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The normative structure of multicultural secularism
Get PDFOur aim in this article is to describe the normative structure of what we call multicultural secularism, and to make a case for this particular conception of state–religion relations. On our account, multicultural secularism is secular since it maintains an appropriate degree of autonomy of the state from religion, and of religion from the state. The state does not interfere unjustifiably in religious matters, and religious communities do not have an excessive influence on the state. At the same time, we believe that such mutual autonomy—and hence secularity—can be maintained even when the state provides religions with a range of forms of recognition and accommodation. It is in this sense that our conception of secularism is multicultural, since it takes multiculturalism’s commitment to the positive valuing and recognition of difference and applies this specifically to religion. In this article, we intend to show why it should do so
Janus-kinase inhibitor use in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases beyond licensed indications: A scoping review
Get PDFIntroductionThe use of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) beyond licence is expanding rapidly. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and present the available evidence on the efficacy of JAKis in all conditions without marketing authorisation.MethodsThrough a systematic literature search we identified studies including 5 or more patients that assessed the use of any JAKi for any efficacy outcome. Quantitative analyses in the form of pairwise meta-analyses were performed for eligible data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) only.ResultsEighty-three (n = 83) studies in total were included in our review, assessing efficacy of JAKis in 34 IMIDs. In most conditions, JAKis exhibited generally positive effects, though the majority of evidence came from observational, non-comparative studies. Pairwise meta-analyses were possible for hidradenitis suppurativa and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For hidradenitis suppurativa, we found a clear benefit of treatment with JAKis compared with placebo in achieving clinical response (OR 2.35, 95 % CI 1.24 to 4.46). For treatment-resistant SLE, the results were equivocal; JAKis showed some benefit over placebo but statistical significance was only reached for one of the two meta-analysed outcome measures (SLE Responder Index 4, OR 1.41, 95 % CI 1.01 to 1.98; SLE Disease Activity Index 2000; OR 1.36, 95 % CI 0.99 to 1.88).ConclusionsThere is a rapidly increasing use of JAKis beyond current licensing in most IMIDs. Large comparative trials are necessary to confirm efficacy and guide future licensing decisions
Chondroitin sulfate and proteinoids in neuron models
Get PDFThis study examines the relationship between chondroitin sulfate, proteinoids, and computational neuron models, with a specific emphasis on the Izhikevich neuron model. We investigate the effect of chondroitin sulfate-proteinoid complexes on the behavior and dynamics of simulated neurons. Through the use of computational simulations, we provide evidence that these biomolecular components have the power to regulate the responsiveness of neurons, the patterns of their firing, and the ability of their synapses to change within the Izhikevich architecture. The findings suggest that the interactions between chondroitin sulfate and proteinoid cause notable alterations in the dynamics of membrane potential and the timing of spikes. We detect adjustments in the features of neuronal responses, such as shifts in the thresholds for firing, alterations in spike frequency adaptation, and changes to bursting patterns. The findings indicate that chondroitin sulfate and proteinoids may have a role in precisely adjusting neuronal information processing and network behavior. This study offers valuable information about the complex connection between the many components of the extracellular matrix, protein-based structures, and the functioning of neurons. In addition, our analysis of the proteinoid-chondroitine system using game theory uncovers a significant Prisoner’s Dilemma scenario. The system’s inclination toward defection, due to the appeal of cheating and the significant penalty for cooperation, with a mean voltage of −9.19 mV, indicates that defective behaviors may prevail in the long term dynamics of these neuronal interactions
Maternal iron deficiency assessed by serum ferritin and birth outcomes in mainland China
Get PDFIron deficiency is prevalent among pregnant women because of the increased maternal iron requirements. Uncorrected maternal iron deficiency can lead to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess serum ferritin concentration and prevalence of iron deficiency among pregnant women in Jiangsu, China. Within a cohort study, pregnant women were followed up from 2nd trimester of pregnancy until their labour. They were assessed for iron status in 2nd and 3rd trimesters using serum ferritin. In addition, neonatal APGAR score and birth weight were assessed in order to determine if maternal iron deficiency was associated with these neonatal outcomes. A total of 1688 pregnant women were followed up until their labour. The mean age of participants was 29 ± 4 years and 54.0% of them were multigravidas. Mean serum ferritin concentration in 2nd trimester was significantly higher than 3rd trimester (59.9 vs. 22.2 ng/mL) (P 0.05). Our study reported that increased prevalence of maternal iron deficiency in 3rd trimester, suggesting that screening and supplementation of at-risk pregnancies can be used as a preventive strategy to tackle the issue. Consideration should be given to ensure adequate maternal iron status through pregnancy
Co-producing the Deaf Legal Theory model final report
Get PDFThe Deaf Legal Theory (DLT) framework represents a novel approach to understanding and addressing the unique position that deaf individuals find themselves in the world over when navigating the legal systems of their respective nations. Rooted in the recognition of intersectionality, the Co-Producing DLT Model project sought to provide a structured yet flexible model to assist researchers, legal and non-legal professionals, and individual members of the deaf community, with a tool or lens to analyse the legal systems or areas of law that is the focus of their enquiry or experience.The final hybrid model is presented in this report as a comprehensive framework built around three pillars – Collective Engagement, Rights, and Progress – supported by universal foundations and adaptable features. These elements collectively address the diverse needs of deaf individuals across legal systems and cultural contexts. The reflections on the modelling process further explore how various theoretical frameworks, such as rights-based, intersectional, and restorative justice models, have been embedded within the DLT framework.This report not only showcases the final model but also captures the journey of its co-production. From the initial identification of key themes to the synthesis of theoretical frameworks and stakeholder feedback, the DLT model has been shaped by a collaborative and inclusive process. The following sections delve deeper into each stage of the project, illustrating how the final model has emerged as a dynamic tool for fostering equality and justice for deaf communities worldwide
