49 research outputs found
Trends of Europeanization in social welfare politics. IHS Political Science Series 82, July 2002
Get PDFFritz W. Scharpf (2000 and 2002) defines the term Europeanization as the progressive shift of governmental tasks to the European level. According to this understanding he identifies four modes of Europeanization. Further, he recognizes the establishment of minimum standards and the open method of co-ordination as specific modes of Europeanization. This paper first relates the welfare political goals and problems of both named methods of Europeanization in social welfare politics, then describes the political processes which accompany them, and subsequently tests whether Scharpf’s analysis can be affirmed
Electrochemical CO2 reduction on nickel phosphides
No full textElectrochemically converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels presents a promising avenue for closing the carbon cycle and efficiently storing intermittent renewable energy. Bioinspired nickel phosphide electrocatalysts have demonstrated the ability to produce more complex multi-carbon products compared to natural photosynthetic enzymes. However, several key challenges in this field remain including controlling the selectivity of carbon product formation and, revealing the reaction mechanism as well as the commercial application of CO2RR on nickel phosphides.
When traditional anodes like the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are used, it leads to both significant energy consumption and the production of oxygen, which has limited commercial value. On the other hand, the chlor-alkali process is a well-established and profitable electrochemical method that generates chlorine gas (Cl2) and alkali products such as potassium hydroxide (KOH). In Chapter 2, we demonstrate the feasibility of integrating the chlorine evolution reaction (CER) with CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR) to simultaneously produce C4 (2,3-furandiol) and C3 (methylglyoxal) products. At a cell current of 1 mA, our system achieves a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of approximately 80% to produce Cl2 and 100% for CO2RR, with no losses due to crossover or cathode degradation. We further enhance the Faradaic efficiency of CO2RR products at higher current densities by utilizing a nickel phosphide Ni2P catalyst, which we synthesized through a low-temperature soft-template method. Additionally, we present a technoeconomic assessment that quantifies the economic advantages of integrating these two electrochemical processes, showcasing the economic benefits of co-producing methylglyoxal and Cl2.
In Chapter 3, we present a notable alteration in the distribution of products generated through the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) when using Ni2P in the presence of boric acid or borate, which act as soluble Lewis acid/base co-catalysts. In the absence of a co-catalyst, the reduction of CO2 on Ni2P results in a mixture of methyl glyoxal (C3), 2,3-furandiol (C4), and formic acid (C1) with a 100% Faradaic efficiency for carbon products. However, the introduction of boric acid or borate as a co-catalyst leads to a shift in product selectivity towards the formation of ethylene glycol (EG), with an 85% C-Faradaic efficiency (at 10 mM, 0 V vs. RHE). Additionally, a portion of the products includes the aforementioned C1, C3, and C4 compounds. This change in selectivity is attributed to the co-catalyst's role in activating a reaction between surface *hydride and *glycolaldehyde on Ni2P while inhibiting the aldol C-C coupling reaction that typically generates C3 and C4 products. An intermediate borate-EG-diester, [(OCH2CHO)2B]-, is detected via 11B-NMR spectroscopy, and this compound subsequently undergoes hydrolysis to release EG as the final product. Extended electrolysis of boric acid results in the modification of the Ni2P surface, leading to the formation of *BO3-Ni2P, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). CO2 electro-reduction on *BO3-Ni2P, in the absence of free boric acid, exclusively yields ethylene oxide (EO), which gradually hydrolyzes into EG in the presence of a bicarbonate electrolyte. When using free boric acid as a co-catalyst and *BO3-Ni2P as the cathode, the combined Faradaic efficiencies for CO2RR products EO and EG reach 88% (at 0V vs RHE), marking a record for carbon selectivity. This research demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing Lewis acid/base co-catalysts to alter the established chemical reaction mechanism of an electrocatalyst, resulting in the formation of a new, predictably chemical product with high yield.
