bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyphenol-stabilized coacervates for enzyme-triggered drug delivery
Authors: Yim Wonjun , Jin Zhicheng , Chang Yu-Ci , Brambila Carlos , Creyer Matthew N. , Ling Chuxuan , He Tengyu , Li Yi , Retout Maurice , Penny William F. , Zhou Jiajing , Jokerst Jesse V. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractStability issues in membrane-free coacervates have been addressed with coating strategies, but these approaches often compromise the permeability of the coacervate. Here we report a facile approach to maintain both stability and permeability using tannic acid and then demonstrate the value of this approach in enzyme-triggered drug release. First, we develop size-tunable coacervates via self-assembly of heparin glycosaminoglycan with tyrosine and arginine-based peptides. A thrombin-recognition site within the peptide building block results in heparin release upon thrombin proteolysis. Notably, polyphenols are integrated within the nano-coacervates to improve stability in biofluids. Phenolic crosslinking at the liquid-liquid interface enables nano-coacervates to maintain exceptional structural integrity across various environments. We discover a pivotal polyphenol threshold for preserving enzymatic activity alongside enhanced stability. The disassembly rate of the nano-coacervates increases as a function of thrombin activity, thus preventing a coagulation cascade. This polyphenol-based approach not only improves stability but also opens the way for applications in biomedicine, protease sensing, and bio-responsive drug delivery.
Alignment of behaviour and tDCS stimulation site induces maximum response: evidence from online tDCS and ERP
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sagarika , Kashyap Rajan , Udupa Kaviraja , Bashir Shahid , Venkatsubramanian Ganesan , Oishi Kenichi , Desmond John E. , Rapp Brenda , Chen S. H. Annabel 
Published: August 2024

AbstracttDCS modulates the activity of the neuronal networks to induce the desired behavioural changes. Two factors determine its effectiveness- (1) whether the network being stimulated is relevant to the task, and (2) if there is a scope for improvement in behavioral performance. To explore this, both dorsal (sub-lexical) and ventral (lexical) reading networks were stimulated (20 min, 2 mA) in 25 healthy young volunteers. Participants performed two reading tasks with different levels of lexical involvement: word fragment completion tasks (WCT) and word association tasks (WAT), while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded simultaneously. The study used a within-subject design over three sessions, comparing various electrode montages targeting the dorsal pathway's left inferior parietal lobule or the ventral reading pathway's left middle temporal lobule, as well as sham stimulation. The impact of tDCS sessions (dorsal, ventral, & sham) and task type (WCT & WAT) on priming effects (primed vs. unprimed) of behavioral performance (accuracy and reaction times), and ERP parameters (N400 amplitudes and latencies) were statistically analyzed.It was found that tDCS modulated the performance of WAT only (a task with a lower priming effect). The failure to modulate WCT (larger priming effect) indicated that tDCS was effective for conditions with room for improvement compared to a task where performance has reached the ceiling. Ventral stimulation enhanced accuracy in the WAT condition and shortened the N400 latency of the priming effect. In contrast, dorsal stimulation delayed the priming effect reaction time in the WAT condition and enhanced the N400 amplitude. To conclude, enhancement in performance due to tDCS occurs when the network (ventral) being stimulated aligns with the cognitive demands of the task and there is a scope for improvement.
Drought prediction using artificial intelligence models based on climate data and soil moisture
Authors: Oyounalsoud Mhamd Saifaldeen , Yilmaz Abdullah Gokhan , Abdallah Mohamed , Abdeljaber Abdulrahman 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDrought is deemed a major natural disaster that can lead to severe economic and social implications. Drought indices are utilized worldwide for drought management and monitoring. However, as a result of the inherent complexity of drought phenomena and hydroclimatic condition differences, no universal drought index is available for effectively monitoring drought across the world. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a new meteorological drought index to describe and forecast drought based on various artificial intelligence (AI) models: decision tree (DT), generalized linear model (GLM), support vector machine, artificial neural network, deep learning, and random forest. A comparative assessment was conducted between the developed AI-based indices and nine conventional drought indices based on their correlations with multiple drought indicators. Historical records of five drought indicators, namely runoff, along with deep, lower, root, and upper soil moisture, were utilized to evaluate the models’ performance. Different combinations of climatic datasets from Alice Springs, Australia, were utilized to develop and train the AI models. The results demonstrated that the rainfall anomaly drought index was the best conventional drought index, scoring the highest correlation (0.718) with the upper soil moisture. The highest correlation between the new and conventional indices was found between the DT-based index and the rainfall anomaly index at a value of 0.97, whereas the lowest correlation was 0.57 between the GLM and the Palmer drought severity index. The GLM-based index achieved the best performance according to its high correlations with conventional drought indicators, e.g., a correlation coefficient of 0.78 with the upper soil moisture. Overall, the developed AI-based drought indices outperformed the conventional indices, hence contributing effectively to more accurate drought forecasting and monitoring. The findings emphasized that AI can be a promising and reliable prediction approach for achieving better drought assessment and mitigation.
