bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature insensitive distributed wide-dynamic-range strain sensing based on polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber
Authors: Xu Zhenyuan , Geng Youfu , Zhu Xiaojian , Lu Jing , Yi Duo , Du Yu , Wang Jiaqi , Hong Xueming , Li Xuejin
Published: April 2024

In this paper, a temperature insensitive wide-dynamic-range distributed strain sensor with centimeter-level spatial resolution based on optical frequency domain reflection technology is proposed. It adopts a polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber as the sensing fiber, and experimental results demonstrate that its temperature sensitivity is much smaller than that of the standard polarization-maintaining fiber. Benefited from the specially designed cross-correlation algorithm, the sensor achieves the maximum measurable strain reaches 7000 μϵ with spatial resolution of 1.66 cm. This provides a new approach to address current issues with special fiber sensors, such as single-point sensing and low spatial resolution, which shows great significance for structural health monitoring of buildings, bridges and tunnels with urgent requirement of large dynamic range.
Design, implementation, and testing of a system for calibrating solar energy measuring devices
Authors: Reda Sameh , Faramawy Samaa
Published: April 2024

According to ISO 9847, the indoor calibration of pyranometers is based on the use of light filament sources such metal halide and tungsten lamps that are similar to the sun spectrum. The application of LED light sources is currently promoted worldwide in every field. At NIS, a study on the LED pyranometer calibration system was carried out. The results revealed that, in the absence of a diffuser, the uniformity of the FEL lamp and LED source was 0.76 and 0.89, respectively; however, when a diffuser was used, the uniformity increased to 0.92 for the FEL lamp and 0.95 for the LED source. For both systems, the fixed holder’s presence decreased the divergency in repeatability; for the LED source, this was 2%, but for the FEL light, it was 11.5%. In terms of statistical analysis, although the LED calibration system is more stable than the FEL calibration system, none calibration method exhibits any sign of an out-of-control situation, indicating that changes caused by random error are controlled and satisfied. The comparison demonstrated that the filament sources in the pyranometer’s indoor calibration process might be replaced with an LED source.
Inkjet printing of heavy-metal-free quantum dots-based devices: a review
Authors: Fu Min , Critchley Kevin
Published: April 2024

Inkjet printing (IJP) has become a versatile, cost-effective technology for fabricating organic and hybrid electronic devices. Heavy-metal-based quantum dots (HM QDs) play a significant role in these inkjet-printed devices due to their excellent optoelectrical properties. Despite their utility, the intrinsic toxicity of HM QDs limits their applications in commercial products. To address this limitation, developing alternative HM-free quantum dots (HMF QDs) that have equivalent optoelectronic properties to HM QD is a promising approach to reduce toxicity and environmental impact. This article comprehensively reviews HMF QD-based devices fabricated using IJP methods. The discussion includes the basics of IJP technology, the formulation of printable HMF QD inks, and solutions to the coffee ring effect. Additionally, this review briefly explores the performance of typical state-of-the-art HMF QDs and cutting-edge characterization techniques for QD inks and printed QD films. The performance of printed devices based on HMF QDs is discussed and compared with those fabricated by other techniques. In the conclusion, the persisting challenges are identified, and perspectives on potential avenues for further progress in this rapidly developing research field are provided.
Ultrathin Al2O3 film modification on waterborne epoxy coatings by atomic layer deposition for augmenting the corrosion resistance
Authors: Li Jiajun , Ye Xiaojun , Yan Chi , Liu Cui , Yuan Xiao , Li Hongbo , Xu Jiahui , Tong Hua
Published: April 2024

The polar channels formed by the curing of waterborne anticorrosive coatings compromise their water resistance, leading to coating degradation and metal corrosion. To enhance the anticorrosive performance of waterborne coatings, this study proposed a novel method of depositing ultrathin Al2O3 films on the surface of waterborne epoxy coatings by atomic layer deposition, a technique that can modify the surface properties of polymer materials by depositing functional films. The Al2O3-modified coatings exhibited improved sealing and barrier properties by closing the polar channels and surface defects and cracks. The surface structure and morphology of the modified coatings were characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The hydrophilicity and corrosion resistance of the modified coatings were evaluated by water contact angle measurement, Tafel polarization curve, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results indicated that the water contact angle of the Al2O3-modified coating increased by 48° compared to the unmodified coating, and the protection efficiency of the modified coating reached 99.81%. The Al2O3-modified coating demonstrated high anticorrosive efficiency and potential applications for metal anticorrosion in harsh marine environments.
Experimental comparison of cylindrical and plane parallel ionization chambers for reference dosimetry in continuous and pulsed scanned proton beams
Authors: Vilches-Freixas Gloria , Bosmans Geert , Douralis Alexandros , Martens Jonathan , Meijers Arturs , Rinaldi Ilaria , Salvo Koen , Thomas Russell , Palmans Hugo , Lourenço Ana
Published: April 2024

