results from a real-world retrospective study
Authors: Mengato Daniele , Mazzitelli Maria , Francavilla Andrea , Bettio Monica , Sasset Lolita , Presa Nicolò , Pivato Lisa , Lo Menzo Sara , Trevenzoli Marco , Venturini Francesca , Gregori Dario , Cattelan Anna Maria
Published: March 2023

Since the beginning of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many drugs have been purposed for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Remdesivir emerged as an encouraging antiviral drug for patients with documented severe COVID-19-related pneumonia. Although several studies about remdesivir effectiveness exist, no study investigated the effect of the combination of remdesivir with the vaccination status. The aim of this study was to assess whether the administration of remdesivir could show some differences in terms of clinical outcomes in patients vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 versus those who were not. The primary outcome was the in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were 30-days mortality, the need for ICU admission and for oxygen supplementation. This is a retrospective cohort study including all consecutive adult patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19 at the Padua University Hospital (Italy), between September 1st, 2020, and January 31st, 2022, and who received a 5-days course of remdesivir. A total of 708 patients were included, 467 (66%) were male, and the median age was 67 (IQR: 56-79) years. To better estimate the outcomes of interest, a propensity score weighted approach was implemented for vaccination status. A total of 605/708 patients (85.4%) did not complete the vaccination schedule. In-hospital mortality rate was 5.1% (n = 36), with no statistically significant difference between the unvaccinated (n=29, 4.8%) and vaccinated (n=7, 6.8%; p=0.4) patients. After propensity score matching, mortality between the two groups remained similar. However, both the need for ICU and oxygen supplementation were significantly lower in the vaccinated group. Our finding suggests that a complete vaccination course could have an impact in reducing the need for transfer in ICU and for high-flow therapy in moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients treated with remdesivir.
Social, environmental, and economic consequences of integrating renewable energies in the electricity sector: a review
Authors: Farghali Mohamed , Osman Ahmed I. , Chen Zhonghao , Abdelhaleem Amal , Ihara Ikko , Mohamed Israa M. A. , Yap Pow-Seng , Rooney David W.
Published: March 2023

The global shift from a fossil fuel-based to an electrical-based society is commonly viewed as an ecological improvement. However, the electrical power industry is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions, and incorporating renewable energy can still negatively impact the environment. Despite rising research in renewable energy, the impact of renewable energy consumption on the environment is poorly known. Here, we review the integration of renewable energies into the electricity sector from social, environmental, and economic perspectives. We found that implementing solar photovoltaic, battery storage, wind, hydropower, and bioenergy can provide 504,000 jobs in 2030 and 4.18 million jobs in 2050. For desalinization, photovoltaic/wind/battery storage systems supported by a diesel generator can reduce the cost of water production by 69% and adverse environmental effects by 90%, compared to full fossil fuel systems. The potential of carbon emission reduction increases with the percentage of renewable energy sources utilized. The photovoltaic/wind/hydroelectric system is the most effective in addressing climate change, producing a 2.11–5.46% increase in power generation and a 3.74–71.61% guarantee in share ratios. Compared to single energy systems, hybrid energy systems are more reliable and better equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change on the power supply.
Relationship between the change in infrapatellar fat pad thickness assessed using ultrasonography and anterior knee pain on squatting after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Shiraishi Ryo , Ueda Shinichiro
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Anterior knee pain (AKP) may occur after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The present study investigated the relationship between the change in infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) thickness assessed using ultrasonography (US) and AKP on squatting in patients after ACL reconstruction.

Methods

Patients were enrolled 3 months after ACL reconstruction using the bone-tendon-bone (BTB) technique. Subjects were divided into the AKP group (numerical rating scale [NRS] score ≥ 1) and control group (NRS score < 1) using a NRS of pain on squatting, and intergroup comparisons were performed. On US evaluation, measurement angles of the knee joint were 0° and 30° in the supine position. The IFP between the femoral intercondylar notch and patellar tendon was measured on short-axis images. The changes in IFP thickness were calculated from values measured at different angles of the knee joint.

Results

Twenty-one patients (mean age 24.9 ± 9.3 years) were included in the present study: 12 in the AKP group (9 males, 3 females) and nine in the control group (5 males, 4 females). A significant difference in the change in IFP thickness at 3 months was observed between the AKP and control groups (0.67 ± 0.44 mm vs. 1.84 ± 0.34 mm, p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between the change in IFP thickness and the NRS score (r = − 0.720, p < 0.001) in reconstructed knees.

