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This article draws on recent transnational protests against police brutality to advance an understanding of anti-racist solidarity that aims to improve over Mara Marin’s ‘structural solidarity’ view. On Marin’s view, anti-racist solidarity is grounded in the racial structure. But Marin forgets that racial domination exerts a segregative influence on different groups, so that whites and middle-class blacks tend not to frequent the social milieux that would help them develop a sense of solidarity with working-class blacks. To address this problem, the article hypothesises that the conditions for anti-racist solidarity are not inherent in the racial structure but created by social movements, as exemplified by Black Lives Matter: to the extent that white and middle-class black participants in the George Floyd protests experienced the racist police brutality they were denouncing on behalf of the black working class, these protests functioned as non-segregated milieux that could ground the solidarity of the former with the latter at the national and transnational levels.

The dynamic, complex interaction among the spine, pelvis, and hip is often underappreciated, yet understanding it is vital for both arthroplasty and spinal surgeons. There is an increasing incidence of degenerative hip and spinal pathologies as a result of the ageing population. Furthermore, hip pathology can cause spine pathology and vice versa through “hip-spine” and “spine-hip syndrome.” Consequently, total hip arthroplasty (THA) and spinal fusion surgery, which both affect spinopelvic mobility, are also on the rise. Alteration in spinopelvic motion can affect the orientation of the acetabulum and, therefore, implant positioning in THA, leading to complications such as dislocation, impingement, aseptic loosening, and wear of components. This makes it imperative to assess spinopelvic motion and pelvic tilt prior to patients undergoing THA. In this paper, we explore how the surgeon should proceed to reduce risk of component malalignment, as well as the role of navigation systems in acetabular cup positioning.

Repurposing of authorised medicines has been under discussion for a long time. Drug repurposing is the process of identifying a new use for an existing medicine in an indication outside the scope of the original approved indication. Indeed, the COVID-19 health crisis has brought the concept to the frontline by proving the usefulness of this practise in favour of patients for an early access to treatment. Under the umbrella of the Pharmaceutical Committee and as a result of the discussions at the European Commission Expert Group on Safe and Timely Access to Medicines for Patients (STAMP) a virtual Repurposing Observatory Group (RepOG) was set up in 2019 to define and test the practical aspects of a pilot project thought to provide support to “not-for-profit” stakeholders generating or gathering data for a new therapeutic use for an authorised medicine. The group's initial plan was impacted by the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the launch of the pilot needed to be postponed. This article describes the progress and the activities conducted by the group during this past and yet extraordinary 2020–2021 to keep the project alive and explores on the background of this topic together with the obvious opportunities this health crisis has brought up in terms of repurposing of medicines.

In this study, pure ZnCo2O4 and SnO2/ZnCo2O4 mix photocatalysts have been synthesized by the sol-gel process with three different SnO2 loading percentages (10, 20, and 30 wt %). Their photocatalytic activities were assessed on the degradation of organic pollutants in water under visible illumination. The structural, morphological, and optical properties were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV−Visible diffuse reflectance measurements. The results have shown that the materials are composed of a crystalline ZnCo2O4 matrix with a decrease in crystallite size with the amount of SnO2. Weakly crystalline SnO2 is also observed for loaded samples. The specific surface area is modified with the loading ratio. The evaluation of the photoactivity of the samples under visible light for the degradation of p-nitrophenol has highlighted that all materials are highly photoactive under visible light thanks to heterojunction between the two oxides. An application test has been conducted on a dye, congo red, showing the same tendencies. An optimal amount of SnO2 loading is observed for the sample containing 20 wt % of SnO2. A comparison with commercial Evonik P25 showed that the materials developed in this work have five to six times better efficiency under visible light, leading to a promising photocatalyst material.

