bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Auger Decay Following Xe+ (4

p3/2−1

) Ionization
Authors: Liu Zhenqi , Liu Qing , Ma Yulong , Zhou Fuyang , Qu Yizhi
Published: March 2021

The Auger decay for the many-electron Xe+ (4

p

3
/
2

−
1

) state is studied in detail, using multistep approaches. It is found that the single Auger decay channels are primarily Coster–Kronig processes, which is in accord with other theoretical and experimental results. The double and triple Auger decays result primarily from cascade processes, i.e., the sequential two-step and three-step Auger decay, and as such, the contributions from direct processes can be neglected. Level-to-level rates for single, double, and triple decays are obtained, based on which comprehensive Auger electron spectra and ion yields are obtained. Our decay paths and Auger electron spectra are in agreement with the experimental analysis [Hikosaka et al., Phys. Rev. A 76 (2007) 032708], and our ion yield ratios (Xe2+: Xe3+: Xe4+ = 4.6 : 87.0 : 8.4) are also in line with their values (5.0 : 86.0 : 9.0). However, with respect to the ion yield ratios, a discrepancy still remains among the experimental and theoretical results. Taking into account the complexity of Xe’s electronic structure, further, more detailed experiments are still required.
Moderate-Temperature Near-Field Thermophotovoltaic Systems with Thin-Film InSb Cells
Authors: Wang Rongqian , Lu Jincheng , Jiang Jian-Hua
Published: March 2021

Near-field thermophotovoltaic systems functioning at 400–900 K based on graphene-hexagonal-boron-nitride heterostructures and thin-film InSb p–n junctions are investigated theoretically. The performances of two near-field systems with different emitters are examined carefully. One near-field system consists of a graphene-hexagonal-boron-nitride-graphene sandwiched structure as the emitter, while the other system has an emitter made of the double graphene-hexagonal-boron-nitride heterostructure. It is shown that both systems exhibit higher output power density and energy efficiency than the near-field system based on mono graphene-hexagonal-boron-nitride heterostructure. The optimal output power density of the former device can reach 1.3 × 105 W/m2, while the optimal energy efficiency can be as large as 42% of the Carnot efficiency. We analyze the underlying physical mechanisms that lead to the excellent performances of the proposed near-field thermophotovoltaic systems. Our results are valuable toward high-performance moderate temperature thermophotovoltaic systems as appealing thermal-to-electric energy conversion (waste heat harvesting) devices.
Homogeneity of the negatively charged assembly of nitrogen vacancy centres in diamonds using the Quasi-finite-element optical scanning position method
Authors: Zheng Doudou , Ma Zongmin , Zhang Yangang , Fu Yueping , Wei Jiuyan , Yuan Hua , Qin Li , Shi Yunbo , Tang Jun , Liu Jun , Li Yanjun , Sugawara Yasuhiro
Published: March 2021

We developed a versatile Quasi-finite-element scanning method to analyse the concentration and homogeneity of the ensembles of nitrogen-vacancy (NV−) centres in block diamonds. In this method,

13
μ

m 

×
13
μ

m 

area of the bulk diamond with high-density NV− centres was divided into small pieces at the nanoscale by using a focused light beam. The concentration of NV− centres was obtained and imaged through the fluorescence intensity of each pixel by employing a home-built spectrometer. In addition, global and local homogeneities were introduced to evaluate the NV− centre distribution. NV− centres in a specific pixel exhibited preferred direction growth peaks attributed to the diamond crystal orientation. Moreover, the uniformity of NV− centres was not proportional to the electron irradiation duration, but an optimal time was observed. This study can be beneficial for enhancing the sensitivities of bulk magnetometry based on confocal systems.
Improvement on the manipulation of a single nitrogen-vacancy spin and microwave photon at single-quantum level
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Lü Dong-Yan , Wang Guang-Hui , Fu Yan-Hua , He Ming-Yao , Ren Hong-Tao
Published: March 2021

It remains a great challenge to realize direct manipulation of a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) spin at the single-quantum level with a microwave (MW) cavity. As an alternative, a hybrid system with the spin–phonon–photon triple interactions mediated by a squeezed cantilever-type harmonic resonator is proposed. According to the general mechanical parametric amplification of this in-between phonon mode, the direct spin–phonon and photon–phonon couplings are both exponentially enhanced, which can even further improve the coherent manipulation of a single NV spin and MW photon with a higher efficiency. In view of this triple system with enhanced couplings and the additional sideband adjustable designs, this scheme may provide a more efficient phonon-mediated platform to bridge or manipulate the MW quantum and a single electron spin coherently. It is also hoped to evoke wider applications in the areas of quantum state transfer and preparation, ultrasensitive detection and quantum nondestructive measurement, etc.
Linear and nonlinear optical response of g-C3N4-based quantum dots*
Authors: Zhang Jing-Zhi , Zhang Hong
Published: March 2021

Graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) attracts wide-ranging research interest due to its extraordinary physicochemical properties and promising applications ranging from heterogeneous catalysis to fuel cells. In this work, we design different g-C3N4-based quantum dots (gCNQDs), carry out a systematic study of optical properties, and elucidate the shape selectivity, composite nanostructure, and outfield effect. In particular, composites of gCNQDs and metal nanochains present excellent optical response, making it applicable to bioimaging, nano-plasma devices, and metalloenzyme in infrared light related fields. Besides, QDs which original bridging nitrogen atoms are replaced by amino (–NH2), hydroxyl (–OH), and methyl (–CH3) functional groups respectively, have excellent spectral selectivity in the deep ultraviolet region. More interestingly, in the study of the laser interaction with materials, the gCNQDs exhibit extremely high stability and light corrosion resistance. Phase transition from insulation to metal is observed under the critical condition of about 5 eV intensity or 337 nm wavelength. All provided theoretical support for designs and applications in g-C3N4 quantum devices.
Investigation of electronic, elastic, and optical properties of topological electride Ca3Pb via first-principles calculations*
Authors: Sun Chang , Cao Xin-Yu , Wang Xi-Hui , Qiu Xiao-Le , Fang Zheng-Hui , Yuan Yu-Jie , Liu Kai , Zhang Xiao
Published: March 2021

Electrides are unique materials with the anionic electrons confined to the interstitial sites, expecting important applications in various areas. In this work, the electronic structure and detailed physical properties of topological electride Ca3Pb are studied theoretically. By comparing the crystal structures and band structures of Ca3Pb and Ca3PbO, we find that after removing O2– ions from Ca3PbO, the remaining electrons are confined in the vacancies of the Ca6 octahedra centers, playing the role as anions and forming an additional energy band compared with that of Ca3Pb. These interstitial electrons partially result in the low work function of Ca3Pb. Moreover, the calculated mechanic properties imply that Ca3Pb has a strong brittleness. In addition, the dielectric functions and optical properties of Ca3Pb are also analyzed.
Research on Directional Forming Process of 316L Alloy Laser
Authors: HaoLu  , HuLi  , LidaZhu  , Su Jikang
Published: March 2021

This paper uses 316L stainless steel as the powder and matrix material for laser cladding. The scanning speed is 8.18mm/s, the powder feeding rate is 1.15r/min, and the laser melting is performed with a constant laser power (1002.74W) and a layer-by-layer reduction. The laser cladding experiment of single channel multilayer straight thin-walled parts is carried out under the above machining parameters. Lower power laser cladding layer by layer can effectively control the molten pool volume and improve the forming quality and precision of straight thin-walled parts. And it can be observed that the microstructure from bottom to top changes from columnar crystals to equiaxed crystals and then to columnar crystals.
The Kinetics of Iodine Content Decreasein Fortified Rice During Storage
Authors: Cahyadi W , Taufik Y , Yuliani S , Surahman DN
Published: March 2021

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) is a major public health problem in several areas of the world, especially in developing countries. Iodine deficiency can cause goitre, cretinism, decrease of intelligence, mental retardation, brain damage, deaf-mutism, and cause miscarriage in pregnant women and stillbirth as well. The purpose of this research was to determine the stability of the iodine content and determine the kinetics of reaction rate of iodine content decrease in fortified rice during storage. The research was carried out in several steps, i.e. preparation of microcapsules containing iodine, fortification of microencapsulated iodine into rice, determination of iodine content in fortified riceand determination of the kinetics of iodine content decrease in fortified rice during storage. The determination of the kinetics of iodine content decrease in fortified rice was carried out using accelerated self-life test (ASLT) by Arrhenius equation methods.Theresultsshowed that the average of kineticsrateofiodine content decrease in fortified rice (k) was 0.0141 mg kg−1hour−1 and 1.692 kcal mol−1K−1 of activation energy (Ea), which indicated that iodine content (as KIO3) in fortified rice was fairly stable during storage, although there was still a decrease in iodine content caused by several factors (i.e. temperature, atmosphere, humidity, oxygen and moisture content). The results showed also that the increase in storage temperature can cause the increment of the kinetics value (rate constant) of iodine content decrease. The longest shelf life of fortified rice was 92 days at storage temperature of 25°C.
Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm adsorption using activated charcoal from banana peel to reduce total suspended solid (TSS) levels in tofu industry liquid waste
Authors: Budhiary Kadek Novi Sri , Sumantri Indro
Published: March 2021

