Rational Principles Research Articles

THE Moral Intuitions in Moral Decision-Making

Moral intuitions are strong, stable, immediate moral beliefs. Scholars have put forward many theories about the origin of moral intuition from different perspectives. Based on many scholars’ theoretical analysis of moral intuition, this paper takes Kant’s moral philosophy as the basic framework. It further introduces caring ethics and utilitarianism as supplements to analyze the role of moral intuition in moral decision-making. This essay argues that while moral intuitions can serve as valuable initial guides, they must be critically examined and refined through a Kantian framework that integrates the categorical imperative with reasoned emotions and utilitarianism, enhancing their trustworthiness by aligning them with rational moral principles.

The problem of knowing future phenomena

The paper is devoted to the problem of epistemic conditions of cognition of future phenomena.The problem is that the cognizable aspects of information are based on the evolutionary mechanisms of adaptation of the body, which are reduced in humans, and on the rational principles of human cognition, which are mixed with irrational prophecies. The solution is to separate the heuristic possibilities of theory from empirical guesses and consider the structures of theoretical knowledge that process information about possible and impossible facts.The aim of the paper is to discover a mental act directed at the future, which cannot be reduced to extrapolating the past and varying alternatives. The conditions of the possibility of knowing about the reality of the future as a mode of time, and the idea of a specific event in the future are split.The following hypothesis is considered: cognition of the future is based on thinking about the possible and necessary relations of an object to an integral system including a subject.The attitude of the mind towards the future is not a cognitive act like receiving information, the source of which is problematic. This is not animal foresight, not divination, not planning. Cognition is understood not as a perception of the objective properties of a phenomenon, but as its construction according to the rules of the organization of consciousness. In general, the future is not knowable, but there are types of phenomena other than the causal concept of cognition that justify information about the future. Theoretical knowledge of the predispositions of a situation involving an object is proactive. The subject of prediction is not only the truth about the future, but also a judgment about what exactly will not happen. This limitation narrows the scope of possible alternatives. The elementary acts of realizing that an event is not yet happening have been investigated by the phenomenology of Buddhism. They are directed at the stages of the same process. The conclusion from content of one temporal interval to content of another interval is based on theoretical constructions that do not have spatiotemporal characteristics. Information about the future is limited by theoretical knowledge of the holistic situation and the properties of the object that arise as a result of its inclusion in this situation.

„Rozumný“ prístup k jazykovej kultúre

The content of the paper is based on reactions that are stimulated by Alexandr Stich’s ideas in his study on the concept of language culture and its content. In his statements there is a hidden conviction about the need for a “reasonable” approach to language culture. Although the attribute reasonable in this context is questionable, the paper discusses the possibility of determining such an approach. The author’s conception is based on the conviction that the natural meaning of our behaviour and actions consists in cultivating a way of life that corresponds to our humanizing determination in the evolutionary process. From this follows the thesis that a reasonable way of human life is governed by the authority of its natural basis. This also applies to the way of cultivating the language. Language users show this by tending to linguistic behaviour that corresponds to the nature of their native language. If the democratization of a literary language has reached such a degree that its users accept it as a mother tongue, it is reasonable to cultivate it in accordance with its natural basis. The task of linguistic theory is to analyze this basis and draw “reasonable” conclusions for the approach to literary language cultivation. The attribute “reasonable” means that this approach is generally accepted in a community that is guided by the principle of rationality alone.

