bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dispersion of ZnO or TiO2 nanoparticles onto P. australis stem-derived biochar for highly efficient photocatalytic removal of doxycycline antibiotic under visible light irradiation
Authors: Tuoi Nguyen Thanh , Nguyet Bui Thi Minh , Tuyen Tran Ngoc , Khac Lieu Pham , Khieu Dinh Quang , Van Hung Nguyen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Biochar (BC) derived from reed stems was prepared by high-temperature pyrolysis, and two types of ZnO/biochar (ZBC) and TiO2/biochar (TBC) composite materials were synthesized via a simple hydrolysis method. These composites, compared to pure ZnO and TiO2, exhibit not only improved but significantly enhanced crystalline structures and larger specific surface areas. This enhancement in the physical and chemical properties of ZBC and TBC composites is a crucial aspect of our research, as it leads to a distinct red-shifted absorption edge and excellent visible-light absorption characteristics. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZBC and TBC composite materials, a key finding of our study, was evaluated using doxycycline antibiotic as a simulated pollutant under visible-light irradiation. The results demonstrate a 6.0-fold and 7.3-fold increase in photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZBC and TBC composites compared to pure ZnO and TiO2, respectively, further underscoring the significance of these enhanced properties. Furthermore, active species trapping experiments reveal that ·OH radicals are the dominant reactive species in the photocatalytic degradation process of doxycycline. A Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model accurately represents this degradation process. Kinetic data indicate that the degradation rate constants (k) of ZBC and TBC catalysts are 4.314 × 10−2 min−1 and 3.416 × 10−2 min−1, respectively. The photocatalysts exhibit no significant decrease in degradation efficiency for ZBC and TBC even after the fourth cycle, indicating their relatively high reusability. These results suggest that ZBC and TBC materials can be used as stable, efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable photocatalytic composite materials for antibiotic-contaminated wastewater treatment.
Rules and Principles
Authors: Grabowski Andrzej , Lifante Vidal Isabel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In recent decades, the theoretical interest in the distinction between rules and principles gained momentum with Dworkin’s famous article: ‘Is Law a System of Rules?’ (1967) and the subsequent discussion it sparked on the adequacy of legal positivism as such. The chapter focuses on the presentation and critique of two continental European contributions to the theory of legal principles (defined as the special kind of legal norms, different from legal rules): the theory of principles as optimisation commands, developed by Robert Alexy in Germany, and the multidimensional theory of legal principles, developed by Manuel Atienza and Juan Ruiz Manero in Spain. Both theories laid special emphasis on the logical structure of rules and principles, and the phenomena of their fulfilment. This in turn has important consequences as far the justification of judicial decisions is concerned and explains why these theories have enjoyed a great impact on the theoretical and practical fields.
Analytical Legal Philosophy
Authors: Schiavello Aldo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter examines the analytical legal philosophy’s birth, development, and crisis from the early 1950s. After identifying this legal philosophical tradition’s main features, the connection between analytical legal philosophy and legal positivism is explored. This link is particularly close if one looks at the legal analytical philosophy from a continental European legal-philosophical perspective. The decline of analytical philosophy is primarily linked to the crisis of legal positivism and, concerning this last point, the debate that has developed in continental Europe since the mid-1970s is strongly influenced by the Anglo-American debate, even if it does present original insights. The central issue concerns the neutrality of legal knowledge, which is a crucial assumption of both analytical legal philosophy and legal positivism. The interpretive turn in contemporary legal philosophy has cast doubt on the possibility of describing law irrespective of ideological assumptions and moral evaluations.
Legal System
Authors: Guastini Riccardo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The chapter analyses and discusses a number of conceptual issues concerning legal systems, such as their components, structure, and identity, as well as the very concept of a legal system (LS) as such. The first section bears upon the different kinds of rules (independent and derived, expressed and unexpressed, primary and secondary) that compose a (developed) LS. The second section is about the criterion of membership of rules to a LS, focusing on the problematic status of constitution and unconstitutional statutes, and distinguishing in particular between validity and existence. The third section analyses the structure of a LS, namely, the double (static and dynamic) foundation of rules, and the variety of hierarchical relationships among rules. The fourth section discusses the issue of the ultimate rule of a LS. Both Kelsen’s thesis of the ‘basic norm’ and Hart’s thesis of the ‘rule of recognition’ are analysed and criticised. The fifth section discusses the identity of a LS, distinguishing in particular a ‘formal’ and a ‘substantive’ view on the matter. The sixth section discusses the concept of a LS itself, understood as a set of rules. In particular the pivotal distinction between legal provisions (normative sentences) and their meaning contents (rules properly understood) is introduced. The dependence of the normative contents of a LS on the interpretive practice of legal scholars and judges is stressed. The seventh section introduces a further distinction among different kinds of rules of recognition, as well as a concise analysis of recognition statements.