The tofu industry is currently growing very rapidly both on a home industry scale and on a factory scale, in the process of making tofu solid and liquid waste are produced. Solid waste is usually used for animal feed, while liquid waste is not treated. Tofu industrial liquid waste contains very high Total Suspended Solid (TSS), if the liquid waste is disposed of directly into the water it can pollute the aquatic ecosystem. One way to reduce pollution is to use activated charcoal from plantain peels as adsorbent. This study aims to determine the appropriate adsorption isotherm model in the absorption process to reduce the level of Total Suspended Solid (TSS) of tofu industrial wastewater with variations in the mass of activated charcoal (100 grams; 200 grams and 300 grams) and adsorption time (20 minutes; 40 minutes).; 60 minutes; 80 minutes and 100 minutes). The equation used in the adsorption process is the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm adsorption equation. The experimental results show that the largest TSS value adsorbed by activated charcoal is 200 grams with a contact time of 60 minutes. The suitable equation for determining the maximum adsorption capacity of activated charcoal in the TSS absorption process of tofu industrial wastewater is the equation Freundlich with R2 = 1. The maximum adsorption power of activated charcoal on the TSS absorption of tofu industrial wastewater was 51,8134 mg / L.
RETRACTED: Fast Hybrid Adaboost Binary Classifier For Brain Tumor Classification
Authors: Jayaprada S. , JayaLakshmi G. , KanyaKumari L.
Published: March 2021

The brain tumor is a dangerous disease and its characterization is a difficult undertaking for radiologists in light of the heterogeneous idea of the tumor cells. Computer-Aided tasks and its implementation of the current models with their frameworks would suffice the design metrics to recognize and relate the different tumors including brain though the process with scanning of the brain would emphasize on MRI. The models with support vector machine-nearest neighbor, naïve bayes analysis are obtained aren’t enough to produce the different scenario at each set of layers and its correlation values of the performance observed. We propose a design model with fast Adaboost binary classifier, ensemble approach with fast boosting algorithm with the pre-trained model’s dataset to analyze the different problem which proposes a strategy for multiple application scenarios of feature extraction to provide a classification model for different tumors in the brain to improve different performance parametric values for each trained and test sets with the prediction algorithm with each design formulation.
Retitling, Cultural Appropriation, and Aboriginal Title
Authors: Xhignesse Michel-Antoine
Published: March 2021

In 2018, the Art Gallery of Ontario retitled a painting by Emily Carr which contained an offensive word. Controversy ensued, with some arguing that unsanctioned changes to a work’s title infringe upon artists’ moral and free speech rights. Others argued that such a change serves to whitewash legacies of racism and cultural genocide. In this paper, I show that these concerns are unfounded. The first concern is not supported by law or the history of our titling practices; and the second concern misses the mark by ignoring the gallery’s substantial efforts to avoid just such an outcome. Picking up on a suggestion from Loretta Todd, I argue that we can use Aboriginal Title as a model for thinking about the harms perpetuated by cultural appropriation, and the practices we should adopt to mitigate them.
Lesions that do or do not impair digit span: a study of 816 stroke survivors
Authors: Geva Sharon , Truneh Teodros , Seghier Mohamed L , Hope Thomas M H , Leff Alex P , Crinion Jennifer T , Gajardo-Vidal Andrea , Lorca-Puls Diego L , Green David W ,   PLORAS Team, Price Cathy J
Published: March 2021

Prior studies have reported inconsistency in the lesion sites associated with verbal short-term memory impairments. Here we asked: How many different lesion sites can account for selective impairments in verbal short-term memory that persist over time, and how consistently do these lesion sites impair verbal short-term memory? We assessed verbal short-term memory impairments using a forward digit span task from the Comprehensive Aphasia Test. First, we identified the incidence of digit span impairments in a sample of 816 stroke survivors (541 males/275 females; age at stroke onset 56 ± 13 years; time post-stroke 4.4 ± 5.2 years). Second, we studied the lesion sites in a subgroup of these patients (n = 39) with left hemisphere damage and selective digit span impairment—defined as impaired digit span with unimpaired spoken picture naming and spoken word comprehension (tests of speech production and speech perception, respectively). Third, we examined how often these lesion sites were observed in patients who either had no digit span impairments or digit span impairments that co-occurred with difficulties in speech perception and/or production tasks. Digit span impairments were observed in 222/816 patients. Almost all (199/222 = 90%) had left hemisphere damage to five small regions in basal ganglia and/or temporo-parietal areas. Even complete damage to one or more of these five regions was not consistently associated with persistent digit span impairment. However, when the same regions were spared, only 5% (23/455) presented with digit span impairments. These data suggest that verbal short-term memory impairments are most consistently associated with damage to left temporo-parietal and basal ganglia structures. Sparing of these regions very rarely results in persistently poor verbal short-term memory. These findings have clinical implications for predicting recovery of verbal short-term memory after stroke.
Global and Local Structure Preservation for Nonlinear High-dimensional Spectral Clustering
Authors: Wen Guoqiu , Zhu Yonghua , Chen Linjun , Zhan Mengmeng , Xie Yangcai
Published: March 2021