Rationally Designed Mo/Ru-Based Multi-Site Heterogeneous Electrocatalyst for Accelerated Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

The rational design of multi-site electrocatalysts with three different functions for facile H2O dissociation, H-H coupling, and rapid H2 release is desirable but difficult to achieve. This strategy can accelerate the sluggish kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under alkaline conditions. To resolve this issue, a Mo/Ru-based catalyst with three different active sites (Ru/Mo2C/MoO2) is rationally designed and its performance in alkaline HER is evaluated. The experimental results and density functional theory calculations revealed that, at the heterogeneous Mo2C/MoO2 interface, the higher valence state of Mo (MoO2) and the lower valence state of Mo (Mo2C) exhibited strong OH- and H-binding energies, respectively, which accelerated H2O dissociation. Moreover, the interfacial Ru possessed an appropriate hydrogen binding energy for H-H coupling and subsequent H2 evolution. Thus, this catalyst significantly accelerated the Volmer step and the Tafel step and, consequently, HER kinetics. This catalyst also demonstrated low overpotentials of 19 and 160mV at current densities of 10 and 1000mA cm-2, respectively, in alkaline media and long-term stability superior to that of most state-of-the-art alkaline HER electrocatalysts. This work provides a rational design principle for advanced multi-site catalytic systems, which can realize multi-electron electrocatalytic reactions.

Intelligent Evaluation Method of Interactive Experience Aesthetics Based on Eye Movement Data

The traditional intelligent evaluation method of interactive experience aesthetics has the problems of low evaluation accuracy and long evaluation time. In order to solve these problems, this paper proposes an intelligent evaluation method of interactive experience aesthetics based on eye movement data. Based on three kinds of eye movement data indicators, namely, search index, processing index and other indicators, an intelligent evaluation index system of interactive experience aesthetics is constructed according to the principles of rationality of interaction mode, conformity of information structure with users’ habits and consistency of interface. Seven intelligent evaluation indexes of interactive experience aesthetics, such as density, vertical symmetry and balance, are obtained according to the evaluation index results. The obtained evaluation indexes are preprocessed by cluster analysis. According to the preprocessing results, an intelligent evaluation model of interactive experience aesthetics is constructed by the entropy method, and the evaluation results are obtained. The experimental results show that the proposed method has high accuracy and a short evaluation time.

Volition and control in law and in brain science: neurolegal translation of a foundational concept.

The law assumes that healthy adults are generally responsible for their actions and have the ability to control their behavior based on rational and moral principles. This contrasts with some recent neuroscientific accounts of action control. Nevertheless, both law and neuroscience acknowledge that strong emotions including fear and anger may "trigger" loss of normal voluntary control over action. Thus, "Loss of Control" is a partial defense for murder under English law, paralleling similar defenses in other legal systems. Here we consider the neuroscientific evidence for such legal classifications of responsibility, particularly focussing on how emotional states modulate voluntary motor control and sense of agency. First, we investigate whether neuroscience could contribute an evidence-base for law in this area. Second, we consider the societal impact of some areas where legal thinking regarding responsibility for action diverges from neuroscientific evidence: should we be guided by normative legal traditions, or by modern understanding of brain functions? In addressing these objectives, we propose a translation exercise between neuroscientific and legal terms, which may assist future interdisciplinary research.

Dimeric Small Molecule Acceptors via Terminal-End Connections: Effect of Flexible Linker Length on Photovoltaic Performance.

The dimerization of small molecule acceptors (SMAs) holds significant potential by combining the advantages of both SMAs and polymer acceptors in realizing high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability in organic solar cells (OSCs). However, advancements in the selection and innovation of dimeric linkers are still challenging in enhancing their performance. In this study, three new dimeric acceptors, namely DY-Ar-4, DY-Ar-5, and DY-Ar-6 are synthesized, by linking two Y-series SMA subunits via an "end-to-end" strategy using flexible spacers (octyl, decyl, and dodecyl, respectively). The influence of spacer lengths on device performance is systematically investigated. The results indicate that DY-Ar-5 exhibits more compact and ordered packing, leading to an optimal morphology. OSCs based on PM6: DY-Ar-5 achieves a maximum PCE of 15.76%, attributes to enhance and balance carrier mobility, and reduce carrier recombination. This dimerization strategy using suitable non-conjugated linking units provides a rational principle for designing high-performance non-fullerene acceptors.

