Leading the Charge on Digital Regulation: The More, the Better, or Policy Bubble?

in Digital Society (2023), 2(4), 1-25

For about a decade, the concept of ‘digital sovereignty’ has been prominent in the European policy discourse. In the quest for digital sovereignty, the European Union has adopted a constitutional approach ... [more ▼]

For about a decade, the concept of ‘digital sovereignty’ has been prominent in the European policy discourse. In the quest for digital sovereignty, the European Union has adopted a constitutional approach to protect fundamental rights and democratic values, and to ensure fair and competitive digital markets. Thus, ‘digital constitutionalism’ emerged as a twin discourse. A corollary of these discourses is a third phenomenon resulting from a regulatory externalisation of European law beyond the bloc’s borders, the so-called ‘Brussels Effect’. The dynamics arising from Europe’s digital policy and regulatory activism imply increasing legal complexities. This paper argues that this phenomenon in policy-making is a case of a positive ‘policy bubble’ characterised by an oversupply of policies and legislative acts. The phenomenon can be explained by the amplification of values in the framing of digital policy issues. To unpack the policy frames and values at stake, this paper provides an overview of the digital policy landscape, followed by a critical assessment to showcase the practical implications of positive policy bubbles. [less ▲]

Atomistically-informed continuum modeling and isogeometric analysis of 2D materials over holey substrates

in Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids (2023), 170

This work develops, discretizes, and validates a continuum model of a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayer interacting with a periodic holey silicon nitride (Si3N4) substrate via van der Waals (vdW ... [more ▼]

This work develops, discretizes, and validates a continuum model of a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayer interacting with a periodic holey silicon nitride (Si3N4) substrate via van der Waals (vdW) forces. The MoS2 layer is modeled as a geometrically nonlinear Kirchhoff–Love shell, and vdW forces are modeled by a Lennard-Jones (LJ) potential, simplified using approximations for a smooth substrate topography. Both the shell model and LJ interactions include novel extensions informed by close comparison with fully-atomistic calculations. The material parameters of the shell model are calibrated by comparing small-strain tensile and bending tests with atomistic simulations. This model is efficiently discretized using isogeometric analysis (IGA) for the shell structure and a pseudo-time continuation method for energy minimization. The IGA shell model is validated against fully-atomistic calculations for several benchmark problems with different substrate geometries. Agreement with atomistic results depends on geometric nonlinearity in some cases, but a simple isotropic St.Venant–Kirchhoff model is found to be sufficient to represent material behavior. We find that the IGA discretization of the continuum model has a much lower computational cost than atomistic simulations, and expect that it will enable efficient design space exploration in strain engineering applications. This is demonstrated by studying the dependence of strain and curvature in MoS2 over a holey substrate as a function of the hole spacing on scales inaccessible to atomistic calculations. The results show an unexpected qualitative change in the deformation pattern below a critical hole separation. [less ▲]

Editorial note for the geodesy and geodynamics journal special issue contemporary research in geodynamics and earth tides-Selection from the 19th international symposium on geodynamics and earth tides, 2021, Wuhan, China

in Geodesy and Geodynamics (2023), 14(1), 1-3

Maternal genetic risk for depression and child human capital

in Journal of Health Economics (2023), 87

We here address the causal relationship between the maternal genetic risk for depression and child human capital using UK birth-cohort data. We find that an increase of one standard deviation (SD) in the ... [more ▼]

We here address the causal relationship between the maternal genetic risk for depression and child human capital using UK birth-cohort data. We find that an increase of one standard deviation (SD) in the maternal polygenic risk score for depression reduces their children’s cognitive and non-cognitive skill scores by 5 to 7% of a SD throughout adolescence. Our results are robust to a battery of sensitivity tests addressing, among others, concerns about pleiotropy and dynastic effects. Our Gelbach decomposition analysis suggests that the strongest mediator is genetic nurture (through maternal depression itself), with genetic inheritance playing only a marginal role. [less ▲]

The discrepancy between min-max statistics of Gaussian and Gaussian-subordinated matrices

in Stochastic Processes and Their Applications (2023), 158

CANASTA: Controller Area Network Authentication Schedulability Timing Analysis

in IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology (2023)

The Controller Area Network (CAN) dominates in-vehicle networking systems in modern vehicles. CAN was designed with low-latency and reliability as key features. Authenticity of a CAN frame was not ... [more ▼]

The Controller Area Network (CAN) dominates in-vehicle networking systems in modern vehicles. CAN was designed with low-latency and reliability as key features. Authenticity of a CAN frame was not considered in the design, thus, most in-vehicle network nodes inherently trust received messages as coming from a legitimate source. As a result, it is trivial to program (or hack) a network node to spoof traffic. Authentication is challenging for CAN and related protocols, such as SAE J1939, due to limited frame sizes and high bus utilization. Adding a message authentication code (MAC) as a separate message can unduly stress the real-time delivery of safety-critical messages. Although this stressor is well-known, the impact of authentication protocols on real-time message delivery in CAN has not yet been thoroughly examined. In this paper, we provide the first comprehensive analysis of realtime schedulability analysis applied to authentication schemes for CAN, CAN Flexible Data-rate (CAN FD), and CAN extra long payload (CAN XL). We formulate the response time analysis for addition of MACs and periodic transmission of MACs, and we examine their impact on two case studies and through evaluation with randomized schedulability experiments over a wide range of message sets. [less ▲]

Connected Car Platforms, A Field Trial: Are they Ready for Usage Based Insurance?

in Advances in Transdisciplinary Engineering (2023)