Objective. In this experimental work we compared the determination of absorbed dose to water using four ionization chambers (ICs), a PTW-34045 Advanced Markus, a PTW-34001 Roos, an IBA-PPC05 and a PTW-30012 Farmer, irradiated under the same conditions in one continuous- and in two pulsed-scanned proton beams. Approach. The ICs were positioned at 2 cm depth in a water phantom in four square-field single-energy scanned-proton beams with nominal energies between 80 and 220 MeV and in the middle of 10 × 10 × 10 cm3 dose cubes centered at 10 cm or 12.5 cm depth in water. The water-equivalent thickness (WET) of the entrance window and the effective point of measurement was considered when positioning the plane parallel (PP) ICs and the cylindrical ICs, respectively. To reduce uncertainties, all ICs were calibrated at the same primary standards laboratory. We used the beam quality (k

Q
) correction factors for the ICs under investigation from IAEA TRS-398, the newly calculated Monte Carlo (MC) values and the anticipated IAEA TRS-398 updated recommendations. Main results. Dose differences among the four ICs ranged between 1.5% and 3.7% using both the TRS-398 and the newly recommended k

Q
values. The spread among the chambers is reduced with the newly k

Q
values. The largest differences were observed between the rest of the ICs and the IBA-PPC05 IC, obtaining lower dose with the IBA-PPC05. Significance. We provide experimental data comparing different types of chambers in different proton beam qualities. The observed dose differences between the ICs appear to be related to inconsistencies in the determination of the k

Q
values. For PP ICs, MC studies account for the physical thickness of the entrance window rather than the WET. The additional energy loss that the wall material invokes is not negligible for the IBA-PPC05 and might partially explain the low k

Q
values determined for this IC. To resolve this inconsistency and to benchmark MC values, k

Q
values measured using calorimetry are needed.
Optimization of p-type contact for electrical injection and light extraction for 365 nm UV-A LEDs
Authors: Li Yuting , Wang Guangying , Lin Qinchen , Xie Shuwen , Zhang Wentao , Shih Timothy , Vigen Jonathan , Mukhopadhyay Swarnav , Pasayat Shubhra S , Gupta Chirag
Published: April 2024

This paper demonstrates low-resistance and high-transparency p-type contact materials for ultraviolet (UV) micro-light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at 365 nm. As a commonly used p-type LED contact, indium tin oxide (ITO) and nickel/ITO (Ni/ITO) contacts were studied before and after rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatments. The transmittance at 365 nm wavelength of 200 nm thick ITO films increased from approximately 57%–90% after RTA at a temperature exceeding 400 °C, while the Ni/ITO film had a transmittance of about 73% after annealing. Micron-sized UV-LEDs with Ni/ITO p-contact were fabricated. Electrical characterization shows that Ni/ITO films annealed at 600 °C demonstrated good ohmic contact behavior and the highest on-wafer external quantum efficiency, despite slightly lower transmittance. This paper shows the potential of annealed Ni/ITO films as promising p-contact materials for high-performance 365 nm UV-LEDs.
Observation of negative capacitance in silicon heterojunction solar cells: role of front contact in carrier depopulation
Authors: Nayak Mrutyunjay , Pandey Ashutosh , Mandal Sourav , Komarala Vamsi Krishna
Published: April 2024

The origin of the low-frequency inductive loop in the Nyquist plot of the Ag/indium tin oxide (ITO)/p-a-Si:H/intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon (i-a-Si:H)/c-Si/i-a-Si:H/n-a-Si:H/ITO/Al heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells and their effect on the device performance are investigated by adopting impedance spectroscopy under dark and light. The negative capacitance/low-frequency inductive loop originates from the depopulation of injected charge carriers due to a transport barrier at the p-a-Si:H/ITO interface. The p-a-Si:H hole-selective SHJ device with a low-frequency inductive loop also has shown an S-shape and associated performance degradation in the light current density–voltage characteristics due to the opposing field type transport barrier present at the p-a-Si:H/ITO interface, which was overcome after vacuum annealing at ∼200 °C. However, the NiO
x
-based hole-selective contact Ag/ITO/NiO
x
/i-a-Si:H/c-Si/i-a-Si:H/n-a-Si:H/ITO/Al SHJ cells have not shown any low-frequency inductive loop or corresponding S-shape and associated performance degradation due to the optimised contact (minimum resistance) between the NiOx and ITO layers.
Effect of divalent ion of strontium substitution on the structural, optical, magnetic and blood compatibility studies in cobalt ferrite
Authors: Ergin İ , Özçelik S , İçin K , Yalcin B , Arda L , Özçelik B
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the effects of Sr2+ substitution on the structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of magnetic cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4). Through sol–gel auto-combustion synthesis, Sr2+ was substituted into Co-spinel ferrites (Co1-xSrxFe2O4, where x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0). SEM analysis revealed spherical grains with an average size of 54.4 nm. XRD analysis indicated systematic changes in crystallographic parameters and the formation of secondary phases with Sr-substitution. While the crystal size for CoFe2O4 was calculated as 262 nm, this value was determined as 18 nm for Co0.25Sr0.75Fe2O4. FT-IR results suggested increased force constants of octahedral and tetrahedral bonds with higher Sr content, with main vibration bands at 423.6 and 606 cm−1. M-H curves exhibited S-shaped behavior, indicating drastic magnetic property changes with Sr2+ substitution. Coercivity field (Hc), saturation magnetization (M

