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This article considers the Court of Justice of the European Union's assessment and regulation of risks of discrimination in the context of algorithmic profiling based on Passenger Name Records data (PNR data). On the June 21, 2022 the court delivered a landmark judgment in Ligue des Droits Humains pertaining to discrimination and algorithmic profiling in a border security context. The CJEU identifies and seeks to regulate several risks of discrimination in relation to the automated processing of PNR data, the manual review of the results of this processing, and the resulting decisions taken by competent authorities. It interpreted whether the PNR Directive that lays down the legal basis for such profiling was compatible with the fundamental right to privacy, the right to data protection, and the right to non-discrimination. In its judgment, the CJEU seems to insufficiently assess various risks of discrimination. In particular, it overlooks risks relating to data quality and representativeness, automation bias, and practical difficulties in identifying discrimination. The judges also seem to prescribe safeguards against discrimination without guidance as to how to ensure their uniform and effective implementation. Such shortcomings can be observed in relation to ensuring the non-discriminatory nature of law enforcement databases, preventing indirectly discriminatory profiling practices based on collected PNR data, and configuring effective human-in-the-loop and transparency safeguards. This landmark judgement represents an important step in addressing algorithmic discrimination through CJEU adjudication. However, the CJEUs inability to sufficiently address the risks of discrimination in the context of algorithmic profiling based on the PNR Directive raises a broader concern. Namely, whether the CJEU is adequately equipped to combat algorithmic discrimination in the broader realm of European border security where algorithmic profiling is becoming increasingly commonplace.

Abstract Background Occasionally, patients show dramatic recovery from disorders of consciousness (DOC) under intrathecal baclofen (ITB), an established treatment option for severe supraspinal spasticity. Anecdotal explanations for ITB‐related recovery of cognition include modulation of afferent impulses at the spinal level, thereby reducing spasticity‐related proprioceptive information overload within cortico–thalamo–cortical connections. Objective In this retrospective patient chart analysis, we assessed whether a reduction in spasticity would be associated with an increase in Coma Recovery Scale revised (CRS‐R) scores in a larger sample of patients than previously published. Methods From a hospital‐based ITB treatment register, we extracted data from 26 patients with DOC and severe supraspinal spasticity who improved by >2 points on the Coma Recovery Scale revised (CRS‐R) within 6 months after ITB treatment initiation. We assessed Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) scores and CRS‐R scores on admission (PRE) and 3 and 6 months after initiation of ITB treatment (3M, 6M). We performed correlation analysis of the scores and their respective changes (PRE to 3M, 3M to 6M). We also correlated the time from acute event until ITB initiation to CRS‐R scores at 3M and 6M. Results ITB led to significant improvement in spasticity based on MAS scores, which did not correlate to the improvements seen in CRS‐R total and subscale scores. Daily ITB dose did neither correlate to MAS scores nor to CRS‐total scores in the whole patient group, but after 3 months, ITB dose correlated to some CRS‐R subscale scores in some patient subgroups. Time until ITB treatment did not correlate to CRS‐R scores later on. Conclusions Our data confirm that ITB may exert beneficial effects in selected DOC patients with respect to improved cognitive functions, which, however, do not correlate to its antispastic effect. The lack of correlation between time to ITB and CRS‐R outcome, but significant CRS‐R improvements following pump implantation, renders spontaneous remissions unlikely and leaves room for alternative pharmacological mechanisms.