Following a regulatory change in Europe which mandates that car manufacturers include an “eCall” system in new vehicles, many car manufacturers are adding additional services on top, so that more and more ... [more ▼]

Following a regulatory change in Europe which mandates that car manufacturers include an “eCall” system in new vehicles, many car manufacturers are adding additional services on top, so that more and more cars become connected vehicles and act like IoT sensors. In the following study, we analyse the maturity level of this new technology to build insurance products that would take vehicle usage into account. For this, the connectivity of recent cars a-priori eligible has been first tested. Then, an ad-hoc platform has been designed to collect driving data. In particular, 4 cars have been connected to this platform for periods of over one month. Our results highlight that, while this technological innovation appears very promising in the future, the pricing, the lack of uniformity of data collected and the enrollment process are currently three pain points that should be addressed to offer large-scale opportunities. In the meantime, this technology might still be used for high value use cases such as the insurance of luxurious cars. [less ▲]

Dividend Policy Decisions and Ownership Concentration: Evidence from Thai Public Companies

in Review of Pacific Basin Financial Markets and Policies (2023), 26(1),

Self-knowledge and the problem of existence

in Studi Kantiani (2023), XXXV

In his book Kant and the Problem of Self-Knowledge (New York, Abingdon: Routledge 2019, 214 pages) Luca Forgione argues that the semantic, epistemic and metaphysical analysis of Kant’s theory of self ... [more ▼]

In his book Kant and the Problem of Self-Knowledge (New York, Abingdon: Routledge 2019, 214 pages) Luca Forgione argues that the semantic, epistemic and metaphysical analysis of Kant’s theory of self-knowledge is possible within the frame of a merely formal understanding of ‘I’. Although the author shows that for Kant self-knowledge is in fact knowledge of a formal thinking subject, there remains the difficulty that the formal analysis of self-knowledge entails the existence claim about the transcendental apperception. This claim is incompatible, I argue, with Kant’s theory of the analytic and synthetic unity of apperception. [less ▲]

Congruence theorems for convex polygons involving sides, angles, and diagonals

in International Journal of Geometry (2023), 12(2023), 83-92

Missions and factors determining the demand for affordable mass space tourism in the United States: A machine learning approach

in Acta Astronautica (2023), 204

“The last new novel”: Strategies of Reader-Navigation in Reviews of Fiction Published in the Athenaeum, the Saturday Review and Household Words, 1850-59.

in Victorian Periodicals Review (2023)

Life Satisfaction and the Human Development Index Across the World

in Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology (2023), 54

We use annual data on over 150 countries between 2005 and 2018 to look at the relationship between subjective well-being (both cognitive and affective) and the Human Development Index (HDI). The HDI ... [more ▼]

We use annual data on over 150 countries between 2005 and 2018 to look at the relationship between subjective well-being (both cognitive and affective) and the Human Development Index (HDI). The HDI appears to be more closely related to cognitive than affective well-being. We also consider the relationships between the three HDI components (the Income, Health and Education Indices) and well-being, and find that, on average, the Income Index has the strongest predictive power. Importantly, we find that the three HDI components only matter equally in Western and rich countries. Our analysis contributes to the discussion about cultural sensitivity in paradigms of societal development in two ways. We first show that differences in preferences towards development aims exist. Second, we propose a weighting procedure for a culturally-sensitive version of the HDI. [less ▲]

Hierarchical message-passing graph neural networks

in Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery (2023), 37

Remarks on Johan van der Walt’s Concept of Liberal Democratic Law. With Kelsen, Beyond Kelsen and the Unexplored Issue of Independent Technocratic Institutions

in Netherlands Journal of Legal Philosophy (2023), (1), 120-133

Characterizing and Utilizing the Interplay between Quantum Technologies and Non-Terrestrial Networks

in IEEE Transactions on Quantum Engineering (2023)

Quantum technologies have been widely recognized as one of the milestones towards the ongoing digital transformation, which will also trigger new disruptive innovations. Quantum technologies encompassing ... [more ▼]

Quantum technologies have been widely recognized as one of the milestones towards the ongoing digital transformation, which will also trigger new disruptive innovations. Quantum technologies encompassing quantum computing, communications, and sensing offer an interesting set of advantages such as unconditional security and ultra-fast computing capabilities. However, deploying quantum services at a global scale requires circumventing the limitations due to the geographical boundaries and terrestrial obstacles, which can be adequately addressed by considering non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). In the recent few years, establishing multi-layer NTNs has been extensively studied to integrate space-airborne-terrestrial communications systems, particularly by the international standardization organizations such as the third-generation partnership project (3GPP) and the international telecommunication union (ITU), in order to support future wireless ecosystems. Indeed, amalgamating quantum technologies and NTNs will scale up the quantum communications ranges and provide unprecedented levels of security and processing solutions that are safer and faster than the traditional offerings. This paper provides some insights into the interplay between the evolving NTN architectures and quantum technologies with a particular focus on the integration challenges and their potential solutions for enhancing the quantum-NTN interoperability among various space-air-ground communications nodes. The emphasis is on how the quantum technologies can benefit from satellites and aerial platforms as an integrated network and vice versa. Moreover, a set of future research directions and new opportunities are identified. [less ▲]

Reinforcement Learning for Link Adaptation and Channel Selection in LEO Satellite Cognitive Communications

in IEEE Communications Letters (2023)

A comprehensive survey of English medium instruction lecturer training programmes: content, delivery, ways forward

in Journal of English for Academic Purposes (2023)

