bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictability of Metabolic Risk factors from hand and foot anthropometry in Hausa ethnic population of Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Asuku A.
Published: October 2023

articular ethnic/racial group. Adiposity measures are employed to screen MRF by clinicians. The ratio of the second to fourth digit of the hand (2D:4D) has been shown to be a tight correlate of MRF. Attempts to predict MRF from hand anthropometry is relatively a new idea. The present study aims to predict MRF from digit and body anthropometry. The study recruited 266 males and 199 females of Hausa origin. Systematic random sampling was employed. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were obtained using standard techniques. Regression analysis was used to predict MRF, SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analyses and P < 0.05 was set as level of significance. MRF (serum glucose, total cholesterol, lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood pressure (BP) were predictable from 2D:4D and body anthropometric measures. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was the most consistent MRF predictor. In males, WHR alone predicted TC (R2 = 0.67 and P<0.0001), HDL-C (R2 =0.68 and P <0.0001), LDL-C (R2 = 0.67 and P < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [R2 =0.43 and P <0.001)]. The right 2D:4D contributed slightly to the prediction of SBP and FBG increasing the R2 value to 0.62from 0.6 for FBG and from 0.6 to 0.64 for SBPKeywords: Body anthropometry, Digit anthropometry, Metabolic risk, Predictability
Effect of standardized Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract on brain oxidative stress and aberrant neurochemistry of fructose-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Akinmoladun A. C. , Jiddah Kazeem Bidemi Sikirat , Bello Morenikejimi , Olaleye M. Tolulope
Published: October 2023

The neuro-pharmacological effect of Eucalyptus globulus ethanol leaf extract in fructose-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was evaluated in this study. The phytochemical analysis of the extract was carried out using HPLC-DAD. Diabetes was induced in rats with 10% fructose in drinking water and a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetic animals were orally treated with 100-400 mg/kg of the extract for 21 days with glibenclamide as the reference drug. Blood and brain tissue were processed for the determination of serum electrolyte levels, hematological indices, and biochemical estimations. Ergosterol, pinitol, catechin, quercetin, robinetinidol, and other polyphenols were identified in the extract. Diabetic animals showed decreased serum potassium and sodium ion levels and decreased hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells and lymphocytes but increased neutrophils. The brains of animals in the untreated diabetic group with increased blood glucose level showed oxidative stress (increased level of MDA and myeloperoxidase but decreased level of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase) and disturbed neurochemistry (increased level of acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase but decreased level of Na+K+ATPase, tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine). Administration of the Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract remarkably ameliorated the observed hyperglycemia, electrolyte, and hematological imbalances in animals. In addition, the administration of the extract attenuated the brain redox imbalance, and neurochemical disturbances in the rats. These results show that Eucalyptus globulus leaves contain antioxidant and neurotransmitter modulating phytochemicals with the potential to be developed as therapeutic agents for the management of diabetic cerebrovascular problems and related complications.
Phoenix dactylifera and polyphenols ameliorated monosodium glutamate toxicity in the dentate gyrus of Wistar rats
Authors: Ibiyeye Ruqayyah , Sulaimon Fatimo , Imam Aminu , Adana Misturah , Okesina Akeem , Ajao Moyosore
Published: October 2023

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been known to cause neurodegeneration, due to its ability to trigger excitotoxicity, and the hippocampus is one of the most affected regions. Therefore, Phoenix dactylifera (P. dactylifera) and polyphenols was employed in this study to mitigate on the deleterious effect of monosodium glutamate on the dentate gyrus of Wistar rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats weighing between 120-150g was used for the study. The Wistar rats were grouped into eight, (n=6). Groups 1-8 received 1.6mL/kg normal saline, 4000mg\kg monosodium glutamate for 7-days, 4000mg\kg monosodium glutamate for 7-days and 100mg\kg caffeic-acid for 14-days concurrently, 4000mg\kg monosodium glutamate for 7-days and 100mg\kg Phoenix dactylifera for 14-days concurrently, 4000mg\kg monosodium glutamate for 7-days and 100mg\kg luteolin for 14-days concurrently, 100mg\kg. caffeic-acid for 14-days followed by 4000mg\kg monosodium glutamate for 7-days, 100mg\kg Phoenix dactylifera for 14-days followed by 4000mg\kg monosodium glutamate for 7-days and 100mg\kg luteolin for 14-days followed by 4000mg\kg monosodium glutamate for 7-days respectively. After the treatments, the rats underwent behavioural tests, and subsequently, the brain tissues were processed for histological and biochemical analyses. The activities of P. dactylifera and polyphenols ameliorated the deleterious effect of monosodium glutamate, through increased spontaneous alternation of the experimental animals, dominant matured granule cells of the dentate gyrus and modulated the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde in the of male Wistar rats. Therefore, this study revealed that P. dactylifera and polyphenols ameliorated monosodium glutamate toxicity in the dentate gyrus of Wistar rats.
Morphological, Biochemical and Molecular Docking Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory Effects of Methanolic Extract of Bridelia ferruginea stem bark on Acetic acid-induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats
Authors: Oluwagbamila Omolaso Blessing , Adeniran Adeoti , Adeniran Kayode , Abioye Alfred , Nathaniel-Ukwa Esther
Published: October 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disorder that involves inflammation. This study was carried out to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of the methanol extract of Brideliaferrugineastem barkinAcetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis inmaleWistarrats. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 4 animals each, colitis was thereafter induced by intrarectal administration of4% (v/v)Aceticacidin all except group 1, which received distilled water. For post-colitis induction treatment group 2 received distilled water, groups 3, 4 and 5 were orally administeredthe extract at doses of 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg, respectively while group 6 received sulfasalazine 500mg/kg orally.Post colitis induction, treatment lasted for 7 days and at the end of the experiment, colon samples were collected for estimation of antioxidant, inflammatory and histological parameters. Molecular docking study was also carried out to gain more insights about the promising anti-inflammatory compounds earlier identified in the extract.Results revealed that the extract significantly (p<0.05) attenuated the increased MDA, nitrite,TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Activities of SOD, CAT, MPO and GSH levelswere also, significantly (p<0.05) increased. Furthermore, molecular docking study revealed that α-amyrin may have contributed significantly to the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract because of its remarkable binding affinity for IL-6, iNOS, IL1-β,TNF-α and COX-2 relative to prednisolone and celecoxib. This study suggests that the extract attenuated acetic acid-induced colitis via antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