The exposure to irradiation from high‐energy particles alters the reflectance properties of asteroid surfaces and is referred to as space weathering. This process leads to an increase in spectral slope in visible and near‐infrared wavelengths. However, changes in the regolith particle size, which can vary dramatically among the asteroid population, are known to influence the spectral properties of meteorites and asteroids. In this context, we investigate the changes in spectral slope and absorption band depths of fresh and irradiated ordinary chondrite meteorites to quantitatively compare the effects of space weathering and grain size variations. To do so, we develop and employ the Spectral Analysis for Asteroid Reflectance Investigation routine that calculates the band parameters of reflectance spectra. We then formulate a parameter called the Space Weathering Index (SWI) that is designed to encapsulate spectral changes due to space weathering. We find that the SWI is strongly dependent on the spectral slope which complicates the interpretation of asteroid spectra in the context of grain size variations and space weathering. We also show that a second parameter, the Band Depth Index, is indicative of petrologic type. Finally, we use a linear discriminant analysis to classify asteroid reflectance spectra into H, L, LL, and unequilibrated ordinary chondrites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spacecraft missions to asteroids have revealed surfaces that have variations in albedo and spectral properties. Such variations are also detected across the asteroid population with ground‐based observations, and are controlled by the physical characteristics of the regolith and by processes such as space weathering. Here, we investigate how space weathering and regolith grain size influence the spectra of ordinary chondrite‐like asteroids observed from ground‐based spectroscopy. The estimation of diagnostic band parameters from asteroid visible and near‐infrared reflectance spectra allow us to estimate the degree of space weathering and their compositions, using results from an accompanying study (MacLennan et al., 2024). We use grain size estimations gleaned from the thermal inertia to show that regolith particle size differences have similar effect as space weathering on asteroid spectra. Finally, we quantify changes in spectral slope and band depth among asteroids using the space weathering index developed by MacLennan et al (2024), and reassess the importance of previously‐proposed surface freshening mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Margin acts as ground to receive the figure of the text. Margin is initially unreadable, but as suggested by gestalt studies, may be reversed, or regrounded. A humanities course, "Native American Architecture and Place," was created for a polytechnic student population, looking to place as an inroad for access to the margins of a better understanding of Native American/First Nations peoples, and to challenge students to recognize the multiple realities of place through a study of Indigenous place from the People's conceptions and into contemporary society. Place is specific, and develops from competing recognitions of, and reciprocities with, a common givenness. This form of construction and recognition gathers locations, landscape, and architectural constructions, across a myriad of scales and is authenticated via collateral oral, ritual, and material culture as a rich, visceral lifeworld. The author's personal and philosophic paths that led to place are discussed as well as pedagogy used within the course, including sessions led by Northern Chumash and Playano Salinan Elders.

Ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of 2-methylallyl radical from the 3p Rydberg state were investigated in the wavelength region of 226–244 nm using the high-n Rydberg atom time-of-flight (HRTOF) technique. The 2-methylallyl radicals were generated by 193 nm photolysis of 3-chloro-2-methyl-1-propene precursors. The photofragment yield spectrum of H-atom products increases in intensity with decreasing wavelengths in 226–244 nm. The TOF spectra of H-atom products show a bimodal structure. The predominant product channel (with ∼98% branching ratio) has a kinetic energy release peaking at ∼7 kcal/mol, with an average ratio of ET in the total available energy, (fT), of ∼0.18 in 226–244 nm and an isotropic product angular distribution. At the low ET, isotropic component is from statistical unimolecular decomposition of highly vibrationally excited hot 2-methylallyl to the methylenecyclopropane+H products, following internal conversion from the excited electronic state. The minor product channel (with ∼2% branching ratio) has a large kinetic energy peaking at ∼50 kcal/mol, with (fT)≈0.63 and an anisotropic angular distribution (β≈−0.2). At the high ET, anisotropic component is non-statistical and is postulated to be from direct loss of H atom via the 3p Rydberg state or repulsive part of the ground state to the 1,3-butadiene+H products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the complications of dual placement of an intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in people with severe brain injury. Design: Case series. Setting: Referral center, ambulatory, and hospitalized care. Participants: Referred sample (N=9) composed of 5 men and 4 women with severe brain injuries (5 traumatic brain injuries, 3 subarachnoid hemorrhages, 1 intracerebral hemorrhage) and a mean disease duration of 6±4.5 years (range, 0.5-11.4y). Intervention: Both systems (ie, an ITB device and a VPS system) were implanted in all participants. Main Outcome Measures: We assessed the number and type of complications that occurred after implantation of the second system, as well as subsequent interventions. Results: The ITB delivery system was implanted after the VPS system in 5 patients (ITB group), and the VPS system was the second implanted system in 4 groups (VPS group). Seven complications occurred in 7 patients after implantation of the second system, 4 in the ITB group and 3 in the VPS group. Three of the complications were drug-related, 2 were procedure-related, and 2 were device-related. The complication occurred within 4 days after implantation of the second system in 6 patients. Conclusions: Complications are frequent in patients who undergo implantation of both an ITB delivery device and a VPS system. Drug-related complications were more common. Complications occurred more often when an ITB device was implanted as the second system. The critical period is the first 4 days.