At the time of writing, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has affected 6.42 million people globally and over 380,000 deaths, with the United Kingdom now having the highest death rate in Europe. The plastic surgery department at Leeds Teaching Hospitals put necessary steps in place to maintain an excellent urgent elective and acute service whilst also managing COVID-positive medical patients in the ward. We describe the structures and pathways implemented together with complex decision-making, which has allowed us to respond early and effectively. We hope these lessons will prove a useful tool as we look to open conversations around the recovery of normal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet-ozone (UV-O3) treatment of polyarylene, a semiconductor dielectric polymer, has been characterized using contact angle measurements, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), and ellipsometric porosimetry. Significant modification of the film surface composition is already observed after a short exposure time (30 s). Longer treatment time leads to further increase in oxygen concentration and formation of an oxidized surface layer and densification of the film as evidenced by solvent adsorption data. Results obtained from SE indicate few changes in optical parameters, thickness, and refractive index (RI) of the film, up to 5 min of UV-O3 treatment. Increasing the exposure time further leads to a substantial change in film thickness and an increase in RI. The same trend was observed for porous polyarylene but to a stronger extent. A dense layer at the porous polymer surface is only formed after 20 min of treatment. Under these conditions, the optical properties of the material are strongly modified, with a substantial thickness shrinkage and increase in RI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet-ozone (UV-O3) treatment of polyarylene, a semiconductor dielectric polymer, is characterized using contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), and ellipsometric porosimetry. The results indicate that UV-O3 induces different types of oxygen functional groups at the film surface.