Fluorine Doping Modulating Pore Structure and Adsorption Capability of Carbon Matrix Boosting Potassium Storage Performance of Red Phosphorus Anode

AbstractThe application of alloying‐typed red phosphorus (red P) anode in potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) with ultra‐high theoretical capacity is hindered by the limited capacity and fast capacity decay due to poor electronic conductivity and huge volume change. Herein, a facile and efficient strategy of fluorine (F) doping is innovatively developed to modulate the pore structure of carbon matrix (F‐CNS) to encapsulate red P with enhanced potassium storage capability. Theoretical calculations reveal that F doping induces additional defects within the carbon layer, which facilitates P4 molecules embedding into the F‐doping‐induced micropores, enhances the adsorption ability toward K atoms and P4 molecules, and improves electrochemical kinetics assisted with more charge transfer obtained from the electron density difference, thus enabling robust potassium storage capability for such unique Red P@F‐CNS anode. Accordingly, the Red P@F‐CNS anode demonstrates outstanding cycling stability (90% capacity retention after 800 cycles at 2A g−1), and the potassium‐ion full cell (Red P@F‐CNS//KFeHCF) exhibits exceptional long‐term cycling performance (129 mAh g−1 after 2500 cycles at 5 A g−1 with only 0.014% decay per cycle). In situ characterizations confirm the superior structural integrity of the carbon‐based matrix. This study offers a rational design principle for engineering high‐performance carbon‐supported alloying‐typed anodes for KIBs.

Economic foraging in a floral marketplace: asymmetrically dominated decoy effects in bumblebees.

While most models of decision-making assume that individuals assign options absolute values, animals often assess options comparatively, violating principles of economic rationality. Such 'irrational' preferences are especially common when two rewards vary along multiple dimensions of quality and a third, 'decoy' option is available. Bumblebees are models of decision-making, yet whether they are subject to decoy effects is unknown. We addressed this question using bumblebees (Bombus impatiens) choosing between flowers that varied in their nectar concentration and reward rate. We first gave bees a choice between two flower types, one higher in concentration and the other higher in reward rate. Bees were then given a choice between these flowers and either a 'concentration' or 'rate' decoy, designed to be asymmetrically dominated on each axis. The rate decoy increased bees' preference in the expected direction, while the concentration decoy did not. In a second experiment, we manipulated choices along two single reward dimensions to test whether this discrepancy was explained by differences in how concentration versus reward rate were evaluated. We found that low-concentration decoys increased bees' preference for the medium option as predicted, whereas low-rate decoys had no effect. Our results suggest that both low- and high-value flowers can influence pollinator preferences in ways previously unconsidered.

Mussel-Inspired, Self-Healing, Highly Effective Fully Polymeric Fire-Retardant Coatings Enabled by Group Synergy.

Fire-retardant coatings represent a universal cost-effective approach to providing fire protection for various substrates without compromising substrates' bulk properties. However, it has been attractive yet highly challenging to create waterborne polymeric fire-retardant coatings combining high-efficiency, generally strong adhesion, and self-repairability due to a lack of rational design principles. Inspired by mussel's unique adhesive, self-healing, and char-forming mechanisms, herein, a "group synergy" design strategy is proposed to realize the combination of self-healing, strong adhesion, and high efficiency in a fully polymeric fire-retardant coating via multiple synergies between catechol, phosphonic, and hydroxyethyl groups. As-created fire-retardant coating exhibits a rapid room-temperature self-healing ability and strong adhesion to (non)polar substrates due to multiple dynamic non-covalent interactions enabled by these groups. Because these functional groups enable the formation of a robust structurally intact yet slightly expanded char layer upon exposure to flame, a 200µm-thick such coating can make extremely flammable polystyrene foam very difficult to ignite and self-extinguishing, which far outperforms previous strategies. Moreover, this coating can provide universal exceptional fire protection for a variety of substrates from polymer foams, and timber, to fabric and steel. This work presents a promising material design principle to create next-generation sustainable high-performance fire-retardant coatings for general fire protection.

