Constitutional Research Articles

A decrease in Flavonifractor plautii and its product, phytosphingosine, predisposes individuals with phlegm-dampness constitution to metabolic disorders

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutional theory, individuals with phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC) are at increased risk for metabolic disorders. Previous studies have indicated that PDC individuals exhibit gene expression changes associated with metabolic disorders, even individuals with normal metabolic indices. However, the biological mechanisms underlying these changes remain unclear. The gut microbiota has recently emerged as a promising avenue for elucidating TCM principles. Here, we revealed that individuals with PDC have distinct gut microbiota and serum metabolite profiles. A decrease in phytosphingosine was associated with increased PDC scores and metabolic disorder severity. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that Flavonifractor plautii can biosynthesize phytosphingosine, which was also negatively correlated with the PDC score. Interestingly, both F. plautii and phytosphingosine levels decreased in PDC subjects with normal metabolic indices. Fecal transplantation from these individuals accelerated the development of metabolic disorders in mice. However, supplementation with F. plautii and phytosphingosine ameliorated metabolic disorders by increasing phytosphingosine levels in the gut‒hepatic axis. Mechanistic investigations confirmed that phytosphingosine can directly bind to hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and activate its nuclear transcription activity, thereby regulating downstream gene expression related to glucose‒lipid metabolism. Our research indicates that the decrease in F. plautii and its product, phytosphingosine, contributes to gene expression changes related to metabolic disorders in PDC individuals and increases their susceptibility to metabolic disorders. These findings suggest that diagnosing PDC may be beneficial for identifying at-risk populations among apparently healthy individuals, thereby advancing the broader field of metabolic disorder prevention and TCM integration.

Reforming the position of the coalition and opposition in the Indonesian constitutional system

This study seeks to evaluate the roles of the coalition and opposition within the Indonesian constitutional framework as established by the 1945 Constitution, and to investigate the impact of political dynamics between the two on the efficacy of legislative supervision of the executive branch. In Indonesia's multiparty presidential system, the presence of a dominating coalition and a feeble opposition poses significant obstacles to upholding the notion of checks and balances. This study employs a normative legal research method using a normative descriptive approach to delineate the notion and status of coalition and opposition, alongside a juridical-analytical methodology to assess the legal and practical impediments impacting the efficacy of legislative oversight. Primary legal documents, including the 1945 Constitution, pertinent laws, and Constitutional Court rulings, are utilized in conjunction with secondary legal materials such as scholarly literature and comparative analyses of political systems in other nations. The findings indicated that while the 1945 Constitution did not expressly delineate the structure and function of coalitions and oppositions, political practice in Indonesia revealed a tendency for coalitions to prevail, whilst oppositions were frequently disjointed and less efficacious. This undermines the parliamentary scrutiny of executive policy, which frequently serves just as a formality. The formal regulation of the opposition's role, the enhancement of legislative ability, and the streamlining of the election system are the principal recommendations to enhance this political dynamic. The study's conclusion affirms the necessity of political and legal reforms to guarantee that democracy in Indonesia adheres to the principles of popular sovereignty and governmental accountability.

Claude Lefort in the age of the total constitution

Abstract In contradistinction to totalitarianism, Claude Lefort theorised a democratic form of society as one primarily characterised by indeterminacy, absence of ground, and by extension openness to the event. In maintaining this form of society, Lefort reserved a key role for human rights. The aims of this paper are twofold: first, I argue that, despite the fact that Lefort never developed a theory of constitutions, an important role can nonetheless be ascribed to them. I hypothesise constitutions to be key in democratic society’s symbolic representation of itself to itself. Second, I then examine what the repercussions are for this idea when Martin Loughlin’s account of constitutionalism is taken into account. Loughlin’s argument suggests that, while constitutions may have been important safeguards against totalitarianism, constitutions today threaten to become total themselves. I conclude by indicating the populist response as a point of convergence between Lefort’s and Loughlin’s analyses.