A incidência de falência hepática fulminante de etiologia medicamentosa tem aumentado. Entre as drogas envolvidas, encontram-se antibióticos, como rifampicina e dapsona, envolvidos no tratamento da hanseníase. A síndrome de hipersensibilidade à dapsona (SHD) é uma reação adversa rara, caracterizada por febre, dermatite esfoliativa, linfadenopatia, anemia e acometimento hepático, que inclui necrose de hepatócitos e colestase. A falência hepática aguda decorrente da SHD pode ser indicação de transplante de fígado emergencial, condição pouco relatada na literatura. Foram analisados dados pré e pós-operatórios do paciente, com apoio na bibliografia atual, através de busca não sistematizada nas plataformas PubMed e Scielo. Paciente do sexo masculino, 23 anos, admitido em serviço de referência, após realizar terapia combinada para hanseníase virchowiana (dapsona, rifampicina, clofazimina), por cerca de 30 dias, evoluiu com quadro grave de icterícia progressiva, anemia, coagulopatia e encefalopatia grau IV (critérios de West-Haven), além de aumento importante de enzimas hepáticas e lesão renal aguda. O paciente foi listado para transplante hepático, com escore MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) 40, realizando-se a cirurgia pela técnica piggyback, enxerto de doador falecido. A melhora clínica foi substancial, após o procedimento. Avaliação histopatológica do fígado explantado evidenciou sinais compatíveis com quadro agudo de hepatite medicamentosa. Apesar de raramente indicado em casos de hepatite fulminante associada à SHD, o transplante hepático tem se mostrado eficaz e possibilitado melhor prognóstico aos pacientes terminais. O presente caso alerta para a necessidade de acompanhamento clínico e laboratorial de pacientes em tratamento para hanseníase, além de orientá-los em relação aos sinais e sintomas da SHD, tendo em vista suas repercussões potencialmente fatais.

Learning from control deficits in the childcare benefits scandal: A plea for multi-level analysis in law and policy research The Dutch childcare benefits scandal has attracted much attention from law and policy scholars in recent years. The scandal stands out not only because of its disastrous outcomes, but also because of a toxic combination of errors on multiple levels of government. In this essay, the authors make a plea for a reappraisal of multi-level analysis in law and policy research. The importance of such an approach is demonstrated through an examination of 'control deficits' in the childcare benefits scandal, with attention for the state, organizational and individual levels of government. This yields conclusions about control deficits in the digital welfare state, as well as a number of broader reflections on the value of multi-level analysis in the study and practice of government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-domain antibodies, also known as nanobodies, are broadly important for studying the structure and conformational states of several classes of proteins, including membrane proteins, enzymes, and amyloidogenic proteins. Conformational nanobodies specific for aggregated conformations of amyloidogenic proteins are particularly needed to better target and study aggregates associated with a growing class of associated diseases, especially neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. However, there are few reported nanobodies with both conformational and sequence specificity for amyloid aggregates, especially for large and complex proteins such as the tau protein associated with Alzheimer's disease, due to difficulties in selecting nanobodies that bind to complex aggregated proteins. Here, we report the selection of conformational nanobodies that selectively recognize aggregated (fibrillar) tau relative to soluble (monomeric) tau. Notably, we demonstrate that these nanobodies can be directly isolated from immune libraries using quantitative flow cytometric sorting of yeast-displayed libraries against tau aggregates conjugated to quantum dots, and this process eliminates the need for secondary nanobody screening. The isolated nanobodies demonstrate conformational specificity for tau aggregates in brain samples from both a transgenic mouse model and human tauopathies. We expect that our facile approach will be broadly useful for isolating conformational nanobodies against diverse amyloid aggregates and other complex antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodissociation dynamics of the jet-cooled n-butyl radical via the 3s Rydberg state and the s-butyl radical via the 3p Rydberg states in the ultraviolet