This paper surveys English medium instruction (EMI) lecturer training worldwide in order to inform decisions by practitioners tasked with its design and delivery. The survey encompasses 25 published ... [more ▼]

This paper surveys English medium instruction (EMI) lecturer training worldwide in order to inform decisions by practitioners tasked with its design and delivery. The survey encompasses 25 published initiatives from 18 countries. These were analysed for their content components and delivery methods as well as training challenges and recommendations. This analysis revealed four main components: language, communication, pedagogy and EMI awareness. Most programmes were delivered face to face but some were blended with a substantial amount of online and independent work. Delivery methods could broadly be classified into group classes, individual support and peer learning. Microteaching with reflection, feedback and observation was a widely recurring and highly rated activity. Programmes were typically developed in-house by English language professionals. Recurring challenges were contextualisation, group heterogeneity, lecturer confidence and the lack of incentivisation. The paper concludes with pedagogical recommendations for the development of EMI lecturer training programmes. [less ▲]

Identifying the rail operating features associated to intermodal freight rail operation delays

in Transportation Research. Part C, Emerging Technologies (2023), 147

Water science must be Open Science

in Nature Water (2023), 1(1), 4--6

Since water is a common good, the outcome of water-related research should be accessible to everyone. Since Open Science is more than just open access research articles, journals must work with the ... [more ▼]

Since water is a common good, the outcome of water-related research should be accessible to everyone. Since Open Science is more than just open access research articles, journals must work with the research community to enable fully open and FAIR science [less ▲]

A matter of habit? Stressful life events and cognitive flexibility in 15-month-olds

in Infant Behavior and Development (2023), 71 file://localhost/Users/robert.kumsta/Documents/Papers%20Library/Tisborn-A%20matter%20of%20habit-%20Stressful%20life%20events%20and%20cognitive%20flexibility%20in%2015-month-olds-2023-Infant%20Behavior%20and%20Development.pdf

Exposure to chronic stress is associated with habitual learning in adults. We studied the origins of this association by examining the link between stressful life events and infant cognitive flexibility ... [more ▼]

Exposure to chronic stress is associated with habitual learning in adults. We studied the origins of this association by examining the link between stressful life events and infant cognitive flexibility. The final sample consisted of N = 72 fifteen-month-old infants and their mothers. Mothers completed a survey on pre- and postnatal negative life events. To assess chronic stress physiologically, infant and maternal hair cortisol concentrations were determined for cortisol accumulation during the past 3 months. Each infant participated in two cognitive tasks in the laboratory. An instrumental learning task tested infants’ ability to disengage from a habituated action when this action became ineffective (Seehagen et al., 2015). An age-adequate version of the A-not-B task tested infants’ ability to find a toy at location B after repeatedly finding it at location A. Correlations between cortisol concentrations and postnatal negative life events (number, perceived impact) did not yield significance. Infant and maternal hair cortisol concentrations were not correlated. Infants’ ability to shift to a new action in either task, controlled for acute stress, correlated neither with pre- and postnatal negative life events nor with cortisol concentrations. Taken together, these results indicate that the potential link between long-term stress exposure and cognitive flexibility might not be present in samples with low levels of psychosocial stress. [less ▲]

Ambra1 modulates the tumor immune microenvironment and response to PD-1 blockade in melanoma.

in Journal for immunotherapy of cancer (2023), 11(3),

BACKGROUND: Loss of Ambra1 (autophagy and beclin 1 regulator 1), a multifunctional scaffold protein, promotes the formation of nevi and contributes to several phases of melanoma development. The ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: Loss of Ambra1 (autophagy and beclin 1 regulator 1), a multifunctional scaffold protein, promotes the formation of nevi and contributes to several phases of melanoma development. The suppressive functions of Ambra1 in melanoma are mediated by negative regulation of cell proliferation and invasion; however, evidence suggests that loss of Ambra1 may also affect the melanoma microenvironment. Here, we investigate the possible impact of Ambra1 on antitumor immunity and response to immunotherapy. METHODS: This study was performed using an Ambra1-depleted Braf(V600E) /Pten(-/) (-) genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model of melanoma, as well as GEM-derived allografts of Braf(V600E) /Pten(-/) (-) and Braf(V600E) /Pten(-/) (-)/Cdkn2a(-/) (-) tumors with Ambra1 knockdown. The effects of Ambra1 loss on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) were analyzed using NanoString technology, multiplex immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Transcriptome and CIBERSORT digital cytometry analyses of murine melanoma samples and human melanoma patients (The Cancer Genome Atlas) were applied to determine the immune cell populations in null or low-expressing AMBRA1 melanoma. The contribution of Ambra1 on T-cell migration was evaluated using a cytokine array and flow cytometry. Tumor growth kinetics and overall survival analysis in Braf(V600E) /Pten(-/) (-)/Cdkn2a(-/) (-) mice with Ambra1 knockdown were evaluated prior to and after administration of a programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitor. RESULTS: Loss of Ambra1 was associated with altered expression of a wide range of cytokines and chemokines as well as decreased infiltration of tumors by regulatory T cells, a subpopulation of T cells with potent immune-suppressive properties. These changes in TIME composition were associated with the autophagic function of Ambra1. In the Braf(V600E) /Pten(-/) (-)/Cdkn2a(-/) (-) model inherently resistant to immune checkpoint blockade, knockdown of Ambra1 led to accelerated tumor growth and reduced overall survival, but at the same time conferred sensitivity to anti-PD-1 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that loss of Ambra1 affects the TIME and the antitumor immune response in melanoma, highlighting new functions of Ambra1 in the regulation of melanoma biology. [less ▲]