A hierarchical reinforcement learning approach for energy‐aware service function chain dynamic deployment in IoT
Authors: Wang Shuyi , Cao Haotong , Yang Longxiang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTraffic volume is increasing dramatically due to the quick development of technologies like online gaming, on‐demand video streaming, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The telecommunications industry's large‐scale expansion is increasing its energy usage and carbon footprint. Given the desire to minimize energy consumption and carbon emissions, one of the most essential concerns of future communication networks is ensuring rigorous performance restrictions of IoT services while improving energy efficiency. In this regard, a convolutional neural network‐based hierarchical reinforcement learning approach is provided to lower total energy consumption and carbon emissions in the dynamic service function chaining situations. This method can more effectively lower energy consumption and carbon emissions when compared to other hierarchical algorithms based on conventional deep neural networks and non‐hierarchical algorithms. The suggested method is tested in three typical complicated networks with different network parameters to show its suitability in different network scenarios.
Altered Mental Status in the Solid-Organ Transplant Recipient
Authors: Weiss Nicolas , Pflugrad Henning , Kandiah Prem 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPatients undergoing solid-organ transplantation (SOT) face a tumultuous journey. Prior to transplant, their medical course is characterized by organ dysfunction, diminished quality of life, and reliance on organ support, all of which are endured in hopes of reaching the haven of organ transplantation. Peritransplant altered mental status may indicate neurologic insults acquired during transplant and may have long-lasting consequences. Even years after transplant, these patients are at heightened risk for neurologic dysfunction from a myriad of metabolic, toxic, and infectious causes. This review provides a comprehensive examination of causes, diagnostic approaches, neuroimaging findings, and management strategies for altered mental status in SOT recipients. Given their complexity and the numerous etiologies for neurologic dysfunction, liver transplant patients are a chief focus in this review; however, we also review lesser-known contributors to neurological injury across various transplant types. From hepatic encephalopathy to cerebral edema, seizures, and infections, this review highlights the importance of recognizing and managing pre- and posttransplant neurological complications to optimize patient outcomes.
Burden and Standard of Proof on Jurisdiction
Authors: Schreuer Christoph 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Tribunals have applied various rules regarding the burden of proof. The most important of these are the rule that the burden of proof is with the claimant and the rule that the burden of proof lies with the party asserting a fact. It is questionable whether these traditional mechanisms are well suited for the determination of a tribunal’s jurisdiction. A tribunal must determine its jurisdiction ex officio or proprio motu. The evidence and arguments submitted by the parties do not necessarily determine the tribunal’s decision on its jurisdiction. Moreover, many jurisdictional requirements are objective and not subject to the disposition of the parties. In recent years, the International Court of Justice and some investment tribunals have adopted a method whereby the court or tribunal looks at the overall evidence for and against jurisdiction and decides on the preponderance of facts and legal arguments. An important aspect of jurisdiction is the parties’ consent to arbitration. A few tribunals have adopted presumptions for or against the existence of consent. Most tribunals reject these presumptions thereby implicitly rejecting a higher or lower standard of proof.
The Interpretation of Exceptions
Authors: Kriebaum Ursula , Wagner Kilian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
States have increasingly included varying forms of exception clauses in investment agreements. The interpretation and application of exception clauses has been controversial in arbitral practice and the literature. Some aspects of security exception clauses seem to be clarified in arbitral case law. However, the invocation of general exception clauses in recent cases raises several legal questions. Treaty interpretation becomes ever more difficult where a treaty includes several distinct provisions to secure the right to regulate. After analysing the different forms of exceptions in treaties and the case law of arbitral tribunals, the chapter addresses some of the most pertinent issues that have arisen in recent cases.