region of 233 nm–258 nm, as well as the t-butyl radical via the 3d Rydberg states at 226 nm–244 nm, are studied using the high-n Rydberg atom time-of-flight technique. The H-atom photofragment yield spectra of the n-butyl, s-butyl, and t-butyl radicals show a broad feature centered around 247 nm, 244 nm, and 234 nm, respectively. The translational energy distributions of the H + C4H8 products, P(ET)'s, of the three radicals are bimodal, with a slow (low ET) component peaking at ∼6 kcal/mol and a fast (high ET) component peaking at ∼52 kcal/mol–57 kcal/mol, ∼43 kcal/mol, and ∼37 kcal/mol for n-butyl, s-butyl, and t-butyl, respectively. The fraction of the products' translational energy in the available energy, ⟨ fT⟩, is 0.31, 0.30, and 0.27 for n-butyl, s-butyl, and t-butyl, respectively. The H-atom product angular distributions of the slow component are isotropic for all three radicals, while those of the fast component are anisotropic for n-butyl and s-butyl with an anisotropy parameter β ∼ 0.7 and ∼ 0.3 and that of the fast component of t-butyl is nearly isotropic. The bimodal product translational energy and angular distributions indicate two dissociation pathways to the H + C4H8 products in these three radicals, a direct, prompt dissociation on the repulsive potential energy surface coupling with the Rydberg excited states, and a unimolecular dissociation of the hot radical on the ground electronic state after internal conversion from the Rydberg states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Milky Way is used by nocturnal flying and walking insects for maintaining heading while navigating. In this study, we have explored the feasibility of the method for machine vision systems on autonomous vehicles by measuring the visual features and characteristics of the Milky Way. We also consider the conditions under which the Milky Way is used by insects and the sensory systems that support their detection of the Milky Way. Using a combination of simulated and real Milky Way imagery, we demonstrate that appropriate computer vision methods are capable of reliably and accurately extracting the orientation of the Milky Way under an unobstructed night sky. The technique presented achieves angular accuracy of better then ± 2 ° under moderate light pollution conditions but also demonstrates that higher light pollution levels will adversely effect orientation estimates by systems depending on the Milky Way for navigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Murky Waters of Algorithmic Profiling: Examining discrimination in the digitalized enforcement of social security policy In the Netherlands, organizations tasked with investigating and sanctioning social security fraud often use algorithmic profiling technologies. Despite the potential benefits, such technologies are not immune to risks, such as discrimination. A lack of clarity in the translation of non-discrimination legislation into practice entails that organizations are tasked with engaging and operationalizing this legislation ex-ante through the identification and mitigation of risks of discrimination. This paper explores the question: How does the use of algorithmic profiling technologies lead to discrimination and can social security organizations mitigate these risks? In order to answer this question, the theoretical framework of the algorithmic lifecycle is used to identify risks of discrimination in the design, implementation, and use of algorithmic profiling technologies. In particular, semi-structured interviews with experts and the Dutch Childcare Benefits Scandal case are used to identify risks of discrimination and examine how they interact to produce discriminatory outcomes in practice. The findings demonstrate that discrimination is the result of a complex interaction of unmitigated risks throughout the algorithmic lifecycle of profiling technologies. This highlights the importance of taking a lifecycle approach to the identification and mitigation of risks of discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric motors and generators underpin life in today's world. They are numerous and widespread and consume approximately 45% of the world's energy. Any improvements in efficiency or reductions in their whole-of-life costs are actively and continually being sought. While designs accommodate the removal of heat caused by internal losses because of inefficiencies, temperature variations due to load changes and environmental temperature fluctuations, and system harmonic content still stresses electrical insulation systems. This causes the fretting of