P‐doped RuSe2 on Porous N‐doped Carbon Matrix as Catalysts for Accelerated Sulfur Redox Reactions

Monocomponent catalysts exhibit the limited catalytic conversion of polysulfides due to their intrinsic electronic structure, but their catalytic activity can be improved by introducing heteroatoms to regulate its electronic structure. However, the rational selection principles of doping elements remain unclear. Here, we are guided by theoretical calculations to select the suitable doping elements based on the balanced relationship between the adsorption strength of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and catalytic activity of lithium sulfide. We apply the screening method to develop a new catalyst of phosphorus doped RuSe2, manifesting the further enhanced conductivity compared with original RuSe2, facilitating charge transfer and further modulating the d–band center of RuSe2, thereby augmenting its effectiveness in interacting with LiPSs. Consequently, the assembled cell exhibits an areal capacity of 7.7 mAh cm–2, even under high sulfur loading of 8.0 mg cm–2 and a lean electrolyte condition (5.0 μL mg–1). This rational screening strategy offers a robust solution for the design of advanced catalysts in the field of lithium–sulfur batteries and potentially other domains as well.

P-doped RuSe2 on Porous N-Doped Carbon Matrix as Catalysts for Accelerated Sulfur Redox Reactions.

Monocomponent catalysts exhibit the limited catalytic conversion of polysulfides due to their intrinsic electronic structure, but their catalytic activity can be improved by introducing heteroatoms to regulate its electronic structure. However, the rational selection principles of doping elements remain unclear. Here, we are guided by theoretical calculations to select the suitable doping elements based on the balanced relationship between the adsorption strength of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and catalytic activity of lithium sulfide. We apply the screening method to develop a new catalyst of phosphorus doped RuSe2, manifesting the further enhanced conductivity compared with original RuSe2, facilitating charge transfer and further modulating the d-band center of RuSe2, thereby augmenting its effectiveness in interacting with LiPSs. Consequently, the assembled cell exhibits an areal capacity of 7.7 mAh cm-2, even under high sulfur loading of 8.0 mg cm-2 and a lean electrolyte condition (5.0 μL mg-1). This rational screening strategy offers a robust solution for the design of advanced catalysts in the field of lithium-sulfur batteries and potentially other domains as well.

Theoretical Investigation of the Adsorbate and Potential-Induced Stability of Cu Facets during Electrochemical CO2 and CO Reduction

The activity and product selectivity of electrocatalysts for reactions like the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide reduction reactions (CO2RR and CORR) are intimately dependent on the catalyst’s structure and composition. While engineering catalytic surfaces can improve performance, discovering the key sets of rational design principles remains challenging due to limitations in modeling catalyst stability under operating conditions. Herein, we perform first-principles density functional calculations adopting implicit solvation methods with potential control to study the influence of adsorbates and applied potential on the stability of different facets of model Cu electrocatalysts. Using coverage dependencies extracted from microkinetic models, we describe an approach for calculating potential and adsorbate-dependent contributions to surface energies under reaction conditions, where Wulff constructions are used to understand the morphological evolution of Cu electrocatalysts under CO2RR and CORR conditions. We identify that CO*, a key reaction intermediate, exhibits higher kinetically and thermodynamically accessible coverages on (100) relative to (111) facets, which can translate into an increased relative stabilization of the (100) facet during CO2RR. Our results support the known tendency for increased (111) faceting of Cu nanoparticles under more reducing conditions and that the relative increase in (100) faceting observed under CO2RR conditions is likely attributed to differences in CO* coverage between these facets.This work was partially performed under the auspices of the U.S. DOE by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under contract DE-AC52-07NA27344 and partially supported by the U.S. DOE, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Office.

Carbon Dots in the Pathological Microenvironment: ROS Producers or Scavengers?

