ethicalabs/Research-Intent-Collab huggingface dataset:
A novel view of the insulin signaling pathway based on prediction of protein structure by the <scp>AI</scp> platform <scp>AlphaFold</scp>

The predicted structures of major proteins involved in the insulin signaling pathway obtained from the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database.
Profiling and Automated Decision-Making: Legal Implications and Shortcomings

The increased use of profiling and automated decision-making systems raises a number of challenges and concerns. The underlying algorithms embody a considerable potential for discrimination and unfair treatment. Furthermore, individuals are treated as passive objects of algorithmic evaluation and decision tools and are unable to present their values and positions. They are no longer perceived as individuals in their own right: all that matters is the group they are assigned to. Profiling and automated decision-making techniques also depend on the processing of personal data, and a significant number of the available applications are highly privacy-intrusive. This article analyses how the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) responds to these challenges. In particular, Art. 22 GDPR, which provides the right not to be subject to automated individual decision-making, as well as the information obligations under Art. 13 (2) (f) and Art. 14 (2) (g) GDPR and the access right under Art. 15 (1) (h) GDPR, will be examined in detail. General data protection principles, particularly the principle of fairness, as well as specific German scoring provisions and anti-discrimination rules, are looked at, too. In conclusion, various shortcomings of the present legal framework are identified and discussed and a short outlook for potential future steps presented.
Judicial Independence as an Institutional Guarantee of the Rule of Law: A Comparative Analysis of International Standards and the Experience of Uzbekistan

The architectural integrity of any democratic legal system fundamentally relies upon the absolute institutional and individual autonomy of its judiciary. This comparative jurisprudential study examines the structural evolution of judicial independence within the Republic of Uzbekistan against established international benchmarks, specifically the UN Basic Principles and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct. Utilizing a qualitative legal-dogmatic approach, the research assesses recent constitutional amendments aimed at dismantling executive supremacy over judicial appointments and operational tenure. Empirical legal analysis reveals that while the establishment of the Supreme Judicial Council represents a formidable institutional leap toward minimizing political interference, functional vulnerabilities persist regarding financial autonomy and definitive irremovability constraints. The dynamics of these findings suggest that achieving a pure rule of law ecosystem dictates a transition from mere structural realignment to the cultivation of an unassailable judicial culture. By scrutinizing both the statutory framework and its practical implementation, this paper provides a quantifiable roadmap for harmonizing domestic judicial mechanics with universal standards of legal supremacy.
Metagenomic Analysis for Unveiling Agricultural Microbiome

Microbial communities play crucial roles in sustaining agricultural ecosystems, influencing both crop health and productivity [...]
Human rights mechanisms for anti-corruption, transparency and accountability: enabling the right to health

Background: The presence of corruption in State institutions and broader society presents a significant obstacle to the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. The Universal Periodic Review, a Member State-led peer review system administered by the Human Rights Council, is a core tool of human rights, including the right to health accountability. This paper builds on existing research to examine processes that support State engagement on the issue of corruption. We identify opportunities for States to use the Universal Periodic Review to support anti-corruption, transparency and accountability to control corruption in the health-care sector.Objectives: This paper focuses on health sector how human rights mechanisms, and particularly the Universal Periodic Review, can be a tool for greater accountability for the right to health for corruption in the health sector.Methods: The research team applied qualitative content analysis methods to analyze all 135 Universal Periodic Review documents produced during 2018 in order to analyze how human rights mechanisms address the impact of corruption on the realization of the right to health.Results: Although health rights violations are often addressed within human rights mechanisms such as the UPR, corruption remains under-addressed, suggesting that there are gaps in understanding how corruption can seriously undermine the right to health.Conclusion: Human rights mechanisms should drive greater attention to the importance of addressing corruption in health. In order to make the UPR more effective, this paper suggests that there is a need to generate more awareness of corruption-based violations of the right to health in order to promote greater health accountabilityPractical tools such as strategic litigation and social audits can also contribute to creating greater transparency and accountability in dealing with corruption.
Trade-offs and synergies between biodiversity conservation, land use change and ecosystem services

