Conviviality by design : the socio-spatial qualities of spaces of intercultural urban encounters

This paper presents findings from a mixed-method research project which explored use of outdoor spaces and social connections in Bradford, a post-industrial city in the north of England with a highly ethnically diverse population. Data was collected through micro-scale behavioural mapping of public spaces (analysed using GIS) and both on-site and in-depth interviews. The integration of these methods allows a focus on intersectional identities and social values for everyday conviviality situated in different typologies of public open spaces (parks, squares, streets) in city centre and suburban neighbourhoods. The analysis offers nuanced insights into the socio-spatial aspects of conviviality: patterns of activity by diverse users, situations in which encounters are prompted, and the implications of negotiating differences in relation to perceptions of self, others, and the environment. We discuss the relevance of the urban public realm for shared understandings of diversity, qualities of visibility, lingering and playfulness, and the importance of threshold spaces. We explore racialised and excluding experiences and how these relate to mobility and territorial patterns of use, specifically with relation to gender. The paper highlights connections between intercultural encounters and urban design practice, with implications for well-being and integration in ethnically diverse urban areas

The use of ships within a CCUS system: regulation and liability

The transport of CO2 by ships for storage or utilisation is a component of CCS/CCUS systems which has been considered based on existing ship designs and on the assumption that the internationally agreed standards are always applicable and always constrain the ship and storage designs that can be used. This paper demonstrates that, for systems developed to be used within one or two jurisdictions, novel ship and storage designs can be considered irrespective of the international regulatory system. Significant discretion also exists within the international regulatory system for novel designs. Thus, the consideration of cost and efficiency of CCUS systems need not be constrained to existing ship designs. In addition, the established limitation of liability regime, which protects shipowners, charterers, managers, and operators of ships, provides an upper limit for the financial exposure for losses during transport by ships, an aspect which is not well defined when pipelines or other modes of transport are considered

European regulatory and insurance aspects of carbon capture and storage

This is the final version. Available from Kluwer Law International via the link in this recordCarbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, however, because CCUS technology almost exclusively aims for carbon mitigation without co-benefits, this expensive technology has not been widely adopted. In order to make this technology viable, a robust regulatory and legal regime is required both internationally and within the European Union (EU). A comprehensive insurance system is also required to ensure that efficient running of CCUS. With this understanding in mind, this article analyses the regulatory regime governing CCUS both internationally and in the EU and also the law governing insurance of this technology. It argues that whilst European regulation has improved with respect to filling regulatory gaps, a number of gaps are identified which still need to be closed. In addition, the article will argue that special insurance coverage for specialized risks must be in place to diminish any environmental impact and hazard, including cyber-related risks that need to be identified and insured to be properly handled and adequately covered to allow for the successful deployment of CCUS

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Watermarking to Transform Copyright Arbitration and Dispute Resolution for Three-Dimensional (3D) printing: An Empirical Analysis

This is the author accepted manuscript.Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been the subject of much discussion in terms of its applicability to law. This paper focuses on the use of AI in copyright arbitration and dispute resolution for three-dimenisonal (3D) printing. Its main argument is that laws relating to digital watermarking will push the utilisation of AI in such alternative dispute resolution methods, be it arbitration or mediation, in a particular direction, i.e., one that favours more complex watermarking and the use of AI in automatically resolving disputes, through alternative dispute resolution methods, i.e. arbitration and/or mediation. In order to make this argument, our article follows the below structure: first we focus our discussion on the existing laws relating to digital watermarks – making the point that the more complex the watermark placed in content, the more likely it is to obtain protection. Furthermore, due to the fact that even AI systems themselves may fall under the purview of such protection, hence, as part of this paper, we then undertook funded empirical work to apply an existing AI system to copyright case law, to see how an AI system can read and understand cases and produce outcomes in disputes concerning 3D printing. The result of this was that it is clear that more complex watermarks will lead to faster and more accurate resolutions. Following that , we then consider the existing legal regime for dispute resolution, through alternative dispute resolution methods (be it arbitration and/or mediation), and make the contention that AI systems can fit within the existing legal framework. However, we have concluded that certain issues are raised which we feel should merit closer attention. For example, there should be more explicit consideration in law of how watermarking can influence the direction of AI dispute resolution, through alternative dispute resolution methods and that the role of the judge in such AI dispute resolution methods needs to be considered further.Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC

Inspiratory resistive breathing induces MMP-9 and MMP-12 expression in the lung

Inspiratory resistive breathing (IRB) is characterized by large negative intrathoracic pressures and was shown to induce pulmonary inflammation in previously healthy rats. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9 and -12 are induced by inflammation and mechanical stress in the lung. We hypothesized that IRB induces MMP-9 and -12 in the lung. Anesthetized, tracheostomized rats breathed spontaneously through a two-way valve, connected to an inspiratory resistance, with the tidal inspiratory tracheal pressure set at 50% of the maximum. Quietly breathing animals served as controls. After 3 and 6 h of IRB, respiratory mechanics were measured, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed, lung injury score was estimated, and lung MMP-9 was estimated by zymography and ELISA. MMP-9 and MMP-12 immunohistochemistry was performed. Isolated normal alveolar macrophages were incubated with BAL from rats that underwent IRB. After 18 h, MMP-9 and -12 levels were measured in supernatants, and immunocytochemistry was performed. Macrophages were treated with IL-1β, IL-6, or TNF-α, and MMP-9 in supernatants was measured. After 6 h of IRB, leukocytes in BAL increased, and IL-1β and IL-6 levels were elevated. Elasticity and injury score were increased after 3 and 6 h of IRB. Lung MMP-9 levels increased after 6 h of IRB. MMP-9 and MMP-12 were detected in alveolar macrophages and epithelial (bronchial/alveolar) cells after 3 and 6 h of IRB. MMP-9 and MMP-12 were found in supernatants after treatment with 6 h of IRB BAL. Cytosolic immunostaining was detected after treatment with 3 and 6 h of IRB BAL. All cytokines induced MMP-9 in culture supernatants. In conclusion, IRB induces MMP-9 and -12 in the lung of previously healthy rats. © 2015 the American Physiological Society