S
), and remanent magnetization (M

r
) values ranged from 1447.8–545.4 Oe, 58.8-14 emu g−1, and 36.8-7.6 emu g−1, respectively. Blood compatibility experiments highlighted Co0.75Sr0.25Fe2O4 nanoparticles with significantly low hemolysis rates compared to other concentrations.
Photonic hook propagation from eccentric microcylinder
Authors: Das Gour Mohan , Saha Sanjit , Vadivel Govindan
Published: April 2024

The Photonic hook (PH) is an intricately curved photonic nanojet (PNJ) or a highly intense electromagnetic beam featuring a subwavelength waist, whose principal hallmark lies in its capacity to bend light at the nanoscale. According to existing literature, the origin of PH can be attributed to symmetry breaking, whereas symmetrical microstructures predominantly contribute to PNJ formation. This study presents the novel revelation of PH emergence from an isolated eccentric core–shell dielectric microcylinder, achieved through the illumination of a paraxial Gaussian beam (PGB). The eccentrically structured core–shell microscale geometry introduces an additional degree of freedom, influencing PH formation and directly shaping its characteristic parameters. Much like PNJ, the propagation of PH depends on different parameters such as core and shell refractive indices of the micro-structures, microstructure geometry, incident light type, and direction of propagation. A fascinating outcome from our numerical simulations is the switchable occurrence of PNJ and PH from an eccentric core–shell microcylinder by a simple adjustment of eccentricity, either parallel or perpendicular to the PGB’s propagation direction. This computational investigation emphasizes the impact of eccentricity and the incident wave’s beam waist, maintaining a consistent refractive index contrast between the core and shell. The outcomes are interpreted in terms of key parameters governing PH generation characteristics, encompassing FWHM, maximum electric field enhancement, and focal plane. Notably, we have observed the coexistence of whispering gallery modes (WGM) and PH within this system and these modes exhibit high sensitivity to the excitation wavelength. The potential applications of PH are believed to be far-reaching, including areas like optical trapping, sensing, and functioning as a versatile focusing element. This study contributes to the fundamental understanding of PH and illuminates its potential as a robust tool across diverse optical applications.
Corrigendum: Influence of the Anderson Transition on Thermoelectric Energy Conversion in Disordered Electronic Systems (2024 Journal of Physics: Conf. Ser. 2701 012018)
Authors: Khomchenko Ilia , Ouerdane Henni , Benenti Giuliano
Published: April 2024

Please see Article PDF for corrigendum text.
Blind coherent modulation imaging using momentum acceleration and sample priors
Authors: Gao Yiwen , Zhang Junhao , Yang Dongyu , Lyu Wenjin , Ruan Tianhao , Shi Yishi
Published: April 2024

Coherent modulation imaging (CMI) stands out as a novel lensless imaging technique with notable advantages such as rapid convergence and single-shot capability. Nevertheless, conventional CMI implementations necessitate an additional step to acquire prior information about the modulator function, introducing complexity and reliance on other imaging techniques. Previous attempts to mitigate the requirement for precise modulator information using diverse objects have encountered slow convergence speeds. Here, we present an improved CMI algorithm, termed as blind CMI, which achieves blind recovery without prior knowledge of the modulator. This is achieved by leveraging sample priors and incorporating momentum acceleration. We validate our method through numerical simulations and optical experiments, demonstrating that the proposed blind CMI outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in terms of both convergence speed and reconstruction quality.
Radon–Nikodým property and Lau’s conjecture
Authors: Wiśnicki Andrzej
Published: April 2024

There is a long-standing problem, posed by A.T.-M. Lau [Fixed point theory and its applications, Academic Press, New York-London, 1976, pp. 121–129], whether left amenability is sufficient to ensure the existence of a common fixed point for every jointly weak

∗

^{\ast }

continuous nonexpansive semigroup action on a nonempty weak

∗

^{\ast }

compact convex set in a dual Banach space. In this note we discuss the current status of this problem and give a partial solution in the case of weak

∗

^{\ast }

compact convex sets with the Radon–Nikodým property.
The Witt rings of many flag varieties are exterior algebras
Authors: Hemmert Tobias , Zibrowius Marcus
Published: April 2024

