Motion estimation in vehicular environments based on Bayesian dynamic networks

The cornerstone to achieve the development of autonomous ground driving with the lowest possible risk of collision in real traffic environments is the movement estimation obstacle. Predicting trajectories of multiple obstacles in dynamic traffic scenarios is a major challenge, especially when different types of obstacles such as vehicles and pedestrians are involved. According to the issues mentioned, in this work a novel method based on Bayesian dynamic networks is proposed to infer the paths of interest objects (IO). Environmental information is obtained through stereo video, the direction vectors of multiple obstacles are computed and the trajectories with the highest probability of occurrence and the possibility of collision are highlighted. The proposed approach was evaluated using test environments considering different road layouts and multiple obstacles in real-world traffic scenarios. A comparison of the results obtained against the ground truth of the paths taken by each detected IO is performed. According to experimental results, the proposed method obtains a prediction rate of 75% for the change of direction taking into consideration the risk of collision. The importance of the proposal is that it does not obviate the risk of collision in contrast with related work.

Bioactive Compounds and Nanodelivery Perspectives for Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Bioactive compounds are comprised of small quantities of extra nutritional constituents providing both health benefits and enhanced nutritional value, based on their ability to modulate one or more metabolic processes. Plant-based diets are being thoroughly researched for their cardiovascular properties and effectiveness against cancer. Flavonoids, phytoestrogens, phenolic compounds, and carotenoids are some of the bioactive compounds that aim to work in prevention and treating the cardiovascular disease in a systemic manner, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are the most important characteristics that make them favorable candidates for CVDs treatment. However, their low water solubility and stability results in low bioavailability, limited accessibility, and poor absorption. The oral delivery of bioactive compounds is constrained due to physiological barriers such as the pH, mucus layer, gastrointestinal enzymes, epithelium, etc. The present review aims to revise the main bioactive compounds with a significant role in CVDs in terms of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment measures. The advantages of nanoformulations and novel multifunctional nanomaterials development are described in order to overcome multiple obstacles, including the physiological ones, by summarizing the most recent preclinical data and clinical trials reported in the literature. Nanotechnologies will open a new window in the area of CVDs with the opportunity to achieve effective treatment, better prognosis, and less adverse effects on non-target tissues.

The UNGPs on Business and Human Rights and the Greening of Human Rights Litigation: Fishing in Fragmented Waters?

This article is written around the time a Dutch court ordered the corporate group Shell to cut its carbon emissions by 2030. The aim of the article is to contribute to the conceptualisation of the phenomenon this judgement unveils in terms of greening human rights litigation supported by the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). It addresses, firstly, how claiming the protection of the Earth before courts is occurring in a highly fragmented legal, economic and social context as a way to overcome the multiple obstacles flagged by the literature on the UNGPs. Secondly, it assesses how human rights litigation seeking global justice has evolved in waves with common trends, such as activism from social actors and courts that rely on arguments based on progressive soft law. Thirdly, it identifies two trends in the current wave of green litigation: the anthropocentric perspective that claims the protection of the Earth in the public interest and the ecocentric perspective that claims autonomous rights for Mother Earth. Finally, the article flags some gaps in this third wave of human rights litigation, particularly the risk of disregarding the third pillar of the UNGPs: access to an effective remedy for marginalised communities that are not aware of these ongoing developments.

EVIDENCE-BASED PEDIATRIC COPING STRATEGIES FOR THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

While minimally susceptible to COVID-19, the pediatric population is most vulnerable to the psychosocial repercussions of this pandemic as they have faced setbacks and struggle to maintain normality in nearly every aspect of their lives. Duration of quarantine, fear of infection, limited social interaction, and more have had a significant positive correlation with poorer mental health, PTSD, anxiety, and anger. Young people have been burdened mentally and emotionally by the stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been thrown off their regular course and expected to quickly adapt to new parameters, restrictions, and limitations. The pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on shaping their childhood trajectory as it has interrupted regular milestones and life checkoffs. In an aim to heal and ameliorate COVID-related anxiety, stress, and negative mental health consequences, utilization of appropriate coping strategies is encouraged and particularly important for disadvantaged groups who report multiple obstacles to pursuing treatment for mental health issues.

Universal Maternal Rights: A Matter of Life and Death

Childbirth has been a part of our lives since the beginning of time. Without the process none of us would be alive today. So why is it that maternal mortality remains one of the greatest inequities in the world? To date, approximately 500, 000 women die annually due to the lack of appropriate prenatal and obstetric care. Difficulties arising with childbirth cannot be predicted. However, the way in which we react to a situation can have a lasting, positive effect on the countries and the women who are at risk. The ways in which to help reduce the large number of maternal deaths in developing countries is not complicated and can be achieved if it is made a priority. In conclusion, there are multiple obstacles in regard to succeeding the highest achievable standard of health globally. With the education of evolving scientific methods, and the collaboration of humanitarian views, the welfare and health of women and their children, can be internationally restored. With the education of evolving scientific methods, and the collaboration of humanitarian views, the welfare and health of women and their children, can be internationally restored.