General Assembly Research Articles

Excitons at the interface of 2D TMDs and molecular semiconductors.

Van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) of vertically stacked two-dimensional (2D) atomic crystals have been used to elicit intriguing phenomena stemming from strong electronic correlations, magnetic textures, and interlayer excitons spawned at the heterointerface. However, vdWHs comprised of heterointerfaces between these 2D atomic crystal lattices and molecular assemblies are emerging as equally intriguing platforms supporting properties to be harnessed for photovoltaic energy conversion, photodetection, spin-selective charge injection, and quantum emission. In this perspective, we summarize recent research examining exciton dynamics in heterostructures between semiconducting 2D transition metal dichalcogenides and molecular organic semiconductors. We discuss methods for assembly of these heterostructures, the nature of interlayer or charge-transfer excitons at transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD)-molecule interfaces, explicit exciton transfer between organics and TMDs, and other interfacial phenomena driven by the merger of these two material classes. We also suggest key new research directions extending the remit of these 2D atomic-molecular lattice heterointerfaces into the domains of condensed matter physics, quantum sensing, and energy conversion.

THE RIGHT TO A HEALTY ENVIRONMENT

The exercise of human rights is adversely affected by environmental degradation. Nevertheless, linking human rights to the right to a healthy environment is just one aspect of this right. The other aspect is environmental degradation, which currently does not negatively affect human rights. However, these environmental degradations may adversely affect human rights in the long term. This broader right covers ecological and ecosystem degradation, development, and protection in this context. A safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment was recognized as a fundamental human right for the first time ever on a global scale with the adoption of the UN General Assembly's resolution. There are only a few conventions that directly contain this right. However, it does not follow that other accords do not also safeguard this righ.This study aims to define the concept and ascertain to what extent the right to a healthy environment is protected by international law.

Analysis of Brand Crisis Public Relations

This article delves into the case of Fuyao Glass, a Chinese company that purchased a General Motors assembly plant in Dayton, Ohio, in 2014, investing heavily to establish operations in 2016. Amid speculation about the company's business focus shifting to the United States, Chairman Cao Dewang reassured the public that their primary focus remains in China. However, the incident highlighted the importance of crisis communication in the new media era, where crises can spread rapidly and have far-reaching consequences. Understanding public relations as a means of managing relationships between organizations and the public is crucial, especially in crisis situations. The text emphasizes the need for proactive crisis management strategies, including real-time monitoring of public opinion and the development of contingency plans. Additionally, it underscores the significance of corporate social responsibility in maintaining a positive brand image and navigating crises effectively. Ultimately, the article underscores the importance of strategic communication and crisis preparedness in safeguarding a company's reputation and mitigating potential risks.

A data-driven exploration of the complexity of the phosphorus-centered pnictogen bonds

Phosphorus-centered pnictogen bonds, similar to well-studied halogen bonds, play a vital role in molecular recognition and assembly. This study aims to explain how pnictogen bonds interact with other noncovalent interactions. A model system, phosphines (PH3), which is also present in phosphorus cycles and reduces planetary atmospheres, is examined. The investigation of the phosphorus trifluoride (PF3) molecule explores its substituent effects. To generate a broad spectrum of molecular configurations, a specially tailored protocol for sampling and optimisation was implemented. The configurations were refined to uncover primary interaction patterns, and a clustering algorithm revealed unique interaction patterns. This report presents the energy stability and distribution of all the clusters. Our findings verify the prevalent presence of pnictogen bonds, identified by their geometric characteristics and co-occurrence with hydrogen bonds, which show an almost linear correlation. Another significant discovery is the correlation between various energy decomposition elements, especially regarding the electrostatic energy and overall binding energy. These results are anticipated to significantly contribute towards our comprehension of non-covalent interactions among phosphorus-containing molecules and the formulation of empirical models having physical interpretations.

Three-Dimensional Directional Assembly of Liquid Crystal Molecules.