The Reasoned Award
Authors: Simma Bruno , Ortgies Jan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter deals with the reasoned award in international investment arbitration, the duty to provide a reasoned award, the scope of that duty, the advantages and disadvantages of reasoned awards, and possible solutions to problems arising from (an overinterpretation of) the duty to give reasons. The chapter argues that tribunals and lawyers alike should dare more to pick winning arguments in their reasoning and should focus on the specific facts and law of the case before them. The chapter concludes that an award in investment arbitration always has to be a reasoned award but that a reasoned award only develops its full strength and right of existence when it keeps the purpose and the addressees of a decision at its centre, is drafted with a healthy dose of restraint, succinctness, and common sense, and does not lose sight of the importance of judicial economy.
To Err Is Human, to Dissent Divine
Authors: Brower Charles N , Mazlom Ahmed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
With the publication of the dissenting opinions in Impregilo v Argentina (I) and Total v Argentina, respectively, Albert Jan van den Berg’s thesis that 100 per cent of separate opinions issued in investment arbitrations by party-appointed arbitrators have been rendered by the arbitrator appointed by the ‘losing’ party proves unfounded. More than a decade has passed since this claim of Van den Berg was made, yet the foundational principles behind dissents in investment treaty arbitration remain solid—chiefly, that dissenting jurisprudence does progress the field and forms part of an arbitral tribunal’s ‘checks and balances’. An implied realism in the arbitral academy also sheds light on why arbitrators might feel obliged to dissent, and paradoxically, why certain arbitrators refrain from dissenting; all of which further undermines empirical studies as dissents are so varied in extent and substance that they cannot be lumped together as Van den Berg has done. Despite reforms across multiple fora, the fact that dissents have not faced demands for reform within the investor-state dispute settlement system, confirms their purpose and permanency.
Recognition and Enforcement of ICSID Convention Awards
Authors: Bungenberg Marc , Alvarado-Garzón Andrés E , Böhme Bianca 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
ICSID’s system for the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards has for long been regarded as a unique example of an extraordinarily high standard under public international law that is applicable in over 160 jurisdictions. Today, this unique system is facing a number of challenges. The biggest of these challenges is the increasing opposition to enforcement of ICSID awards before domestic courts. Another challenge relates to the terminological debate over the meaning of ‘recognition’, ‘enforcement’, and ‘execution’ to determine the exact scope of Article 54 of the ICSID Convention. Finally, the creation of permanent court structures under EU investment agreements and the possible establishment of a Multilateral Investment Court (MIC) could lead to further risks of non-enforcement. The present contribution discusses these challenges with a view of preserving the integrity and effectiveness of the enforcement of ICSID awards.
The Investment Award in a Historical Perspective
Authors: Vadi Valentina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
International investment awards are crucial for the resolution of a specific dispute as well as the ongoing advancement of international (investment) law. In fact, investment awards are a ‘subsidiary means for the determination of the rules of law’ as provided in Article 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice. Investment awards are a timely and topical issue to investigate due to their continuing historical and legal significance. This chapter examines investment awards throughout history. This research can lead to a better understanding of international investment law’s past, present, and future trajectories, as well as its contribution to the development of international law more broadly.
Empirical Dimensions of Investment Awards
Authors: Polanco Rodrigo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter provides an empirical evaluation of awards in investor-state arbitration, including both internal and external elements. Internally, it looks at the number of awards, the time taken by the tribunal to draft them, the number of arbitrators, applicable arbitral rules and treaties, language, length, and outcome of final awards (including dissenting opinions), the amount of damages awarded in successful cases, and the distribution of costs. The analysis also looks at external elements of the award, such as their publication, the age, gender, and nationality of arbitrators, the types of claimants and respondents, their geographical distribution and development status, and the economic sector of the investor.
Sociology of Religious Freedom in the Legal Systems of Europe and the United States
Authors: Breskaya Olga , Giordan Giuseppe , Richardson James T 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter examines jurisprudential patterns of religious freedom developed by the US Supreme Court and two major European court systems. The analyses examine various historical and structural factors that have contributed to developing this important right within the United States and the Council of Europe (CoE), as well as the European Union. These court systems have dealt with controversies concerning how religious freedom is defined as well as increasing cultural and religious diversity in the regions and societies covered by these major court systems. Important decisions of the US Supreme Court related to religious freedom are examined. Then the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights concerning religion is examined, with attention to effects of the rapid expansion in the 1990s of the CoE. The newer jurisprudential pattern developing within the Court of Justice of the European Union also is briefly discussed.