It is of crucial importance to understand the numerous benefits of, and threats to, the world's biodiversity. In this issue, we present innovative research in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem services sciences as well as studies on local management of natural resources, protected areas and nature-based tourist destinations. Although all individual topics that are mentioned in this journal's title are already big themes themselves, it is worth noting that almost all studies in Issue 9(2) touch upon the linkages between biodiversity, management and/or ecosystem services. This once again shows that the topics should not just be studied and considered in decision-making in isolation. A recurring theme in this Issue is the question whether biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services (potentially) conflict or whether they complement each other. In earlier Issues, we presented interesting studies on the ecological and social factors that influence biodiversity management (Van Oudenhoven & De Groot 2011a) as well as recent developments in the analysis and monitoring of human impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services (Van Oudenhoven & De Groot 2011b). Although the potential synergy between the concepts of ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation has been doubted and criticised (e.g. Ridder 2008; Vira & Adams 2009), contributions in this issue clearly highlight the importance of considering the complementarity of both concepts in local management, spatial planning and decision-making.
The Complexity of Approximation Reoptimization Algorithms for Discrete Optimization

The objective of postoptimality analysis and reoptimization using approximation methods is applying knowledge of the solution of the initial instance I of the problem (problem with the set values of input parameters) in order to either achieve a better quality of approximation (approximation ratio) of I′ (revised instance) or create a more efficient algorithm for determining an optimal or close to optimal solution of I′. This paper offers theoretical foundations for the acquisition, exploration, and use of bounds in the postoptimality analysis, as well as further development and improvement of approximation algorithms of reoptimization for discrete optimization problems. In particular, the upper and lower bounds on approximation ratio of approximate reoptimization algorithms for the constraint satisfaction problems (CSPs) are obtained using linear and semidefinite relaxations of the initial problem. In addition, sufficient conditions for the existence of polynomial approximation or threshold reoptimization algorithms for CSPs are obtained.
Is Discrimination an Equal Opportunity Risk?

Using the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we explore the relationship between racial awareness, perceived discrimination, and self-rated health among black ( n = 5,902) and white ( n = 28,451) adults. We find that adjusting for group differences in racial awareness and discrimination, in addition to socioeconomic status, explains the black-white gap in self-rated health. However, logistic regression models also find evidence for differential vulnerability among black and whites adults, based on socioeconomic status. While both groups are equally harmed by emotional and/or physical reactions to race-based treatment, the negative consequences of discriminatory experiences for black adults are exacerbated by their poorer socioeconomic standing. In contrast, the association between racial awareness and self-rated health is more sensitive to socioeconomic standing among whites. Poorer health is more likely to occur among whites when they reflect at least daily on their own racial status—but only when it happens in tandem with mid-range educational achievement, or among homemakers.
Revolutionizing structural biology: AI-driven protein structure prediction from AlphaFold to next-generation innovations

Protein structure modeling from the prediction algorithm has become a valuable tool in biology and medicine with computational advances. Accurate protein structure prediction is critical in druglike compound discovery, disease mechanism understanding, and protein engineering because it provides molecular level insights into protein folding and its effects on molecular and cellular function. This chapter covers the evolution of protein structure prediction, from traditional methods like homology modeling, threading, and ab initio procedures and the new emerging AlphaFold's influence. AlphaFold's highly recognized precision level and open-access data democratized structural biology research, and that lead to inspiring new prediction models like RoseTTAFold and OmegaFold tools. Alpha Folds design, methodology, and highly accurate performance are thoroughly examined, and comparisons are performed with similar tools. We also highlight limitations, such as protein complex and dynamics forecasting, post-AlphaFold developments in structural databases, computer resources, and multi-scale modeling. Protein structure modeling and predictions have a wide range of applications in biomedical research, including drug discovery, functional annotation, and synthetic biology. Future directions include the integration of protein structure prediction with systems biology and genomics, as well as the use of next-generation AI and quantum computing to boost prediction accuracy. This research emphasizes AI's importance in structural biology and envisions a future in which predictive tools will provide comprehensive insights into protein function, dynamics, and therapeutic potential.
INTERNATIONAL LAW: The Legacy of International Criminal Tribunals and the Role of Communication

No abstract provided
Use of Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) for nuclear installations

The paper uses a set of predefined questions, based on the EC-JRC Workshop's Guidance Document (see Preface of this special issue) to describe the status of use of Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) within the nuclear industry and Regulatory Organisations, mainly related to nuclear power plants (NPPs). The answers do not cover the area of radiological protection or waste disposal. So far little work has been performed in the area of PSAs for fuel cycle facilities. The paper summarises the basic approaches used for safety assessment, the complementary use of deterministic and probabilistic analyses and their inter-relationship, some specific aspects of PSA related to nuclear technology, and current problems encountered. It describes differences of use in countries and areas where international agreement has been reached or is emerging. It concludes that it should be explored, to which extent a generic standard could harmonise the terminology used, address the principles of using results of risk assessments for decision making and could define the elements needed.
Oral Health–Related Quality of Life and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Implant Rehabilitation Using CAS Kit–Assisted Indirect Maxillary Sinus Augmentation: A Longitudinal Observational Study

