Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach to Design a Human Settlement to Better Serve Displaced People

The challenge of transitioning from temporary humanitarian settlements to more sustainable human settlements is due to a significant increase in the number of forcibly displaced people over recent decades, difficulties in providing social services that meet the required standards, and the prolongation of emergencies. Despite this challenging context, short-term considerations continue to guide their planning and management rather than more integrated, longer-term perspectives, thus preventing viable, sustainable development. Over the years, the design of humanitarian settlements has not been adapted to local contexts and perspectives, nor to the dynamics of urbanization and population growth and data. In addition, the current approach to temporary settlement harms the environment and can strain limited resources. Inefficient land use and ad hoc development models have compounded difficulties and generated new challenges. As a result, living conditions in settlements have deteriorated over the last few decades and continue to pose new challenges. The stakes are such that major shortcomings have emerged along the way, leading to disruption, budget overruns in a context marked by a steady decline in funding. However, some attempts have been made to shift towards more sustainable approaches, but these have mainly focused on vague, sector-oriented themes, failing to consider systematic and integration views. This study is a contribution in addressing these shortcomings by designing a model-driving solution, emphasizing an integrated system conceptualized as a system of systems. This paper proposes a new methodology for designing an integrated and sustainable human settlement model, based on Model-Based Systems Engineering and a Systems Modeling Language to provide valuable insights toward sustainable solutions for displaced populations aligning with the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Finite Element Method Computations of the Acoustics of the Human Head Based on the Projection Based Interpolation Data

In this paper we present the Projection Based Interpolation (PBI) technique for construction of continuous approximation of MRI scan data of the human head. We utilize the result of the PBI algorithm to perform three dimensional (3D) Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations of the acoustics of the human head. The computational problem is a multi-physics problem modeled as acoustics coupled with linear elasticity. The computational grid contains tetrahedral finite elements with the number of equations and polynomial orders of approximation varying locally on finite element edges, faces, and interiors. We utilize our own out-of-core parallel direct solver for the solution of this multi-physics problem. The solver minimizes the memory usage by dumping out all local systems from all nodes of the entire elimination tree during the elimination phase.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell based in vitro models of the blood-brain barrier： the future standard？

There is an urgent and tremendous need for human dis- ease models in drug development in order to improve pre- clinical predictability. In the case of brain disorders drugs have to cross the blood-brain barrier （BBB） to enter the central nervous system （CNS）. It was estimated that more than 95% of the drugs cannot cross the BBB.

Continuously Performing the Consultation and Social Service Roles of Human Rights Bases

The Ministry of Education and the State Council Information Office have named Renmin University of China as one of the human rights national education and training bases. This shows the full affirmation and trust in the university＇s education, research and training work and also represents encouragement for its future work.

Imbalance Between Scientific Technology and Human Rights and Measures to Rectify the Imbalance——Taking Geological Disasters as an Example

I. Increase in Human Activity and Occurrence of Geological Disasters ＂A geological disaster is a natural disaster that happens in a geo- logical environment. It is a geological effect （phenomenon） caused or in- fluenced by Nature and （or） human factors that leads to losses to human life, property and the environment.TM Based on their cause, geological disasters can be divided into natural geological and artificial geological disasters. Natural geological disas- ters include those caused by natural effects. These include typhoons, rain- fall, melting snow and earthquakes,

Taking a Path of Human Rights Development Suitable to the Economic Basis and Humanistic Environment of China, Realizing“Chinese Dream”

The Sixth Beijing Forum on Human Rights is opened today, which is co-spon- sored by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the China Foundation for Human Rights Development. First, on behalf of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, I would like to express warm congratulations to the opening of the Forum, and heartfelt thanks tothe friends who have always cared for and supported for the development and progress of human rights cause of China.

Construction of three-dimensional atlas of the lenticular nuclei and its subnucleus based on the cryosection images from Chinese visible human:a preliminary study

Objective To establish a 3D atlas of the lenticular nuclei and its subnucleus with the cryosection images of the male from "Atlas of Chinese Visible Human". Methods The lenticular nuclei and its subnucleus were segmented from the cryosection images and reconstructed with the software

Review:On dendritic cell-based therapy for cancers

Dendritic cells (DCs), the most prevalent antigen-presenting cell in vivo, had been widely characterized in the last three decades. DCs are present in almost all tissues of the body and play cardinal roles in recognition of microbial agents,autoantigens, allergens and alloantigen. DCs process the microbial agents or their antigens and migrate to lymphoid tissues to present the antigenic peptide to lymphocytes. This leads to activation of antigen-specific lymphocytes. Initially, it was assumed that DCs are principally involved in the induction and maintenance of adaptive immune responses, but now it is evident that DCs also have important roles in innate immunity. These features make DCs very good candidates for therapy against various pathological conditions including malignancies. Initially, DC-based therapy was used in animal models of cancers. Data from these studies inspired considerable optimism and DC-based therapies was started in human cancers 8 years ago. In general,DC-based therapy has been found to be safe in patients with cancers, although few controlled trials have been conducted in this regard. Because the fundamentals principles of human cancers and animal models of cancers are different, the therapeutic efficacy of the ongoing regime of DC-based therapy in cancer patients is not satisfactory. In this review, we covered the various aspects that should be considered for developing better regime of DC-based therapy for human cancers.