The precise construction of hierarchically long-range ordered structures using molecules as fundamental building blocks can fully harness their anisotropy and potential. However, the three-dimensional (3D), high-precision, and single-step directional assembly of molecules is a long-pending challenge. Here, we propose a 3D directional molecular assembly strategy via femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW) and demonstrate the feasibility of this approach using liquid crystal (LC) molecules as an illustrative example. The physical mechanism for femtosecond (fs) laser-induced assembly of LC molecules has been investigated, and precise 3D arbitrary assembly of LC molecules has been achieved by defining the discretized laser scanning pathway. Additionally, an LC-based Fresnel zone plate array with polarization selection and colorization imaging functions has been fabricated to further illustrate the potential of this method. This study not only introduces a 3D high-resolution alignment method for LC-based functional devices but also establishes a universal protocol for the precise 3D directional assembly of anisotropic molecules. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Demixing is a default process for biological condensates formed via phase separation.

Excitatory and inhibitory synapses do not overlap even when formed on one submicron-sized dendritic protrusion. How excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic cytomatrices or densities (e/iPSDs) are segregated is not understood. Broadly, why membraneless organelles are naturally segregated in cellular subcompartments is unclear. Using biochemical reconstitutions in vitro and in cells, we demonstrate that ePSDs and iPSDs spontaneously segregate into distinct condensed molecular assemblies through phase separation. Tagging iPSD scaffold gephyrin with a PSD-95 intrabody (dissociation constant ~4 nM) leads to mistargeting of gephyrin to ePSD condensates. Unexpectedly, formation of iPSD condensates forces the intrabody-tagged gephyrin out of ePSD condensates. Thus, instead of diffusion-governed spontaneous mixing, demixing is a default process for biomolecules in condensates. Phase separation can generate biomolecular compartmentalization specificities that cannot occur in dilute solutions.

Optimizing Binding among Bimolecular Tethered Complexes.

Tethered motion is ubiquitous in nature, offering controlled movement and spatial constraints to otherwise chaotic systems. The enhanced functionality and practical utility of tethers has been exploited in biotechnology, catalyzing the design of novel biosensors and molecular assembly techniques. While notable technological advances incorporating tethered motifs have been made, a theoretical gap persists within the paradigm, hindering a comprehensive understanding of tethered-based technologies. In this work, we focus on the characterization of the binding kinetics of two tethered molecules functionalized to a hard surface. Using a mean-field approximation, the binding time of such bimolecular system is determined analytically. Furthermore, estimates of the grafting site separation and polymer lengths which expedite binding are provided. These estimates, along with the analytical theories and frameworks established here, have the potential to improve efficacy in self-assembly methods in DNA nanotechnology and can be extended to more biologically specific endeavors including targeted drug-delivery and molecular sensing.

Formulate Adaptive Biphasic Scaffold via Sequential Protein-Instructed Peptide Co-Assembly.

To ensure compositional consistency while mitigating potential immunogenicity for stem cell therapy, synthetic scaffolds have emerged as compelling alternatives to native extracellular matrix (ECM). Substantial progress has been made in emulating specific natural traits featuring consistent chemical compositions and physical structures. However, recapitulating the dynamic responsiveness of the native ECM involving chemical transitions and physical remodeling during differentiation, remains a challenging endeavor. Here, the creation of adaptive scaffolds is demonstrated through sequential protein-instructed molecular assembly, utilizing stage-specific proteins, and incorporating in situ assembly technique. The procedure is commenced by introducing a dual-targeting peptide at the onset of stem cell differentiation. In response to highly expressed integrins and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC), the peptides assembled in situ, creating customized extracellular scaffolds that adhered to hMSCs promoting osteoblast differentiation. As the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and collagen (COL-1) increased in osteoblasts, an additional peptide is introduced that interacts with ALP, initiating peptide assembly and facilitating calcium phosphate (CaP) deposition. The growth and entanglement of peptide assemblies with collagen fibers efficiently incorporated CaP into the network resulting in an adaptive biphasic scaffold that enhanced healing of bone injuries.

Celebrating International Year of Millet 2023: Analysing Sustainable Food Security in India Since Independence to the Amrit Kaal from the Lens of Millets

While the world is grappling with adversities caused by climate change, the agricultural sector has been the hardest hit, posing a new set of challenges for food security. As the developing world is still struggling with rampant poverty and malnutrition, an alternative framework that could promote climate-resilient and water-saving agriculture emerges as an exigency. In this context, climate-resilient crops like millets acquire the greatest significance as they are not only sustainable and low on climate-critical resources like water but also add to the diversity of the nutritional basket of farmers in rain-fed regions. In this light, the adoption of the India-sponsored resolution declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets by the United Nations General Assembly is extremely crucial and needs to be analysed with reference to its potentiality to ensure sustainable food security in India in sync with UN Sustainable Development Goals on Poverty and Food Security. Given the potential of millets, this article aims to analyse innovative and sustainable pathways to agriculture from Indian Independence to Amrit Kaal, in alignment with goals of productivity enhancement, energy transition and climate action of the Government of India. It examines the policies and programmes of the government implemented to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) during the Amrit Kaal.