The Witt ring of a complex flag variety describes the interesting – i.e. torsion – part of its topological KO-theory. We show that for a large class of flag varieties, these Witt rings are exterior algebras, and that the degrees of the generators can be determined by Dynkin diagram combinatorics. Besides a few well-studied examples such as full flag varieties and projective spaces, this class includes many flag varieties whose Witt rings were previously unknown, including many flag varieties of exceptional types. In particular, it includes all flag varieties of types

G
2

G_2

and

F
4

F_4

. The results also extend to flag varieties over other algebraically closed fields.
Compressible Euler limit from Boltzmann equation with complete diffusive boundary condition in half-space
Authors: Jiang Ning , Luo Yi-Long , Tang Shaojun
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we prove the compressible Euler limit from the Boltzmann equation with hard sphere collisional kernel and complete diffusive boundary condition in half-space by employing the Hilbert expansion which includes interior and Knudsen layers. This rigorously justifies the corresponding formal analysis in Sone’s book [Molecular gas dynamics, Birkhäuser Boston, Inc., Boston, MA, 2007] in the context of short time smooth solutions, and also generalizes the classic Caflisch’s result [Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 33 (1980), pp. 651–666] to initial-boundary problem case.
Motivational Internalism and Disinterestedness
Authors: Doran Ryan P
Published: April 2024

According to the most important objection to the existence of moral beauty, true judgements of moral beauty are not possible as moral judgements require being motivated to act in line with the moral judgement made, and judgements of beauty require not being motivated to act in any way. Here, I clarify the argument underlying the objection and demonstrate that it does not show that moral beauty does not exist. I present two responses: namely, that the beauty of moral beauty does not lie in the moral goodness per se (the ‘adjacent properties’ response), and that only a dispositional motivation to act is required for the moral judgements that are typically made as part of judgements of moral beauty, whereas aesthetic judgements only rule out state motivations to act (the ‘equivocation of motivation required’ response). In addressing the objection, I show how moral beauty is consistent with disinterestedness, and so should be accepted more widely; also clarifying where the beauty in moral beauty resides, and how the moral–aesthetic distinction should be drawn.
Consistently increased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity during the exposure to acute stressors
Authors: Meier Jacqueline Katharina , Schwabe Lars
Published: April 2024

Stress has a major impact on our mental health. Nonetheless, it is still not fully understood how the human brain responds to ongoing stressful events. Here, we aimed to determine the cortical dynamics during the exposure to ecologically valid, standardized stressors. To this end, we conducted 3 experiments in which healthy participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (experiments 1 and 2) and the Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Test (experiment 3) or a respective control manipulation, while we measured their cortical activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Increases in salivary cortisol and subjective stress levels confirmed the successful stress induction in all experiments. Results of experiment 1 showed significantly increased cortical activity, in particular in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, during the exposure to the Trier Social Stress Test. Experiment 2 replicated this finding and showed further that this stress-related increase in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity was transient and limited to the period of the Trier Social Stress Test. Experiment 3 demonstrated the increased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity during the Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Test, suggesting that this increase is generalizable and not specific to the Trier Social Stress Test. Together, these data show consistently that dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity is not reduced, as commonly assumed, but increased under stress, which may promote coping with the ongoing stressor.
Arteriovenous fistula for haemodialysis as a predictor of de novo heart failure in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Stoumpos Sokratis , Van Rhijn Peter , Mangion Kenneth , Thomson Peter C , Mark Patrick B
Published: April 2024

Background

The haemodynamic effects of a functioning haemodialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF) can cause or exacerbate heart failure (HF). We investigated whether the presence of an AVF at the time of kidney transplant (KT) is associated with de novo HF.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study including adult patients who received a KT in the West of Scotland between 2010 and 2020. We evaluated the risk and associations of pretransplant factors with de novo HF, alone and as a composite cardiovascular (CV) outcome (including non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, de novo HF and CV death). Multivariable proportional hazards regression and sensitivity analyses were used to identify independent correlates of the outcomes.

Results

Among 1330 included patients, the incident rate of de novo HF after transplantation was 58/1000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 50–67] in AVF patients (n = 716) compared with 33/1000 person-years (95% CI 27–41) in non-AVF patients (n = 614). De novo HF was associated with the presence of an AVF [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.14 (95% CI 1.40–3.26)], duration of dialysis [aHR 1.03/year increase (95% CI 1.01–1.04)], age at transplant [aHR 1.03/year increase (95% CI 1.02–1.05)], female sex [aHR 1.93 (95% CI 1.40–2.65)] and pretransplant diabetes [aHR 2.43 (95% CI 1.48–4.01)]. The presence of an AVF was also associated with the composite CV outcome [aHR 1.91 (95% CI 1.31–2.78)].

