Search Results (534)

This study explores the challenges and theoretical transformations that the widespread application of AI technology in social governance brings to the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights. By examining typical cases in judicial assistance, technology-enabled law enforcement, and welfare supervision, it explains how AI characteristics such as algorithmic opacity, data bias, and automated decision-making affect fundamental rights including due process, equal protection, and privacy. The article traces the historical evolution of privacy theory from physical space protection to informational self-determination and further to modern data rights, pointing out the inadequacy of traditional rights-protection paradigms in addressing the characteristics of AI technology. Through analyzing AI-governance models in the European Union, the United States, Northeast Asia, and international organizations, it demonstrates diverse governance approaches ranging from systematic risk regulation to decentralized industry regulation. With a special focus on China, the article analyzes the special challenges faced in AI governance and proposes specific recommendations for improving AI-governance paths. The article argues that only within the track of the rule of law, through continuous theoretical innovation, institutional construction, and international cooperation, can AI technology development be ensured to serve human dignity, freedom, and fair justice. Full article

Like in many countries, the transfer of increased land value created by public actions without landowner contributions back to the public is under debate in Türkiye. Although various Land Value Capture (LVC) mechanisms are employed worldwide to finance infrastructure investments, no comprehensive system has been established in Türkiye for this purpose. In this study, an improved LVC model that integrates land value and development rights is proposed. This model, termed Hybrid Land Readjustment (hLR), is designed to ensure that land value increases triggered by public investments are returned to the public. To this end, existing Turkish value capture instruments with potential are examined. Under the proposed hLR framework, equal basic development rights are granted to cadastral parcels, parcel and building-block value maps are utilized, basic rights are adjusted according to land-value changes, and a portion of additional development rights is transferred to the public. A practical application scenario is provided to illustrate the model’s operation. The system is configured for seamless integration into Türkiye’s existing legal and planning framework, offering a sustainable mechanism for financing infrastructure and implementing zoning plans. Full article

Malignant mediastinal tumors are a group representing some of the most demanding oncological challenges for early, multi-level, and successful management. The timely identification of any suspicious clinical symptomatology is urgent in achieving an accurate, staged histological diagnosis, in order to follow up with an equally detailed medical therapeutic plan (interventional or not) and determine the principal goals regarding efficient overall treatment in these patients. We report a case of a 24-year-old male patient with an incident-free prior medical history. An initial chest X-ray was performed after the patient reported short-term, consistent moderate chest pain symptomatology, early work fatigue, and shortness of breath. The following imaging procedures (chest CT, PET-CT) indicated the presence of an anterior mediastinal mass (meas. ~11 cm × 10 cm × 13 cm, SUV: 8.7), applying additional pressure upon both right heart chambers. The Alpha-Fetoprotein (aFP) blood levels had exceeded at least 50 times their normal range. Two consecutive diagnostic attempts with non-specific histological results, a negative-for-malignancy fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA-biopsy), and an additional tumor biopsy, performed via mini anterior (R) thoracotomy with “suspicious” cellular gatherings, were performed elsewhere. After admission to our department, an (R) Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) was performed, along with multiple tumor biopsies and moderate pleural effusion drainage. The tumor’s measurements had increased to DMax: 16 cm × 9 cm × 13 cm, with a severe degree of atelectasis of the Right Lower Lobe parenchyma (RLL) and a pressure-displacement effect upon the Superior Vena Cava (SVC) and the (R) heart sinus, based on data from the preoperative chest MRA. The histological report indicated elements of a combined, non-seminomatous germ-cell mediastinal tumor, posthuberal-type teratoma, and embryonal carcinoma. The imminent chemotherapeutic plan included a “BEP” (Bleomycin^®/Cisplatin^®/Etoposide^®) scheme, which needed to be modified to a “VIP” (Cisplatin^®/Etoposide^®/Ifosfamide^®) scheme, due to an acute pulmonary embolism incident. While the aFP blood levels declined, even reaching normal measurements, the tumor’s size continued to increase significantly (DMax: 28 cm × 25 cm × 13 cm), with severe localized pressure effects, rapid weight loss, and a progressively worsening clinical status. Thus, an emergency surgical intervention took place via median sternotomy, extended with a complementary “T-Shaped” mini anterior (R) thoracotomy. A large, approx. 4 Kg mediastinal tumor was extracted, with additional RML and RUL “en-bloc” segmentectomy and partial mediastinal pleura decortication. The following histological results, apart from verifying the already-known posthuberal-type teratoma, indicated additional scattered small lesions of combined high-grade rabdomyosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma, as well as numerous high-grade glioblastoma cellular gatherings. No visible findings of the previously discovered non-seminomatous germ-cell and embryonal carcinoma elements were found. The patient’s postoperative status progressively improved, allowing therapeutic management to continue with six “TIP” (Cisplatin^®/Paclitaxel^®/Ifosfamide^®) sessions, currently under his regular “follow-up” from the oncological team. This report underlines the importance of early, accurate histological identification, combined with any necessary surgical intervention, diagnostic or therapeutic, as well as the appliance of any subsequent multimodality management plan. The diversity of mediastinal tumors, especially for young patients, leaves no place for complacency. Such rare examples may manifest, with equivalent, unpredictable evolution, obliging clinical physicians to stay constantly alert and not take anything for granted. Full article