Background Partial edentulism in the posterior maxilla is frequently complicated by alveolar bone resorption and maxillary sinus pneumatization, limiting implant placement and negatively affecting oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL). Minimally invasive sinus augmentation techniques, such as CAS KIT–assisted indirect sinus elevation, aim to reduce surgical morbidity; however, evidence regarding patient-reported outcomes and quality of life following such interventions remains limited. Objective To evaluate oral health–related quality of life and patient-reported outcomes following implant rehabilitation using CAS KIT–assisted indirect maxillary sinus augmentation. Materials and Methods This longitudinal observational study included 34 patients who underwent CAS KIT–assisted transcrestal sinus augmentation with implant placement in the posterior maxilla. Postoperative recovery and satisfaction were assessed using the HRQOLquestionnaire over seven postoperative days. OHRQoL was evaluated using the OHIP-14 questionnaire at baseline and one month after prosthetic rehabilitation. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with a significance level set at p &lt; 0.05. Results HRQOLscores showed a statistically significant improvement over the seven-day postoperative period (p &lt; 0.001), with stabilization observed from Day 5 onward. OHIP-14 scores demonstrated a highly significant reduction from baseline to post-intervention assessment (p &lt; 0.001), indicating marked improvement in OHRQoL across all participants. Conclusion CAS KIT–assisted indirect sinus augmentation followed by implant rehabilitation results in rapid postoperative recovery and significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes, supporting its role as a predictable and patient-centered treatment modality for posterior maxillary rehabilitation.
Conceptual Innovation and Institutional Implementation of Product Liability Insurance for Autonomous Vehicles

With the commercialization of autonomous driving technology advancing, related traffic accidents have occurred frequently. The current compulsory traffic insurance and commercial third-party liability insurance systems have shown compensation loopholes due to insufficient compatibility. The enhanced product attributes and unique technical risks of autonomous vehicles have led traditional product liability insurance to fail in defect identification and burden of proof, leaving victims facing difficulties in obtaining compensation. Based on China's legal and industrial realities and drawing on international experience, this paper proposes establishing mandatory product liability insurance for autonomous vehicles in high-risk areas and implementing a "unified trigger, coordinated compensation" mechanism to achieve synchronized response and seamless relief between compulsory traffic insurance and product liability insurance after accidents. In terms of specific institutional design, it clarifies automakers as the insured entities, expands the scope of third parties and grants them direct claim rights, and promotes an operational model of deep collaboration between automakers and insurance companies. Additionally, special compensation rules are designed for liability gaps, setting reasonable compensation limits and exceptions to litigation authority restrictions to provide institutional support for the sustainable development of the industry.
Militarized marine protected areas in overseas territories: Conserving biodiversity, geopolitical positioning, and securing resources in the 21st century

Abstract   Under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Aichi biodiversity targets, nations have committed to conserving 10% of the oceans within their territories by 2020. Over the past decade, this goal has driven the establishment of many large marine protected areas (MPAs), several of which surround overseas island territories with current or historical military involvement, ranging from World War 2 battle sites to testing areas for the “ABCs” of atomic, biological, and chemical weapons during the cold war. For countries with significant overseas territories, such as the USA, France, and the UK, these remote possessions provide an opportunity to achieve biodiversity conservation objectives over large spatial scales. They also provide a strategic footprint for regional maritime spheres of influence, as well as possible future energy and mineral resources. Building on insights from terrestrial “militarized” protected areas, and drawing on archival and contemporary sources, this paper examines the multiple motivations behind designating very large MPAs in overseas territories, from protecting biodiversity to more long-term geopolitical, security, and resource-oriented motivations.
European Union small member states in the United Nations Security Council: a case of Europeanization of foreign policy

https://www.ester.ee/record=b5447580*est
Achieving Sustainability and Improving Global Business Performance Through Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