Conclusion

A smaller change in IFP thickness assessed using US after ACL reconstruction was identified as a factor contributing to AKP on squatting.
Post-COVID interstitial lung disease in symptomatic patients after COVID-19 disease
Authors: Fesu Dorottya , Polivka Lorinc , Barczi Eniko , Foldesi Marcell , Horvath Gabor , Hidvegi Edit , Bohacs Aniko , Muller Veronika
Published: March 2023

COVID-19 is often associated with long-lasting pulmonary symptoms. Data are scarce about interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients following COVID-19 hospitalization with persistent symptoms. We retrospectively reviewed all cases sent to pulmonary post-COVID evaluation due to persistent symptoms between February 2021 and February 2022 (N = 318). All patients with suspected ILD (N = 44) were reviewed at the multidisciplinary discussion. Patient characteristics, symptoms, time since hospitalization, detailed lung function measurements and 6-min walk test (6MWT) were evaluated. The post-COVID ILD suspected group included more men (68.2 vs. 31.8%) with significantly older age compared to the control group (64.0 ± 12.3 vs. 51.3 ± 14.9 years). Most patient needed hospital care for COVID-19 pneumonia (68.6% of all patients and 84.1% of ILD suspected group) and average time since hospitalization was 2.4 ± 2.3 months. Persisting symptoms included fatigue (34%), dyspnoea (25.2%), cough (22.6%), and sleep disorders (insomnia 13.2%; sleepiness 8.2%). Post-COVID ILD presented more often with new symptoms of cough and sleepiness. Functional impairment, especially decreased walking distance and desaturation during 6-min walk test (6MWT) were detected in the ILD-suspected group. Respiratory function test in the post-COVID ILD group showed slight restrictive ventilatory pattern (FVC: 76.7 ± 18.1%, FEV1: 83.5 ± 19.1%, TLC: 85.6 ± 28.1%) and desaturation during 6MWT were detected in 41% of patients. LDCT changes were mainly ground glass opacities (GGO) and/or reticular abnormalities in most cases affecting < 10% of the lungs. Our data indicate that suspected post-COVID ILD is affecting 13.8% of symptomatic patients. High resolution chest CT changes were mainly low extent GGO/reticulation, while long-term lung structural changes need further evaluation.
Nanoporous carbon doped with metal oxide microsphere as renewable flame retardant for integrating high flame retardancy and antibacterial properties of thermoplastic polymer composites
Authors: Attia Nour F.
Published: March 2023

Innovative, renewable and cost-effective porous composites were developed for integrating high fire safety and antibacterial properties for thermoplastic polymers. Sustainable porous carbon sheets were developed from plum stones as fruits-by-products via single carbonization step affording dual environmental and economic benefits. The as-developed porous carbon own specific surface area of 165 m2 g−1 which is characteristic of mesoporous feature of an average mesopore size of 2.1 nm, in addition to naturally doped nitrogen species. The obtained porous carbons sheets were dispersed in different mass loadings in to polystyrene matrix-producing polymer composites. Interestingly, SnO2 microsphere of an average size of 2 µm was synthesized on the surface of developed porous carbon sheets producing new porous composites. The new composites were elucidated using XRD, FT-IR and SEM–EDS. Then, the developed composites were dispersed in polystyrene. The mass loadings were altered and studied. The progress in fire safety, thermal stability and antibacterial properties for developed polymer composites was studied. The flame retardancy of the new composites was significantly improved achieving rate of burning of 20.5 mm min−1 compared to 46.5 mm min−1 for blank polymer. This superior flame retardancy was corroborated by recording LOI value of 24.5% compared to 18% for virgin polymer. This attained flame retardancy was ascribed to the synergistic effect between porous carbon sheets contained nitrogen and SnO2 microsphere. The new composites afford promising inhibition for bacterial growth achieving clear antibacterial inhibition zone of 11 mm compared to zero for blank sample. The flame retardancy action was studied and elucidated.
Online group projects in higher education: persistent challenges and implications for practice
Authors: Donelan Helen , Kear Karen
Published: March 2023

