Using the Leiden Guidelines to address key issues in digitally derived evidence

The global developments have shown one thing clearly: there is a lack of guidance and clarity when it comes to using DDE in the courtroom. Due to the fast evolution of digital technology and the (often, by design) slow evolution of courts and tribunals, the treatment of DDE within and between national and international accountability fora suffers from an absence of uniformity at best, and a lack of any useful guidance at worst.  The Leiden Guidelines on the Use of Digitally Derived Evidence in International Criminal Courts and Tribunals (“The Leiden Guidelines”) were created to address this legal lacuna by examining the various ways in which DDE has been treated in international criminal law. The Guidelines identify overarching standards of treatment, derived from the jurisprudence of international criminal courts and tribunals (“ICCTs”), that practitioners should consider when collecting and tendering DDE. Exploring the Frontiers of International La

A million and more trees for science

TreeDivNet is the largest network of biodiversity experiments worldwide, but needs to expand. We encourage colleagues to establish new experiments on the relation between tree species diversity and forest ecosystem functioning, and to make use of the platform for collaborative research

Adaptive mechanisms of plants against salt stress and salt shock

Salinization process occurs when soil is contaminated with salt, which consequently influences plant growth and development leading to reduction in yield of many food crops. Responding to a higher salt concentration than the normal range can result in plant developing complex physiological traits and activation of stress-related genes and metabolic pathways. Many studies have been carried out by different research groups to understand adaptive mechanism in many plant species towards salinity stress. However, different methods of sodium chloride (NaCl) applications definitely give different responses and adaptive mechanisms towards the increase in salinity. Gradual increase in NaCl application causes the plant to have salt stress or osmotic stress, while single step and high concentration of NaCl may result in salt shock or osmotic shock. Osmotic shock can cause cell plasmolysis and leakage of osmolytes in plant. Also, the gene expression pattern is influenced by the type of methods used in increasing the salinity. Therefore, this chapter discusses the adaptive mechanism in plant responding to both types of salinity increment, which include the morphological changes of plant roots and aerial parts, involvement of signalling molecules in stress perception and regulatory networks and production of osmolyte and osmoprotective proteins

Aquatic circuit training including aqua-cycling in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A feasibility study

Background: Aqua-cycling is easy to learn, acceptable, and safe for patients with knee osteoarthritis. It can therefore be an ideal component of aquatic circuit training. Objective: To investigate the feasibility of a small group-based aquatic exercise programme including aqua-cycling. Design: A feasibility study using quantitative (pre-post) and qualitative (cross-sectional) assessments. Participants: A volunteer cohort of 10 women and men, age range 46-77 years, with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Focus group interviews explored participants' experience with the training. Pre- and post-exercise knee pain, attendance, progression in training, and adverse events were registered. Results: Seventy percent of patients attended all sessions. Focus groups revealed high levels of satisfaction with the selection of exercises, and participants valued the immediate pain relief experienced. Participants progressed well. However, aqua-cycling in an out-of-the-saddle position was too demanding for most participants. Conclusion: An aquatic circuit training that includes aqua-cycling is feasible for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Participants reported pain reduction and were positive about the diverse exercise programme. Aqua-cycling in a seated position is a safe and controlled type of movement