This article examines the accessibility of public space for individuals with disabilities in the Netherlands, as well as the relevant legal frameworks intended to promote accessibility. It discusses the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) and efforts to implement its provisions at the local level. The article first provides an overview of Dutch legislation and regulations concerning accessibility in public spaces. It then presents an analysis of the experiences of individuals with disabilities in navigating streets and pavements in two Dutch cities, Utrecht and Almere. The central question is to what extent equal participation in public space has been realised. The findings indicate that national legislation remains inadequate in addressing the accessibility of streets and pavements. Despite the constitutional amendment in January 2023, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disability, substantive equality is largely dependent on the individual policies and bylaws of the 342 municipalities. The involvement of individuals with disabilities in shaping the inclusive use of public space is therefore crucial at the local level. This article highlights local initiatives that have successfully drawn the attention of municipal policymakers and civil servants to the importance of accessible streets. Full article

The promotion of sustainable schools is an important criterion for the promotion of ecological protection and the transformation of today’s society into a more sustainable one. The early childhood environment is believed to provide the ideal foundation for fostering values and attitudes related to sustainable education and promoting pro-environmental behaviors. The main goal of this study is to explore educators’ perceptions and expectations regarding the role of sustainable schools in shaping the environmental awareness and behavior of young children. A pilot study was carried out in the context of quantitative research on Preschool Teachers of Primary Education. Research results indicate that a Sustainable School (SS), beyond the curriculum, must promote issues of environmental awareness, culture, equality, natural resource management, and human rights. Also, it was seen that a modern school should provide Educators with new training opportunities in teaching methods that are based on sustainability principles and promote sustainability skills. Students’ acquisition of environmental knowledge can positively influence pro-environmental behavior and increase the likelihood of engaging in sustainable practices to protect the environment. Full article

Standard arguments for open borders draw on cosmopolitan premises. By contrast, statism as a theory of global justice seems to be at odds with open borders. If states are only responsible for protecting the autonomy of citizens and do not owe foreigners equal consideration of their claims, it appears to follow that they may legitimately exclude unwanted immigrants as long as their human rights are not at stake. In this article, I argue that one can be a statist and still defend open borders. Even though moral equality gives rise to demands of distributive justice only in the context of shared subjection to the authority of the state, such that foreigners are not entitled to equal treatment, moral equality demands that the state shows equal respect for their autonomy. Immigration restrictions that are not aimed at protecting the autonomy of citizens are incompatible with equal respect for foreigners’ autonomy, since they subject the latter to unilateral coercion without it being necessary for the former to lead autonomous lives. Full article

Turkey, a country with a unique blend of traditional and modern lifestyles, has made significant progress in promoting gender equality and is recognized as a pioneer in advancing women’s rights in the region. However, despite these advances, gender inequalities persist in various respects. This study aims to examine gender perception in a Turkish sample. Employing a cross-sectional and descriptive research design, the study was conducted with 1053 literate participants aged 18 and above who volunteered. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form and the gender perception scale. The findings suggest that gender perception in Turkey is shifting toward a more egalitarian perspective, reflecting a departure from traditional norms. Several key factors were identified as contributors to this transformation, including education level, employment status, urbanization, socio-economic background, and geographical region of residence. These variables play a critical role in shaping gender perceptions and fostering societal change. By analyzing and contextualizing the results, this study offers valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of gender norms in Turkey. It underscores the importance of continued efforts to promote gender equality and serves as a foundation for future research on the sociocultural dynamics influencing gender perceptions. Full article