With the rapid adoption of online learning across higher education, there is an urgent need to identify its challenges and ways of addressing them. Online group projects, in particular, present significant issues for educators. This paper presents the findings of a systematic literature review identifying the key challenges of online group projects, together with strategies to address them. From a corpus of 114 recent papers, the 57 most relevant were analysed, to identify themes related to challenges and strategies. Key challenges were: low and uneven participation by students; a lack of clarity and preparation for students; and poor relationships. Strategies for addressing challenges were: careful design of projects, particularly regarding fair assessment; clear guidance and preparation of students; and practical and emotional support throughout, to encourage confidence and engagement. The findings of this review will enable educators to design and facilitate online group projects which students find rewarding and valuable.
Measuring the Impact of R&D&I Subsidies on Innovative Inputs and Outputs in Polish Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Yaghi Adriana Zabłocka-Abi , Tomaszewski Tomasz
Published: March 2023

This research investigates the impact of R&D and innovation (R&D&I) subsidies on the innovative inputs and outputs of Polish manufacturing companies. We combine unique survey data that incorporates a representative sample of Polish manufacturing companies with data on the state aid from the State Aid Data Sharing System (SUDOP). Our results confirm the positive role of R&D&I subsidies on the likelihood of applying for a patent, filing for intellectual property protection for utility models, industrial designs, trademark registrations, and the introduction of process innovations, consistent with the existing literature. However, the results also indicate an insignificant impact of the intervention on firms’ R&D expenditures and product innovations. The extension of the analysis with the moderating effects of internal factors that affect the firms’ innovative behavior indicates that the R&D&I subsidies for exporters lead to the crowding-out effect and for non-exporters generate additional R&D expenditures and increase the propensity for R&D cooperation. Furthermore, R&D&I support for enterprises with foreign ownership reduces their propensity for patent applications and product innovations. In contrast, for beneficiaries with a predominance of domestic capital, it positively impacts many output variables.
The development of a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)-based lacticin 3147 hydrogel for the treatment of wound infections
Authors: Ryan Aoibhín , Patel Pratikkumar , Ratrey Poonam , O’Connor Paula M. , O’Sullivan Julie , Ross R. Paul , Hill Colin , Hudson Sarah P.
Published: March 2023

Chronic wounds affect millions of people globally. This number is set to rise with the increasing incidence of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which impair the healing of chronic wounds. Lacticin 3147 is a two-peptide chain bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis that is active against S. aureus including MRSA strains. Previously, poor physicochemical properties of the peptides were overcome by the encapsulation of lacticin 3147 into solid lipid nanoparticles. Here, a lacticin 3147 solid lipid nanoparticle gel is proposed as a topical treatment for S. aureus and MRSA wound infections. Initially, lacticin 3147’s antimicrobial activity against S. aureus was determined before encapsulation into solid lipid nanoparticles. An optimised gel formulation with the desired physicochemical properties for topical application was developed, and the lacticin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and free lacticin 3147 aqueous solution were incorporated into separate gels. The release of lacticin 3147 from both the solid lipid nanoparticle and free lacticin gels was measured where the solid lipid nanoparticle gel exhibited increased activity for a longer period (11 days) compared to the free lacticin gel (9 days). Both gels displayed potent activity ex vivo against S. aureus-infected pig skin with significant bacterial eradication (> 75%) after 1 h. Thus, a long-acting potent lacticin 3147 solid lipid nanoparticle gel with the required physicochemical properties for topical delivery of lacticin 3147 to the skin for the potential treatment of S. aureus-infected chronic wounds was developed.

Graphical abstract
Surface proteome of plasma extracellular vesicles as mechanistic and clinical biomarkers for malaria
Authors: Jung Anna Lena , Møller Jørgensen Malene , Bæk Rikke , Artho Marie , Griss Kathrin , Han Maria , Bertrams Wilhelm , Greulich Timm , Koczulla Rembert , Hippenstiel Stefan , Heider Dominik , Suttorp Norbert , Schmeck Bernd
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, mainly in tropical and subtropical countries. Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) is the most prevalent cause on the African continent and responsible for most malaria-related deaths globally. Important medical needs are biomarkers for disease severity or disease outcome. A potential source of easily accessible biomarkers are blood-borne small extracellular vesicles (sEVs).

Methods

We performed an EV Array to find proteins on plasma sEVs that are differentially expressed in malaria patients. Plasma samples from 21 healthy subjects and 15 malaria patients were analyzed. The EV array contained 40 antibodies to capture sEVs, which were then visualized with a cocktail of biotin-conjugated CD9, CD63, and CD81 antibodies.