Derived categories of (nested) Hilbert schemes

in Michigan Mathematical Journal (2023)

Reactive microglia are the major source of tumor necrosis factor alpha and contribute to astrocyte dysfunction and acute seizures in experimental temporal lobe epilepsy.

in Glia (2023), 71(2), 168-186

Extensive microglia reactivity has been well described in human and experimental temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). To date, however, it is not clear whether and based on which molecular mechanisms microglia ... [more ▼]

Extensive microglia reactivity has been well described in human and experimental temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). To date, however, it is not clear whether and based on which molecular mechanisms microglia contribute to the development and progression of focal epilepsy. Astroglial gap junction coupled networks play an important role in regulating neuronal activity and loss of interastrocytic coupling causally contributes to TLE. Here, we show in the unilateral intracortical kainate (KA) mouse model of TLE that reactive microglia are primary producers of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and contribute to astrocyte dysfunction and severity of status epilepticus (SE). Immunohistochemical analyses revealed pronounced and persistent microglia reactivity, which already started 4 h after KA-induced SE. Partial depletion of microglia using a colony stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor prevented early astrocyte uncoupling and attenuated the severity of SE, but increased the mortality of epileptic mice following surgery. Using microglia-specific inducible TNFα knockout mice we identified microglia as the major source of TNFα during early epileptogenesis. Importantly, microglia-specific TNFα knockout prevented SE-induced gap junction uncoupling in astrocytes. Continuous telemetric EEG recordings revealed that during the first 4 weeks after SE induction, microglial TNFα did not significantly contribute to spontaneous generalized seizure activity. Moreover, the absence of microglial TNFα did not affect the development of hippocampal sclerosis but attenuated gliosis. Taken together, these data implicate reactive microglia in astrocyte dysfunction and network hyperexcitability after an epileptogenic insult. [less ▲]

The Number Line Estimation Task is a Valid Tool for Assessing Mathematical Achievement: A Population-Level Study With 6,484 Luxembourgish Ninth-Graders

in Journal of Experimental Child Psychology (2023), 225(105521), 1-19

The number line estimation task is an often-used measure of numerical magnitude understanding. The task also correlates substantially with broader measures of mathematical achievement. This raises the ... [more ▼]

The number line estimation task is an often-used measure of numerical magnitude understanding. The task also correlates substantially with broader measures of mathematical achievement. This raises the question of whether the task would be a useful component of mathematical achievement tests and instruments to diagnose dyscalculia or mathematical giftedness and whether a stand-alone version of the task can serve as a short screener for mathematical achievement. Previous studies on the relation between number line estimation accuracy and broader mathematical achievement were limited in that they used relatively small nonrepresentative samples and usually did not account for potentially confounding variables. To close this research gap, we report findings from a population-level study with nearly all Luxembourgish ninth-graders (N = 6484). We used multilevel regressions to test how a standardized mathematical achievement test relates to the accuracy in number line estimation on bounded number lines with whole numbers and fractions. We also investigated how these relations were moderated by classroom characteristics, person characteristics, and trial characteristics. Mathematical achievement and number line estimation accuracy were associated even after controlling for potentially confounding variables. Subpopulations of students showed meaningful differences in estimation accuracy, which can serve as benchmarks in future studies. Compared with the number line estimation task with whole numbers, the number line estimation task with fractions was more strongly related to mathematical achievement in students across the entire mathematical achievement spectrum. These results show that the number line estimation task is a valid and useful tool for diagnosing and monitoring mathematical achievement. [less ▲]

Data-driven preventive maintenance for a heterogeneous machine portfolio

in Operations Research Letters (2023)

Expanding the Disease Network of Glioblastoma Multiforme via Topological Analysis.

in International journal of molecular sciences (2023), 24(4),

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a grade IV glioma, is a challenging disease for patients and clinicians, with an extremely poor prognosis. These tumours manifest a high molecular heterogeneity, with ... [more ▼]

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a grade IV glioma, is a challenging disease for patients and clinicians, with an extremely poor prognosis. These tumours manifest a high molecular heterogeneity, with limited therapeutic options for patients. Since GBM is a rare disease, sufficient statistically strong evidence is often not available to explore the roles of lesser-known GBM proteins. We present a network-based approach using centrality measures to explore some key, topologically strategic proteins for the analysis of GBM. Since network-based analyses are sensitive to changes in network topology, we analysed nine different GBM networks, and show that small but well-curated networks consistently highlight a set of proteins, indicating their likely involvement in the disease. We propose 18 novel candidates which, based on differential expression, mutation analysis, and survival analysis, indicate that they may play a role in GBM progression. These should be investigated further for their functional roles in GBM, their clinical prognostic relevance, and their potential as therapeutic targets. [less ▲]

The impact of traumatic childhood experiences on interoception: disregarding one’s own body

in Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation (2023), 10(1), 5

Background Deficient interoception, the processing and perception of internal bodily signals, has been discussed as a mechanism underlying various mental disorders. First results indicate a mediating role ... [more ▼]