Teaching essentials for responsible land administration: Considerations for future education and training
No full textThe Teaching Essentials for Responsible Land Administration (TERLA), developed between 2015 and 2018 under the patronage of the Global Land Tools Network (GLTN), marked a pivotal step in advancing the understanding, unity, and practice of land administration globally. This paper acknowledges the collaborative effort by distinguished scholars and practitioners in the creation of TERLA. It addressed the challenge of teaching the daunting and complex domain of land governance at a country level. This publication acts as a touchstone. It looks back on that foundation work, unpacking lessons, but also draws on the insights of those valuators and educators deeply engaged with its application to case forward. Representing the joint efforts of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) Commissions 2 and 7, this paper recognizes the need to adapt TERLA to the evolving demands of professional education in land administration. We encourage all educations and practitioners in the land administration domain to read and reflect on the contents within, considering how they impact on their own teaching and learning contributions in land administration, and the ensuring of a sustainable pipeline of responsible talent enters our important domain
Energy optimisation in aquaponics - Integrating renewable source and water as energy buffer for sustainable food production
No full textAquaponics, a symbiotic integration of aquaculture and hydroponics, has emerged as a promising solution for sustainable food production, offering efficient water and land utilisation. However, the high energy costs associated with maintaining optimal water conditions remain a critical factor in ensuring its long‐term viability. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind power can offset the high energy costs, their intermittent nature limits their effectiveness. Batteries, often used as energy buffers during these intermittencies, but introduce additional costs and environmental concerns. This study presents a novel energy optimisation approach for aquaponic systems. We employed a dynamic control algorithm to intelligently adjust water temperature based on solar forecasts. By leveraging system water as a thermal energy buffer, the method reduces reliance on grid power during solar intermittencies, thereby enhancing renewable energy integration. Simulations reveal that this approach can achieve up to 26.9% annual reduction in energy consumption for aquaponic systems compared to conventional methods. This strategy not only decreases energy usage but also highlights the potential for aquaponics to evolve into a more sustainable and cost‐effective solution for food production
Investigating the impact of deformable, movable, and rigid surfaces on force-input interactions
No full textThe force modality fundamentally transforms the interaction space of traditional touch input. When paired with compliant devices, which deform under force and provide immediate haptic feedback, there is potential to enhance user interactions significantly. However, the effects of compliance on force-input remain under-explored, with limited understanding of their full potential. This paper presents the first systematic investigation of the impact of deformable, movable, and rigid surfaces on user performance and experience through three rigorous studies (each N = 28). The results reveal previously unreported effects, including 1) higher maximum comfortable forces on deformable surfaces, 2) user preference for soft and deformable surfaces over rigid surfaces, and 3) improved ability to maintain force input on softer surfaces. These results highlight the benefits of compliant surfaces, contrasting with the dominant use of force-input on rigid devices. These findings guide researchers and designers in optimising user experience and performance of force-input interactions
Safety for recovery during admission to acute Mental Health Hospitals: A constructivist grounded theory study to support safety‐focused recovery‐oriented care in the context of risk management constraints
Get PDFRecovery during admission to acute mental health hospitals can involve supporting individuals in beginning to work towards a fulfilling life despite experiencing mental distress. This can help reduce risks such as suicide and aggression. However, restrictive risk management practices, such as physical restraint may increase during this period, and the distress caused by these practices can hinder a person's abilities to understand their recovery needs. Little is known about how recovery can occur safely within the context of such risk management restrictions. Therefore, this constructivist grounded theory study explored the perspectives of 15 individuals with hospital admission experiences about how they might begin their recovery journeys amidst these constraints. The study found that people could reconnect with their beliefs about a fulfilling life vicariously through interpersonal relationships. This facilitated a sense‐making process allowing individuals to better understand their recovery needs which were otherwise obscured by the complexity and intrusiveness of risk management practices. The theory comprised of four social processes: ‘treating me safely,’ when nurses began to understand those admitted as individuals; ‘outside world inside,’ which involved nurses helping the person to form meaningful connections to their personal world; ‘tangible hopefulness,’ where nurses raised the person's awareness of meaningful successes; and ‘scaffolding recovery,’ which built on the previous three processes, with the nurses helping individuals recognise the potential for working towards a fulfilling life. The study shows how supporting a relational approach to care may lessen people feeling unsafe when admitted to hospital, despite experiencing potentially distressing risk management practices
A brief history of nitric oxide in plants: How we got here, where we are, and where we might be going
No full textThere is no doubt that nitric oxide (NO) has a range of instrumental actions in plants, from seed germination, through plant development, to flower senescence and fruit development and ripening. Over more than four decades there have been a number of seminal research papers on the generation and roles of NO in plants cells which have taken the field forward. During that time too, there has been a series of focused conferences, the PNO meetings, which have encouraged and guided the focus of plant NO research. 2025 sees the 10th such meeting. The understanding of how NO works in plants is now wide-ranging. It has often been guided by similar work on animals, although care needs to be taken with such an approach; nitric oxide synthase-dependent generation of NO in plants has not been easy to determine. Despite the difficulties, research so far has shown how NO signalling is entrenched in the rest of the complex signalling network that takes place in plant cells. There are still many future challenges to be faced in this field, including how NO may be used as a systemic signal, or even as a signal between individual organisms. However, partly guided by future PNO meetings, the future of research on NO in plant bright and likely to grow even bigger