Spectral clustering is widely applied in real applications, as it utilizes a graph matrix to consider the similarity relationship of subjects. The quality of graph structure is usually important to the robustness of the clustering task. However, existing spectral clustering methods consider either the local structure or the global structure, which can not provide comprehensive information for clustering tasks. Moreover, previous clustering methods only consider the simple similarity relationship, which may not output the optimal clustering performance. To solve these problems, we propose a novel clustering method considering both the local structure and the global structure for conducting nonlinear clustering. Specifically, our proposed method simultaneously considers (i) preserving the local structure and the global structure of subjects to provide comprehensive information for clustering tasks, (ii) exploring the nonlinear similarity relationship to capture the complex and inherent correlation of subjects and (iii) embedding dimensionality reduction techniques and a low-rank constraint in the framework of adaptive graph learning to reduce clustering biases. These constraints are considered in a unified optimization framework to result in one-step clustering. Experimental results on real data sets demonstrate that our method achieved competitive clustering performance in comparison with state-of-the-art clustering methods.
Adaptive Laplacian Support Vector Machine for Semi-supervised Learning
Authors: Hu Rongyao , Zhang Leyuan , Wei Jian
Published: March 2021

Laplacian support vector machine (LapSVM) is an extremely popular classification method and relies on a small number of labels and a Laplacian regularization to complete the training of the support vector machine (SVM). However, the training of SVM model and Laplacian matrix construction are usually two independent process. Therefore, In this paper, we propose a new adaptive LapSVM method to realize semi-supervised learning with a primal solution. Specifically, the hinge loss of unlabelled data is considered to maximize the distance between unlabelled samples from different classes and the process of dealing with labelled data are similar to other LapSVM methods. Besides, the proposed method embeds the Laplacian matrix acquisition into the SVM training process to improve the effectiveness of Laplacian matrix and the accuracy of new SVM model. Moreover, a novel optimization algorithm considering primal solver is proposed to our adaptive LapSVM model. Experimental results showed that our method outperformed all comparison methods in terms of different evaluation metrics on both real datasets and synthetic datasets.
Normalized Laplace operators for hypergraphs with real coefficients
Authors: Jost Jürgen , Mulas Raffaella
Published: March 2021

Chemical hypergraphs and their associated normalized Laplace operators are generalized and studied in the case where each vertex–hyperedge incidence has a real coefficient. We systematically study the effect of symmetries of a hypergraph on the spectrum of the Laplacian.
Generation of secondary microseism Love waves: effects of bathymetry, 3-D structure and source seasonality
Authors: Gualtieri Lucia , Bachmann Etienne , Simons Frederik J , Tromp Jeroen
Published: March 2021

Secondary microseisms are ubiquitous ambient noise vibrations due to ocean activity, dominating worldwide seismographic records at seismic periods between 3 and 10 s. Their origin is a heterogeneous distribution of pressure fluctuations along the ocean surface. In spherically symmetric earth models, no Love surface waves are generated by such a distributed surface source. We present global-scale modelling of three-component secondary microseisms using a spectral-element method, which naturally accounts for a realistic distribution of surface sources, topography and bathymetry, and 3-D heterogeneity in Earth’s crust and mantle. Seismic Love waves emerge naturally once the system reaches steady state. The ergodic origin of Love waves allows us to model the horizontal components of secondary microseisms for the first time. Love waves mostly originate from the interaction of the seismic wavefield with heterogeneous Earth structure in which the mantle plays an important role despite the short periods involved. Bathymetry beneath the source region produces weak horizontal forces that are responsible for a weak and diffuse Love wavefield. The effect of bathymetric force splitting into radial and horizontal components is overall negligible when compared to the effect of 3-D heterogeneity. However, we observe small and well-focused Love-wave arrivals at seismographic stations in Europe due to force splitting at the steepest portion of the North Atlantic Ridge and the ocean–continent boundary. The location of the sources of Love waves is seasonal at periods shorter than about 7 s, while seasonality is lost at the longer periods. Sources of Rayleigh and Love waves from the same storm may be located very far away, indicating that energy equipartitioning might not hold in the secondary microseism period band.
Stability analysis of general multistep methods for Markovian backward stochastic differential equations
Authors: Tang Xiao , Xiong Jie
Published: March 2021

This paper focuses on the stability analysis of a general class of linear multistep methods for decoupled forward–backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs). The general linear multistep methods we consider contain many well-known linear multistep methods from the ordinary differential equation framework, such as Adams, Nyström, Milne--Simpson and backward differentiation formula methods. Under the classical root condition, we prove that general linear multistep methods are mean-square (zero) stable for decoupled FBSDEs with generator function related to both y and z. Based on the stability result, we further establish a fundamental convergence theorem.
Knowledge and attitudes of adolescents towards the human microbiome and antibiotic resistance: a qualitative study
Authors: Hayes Catherine V , Eley Charlotte V , Wood Fiona , Demirjian Alicia , McNulty Cliodna A M
Published: March 2021

Background

Antibiotic and dietary behaviour affect the human microbiome and influence antibiotic resistance development. Adolescents are a key demographic for influencing knowledge and behaviour change.