Legal certainty and regulatory sandbox: critical evaluation and recommendations

This document focuses on analyzing legal certainty as a determining factor in the implementation of a regulatory sandbox, exploring its influence as a barrier to the application of such a sandbox from a legal perspective. The study is based on a theoretical review and a detailed analysis of the background of regulatory sandboxes and legal certainty, as well as on the practice of interviewing officials and citizens with experience in the implementation and use of the controlled testing space. Subsequently, a methodology is applied to define the prioritization of problems and identification actions for implementation. Through this exercise, it was concluded that legal certainty represents a significant obstacle in certain constitutional frameworks. There is a legal need to constitutionalize legal experimentation to overcome the detected obstacles and achieve an implementation that adapts to the legal framework in future sandbox initiatives.

Constitutional Powers of Parliament During Martial Law: The Ukrainian Experience

Objective: The aim of the article is to analyze the constitutional limits of the powers of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, with a focus on identifying a legal mechanism capable of ensuring a balance between national security, democratic principles, human rights protection, and the preservation of the parliament's control functions under martial law. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on constitutional law theories, including the separation of powers doctrine and the principle of checks and balances, which ensure legislative control in terms of the martial law. It also incorporates crisis governance theory to analyze how legal frameworks adapt to emergencies while preserving democratic institutions and human rights. Methods: The methods used in this study include monographic analysis, analysis and synthesis, systems analysis, generalization, and forecasting, among others. Results and Discussion: The article examines the constitutional powers of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine during martial law, with an emphasis on the importance of balancing effective governance with adherence to democratic principles. It is established that martial law necessitates the adoption of prompt decisions in the area of national security. The role of the Parliament of Ukraine as a key institution for overseeing the use of defense resources during wartime is discussed. The legislative activities of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine regarding mobilization, army financing, and ensuring transparency in the use of budgetary funds are also explored. Contributions: The article highlights the need to strengthen the role of parliamentary committees on national security, introduce independent audits of defense spending, and establish joint international monitoring missions to ensure the protection of human rights in conflict zones. By proposing mechanisms to enhance parliamentary oversight and transparency in governance, this research contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), reinforcing accountability, institutional integrity, and the rule of law in times of crisis. Strengthening parliamentary control mechanisms not only ensures effective decision-making during martial law but also promotes long-term institutional resilience, democratic governance, and legal stability, which are essential for sustainable development. It is emphasized that the conclusions drawn in the article may be beneficial not only for Ukraine but also for other countries facing similar challenges during wartime or other emergencies.

Transcriptome analysis of wild olive (Olea Europaea L. subsp. europaea var. sylvestris) clone AC18 provides insight into the role of lignin as a constitutive defense mechanism underlying resistance to Verticillium wilt

Host resistance is the most effective and practical control method for the management of Verticillium wilt in olive caused by Verticillium dahliae, which remains as one of the major current threats to this crop. Regrettably, most olive cultivars of agronomic and commercial interest are susceptible to V. dahliae. We previously demonstrated that wild olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea var. sylvestris) clone AC18 harbours resistance to the highly virulent defoliating (D) V. dahliae pathotype, which may be valuable as rootstock and for breeding new, resistant olive cultivars. Mechanisms underlying disease resistance may be of constitutive or induced nature. In this work we aim to unravel constitutive defences that may be involved in AC18 resistance, by comparing the transcriptome from uninfected stems, of AC18 with that of the highly susceptible wild olive clone AC15, GO-term enrichment analysis revealed terms related to systemic acquired resistance, plant cell wall biogenesis and assembly, and phenylpropanoid and lignin metabolism. qRT-PCR analysis of phenylpropanoid and lignin metabolism-related genes showed differences in their expression between the two wild olive clones. Phenolic content of stem cell walls was higher in the resistant AC18. The total lignin content was similar in resistant and susceptible clones, but they differed in monolignol composition. Results from this work identifies putative key genes in wild olive that could aid in breeding olive cultivars resistant, to D. V. dahliae. The research highlights the constitutive defence mechanisms that are effective in protecting against pathogens and our findings may contribute to the deciphering the molecular basis of VW resistance in olive and the conservation and utilization of wild olive genetic resources to tackle future agricultural challenges towards.