Abstract  The idea of ​​sustainable business practices and CSR has evolved over the years from simply a philanthropic endeavor to an integral component of corporate strategy. On the other hand, CSR covers a wider range of initiatives aimed at making a positive contribution to society, covering areas such as community development, employee welfare and ethical governance. This article aims to: (a). Identify relevant studies regarding the relationship between business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in improving global business performance and achieving sustainability. (b). Evaluate key findings from existing literature on the linkages between these practices in improving global business performance and achieving sustainability. (c). Identify research gaps that still need to be filled and recommend future research directions in this area. has an important role in international business activities. These three interrelated factors in international business play a beneficial role in ensuring that companies operate responsibly, sustainably, and provide benefits to communities and the environment around the world. Business ethics ensures that companies operate responsibly and with integrity in a complex and diverse international environment, taking into account the varying cultures, values ​​and laws of each country and region. Meanwhile, sustainable business practices are becoming increasingly important in international business due to increasing environmental and social pressures, as well as demands from consumers and governments to pay attention to the social and environmental impacts of business.
Responsibility to Protect as a Basis for ‘Judicial Humanitarian Intervention’

INTRODUCTION: USING ‘JUDICIAL FORCE’ TO ENCOMPASS A MEANS TO AN END FOR R2P   The responsibility to protect (R2P) is undoubtedly one of the most topical, but also controversial, concepts in international law. One reason for this is that its conceptualisation and implementation require exigent legal concepts to be employed in a way that is different to their conventional use and definition. Examples of concepts pertaining to this include those of sovereignty and responsibility. The doctrine of state responsibility, which was gradually formulated by inter-state arbitration practices during the 18th and 19th centuries, refers to the breach of international law by a state as the basis of its liability. However, within the context of R2P, responsibility is not associated with liability. This responsibility is reshaped towards protection and is seen as a duty for states and, more generally, for the entire international community. As such, R2P is a nascent and intuitive concept resulting from necessity and sustained by the strong will of the international community (beyond states) as well as our own morality and ethics rather than state practice. It has a fairly broad scope of application aimed at human security and encompassing a ‘continuum of prevention, reaction and rebuilding, spanning from early warning to diplomatic pressure, and to coercive measures’.  R2P was first defined by the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty (ICISS) in 2001. ICISS employed the language of ‘R2P’ instead of that of the ‘right of intervention’ with a view to re-characterising the concept of sovereignty ; thus, a concept that was formerly perceived as a tool for controlling citizens was then asserted as a responsibility to ensure their safety, protect their lives and promote their welfare. This conceptual change in thinking seems recent, but, in fact, was advanced by Deng decades earlier – although his focus was on the protection of internally displaced people and on international assistance to complement the incapacity of weak states. More recently, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon confirmed this understanding stating that ‘sovereignty confers responsibility, a responsibility to ensure protection of human beings from want, from war and from repression’.
Advancements in Food Science: Investigating the Influence of Cutting-Edge Processing Methods on Nutritional Value, Environmental Sustainability, and Food Safety

The global food industry faces increasing demands for sustainable practices and nutrient-rich products, driving the need for innovative processing techniques. This study explores the impact of novel food processing methods, such as high-pressure processing (HPP), pulsed electric fields (PEF), and cold plasma technology, on the nutritional quality, safety, and sustainability of food products. Through a comprehensive review of recent advancements and experimental data, we evaluate the efficacy of these techniques in preserving bioactive compounds, extending shelf life, and reducing environmental footprints. Our findings suggest that these emerging technologies not only enhance food quality but also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by minimizing energy consumption and waste. This research provides valuable insights for food scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders aiming to optimize food processing for a healthier and more sustainable future.
EU Law and Internal Judicial Independence – Hann-Invest Judgement and its Relevance for Procedural Autonomy and Common Rule of Law Standards

On July 11, 2024, the CJEU issued a landmark judgment in three connected cases (C-554/21, C-622/21 and C-727/21, Hann-Invest and others), determining that the current method of standardizing case-law in higher Croatian courts conflicts with the procedural standards of Union law. The preliminary reference from the High Commercial Court questioned the powers of registrations judges to stay delivery of an already deliberated and decided judgment and request convening of a section meeting that could issue a binding ‘legal position’ if the judgment deviates from prior case-law. The CJEU decided that such procedure is not in line with two fundamental guarantees of the Union law: the right to a tribunal established by law and to the right to internal judicial independence. The author is discussing Hann-Invest decision from a national and comparative perspective and inquires into its potential implications for the procedural autonomy of the Member States.