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Detrimental Effects of Saccharum officinarum Juice on Reproductive Functions of Female Wistar Rats
Authors: Ogunwole Eunice , Ebong Jane Essien , Audu Lazarus Abraham
Published: October 2023

Changing dietary compositions have contributed to the growing epidemic of metabolic diseases with serious impacts on several aspects of health, including reproductive health.  Saccharum officinarum juice has a natural sweetness that makes the general populace relinquish its use as a sweet course and well-known raw material for the production of refined sugar. Studies have reported adverse effects of this juice on male reproductive functions, but there is a paucity of information on females. This study investigated the effects of fresh Saccharum officinarum juice on the reproductive functions of female Wistar rats. A sugarcane press juicer was used to extract Saccharum officinarum juice. Twenty female Wistar rats (180-200 g) grouped into four (n = 5) received 1.0 mL/kg/day distilled water (control), and 1.0, 3.2, and 10.0 mL/kg/day of fresh Saccharum officinarum juice once daily for 21 days by gavage. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estrogen levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELIZA). The estrous cycle was assessed using the Marcondes principle and histology of the ovary and uterus were assessed by microscopy. Data were analyzed using the Analysis of variance at a significance of p < 0.05. Saccharum officinarum juice caused an increase in the body weight and serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. It altered the estrous cycle by increasing the frequency of occurrence of the proestrus phase but reduced that of the metestrus phase. The juice altered the cytoarchitecture of the ovaries via vacuolations and cysts within the ovarian stroma, while the uterine section showed distorted endometrial lining and glands. Saccharum officinarum juice inflamed the ovaries and distorted the estrous cycle and uterine endometrial lining. Saccharum officinarum juice consumption may possess deleterious effects on the reproductive functions of female Wistar rats.

 

Keywords: Saccharum officinarum juice, Ovary, Uterus, Estrous cycle, Infertility.
Mucuna pruriens seed repeals the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis disruption following carbamazepine treatment in male Wistar rats
Authors: Osuntokun Opeyemi , Olayiwola Gbola , Abayomi Taiwo Adekemi , Lawal Alimat Toyin , Adeleke Opeyemi Samson , Ayoka Abiodun Oladele
Published: October 2023

This study examined the potential effects of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seed powder on the disruptions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis caused by the carbamazepine (CBZ) treatment in male Wistar rats. A total of 35 male Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups (n=7). The animal in group 1 received normal saline (0.2 ml) orally, while groups 2-5 received carbamazepine (CBZ) 25 mg/kg per oral. Groups 1, and 2 were fed with standard rats’ chow, while groups 3-5 rats were supplied with a diet containing MP seed powder at 2.25 g, 1.5 g, and 0.75 g respectively. The serum level of male reproductive hormones, estradiol, seminal profiles, and histoarchitecture of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and testis was delineated. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the result. There was a marked decrease in the testicular weight, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone concentration, and normal sperm cells in the CBZ, and CBZ + MP (2.25 mg/kg) treatment groups.  There was a marked increase in the testicular tissue lipid peroxidation in the CBZ, and CBZ + MP (g) treated rats in addition to various morphological alterations in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and testis. These anomalies were receded in the CBZ + MP (1.5 g), and CBZ + MP (0.75 g) treatment groups. Consumption of MP (1.5 g, and 0.75 g) may alleviate the injurious effects of CBZ treatment on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular functions.
Neurobehavioural and Histological Study of the Effects of Low-Dose and High-Dose Vanadium in Brain, Liver and Kidney of Mice
Authors: Gilbert Taidinda , Olaolorun Francis , Ladagu Amany , Olopade Funmilayo , Igado Olumayowa , Olopade James
Published: October 2023

