Norms for Outer Space: A Small Step or a Giant Leap for Policymaking?

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica West ◽  
Almudena Azcárate Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Outer Space ◽  
Small Step ◽  
Modern Life ◽  
National Policies ◽  
Real Nature ◽  
Giant Leap ◽  
Life On Earth ◽  
Space Security

Space is increasingly critical to modern life on Earth. But there is growing concern that, as it becomes more economically and strategically important, tensions between different space actors are heightening in a manner that could lead to conflict. The accelerating proliferation of counterspace capabilities, as well as the enactment of national policies that deem space an operational or warfighting domain, underlines the very real nature of threats that exist and highlights the importance of keeping space peaceful. To address these challenges, some experts in space security have called for more robust norms of behaviour in outer space. This report explores the role of norms as a tool for outer space governance, as well as their challenges and limitations.

One small step for cytochrome P450 in its catalytic cycle, one giant leap for enzymology

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (04n05) ◽  
pp. 358-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huriye Erdogan
Keyword(s):  
Cytochrome P450 ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Catalytic Cycle ◽  
Small Step ◽  
Compound I ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Natural Time ◽  
Giant Leap ◽  
High Valent

The intermediates operating in the cytochrome P450 catalytic cycle have been investigated for more than half a century, fascinating many enzymologists. Each intermediate has its unique role to carry out diverse oxidations. Natural time course of the catalytic cycle is quite fast, hence, not all of the reactive intermediates could be isolated during physiological catalysis. Different high-valent iron intermediates have been proposed as primary oxidants: the candidates are compound 0 (Cpd 0, [FeOOH][Formula: see text]P450) and compound I (Cpd I, Fe(IV)[Formula: see text]O por[Formula: see text]P450). Among them, the role of Cpd I in hydroxylation is fairly well understood due the discovery of the peroxide shunt. This review endeavors to put the outstanding research efforts conducted to isolate and characterize the intermediates together. In addition to spectral features of each intermediate in the catalytic cycle, the oxidizing powers of Cpd 0 and Cpd I will be discussed along with most recent scientific findings.

scholarly journals Inevitable future: space colonization beyond Earth with microbes first

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose V Lopez ◽  
Raquel S Peixoto ◽  
Alexandre S Rosado
Keyword(s):  
Potential Space ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Planetary Protection ◽  
Overwhelming Evidence ◽  
Future Space ◽  
Private Research ◽  
Life On Earth ◽  
Space Colonization ◽  
Future Plans

ABSTRACT Based on modern microbiology, we propose a major revision in current space exploration philosophy and planetary protection policy, especially regarding microorganisms in space. Mainly, microbial introduction should not be considered accidental but inevitable. We hypothesize the near impossibility of exploring new planets without carrying and/or delivering any microbial travelers. In addition, although we highlight the importance of controlling and tracking such contaminations—to explore the existence of extraterrestrial microorganisms—we also believe that we must discuss the role of microbes as primary colonists and assets, rather than serendipitous accidents, for future plans of extraterrestrial colonization. This paradigm shift stems partly from the overwhelming evidence of microorganisms’ diverse roles in sustaining life on Earth, such as symbioses and ecosystem services (decomposition, atmosphere effects, nitrogen fixation, etc.). Therefore, we propose a framework for new discussion based on the scientific implications of future colonization and terraforming: (i) focus on methods to track and avoid accidental delivery of Earth's harmful microorganisms and genes to extraterrestrial areas; (ii) begin a rigorous program to develop and explore ‘Proactive Inoculation Protocols’. We outline a rationale and solicit feedback to drive a public and private research agenda that optimizes diverse organisms for potential space colonization.