Objectives

To explore adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes towards the microbiome and antibiotic resistance, and the capability, motivation and opportunity for educators to integrate microbiome teaching in schools.

Methods

Qualitative study informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and COM-B model. Six educational establishments were purposively selected by rural/city and socioeconomic status, within Gloucestershire, South West England in 2019. Forty 14–18-year olds participated in focus groups, and eight science or health educators participated in interviews. Data were analysed thematically, double-coded and mapped to the TDF/COM-B.

Results

Adolescents were aware of ‘good microbes’ in the body but lacked deeper knowledge. Adolescents’ knowledge of, and intentions to use, antibiotics appropriately differed by their levels of scientific study. Adolescents lacked knowledge on the consequences of diet on the microbiome, and therefore lacked capability and motivation to change behaviour. Educators felt capable and motivated to teach microbiome topics but lacked opportunity though absence of topics in the national curriculum and lack of time to teach additional topics.

Conclusions

A disparity in knowledge of adolescents needs to be addressed through increasing antibiotic and microbiome topics in the national curriculum. Public antibiotic campaigns could include communication about the microbiome to increase awareness. Educational resources could motivate adolescents and improve their knowledge, skills and opportunity to improve diet and antibiotic use; so, supporting the UK antimicrobial resistance (AMR) national action plan.
Evaluation and recommendations for effective data visualization for seizure forecasting algorithms
Authors: Chiang Sharon , Moss Robert , Black Angela P , Jackson Michele , Moss Chuck , Bidwell Jonathan , Meisel Christian , Loddenkemper Tobias
Published: March 2021

Objective

Seizure forecasting algorithms have become increasingly accurate and may reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by seizure unpredictability. Translating these benefits into meaningful health outcomes for people with epilepsy requires effective data visualization of algorithm outputs. To date, no studies have investigated patient and physician perspectives on effective translation of algorithm outputs into data visualizations through health information technology.

Materials and Methods

We developed front-end data visualizations as part of a Seizure Forecast Visualization Toolkit. We surveyed 627 people living with epilepsy and caregivers, and 28 epilepsy healthcare providers. Respondents scored each visualization in terms of international standardized software quality criteria for functionality, appropriateness, and usability.

Results

People with epilepsy and caregivers ranked hourly radar charts highest for protecting against errors in interpreting forecasts, reducing anxiety from seizure unpredictability, and understanding seizure patterns. Accuracy in interpreting visuals, such as a risk gauge, was dependent on seizure frequency. Visuals showing hourly/daily forecasts were more useful for patients who experienced seizure cycling than those who did not. Hourly line graphs and monthly heat maps were rated highest among clinicians for ease of understanding, anticipated integration into clinical practice, and the likelihood of clinical usage. Epilepsy providers indicated that daily heat maps, daily line graphs, and hourly line graphs were most useful for interpreting seizure diary patterns, assessing therapy impact, and counseling on seizure safety.

Discussion

The choice of data visualization impacts the effective translation of seizure forecast algorithms into meaningful health outcomes.

Conclusion

This effort underlines the importance of incorporating standardized, quantitative methods for assessing the effectiveness of data visualization to translate seizure forecast algorithms into clinical practice.
Fire-driven landscape heterogeneity shapes habitat selection of bighorn sheep
Authors: Donovan Victoria M , Dwinnell Samantha P H , Beck Jeffrey L , Roberts Caleb P , Clapp Justin G , Hiatt Greg S , Monteith Kevin L , Twidwell Dirac
Published: March 2021

Patterns in disturbance severity and time since fire can drive landscape heterogeneity that is critical to conservation; however, there is limited understanding of how wildlife interact with the spatial–temporal complexities of disturbance outcomes and at what scales. We conducted multiscale modeling of habitat selection for male and female Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) over an 8-year period. We aimed to identify the spatial scales at which bighorn sheep responded to various habitat features and determine how fire severity and time since fire can shape habitat selection by bighorn sheep over different seasons and between sexes. With the exception of litter cover, spatial scales that extended beyond the finest spatial grain (i.e., a 30-m pixel) to include the surrounding landscape were better at predicting habitat selection. Escape terrain, elevation, fire severity, year, perennial and annual forb and grass cover, and shrub cover occurred in every best-supported model. Associations with escape terrain, elevation, and perennial and annual forb and grass cover varied by sex and season. In contrast, bighorn sheep were consistently positively associated with low- and high-severity fire. Females increased use of low- and high-severity burned areas with greater time since fire, while males tended to decrease use of areas that burned at high severity with greater time since fire. Our results support the importance of landscape heterogeneity created by fire severity and time since fire for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and reinforces calls to integrate disturbance-driven heterogeneity into our assessments and management of wildlife.
Neurobehavioral effects of acute low-dose whole-body irradiation
Authors: Bekal Mahesh , Sun Lue , Ueno Susumu , Moritake Takashi
Published: March 2021