Results

We detected significant differences in the protein decoration of sEVs between healthy subjects and malaria patients. We found CD106 to be the best discrimination marker based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with an area under the curve of > 0.974. Additional ensemble feature selection revealed CD106, Osteopontin, CD81, major histocompatibility complex class II DR (HLA-DR), and heparin binding EGF like growth factor (HBEGF) together with thrombocytes to be a feature panel for discrimination between healthy and malaria. TNF-R-II correlated with HLA-A/B/C as well as CD9 with CD81, whereas Osteopontin negatively correlated with CD81 and CD9. Pathway analysis linked the herein identified proteins to IFN-γ signaling.

Conclusion

sEV-associated proteins can discriminate between healthy individuals and malaria patients and are candidates for future predictive biomarkers.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in the Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS-ID: DRKS00012518).
Mechanoluminescent-Triboelectric Bimodal Sensors for Self-Powered Sensing and Intelligent Control
Authors: Zhou Bo , Liu Jize , Huang Xin , Qiu Xiaoyan , Yang Xin , Shao Hong , Tang Changyu , Zhang Xinxing
Published: March 2023

Self-powered flexible devices with skin-like multiple sensing ability have attracted great attentions due to their broad applications in the Internet of Things (IoT). Various methods have been proposed to enhance mechano-optic or electric performance of the flexible devices; however, it remains challenging to realize the display and accurate recognition of motion trajectories for intelligent control. Here, we present a fully self-powered mechanoluminescent-triboelectric bimodal sensor based on micro-nanostructured mechanoluminescent elastomer, which can patterned-display the force trajectories. The deformable liquid metals used as stretchable electrode make the stress transfer stable through overall device to achieve outstanding mechanoluminescence (with a gray value of 107 under a stimulus force as low as 0.3 N and more than 2000 cycles reproducibility). Moreover, a microstructured surface is constructed which endows the resulted composite with significantly improved triboelectric performances (voltage increases from 8 to 24 V). Based on the excellent bimodal sensing performances and durability of the obtained composite, a highly reliable intelligent control system by machine learning has been developed for controlling trolley, providing an approach for advanced visual interaction devices and smart wearable electronics in the future IoT era.
Calcined Palygorskites as Supplementary Cementitious Materials
Authors: Poussardin Victor , Roux Valentin , Wilson William , Paris Michael , Tagnit-Hamou Arezki , Deneele Dimitri
Published: March 2023

Reducing the environmental footprint of cement is an absolute necessity to meet the commitments of COP26 and to limit global warming to + 1.5°C compared to the pre-industrial level. In this context, particular interest has developed in recent years in the use of calcined clays as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Due to their high reactivity, large reserves and homogeneous distribution on the earth's surface, calcined clays represent a viable alternative to conventional SCMs. Clay minerals are highly variable and numerous, each with their own characteristics. As a result, not all of them have potential for use as SCMs. The present paper investigated the use of palygorskite (a clay that has been relatively poorly studied) as an SCM. Two commercial palygorskites of different grades were selected and their calcination was studied by X-ray diffraction and pozzolanic activity tests. Blended cements incorporating 20% of each calcined palygorskite were prepared and the mechanical performance and resistivity of the mortars measured. The results show that the optimum calcination temperature is 800°C (allowing complete amorphization of the clay fraction and the highest pozzolanic reactivity) for both clays. Mortars made with 80% ordinary Portland cement (OPC) blended with 20% of 800°C calcined palygorskite allowed a significant increase in compressive strength and electrical resistivity compared to the reference (100% OPC). The clay sample with palygorskite as the dominant mineral exhibited the greatest pozzolanic reactivity and mechanical performance in cementitious systems, confirming that palygorskite is a clay mineral with a significant potential for a use as a SCM. The second sample with smaller palygorskite content also allowed a significant increase in mechanical performance. This demonstrated that it is not necessary to use high-purity samples and enhances the value of this type of material.
The United Nations in Global Tax Coordination
Authors: Teo Nikki J.
Published: March 2023

The United Nations in Global Tax Coordination fills the decade-long knowledge gap in international tax history concerning the UN Fiscal Commission, which functioned as the overarching fiscal authority during the early post-World War II economic order. With insights from political economy and international relations scholarship, this critical archival examination chronicles the tenacious activism by post-colonial developing countries to preserve source taxation rights, and by the UN Secretariat in championing the development of equitable tax rules. Such activism would ultimately lead developed countries to oust the UN as a forum for international tax norm setting. The book includes a revealing prehistory of the wartime work of the League of Nations that questions the legitimacy of the Mexico Model, the first model tax convention between developed and developing countries. This expertly researched work is essential reading for understanding the roles of politics, states, secretariats and private actors in directing global tax coordination.
Quantum Phases of Matter
Authors: Sachdev Subir
Published: March 2023