Conclusions

The presence of an AVF may be an underrecognized modifiable predictor of de novo HF posttransplantation.
Welfare Analysis of Regulations on Media Platform Advertising
Authors: Zhang Jiekai
Published: April 2024

This paper estimates the welfare effects of TV advertising regulation. I develop a structural model of demand and supply in which both the broadcast content and the amount of advertising are endogenously determined. My results suggest that more varied content, and, in particular, more educational content, can be offered in a laissez-faire equilibrium. Children and teenagers would watch more educational content as more of this type of programming becomes available. Total consumer welfare is higher in a laissez-faire equilibrium than that under the current advertising restrictions.
Radiomic signatures associated with tumor immune heterogeneity predict survival in locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lin Da-Feng , Li Hai-Lin , Liu Ting , Lv Xiao-Fei , Xie Chuan-Miao , Ou Xiao-Min , Guan Jian , Zhang Ye , Yan Wen-Bin , He Mei-Lin , Mao Meng-Yuan , Zhao Xun , Zhong Lian-Zhen , Chen Wen-Hui , Chen Qiu-Yan , Mai Hai-Qiang , Peng Rou-Jun , Tian Jie , Tang Lin-Quan , Dong Di
Published: April 2024

Background

The prognostic value of traditional clinical indicators for locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma is limited because of their inability to reflect intratumor heterogeneity. We aimed to develop a radiomic signature to reveal tumor immune heterogeneity and predict survival in locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods

This multicenter, retrospective study included 921 patients with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A machine learning signature and nomogram based on pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging features were developed for predicting overall survival in a training cohort and validated in 2 independent cohorts. A clinical nomogram and an integrated nomogram were constructed for comparison. Nomogram performance was evaluated by concordance index and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Accordingly, patients were classified into risk groups. The biological characteristics and immune infiltration of the signature were explored by RNA-sequencing analysis.

Results

The machine learning signature and nomogram demonstrated comparable prognostic ability to a clinical nomogram, achieving concordance indexes of 0.729, 0.718, and 0.731 in the training, internal, and external validation cohorts, respectively. Integration of the signature and clinical variables statistically improved the predictive performance. The proposed signature effectively distinguished patients between risk groups with statistically distinct overall survival rates. Subgroup analysis indicated the recommendation of local salvage treatments for low-risk patients. Exploratory RNA-sequencing analysis revealed differences in interferon response and lymphocyte infiltration between risk groups.

Conclusions

A magnetic resonance imaging–based radiomic signature predicted overall survival more accurately. The proposed signature associated with tumor immune heterogeneity may serve as a valuable tool to facilitate prognostic stratification and guide individualized management for locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.
Introduction to Competition Law
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh
Published: April 2024

This chapter provides an introduction to, and basis for, the material discussed in the subsequent chapters. It introduces some relevant concepts of microeconomics including demand curves, consumer and producer surplus, elasticity of demand, and economies of scale and scope. It discusses the model of perfect competition and the concepts of allocative, productive and dynamic efficiency; the problems in competition terms of monopoly and oligopoly; and the concept of welfare, particularly consumer welfare and total welfare. It considers various schools of competition analysis and theories and concepts relevant to competition law. It discusses the possible objectives of competition law, and particularly considers what objectives are pursued by EU competition law. The chapter also looks at US antitrust law; competition law and the digital economy; competition law and regulation; and at some basic issues in the application of EU competition law.
Market Power, Market Definition, and Barriers to Entry
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh
Published: April 2024

Market power is a central concept in EU competition law. This chapter considers what is meant by market power and how it is assessed in EU law using market definition and barriers to entry analysis. It discusses how markets are defined in EU law by looking at demand substitution, supply substitution, and potential competition. It explains that markets may have both a product and a geographic dimension. The chapter examines the Commission Notice on the definition of the relevant market, the decisional practice of the Commission, and the case law of the EU Courts on market definition, and it discusses what tests may be employed in the definition of markets, particularly the SSNIP test. The chapter then considers how the power of a firm on a market is affected by barriers to entry. It discusses the definition of a barrier to entry and considers barriers to entry such as sunk costs, structural barriers, and strategic barriers,
Article 102 TFEU: Conduct Which Can Be an Abuse
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh
Published: April 2024

This chapter discusses the difficult concept of what constitutes an ‘abuse’ of a dominant position for the purposes of Article 102 and whether conduct should be condemned on account of the form it takes or only for its effects. It considers the case law of the EU Courts, the decisional practice of the Commission, and the Commission’s Guidance Paper on enforcement priorities, and the problem of distinguishing competition on the merits from illegimate conduct. The chapter looks at the different classifications of abuse, particularly exclusionary and exploitative abuses; the distinction between form- and effects-based approaches to types of abuse; the leveraging of market power between distinct markets as a theory of harm; the objective justification defence; and general issues in respect of abuses concerning prices, including the ‘as efficient competitor’ test. The chapter then examines the application of Article 102 to various forms of conduct, including: price discrimination; predatory pricing; selective low pricing; margin squeeze; exclusive dealing;; tying and bundling; refusal to supply; self-preferencing; malicious pursuit of legal proceedings; ‘regulatory gaming’; discrimination abuses; unfairly high and low pricing; hindering inter-Member State trade; and more novel claimed abuses within the digital economy.
Licensing Agreements and Other Agreements Involving Intellectual Property Rights
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh
Published: April 2024