This study investigates the evaluation of housing policies for migrants in China, focusing on the interplay between rental and purchase decisions under the rent-and-purchase policy (RPP) framework. Employing a system dynamics model, we simulate migrant housing choices from 2001 to 2023 and forecast market trends from 2024 to 2030. The results indicate that RPPs significantly improve housing quality and reduce costs for migrants by mitigating institutional disparities and market distortions. Scenario analyses demonstrate that a coordinated approach combining supply-side interventions (e.g., affordable housing expansion) with rights-based policies (e.g., equalizing renter and buyer rights) effectively balances affordability and demand stability. The findings emphasize the critical role of addressing rights inequalities and advocate for a holistic policy framework to tackle migrant housing challenges, offering actionable insights for policymakers in system science and urban planning. Full article

This paper explores the under-researched phenomenon of queer migration in Croatia, Lithuania, and Poland—three post-communist, Catholic-majority countries. Drawing on existing studies in the literature and empirical data, it examines how prevailing social conservatism—shaped by the influence of Catholicism and the distinct developmental trajectories of these countries—is reflected in research on queer migration. Although limited, the current body of knowledge confirms that concerns over LGBTQIA+ rights are a factor motivating emigration. The three examples illustrate how queer migration must be analyzed within the complex interplay between Europeanization and liberalization, and the backlash against these processes. This backlash, prominently supported by the Catholic Church, includes resistance to gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights. By critically engaging with existing research, the paper underscores the need for future studies—particularly those investigating the gap between legal protections and prevailing social attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ individuals, the relationship between human rights backlashes and queer migration, the intersections between spatial context and personal biographies, and the connection between the queer migration and recent immigration waves in these countries. Full article

Blasting-induced seismic waves are typically nonlinear and non-stationary signals. The EMD-Hilbert transform is commonly used for time–frequency analysis of such signals. However, during the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) processing of blasting-induced seismic waves, endpoint effects occur, resulting in varying degrees of divergence in the obtained intrinsic mode function (IMF) components at both ends. The further application of the Hilbert transform to these endpoint-divergent IMFs yield artificial time–frequency analysis results, adversely impacting the assessment of blasting-induced seismic wave hazards. This paper proposes an improved EMD endpoint effect suppression algorithm that considers local endpoint development trends, global time distribution, energy matching, and waveform matching. The method first analyzes global temporal characteristics and endpoint amplitude variations to obtain left and right endpoint extension signal fragment S(t)_L and S(t)_R. Using these as references, the original signal is divided into “b” equal segments S(t)₁, S(t)₂ … S(t)_b. Energy matching and waveform matching functions are then established to identify signal fragments S(t)_i and S(t)_j that match both the energy and waveform characteristics of S(t)_L and S(t)_R. Replacing S(t)_L and S(t)_R with S(t)_i and S(t)_j effectively suppresses the EMD endpoint effects. To verify the algorithm’s effectiveness in suppressing EMD endpoint effects, comparative studies were conducted using simulated signals to compare the proposed method with mirror extension, polynomial fitting, and extreme value extension methods. Three evaluation metrics were utilized: error standard deviation, correlation coefficient, and computation time. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm effectively reduces the divergence at the endpoints of the IMFs and yields physically meaningful IMF components. Finally, the method was applied to the analysis of actual blasting seismic signals. It successfully suppressed the endpoint effects of EMD and improved the extraction of time–frequency characteristics from blasting-induced seismic waves. This has significant practical implications for safety assessments of existing structures in areas affected by blasting. Full article

There are discriminatory, structured, opaque human rights violations that keep the socioeconomically vulnerable subservient, a social problem that goes against the core Christian principle: humans are created in the image of God and all share equal dignity. Studies show that sociocultural, political, and economic elements are available in society, which form into clusters, namely social representations, helping people to categorize others and interact with her/him. They carry with them the historical consciousness, providing the people with social-living tools such as social identity and the like. The qualitative empirical research conducted among the Catholic youth of Tamil Nadu, India, showed that the enslaving semantic elements contained in the social knowledge facilitate the youth to affiliate with a group and to disaffiliate from another. Caste-ridden endogamic semantic elements are part of this knowledge. This affects individual as well as social cognition. Therefore, besides conceptual understanding, epistemological approaches are necessary to eliminate the enslaving elements contained in social knowledge. This is possible through the Ego–Alter dialogue. Ego stands for an individual, group, institution, movement, or anything similar. Alter can stand for social knowledge, which is available in society. Full article