This modern text describes the remarkable developments in quantum condensed matter physics following the experimental discoveries of quantum Hall effects and high temperature superconductivity in the 1980s. After a review of the phases of matter amenable to an independent particle description, entangled phases of matter are described in an accessible and unified manner. The concepts of fractionalization and emergent gauge fields are introduced using the simplest resonating valence bond insulator with an energy gap, the Z2 spin liquid. Concepts in band topology and the parton method are then combined to obtain a large variety of experimentally relevant gapped states. Correlated metallic states are described, beginning with a discussion of the Kondo effect on magnetic impurities in metals. Metals without quasiparticle excitations are introduced using the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model, followed by a discussion of critical Fermi surfaces and strange metals. Numerous end-of-chapter problems expand readers' comprehension and reinforce key concepts.
A Review and Evaluation of Homology Hypotheses in Echinoderm Paleobiology
Authors: Sumrall Colin D. , Sheffield Sarah L. , Bauer Jennifer E. , Thompson Jeffrey R. , Waters Johnny A.
Published: March 2023

The extraxial-axial theory (EAT) and universal elemental homology (UEH) are often portrayed as mutually exclusive hypotheses of homology within pentaradiate Echinodermata. EAT describes homology upon the echinoderm bauplan, interpreted through early post-metamorphic growth and growth zones, dividing it into axial regions generally associated with elements of the ambulacral system and extraxial regions that are not. UEH describes the detailed construction of the axial skeleton, dividing it into homologous plates and plate series based on symmetry, early growth, and function. These hypotheses are not in conflict; the latter is rooted in refinement of the former. Some interpretive differences arise because many of the morphologies described from eleutherozoan development are difficult to reconcile with Paleozoic forms. Conversely, many elements described for Paleozoic taxa by UEH, such as the peristomial border plates, are absent in eleutherozoans. This Element recommends these two hypotheses be used together to generate a better understanding of homology across Echinodermata.
Remarks by Lori Fisler Damrosch
Authors: Damrosch Lori Fisler
Published: March 2023

First, I am deeply appreciative of this honor, especially in the presence of so many who encouraged me along the way. I would like to acknowledge previous Hudson honorees who are present, including Charlie Brower, Edie Brown Weiss, and Bernie Oxman. Thanks to Catherine, Patrick, and the Allen & Overy law firm for sponsoring this event.
Remarks by Chiara Giorgetti
Authors: Giorgetti Chiara
Published: March 2023

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, and welcome to our panel: Territory, Tribe, and Trade: The Symbiotic Relations Between the State and Individuals in State-State Dispute Settlement. I am really glad to have the opportunity to reflect on such an interesting topic and discuss it with these excellent experts and look forward to contributing substantively to this important discussion.
The “What About Me?” Question in ICJ Proceedings On Compensation And Maritime Delimitation
Authors: Lando Massimo
Published: March 2023

This brief contribution contains some reflections on the relevance of the “what about me?” question in proceedings on compensation and maritime delimitation. The focus is on disputes at the International Court of Justice (ICJ or Court). My argument is that, as things currently stand at the ICJ, the Court is ill-equipped to address the “what about me?” question and that, as a result, ICJ proceedings remain very much state-centric. This view likely is not surprising because the Court was conceived, since its origins in the 1920s, as an interstate judicial organ. Other dispute settlement institutions have developed since then to bring dispute settlement closer to individuals, such as regional human rights courts and arbitral tribunals in the investor-state context. However, this situation does not mean that the ICJ should not take into account individuals in deciding disputes submitted to its jurisdiction. What this situation does mean is that one would need to rethink some procedural aspects of ICJ dispute settlement, which I will discuss in relation to compensation, and parts of the ICJ's jurisprudence, which I will discuss in relation to maritime delimitation.
Seventh Annual Detlev F. Vagts Roundtable on Transnational Law: Transnational Regulation of the Platform Economy
Authors: Hamilton Rebecca
Published: March 2023

Good morning and welcome. I am Professor Rebecca Hamilton from American University, Washington College of Law, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to convene this Roundtable on Translational Law in honor of Detlev Vagts.
Three Key Principles for Fairer and More Effective Private Sector Involvement in International Governance Processes
Authors: Nikièma Suzy
Published: March 2023