This chapter examines some of the different types of intellectual property rights (IPRs) before outlining the relationship between intellectual property and both EU competition law and the EU free movement rules. It focuses, however, on IP licensing agreements and their treatment under Article 101. The chapter traces the development of EU competition policy to IP licensing agreements and examine the current Technology Transfer Block Exemption and the Guidelines in detail. It also examines patent settlement agreements (including pay for delay agreements), patnet pools, trade mark licences, trade mark delimitation agreements, and copyright (other than software) licences not covered by the TTBER and Guidelines.
Public Enforcement by the Commission and the National Competition Authorities of the Antitrust Provisions
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh
Published: April 2024

This chapter discusses the public enforcement regime for the application of Articles 101 and 102 under Regulation 1/2003. It explains the system that applied previously under Regulation 17, and the reasons for, and salient features of, the ‘modernisation’ introduced by Regulation 1/2003. The chapter then examines: the complaints procedure; the powers of the Commission, including the investigation and inter partes stages of its procedure; the decisions which the Commission may take, including decisions imposing fines and commitments decisions; judicial review by the EU Courts; the European Competition Network (ECN) and enforcement by national competition authorities, including the changes to be introduced by the ECN+ Directive; and the possibility of sanctions against individuals.. The chapter also considers the application of fundamental rights provisions in EU competition proceedings.
Private Enforcement
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh
Published: April 2024

This chapter focuses on the private civil enforcement of EU antitrust rules through claims made by private litigants in the national courts and tribunals of the individual Member States. The discussions cover the principle of direct effect and national procedural autonomy, mechanisms for cooperation between the Commission and national courts, the obligations of national courts when dealing with cases that raise the issue of whether a contract in violation of Article 101 or Article 102 is enforceable and whether, and if so when, damages and injunctions should be available to remedy such violations. It also considers wy historically there was relatively little antitrust litigation in the EU; the relationship between public and private enforcement; the Commission's policy towards private enforcement, the package of measures the Commission has taken to encourage private litigation, especially the 2014 Damages Directive and its likely impact.
Unravelling the collision scenario of the dissociative galaxy cluster Abell 56 through hydrodynamic simulations
Authors: Albuquerque Richards P , Machado Rubens E G , Monteiro-Oliveira Rogério
Published: April 2024

In galaxy cluster collisions, the gas can be separated from dark matter haloes. Abell 56 displays signatures of a dissociative bullet-like merger with a possible high-inclination angle between the plane of orbit and the sky. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive description of the features observed in the collision scenario of Abell 56. Additionally, we aim to apply a potential weak lensing mass bias correction attributed to the merger to evaluate its impact on our findings. To investigate this, we perform tailored hydrodynamical N-body simulations, varying the impact parameter. We initially identified an early scenario at 0.12 Gyr after the central passage that reproduces some observational features. However, the mean temperature of 9.7 keV exceeded the observed value. Our best model corresponds to the late scenario at 0.52 Gyr after the pericentre, reproducing observed features of Abell 56, with an inclination of 58°. These features include the offset of 103 kpc between the main gas density peak and the south dark matter density peak, gas morphology, a line-of-sight relative velocity of 184 km s−1, and a mean temperature of 6.7 keV. This late model provides a plausible scenario to describe the dynamics of Abell 56. The weak lensing mass bias did not significantly impact the overall dynamics of this cluster merger.
Variabilities in the polar field and solar cycle due to irregular properties of bipolar magnetic regions
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Karak Bidya Binay , Sreedevi Anu
Published: April 2024

Decay and dispersal of the tilted bipolar magnetic regions (BMRs) on the solar surface are observed to produce the large-scale poloidal field, which acts as the seed for the toroidal field and, thus, the next sunspot cycle. However, various properties of BMR, namely, the tilt, time delay between successive emergences, location, and flux, all have irregular variations. Previous studies show that these variations can lead to changes in the polar field. In this study, we first demonstrate that our 3D kinematic dynamo model, STABLE, reproduces the robust feature of the surface flux transport (SFT) model, namely the variation of the generated dipole moment with the latitude of the BMR position. Using STABLE in both SFT and dynamo modes, we perform simulations by varying the individual properties of BMR and keeping their distributions the same in all the cycles as inspired by the observations. We find that randomness due to the distribution in either the time delay or the BMR latitude produces negligible variation in the polar field and the solar cycle. However, randomness due to BMR flux distribution produces substantial effects, while the scatter in the tilt around Joy’s law produces the largest variation. Our comparative analyses suggest that the scatter of BMR tilt around Joy’s law is the major cause of variation in the solar cycle. Furthermore, our simulations show that the magnetic field-dependent time delay of BMR emergence produces more realistic features of the magnetic cycle, consistent with observation.
The effect of pulsar geometry on the observed gamma-ray spectrum of millisecond pulsars
Authors: Lloyd Sheridan J , Chadwick Paula M , Brown Anthony M
Published: April 2024