Vanadium is a ubiquitous transition metal that has been generating contrasting research interest. Therapeutically, vanadium possess antidiabetic, antitumor, antiparasitic and even neuroprotective activities. On the flip side, vanadium has been reported to cause multisystemic toxicities with a strong predilection for the nervous system. Despite several reports on potential benefits of low-dose vanadium (LDV) and toxic effects of high-dose vanadium (HDV), there are no comparative studies done thus far. This study therefore explored the comparative effects of LDV and HDV exposure in mice during postnatal development. A total of nine (9) nursing mice were used in this study; with three nursing mice and their pups (n = 12 pups per group) randomly assigned to each of the three test groups. The nursing dam were given intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of vanadium at 0.15mg/kg and 3mg/kg for LDV and HDV respectively, and subseqently to the pups from postnatal day (PND) 15 till sacrifice on PND 90. We discovered that neurodevelopmental motor function test of mice-pups exposed to LDV here showed improved motor development, muscular strength and memory capacities whereas HDV led to motor function impairment, reduced muscular strength and memory capacities.  LDV-exposed mice showed mild histological lesions in cerebral cortex whereas high-dose showed distinct histological lesions in different parts of the brain ranging from cerebellar Purkinje neuronal pathology (central chromatolysis), pyramidal neuronal loss in CA1 region, architectural distortion as well as fewer neurons in olfactory bulb. We saw mild lesions with LDV in both liver and kidney, however, with HDV exposure, there was diffuse hepatocellular vacuolar degeneration and congestion of blood vessels in liver, shrinkage of renal glomerulus and degenerated epithelial cells of kidney. Conclusively, beneficial effect of vanadium is proven as it facilitated body weight gain which translate in organ weight at low-dose, while high-dose caused decreased neurobehaviour and histological lesions.
Vitamin C supplementation promotes locomotor and exploratory behaviors in male Wistar rats exposed to varying stress models
Authors: Olumide O.M. , Aderemi T.D. , Arikawe A. P. , Idowu A. J. , Olatunji-Bello I.I. , Umoren A.G.
Published: October 2023

Constant exposure to environmental stress has negative behavioral outcomes. Considering the inverse relationship between stress and Vitamin C intake, this study was aimed at investigating variable stress techniques and Vitamin C supplementation on exploratory/locomotor behaviors in male Wistar rats. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats (100g-120g) were allotted into four groups (n=7). Control received 10ml/kg distilled water, group two received 100 mg/kg vitamin C, group three was exposed to different models of stress while group four was stressed alongside 100 mg/kg vitamin C. Vitamin C treatments were given orally for 2 weeks. Animals in groups 3 and 4 were stressed every other day with models such as multiple cage changes, exposure to noise, overnight strange objects, overnight wetting of beddings, and immobility. Explorative and locomotor activities were assessed with the open field test, novel object recognition test, and Y maze test using a Logitech camera and ANY-maze software to track the movement of the rats. Cortisol was assayed in the serum using Enzyme-linked Immuno Assay (ELISA) kit. Superoxide Dismutase, catalase, and lipid peroxidase; malondialdehyde (MDA) were also assayed in the serum. The results show that locomotor activities such as distance traveled, average speed, and time spent in the center square was significantly reduced by stress. These activities were improved with the intake of vitamin C compared with stress. Explorative activities such as locomoting around the environment, orientating towards novelty, and touching or sniffing novel objects were significantly increased in the rats on Vitamin C supplements and reduced in the stressed group. In the serum, cortisol level was significantly increased in rats exposed to stress and decreased with Vitamin C intake. Stress also significantly increased MDA and decreased SOD and CAT while vitamin C supplement decreased MDA and increased SOD and CAT. In conclusion, oral intake of vitamin C enhanced explorative/locomotor behavior and increased oxidative stress in rats exposed to different models of stress
Patient's Satisfaction as a Subjective Criterion for Assessing the Quality of Work in Primary Level Healthcare Protection Units in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Zunic Lejla , Novo Ahmed , Zildzic Muharem , Masic Izet
Published: October 2023