The Alliance Party of Northern Ireland
Authors: Tonge Jonathan , Braniff Máire , Hennessey Thomas , McAuley James W , Rice Clare , Whiting Sophie A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Northern Ireland’s political system is dominated by an Irish Catholic nationalist versus British Protestant unionist fault-line, based on the long-running argument over whether the province should remain part of the United Kingdom or form part of a United Ireland. Yet the largest category of elector in Northern Ireland says they are neither a unionist nor a nationalist and the third largest party is now Alliance, which declares itself neutral on the constitutional future of the region. This book analyses the rise of Alliance. How has a party which eschews ethnic bloc politics, has no constitutional preference, and contains a mix of Catholics, Protestants, and those of no religion, come to prominence in a polity whose political institutions are framed upon an old divide? The volume undertakes an extensive membership survey analysing the role of a non-ethnic party in an ethnic system, assessing Alliance identities, politics, and futures. Can Alliance integrate Northern Irish society through shared education, housing and other public provision, or will continuing polarization thwart the Party’s project? Would Alliance take a position in the event of a constitutional referendum on Northern Ireland’s future—and what might that stand be? These and other key questions form part of a novel study of the party of Northern Ireland’s often overlooked centre ground and how it has survived—and even made progress—in an unfavourable political climate.
From precarity to progress: Beyond the Good Friday Agreement
Authors: Tonge Jonathan , Braniff Máire , Hennessey Thomas , McAuley James W , Rice Clare , Whiting Sophie A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter analyses Alliance since the Good Friday Agreement, a deal the Party welcomed but whose philosophical and ideological approach—the management, and not necessarily healing, of ethno-nationalism—was at odds with the Alliance vision of integration and reconciliation. The Party was in disarray when its leader of eleven years, John Alderdice, suddenly quit. His replacement, Sean Neeson, struggled to cope but did commission a fundamental review of Party strategy which paid dividends in the long term. In the immediate years after the Good Friday Agreement, however, Alliance looked irrelevant and short of votes, to the point that the Party’s existence was threatened. After that, however, the Party recovered under the leadership of David Ford and prospered under Naomi Long. Chapter 4 covers both the nadir and the rebirth of the Party.
Centrism
Authors: Tonge Jonathan , Braniff Máire , Hennessey Thomas , McAuley James W , Rice Clare , Whiting Sophie A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Chapter 5 offers a detailed analysis of Alliance’s ideas and roles. The ideological approach is based upon the pillars of liberalism, individual identity rather than ethno-national affiliation, anti-sectarianism, and reconciliation. Whilst adapted to changing contexts, these ideas have tended to be constants. However, in terms of roles, there has been an evolution. Alliance at its outset focused more upon cross-community bridging, helping to bring together unionism and nationalism in a cooperative spirit. As Alliance has grown in confidence in more recent times, it has attempted to sharpen its own definition by acting as an organization which strives to overcome unionism and nationalism, replacing it with a non-sectarian third tradition outlook based upon the premise of a united community. This chapter examines the interplay of ideas and roles and the limits upon Alliance as a possible usurper of unionism or nationalism.
The constitutional question
Authors: Tonge Jonathan , Braniff Máire , Hennessey Thomas , McAuley James W , Rice Clare , Whiting Sophie A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Alliance is a party which refuses to be defined by the constitutional question. Once pro-Union, it has had a policy of neutrality since 1999, favouring neither Northern Ireland remaining in the UK nor a united Ireland as the long-term resolution of the issue. But what are the preferences of its members? Do they want a border poll, and can/should Alliance take a stand if one is called? The data in the chapter shows that more members favour a united Ireland than support Northern Ireland remaining in the UK, but there is no overall majority for either option. A slight majority of members would like a border poll within the next decade. Interviews with Alliance members reveal significant division over whether the Party can or should take a stance if such a poll is ever called.
Who are the members?
Authors: Tonge Jonathan , Braniff Máire , Hennessey Thomas , McAuley James W , Rice Clare , Whiting Sophie A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Chapter 7 uses the membership dataset to profile Alliance Party members. The section covers period of joining and reasons for signing up, along with age, gender, marital status, and income profiles. We compare these to the profiles of Northern Ireland’s population and some of its other parties. We also examine the attitudes of Alliance members to those political parties. The Alliance data shows how there has been a recent surge in membership, with few members having joined in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s but with the Party retaining a core of 1970s joiners. In addition to demographic profiling, Chapter 7 also covers the geography of membership, showing a highly skewed membership base concentrated largely in two counties: Antrim and Down.