The private sector has an important role to play in international governance processes. Not only is it critical that stakeholders from all affected sectors are at the decision-making table, private actors are often key when it comes to implementing any new principles, rules, and processes.
Remarks by Brian L. Cox
Authors: Cox Brian L.
Published: March 2023

Establishing the circumstances pursuant to which parties to an armed conflict are required to provide reparations or other compensation for harm inflicted in the course of hostilities is an enduring and seemingly intractable challenge in the field of public international law. With the recent full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the ensuing harm to civilian persons and property being inflicted daily on an almost unimaginable scale as a result of the ongoing fighting, the issue of recompense for damage inflicted in the course of armed conflict has become infused with a renewed sense of urgency. My contribution to the Remedies and Reparations for Individuals Under International Law panel explores the topic that I refer to as “belligerent liability”—that is, reparations or other compensation required to be distributed by states for harm to civilian persons or property caused during armed conflict—from both a conceptual and applied approach.
Remarks by Neela Ghoshal
Authors: Ghoshal Neela
Published: March 2023

Great. Thank you, Kate, and thanks to everybody for being here today. In January 2020, OutRight Action International and Human Rights Watch published a report called “Even if You Go to the Skies, We'll Find You,” regarding violence against LGBT people since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. What happened was in August of 2021 when the Taliban took over Afghanistan, there was an immediate reaction in terms of what was going to happen to LGBTQ people. I was finishing up my time at Human Rights Watch working in the LGBT Rights Program and was getting ready to transition to OutRight Action International.
Remarks by Detmer Kremer
Authors: Kremer Detmer
Published: March 2023

Thank you so much. Thank you, everyone, for being here. Thank you, Kate, for this introduction and for this wonderful panel. It is really exciting to be here and talk about our new paper, “Queering Atrocity Prevention.”
Remarks by Jean Freedburg
Authors: Freedburg Jean
Published: March 2023

Wonderful. Thanks, Kate. It is great to be here. It is a tremendous honor to actually be on this panel with some folks that I know, and some new people, but I feel like I am going to learn a tremendous amount from being here, and so thanks, everyone, for joining us for this conversation as well.
Remarks by Christine Ryan
Authors: Ryan Christine
Published: March 2023

Thanks. When I first received the invitation to speak on this panel and saw the cover of the Queering Atrocity Prevention report, and also considered the work that was done by OutRight and Human Rights Watch in the Afghanistan report, there were many things that excited me about this work, despite its horrendous content. I am going to talk about two in particular. The first is something that is a call or reaffirmation that I see in both papers for our legal policy and programmatic approaches, to take a more critical queer and feminist conception of gender and apply that to whether it is our frameworks of analysis or to the legal obligations that exist for states to prevent and to punish mass atrocities. This, of course, goes beyond just the adding in of LGBT people or, as has happened over the past twenty years, just adding women into our international frameworks or our policy frameworks as well, but really understanding how gender as a social and relational dynamic, how that impacts behavior and expectations of behavior, how that can drive human rights abuses, how it can drive atrocities, how it is the root cause of them in many cases, and how we need to consider how different policies impact differently gendered beings at the response stage as well. That was one of the first things that I am hoping that this paper brings, that it resurges this conversation as much as possible, whether it is scholarship or within the diplomatic community, where I was partly involved in my last work, and to see it become more widespread.
Remarks by Carrie Shu Shang
Authors: Shang Carrie Shu
Published: March 2023

Increasingly, issues are arising regarding transnational access to evidence in electronic formats in dispute resolution proceedings. Currently, there is not a comprehensive solution to cross-border gathering of electronic stored information and regulations in the area remain a patchwork of divergent instruments. Over the past few years, private practitioners and in-house counsel have had to familiarize themselves with various discovery rules, data privacy laws, and data localization laws to ensure that they transfer data in ways that are compliant with strict cross-border data transfer requirements. Further, the current private international law framework seems outdated for the rapidly changing transnational e-evidence discovery needs. This Panel, organized by the ASIL Private International Law Interest Group (PILIG), addressed issues concerning cross-border conflicts of e-evidence in party-managed processes and whether there is a “best practice” for adjudicators and parties to co-develop such a protocol. As the Co-Chair of PILIG, I had the pleasure of moderating the Panel.
Remarks and Questions by Thilo Marauhn
Authors: Marauhn Thilo
Published: March 2023