Background: The quality of healthcare and therefore primary healthcare and its measurement is a theoretical problem. However, its practical performance turned out to be even greater. However, we must always keep in mind the importance of not only primary healthcare as one of the key branches of the healthcare system, but above all its quality. Quality assessment is the first step in quality assurance and includes the analysis of structural, process and outcome variables. Objective: This article deals with that issue - assessment of the quality of work is one of the key elements in primary healthcare.. Methods: This is cross-sectional study about quality assessment of patient's satisfaction in PHC units in Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding AKAZ standards and rules. Results and Discussion:: Namely, primary healthcare, which operates at the municipal level and serves 10,000 to 50,000 inhabitants, must be carried out with quality, in order to raise the health standard in the country to a higher level. All countries, including ours, strive to provide high-quality healthcare services to residents with the available resources. With this idea, the Agency for Quality and Accreditation in Healthcare FBiH (AKAZ) was formed with its headquarters in Sarajevo. It is the competent authority in the field of improving the quality and safety of healthcare services. AKAZ offers a unique program to improve the quality and safety of healthcare services for healthcare centers, family medicine teams, hospitals and private health institutions in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The agency was established to work in cooperation with healthcare professionals and help them improve standards of quality and safety of healthcare.The manner in which we will collect the data we need to assess the quality of work is in the form of a questionnaire. This directly addresses residents, healthcare service users. Only from them will we receive appropriate information on the functioning or non-functioning of the healthcare system. Conclusion: More precisely, we can directly conclude whether a problem that has appeared is a problem of the entire healthcare system (at the level of the municipality, canton, entity, state), or whether it is a problem of a narrower nature. Namely, the problem can also be at the level of the healthcare center or even the practicing doctor. Such data are of great use to us in order to improve the entire healthcare system, starting from the practicing doctor, the family medicine team, and so on all the way upward to the competent political authorities.
Evaluation of the Physical Treatment Success in Patients with Peripheral Nerve Injury Caused by Firearm
Authors: Skrijelj Mediha
Published: October 2023

Background: All wars bring high incidence of patients with peripheral nerve injuries, and many of today's knowledge about degeneration, regeneration and surgical treatment in this casuistry come from the period of the global world conflict. Such injuries do not endanger life, but the function of the extremities is threatened, which manifests itself in motor and sensory outbursts, as well as negative psychological implications. Objective: The aims of this article were: a) To present the method of monitoring physical treatment in a patient with a peripheral nerve injury; b) To perform a quantitative analysis of nerve lesions caused by firearms (n = 445);; c) To present the effects of physical treatment for this condition;; d) To analyze the time interval from injury to healing (n = 220);; e) Determine the time from injury until the surgery. Results: Anatomical disruption of axons with complete Waler degeneration. The connective tissue network remains intact and the endoneurium can guide the regenerated nerve fibers to their destination. Spontaneous functional recovery can be expected in 12 to 18 months. Clinical evaluation shows a deficit in the innervation area of damaged axons with muscle atrophy and loss of sensitivity. Nerve recovery can be inhibited by scar formations at the site of injury. Complete interruption of the nerve. Functional recovery is not possible without surgical intervention. Paralysis of mm. atrophy, anesthesia and atrophic skin changes are visible. Conclusion: Rehabilitation is a delicate problem and requires long-term treatment and multidisciplinary cooperation, and is carried out in accordance with the principles of peripheral nerve repair. Factors that facilitate successful regeneration are: a) Pre and post-operative physical treatment; b) Younger age; c) Shorter time since injury (<6 months); d) More distal level of the lesion; e) Absence of factors complicating the injury (infection); and f) The first signs of nerve recovery are the return of sweating and pain.
Study on efficacy of probiotic use in pediatric acute diarrhea: A prospective open-labeled study
Authors: Syed Mubishera , Gondi Surendra , D Veeraiah , P Ushakiran
Published: October 2023

Background: More than three stools per day during a period of fewer than 14 days, along with loose stools, is considered acute diarrhea. Viral infections are the most frequent cause of pediatric diarrhea, and the most common form of treatment is the replacement of lost fluid and electrolyte balance. Probiotic supplementation in conventional therapy is likely to result in improved outcomes.

Aim and Objective: To study the efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii (a probiotic) as add-on treatment for pediatric acute diarrhea.

Materials and Methods: This was an open-label prospective study. We have included a total of 40 children (n = 40) who met the inclusion criteria for admission and were randomly divided into two groups. One group (group 1: n = 20) received standard treatment, while group 2: n = 20 received probiotics in addition to standard treatment. Before administering the probiotic powder to the children, the parents were advised to add it to some water or milk. The duration of the diarrhea and the consistency of the stools were used as outcome indicators.

Results: The duration of diarrhea in the probiotic-treated group was 3.8 days and 5.1 days in the standard therapy group. The first semi-liquid stools typically appear after 3.3–1.6 days in the standard therapy group and 2.0–0.56 days in the probiotic treatment group. The outcomes were statistically significant.