Atomically flat single-crystal surfaces with well-defined and uniform surface structures can provide detailed mechanistic information on the surface interaction of adsorption and intermediate species, which makes it ideal model electrode for in-situ studies. In Chapter 4, we investigate the CO2RR performance on single crystal NiP2 and employ in situ Raman spectroscopy to elucidate the reaction pathways. By detecting the catalyst under reaction condition in real time, this work provides essential information for the rational design of efficient catalysts for CO2RR.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical reference
Meta-analysis identifies 13 new loci associated with waist-hip ratio and reveals sexual dimorphism in the genetic basis of fat distribution
Get PDFWaist-hip ratio (WHR) is a measure of body fat distribution and a predictor of metabolic consequences independent of overall adiposity. WHR is heritable, but few genetic variants influencing this trait have been identified. We conducted a meta-analysis of 32 genome-wide association studies for WHR adjusted for body mass index (comprising up to 77,167 participants), following up 16 loci in an additional 29 studies (comprising up to 113,636 subjects). We identified 13 new loci in or near RSPO3, VEGFA, TBX15-WARS2, NFE2L3, GRB14, DNM3-PIGC, ITPR2-SSPN, LY86, HOXC13, ADAMTS9, ZNRF3-KREMEN1, NISCH-STAB1 and CPEB4 (P = 1.9 × 10⁻⁹ to P = 1.8 × 10⁻⁴⁰) and the known signal at LYPLAL1. Seven of these loci exhibited marked sexual dimorphism, all with a stronger effect on WHR in women than men (P for sex difference = 1.9 × 10⁻³ to P = 1.2 × 10⁻¹³). These findings provide evidence for multiple loci that modulate body fat distribution independent of overall adiposity and reveal strong gene-by-sex interactions
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A study of John Clare in his historical and political context
No full textAs the title indicates, the basis of the thesis is to set John Clare’s life and work within the context of the social and political history of his time. It is a study that is long overdue. The manner in which topical and political matters were mediated to him and were reflected in his work are analysed. His introduction to the literary and social worlds of Stamford and London is evaluated, and the advantages and disadvantages of patronage assessed. The active and complex political culture of Stamford has been taken into account as this may have affected his later political statements and a growing awareness of his audience. His antagonism to enclosure and the social changes that it engendered are considered. Three major questions that arise from this are addressed. The two local newspapers that Clare is known to have read are used throughout. His correspondence with friends, colleagues and casual correspondents has provided valuable insights as have his poetry and prose writings. Research in the Northamptonshire Record Office has revealed important new information in the form of one book of Enclosure Commissioners’ Minutes dated 1809-14, the first five years of the enclosure of Helpstone, Clare’s native village
Perceptions of intellectual property: a review
Get PDFIn “The right to good ideas: patents and the poor”, The Economist depicts two driving forces in the contemporary discourse on IP and globalization. The one is interested in advancing the knowledge economy, an approach based on the belief that knowledge is the driving factor behind economic growth. The other resides on a belief that IP is a major means to advance the process of globalization. While the former is strongly motivated by new economic growth theory, as for example advanced by Stanford professor Paul Romer, the latter is based on typical anti-globalization arguments, such as for example the position that the IP system helps multinational companies to build up monopolies to the detriment of the poor, drives small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local business in developing countries out of business and increases prices for consumer products, be they pharmaceuticals or software. The purpose of this review is to help understand the current discourse on intellectual property, to grasp underlying themes, assumptions and connotations associated with the term “IP”, so as to identify paths leading to a more comprehensive understanding of IP and the opportunities and pitfalls it may provide
Human monkeypox virus infection in women and non-binary individuals during the 2022 outbreaks: a global case series
No full textBACKGROUND: Between May and November, 2022, global outbreaks of human monkeypox virus infection have been reported in more than 78 000 people worldwide, predominantly in men who have sex with men. We describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of monkeypox virus infection in cisgender (cis) and transgender (trans) women and non-binary individuals assigned female sex at birth to improve identification and understanding of risk factors. METHODS: International collaborators in geographical locations with high numbers of diagnoses of monkeypox virus infection were approached and invited to contribute data on women and non-binary individuals with confirmed monkeypox virus infection. Contributing centres completed deidentified structured case-report spreadsheets, adapted and developed by participating clinicians, to include variables of interest relevant to women and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth. We describe the epidemiology and clinical course observed in the reported infections. FINDINGS: Collaborators reported data for a total of 136 individuals with monkeypox virus infection who presented between May 11 and Oct 4, 2022, across 15 countries. Overall median age was 34 years (IQR 28–40; range 19–84). The cohort comprised 62 trans women, 69 cis women, and five non-binary individuals (who were, because of small numbers, grouped with cis women to form a category of people assigned female at birth for the purpose of comparison). 