Social Perceptions of Religious Freedom
Authors: Breskaya Olga , Giordan Giuseppe , Richardson James T 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter introduces a model of empirical study of social perceptions of religious freedom (SPRF). It explains how this analysis discloses the hierarchies in citizens’ knowledge and experiences of religious freedom, taking into account individual and group identities. This chapter offers empirical answers concerning citizens’ understanding of the multiple dimensions of this phenomenon, including the social, political, and religious contexts and conditions affecting them. Along with hypotheses about the correlates of religious freedom, it specifies fourteen predictors of this concept. Finally, it presents a comparative study on the SPRF in contrasting political and human rights contexts. The results of this comparison allow the conclusion that religious pluralism, passive secularism, and democracy are robust predictors of the dimensions of SPRF in two national contexts (Italy and Russia). The chapter then links these results with discussions on structural conditions of religious freedom presented in previous chapters.
Belief and Disbelief from the Great Terror to Stalin’s Death
Authors: Hardy Jeffrey S 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter looks at faith in the Gulag during and after two successive crises: the Great Terror and World War II. The Terror of 1937–1938 brought a sharp spike in antireligious attitudes among Gulag officials, and many Christian prisoners were executed. But even more were newly incarcerated, and they brought an infusion of religiosity into the camps. During the harsh conditions of wartime, however, the mortality rate due to malnutrition spiked among Gulag inmates, and religious practice became increasingly difficult. Some lost faith or else hid it from other inmates and guards. These tensions then continued during the last several years of Joseph Stalin’s life, when the Gulag swelled to its peak size of some 2.5 million inmates.
Western Worshippers and Gulag Gangsters
Authors: Hardy Jeffrey S 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter investigates religious practice in the Gulag among the large numbers of prisoners from the Baltics, western Belorussia, western Ukraine, and Moldova, territories acquired by the Soviet Union in 1939–1940. These inmates were mostly not Orthodox, and they brought to the Gulag not only increased religious pluralism but a religiously defined anti-Soviet nationalism. This chapter also looks at how the notorious gangs of the Gulag employed religious imagery in their songs, talismans, and especially tattoos. Although the actual level of belief among gangsters is debatable, what is clear is that they found in Christianity a symbolic language of anti-Soviet, pro-Russian resistance. And this then informed their value system for the duration of the Soviet era and into the post-Soviet period.
Value Rare and High
Authors: Glasgow Joshua 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWhat does it mean to call something especially significant or important or great? To be significant in the relevant sense is not only to be of value but specifically to be rare and of particularly high value. Having this rare, high value can be determined in two ways: either in a contextualized manner that determines importance relative to a particular standard of evaluation and a limited range of contrast classes or in a parameter-free “cosmic” manner. Regardless of the manner of scope, there seem to be multiple ways of achieving such importance: by having a big impact on others or on oneself or simply by being of value regardless of impact. But being important does not require that the important person and their value must have been irreplaceable. It just requires that the person actually be valuable.
Living Your Best Life
Authors: Glasgow Joshua 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIs it in our interests to be important? One version of this question asks whether we have reason to think that being important advances our well-being. This way of framing it means, first, that the question is not if importance is a final good, without reason to back it up, and, second, that it is not enough to simply want to be important in order for importance to be considered good. In addition, we are looking for some part of our well-being that is advanced by being important. But no such rationale exists. We seemingly have reason to seek achievements, to perfect our human nature, and to perfect our individual nature; but none of these interests are served more by being important than by being ordinary.
Meaning
Authors: Glasgow Joshua 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBeing important or doing significant things is supposed by some to make our lives exceptionally meaningful. This chapter develops an alternative view. In the course of arguing against views that say that meaning in life comes purely from objective value or, alternatively, purely from subjective attraction, a series of cases are also presented to validate the perspective that being important adds no meaning to our lives. Instead, once a project has reached a minimal threshold for objective value, how much meaning it adds to one’s life depends on how much one is subjectively attracted to that value. The meaningful life does need a certain amount of objectively valuable projects, activities, and relationships. But no added meaning is secured by those projects, activities, and relationships being especially significant. The extraordinary life has no more meaning than the ordinary life.