Conclusion: S. boulardii, a probiotic, is beneficial in shortening the length of diarrhea and the time it takes for the first semi-liquid stools to develop by 1 day.
Good Faith in English Contract Law: Should the Law Retreat?
Authors: Tassoni Alberto
Published: October 2023

English courts have traditionally adopted a highly restrictive approach when implying good faith terms in commercial contracts. However, a series of recent judgments has seemed to depart from this tradition. In this paper, first, I reinforce and expand upon arguments that doctrinal support for the implication of such terms is lacking. Second, I clarify why the semantic behaviour of ‘good faith’, contrary to what is typically claimed, does not amount to innocent context-sensitivity. I present a new account of what is distinctively objectionable about implying good-faith terms and also demonstrate its explanatory power. These results also inform the moral architecture of English contract law, suggesting that it should be more minimalist than it might have been thought.

Good faith, Contract law, implication of terms, context-sensitivity, legal certainty.
Is the Derivative Action Regime in India a Historical Relic?
Authors: Jha Abhijnan , Misra Urvashi
Published: October 2023

In 1843, the Court of Chancery pronounced its landmark judgment in Foss v. Harbottle.((1843) 67 ER 189) The judgment sparked the evolution of a critical common law remedy, in the form of derivative actions, to protect a company’s interests. Soon courts in other countries, including India, adopted this approach, allowing interested parties to initiate suits on behalf of companies. Over time, most countries, including the United Kingdom, proceeded to codify derivative actions into a statutory remedy. India however continued with the common law route.

Indian civil courts have been entertaining derivative actions, initiated by interested parties on a company’s behalf, for several years now. However, recently an interesting judicial trend has emerged wherein High Courts are restricting the jurisdiction to consider such actions solely to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCPL), a specialized forum established for adjudicating upon company law related matters.

In this article, we discuss the reasons leading to this new trend, the position taken by the High Courts on derivative actions in three recent judgments, the shortcomings of this approach and its impact on the future of corrective actions which may be initiated by third parties on the company’s behalf in India.

Big data, business secret, cybersecurity, data right, e-commerce platform, information processing, legal boundary, market competition, network platform, personal privacy
Rethinking Directors’ Statutory Fiduciary Duties in the Commonwealth Caribbean: Should Sequana be Followed?
Authors: Lopez Akeem
Published: October 2023

The scope and nature of directors’ duties has been the subject of much judicial and academic debate. In the recent BTI 2014 LLC v. Sequana SA decision, the UK Supreme Court firmly established the creditor duty in English company law. This paper proposes to examine the basis and nature of the duty including its Commonwealth origin. The focal point of this paper is to determine the question of whether such a creditor duty would be accepted as existing by courts in the Commonwealth Caribbean. In providing the answer to that question, this article makes reference to numerous Canadian cases in which the question was answered and many scholarly works which advocate against the creditor duty.

Commonwealth, Commonwealth Caribbean, Directors’ Fiduciary Duty, Creditor Duty, BTI 2014 LLC v. Sequana, Companies Act
Ties that bind and ties that compel: Dependency and the Ruiz Zambrano doctrine
Authors: Ristuccia Fulvia
Published: October 2023

In EU citizenship law, dependency is a pivotal concept when it comes to the rights of non-EU family members of Union citizens. Under certain circumstances, those family members may earn a derived right to reside, either because they are dependent on a Union citizen or the latter depends on them. The concept of dependency is particularly crucial in the Ruiz Zambrano doctrine, according to which Article 20 TFEU grants a derivative right to reside in the EU citizen’s home State to the non-EU family member if their departure would compel the dependent Union citizen to leave the territory of the EU as a whole, thus impinging on the substance of citizenship rights. Due to the significance of dependency in Ruiz Zambrano cases, where it triggers the application of EU law, that concept is continuously evolving. This article, therefore, aims to review the development of the notion of dependency, its intertwined dimensions – legal, financial, and emotional – highlighting the differences in the degree of dependency expected in free movement (when required) and in Ruiz Zambrano cases, and the increasingly divergent role of fundamental rights in the appraisal of dependency for children and adults.

EU citizenship law, dependency, Ruiz Zambrano doctrine, third-country nationals, free movement law
A fresh look at judicial remedies in EU equality law and beyond: The untapped possibility of structural injunctions
Authors: Halberstam Daniel , Van Den Bogaert Sina
Published: October 2023

This article proposes a shift in thinking about judicial remedies (or “sanctions”), from anti-discrimination law to equal pay and beyond.We suggest the currently preferred remedies – one-off declarations, compensation, fines, and simple orders to obey the law – may be insufficient when confronting a recalcitrant institution, complex violations, and broad, ongoing harm. In such cases, we suggest considering a remedy long overlooked in Europe: a “structural injunction”, i.e. ordering changes to an offending organization’s structure, processes, or rules. We argue that under certain circumstances, an injunction, including a structural injunction, may be appropriate or required under EU law to remedy persistent (including “systemic” or “structural”) organizational discrimination. After considering the injunctive demands of Union law, and the appropriateness of structural injunctions, we examine their compatibility with national constitutional traditions. Finally, we analyse different forms of structural injunctions to show how courts may issue them – in what we call their “modern” form – while minding the judiciary’s constitutional role and institutional competence. This article seeks to inform current theory and practice from legislative drafting to enforcement of European equality law, as well as other areas where complex or systemic organizational violations persist. Comparative analysis informs our argument.