Ultrafast Flow Synthesis of o-Functionalized Benzenesulfonyl Fluorides and Subsequent SuFEx Connections via Lithiated Chemistry.

Herein we present a flow-based, rapid, and straightforward approach to synthesize diverse functionalized sulfonyl fluorides by harnessing an aryllithium intermediate. The aryllithium intermediate was fully utilized under optimized conditions (0.016 s, -18 °C) to afford various functionalized sulfonyl fluorides and also intramolecular SuFEx cyclization products in high yields (27-94%). Furthermore, the integrated synthesis incorporating subsequent SuFEx connections with even unstable organolithium nucleophiles facilitated one-flow molecular assembly in high yields (42-72%).

Bilateral political ties and the stability of services exports

AbstractThis study examines the effect of bilateral political ties on the stability of service exports. The results show that the deterioration of political ties can decrease the stability of service exports by strengthening non‐tariff barriers and weakening immigration networks. A decrease in voting similarity among trading partners in the United Nations General Assembly corresponds to heightened instability in service exports. In particular, political ties have a more pronounced impact on the stability of tourism service exports than on other services. Developing countries, in contrast to developed countries, should pay particular attention to the impact of political ties on the stability of service exports. Moreover, improvements in technological advantages and Internet openness in exporting countries can weaken the impact of political ties.

An International Data-Based Systems Agency IDA: Striving for a Peaceful, Sustainable, and Human Rights-Based Future

Digital transformation and “artificial intelligence (AI)”—which can more adequately be called “data-based systems (DS)”—comprise ethical opportunities and risks. Therefore, it is necessary to identify precisely ethical opportunities and risks in order to be able to benefit sustainably from the opportunities and to master the risks. The UN General Assembly has recently adopted a resolution aiming for ‘safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems’. It is now urgent to implement and build on the UN General Assembly Resolution. Allowing humans and the planet to flourish sustainably in peace and guaranteeing globally that human dignity is respected not only offline but also online, in the digital sphere, and in the domain of DS, requires two policy measures: (1) human rights-based data-based systems (HRBDS): HRBDS means that human rights serve as the basis of digital transformation and DS. (2) International Data-Based Systems Agency (IDA): IDA should be established at the UN as a platform for cooperation in the field of digital transformation and DS, fostering human rights, security, and peaceful uses of DS, as well as a global supervisory institution and regulatory authority in digital transformation and DS. The establishment of IDA is realistic because humanity has already shown in its past that we are able to not always “blindly” pursue the technically possible but also to limit ourselves to what is technically feasible when humanity and the planet are at stake. For instance, humans researched the field of nuclear technology, developed the atomic bomb, and detonated it several times. Nonetheless, the same humans limited research and development in the field of nuclear technology to prevent even worse consequences by establishing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at the UN.

Recent Trends in Group 11 Hydrogen Bonding.

Conventional hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) has been extensively studied in organic and biological systems. However, its role in transition metal chemistry, particularly with Group 11 metals (i.e. Cu, Ag, Au) as hydrogen bond acceptors, remains relatively unexplored. Through a combination of experimental techniques, such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and computational calculations, several aspects of H-bonding interactions with Group 11 metals are examined, shedding light on its impact on structural motifs and reactivity. These include bond strengths, geometries, and effects on electronic structures. Understanding the intricacies of hydrogen bonding within transition metal chemistry holds promise for various applications, including catalytic transformations, the construction of molecular assemblies, synthesis of complexes displaying anticancer activities, or luminescence applications (e.g. Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence, TADF). This review encompasses the most significant recent advances, challenges, and future prospects in this emerging field.

Tuning Surface Organic Structures by Small Gas Molecules through Catassembly and Coassembly.