insulation, combined with moisture ingress, which leads to leakage currents and, consequently, the early failure of the electrical insulation. This paper explores the addition of thermoelectric coolers/heaters (TECs) or Peltier effect devices. We show that these solid-state devices can actively support the thermal management of a motor by keeping its internals hot, reducing moisture ingress when off, and assisting in heat removal when under load, resulting in a more thermally stable internal environment. A thermally stable environment inside the electrical machine reduces the mechanical stresses on the electrical insulation, resulting in a longer operational life and reducing the whole-of-life costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma-related hemorrhagic shock (HS) remains a leading cause of death among military and civilian trauma patients. We have previously shown that administration of complement and HMGB1 inhibitors attenuate morbidity and mortality 24 h after injury in a rat model of blast injury (BI) and HS. To further validate these results, this study aimed to develop a swine model and evaluate BI+HS-induced pathophysiology. Anesthetized Yucatan minipigs underwent combined BI and volume-controlled hemorrhage. After 30 min of shock, animals received an intravenous bolus of PlasmaLyte A and a continuous PlasmaLyte A infusion. The survival rate was 80% (4/5), and the non-survivor expired 72 min post-BI. Circulating organ-functional biomarkers, inflammatory biomarkers, histopathological evaluation, and CT scans indicated evidence of multiple-organ damage, systemic innate immunological activation, and local tissue inflammation in the injured animals. Interestingly, a rapid and dramatic increase in plasma levels of HMGB1 and C3a and markedly early myocarditis and encephalitis were associated with early death post-BI+HS. This study suggests that this model reflects the immunopathological alterations of polytrauma in humans during shock and prolonged damage control resuscitation. This experimental protocol could be helpful in the assessment of immunological damage control resuscitation approaches during the prolonged care of warfighters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical insulation failure is the most common failure mechanism in electrical machines (motors and generators). High temperatures and/or temperature gradients (HTTG) are the main drivers of insulation failure in electrical machines. HTTG combine with and augment other destructive effects from over-voltage, to voltage transients, overload and load variations, poor construction techniques, and thermal cycling. These operating conditions cause insulation damage that leads to electrical insulation failure. The insulation failure process is greatly accelerated by pollutants and moisture absorption. A simple and robust way to reduce HTTG and moisture adsorption is by maintaining constant internal temperatures. The current method to maintain elevated internal temperatures and reduce condensation issues is by internal electrical heating elements. This paper examines the effectiveness of applying thermoelectric coolers (TECs), solid-state heat pumps (Peltier devices), as heaters to raise a motor's internal temperature by pumping heat into the motor core rather than heating the internal air. TEC technology is relatively new, and the application of TECs to heat a motor's internal volume has not previously been explored. In this paper, we explore the hypothesis that TECs can pump heat into a motor when out of service, reducing the HTTG by maintaining high winding slot temperatures and eliminating condensation issues. This paper describes a test motor setup with simple resistive heating (traditional method), compared with the application of TECs with heat sinks, heat pipes, and a water circulation heat exchanger, to gauge the capability of TECs to heat the inner core or winding area. In this paper, we demonstrate the full integration of TECs into a motor. The results show that each of the systems incorporating the TECs would effectively pump heat into the core and keep the winding hot, eliminating condensation issues and water ingress due to thermal cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychological, social and lifestyle (multidimensional) factors predict low back pain (LBP). The Short Form Örebro Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (SFÖQ) helps clinicians identify these factors in people with LBP and was mandated in a physiotherapy department at one NHS Hospital Trust in the UK. This study examined (i) use of the SFÖQ by physiotherapists with varying levels of clinical experience; (ii) whether psychological, social, and lifestyle factors were documented in patient records; and (iii) physiotherapists views on using the SFÖQ, and screening for these factors. A retrospective audit of the physiotherapy records of 100 people referred with LBP. Eighty-one patient records were eligible for analysis. The SFÖQ was completed in 52 records. Fourteen of the completed SFÖQ's were used by physiotherapists. Screening for, and documentation of, multidimensional factors varied between factors ((i) psychological: cognitive (20%), emotional (26%); (ii) social (41%) and (iii) lifestyle (62%)). 