judicial remedies, EU equality law, structural injunctions
Lies, liability, and lawful content: Critiquing the approaches to online disinformation in the EU
Authors: Shattock Ethan
Published: October 2023

This article considers legislative approaches to online disinformation in the European Union (EU) and identifies how shifting approaches could undermine applicable fundamental rights standards in the disinformation field. The problem of online disinformation – and its disruptive effects on European elections – has attracted extensive scrutiny at the EU institutional and Member State level. Since 2018, Union institutions have pursued self-regulatory measures for disinformation and have explicitly refrained from including this content in the EU’s intermediary liability regime. A key justification for this approach has been that disinformation generally includes lawful content and that restrictions on lawful content may undermine the right to freedom of expression. As this article maps, however, standards are shifting in the EU legal context regarding online intermediary responsibilities to limit the dissemination of content containing disinformation. This is not only evidenced by a diverse set of Member State laws designed to address misleading electoral communications, but also in several provisions of the Digital Services Act (DSA) which have potential applications in this area. Drawing from relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), this article provides a distillation of key European standards regarding how EU and Member State laws to combat disinformation must ensure compatibility with the right to freedom of expression. This article further considers whether – in light of these standards – divergent legislative approaches to online disinformation in the EU could undermine fundamental rights.

Disinformation, Freedom of Expression, CFR, Free Elections, Democracy
A Quantitative Ecological Analysis of the Law: A New Methodological Approach to Legal Studies on Environmental Matters
Authors: Gambino Francesco , Tassinari Mattia
Published: October 2023

The main characteristic of economic analyses of law is the adoption of economic efficiency as the essential criterion in analysing and evaluating the effects of laws. However, contemporary environmental challenges oblige us to radically reconsider not only the legal norms underlying social behaviours but also the methodological approach and the founding principles through which said norms are defined and evaluated. This aspect lays the grounds for a new discipline which could be called quantitative ecological analysis of the law, aimed at quantifying the short- and long-term ecological benefits derived from the introduction of a law. This article develops and discusses the prospect of a quantitative ecological analysis of the law as a methodological approach useful in formulating and evaluating environmental laws. The methodological approach proposed in this article is applied to analysing two new environmental laws and quantifying, in analytical terms, the ecological benefits that could derive from the hypothetical introduction of these laws in the Italian legal system.

quantitative ecological analysis of the law, environmental law, quantitativemethods, environmental challenges, Co2 emission reduction, sustainable transport, railway transport, electric vehicles, Italian legal system.
The Eastern Neighbours and EU Security Policy: A Differentiated Integration Perspective
Authors: Rabinovych Maryna
Published: October 2023

The EU’s decision to grant Ukraine and Moldova a candidate country status and the recognition of Georgia’s European perspective in June 2022 has significant effects for both the EU’s enlargement and security and defence policies. So far, ‘hard’ security issues have played little role in the framing of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and the Association Agreements (AAs) with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Their full integration into EU security and defence arrangements will thus require considerable strategy-making and implementation efforts. This article discusses the extent to which existing external Differentiated Integration (DI) constellations can be seen as ‘building blocks’ for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia’s prospective full integration into the EU’s security and defence architecture. It is shown that, in legal and practical terms, such DI constellations are conducive to the deepening of these countries’ integration with the EU in the security and defence domain. From the political viewpoint, the focus on DI with the new accession countries may, however, be (mis)used as a substitute for fullscale integration into the EU security and defence architecture. We, nonetheless, suggest several pilot domains that can be used to test the limits of new accession countries’ DI with the Union.

EU security and defence policy, EU enlargement policy, accession, European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), Russia’s war against Ukraine, European Defence Agency, European Defence Fund, Permanent Structured Cooperation
The Legal Relations of the European Union with the Principality of Monaco
Authors: Butler Graham
Published: October 2023

The European continent has only one micro-state that is not landlocked: the Principality of Monaco. This city-state along the French Riviera is an independent state under international law and is not an EU Member State. Therefore, the law and policy of the EU’s external relations applies, which must cater for the Principality’s peculiar existence because of practical necessity. The EU retains differentiated legal relations with its closest geographical neighbours, and the EU-Monégasque relationship sees several unilateral EU measures taken to account for Monaco, as well as a limited array of international agreements between the parties, including a monetary agreement. These cumulatively make up the legal aspects to their international relations with each other. At first sight, these legal relations appear limited. Yet, as this article establishes, EUMonégasque legal relations have widened and deepened over time, and an association agreement is on the horizon to account for the necessitated intensity of cooperation on a legal footing. Such a development would bring the Principality legally closer to the EU than it ever has been before.