The field of molecular assembly has seen remarkable advancements across various domains, such as materials science, nanotechnology, and biomedicine. Small gas molecules serve as pivotal modulators, capable of altering the architecture of assemblies via tuning a spectrum of intermolecular forces including hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and metal coordination. Surface techniques, notably scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy, have proven instrumental in dissecting the structural metamorphosis and characteristic features of these assemblies at an unparalleled single-molecule resolution. Recent research has spotlighted two innovative approaches for modulating surface molecular assemblies with the aid of small gas molecules: "catassembly" and "coassembly". This Perspective delves into these methodologies through the lens of varying molecular interaction types. The strategies discussed here for regulating molecular assembly structures using small gas molecules can aid in understanding various complex assembly processes and structures and provide guidance for the further fabrication of complex surface structures.

Role of Stakeholders’ Collaboration in the Implementation of School Feeding Programme: A Case of Twelve Years Basic Education Schools in Nyabihu District, Rwanda (2020-2022)

This study was carried out to assess the role of stakeholders’ collaboration in the implementation of school feeding programme of twelve years basic education schools in Nyabihu District, Rwanda. The study utilized a convergent research strategy to collect both quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously. Questionnaires, interviews, documentations and observation were the techniques employed to obtain the primary data and secondary data. The population of the study comprised of 75 stakeholders. Census sampling was used and samples of 75 stakeholders were drawn. For collecting data, researcher organized well-structured questionnaire; data were edited and sorted for the next stage. The data were presented in statistical tables, with frequencies and percentages for classifications of responses by statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) for easier analysis and interpretation. Data from interview sessions was obtained from 4 chairpersons of school general assembly committees. Data from documentation was obtained from school records whereas data from observation were obtained before and during lunch periods. The results indicated that there is positive and significant effect on the role of parents’ engagement on the implementation of school feeding program in twelve years basic education schools (R=.979, p<0.05). To make implementation of school feeding program very successful, parents should make timely payments for their school food donations. To administer the school feeding program, parents should collaborate closely with school administration. Parents must participate in the school meal program rather than believing that it should only be funded by the government.

Is Rome ready to react to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive attacks? A tabletop simulation

Rome is vulnerable to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNe) attacks. The study evaluates Rome’s advanced emergency departments’ state of emergency plans for massive influx of injures (PEIMAF) plans for CBRNe attacks. We propose a chemical attack on Saint Peter’s Square during the Pope’s General Assembly and its effects. The National Stockpile Antidotes’ activation and territorial distribution timing work well for chemical attacks. We also estimated activation timing. Our data show that despite a good organization, travel times can be improved. We also believe that all major Roman hospitals must develop the PEIMAF, which should be followed by an organized training plan involving theoretical teaching and indoor and outdoor simulation to train hospital staff and evaluate PEIMAF weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The effectiveness and efficiency of first aid depend on timing, and each PEIMAF analyzed, while coherent and adequate for internal purposes, fails to integrate with the other hospitals. Integration can speed up National Stockpile Antidotes delivery and save lives. For the best CBRNe response, detailed intervention protocols must be created, updated daily, and exercised.

Roadmap on nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging.

The field of nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging (NanoMRI) was started 30 years ago. It was motivated by the desire to image single molecules and molecular assemblies, such as proteins and virus particles, with near-atomic spatial resolution and on a length scale of 100 nm. Over the years, the NanoMRI field has also expanded to include the goal of useful high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of molecules under ambient conditions, including samples up to the micron-scale. The realization of these goals requires the development of spin detection techniques that are many orders of magnitude more sensitive than conventional NMR and MRI, capable of detecting and controlling nanoscale ensembles of spins. Over the years, a number of different technical approaches to NanoMRI have emerged, each possessing a distinct set of capabilities for basic and applied areas of science. The goal of this roadmap article is to report the current state of the art in NanoMRI technologies, outline the areas where they are poised to have impact, identify the challenges that lie ahead, and propose methods to meet these challenges. This roadmap also shows how developments in NanoMRI techniques can lead to breakthroughs in emerging quantum science and technology applications.&#xD.