67% of the most senior physiotherapists screened and documented emotional factors. Physiotherapists identified a lack of training, confidence and time as barriers to screening for multidimensional factors and using the SFÖQ. Physiotherapists rarely used the SFÖQ and did not consistently screen or document multidimensional factors. However, more senior physiotherapists more consistently screened and documented emotional factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primitive achondrites of the acapulcoite–lodranite clan (ALC) are residues of partial melting that displays a continuum of thermal metamorphism and partial melting most likely set by burial depth within an internally heated, primordial acapulcoite–lodranite parent body (ALPB). New major and trace element data from eight ALC meteorites and the application of several thermometric methods suggest that the ALPB was affected by partial differentiation disrupted by rapid cooling from peak, magmatic temperatures. Application of rare earth element‐in‐two‐pyroxene thermometry recovers temperatures of 1125–1250 °C for lodranites, while two‐pyroxene solvus and Ca‐in‐olivine thermometry recover lower temperatures for ALC meteorites (941–1114 °C and 686–850 °C, respectively). Major and trace element disequilibrium in acapulcoite and transitional groups provides evidence for cryptic melt infiltration and melt rock reaction within these layers of the ALPB. From lodranites, we determined rapid cooling rates of ~1 to ~26 °C yr−1 from peak temperatures, consistent with collisional fragmentation of the parent body during differentiation. After this initial period of rapid cooling, cooling rates decreased by two to four orders of magnitude through Ca‐in‐olivine closure temperatures (~750 °C). We hypothesize that the primordial ALPB possessed an onion shell‐type layered structure that was disrupted by collisional breakup during partial differentiation. Thermal modeling suggests that ALC samples originate from ~300 m to ~10 km radius collisional fragments that cooled rapidly over time scales of several to ~20,000 yr, then reaccreted to form a slower cooling, second‐generation rubble‐pile asteroid. The source of ALC meteorites is a second‐generation (or later) rubble‐pile body of S‐type spectral class located near the Jupiter 3:1 mean motion resonance in the Main Belt of asteroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the application of thermoelectric cooler/heater (TEC) modules (Peltier heat pumps devices) to control core and winding temperatures, aiming to reduce the effects of thermal cycling and moisture issues that affect the life of electrical machines. Electrical windings in a motor will fail for a variety of reasons, and a major contributor to adverse effects of a motor's life is humidity. Due to thermal cycling, air containing moisture is drawn into a motor through a variety of access points such as terminal boxes, bearings, end covers and mounting systems. Even spare or replacement motors specially stored in heated spare equipment stores suffer from moisture ingress because of normal daily temperature changes. The better a machine can be kept warm, the less it is affected by moisture and the effects of mechanical stresses from cycling temperatures. A series of experiments were conducted, whereby a TEC was attached to a section of motor core and was set up to pump heat into the core segment. The thermal properties of the core material and the capacity to control winding temperatures along the core in specific locations and over time was measured. The results of this research demonstrate that the temperature of the motor can be tightly controlled, thus enabling the reduction of the effects of moisture, and reducing core and winding temperature differences. This has a positive influence in reducing the thermal stresses, which will result in improved insulation life and machine reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]