War, social media and gender: an analysis of the use of TikTok by Ukrainian soldiers

ABSTRACT This article examines the intersection of war and gender through a visual analysis of TikTok videos depicting Ukrainian soldiers. Framed as the first TikTok war, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia has been intensively followed on social media. Videos of Ukrainian soldiers sharing their daily lived experience of the conflict on TikTok circulated widely to a global audience. By staging their lived reality, often in a playful manner, the soldiers not only perform their identity as defenders of the Ukrainian nation-state, but they also perform their gender identity. By asking how these popular self-representations are gendered, this research contributes to feminist approaches in critical military studies, as well as to the literature on the popular cultural constitution of world politics. The results of an audiovisual analysis of TikTok videos indicate that war is being redefined as an integral part of everyday life and that this reconfiguration is playing a decisive role in mobilizing support for Ukraine. At first sight, a shift away from militarized masculinity that could reshape the gender order can be envisioned. However, I nuance this view by showing how masculinity is subtly adapting to new visual regimes, limiting TikTok’s potential to disrupt gender subordination.

Investigating the Gut Microbiota Profile in Prehypertensive Individuals Exhibiting Phlegm-Dampness Constitution.

Prehypertension is the preclinical stage of hypertension, which is more likely to develop into hypertension than normal blood pressure. Although the body may experience pathological changes at this stage, there are often no symptoms. Chinese medicine constitution theory is widely used to assess an individual's health and disease status, which provides a new method for disease prevention. The phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC) is the main constitution in prehypertension. Dysbiosis of the intestinal flora is considered to be related to the development of hypertension. However, the characteristics of the intestinal flora in prehypertensive populations with PDCs are still unknown. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples was performed in this study, which included 30 prehypertensive subjects with PDCs, 30 nonphlegm-dampness constitution (NPDC) prehypertensive individuals with balanced constitution, and 30 ideal blood pressure subjects with balanced constitution (BC). On the basis of the composition of the intestinal flora, a random forest classifier was constructed to screen the specific bacteria of the prehypertensive PDC population, and the diagnostic efficiency was determined by the area under the curve (AUC). At the phylum level, the abundance of Bacteroidetes decreased in the PDC group compared with the NPDC group. Bacteroides was the most important genus at the genus level. Compared with those in the NPDC or BC group, the relative abundances of o_RF39, f_Porphyromonadaceae, f_Christensenellaceae, g_parabacteroides, and g_nitrobacteria in the PDC group were significantly greater. The random forest analysis results revealed that Alistipes, Butyricimonas, Odoribacter, Parabacteroides, and Corynebacterium are bacterial genera that significantly differ between the PDC and NPDC groups and greatly contribute to group differentiation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that the AUC range of differential bacteria and its combined diagnostic model ranged from 0.653 (95% CI: 0.511-0.794) to 0.706 (95% CI: 0.573-0.838), suggesting that it is a potential risk marker for phlegm-dampness constitution with prehypertension. Our study indicates that PDC individuals with prehypertension can be distinguished from NPDC individuals according to their gut microbiome characteristics. Prevention and treatment measures based on these biomarkers may be beneficial in opening new ideas and directions for identifying more aggressive and effective interventions for prehypertensive populations.

GPM-PeNN: A generalized plasticity model-based data-driven constitutive modeling framework using physics-encoded neural network

GPM-PeNN: A generalized plasticity model-based data-driven constitutive modeling framework using physics-encoded neural network

The economic system as a component of the constitutional order of the state: theoretical and legal analysis