The overall goal of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore natural habitats and species in a favourable conservation status. An important role in the implementation process is assigned to science. For three core elements, defining the favourable conservation status, development of best practice measures, and monitoring of the conservation status, we outline how science can support decision making. To do so, we use experiences from the ongoing process in Flanders (northern Belgium). First, when determining the favourable conservation status, information on reference values are embedded in a specifically developed calibration model where thresholds on range, area, and quality are set for habitats. Subsequently, socio-economical requirements are taken into consideration, without compromising the favourable conservation status. When it comes to conducting measures, science adds to the knowledge on developing and optimizing cost-effective conservation and restoration management measures. Finally, monitoring of the conservation status will be based on the principle of statistically sound methodologies, enabling the identification of reliability in the assessments made. For habitats, information on area will be gathered through a surface-covering mapping, while quality will be assessed via a sample-oriented monitoring scheme. For species, maximal collaboration with non-governmental organisations will be undertaken, with scientific support on data recording and processing. Overall, the obtained insights will help policy makers to define the framework and set priorities, take the appropriate measures, and keep a finger on the pulse through monitoring data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The European Water Framework Directive stipulates that artificial and heavily modified water bodies must reach good ecological potential, as opposed to good ecological status as required for natural water bodies, if certain hydrological and morphological pressures cannot be removed. We propose to obtain these objectives from the conditions expected once all feasible mitigating measures have been taken but relative to the internationally agreed quality goals for natural lakes. This allows a more objective, consistent and transparent definition of the possible deviation from the ultimate quality level than prevalent methods, in particular those considering the improvement expected from future measures. A level of functional integrity should be endeavored that minimizes the probability of undesired phenomena and negative consequences for biodiversity objectives embodied by the Habitats Directive. This remains a difficult exercise, but as a first approximation, constraints for the secondary alteration of lake hydrochemistry and the consequent potential for development of submerged vegetation can be considered. Six case studies illustrate possible procedures, which may be further refined to include additional relations between hydromorphological pressures, physical–chemical conditions and biota as knowledge develops or circumstances require. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Natura 2000 targets the sustainable conservation of Europe''s biodiversity. An important cornerstone of Natura 2000 is the Habitats Directive, which is currently implemented across European member states. However, straightforward implementation is not obvious since the favourable conservation status of habitats and species needs to be achieved at the member state level, while conservation objectives need to be formulated at the protected site level. To bridge this gap, we propose to start from regional conservation objectives before site level objectives are formulated. These regional conservation objectives have the advantage of providing a framework according to which conservation objectives can be allocated both within and outside the protected sites of the Natura 2000 network. Especially since they all contribute to the national or regional conservation status. Recently, Flanders (northern Belgium) has adopted this approach and has quantified conservation objectives at the regional scale. As the current regional conservation status of habitats and species is mostly unfavourable, regional conservation objectives entail a drastic increase in area (42%) for habitats, and active conservation measures for 78% of the species. We are convinced that the method outlined here, may substantially contribute to a helpful discussion about implementing and streamlining Natura 2000 across European member states. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon nitride compounds have been synthesised in copper by simultaneous high fluence (1018 at.cm−2) implantation of 13C and 14N ions. During the implantation process, the substrate temperature was maintained at 25, 250, 350 or 450°C. Depth profiles of 13C and 14N were determined using the non-resonant nuclear reactions (NRA) induced by a 1.05MeV deuteron beam. The retained doses were deduced from NRA measurements and compared to the implanted fluence. The chemical bonds between carbon and nitrogen were studied as a function of depth and temperature by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The curve fitting of C 1s and N 1s core level photoelectron spectra reveal different types of C–N bonds and show the signature of N2 molecules. The presence of nitrogen gas bubbles in copper was highlighted by mass spectroscopy. The structure of carbon nitride compounds was characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For that purpose, cross-sectional samples were prepared using a focused ion beam (FIB) system. TEM observations showed the presence of small amorphous carbon nitride “nano-capsules” and large gas bubbles in copper. Based on our observations, we propose a model for the growth of these nano-objects. Finally, the mechanical properties of the implanted samples were investigated by nano-indentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human-induced pressures are known to be one of the main causes of biodiversity loss. In order to readily assess policy impacts on biodiversity, a cost-effective evaluation tool is developed, using species sensitivity scores. We demonstrate the potential effects of a selected policy option, being woody bioenergy crop production, on a wide range of species groups in Europe. Large-scale expansions of woody biofuel plantations would have a net negative effect on the species set covered in our study, with little variation among biogeographical regions, but with considerable differences among species groups. The evaluation tool enables policy makers to assess the potential impact of decisions on future biodiversity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Insufficiency type stress fractures are common in older patients with osteoporosis. Persistent pain after nonunion of these fractures can be disabling, with the management options often limited. We aimed to assess the suitability of fluoroscopic-guided injection of bone cement into a persistently symptomatic nonuniting calcaneal insufficiency fracture. To the best of our knowledge, this technique has not previously been described in the published data. After local subcutaneous anesthesia, the midpoint of the fracture site was accessed by trocar insertion under radiographic guidance, and bone cement was injected directly into the site. A preprocedure visual analog scale pain score of 90 of 100 was recorded. This had improved to 0 of 100 at the 12-month follow-up point after the procedure. The aim of the present case report was to raise awareness of percutaneous calcaneoplasty, which we believe to be a safe and well-tolerated technique for the management of osteoporotic insufficiency fracture of the calcaneus. We propose that this technique be considered when conservative methods aimed at promoting fracture healing have failed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon nitride nano-compounds have been synthesized into copper by simultaneous high fluence (1018 at.cm−2) implantation of 13C and 14N ions. The implantations were performed with a 2MV Tandem accelerator. The terminal voltage was fixed at 400kV and the target temperature was maintained at 250°C during the process. Depth profiling of 13C and 14N has been performed using (d,p) and (d,α) nuclear reactions induced by a 1.05MeV deuteron beam. The retained dose deduced from NRA measurement is relatively close to the implanted one, which indicates that carbon and nitrogen diffusion processes were likely limited during implantation. The chemical bonds between carbon and nitrogen were studied as a function of depth by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The C 1s and N 1s core level photoelectron spectra revealed the presence of different types of C–N bonds, which correspond to specific kinds of chemical states. These results indicate that different carbon nitride compounds have been formed during the implantation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]