121 (89%) of 136 individuals reported sex with men. 37 (27%) of all individuals were living with HIV, with a higher proportion among trans women (31 [50%] of 62) than among cis women and non-binary individuals (six [8%] of 74). Sexual transmission was suspected in 55 (89%) trans women (with the remainder having an unknown route of transmission) and 45 (61%) cis women and non-binary individuals; non-sexual routes of transmission (including household and occupational exposures) were reported only in cis women and non-binary individuals. 25 (34%) of 74 cis women and non-binary individuals submitted to the case series were initially misdiagnosed. Overall, among individuals with available data, rash was described in 124 (93%) of 134 individuals and described as anogenital in 95 (74%) of 129 and as vesiculopustular in 105 (87%) of 121. Median number of lesions was ten (IQR 5-24; range 1–200). Mucosal lesions involving the vagina, anus, or oropharynx or eye occurred in 65 (55%) of 119 individuals with available data. Vaginal and anal sex were associated with lesions at those sites. Monkeypox virus DNA was detected by PCR from vaginal swab samples in all 14 samples tested. 17 (13%) individuals were hospitalised, predominantly for bacterial superinfection of lesions and pain management. 33 (24%) individuals were treated with tecovirimat and six (4%) received post-exposure vaccinations. No deaths were reported. INTERPRETATION: The clinical features of monkeypox in women and non-binary individuals were similar to those described in men, including the presence of anal and genital lesions with prominent mucosal involvement. Anatomically, anogenital lesions were reflective of sexual practices: vulvovaginal lesions predominated in cis women and non-binary individuals and anorectal features predominated in trans women. The prevalence of HIV co-infection in the cohort was high. FUNDING: None
Identification of heart rate-associated loci and their effects on cardiac conduction and rhythm disorders
Get PDFElevated resting heart rate is associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. In a 2-stage meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies in up to 181,171 individuals, we identified 14 new loci associated with heart rate and confirmed associations with all 7 previously established loci. Experimental downregulation of gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster and Danio rerio identified 20 genes at 11 loci that are relevant for heart rate regulation and highlight a role for genes involved in signal transmission, embryonic cardiac development and the pathophysiology of dilated cardiomyopathy, congenital heart failure and/or sudden cardiac death. In addition, genetic susceptibility to increased heart rate is associated with altered cardiac conduction and reduced risk of sick sinus syndrome, and both heart rate-increasing and heart rate-decreasing variants associate with risk of atrial fibrillation. Our findings provide fresh insights into the mechanisms regulating heart rate and identify new therapeutic targets
Author correction: Study of 300,486 individuals identifies 148 independent genetic loci influencing general cognitive function
Get PDFChristina M. Lill, who contributed to analysis of data, was inadvertently omitted from the author list in the originally published version of this article. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the article
Scoping review of interventions aimed at promoting healthy screen use among adolescents.
No full textOBJECTIVES: The objective of this scoping review is to map and synthesise existing literature on interventions aimed at promoting healthy screen use among adolescents. This review identifies the types, functions and settings of interventions, explores the diversity of targeted outcomes and highlights equity considerations and research gaps.
DESIGN: We conducted a scoping review in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley framework and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.
DATA SOURCES: We systematically searched Medline, PsycINFO and ERIC from January 2013 to June 2024. Reference lists of included studies were also manually screened.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included peer-reviewed experimental, quasi-experimental, observational and qualitative studies reporting on interventions designed to promote healthy screen use among adolescents aged 10-19 years.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: One author extracted data using a structured charting form, and a second author verified all entries. Results were synthesised descriptively across key themes including target populations, theoretical frameworks, intervention components and reported outcomes.
RESULTS: From 6433 records, we identified 93 articles on 81 interventions, mainly conducted in high school settings in the USA and Australia. Most examined short-term interventions targeting recreational screen time. Outcomes included media literacy, cyberbullying, internet and gaming addiction, safe internet use, social media use and mental and sexual health. Seventy-eight per cent of interventions attempted to educate adolescents, while 34% offered training activities (eg, educational sessions to elevate risk awareness and skill-based training to enhance digital literacy and self-regulation). Interventions targeting external influences were used less frequently. About 20% of studies showed no statistically significant findings, highlighting the need to promote evidence-based interventions.
CONCLUSION: This review identifies a need for broader, multilevel strategies that account for contextual factors and social determinants in influencing screen use and its related health issues. Future research should explore long-term effectiveness while examining the potential moderating and mediating effects of social determinants. Equity considerations were not a primary focus of most interventions, underscoring an important gap in this literature. Future interventions could incorporate equity-focused design and evaluation to ensure they respond to the needs of diverse adolescent populations