Water,electrolytes,and acid-base alterations in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients

The clinical spectrum of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infection associated disease has changed significantly over the past decade, mainly due to the wide availability and improvement of combination antiretroviral therapy regiments. Serious complications associated with profound immunodeficiency are nowa-days fortunately rare in patients with adequate access to care and treatment. However, HIV infected patients, and particularly those with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, are predisposed to a host of different water, electrolyte, and acid-base disorders(sometimes with opposite characteristics), since they have a modified renal physiology(reduced free water clearance, and relatively increased fractional excretion of calcium and magnesium) and they are also exposed to infectious, inflammatory, endocrinological, oncological variables which promote clinical conditions(such as fever, tachypnea, vomiting, diarrhea, polyuria, and delirium), and may require a variety of medical interventions(antiviral medication, antibiotics, antineoplastic agents), whose combination predispose them to undermine their homeostatic capability. As many of these disturbances may remain clinically silent until reaching an advanced condition, high awareness is advisable, particularly in patients with late diagnosis, concomitant inflammatory conditions and opportunistic diseases. These disorders contribute to both morbidity and mortality in HIV infected patients.

The Environmental Human Rights under the Perspective of Basic Rights--An Analysis of the dilemma Facing the legalization of environmental Rights

Given the dilemma facing legalization on environmental rights, it is necessary to re-examine the nature and function of environmental human rights under the theoretical system of basic rights. Its justification approach follows a logical chain from a rights-based approach to basic rights. The difficulty in legalizing environmental rights reflects the disputes over the basis for environmental law. Reconstructing the right-based approach in environmental law can justify the rights-oriented path to the environmental rule of law. The basic rights system with human rights as the core can explain the constitutional environmental human rights. As the basic rights not enumerated in the Constitution, the environmental human rights have such functions as the right of self-defense, the right to benefit, and institutional, organizational and procedural guarantees due to its dual nature of subjective right and objective law.

Evaluation of Four Anthropogenic Activity Impacts on Heavy Metal Quality of the Kumba River in the South West Region of Cameroon

Anthropogenic activities have contributed to pollution of water bodies through deposition of diverse pollutants amongst which are heavy metals. These pollutants, which at times are above the maximum concentration levels recommended, are detrimental to the quality of the water, soil and crops (plant) with subsequent human health risks. The objective of the work was to evaluate the impacts of human-based activities on the heavy metal properties of surface water with focus on the Kumba River basin. Field observations, interviews, field measurements and laboratory analyses of different water samples enabled us to collect the different data. The results show four main human-based activities within the river basin (agriculture, livestock production, domestic waste disposal and carwash activities) that pollute surface water. Approximately 20.61 tons of nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural activities, 156.48 tons of animal wastes, 2517.5 tons of domestic wastes and 1.52 tons of detergent from carwash activities were deposited into the river each year. A highly significant difference at 1% was observed between the upstream and downstream heavy metal loads in four of the five heavy metals tested except for copper that was not significant. Lead concentrations were highest in all the activities with an average of 2.4 mg∙L−1 representing 57.81%, followed by zinc with 1.596 mg∙L−1 (38.45%) and manganese with 0.155 mg∙L−1 (3.74%) for the different anthropogenic activities thus indicating that these activities highly lead to pollution of the Kumba River water. The level of zinc and manganese was significantly influenced at ρ 005 by anthropogenic activities though generally the variations were in the order: carwash (3.196 mg∙L−1) < domestic waste disposal (3.347 mg∙L−1) < agriculture (4.172 mg∙L−1) < livestock (4.886 mg∙L−1) respectively and leading to a total of 14.04 tons of heavy metal pollutants deposited each day.

Remnants of embryonic arteries on the brain base:A case report

The posterior communicating artery (PCoA) arises from the cerebral part of the internal carotid artery and reaching the interpeduncular cistern unites with the posterior cerebral artery, marking the beginning of its post-communicating part. We accidentally found a case of an unusual origin and termination of the right PCoA associated with a presence of the right olfactory artery remnant in a 35-year-old male cadaver routinely dis-sected at Institute of Forensic Medicine. Presented vascular variations have not been reported previously in the literature. In the event of PCoA origin from the right middle cerebral artery normally developed from the cra-nial end of primitive internal carotid artery, as well as the PCoA junction with basilar tip, this PCoA could be the most cranial carotid-basilar anastomosis. Simultaneously, here presented right olfactory artery remnant could be the third variant of this persistent embryonic artery.

Focusing on Building Bases,Improving Human Rights Work

Over the course of a whole day, all the candidate organizations introduced their work and respondedto inquiries from panel members. The selection meeting was smooth and successful.