Radiation exposure has multiple effects on the brain, behavior and cognitive functions. It has been reported that high-dose (>20 Gy) radiation-induced behavior and cognitive aberration partly associated with severe tissue destruction. Low-dose (<3 Gy) exposure can occur in radiological disasters and cerebral endovascular treatment. However, only a few reports analyzed behavior and cognitive functions after low-dose irradiation. This study was undertaken to assess the relationship between brain neurochemistry and behavioral disruption in irradiated mice. The irradiated mice (0.5 Gy, 1 Gy and 3 Gy) were tested for alteration in their normal behavior over 10 days. A serotonin (5-HT), Dopamine, gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and cortisol analysis was carried out in blood, hippocampus, amygdala and whole brain tissue. There was a significant decline in the exploratory activity of mice exposed to 3 Gy and 1 Gy radiation in an open field test. We observed a significant short-term memory loss in 3 Gy and 1 Gy irradiated mice in Y-Maze. Mice exposed to 1 Gy and 3 Gy radiation exhibited increased anxiety in an elevated plus maze (EPM). The increased anxiety and memory loss patterns were also seen in 0.5 Gy irradiated mice, but the results were not statistically significant. In this study we observed that neurotransmitters are significantly altered after irradiation, but the neuronal cells in the hippocampus were not significantly affected. This study suggests that the low-dose radiation-induced cognitive impairment may be associated with the neurochemical in low-dose irradiation and unlike the high-dose scenario might not be directly related to the morphological changes in the brain.
The Global Security Agenda
Authors: Nasu Hitoshi
Published: March 2021

This chapter discusses how, since the end of the Cold War, the global security agenda has not only widened but also deepened, moving the focus of security concerns away from the sovereign State to include other objects such as the environment, social groups, and regional institutions. The process of widening and deepening the global security agenda is premised upon the theory of securitization. Since its emergence, this theory has provided a critical perspective to security studies and contemporary debates about security governance. After briefly reviewing the trajectory of the theoretical debate, the chapter examines the institutional practice of securitization, with particular focus on the practices of the United Nations, European Union, African Union, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as major international and regional security institutions. The understanding of how global and regional policy issues have been securitized in institutional practices is of particular significance to the development of international law because of the ways in which the process of securitization operates within, or interacts with, the existing framework of international law. The role of national security in the process of securitization of a global policy agenda also reveals normative constraint within the framework of international law.
Gendered Security
Authors: Heathcote Gina
Published: March 2021

This chapter explores the links between women, peace, and security in the activities of international institutions, such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and well beyond institutional settings. Since the adoption of UNSC Resolution 1325, there has been recognition within international institutions that there is a link between women, peace, and security. The chapter draws on a range of feminist approaches to mark a shift towards gender (rather than women) and security and a need for further expansion of the field to acknowledge plural feminist approaches. The latter is demonstrated through an incorporation of indigenous feminisms, an analysis of gendered security at sea, and the impact of the politics of austerity within Western democracies. The chapter then provides a gender analysis of UNSC Resolution 2467 (2019), which was drafted by Germany. Resolution 2467 focuses on conflict-related sexual violence and although it still continued an agenda for supporting punitive measures—sanctions and prosecutions—the draft introduced a reproductive health response to this form of gender-based violence.
Internal Strife and Insurgency
Authors: Henderson Christian
Published: March 2021

This chapter discusses internal strife and insurgency. The terms ‘internal strife’ and ‘insurgency’ encompass a range of situations from peaceful and violent protests and demonstrations to rebellions against the government to full-blown armed conflicts. Such situations may either occur entirely between the governmental forces of a State and a non-State armed group (or between two such groups) or, as is more often the case, may be fuelled by third States or even involve them directly. The chapter then provides a broad yet concise overview of the international legal frameworks that regulate internal strife and insurgency, with particular focus on international human rights law (IHRL) and the applicability of the law of armed conflict, and the ways that these frameworks interact. What is more, from a global security perspective, it is the possibility of outside intervention and the attendant frameworks and rules of international law that are arguably most pertinent and controversial. There have been several recent developments potentially impacting the international law governing internal strife and insurgency and the chapter explores these and some of the recent situations that illustrate them.
Transnational Organized Crime
Authors: Hauck Pierre , Peterke Sven
Published: March 2021