Background Deficient interoception, the processing and perception of internal bodily signals, has been discussed as a mechanism underlying various mental disorders. First results indicate a mediating role of interoception in the interplay of traumatic childhood experiences and adult mental disorders. Traumatic childhood experiences may hinder the adequate processing, integration, and trust in bodily signals that are important in order to understand and regulate own needs and emotions, thereby increasing the vulnerability for mental disorders. However, an overarching study investigating alterations in different interoceptive measures and trauma-related disorders as well as their mediating role between early trauma and emotion dysregulation is still missing. Methods One hundred thirty-six individuals with varying levels of traumatic childhood experiences who either had a current diagnosis of major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or somatic symptom disorder, or no mental disorder, took part in a multidimensional assessment of interoceptive processes, including interoceptive accuracy, sensibility, and awareness. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare groups regarding interoceptive processes and associations with traumatic childhood experiences and emotion dysregulation were analyzed with Spearman correlations. Furthermore, mediation analyses were computed to examine and compare interoceptive processes as potential mediators between traumatic childhood experiences and emotion dysregulation. Results Only body dissociation, a measure for interoceptive sensibility, was significantly reduced in individuals with a current mental disorder. Body dissociation was also the only interoceptive measure significantly associated with traumatic childhood experiences and emotion dysregulation and the only significant mediator in the relationship between traumatic childhood experiences and emotion dysregulation across groups. Conclusion Results suggest body dissociation, but not other interoceptive measures, as an important feature linking traumatic childhood experiences to current emotion dysregulation, an important transdiagnostic feature. As body dissociation refers to a habitual non-attendance or disregard of interoceptive signals, integrative therapeutic interventions could help affected individuals to overcome difficulties in emotion perception and regulation. [less ▲]

Efficiency versus effort: A better way to compare best photovoltaic research cell efficiencies

in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells (2023)

Probabilistic Deontic Logics for Reasoning about Uncertain Norms

in IfCoLog Journal of Logics and Their Applications (2023)

In this article, we present a proof-theoretical and model-theoretical approach to probabilistic logic for reasoning about uncertainty about normative state- ments. We introduce two logics with languages ... [more ▼]

In this article, we present a proof-theoretical and model-theoretical approach to probabilistic logic for reasoning about uncertainty about normative state- ments. We introduce two logics with languages that extend both the language of monadic deontic logic and the language of probabilistic logic. The first logic allows statements like “the probability that one is obliged to be quiet is at least 0.9”. The second logic allows iteration of probabilities in the language. We axiomatize both logics, provide the corresponding semantics and prove that the axiomatizations are sound and complete. We also prove that both logics are decidable. In addition, we show that the problem of deciding satisfiability for the simpler of our two logics is in PSPACE, no worse than that of deontic logic. [less ▲]

Decision support system for blockchain (DLT) platform selection based on ITU recommendations: A systematic literature review approach

in Expert systems with applications (2023), 211

Blockchain technologies, also known as Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), are increasingly being explored in many applications, especially in the presence of (potential) dis-/mis-/un-trust among ... [more ▼]

Blockchain technologies, also known as Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), are increasingly being explored in many applications, especially in the presence of (potential) dis-/mis-/un-trust among organizations and individuals. Today, there exists a plethora of DLT platforms on the market, which makes it challenging for system designers to decide what platform they should adopt and implement. Although a few DLT comparison frameworks have been proposed in the literature, they often fail in covering all performance and functional aspects, adding that they too rarely build upon standardized criteria and recommendations. Given this state of affairs, the present paper considers a recent and exhaustive set of assessment criteria recommended by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union). Those criteria (about fifty) are nonetheless mostly defined in a textual form, which may pose interpretation problems during the implementation process. To avoid this, a systematic literature review regarding each ITU criterion is conducted with a twofold objective: (i) to understand to what extent a given criterion is considered/evaluated by the literature; (ii) to come up with ‘formal’ metric definition (i.e., on a mathematical or experimental ground) based, whenever possible, on the current literature. Following this formalization stage, a decision support tool called CREDO-DLT, which stands for “multiCRiteria-basEd ranking Of Distributed Ledger Technology platforms”, is developed using AHP and TOPSIS, which is publicly made available to help decision-maker to select the most suitable DLT platform alternative (i.e., that best suits their needs and requirements). A use case scenario in the context of energy communities is proposed to show the practicality of CREDO-DLT. •Blockchain (DLT) standardization initiatives are reviewed.•To what extent ITU’s DLT assessment criteria are covered in literature is studied.•A mathematical formalizations of the ITU recommendations are proposed.•A decision support tool (CREDO-DLT) is designed for DLT platform selection.•An energy community use case is developed to show the practicality of CREDO-DLT. [less ▲]

B/Orders are (not) everywhere (for everyone): On the multivalence of borders in a flee(t)ing Europe | Zur Multivalenz von Grenzen in einem flüchtigen Europa

in Borders in Perspective (2023), 8

While the materialities and functionalities of borders have changed drastically in recent decades, the ordering principle of the border persists. At the same time, the selective character of borders is ... [more ▼]

While the materialities and functionalities of borders have changed drastically in recent decades, the ordering principle of the border persists. At the same time, the selective character of borders is emerg-ing with a clarity that has hardly been seen in Europe before. This is the point of departure for the issue papers, which discuss the observation that borders do not have the same significance for all people. For this purpose, the authors work with the concept of multivalence, which assumes that borders have social values or relevances that differ regarding certain groups of people. The thematic issue with case studies of governance, flight, reporting, film, and literature shows multiple valences of borders, which stand for inequalities and refer to powerful cultural orders. [less ▲]

Tussen New York en Genève: VN-Kroniek

in Nederlands Tijdschrift voor de Mensenrechten (2022), 47(4),

Deze kroniek informeert over ontwikkelingen met betrekking tot de mensenrechten in de diverse organen van de Verenigde Naties. Daarbij komen zowel de politieke mechanismen (onder meer de Algemene ... [more ▼]