Identities
Authors: Tonge Jonathan , Braniff Máire , Hennessey Thomas , McAuley James W , Rice Clare , Whiting Sophie A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Alliance is a party which does not place great emphasis upon national identities. It welcomes a multiplicity of identities: British, Irish, Northern Irish, European, and none. Chapter 9 uses the membership data to examine which of those identities are the most and least popular self-identifications, finding that British identity is now rare compared to other identities. The most common identity held by Alliance members is Northern Irish. This is much different from nationalist parties (mainly Irish) and unionist parties (mainly British), but even Northern Irishness does not command an outright majority within Alliance, despite the party’s attempts to promote a sense of a united Northern Irish community. The chapter examines why these identities are so varied.
Reforming politics
Authors: Tonge Jonathan , Braniff Máire , Hennessey Thomas , McAuley James W , Rice Clare , Whiting Sophie A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Alliance argues strongly that the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly created by the Good Friday Agreement are in urgent need of reform. These institutions were collapsed for nearly 40 per cent of the first twenty-five years of their existence. In Alliance’s view, the institutionalization of vetoes needs to end, as does an Assembly voting system which gives Alliance votes worth less than unionist or nationalist parties. This chapter considers Alliance’s reform agenda. It includes making the institutions more collapse-proof; reducing veto rights; co-badging the offices of First and deputy First Minister; ending the system of communal designation by which Assembly members are obliged to designate as unionist, nationalist, or the reductionist ‘other’; and replacing it with a voting system based on weighted majorities. The rationale behind Alliance’s thinking is critically evaluated. The chapter also considers Alliance’s proposals for tackling sectarianism in terms of realism and timescale.
Leading Change at Multiple Levels (Principles 8, 9, and 10)
Authors: Boyatzis Richard E 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Chapter 8 discusses leading change at multiple levels. As a multi-level, fractal theory, ICT claims that sustained, desired change occurs through the same process at every level of human collective. Each level within Intentional Change Theory functions as a change process unto itself. That said, there is the possibility that events within a level may trigger or affect events or processes in another level. Cross-level forces can be progressive or regressive. Resonant leadership can propel sustained, desired change by invoking the Positive Emotional Attractor across levels to effect synchrony. When leaders are resonant to a small group of insiders but detest or reject outsiders, however, they are demagogues. Social identity groups (SIGs) facilitate the enduring quality of sustained, desired change by helping or hindering progress toward one’s Ideal Self or a group’s shared vision. A person’s SIGs create a sense of social place and order within their environment, and changing SIGs may create tension, inhibiting change. SIGs transmit information across levels by creating rituals that are symbolic actions with emotional meaning, invoking emotions through expression of a shared vision, or creating a common language. The members of a SIG can become ambassadors for a cause or shared vision and bring the emotions and message to other communities, organizations, families, and entire countries.
Meta-analysis of RNA interaction profiles of RNA-binding protein using the RBPInper tool
Authors: Cogan Joseph A , Benova Natalia , Kuklinkova Rene , Boyne James R , Anene Chinedu A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Motivation
Recent RNA-centric experimental methods have significantly expanded our knowledge of proteins with known RNA-binding functions. However, the complete regulatory network and pathways for many of these RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in different cellular contexts remain unknown. Although critical to understanding the role of RBPs in health and disease, experimentally mapping the RBP–RNA interactomes in every single context is an impossible task due the cost and manpower required. Additionally, identifying relevant RNAs bound by RBPs is challenging due to their diverse binding modes and function.

Results
To address these challenges, we developed RBP interaction mapper RBPInper an integrative framework that discovers global RBP interactome using statistical data fusion. Experiments on splicing factor proline and glutamine rich (SFPQ) datasets revealed cogent global SFPQ interactome. Several biological processes associated with this interactome were previously linked with SFPQ function. Furthermore, we conducted tests using independent dataset to assess the transferability of the SFPQ interactome to another context. The results demonstrated robust utility in generating interactomes that transfers to unseen cellular context. Overall, RBPInper is a fast and user-friendly method that enables a systems-level understanding of RBP functions by integrating multiple molecular datasets. The tool is designed with a focus on simplicity, minimal dependencies, and straightforward input requirements. This intentional design aims to empower everyday biologists, making it easy for them to incorporate the tool into their research.

Availability and implementation
The source code, documentation, and installation instructions as well as results for use case are freely available at https://github.com/AneneLab/RBPInper. A user can easily compile similar datasets for a target RBP.