This chapter focuses on transnational organized crime (TOC), pointing out some of the impacts attributed to this cross-border delinquency and its ties and linkages with other legal and illegal activities and actors. With the growing recognition that combating TOC requires more effective international cooperation, an impressive international legal regime has been constructed around this subject matter. A good part of this framework consists of so-called ‘suppression conventions’ that oblige State Parties to criminalize certain ‘evils’, to enforce relevant domestic laws, and to cooperate with each other in the persecution of these illegal activities. An often-downplayed problem is that these instruments are ‘rooted in the crime control policies of powerful Western states’, supposedly serving as models for other governments. They therefore tend to impose duties that are rather difficult to comply with for States with fragile institutions, often incapable of effectively delivering essential goods, such as safety and security. Against this background, it is increasingly acknowledged amongst both scholars and practitioners that tackling TOC requires the use of a broader and far more differentiated approach which addresses not only the multiplicity of non-State actors who have links to organized criminal groups (such as rebels and terrorists), but also the promotion of good governance, transparency, and professional ethics. The sound implementation of this approach must be seen as pivotal for achieving both global justice and security.
Contested Territory
Authors: Borgen Christopher J.
Published: March 2021

This chapter describes the theory and practice of territorial contestation, past, present, and possibly future. It sketches the evolution of the so-called ‘modes of acquisition’ of territory and other concepts through different eras. Territorial disputes are perhaps the quintessential problem of public international law. In its transformation from the ancient world, through feudalism, and into the Westphalian system of States, territory has been repeatedly reconceptualized and reorganized from an era of frontiers to a modern world segmented by borders. This modern compartmentalization of territory emphasizes the concept of rightful ownership of title. The chapter then looks at the methods of resolving territorial disputes. It discusses political and military responses to territorial contests and judicial resolution. The chapter focuses on the particular role that recognition plays in resolving territorial disputes.
International Disarmament and Arms Control
Authors: Sossai Mirko
Published: March 2021

This chapter discusses disarmament and arms control, which were envisaged as an integral part of the collective security system set out in the United Nations Charter. Whereas disarmament is related to the reduction (or even the total abolition) of a category of weapons, arms control was developed in the context of nuclear deterrence. Given that the goal of arms control conventions was the stabilization of the security environment, such agreements usually included measures such as mutually agreed limitations on certain armaments or freezing their number at a given level. International law on disarmament and arms control is in essence treaty law: hence, the chapter identifies the distinctive features of the existing legal framework. In the post-Cold War era, the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention has represented the most successful model for subsequent treaties. The chapter then focuses on current developments in both international politics and military technology and their impact on international security and arms control efforts.
Atrocity Crimes and Large-scale Human Rights Violations
Authors: Dieng Adama
Published: March 2021

This chapter discusses the prevention of conflicts and protection of populations from atrocity crimes and large-scale human rights violations, which remains a primary responsibility of States. Indeed, in the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document, United Nations Member States reaffirmed their responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. The chapter argues that the international community cannot undertake meaningful prevention without respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms universally recognized and guaranteed by the International Bill of Rights and other international and regional instruments. As underscored by the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ‘recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace’. It is therefore crucial that respect for human rights is put at the heart of prevention of atrocity crimes.
Human Trafficking and Slavery
Authors: Stoyanova Vladislava
Published: March 2021

Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, with the adoption of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (UNTOC Trafficking Protocol), the concept of human trafficking has become a dominant frame in addressing issues of human security. This chapter critically reviews this development by clarifying an important tension that permeates the international legal framework on human trafficking and slavery. This tension concerns the security of the individuals who might be victims of human trafficking and slavery vis-à-vis the security of the borders of their desired States of destination. Given this tension, the chapter discusses the main challenges that lie ahead in this area of international law.
Institutionalized Inhumanity
Authors: Mavronicola Natasa
Published: March 2021

Atrocity pervades human history. Over time, individuals and groups have wielded their relative power over other persons in a variety of cruel ways, not least torture and assassination. The legal framework that gradually emerged to counter such abuse reflected a deontic humanity—humanity not as it is, but as it ought to be. This deontic vision of humanity was premised on human dignity, an egalitarian idea according to which every single human person is fundamentally worthy of a certain level of respect. The lines set by international law are arguably orientated to serving as a bulwark against the desecration of this deontic humanity. The chapter considers the legal framework on torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment and assassination, broadly conceived. It considers some of the main developments in respect of the law and the deontic humanity that underpins it as well as prominent challenges arising therein, at the heart of which are (national, global, or transnational) security structures, or appeals to security: from consequentialist arguments for abandoning the prohibition of torture, to the securitization of (groups of) persons in ways which contradict human dignity.
Migration, Displacement, Security, and International Law
Authors: Saul Ben
Published: March 2021