Deze kroniek informeert over ontwikkelingen met betrekking tot de mensenrechten in de diverse organen van de Verenigde Naties. Daarbij komen zowel de politieke mechanismen (onder meer de Algemene Vergadering en de Mensenrechtenraad) aan de orde, als de diverse verdragscomités. [less ▲]

Value-Added Scores Show Limited Stability over Time in Primary School

in PLoS ONE (2022), 17(12), 0279255

Value-added (VA) models are used for accountability purposes and quantify the value a teacher or a school adds to their students’ achievement. If VA scores lack stability over time and vary across outcome ... [more ▼]

Value-added (VA) models are used for accountability purposes and quantify the value a teacher or a school adds to their students’ achievement. If VA scores lack stability over time and vary across outcome domains (e.g., mathematics and language learning), their use for high-stakes decision making is in question and could have detrimental real-life implications: teachers could lose their jobs, or a school might receive less funding. However, school-level stability over time and variation across domains have rarely been studied together. In the present study, we examined the stability of VA scores over time for mathematics and lan- guage learning, drawing on representative, large-scale, and longitudinal data from two cohorts of standardized achievement tests in Luxembourg (N = 7,016 students in 151 schools). We found that only 34–38% of the schools showed stable VA scores over time with moderate rank correlations of VA scores from 2017 to 2019 of r = .34 for mathematics and r = .37 for language learning. Although they showed insufficient stability over time for high-stakes decision making, school VA scores could be employed to identify teaching or school practices that are genuinely effective—especially in heterogeneous student populations. [less ▲]

Ergodic Performance Analysis of Double Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces-Aided NOMA–UAV Systems with Hardware Impairment

in Drones (2022)

In this work, we design an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)-assisted Internet of Things (IoT) by enabling non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) approaches. We pay ... [more ▼]

In this work, we design an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)-assisted Internet of Things (IoT) by enabling non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) approaches. We pay attention to studying the achievable rates for the ground users. A practical system model takes into account the presence of hardware impairment when Rayleigh and Rician channels are adopted for the IRS–NOMA–UAV system. Our main findings are presented to showcase the exact expressions for achievable rates, and then we derive their simple approximations for a more insightful performance evaluation. The validity of these approximations is demonstrated using extensive Monte Carlo simulations. We confirm the achievable rate improvement decided by main parameters such as the average signal to noise ratio at source, the position of IRS with respect to the source and destination and the number of IRS elements. As a suggestion for the deployment of a low-cost IoT system, the double-IRS model is a reliable approach to realizing the system as long as the hardware impairment level is controlled. The results show that the proposed scheme can greatly improve achievable rates, obtain optimal performance at one of two devices and exhibit a small performance gap compared with the other benchmark scheme. [less ▲]

Senescence atlas reveals an aged-like inflamed niche that blunts muscle regeneration

in Nature (2022)

Banche e stabilità finanziaria: i criteri di idoneità per il top management

in Agenda Treccani (2022)

Comparison theorems for Kan, faintly universal and strongly universal derived functors

in Surveys in Mathematics and its Applications (2022), 17

« Il faut concourir au grand œuvre ». La pratique collaborative de l'écriture polémique dans le Groupe de Coppet

in Cahiers Staëliens (2022), 71-72

Inherent to the creation of the Coppet group, collaboration also characterizes its practice of polemical writing. As the First French Empire began to decline, Germaine de Staël, Benjamin Constant and ... [more ▼]

Inherent to the creation of the Coppet group, collaboration also characterizes its practice of polemical writing. As the First French Empire began to decline, Germaine de Staël, Benjamin Constant and Auguste Schlegel began to write propaganda in defense of Bernadotte's cause. This article explores, in the light of these writings and Constant's Journaux intimes, the auctorial and editorial perspectives that this collaborative practice of polemical writing calls for. [less ▲]

An algorithm to classify homologous series within compound datasets

in Journal of Cheminformatics (2022), 14(85),

Homologous series are groups of related compounds that share the same core structure attached to a motif that repeats to different degrees. Compounds forming homologous series are of interest in multiple ... [more ▼]

Homologous series are groups of related compounds that share the same core structure attached to a motif that repeats to different degrees. Compounds forming homologous series are of interest in multiple domains, including natural products, environmental chemistry, and drug design. However, many homologous compounds remain unannotated as such in compound datasets, which poses obstacles to understanding chemical diversity and their analytical identification via database matching. To overcome these challenges, an algorithm to detect homologous series within compound datasets was developed and implemented using the RDKit. The algorithm takes a list of molecules as SMILES strings and a monomer (i.e., repeating unit) encoded as SMARTS as its main inputs. In an iterative process, substructure matching of repeating units, molecule fragmentation, and core detection lead to homologous series classification through grouping of identical cores. Three open compound datasets from environmental chemistry (NORMAN Suspect List Exchange, NORMAN-SLE), exposomics (PubChemLite for Exposomics), and natural products (the COlleCtion of Open NatUral producTs, COCONUT) were subject to homologous series classification using the algorithm. Over 2000, 12,000, and 5000 series with CH2 repeating units were classified in the NORMAN-SLE, PubChemLite, and COCONUT respectively. Validation of classified series was performed using published homologous series and structure categories, including a comparison with a similar existing method for categorising PFAS compounds. The OngLai algorithm and its implementation for classifying homologues are openly available at: https://github.com/adelenelai/onglai-classify-homologues. [less ▲]