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), as metabolic byproducts, play pivotal role in physiological and pathological processes. Recently, studies on the regulation of ROS levels for disease treatments have attracted extensive attention, mainly involving the ROS-induced toxicity therapy mediated by ROS producers and antioxidant therapy by ROS scavengers. Nanotechnology advancements have led to the development of numerous nanomaterials with ROS-modulating capabilities, among which carbon dots (CDs) standing out as noteworthy ROS-modulating nanomedicines own their distinctive physicochemical properties, high stability, and excellent biocompatibility. Despite progress in treating ROS-related diseases based on CDs, critical issues such as rational design principles for their regulation remain underexplored. The primary cause of these issues may stem from the intricate amalgamation of core structure, defects, and surface states, inherent to CDs, which poses challenges in establishing a consistent generalization. This review succinctly summarizes the recently progress of ROS-modulated approaches using CDs in disease treatment. Specifically, it investigates established therapeutic strategies based on CDs-regulated ROS, emphasizing the interplay between intrinsic structure and ROS generation or scavenging ability. The conclusion raises several unresolved key scientific issues and prominent technological bottlenecks, and explores future perspectives for the comprehensive development of CDs-based ROS-modulating therapy.

Assembly-Induced Membrane Selectivity of Artificial Model Peptides through Entropy-Enthalpy Competition.

Peptide design and drug development offer a promising solution for combating serious diseases or infections. In this study, using an AI-human negotiation approach, we have designed a class of minimal model peptides against tuberculosis (TB), among which K7W6 exhibits potent efficacy attributed to its assembly-induced function. Comprising lysine and tryptophan with an amphiphilic α-helical structure, the K7W6 sequence exhibits robust activity against various infectious bacteria causing TB (including clinically isolated and drug-resistant strains) both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, it synergistically enhances the effectiveness of the first-line antibiotic rifampicin while displaying low potential for inducing drug resistance and minimal toxicity toward mammalian cells. Biophysical experiments and simulations elucidate that K7W6's exceptional performance can be ascribed to its highly selective and efficient membrane permeabilization activity induced by its distinctive self-assembly behavior. Additionally, these assemblies regulate the interplay between enthalpy and entropy during K7W6-membrane interaction, leading to the peptide's two-step mechanism of membrane interaction. These findings provide valuable insights into rational design principles for developing advanced peptide-based drugs while uncovering the functional role played by assembly.

Sustainability, Agency Empowerment, Neoliberalism in Global Citizenship Education

This paper explores the impact of evolving sustainability discourse and its integration into Global Citizenship Education (GCE) since 2015 on the formation of neoliberal subjectivity. While the post-2015 sustainability discourse and GCE model aim to systematize GCE approaches and empower individuals as change-makers, they consequently reinforce the neoliberal principles of self-governance and economic rationalization. Utilizing Michel Foucault’s theories on neoliberalism and neoliberal subject formation, this study examines how the post-2015 GCE model’s emphasis on standardization, measurement, and individual agency empowerment fosters self-convincing and self-regulating global citizen subjects to maintain that this process of neoliberal subjectivization cultivates an individuated, self-centered subjectivity that may undermine collective efforts to address global challenges.

The problem of implementing the principle of semantic rationality in theological research

The article attempts to comprehend the possibility and necessity of implementing the “Principle of Semantic Rationality” in the course of conducting theological research. First, the problem of interpretation of religious terms is raised, formulated in the process of centuries-old theological research, transformed over time, sometimes acquiring opposite (contradictory) meanings. Attention is drawn to the specifics of working with terms that have existential meanings, characterized by some blurring of terminological boundaries, differences in their understanding (interpretation) not only in everyday and religious meanings, but also within the same religion, which causes significant disagreements leading to the emergence of different directions and schools As one example of the ambiguity of interpretation, examples of terminological contradictions in the definition of the concepts of soul (nafs) and spirit (ruh) in the Islamic theological tradition are given. The work provides a brief overview of three groups of encyclopedic and explanatory dictionaries recommended to help the theologian. The first group includes publications covering directly Islamic topics, the second group contains information concerning other religions, and the third group includes religious studies publications that are non-confessional in nature. In conclusion, it is noted that despite the presence of a significant number of authoritative encyclopedic publications, questions of multivariate interpretation of religious terms remain, which, on the one hand, complicates the research process, and on the other hand, stimulates reflection on their deep meanings.