“Killing the Elephant”: Murderous Beasts and the Thrill of Retribution, 1885–1930

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Louise Wood
Keyword(s):  
New Age ◽  
Modern Life ◽  
Crime And Punishment ◽  
Industrial Age ◽  
Public Executions

At the turn of the last century, circus elephants who had, in fits of distemper, killed circus trainers, workers, or spectators were regularly put to death. That alone is not extraordinary. What is fascinating is that the killings of these animals were not infrequently staged as public executions, with the elephant playing the role of the menacing criminal facing his just rewards before a crowd of eager witnesses. News accounts in turn reported these events as they would criminal executions, framing them as stories of murder, remorse, and retribution. This article treats these remarkable events as complex rituals through which larger tensions and conflicts surrounding crime and punishment in this period became manifest. These executions, performed as extensions of the modern circus, were commercial spectacles in and of the industrial age. Still, like circuses, they were also events full of ambivalence about this new age, as they acted out popular controversies over the nature of criminality, the meaning of justice, and the role of vengeance in modern life.

scholarly journals One Small Step for the Gram Stain, One Giant Leap for Clinical Microbiology

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 1416-1417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard B. Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Microbiology ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Error Rates ◽  
Clinical Microbiology Laboratory ◽  
Microbiology Laboratory ◽  
Gram Stain ◽  
Small Step ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Giant Leap

The Gram stain is one of the most commonly performed tests in the clinical microbiology laboratory, yet it is poorly controlled and lacks standardization. It was once the best rapid test in microbiology, but it is no longer trusted by many clinicians. The publication by Samuel et al. (J. Clin. Microbiol. 54:1442–1447, 2016,http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JCM.03066-15) is a start for those who want to evaluate and improve Gram stain performance. In an age of emerging rapid molecular results, is the Gram stain still relevant? How should clinical microbiologists respond to the call to reduce Gram stain error rates?

scholarly journals ECOLOGIA HUMANA: O PRESSUPOSTO DA ÉTICA NA PRESERVAÇÃO DO MEIO AMBIENTE BREVE HISTÓRIA SOBRE ORIGENS E CONCEITOS DO MOVIMENTO AMBIENTALISTA

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (112) ◽  
pp. 343
Author(s):  
Pedro Celso Campos
Keyword(s):  
Old Testament ◽  
Saint Augustine ◽  
Deep Ecology ◽  
Modern Life ◽  
The Media ◽  
Saint Francis ◽  
The 19Th Century ◽  
Arne Næss ◽  
Arne Naess

Antigos documentos revelam que a preocupação com a ecologia não é fato recente. Há referências até mesmo no Antigo Testamento. Há intervenções sublimes de Santo Agostinho, Francisco de Assis, Erasmo de Roterdam. Mais recentemente, no séc. XIX, debate-se a “ecologia profunda”, através de Teilhard de Chardin e, depois, com Aldo Leopoldo (1940), Arne Naess (1970) etc. Em nossos dias, o debate sobre a vida, a sustentabilidade, está permanentemente visível na mídia, nas reuniões da ONU etc. Este artigo pretende indagar sobre o papel da Ética como recurso fundamental nesta discussão, concebendo Ética como algo que vai além da mera abordagem estética tão cara à vida moderna.ABSTRACT: Ancient documents reveal that the concern with Ecology isn’t a recent fact. There are references about it even in the Old Testament. There are sublime interventions from Saint Augustine, Saint Francis of Assisi and Erasmus of Rotterdam. More recently, in the 19th century, people have discussed “Deep Ecology”, based on the work of Teilhard de Chardin and, later, of Aldo Leopoldo (1940), Arne Naess (1970), etc. Nowadays, the debate about life and sustainability is permanently visible in the media, in United Nations’ gatherings, etc. This article intends to question the role of ethics as a fundamental resource in this discussion, conceiving ethics as something that goes beyond the mere aesthetic approach, so costly to modern life.

scholarly journals One small step for e-voting, one giant leap for democracy

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Gorbatiuc
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Mutual Understanding ◽  
Small Step ◽  
Law Enforcement Training ◽  
Republic Of Moldova ◽  
Giant Leap ◽  
The Republic

E-voting is the next step of the Republic of Moldova evolution. The article presents advantages of e-voting, all steps of using it, and its many types. Electronic voting refers to elections using electronic means. E-voting can be managed by phones, the Internet, private computer networks or special kiosks. Reasons for accepting this kind of voting are provided. The analyzed in the article OSCE/ODIHR’s (Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights) activities which are related to tolerance and non-discrimination are focus on the following areas: legislation; law enforcement training; monitoring, reporting on, and following up on responses to hate-motivated crimes and incidents; as well as educational activities to promote tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding. Conclusions from all ODIHR activities which are carried out in close co-ordination and co-operation with OSCE participating States, OSCE institutions and field operations, as well as with other international organizations are given.

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