Marchés captifs et marchés concurrentiels dans la concurrence judiciaire franco-britannique

in Semaine Juridique. Édition Générale (2022)

Les chambres commerciales internationales de Paris (CCIP) ont été établies dans l'espoir de détourner une partie du contentieux commercial porté devant la juridiction commerciale londonienne. Cet article ... [more ▼]

Les chambres commerciales internationales de Paris (CCIP) ont été établies dans l'espoir de détourner une partie du contentieux commercial porté devant la juridiction commerciale londonienne. Cet article propose une étude empirique de l'activité de cette dernière afin de déterminer lesquels des contentieux dont elle connaît sont captifs, et hors de portée du juge français, et lesquels sont concurrentiels et susceptibles d'être attirés par une offre judiciaire plus attractive. Il analyse ensuite l'activité des CCIP pour déterminer dans quelle mesure la juridiction commerciale parisienne se montre attractive et peut espérer entrer en concurrence avec la justice anglaise. [less ▲]

Joint Communication and Computation Offloading for Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency with Multi-tier Computing

in IEEE Journal on Selected Areas In Communications (2022)

In this paper, we study joint communication and computation offloading (JCCO) for hierarchical edge-cloud systems with ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC). We aim to minimize the end-to ... [more ▼]

In this paper, we study joint communication and computation offloading (JCCO) for hierarchical edge-cloud systems with ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC). We aim to minimize the end-to-end (e2e) latency of computational tasks among multiple industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices by jointly optimizing offloading probabilities, processing rates, user association policies and power control subject to their service delay and energy consumption requirements as well as queueing stability conditions. The formulated JCCO problem belongs to a difficult class of mixed-integer non-convex optimization problem, making it computationally intractable. In addition, a strong coupling between binary and continuous variables and the large size of hierarchical edge-cloud systems make the problem even more challenging to solve optimally. To address these challenges, we first decompose the original problem into two subproblems based on the unique structure of the underlying problem and leverage the alternating optimization (AO) approach to solve them in an iterative fashion by developing newly convex approximate functions. To speed up optimal user association searching, we incorporate a penalty function into the objective function to resolve uncertainties of a binary nature. Two sub-optimal designs for given user association policies based on channel conditions and random user associations are also investigated to serve as state-of-the-art benchmarks. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms in terms of the e2e latency and convergence speed. [less ▲]

Towards an Efficient and Coherent Regulatory Framework on Cybersecurity in the EU: The Proposals for a NIS 2.0 Directive and a Cyber Resilience Act

in Applied Cybersecurity & Internet Governance (2022), 1(1),

Cybersecurity regulation in the EU has long been implemented in a piece- meal fashion resulting in a fragmented regulatory landscape. Recent developments triggered the EU to review its approach which has ... [more ▼]

Cybersecurity regulation in the EU has long been implemented in a piece- meal fashion resulting in a fragmented regulatory landscape. Recent developments triggered the EU to review its approach which has not resulted in the envisaged high level of cyber resilience across the Union. The paper addresses the EU’s limited mandate to regulate cybersecurity and outlines how the internal market rationale serves as a basis to harmonise cybersecurity legislation in the EU Member States. In that regard, the recent Proposal for a NIS 2.0 Directive (adopted by the European Parliament in November 2022) and the Proposal for a Cyber Resilience Act (published in September 2022) highlight how the EU seeks to align legislation and reduce complexity between different, often sectoral regulatory approaches to cybersecurity, while at the same time extending regulation in a view to achieve a high level of cybersecurity across the EU. As regards the latter, the paper also outlines how the Cyber Resilience Act will complement the NIS 2.0 Directive in order to close existing regulatory gaps. [less ▲]

Vers des réparations au titre du colonialisme?

in Annuaire français de droit international (2022), 67

Noting the changes that have occurred in recent years in Western official discourses regarding the legacy of colonialism, this article examines the potential legal consequences of these changes in the ... [more ▼]

Noting the changes that have occurred in recent years in Western official discourses regarding the legacy of colonialism, this article examines the potential legal consequences of these changes in the field of international state responsibility. The first part of the article consists of a survey of recent Western state practice. It observes that while some Western states have lately acknowledged the unjustifiable character of certain acts related to colonialism and have taken measures to repare the consequences of these acts, these measures have, with one exception, assumed an ex gratia character. The second part of the article is dedicated to the intertemporal law principle, which constitutes the main argument used to defend this position. Western states invoke this principle to deny the internationally wrongful character of their past colonial policies and rule out any general obligation to make reparation for the damage caused by these policies. However, the principle of intertemporal law has become subject to various reassessments, which challenge the legal postulates inherited from the past. [less ▲]

Mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy distinguishes disease manifestation in PINK1/PRKN-linked Parkinson’s disease

in Brain (2022)

Biallelic mutations in PINK1/PRKN cause recessive Parkinson’s disease. Given the established role of PINK1/Parkin in regulating mitochondrial dynamics, we explored mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity and ... [more ▼]

