30 - The Role of Scientific Evidence in Inter-State Dispute Settlement Relating to Epidemics

Author(s):  
Alexis Keller

This chapter identifies the principal moments when the definition of arbitration and the institutions and techniques associated with it underwent major changes. It specifically highlights inter-state arbitration, yet its proposed historical lessons illuminates the entire field of international dispute settlement. This history can be divided into five distinct moments. The first, which could be described as the ‘Greek moment’, refers to the systematic use of arbitration by Greek cities to resolve their conflicts. The second, covering the period between 1200 and 1400 ad, witnessed the emergence of the first arbitration procedures under the influence of canonical law and acknowledged the growing power of the popes in the settlement of disputes between states. The third, marked by the Jay Treaty of 1794, initiated a major turning point in the history of arbitration, as it confirmed the role of diplomatic commissions in the peaceful resolution of disputes. The fourth moment, which began with the Alabama case (1871), saw the establishment of the first impartial and independent tribunal. Finally, the fifth moment began with the setting up of the Permanent Arbitration Court in 1899 and the harmonization of arbitration procedures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 89 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 80-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Soares Severo ◽  
Jennifer Beatriz Silva Morais ◽  
Taynáh Emannuelle Coelho de Freitas ◽  
Ana Letícia Pereira Andrade ◽  
Mayara Monte Feitosa ◽  
...  

Abstract. Thyroid hormones play an important role in body homeostasis by facilitating metabolism of lipids and glucose, regulating metabolic adaptations, responding to changes in energy intake, and controlling thermogenesis. Proper metabolism and action of these hormones requires the participation of various nutrients. Among them is zinc, whose interaction with thyroid hormones is complex. It is known to regulate both the synthesis and mechanism of action of these hormones. In the present review, we aim to shed light on the regulatory effects of zinc on thyroid hormones. Scientific evidence shows that zinc plays a key role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, specifically by regulating deiodinases enzymes activity, thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) synthesis, as well as by modulating the structures of essential transcription factors involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Serum concentrations of zinc also appear to influence the levels of serum T3, T4 and TSH. In addition, studies have shown that Zinc transporters (ZnTs) are present in the hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid, but their functions remain unknown. Therefore, it is important to further investigate the roles of zinc in regulation of thyroid hormones metabolism, and their importance in the treatment of several diseases associated with thyroid gland dysfunction.


Author(s):  
Henning Grosse Ruse-Khan

This chapter reviews the broader principles in the international intellectual property (IP) system that fulfil an indirect integration or conflict resolution function, with a focus on those emanating from and applicable to the Trade Related Aspects of International Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. In focusing on Articles 7 and 8 of TRIPS, the chapter builds on prior analysis about the role of these provisions in establishing an agreed, common object and purpose of the principal global IP treaty with relevance beyond TRIPS. In light of the origins and negotiation history of Articles 7 and 8 TRIPS, the chapter shows how these provisions can be applied to integrate ‘external’ objectives and interests via interpretation and implementation. Next, this chapter reviews their very poor record of application in the first twenty years of World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute settlement. It concludes with suggestions for an appropriate recognition of external norms, objectives, and interests via Articles 7 and 8.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Muhammad ISLAM

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) relies on scientific evidence as a conclusive risk assessment criterion, which ignores the inherent limitations of science. This article highlights certain trade-restrictive effects of scientific evidence and comments on the Agreement’s aversions to precautionary measures and the consumer concern of the harmful effects of biotech products that may be necessary to protect public health and biosecurity in many WTO Member States. These measures and concerns have become pressing issues due to surging consumer awareness and vigilance concerning environmental protection and food safety. The Agreement is yet to overcome the weaknesses of its endorsed international standardising bodies, the problematic definition of scientific evidence and treatment of justification for scientific risk assessment methods and the implementation difficulties faced by most developing states. This article analyses these issues under the provisions of the Agreement and the interpretations of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body in disputes involving SPS matters, which fall short of addressing scientific uncertainty surrounding biotech products and their associated risks.


Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Jean-Pierre Michel ◽  
Fiona Ecarnot

In today’s tormented world, it appears useful to take advantage of communication channels to promote life-course immunization and affirm its major role in healthy ageing. Instead of developing the argument of chronological age, we demonstrate the life-course principle here based on the P4 medicine concept. Are vaccines “preventive, personalized, predictive, and participatory?” Based on detailed analysis of research findings, we successively demonstrate the seminal role of vaccines on preventable infectious diseases, post-sepsis functional decline, non-communicable diseases (cardio-neuro-vascular, respiratory, and renal diseases), community protection, antimicrobial resistance, and perhaps even old-age dementia. Healthy ageing and the promotion of immunization are closely dependent on health literacy and provision of information by skilled health-care professionals. However, personal autonomy and individual freedom are influenced by psycho-cognitive hurdles (cultural approaches, beliefs, emotions, and behaviours), the opinions of the public/family/friends, and the increasing role of social media, which challenges scientific evidence. A similar phenomenon exists when dealing with the issue of healthy ageing, whose success depends greatly on life-course immunization.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 447
Author(s):  
Richard B. Kreider ◽  
Jeffery R. Stout

Although creatine has been mostly studied as an ergogenic aid for exercise, training, and sport, several health and potential therapeutic benefits have been reported. This is because creatine plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, particularly during metabolically stressed states, and limitations in the ability to transport and/or store creatine can impair metabolism. Moreover, increasing availability of creatine in tissue may enhance cellular metabolism and thereby lessen the severity of injury and/or disease conditions, particularly when oxygen availability is compromised. This systematic review assesses the peer-reviewed scientific and medical evidence related to creatine’s role in promoting general health as we age and how creatine supplementation has been used as a nutritional strategy to help individuals recover from injury and/or manage chronic disease. Additionally, it provides reasonable conclusions about the role of creatine on health and disease based on current scientific evidence. Based on this analysis, it can be concluded that creatine supplementation has several health and therapeutic benefits throughout the lifespan.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 792-793
Author(s):  
Den A. Trumbull ◽  
DuBose Ravenel ◽  
David Larson

The supplement to Pediatrics entitled "The Role of the Pediatrician in Violence Prevention" is timely, given the increasingly serious violence problem in the United States.1 Many of the supplement's recommendations are well-conceived and developed. However, the recommendation to "work toward the ultimate goal of ending corporal punishment in homes" (page 580)2 is unwarranted and counterproductive. Before one advises against a practice approved by 88% of American parents3 and supported by 67% of primary care physicians,4 there should be sufficient scientific evidence to support the proposed change in social policy.


1993 ◽  
Vol 21 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 74-83
Author(s):  
S. Byron Tarr

This is a Liberian perspective on the unique initiative by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to resolve the Liberian conflict by organizing and deploying a Peace Monitoring Group in Liberia. It considers whether ECOWAS’ initiative can become a self-reliant security system that can end a civil war and institutionalize deterrence to subregional inter-state and internal conflicts. Can this self-generated, West African initiative set the stage for democratization? Is the initiative the start of an inter-African cooperative security system? Is the model of Nigerian leadership a harbinger of a regional hegemony in the making? Is the modest role of the USA constructive in resolving the conflict, in light of the fact that Liberia is a country with which the USA has had an historic relationship?


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