We analyse 13 yr of Fermi Large Area Telescope Pass 8 events from 127 gamma-ray emitting millisecond pulsars (MSPs) in the energy range 0.1–100 GeV and significantly detect 118 MSPs. We fit the stacked emission with a log parabola (LP) spectral model that we show is preferred to two previously published models. We consider the influence of pulsar properties and observed geometric effects on spectral features by defining energy flux colours for both the individual MSPs, and our stacked model as a baseline. There is no correlation of colours with pulsar luminosity, $\dot{E}$, surface magnetic field, or magnetic impact angle. We also find that pulsar geometry has little effect on the observed gamma-ray spectrum, which is in tension with previous modelling of gamma-ray emission with respect to pulsar geometry. Our LP MSP model is applicable to problems where an ensemble of gamma-ray MSPs is considered, such as that of the Galactic Centre excess or in the case of emission from globular clusters.
Simulated host galaxy analogues of high-z quasars observed with JWST
Authors: Berger Sabrina , Marshall Madeline A , Wyithe J Stuart B , Matteo Tiziana di , Ni Yueying , Wilkins Stephen M
Published: April 2024

The hosts of two low-luminosity high-z quasars, J2255+0251 and J2236+0032, were recently detected using JWST’s NIRCam instrument. These represent the first high-z quasar host galaxy stellar detections and open a new window into studying high-z quasars. We examine the implications of the measured properties of J2255+0251 and J2236+0032 within the context of the hydrodynamic simulation BlueTides at z = 6.5. We find that these observed quasars fall on the BlueTides stellar to black hole mass relation and have similar luminosities to the brightest simulated quasars. We predict their star formation rates, estimating approximately $10^{2-3}$${\rm M}_{\odot }\, \rm yr^{-1}$ for both quasar hosts. J2255+0251 and J2236+0032’s host galaxy radii also fall within estimates of the radii of the simulated host galaxies of similar luminosity quasars. We generate mock JWST NIRCam images of analogues to the observed quasars within BlueTides and perform a point source removal to illustrate both a qualitative and quantitative comparison of the measured and simulated radii and magnitudes. The quasar subtraction works well for similar luminosity quasars, and the recovered host images are consistent with what was observed for J2255+0251 and J2236+0032, further supporting the success of those observations. We also use our mock imaging pipeline to make predictions for the detection of J2255+0251 and J2236+0032’s hosts in upcoming JWST observations. We anticipate that the simulation analogues of future high-z quasar host discoveries will allow us to make accurate predictions of their properties beyond the capabilities of JWST.
Multiple Dimensions of Gender Ideologies: How They Relate to Normative Judgments of the Gender Division of Parental Leave
Authors: Philipp Marie-Fleur
Published: April 2024

Previous research has found that gender ideologies are multidimensional. Additionally, their influence on work–care practices depends on the context, including the life stage, presence of children, and partners’ resources, which has received less attention. This study contributes to the understanding of the conditionality of gender ideologies by examining how dimensions of gender ideologies relate to more specific normative judgments regarding the division of parental leave and testing whether the association depends on partners’ relative earnings. I draw on data from a vignette experiment implemented in the representative German GESIS Panel and apply ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models with cluster-robust standard errors to 8,185 vignette evaluations of 2,249 respondents. More egalitarian ideologies regarding the division of employment and housework and less essentialist ideologies are associated with less traditional judgments of the division of parental leave. Support for individual choice is only associated with less traditional judgments on the condition that the mother earns more.
No Common Candidate Genes for Resistance to Fusarium graminearum, F. proliferatum, F. sporotrichioides, and F. subglutinans in Soybean Accessions from Maturity Groups 0 and I: Findings from Genome-wide Association Mapping
Authors: Rafi Nitha , Dominguez Matias , Okello Paul , Mathew Febina M.
Published: April 2024