Construction of Human Rights Bases is a Daunting Task

In order to implement the National Human Rights Action Plan （2012-2015）, the Ministry of Education and the State Council Information Office named the Renmin University of China Human Rights Research Center, the Fudan University Human Rights Research Center, the Wuhan University Human Rights Research Academy, the Shandong University Human Rights Research Center and the Southwest University of Political Science and Law Human Rights Education and Research Center as national human rights education and training bases. This has a significant bearing on further improving hu- man rights training and theoretical research at universities in order to better serve the country＇s human rights cause.

Taking the Path of Poverty Reduction with Chinese Characteristics to Promote New Progress in China's Human Rights——A Keynote Speech at the Opening Ceremony of 2018 Beijing Forum on Human Rights

The 2018 Beijing Forum on Human Rights opens on this wonderful autumn day.On behalf of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, I wish to express warm congratulations on the opening of the forum and a sincere welcome to all guests from home and abroad.

Plasmid-based generation of neural cells from human fibroblasts using non-integrating episomal vectors

Differentiation of human fibroblasts into functional neurons depends on the introduction of viral-mediated transcription factors, which present risks of viral gene integration and tumorigenicity. In recent years, although some studies have been successful in directly inducing neurons through sustained expression of small molecule compounds, they have only been shown to be effective on mouse-derived cells. Thus, herein we delivered vectors containing Epstein-Barr virus-derived oriP/Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 encoding the neuronal transcription factor, Ascl1, the neuron-specific microRNA, miR124, and a small hairpin directed against p53, into human fibroblasts. Cells were incubated in a neuron-inducing culture medium. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect Tuj-1, microtubule-associated protein 2, neuron-specific nucleoprotein NeuN and nerve cell adhesion molecules in the induced cells. The proportion of Tuj1-positive cells was up to 36.7% after induction for 11 days. From day 21, these induced neurons showed neuron-specific expression patterns of microtubule-associated protein 2, NeuN and neural cell adhesion molecule. Our approach is a simple, plasmid-based process that enables direct reprogramming of human fibroblasts into neurons, and provides alternative avenues for disease modeling and neurodegenerative medicine.

Building National Level Human Rights Bases and Popularization Centers

Building national human rights education and train- ing bases is part of China＇s human rights development,which shows the strong will of the Chinese government for promoting human fights and strengthening hu- man rights protection. Such an action is not only a practical measure for implementing international human fights action plans, but also a practice of the Chinese government in re- specting and implementing relevant international obligations set by the United Nations.

Research Priorities for Addressing Gender Based Violence in the WHO Africa Region

Background: There is an increasing emphasis on conducting research to identify gender based violence issues to enable development of appropriate programs and interventions. However, these efforts are mixed in quality and often raise ethical questions. The increased pressure on policy makers to move to a more evidence-based approach in addressing gender based issues creates the need for this research prioritization activity. Inadequate evaluative evidence in this area poses a challenge in the planning for responsive interventions especially in resource limited settings. The purpose of this paper is to present gender based violence research priority areas for the WHO Africa Region. Methods: We utilized a modified version of the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative approach to reach consensus on research priorities on the thematic area of gender based violence. In three phases, we first conducted an online survey with sexual and reproductive health and rights experts in academia, ministries of health, non-governmental organizations and other health actors with a wide range of experiences. These questions were consolidated by three experts from World Health Organization headquarters into themes. Secondly, experts were invited in a meeting in Cape Town South Africa to analyze and generate relevant areas of research based on the themes. Finally, a smaller group of experts prioritized research areas based on agreed criteria. Results: A list of 10 priority research questions for addressing gender based violence were scored and ranked. Four priority research questions scored 30 points out of the possible 30 points and were thus ranked as the highest priority. These included questions that “engage young adolescents in behavioral interventions to influence gender roles”, “determinants of gender based violence analysis”, “both long and short term complications of gender based violence on survivors” and “assessment of men’s involvement in addressing gender-based violence against women”. The second most highly ranked question was on the assessment of the extent and strategies to prevent gender-based violence in the context of humanitarian crises. Conclusions: Priority research questions for addressing gender based violence were identified. This exercise provides a three year investment case for research with high potential of effectively identifying interventions with high impact on addressing gender based violence.

Second Group of National Human Rights Education and Training Bases Established

The Ministry of Education and the State Council Information Office on July 22 announced the second group of national human rights education and training bases, in- cluding the Human Rights Research Center at Renmin University of China, the Human Rights Research Center at Fudan University, the Human Rights Research Academy at Wuhan University, the Human Rights Research Center at Shandong University and the Human Rights Education and Research Center at the Southwest University of Politica~ Science arid Law.

Responsibilities and Working Mechanism of National Human Rights Education and Training Bases

On July 22, 2014, the second group of national human rights education and train- ing bases was announced,increasing the number of national bases from the previous three to a total of eight, which reflects the advancement of human rights education and ~aining in China and has far-reaching significance.