Norm entrepreneurship and legal frameworks against corruption: human rights perspectives in international law

ABSTRACT The study of corruption as a violation of human rights has been growing since the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in 2003, as exemplified by the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly political declaration regarding commitment to effectively prevent and combat corruption in 2021. Corruption has devastating impacts on human rights, but it has not yet been legally established as a violation of human rights. The current scholarship on corruption as a violation of human rights is heavily dominated by legal research; therefore, the state-of-the-art of this article is the combination of international relations and legal theory. This article analyses the work of the norm entrepreneur in transforming corruption as a violation of human rights from an emerging norm into a legal norm. The concept of international norm dynamics is utilized to assess the stage of norm development. Interactional legal theory is used as a guide to suggest that the norm entrepreneur focuses on the subsequent norm entrepreneurship based on the standard of legality. This article argues that the transformation of an emerging norm into a legal norm is possible; however, its feasibility depends on the continuous work of the norm entrepreneur to fulfil the standard of legality.

Minimizing Structural Heterogeneity in DNA Self-Assembled Dye Templating via DNA Origami-Tuned Conformations.

With recent advances in DNA-templated dye aggregation for leveraging and engineering molecular excitons, a need exists for minimizing structural heterogeneity. Holliday Junction complexes (HJ) are commonly used to covalently template dye aggregates on their core; however, the global conformation of HJ is detrimentally dynamic. Here, the global conformation of the HJ is selectively tuned by restricting its position and orientation by using a sheet-like DNA origami construct (DOC) physisorbed on glass. The HJ arms are fixed with four different designed interduplex angles (IDAs). Atomic force microscopy confirmed that the HJs are bound to the surface of DOC with tuned IDAs. Dye orientation distributions were determined by combining dipole imaging and super-resolution microscopy. All IDAs led to dye orientations having dispersed distributions along planes perpendicular to the HJ plane, suggesting that stacking occurred between the dye and the neighboring DNA bases. The dye-base stacking interpretation was supported by increasing the size of the core cavity. The narrowest IDA minimizes structural heterogeneity and suggests dye intercalation. A strong correlation is found between the IDA and the orientation of the dye along the HJ plane. These results show that the HJ imposes restrictions on the dye and that the dye-DNA interactions are always present regardless of global conformation. The implications of our results are discussed for the scalability of dye aggregates using DNA self-assembly. Our methodology provides an avenue for the solid-supported single-molecule characterization of molecular assemblies templated on biomolecules─such as DNA and protein templates involved in light-harvesting and catalysis─with tuned conformations and restricted in position and orientation.

UN General Assembly Resolution 76/262 as a strengthening of the collective response to the use of the veto right in the UN Security Council

The article describes the legal nature of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 76/262 (A/76/L.52) entitled "Standing mandate for a General Assembly debate when a veto is cast in the Security Council", adopted on April 26, 2022. We have analyzed this topic due to its relevance and the emergence of a new procedure of the United Nations General Assembly, aimed at increasing of the transparency and accountability of the United Nations Security Council, as a result of the ineffective activity of the Security Council in crisis in which our world finds itself today, in particular due to armed conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have led to complex humanitarian consequences. Many states and scientists have been expressing their interest in the issue of Security Council reform for a long time. We deeply researched the Resolution which is the first in a long time and a significant legal instrument that changes the existing mechanism of the functioning of the United Nations and has revived the discussions on the need for a complete reform of the Security Council in accordance with Resolution 62/557 of December 15, 2008. The purpose of the article is an overview of the new Resolution 76/262, namely the reasons and expediency of its adoption, cases of application and its effectiveness in modern conditions. The methodological basis of the study are the following general scientific and special methods of cognition of legal phenomena: the method of the philosophical level – the dialectical method; empirical methods – comparative, observation and description methods; general logical methods – analysis, synthesis; specially-legal method. The article analyzes the main provisions of Resolution 76/262, the reasons for its adoption, examines cases of its application, and draws conclusions about the effectiveness of this resolution. We have differentiated the procedures provided for by Resolution 76/262 "Standing mandate for a General Assembly debate when a veto is cast in the Security Council" and Resolution 377 (V) "Uniting for Peace". We have reviewed the international legal conceptual foundations of the need to apply the resolution. The topic of reforming the United Nations against the backdrop of the current world security crisis is very important and relevant for further research by domestic scientists in order to formulate their own proposals, approaches and scientific justifications in the modern Ukrainian science of international public law, as well as for the scientific enlightenment of society in this of knowledge.