It is my pleasure to be with you on this occasion, if only virtually. This year's annual meeting has as an overall theme: “Personalizing International Law.” For this year's closing plenary, we thought of a truly important topic: “International Law Needs People: Humanitarian Arms Control and the Peace Movement.” Nuclear war, whether big or small, would have disastrous consequences for humankind. Nuclear arms control is crucial—not least in light of the humanitarian consequences. Following the failure of nuclear weapon states to implement Article VI of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), NGOs and governments of non-nuclear weapon states pushed for the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Given the role of civil society, of individuals, in this process, and given current circumstances, we want to discuss whether there is both a need and an opportunity to enhance international law and increase lawmaking and implementation by leveraging these actors. We will do so against the background of two distinct developments which I will highlight in opening the panel:
Remarks by Jody Williams
Authors: Williams Jody
Published: March 2023

I have thought a lot about the extent to which civil society has underestimated the risk or probability of nuclear war. I do not think that civil society—normal human beings, if you will—has underestimated the threat of nuclear weapons, nuclear war, and the annihilation of life on the planet. Certainly, after the Vietnam period and the nuclear contest disarmament was higher on the agenda. As I contemplate, I always wondered why the anti-Vietnam movement did not solidify into a movement to bring about change consistently. We just see it as a movement to end U.S. participation in the war. This is certainly a noble goal, but it is not moving us toward a different system or view of war.
Remarks by Emma Verhoeff
Authors: Verhoeff Emma
Published: March 2023

Questions surrounding the logic of nuclear deterrence (as well as the subtleties of signaling and risks of inadvertent escalation) are very relevant right now. In fact, the current crisis reveals the need to invest (and to keep investing) in knowledge and expertise in this field. Nuclear threats have not been on our mind for a few years but all of a sudden, it is at the forefront again. The nuclear threat is back and we have to work with that. Regarding deterrence, in my personal opinion, NATO and the United States have been quite understanding of what deterrence means. We have been pretty clear in signaling to Russia that we are closely following the steps being taken and that a nuclear war and/or attack would be totally unacceptable. At the same time, we have been reinforcing our defense and our deterrence posture. It is about striking the right balance between words and deeds. The United State has done a good job of not escalating the situation further. For example, they decided to postpone their test of Minuteman III, which was a really smart decision. However, what this crisis has made clear is that deterrence exists not only in relation to having nuclear weapons, but also in relation the credibility of using them—this is a balance that is really important and that has been going well so far. Though, nowadays, it is very difficult to “predict people who are unpredictable” and this is the current challenge we face.
Introductory Remarks by Daniel Bodansky
Authors: Bodansky Daniel
Published: March 2023

Welcome everyone, to this session on “The Climate Change Gap: Inequalities, Narratives, and International Law.” I am Dan Bodansky, and I am going to be moderating our panel today.
Remarks by Krishnendu Mukherjee
Authors: Mukherjee Krishnendu
Published: March 2023

The Sundarbans is commonly known as the delta area which lies between West Bengal in India and Bangladesh, and it is not only famous for the deltas, which are there, but also for the largest mangrove forest in the world. Indeed, the word “Sundarbans” comes from the Sundar tree for conservation. It is a very interesting area in terms of biodiversity but also a very important carbon sink. I found out the other day that mangroves are, for instance, a much better sink than even rainforests.
Remarks by Lisa Benjamin
Authors: Benjamin Lisa
Published: March 2023

Hi, Dan. Hi, Gabriela. I also wanted to thank the organizers for facilitating a hybrid format so I could be here with you today. I think in terms of that question, Dan, you and I have both been at negotiations where the plenary starts with all the countries there and a minute of silence for some victims of some typhoon in one of the countries that is there, or victims of a hurricane of a country that is there, and then the minute of silence ends. Then we swiftly move on to the business of negotiating. I think that it is not as much of a motivational factor in the outcomes of the negotiations. I think it does motivate some of the countries that are there, and of course, they are the more vulnerable countries, and they are the ones that have less influence in terms of crafting the outcomes of the negotiations.
Remarks by David McCraw
Authors: McCraw David
Published: March 2023

Thank you so much. Just to drive home how practical this work is, twice in the last twenty-four hours, I have been involved in moving journalists out of two separate countries because of risk. Neither of those countries were Russia or Ukraine, which has been occupying my attention. This is a real-world problem.
Remarks by Dario Milo
Authors: Milo Dario
Published: March 2023