Objectives: To elucidate the influence of eye selection criteria (ESC) on the reliability of biomarkers in diagnosis and prediction using pre-surgical parameters, assessments were undertaken as the subject of analysis. Methods: Pituitary macroadenoma (PMA) diagnosis and postsurgical visual function recovery biomarker analysis was used as the subject to illustrate the point. Six datasets (right, left, best, worst, random and both eyes), derived from a longitudinal study that involved 42 PMA patients and age-matched healthy volunteers, were generated. A comparison of the diagnostic efficacies of the amplitude of pattern visual evoked potentials (pVEP) and bi-nasal sector thickness in the ganglion cells complex plus the inner plexiform layer was performed using ESC. Afterwards, multivariate models for PMA diagnosis and the prediction of postsurgical visual function recovery, using Stable Sparse Biomarkers Detection methodology, were developed. A comprehensive evaluation was performed once for controls and in pre-surgical PMA patients at 3 and 12 months after transsphenoidal tumor removal. Results: The proposed biomarkers displayed specificity and sensibility ≥ 0.74 and AUC ≥ 0.87. The diagnostic values derived were ESC-dependent. All the prediction models had accuracies over 0.96, and the proposed biomarkers had stability ≥ 99% and the highest β values. Conclusions: Although the diagnostic values of the proposed biomarkers are affected by ESC, they exhibit equal accuracy for the same eye. Worse eye data represent the best choice for the analysis. Further studies are needed to validate the models for use in the prediction of the 12-month postsurgical restoration of parvocellular traffic. Full article

The article analyzes the meanings embedded in street art in Florence that portrays women, likely created by female artists. Between 18 May and 27 May 2024, during the Communities and Artistic Participation in Hybrid Environment (CAPHE) project, we observed a significant number of feminist street art pieces in Florence’s historic center. Using qualitative content analysis based on Gillian Rose’s methodology (2016), we interpreted the collected visual materials through semiotic and socio-cultural lenses. The findings revealed the deliberately interventionist nature of the analyzed works, addressing themes such as gender inequality, human rights, violence against women, and cultural stereotypes. This street art serves as a social manifesto and a means of activating both the local community and tourists, aligning with global feminist discourse while addressing Florence’s local issues. We conclude that Florence’s street art provides a space for visual resistance, education, and the promotion of gender equality and women’s emancipation in the context of contemporary social challenges. Full article

Background/Objectives: This cross-sectional analytical study investigated the relationship between the craniofacial morphology, condylar displacement, and degenerative changes in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) in adult patients with class II skeletal malocclusion. To compare cephalometric variables, joint space dimensions, and centric slide measurements between patients with and without CBCT-confirmed TMJ degenerative alterations. Methods: Sixty adults with class II malocclusion were divided into two equal groups (n = 30) based on the presence or absence of TMJ degenerative changes on CBCT. Joint spaces were measured, condylar displacement was evaluated using a condylar position indicator (CPI), and cephalometric analysis was performed in both maximal intercuspation and centric relation. Statistical comparisons were performed using t-tests, chi-squared tests, and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Patients with degenerative TMJ changes exhibited significantly greater overjet (p = 0.0001) and a trend toward increased ANB angles (p = 0.055). The superior joint space was reduced on the right side (p = 0.031). Condylar displacements ≥ 2 mm were more frequent in the affected group and correlated with sagittal cephalometric discrepancies (45% vs. 24% in controls). Conclusions: Aggravated skeletal class II malocclusion with increased overjet could be associated with TMJ degenerative changes. CR-based cephalometry and CBCT evaluation may aid in diagnostic assessment, but longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the clinical relevance. Full article

The research explores three interconnected themes: philosophy, education, and ecology. It aims to be an interdisciplinary study that emphasizes the significance of the philosophy of environmental education and its practical implications. Initially, it addresses the contemporary hylomorphic production approach, followed by proposing educational solutions aimed at fostering a comprehensive understanding of the environment. This understanding includes recognizing humans as part of the environment, sharing equal rights to existence with all other life forms. The study advocates for a shift away from anthropocentrism, positioning humans in a non-privileged role within the ecosystem. It seeks to challenge long-standing notions where humans have historically placed themselves above other beings. The research is particularly inspired by the “Green Schools” in Bali, which embody a proactive educational philosophy aimed at reshaping how future generations perceive their role in production and environmental stewardship. These schools promote an educational framework that encourages students to reconnect with nature and develop sustainable practices from the ground up, moving away from exploitative and profit-driven paradigms. An example of this innovative approach is found in disciplines such as “eco-art,” where colors are derived from natural relationships rather than manufactured. The overarching goal is to cultivate a perspective that sees humans as integral components of nature, valuing it for its intrinsic worth rather than solely for its utility to humanity. Full article