Extracellular vesicles are involved in the paracrine communication between epithelial cells in different regions of the domestic cat epididymis
Authors: Sosnicki Danielle M , Travis Alexander J , Comizzoli Pierre 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Sperm maturation depends on exposure to microenvironments within the different segments of the epididymis, but mechanisms underlying how these microenvironments are produced or maintained are not well understood. We hypothesized that epididymal extracellular vesicles could play a role in the process of maintaining microenvironments in different regions of the epididymis. Specifically, we tested whether the extracellular vesicles from different regions of the epididymis can ensure paracrine communication between cells in different segments. Domestic cat tissues were used to develop a reproducible in vitro culture system for corpus epididymis explants that were then exposed to extracellular vesicles collected from upstream (i.e., caput) segments. Impacts of different culture or exposure conditions were compared by analyzing the morphology, apoptosis, transcriptional activity, and gene expression in the explants. Here, we report the development of the first in vitro culture system for epididymal tissue explants in the domestic cat model. Using this system, we found that extracellular vesicles from the caput segment have a significant effect on the transcriptional profile of tissue from the corpus segment (1233 differentially expressed genes due to extracellular vesicle supplementation). Of note, expressions of genes associated with regulation of epithelial cell differentiation and cytokine signaling in the epididymis were influenced by the presence of extracellular vesicles. Together, our findings comprise the first report in any species of paracrine control of segmental gene regulation by epididymal extracellular vesicles. These results contribute to a better understanding of epididymis biology and could lead to strategies to enhance or suppress male fertility.
International Legal Governance of Space Resources and the Role of National Frameworks: The Case of China
Authors: Ünüvar Güneş , Su Xueji 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Following decades long political and legal uncertainty, several space-faring States passed national laws asserting (or reaffirming) private rights on resources extracted in space. This “bottom-up” approach is now shaping the fundamentals of international norms and rules. While the so-called “Artemis Bloc” and the US legislative and policy-making efforts have been examined extensively, what is missing is an in-depth analysis of the stance and response of other major space-faring nations. This article contributes to the scholarship by studying China’s perspective. The article considers the ongoing proliferation of national laws and policy-making efforts and the increased pace of commercialisation in the space sector as the driving force of international law-making. It then notes the absence of a clear-cut national legislation in China governing space operations linked to resource extraction from celestial bodies. The paper argues that China, as a major space-faring and a developing country, is poised to have an assertive voice in international space law-making. It shows how a stronger national legal framework, coupled with international law and policy-making efforts, can elevate China’s contribution in international space law—in particular regarding space resource extraction and utilisation.
Evaluating changes in the well-being of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Besselink Djoeke , Herber Gerrie-Cor M , van der Lucht Fons , Sealy Martine J , Krijnen Wim P , Jager-Wittenaar Harriët , Finnema Evelyn J 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the lives of older adults. Yet, little is known about changes in well-being among older adults during the pandemic, especially when COVID-19 measures were relaxed. Therefore, we aimed to assess changes in the well-being of older adults during multiple turning points of the pandemic. This longitudinal study included data from Dutch older adults (≥65 years old) participating in the Lifelines COVID-19 cohort. Data consisted of seven questionnaires, administered every 2–4 months between May 2020 and October 2021. The outcomes were quality of life (n = 14 682), physical fitness (n = 14 761), and feelings of isolation (n = 14 611), all graded on a scale from 0 to 10. Changes in well-being were analysed by multivariable linear mixed-effects models. The context of measures was described using the Government Stringency Index. Quality of life and feelings of isolation decreased when measures were tightened and increased when measures were relaxed. For example, when measures relaxed after the first lockdown in May 2020, quality of life increased by 0.23 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16–0.29] towards July 2020. Physical fitness decreased by 0.26 [95% CI: 0.15–0.37] during the study period. Differences between subsamples were not found, except for sex in feelings of isolation, which differences diminished after a period of relaxed measures. Changes in quality of life and feelings of isolation improved after periods of stringent COVID-19 measures. Physical fitness did not improve after measures were relaxed, suggesting a possible negative effect of the pandemic on the physical fitness of older adults.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for avoiding Babuška’s paradox on simplicial meshes
Authors: Bartels Sören , Tscherner Philipp 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
It is shown that discretizations based on variational or weak formulations of the plate bending problem with simple support boundary conditions do not lead to the failure of convergence when polygonal domain approximations are used and the imposed boundary conditions are compatible with the nodal interpolation of the restriction of certain regular functions to approximating domains. It is further shown that this is optimal in the sense that a full realization of the boundary conditions leads to failure of convergence for conforming methods. The abstract conditions imply that standard nonconforming and discontinuous Galerkin methods converge correctly while conforming methods require a suitable relaxation of the boundary condition. The results are confirmed by numerical experiments.