This chapter discusses the relationship between mass migration, security, and international law. The security implications of migration first depend on what type of migration is at issue and what international legal frameworks accordingly apply to it. The security implications of migration, and the international legal responses to them, also depend on how security is defined. In addition, the transit of migrants may threaten human security, as it may involve loss of life during perilous journeys at sea or during remote land crossings, and exploitative practices such as enslavement or human trafficking. Further, migrants or displaced persons may themselves occasionally present hard or soft security threats. Ultimately, international legal frameworks in relation to migration generally are relatively underdeveloped, including in relation to its security dimensions. Instead, a patchwork of international norms (hard and soft), regimes, and institutions apply to different facets of the migration-security nexus. The chapter focuses on the security dimensions (including terrorism) of international law governing refugees, complementary human rights protection, and due process in the expulsion of aliens (including disclosure of classified information). It identifies gaps and challenges evident in the existing regimes, and charts contemporary developments through soft law initiatives.
Energy Security in International Law
Authors: Morgandi Tibisay , Viñuales Jorge E.
Published: March 2021

This chapter investigates the concept of ‘energy security’, understood as the ‘uninterrupted availability of energy resources at an affordable price’. Importantly, according to this definition, the ‘availability’ of energy resources is measured against existing energy demand, and threats to energy security are therefore threats to the supply of enough energy to meet existing energy demand. Energy supply depends upon both domestic and international factors which are so interconnected that it is difficult to distinguish where one starts and the other ends. What is clear, however, is that international law plays a fundamental role in addressing many threats to energy security. The chapter looks at existing threats to energy security and the international legal frameworks that have been established in response. The challenges to energy security include an exponential increase in world energy demand, shortages of national oil and gas deposits, the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuel production in order to counteract climate change, as well as risks of geopolitical instability. The chapter then focuses on the mechanisms aimed to ensure that the flow of energy remains uninterrupted and at an affordable price, as well as on those mechanisms aimed at increasing access to energy resources.
Financial Crises
Authors: Finke Jasper
Published: March 2021

This chapter evaluates the possible impacts of financial crises, which can be devastating. Prolonged economic recessions or depressions impede the State’s ability to provide public goods. Especially sovereign debt crises force States to reduce public spending, which requires cuts in the public health and education system, a decrease in social welfare benefits generally, lower salaries and pensions for public employees, and fewer public employees. Both a decline in public safety and higher poverty rates can cause mass migration, which can destabilize neighbouring States or even entire regions. While financial crises do not necessarily have all these consequences, they do have a destructive potential beyond the individual State. It might therefore be unsurprising to learn that one can observe structural and conceptual similarities in how States respond to situations that are more broadly perceived as security crises and financial crises. The chapter then demonstrates how an ‘emergency mindset’ is present in debates on what role law has played and should play in responding to financial crises. It considers two case-studies to illustrate the presence of an ‘emergency mindset’ in such situations that is conceptually similar to traditional security crises: the 2008 global financial crisis and the still unresolved multilevel financial crisis in the Eurozone.
Food Security
Authors: Elver Hilal
Published: March 2021

This chapter focuses on food security. Although ‘food security’ is not a legal concept and does not impose rights or responsibilities, it is a necessary precondition to the full enjoyment of the right to food. The right to food is enshrined in article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as an integral part of the right to an adequate standard of living. As this right is indivisible, interrelated, and interdependent with all other fundamental rights and freedoms, it is ultimately essential for a secure, safe, and harmonious world. The chapter demonstrates that severe food insecurity continues to inflict massive casualties and create and prolong conflicts and emergencies despite well-established rules of international law, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law. It then looks at the international law principles protecting food security with the aim to diffuse emergency situations that create instability, inequality, and unrest, including those resulting from conflicts and natural disasters. The chapter provides suggestions for enforcing and enhancing existing laws and for the adoption of a new international convention which will set out clear duties and obligations for States and non-State actors with a view to eliminating food insecurity and preventing violations of the right to food for a safer, more secure world.
Artificial Intelligence and Robotization
Authors: Kunz Martina , Ó hÉigeartaigh Seán
Published: March 2021

This chapter provides an overview of international law governing the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics that affect global security, highlighting challenges arising from technological developments and how international regulators are responding to them. Much of the international law literature thus far has focused on the implications of increasingly autonomous weapons systems. The chapter seeks to cover a broader range of global security risks resulting from large-scale diffuse or concentrated, gradual or sudden, direct or indirect, intentional or unintentional, AI- or robotics-caused harm. Applications of these technologies permeate almost every domain of human activity and thus unsurprisingly have an equally wide range of risk profiles, from a discriminatory algorithmic decision causing financial distress to an AI-sparked nuclear war collapsing global civilization. Hence it is only natural that much of the international regulatory activity takes place in domain-specific fora. Many of these fora coordinate with each other, both within and beyond the United Nations system, spreading insights and best practices on how to deal with common concerns such as cybersecurity, monitoring, and reliability, so as to prevent accidents and misuse.