Biallelic mutations in PINK1/PRKN cause recessive Parkinson’s disease. Given the established role of PINK1/Parkin in regulating mitochondrial dynamics, we explored mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity and inflammation as disease modifiers in carriers of mutations in these genes. MtDNA integrity was investigated in a large collection of biallelic (n = 84) and monoallelic (n = 170) carriers of PINK1/PRKN mutations, idiopathic Parkinson’s disease patients (n = 67) and controls (n = 90). In addition, we studied global gene expression and serum cytokine levels in a subset. Affected and unaffected PINK1/PRKN monoallelic mutation carriers can be distinguished by heteroplasmic mtDNA variant load (AUC = 0.83, CI:0.74-0.93). Biallelic PINK1/PRKN mutation carriers harbor more heteroplasmic mtDNA variants in blood (p = 0.0006, Z = 3.63) compared to monoallelic mutation carriers. This enrichment was confirmed in iPSC-derived (controls, n = 3; biallelic PRKN mutation carriers, n = 4) and postmortem (control, n = 1; biallelic PRKN mutation carrier, n = 1) midbrain neurons. Lastly, the heteroplasmic mtDNA variant load correlated with IL6 levels in PINK1/PRKN mutation carriers (r = 0.57, p = 0.0074). PINK1/PRKN mutations predispose individuals to mtDNA variant accumulation in a dose- and disease-dependent manner. [less ▲]

Delorme’s intertwining conditions for sections of homogeneous vector bundles on two- and three-dimensional hyperbolic spaces

in Annals of Global Analysis and Geometry (2022), 63(9),

The description of the Paley-Wiener space for compactly supported smooth functions C_c^∞(G) on a semi-simple Lie group G involves certain intertwining conditions that are difficult to handle. In the ... [more ▼]

The description of the Paley-Wiener space for compactly supported smooth functions C_c^∞(G) on a semi-simple Lie group G involves certain intertwining conditions that are difficult to handle. In the present paper, we make them completely explicit for G = SL(2, R)^d (d ∈ N) and G = SL(2, C). Our results are based on a defining criterion for the Paley-Wiener space, valid for general groups of real rank one, that we derive from Delorme’s proof of the Paley-Wiener theorem. In a forthcoming paper, we will show how these results can be used to study solvability of invariant differential operators between sections of homogeneous vector bundles over the corresponding symmetric spaces. [less ▲]

Curvature in Biological Systems: Its quantification, Emergence and Implications Across the Scales

in Advanced Materials (2022)

Surface curvature both emerges from, and influences the behavior of, living objects at length scales ranging from cell membranes to single cells to tissues and organs. The relevance of surface curvature ... [more ▼]

Surface curvature both emerges from, and influences the behavior of, living objects at length scales ranging from cell membranes to single cells to tissues and organs. The relevance of surface curvature in biology has been supported by numerous recent experimental and theoretical investigations in recent years. In this review, we first give a brief introduction to the key ideas of surface curvature in the context of biological systems and discuss the challenges that arise when measuring surface curvature. Giving an overview of the emergence of curvature in biological systems, its significance at different length scales becomes apparent. On the other hand, summarizing current findings also shows that both single cells and entire cell sheets, tissues or organisms respond to curvature by modulating their shape and their migration behavior. Finally, we address the interplay between the distribution of morphogens or micro-organisms and the emergence of curvature across length scales with examples demonstrating these key mechanistic principles of morphogenesis. Overall, this review highlights that curved interfaces are not merely a passive by-product of the chemical, biological and mechanical processes but that curvature acts also as a signal that co-determines these processes. [less ▲]

Physical Layer Security in AF-Based Cooperative SWIPT Sensor Networks

in IEEE Sensors Journal (2022)

Physical layer security (PLS) with radio-frequency (RF) energy harvesting (EH) in wireless sensor networks has received significant interest as a technology for secure information transmission and ... [more ▼]

Physical layer security (PLS) with radio-frequency (RF) energy harvesting (EH) in wireless sensor networks has received significant interest as a technology for secure information transmission and prolonging the network lifetime as well as improving energy efficiency. This paper investigates PLS for a simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) cooperative network, which consists of multiple sensor sources, one EH relay (R), and one destination (D) in the presence of one eavesdropper (E). Further, a low-complexity, suboptimal, yet efficient sensor source selection scheme is proposed. Specifically, one sensor source is chosen to transmit information to the relay and destination such that it obtains the best channel from sensor sources to the relay. Then, by considering two relaying strategies, termed the direct link plus static power splitting-based relaying (SPSR) and direct link plus optimal dynamic power splitting-based relaying (ODPSR), the performance analysis in terms of intercept probability (IP) and outage probability (OP) are carried out for each one. Notably, the eavesdropper and destination utilize maximal ratio combining (MRC) to incorporate the received signals from the selected sensor source and the relay, which poses new challenges in obtaining the analytical expressions. In this context, we derive analytical expressions for the OP (for SPSR and ODPSR) at the destination and the IP (for SPSR) at the eavesdropper by adopting the series representation of the modified Bessel function. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to validate the theoretical analysis and the proposed schemes’ effectiveness. Simulation results show the superiority of our scheme compared to the benchmarks. [less ▲]

Inkommunikabilität. Medienpädagogische Praktiken der Entnetzung

in merzWissenschaft (2022), (6), 60-72

In the network society, the sovereign subject of classical education theory is revealed as a result of multi-layered forms of subjectivation. Networks, however, always also produce the experience of the ... [more ▼]

In the network society, the sovereign subject of classical education theory is revealed as a result of multi-layered forms of subjectivation. Networks, however, always also produce the experience of the constitutive limitations of communication. This article therefore proposes the systematic integration of the concept of incommunicability into the theory of media education. If we focus on the Other of connectivity that resonates in every networking operation, then a virtual, passive subject emerges, with contours that cannot be reduced to the evidence of its participation in the network. [less ▲]

The Latest Amendment to the German Law on Patent Injunctions: The New Statutory Disproportionality Exception and Third-Party Interests

in Gewerblicher Rechtsschutz und Urheberrecht. Internationaler Teil (2022)