Molecular modeling and cytotoxic activity of newly synthesized benzothiazole-thiazole conjugates

In the dynamic area of drug development, researchers have been urged to uncover and test novel compounds with better effectiveness and fewer side effects in order to find more effective cancer treatments. In this comprehensive study, the synthesis and anticancer efficacy of new benzothiazole-thiazole have been displayed. Initially, a series of benzothiazole-thiazole conjugates 5a-c, 7a-b, and 8 were carefully designed and synthesized from the versatile 6-acetyl-2-phenylsulfonamidobenzothiazole (2), following the guidelines of rational design principles. The DFT/B3LYP approach showed that the synthesized hybrids had a non-planar configuration, where the benzene-sulfonamide group was oriented almost perpendicularly. The tested derivatives exhibited close HOMO-LUMO energies leading to small energy gaps (ΔEH-L = 1.54–2.97 eV). Additionally, the inhibitory effects of the newly synthesized conjugates were tested on four cancer cell lines, including HepG2, HCT-116, MCF-7, and WI38. Conjugates 5a and 8 had strong inhibitory effects on the HCT-116 and MCF-7 cell lines. Additionally, the synthesized conjugates showed inhibitory action against CAIX and CAXII, where conjugate 8 also effectively inhibited both isoforms, as well as, conjugate 5a. Molecular docking analysis was performed to study the binding affinities and interactions of the newly synthesized benzothiazole-thiazole conjugates with the target PDB: 5fl4 protein. Moreover, the ADME outlines of the inspected conjugates were displayed, and conjugates 2 and 6 showed suitable characteristics for GI absorption and minor violations of Lipinski’s rules; thus, they are promising lead compounds.

Nanotechnology in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Advancements in Drug Delivery and Targeted Therapy

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the spine and the sacroiliac joints, although it is now considered for new drug target possibilities. It is an area in which nanotechnology has shown significant potential. This report offers an extensive review of the formulation design, clinical utility, and current development in the use of nanotechnology for treating AS. The rational design principles of nanotherapeutics, created to modify the myriad processes implicated in AS pathophysiology, were examined. It comprises drug delivery systems, targeting approaches, and release processes. Clinical and preclinical evidence of nanomedicines’ tolerability and effectiveness in AS therapy is reported. In conclusion, this document reflects the recent state of these nanotechnology-based treatments for AS and discusses the author’s future goals in developing novel, powerful treatment strategies that generate strong patient outcomes.

ISLAMIZATION CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOR CONCEPT (ISLAMIC OFFER IN CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOR IN THE ALFA GENERATION)

The current needs system is no longer determined by real needs but has been regulated with the existence of commodity goods. Society's system of consumption changes rapidly to follow the system of needs so that the consumption of goods and services is no longer a necessity but a desire of every individual who is swept up in the consumptive world. Consumerism culture is considered a culture that must be attached to society in order to obtain an identity. Even though the Prophet Muhammad and his companions, preferred to give infaq fi sabilillah, even well waqf by Utsman Bin Affan, rather than simply consuming a commodity that was not useful and did not spend their wealth on something without benefit, especially for an impossible lifestyle, including using their wealth in moderation. This study uses the literary method to search for various literature sourced from journals and books that have to do with consumerism, consumption, and consumption behavior. The results of the study explain that consumerism which is based on the principles of utilitarianism and rationality alone, encourages consumers to maximize use value without regard to human values and even Islamic values, as a result, creates individualism and self-interest. There are at least 5 points that need to be implemented in Islamic offers in consumption behavior, including 1) Paying attention to priority scales in consuming a commodity, 2) Following Islamic norms in consumption behavior, 3) Maintaining Maqoshid Syariah with the aim of benefiting individuals and society, 4) Comply with the principles of halal and haram, 5) Consumption behavior is part of increasing worship.