Yes, certainly, and thank you for the opportunity. The major development that the Panel was involved in by invitation from the Inter-American Court was to submit an expert amicus brief in the El Universal case, which was winding its way through the Inter-American Court system, and just before Christmas last year, the Inter-American Court ruled. This was a case that involved the heart of political speech. It was criticism in the form of an opinion by a journalist working for El Universal, of the then president of Ecuador. So it really was the locus classicus of political speech in a democracy.
Remarks by Karuna Nundy
Authors: Nundy Karuna
Published: March 2023

Thank you, Can. Since 1997, the Supreme Court has taken the approach that where domestic law is silent, international law should fill the lacuna. In constitutional cases, we argue international law. We argue comparative law. But what I have found is that it is constitutional law that mostly occupies the field. One of the cases I argued along with other counsel in 2005 is still the definitive case on online free speech regarding the striking down of a provision of the Information Technology Act that governs the internet. The actual words of the law are quite intriguing—any language that was online, defined as a text message or something on a website, that was annoying or inconvenient “could lead to a three-year prison sentence.”
Introductory Remarks by Michele Bratcher Goodwin
Authors: Goodwin Michele Bratcher
Published: March 2023

Welcome, everybody, to the American Society of International Law's annual meeting. it is my pleasure to welcome you to this very special panel on Black women, global human rights, and policing. My name is Michele Bratcher Goodwin. I am the host of “On the Issues with Michele Goodwin” at Ms. magazine and the executive producer of Ms. Studios. I am also a chancellor's professor at the University of California Irvine and a senior lecturer at Harvard Medical School.
Remarks by Aissatou Sene
Authors: Sene Aissatou
Published: March 2023

I can feel what India was saying. I have a personal experience of it. I was in Sédhiou in 2016. I was with a group of friends, and we were at the festival. the festival was really white-centric, even though we were in Senegal. It was three in the morning. I was walking. I was in a short skirt. I was the only dark Black woman. I was picked up by the police, and when I answered to the police officer in Wolof, he told me the only reason I could be hanging there with white people is because I am a prostitute, and for that, I was taken into custody. When I was sharing that story with a lot of Black women and mostly with a lot of dark-skinned women in Senegal, it was not unique. Most of us were just target on the street because the police officer felt that we must be a prostitute, dressing a certain way.
Remarks by Sabeena Rajpal
Authors: Rajpal Sabeena
Published: March 2023

Thank you, Monica. While the cases you mentioned or previous examples have involved uses of force where maybe not all observers felt that the black letter law on when use of force was permissible was satisfied, I do think that the current case is extremely distinguishable. When it came to both Kosovo and Iraq, there was agreement in international institutions that, for Kosovo, there was a grave humanitarian situation. For Iraq, that there was a certain threat emanating from Iraq. I think those international institutions supported addressing those situations one way or another, as evidenced by relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The Arbitrator Role: Reflections of a Poacher Turned Gamekeeper
Authors: Gill Judith
Published: March 2023

It is an honor and a privilege to have been asked to deliver this lecture by Judge Brower.
Remarks by Harold Hongju Koh
Authors: Koh Harold Hongju
Published: March 2023

What was distinctive about this event is that it is not just the use of force for aggression. This is the use of blatant war crimes as a tool of naked aggression. The Russians started war crimes from day one, indiscriminate shelling from afar. We now see, in Bucha, that when they got up close, they tortured people; they bound them; in the case of women, they raped them; they summarily executed them; and they threw them into mass graves. This is one of the most blatant combinations of atrocity and aggression we have seen in many decades.
Remarks by Asaf Lubin
Authors: Lubin Asaf
Published: March 2023

I want to thank the family of Detlev Vagts for supporting the now annual Detlev F. Vagts Roundtable on Transnational Law and thank Rebecca for convening all of us. I also want to thank Salomé for producing such thought-provoking scholarship that indeed deserves our every praise, and I only hope my remarks will do it justice.
Remarks by Kirk J. Nahra
Authors: Nahra Kirk J.
Published: March 2023

U.S. privacy law often is criticized in comparison with international privacy regimes, particularly the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation. Parts of this criticism are fair, but, at the same time, U.S. privacy law provides meaningful protections in a substantial set of circumstances, and, on occasion, provides either “better” privacy protection than the GDPR or presents a more targeted approach to balancing appropriate privacy protections with other important public policy concerns. This balancing often is not a question of “consumers vs. industry” (although it certainly can be). In some situations—particularly in the health care settings that I will focus on—it often is a question of providing an appropriate balance between privacy interests and other policy interests that benefit both industry and consumers.