EU, EU external relations, Monaco, Monégasque, Micro-state, International agreements
A New Kid in Town? The Evolution of the EEAS Headquarters’ Involvement in EU Climate Diplomacy
Authors: Earsom Joseph , Delreux Tom
Published: October 2023

Relatively little is known about the precise activities of the European External Action Service (EEAS) headquarters in the European Union’s (EU’s) international climate diplomacy, especially since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015. This article therefore sketches the evolution of the climate diplomacy activities undertaken by EEAS headquarters between the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in 2015 and COP26 in 2021. Based on a triangulation of official documents and twenty semi-structured interviews, the article finds that although the EEAS headquarters continues to coordinate and mainstream EU climate diplomacy, it has also become more outwardly-involved and entrepreneurial. This entrepreneurship can be explained by the creation within the EEAS of an Ambassador at Large for Climate Diplomacy, the working style of the appointed ambassador, increased resources at EEAS headquarters dedicated to climate diplomacy, and a favourable institutional context within the EU. These findings provide a detailed and updated insight into the involvement of EEAS headquarters within EU climate diplomacy. Accordingly, they improve our understanding of the EU as a climate actor and also demonstrate the importance of individuals in shaping how the EU conducts its climate diplomacy.

EEAS, European Union, climate diplomacy, international climate politics
The Development of the Board Observer in Dutch Companies
Authors: Peters Wilbert
Published: October 2023

In this article, the author addresses the development of the board observer in Dutch companies. The board observer is a relatively new phenomenon in the Dutch context (unlike Anglo-Saxon jurisdictions). In recent years, an increase has been noted in the Netherlands in the use of board observers. Basically, the board observer is a person who, as an agent and on behalf of an investor (most of the time), attends and observes board meetings and therefore receives a significant amount of information that is useful for the investor to stay up to date about the financial and operational health of the portfolio company. The author describes the motives to make use of an observer, both from the perspective of the investor and the (board of the) company. Also, the position of a board observer within the corporate governance of the company is discussed, as well as issues of confidentiality. Finally, the author addresses different authorities that can be granted to the board observer. For lawyers and other legal practitioners, it might be useful to advocate for detailed, contractual arrangements, since the board observer has no legal basis in Dutch law.

Board observer, corporate governance, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, investors, information rights, confidentiality, authorities, contracts, private equity, venture capital, advisory rights
Tackling Cross-Border Subsidies in the EU: The Need to Build on a Promising Start Part 1
Authors: Beck Jochen , Van Vaerenbergh Pieter , Ruessmann Laurent , Drandarova Kristiyana
Published: October 2023

In two recent rulings regarding anti-subsidy duties on imports from Egypt, the EU General Court confirmed that cross-border subsidies can be countervailed under the Basic Anti-Subsidy (AS) Regulation. According to the General Court, Belt and Road subsidies granted by China to subsidiaries of Chinese state-owned companies outside China can legitimately be attributed to the government of third countries through application of international law principles. This article looks at the General Court’s findings and the implications for further AS investigations against crossborder subsidies.

Cross-border subsidies, General Court, Basic AS Regulation, Belt and Road Initiative, countervailing duties, SCM Agreement, ILC Articles
Analysis Of The Foreign Subsidies Regulation From An International Trade Law Perspective On Trade In Goods
Authors: Akritidis Vassilis , Baptiste Blancardi Jean
Published: October 2023

The Foreign Subsidies Regulation contains provisions enabling the Commission to launch ex officio investigations into foreign subsidies distorting the internal market. The legislation is designed to be complementary to existing anti-subsiding rules and follows a logic that is reminiscent of the European competition law. This article discusses its applicability in the field of trade in goods and the risks of inconsistency with the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM).

Foreign Subsidies Regulation, Foreign subsidies, Industrial subsidies, Basic anti-subsidy regulation, World Trade Organization, Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, Multilateralism, Trade
Tax In History: Twenty Years After the Adoption of the Energy Taxation Directive, Is Its Reform in a Greener Sense Just an Illusion?
Authors: Bisogno Marina
Published: October 2023

The energy taxation directive 2003/96/EC (ETD) is currently under discussion, twenty years after its adoption and after several failed reform attempts. This directive does not reflect the current European climate and energy policy framework and is not adequate to address the challenges of climate change and the green transition. Moreover, it not only fails to protect the environment but also endangers the proper functioning of the internal market.

Through a legal analysis, this contribution aims to examine the origin and evolution of the ETD until the latest Commission proposal, which is currently under negotiation, in order to investigate the weaknesses of this directive, the novelties of the recent proposal, and what risks European environmental and fiscal objectives would run if the negotiations are not successful.

