Some proof theoretical remarks on quantification in ordinary language

This paper surveys the common approach to quantification and generalised quantification in formal linguistics and philosophy of language. We point out how this general setting departs from empirical linguistic data, and give some hints for a different view based on proof theory, which on many aspects gets closer to the language itself. We stress the importance of Hilbert's oper- ator epsilon and tau for, respectively, existential and universal quantifications. Indeed, these operators help a lot to construct semantic representation close to natural language, in particular with quantified noun phrases as individual terms. We also define guidelines for the design of the proof rules corresponding to generalised quantifiers.Cet article dresse un rapide panorama de l'approche commune de la quantification généralisée ou non en linguistique formelle et en philosophie du langage. Nous montrons que ce cadre général va parfois 'a l'encontre des données linguistiques, et nous donnons quelques indications pour une approche différente basée sur la théorie de la démonstration, qui sur bien des points s'avère plus proche de la langue. Nous soulignons l'importance des opérateurs tau et epsilon de Hilbert, qui rendent respectivement compte de la quantification universelle et existentielle. En effet, ces opérateurs permettent de construire des représentations sémantiques qui suivent la langue avec, en particulier des groupes nominaux quantifiées qui soient des termes individuels. Nous donnons aussi des principes pour définir des règles de déduction qui correspondent aux quantificateurs généralisés

A Tale of Convergence? Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation in Regional Human Rights Bodies and the Human Rights Committee

This is an Accepted Manuscript version of the following article, accepted for publication in Nordic Journal of Human Rights . Elena Abrusci (2017) A Tale of Convergence? Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation in Regional Human Rights Bodies and the Human Rights Committee, Nordic Journal of Human Rights, 35:3, 240-257, DOI: 10.1080/18918131.2017.1355434

Characterization, biodegradation and cytotoxicity of thermoplastic starch and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer blends

Ethylene-vinyl alcohol samples containing 27 and 38 % ethylene were used to prepare blends containing 30 and 50 % thermoplastic starch (TPS) plasticized with glycerol. Their biodegradability and cytotoxicity were studied by different techniques (XRD, DSC, TGA, CA, ATR-FTIR, SEM). TPS presence significantly affected copolymer behavior, as confirmed by the appearance of O–H IR 1000–1170 cm− 1 bands and overall reduction of EVOH crystallinity, melting point, thermal stability and hydrophobicity. Biodegradation was more efficient in the presence of TPS and resulted in the formation of a robust biofilm by a consortium of three bacteria. A lower ethylene content facilitated biodegradation, making the material easier to metabolize. The mineralization percentages obtained after a 40-day bioassay at 45 ◦C were up to 66 % (EVOH-27/TPS 50:50). In vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated no cytotoxicity before and after biodegradation. EVOH/TPS blends are presented as a potential environmentally friendly alternative to pure synthetic polymersThe authors want to thank the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for financial support (project PID2019-104812GB-I00) and FUAM, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain (project n◦ 820053

Judicial fragmentation on indigenous property rights: causes, consequences and solutions

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in The International Journal of Human Rights on 11 Apr 2017, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13642987.2017.130783

Biodegradation of choline NTF2 by Pantoea agglomerans in different osmolarity. Characterization and environmental implications of the produced exopolysaccharide

A specific microorganism, Pantoea agglomerans uam8, was isolated from the ionic liquid (IL) Choline NTF2 and identified by molecular biology. A biodegradation study was performed at osmolarity conditions (0.2, 0.6, 1.0 M). These had an important influence on the growth of the strain, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, and biodegradation (1303 mg/L max production and 80% biodegradation at 0.6 M). These conditions also had an important influence on the morphology of the strain and its EPSs, but not in the chemical composition. The EPS (glucose, mannose and galactose (6:0.5:2)) produced at 0.6 M was further characterized using different techniques. The obtained EPSs presented important differences in the behavior of the emulsifying activity for vegetable oils (olive (86%), sunflower (56%) and coconut (90%)) and hydrocarbons (diesel (62%), hexane (60%)), and were compared with commercial emulsifiers. The EPS produced at 0.6 M had the highest emulsifying activity overall. This EPS did not show cytotoxicity against the tested cell line (<20%) and presented great advantages as an antioxidant (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) (85%), hydroxyl radical (OH) (99%), superoxide anion (O2−) (94%), chelator (54%), and antimicrobial product (15 mm). The osmolarity conditions directly affected the capacity of the strain to biodegrade IL and the subsequently produced EPS. Furthermore, the EPS produced at 0.6 M has potential for environmental applications, such as the removal of hazardous materials by emulsification, whilst resulting in positive health effects such as antioxidant activity and non-toxicityThis research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for financial support (project PID2022-136607NB-I00) and FUAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain (project number 820053