It is indicated that the concept of the constitutional order occupies a central place in the modern theory of constitutionalism, establishing the fundamental principles of the organization of state and public life. The economic order acts as a key component of the constitutional order, forming the basic principles of the functioning of the economic system and regulating the nature of economic relations in the state. Against the background of modern global economic transformations and changes in economic systems, the importance of studying the theoretical and legal aspects of the interaction of the constitutional and economic order is growing. The article carries out a theoretical and legal analysis of the economic system as a component of the constitutional order of the state. The evolution of scientific approaches to understanding the constitutional order in the context of its relationship with the concepts of “social order” and “state order” is studied. It is established that the constitutional system is a fundamental category of modern constitutionalism, which determines the basic principles of the organization of the state and society. It is substantiated that the economic system is one of the key subsystems of the social system along with the political, social and cultural components. Based on the analysis of scientific sources, it is determined that the economic system is a historically formed set of principles, rules and legislatively enshrined norms that regulate the main economic relations in the processes of production, distribution, exchange and consumption of economic goods. Special attention is paid to the study of constitutional and legal mechanisms for regulating economic relations and the influence of constitutional norms on the development of the economic system. The relationship and interdependence of the constitutional system and the economic order, which form a complex system of relations, where constitutional norms establish the legal boundaries of economic activity, and economic processes affect the implementation of constitutional principles and the provision of citizens’ rights, are analyzed. It is revealed that in the context of globalization and strengthening economic integration, the study of the mechanisms of interaction between the constitutional order and the economic system is of particular relevance. The need to find the optimal balance between state regulation of the economy and ensuring economic freedom, between the protection of national economic interests and openness to international economic cooperation is proven. In the context of European integration processes, the importance of harmonizing national legislation with European standards in the field of constitutional and legal regulation of economic relations is substantiated.

Women Identity Crisis in Pakistan: Application Of Habermas’ Concept Of Identity Deficit

Pakistani women are facing an acute identity crisis, a challenge that has reached a critical stage due to socio-political, legal, and institutional shortcomings. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the prevailing and projected status of women in Pakistan, incorporating legal and constitutional frameworks to identify gaps and propose timely interventions. A qualitative research methodology has been employed, utilizing statistical data from reports, scholarly articles, books, and newspaper publications. Additionally, Habermas’s theory of identity deficit has been applied to critically examine the crisis. The study investigates the role of governmental institutions and legislation in shaping women's identities and evaluates the state’s response to gender-related issues. Findings indicate that Pakistan’s institutional failures, gender discrimination, and inconsistencies in law, ethics, and societal values have exacerbated the identity crisis among women. This issue poses a significant threat to national progress and development, as gender equality is integral to a country's socio-economic stability. Through the lens of Habermas’s identity deficit theory, the research explores two key crises among Pakistani women: the legitimation crisis, where societal norms fail to validate women’s identities, and the motivation crisis, where legal and cultural contradictions hinder their empowerment. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-dimensional approach, including legal reforms, institutional accountability, and societal change. The study underscores the urgent need for a structured policy framework to bridge the gap between law and practice, ensuring women's rights and identity are protected and promoted in Pakistan.

"The Path to Equity: Constitutional Principles in Social Justice"

India’s Constitution, adopted in 1950, is a monumental document that guarantees fundamental rights and lays the foundation for achieving social justice in the country. Social justice in India refers to the equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and treatment to all citizens, particularly marginalized groups. The Constitution’s commitment to social justice is reflected in its provisions for equality, affirmative action, and protections against discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, and other factors. Despite this constitutional framework, significant inequalities persist in Indian society. The Constitution’s role is not just to provide legal guarantees, but to foster societal transformation by implementing inclusive policies. This article examines the constitutional commitment to social justice in India, focusing on provisions that address inequality, such as affirmative action, reservation policies, and the protection of minority rights. It also highlights the challenges in translating these constitutional ideals into tangible outcomes and the ongoing efforts needed to achieve true equality. Through legal reforms, judicial interpretation, and active participation of marginalized communities, India continues to work toward addressing its deeply ingrained social inequalities.