European climate objectives, fit for 55 package, energy taxation, environmental taxation, climate neutrality, green transition, proper functioning of the internal market
Globe: The Potential Costs Of Cooperation
Authors: Dagan Tsilly
Published: October 2023

This article argues that the fact that the 2021 global tax deal (focusing on Pillar 2) is cooperative is not in itself proof of the deal being beneficial (and certainly not equally beneficial) for all parties. Developing countries particularly may benefit less and possibly even lose from the agreement. The article focuses on two features of cooperation that may tilt the playing field in favour of developed countries: agenda influence and structural incentives to cooperate. Since the OECD had control over both the agenda and the ways in which the game was structured, it is not surprising that the deal served the interests of its members.

Moreover, the mechanism of Pillar 2 encourages participation and discourages future defection. In the current stage of the international tax regime, this is considered a virtue. However, it might also harbour future risks such as lock-in and cartelistic effects that might benefit the leaders of this initiative (the OECD in this case) at the expense of others. Moreover, the current regime grants significant power to those with their hands on the steering wheel. Such power could be used to disadvantage others. In the absence of mechanisms that would curtail the monopolistic power of the former, other countries risk paying excessive prices to belong in this regime.

GLoBE, Pillar II, International Tax, Cooperation, OECD, Developing Countries, Agenda Influence, Incentives to cooperate, Lock-in, Cartels
Environmental Unilateralism and the Chapeau of Article XX GATT: The ‘Line of Equilibrium’ and the Question of ‘Differently Situated’ Countries
Authors: Leonelli Giulia Claudia
Published: October 2023

The EU is adopting a set of unilateral trade-related measures that are designed to produce specific environmental effects. Increasing recourse to environmental leverage triggers an array of questions surrounding the treatment of ‘differently situated’ (including developing and least developed) countries. This article critically examines the extent to which the Chapeau (introductory clause) of Article XX GATT requires regulating Members to differentiate the treatment of ‘differently situated’ countries where the same relevant conditions prevail, or take their different prevailing conditions into account at the regulatory design or regulatory implementation stage. It finds that the dispute settlement organs’ narrow interpretative approach cannot do justice to the claims of ‘differently situated’ countries, but has several beneficial implications in environmental protection terms. As the climate crisis spirals out of control, the environmental cost of differentiation has become too high. Regulating Members should rather combine stringent unilateral standards with truly ambitious enabling and capacity-building strategies.

Chapeau of Article XX GATT, Environmental Unilateralism, npr-PPMs, Anti- Deforestation Standards, CBAM, EU – Palm Oil, Developing Countries, Least Developed Countries, Arbitrary or Unjustifiable Discrimination, Line of Equilibrium
Rethinking Test Data Protection in China-US Trade War: Integrating Empirical and Normative Analysis
Authors: Yin Qian
Published: October 2023

Managing Intellectual Property (IP) protection over test data is a growth strategy in the trade competition, embodied as one of the crucial topics of US-China trade negotiations. Accordingly, the US took the trade war as a tool for the rivalry in the pharmaceutical industry and furnishing domestic companies with better protection schemes and more symmetrical access to the Chinese market. Even though the Economic and Trade Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People’s Republic of China (Phase-one Trade Agreement) quelled the trade war, the dualism protection mechanism – ‘confidential business information’ protection and data exclusivity rules for pharmaceutical test data warrants exploring the legal basis and practical reasons. This article explores and clarifies the China and US trade arguments on test data and specific provisions of the Phase-one Trade Agreement from both empirical and normative perspectives. The empirical study sheds light on the pharmaceutical market competition between the US and China. Then it assesses the test data protection under the Phase-one Trade Agreement in light of US free trade agreements (FTAs), domestic legislation, and the Chinese test data protection legal system. In addition to providing contextual reflections, this article proposes China-US further negotiation for test data protection from a public health-friendly perspective, considering the US and Chinese legal frameworks and priorities regarding pharmaceuticals.

Pharmaceutical, intellectual property, test data, confidential business information, data exclusivity, public health, US-China trade war, foreign trade agreements, Phase-one Trade Agreement
Game Analysis of Different Source Disclosure Model for Genetic Resources and Implications for China
Authors: Qi Liwen , Song Xiaoting , Dilixiati Diligena
Published: October 2023

Inventions that rely on genetic resources are subject to different source disclosure models in the domestic laws of different countries. Different source disclosure models can indirectly affect the quantity and quality of patents issued in a country, thus resulting in different social benefits. Therefore, an analysis of which source disclosure model is applicable to the patent protection of genetic resources is of great importance. The economic approach of game theory is used to analyse the game of interests between patent applicants and the patent examination authority. It is found that the patent examination authority is required to introduce source disclosure rules and that the optimal equilibrium for patent applications can be achieved by requiring companies to comply with a voluntary source disclosure model under intense examination pressure. Based on this, the legislative policies of typical resource-rich countries are selected for analysis to verify the validity of the game conclusions. Finally, policy recommendations for source disclosure requirements for genetic resources in China are proposed based on the game conclusions.

genetic resources, source disclosure, patent law, game theory, mandatory model, voluntary model, patent applications, regulatory bodies, cost-benefit perspective