Seedling diseases and root rot, caused by species of Fusarium, can limit soybean (Glycine max L.) production in the United States. Currently, there are few commercially available cultivars resistant to Fusarium. This study was conducted to assess the resistance of soybean maturity group (MG) accessions from 0 and I to Fusarium proliferatum, F. sporotrichioides, and F. subglutinans, as well as to identify common quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to these pathogens, in addition to F. graminearum, using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). A total of 155, 91, and 48 accessions from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) soybean germplasm collection from MG 0 and I were screened with a single isolate each of F. proliferatum, F. sporotrichioides, and F. subglutinans, respectively, using the inoculum layer inoculation method in the greenhouse. The disease severity was assessed 21 days postinoculation and analyzed using nonparametric statistics to determine the relative treatment effects (RTEs). Eleven and seven accessions showed significantly lower RTEs when inoculated with F. proliferatum and F. subglutinans, respectively, compared with the susceptible cultivar ‘Williams 82’. One accession was significantly less susceptible to both F. proliferatum and F. subglutinans. The GWAS conducted with 41,985 single-nucleotide markers identified one QTL associated with resistance to both F. proliferatum and F. sporotrichioides, as well as another QTL for resistance to both F. subglutinans and F. graminearum. However, no common QTLs were identified for the four pathogens. The USDA accessions and QTLs identified in this study can be utilized to selectively breed resistance to multiple species of Fusarium.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Access from healthcare professionals to evidence-based pharmacotherapy in allergy management
Authors: Carvalho Daniela
Published: April 2024

Purpose of review

Access to evidence-based pharmacotherapy (EBP) is crucial in effectively managing allergies. Allergy conditions, including rhinitis, asthma, and dermatitis, require treatment guided by scientific evidence. However, healthcare professionals face challenges in accessing relevant information.

Recent findings

The dynamic nature of allergy research, coupled with limited resources and variability in practice guidelines, complicates decision-making.

To enhance access, healthcare institutions should invest in comprehensive online resources tailored to allergy management, such as databases and platforms. Advances in algorithm development have shown that artificial intelligence and machine learning can enhance clinical decision-making. Integrating allergy-specific Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) into electronic health records can assist professionals in making EBP decisions at the point of care. Continuing education and training programs focused on allergy management can keep healthcare providers updated on the latest research and guidelines. Multidisciplinary teams facilitate knowledge exchange and standardize practice approaches. Social media outlets can be a great route to publicize work carried out or in progress to a target audience of interest. By bridging the gap between evidence and practice in allergy management, healthcare systems can ensure optimal care for patients, alleviating the burden of allergic diseases on individuals and society.
Drug therapy in juvenile spondyloarthritis
Authors: Srinivasalu Hemalatha , Simpson Jessica , Stoll Matthew L.
Published: April 2024

Purpose of review

This review summarizes latest developments in treatment of juvenile spondyloarthritis (JSpA), specifically enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) and juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA).

Recent findings

There has been addition of biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) beyond tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) for JSpA such as IL-17 blockers, IL-23 blockers, and janus activating kinase inhibitors with favorable safety profile. Conducting robust clinical trials for this subpopulation of JIA remains a challenge; extrapolation studies are being used to obtain approval from regulatory agencies.

Newer drug therapies have expanded the scope of treatment for patients with JSpA. bDMARDs such as adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, and secukinumab have demonstrated clinically significant treatment efficacy in ERA and JPsA. Based on extrapolation studies, intravenous golimumab, etanercept, abatacept, and ustekinumab have gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for JPsA. Long-term follow-up studies continue to demonstrate acceptable safety profiles. There is need for more real-world data on drug efficacy from Registry studies and research on effective de-escalation strategies.
The Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in the Management of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kanakopoulos Dimitrios , Lacey Hester , Payne Anna , Houlihan Maria , Riyat Harjoat , Wheelan Rhys , Cubitt Jonathan , Totty Joshua P.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous malignancy with high metastatic potential. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is used to assess locoregional spread, facilitate staging, and inform prognosis. Positive nodal status is associated with higher recurrence rates and reduced overall survival.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted. Eligible articles included patients diagnosed with MCC, who would be candidates for or who had SLNB. The Covidence tool was used for screening and data extraction, including additional treatments, disease-free survival, overall survival, and recurrence. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottowa Scale criteria.

Results:

SLNB was associated with increased likelihood of completion lymphadenectomy (223 versus 41), regional radiotherapy (2167 versus 808), and systemic chemotherapy (138 versus 31). Overall survival for patients undergoing SLNB was 81% at 2 years, 75% at 3 years, and 72% at 5 years (odds ratio: 0.79). Hazard ratio for positive SLNB versus negative was 3.36 (P < 0.001). Five-year disease recurrence was 23.3% in patients undergoing SLNB.

Conclusions:

Lymph node metastases are associated with reduced overall survival and increased recurrence of MCC. Determining nodal status early can inform prognosis, facilitate staging, and determine need for adjuvant treatment. Adjuvant treatments are associated with reduced mortality and improved overall survival; SLNB is an important influencer of their use. Early prophylactic intervention should be considered in MCC in both positive and negative nodal status to improve overall outcomes. Widespread use of SLNB will allow more accurate assessment of the role of nodal status on adjuvant treatment and long-term outcomes.