The Role of Constitutional Institution in Achieving of National Participation

As the supreme law of a state, the constitution establishes the framework for public constitutional institutions and delineates the mechanisms through which they exercise their authority. Serving as the cornerstone of a state's legal system, these institutions are bound by the provisions of the constitutional text. National partnership, inherently rooted in the state, necessitates realization within the state, which serves as the ultimate institution. This partnership is manifested through participation in the formation of public institutions and the exercise of their powers. Moreover, national partnership is intrinsically linked to the public interest, signifying a collaborative endeavor among the state's components and citizens in the governance of state affairs through its institutions. This, in turn, strengthens the bond between the state and its citizens, ultimately leading to the consolidation of a national state. This study, titled "The Role of Constitutional Institutions in Achieving National Partnership," addresses a central theme within constitutional law, both conceptually and practically. It seeks to elucidate the role of constitutional institutions in fostering national unity while identifying the discrepancies between constitutional provisions and practical realities. The research is grounded in the 2005 Iraqi Constitution, which adopted a parliamentary, democratic, federal system. This constitutional framework is conceptually built upon the principle of national partnership among the components of the Iraqi state, as enshrined in the constitution's preamble and its provisions. However, certain practical challenges may arise in the implementation of this partnership. To comprehensively address the subject, the research focuses specifically on the primary constitutional institutions namely the legislative, executive, and judicial bodies. The study is organized into three sections: the first examines the role of the legislative branch in fostering national unity, the second delves into the role of the executive branch, and the third explores the role of the judiciary. The conclusion summarizes the findings and presents recommendations.

Discussion on the Clinical Differentiation and Treatment of Pulmonary Nodules based on the Constitution Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Through a review of literature and ancient texts, this study summarizes the distribution of TCM constitutional types among patients with pulmonary nodules. The findings indicate that the common predisposing constitutions include Qi deficiency, Yang deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Qi stagnation. This article elaborates on the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of pulmonary nodules in individuals with different constitutional types. It proposes foundational herbal formulas tailored to each constitution and suggests modifications based on specific symptoms to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. The study aims to provide novel insights for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules by emphasizing the importance of constitutional regulation. By addressing constitutional imbalances and improving the internal environment of the lungs, this approach may reduce the incidence of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer. The exploration of the relationship between pulmonary nodules and TCM constitution offers valuable references for early intervention and personalized treatment strategies.

Constitutions of the Greek War of Independence and the international standing of the Greek State, 1821-1830

This paper examines the foreign policy provisions embedded within the revolutionary Constitutions of the Greek War of Independence (1821 1830), arguing that these legal documents were not only critical for internal governance but also played a key role in shaping Greece’s future international position. While much scholarly attention has focused on the internal politics of the revolution, this study highlights how the Greek revolutionaries, recognizing the importance of international recognition for the realization of their independence, strategically crafted constitutional frameworks to engage with the diplomatic realities of 19th century Europe. Drawing on a comparative analysis of the ‘Provisional Regime’, the ‘Law of Epidaurus’, and the ‘Political Constitution’, the paper shows that the revolutionaries’ approach to foreign policy was influenced by both internal political dynamics and external pressures, particularly from the Great Powers. By situating these Constitutions within the broader European revolutionary context, this paper demonstrates how the Greek revolutionaries, while contending with power struggles and military crises, also sought to establish mechanisms for securing international recognition and diplomatic support.

The Interwar Period That Wasn’t: Alternative Histories of the Twentieth Century in the Prose of Jacek Dukaj

The article analyzes the creation of alternative histories using the examples of Xavras Wyżryn [Xavras Wyżryn] and Lód [Ice]. The focus of the interpretations will be on the question of why this particular period was subjected to counterfactual processes. In Xavras, the first half of the twentieth century is presented as a sequence of events resulting from the still ongoing war of 1920, that is, as an effect of human actions; in Ice, on the other hand, the events are caused by a meteorite impact, that is, they result from natural factors. In both works, 1918–1939 is not a period marked by war and is not decisive for the development of the Polish state. In this article, I will discuss the methods of constructing fictional worlds and answer the fundamental questions about the relationship between chance and the supreme law built into history, especially the juxtaposition of ideas of modernity and the growing totalitarianism. First, however, I will focus on the new ways of interpreting culturally mythologized spaces, logical and philosophical theories, and interpersonal relations through fictional alternative worlds.

Dimensions of Constitutional Rights in Enhancing Village Apparatus Awareness

Purpose: This study aims to enhance constitutional awareness among the community of Kapita Village, Jeneponto Regency, by strengthening their understanding of constitutional rights as outlined in the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. Citizens' low awareness of their rights and role in overseeing government actions necessitates structured legal counseling. The objective is to provide citizens with fundamental knowledge of the constitution and foster a sense of legal awareness to ensure active participation in governance. Research Design and Methodology: This study employs a qualitative approach through direct legal counseling sessions. The counseling is delivered using an oral presentation method, incorporating simple and accessible language. A question-and-answer format is used to engage participants and encourage active discussion. Additionally, visual materials such as posters featuring statements from prominent figures about the Constitution, accompanied by illustrative images, are utilized to capture public attention and reinforce key messages. Findings and Discussion: Implementing this program resulted in an increased general understanding among participants regarding the function of the constitution and its role in governance. Citizens recognized the constitution as the supreme law of the land and an agreement between the state and its citizens. Moreover, they gained insight into their constitutional rights, particularly those directly impacting their daily lives, such as education, healthcare, and civic participation. Implications: The findings suggest that structured constitutional counseling can effectively promote legal awareness at the village level. Improved constitutional understanding can lead to more informed and active citizens participating in governance and advocating for their rights. The study highlights the importance of continuous legal education and engaging educational media to foster constitutional awareness in rural communities.

La educación inclusiva: una estrategia de atención a la diversidad

Abstract Reality shows that we live in a complex world, a diverse, multicultural society, where inclusive education is not only a fundamental pedagogical strategy, but also an ethical and social imperative, aimed at addressing the needs of all students, regardless of their abilities, circumstances or contexts, aimed at reducing inequalities, for access to an education of excellence and quality in accordance with the constitutional and conventional framework. In this sense, inclusion transcends educational policy; as a universal human right, that implies recognizing diversity in the classroom. The purpose of this opinion article is to explore inclusive education, understood as a strategic tool for addressing diversity, which contributes to a comprehensive education for the construction of a fair and equitable citizenship; Therefore, the crucial role of the development of socio-emotional skills for the academic performance of students is reflected as an intrinsic link that generates an accessible, equitable and welcoming educational environment that respects and values ​​diversity, guaranteed by the transformation of educational institutions comparable to the ecosystem of integral development of each person through a flexible curriculum, teacher training, management and administration of resources, among other aspects. Keywords: Inclusive education, inclusion, diversity, equity, socio-emotional skills

La más verdadera tragedia: conciliación y antagonismo en las <i>Leyes </i>de Platón

This paper examines the quarrel with the tragic poets in Laws, VII 817b-d, by emphasizing, on the one hand, fundamental differences with the more famous quarrel of the Republic, and by arguing, on the other hand, for a strong (and not merely rhetorical) reading of the central claim of the passage, namely, that the very political constitution proposed in the dialogue is itself the “truest tragedy.” Assuming this perspective, I show that the constitution of Magnesia is the best possible tragedy insofar as it makes possible the greatest realization of the community’s life, recognizing, appealing to, and integrating human passions and weaknesses within itself. We are confronted with a notion of tragedy that, while recognizing as its starting point the antagonism proper to the tragic genre, aspires to common happiness as the most beautiful culmination of the human drama.

Convention and constitutionalism in David Hume’s History of England

ABSTRACT David Hume’s constitutional theory is often reduced to his insights regarding the principles that should inform the design of constitutions. This interpretation has extended to his History of England (the ‘History’), in which Hume is typically thought to show how liberty in England emerged as a consequence of establishing the proper constitutional arrangements between the institutions of Parliament and the Crown. I argue that the History is better understood through Hume’s theory of convention. Approaching the History in this way resolves the divergent scholarly interpretations of its constitutional narrative, and reveals that Hume’s conception of constitutionalism depends less on the institutional settings established by a constitutional document, than on the prevailing attitude towards law and political authority among government officials and the population more generally. Specifically, liberty is founded on the understanding that laws apply universally and inflexibly, and that all exercises of political authority must occur according to law.