bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing Sustainability in Solar-Grade Silicon Production: Enhanced Boron and Phosphorus Removal via Silicon Refining from Al–Si Melt
Authors: Mallah Abdul Rahman , Saevarsdottir Gudrun , Heuer Matthias , Svavarsson Halldor G.
Published: January 2025

Solar radiation is a renewable and practically infinite source of energy that creates no greenhouse gas emissions such as

$${\text{CO}}_{2}$$

CO
2

. Photovoltaic devices that turn solar energy directly into electricity are commonly made of high-purity solar-grade silicon, (SoG-Si). The SoG-Si is conventionally produced by a carbothermic reduction of quartz (

$${\text{SiO}}_{2}$$

SiO
2

), resulting in roughly 98 wt.% metallurgical grade silicon (MG-Si), which is then further purified into SoG-Si using the Siemens process. The carbothermic step releases a large quantity of

$${\text{CO}}_{2}$$

CO
2

, and conventional purification methods require technically complicated equipment, consume intensive energy, and involve the use and production of highly toxic silane gases. This work has investigated a metallurgical purification method of MG-Si by solidification from aluminum-Si melt. Four purification rounds have been applied to ensure that boron and phosphorus are reduced to 314

$${\text{ppb}}_{{\text{a}}}$$

ppb
a

and 96

$${\text{ppb}}_{{\text{a}}}$$

ppb
a

respectively. A > 99.99 wt.% Si has been obtained, which can be further purified by the directional solidification method, and the purity of Si can be improved to 6N by effectively removing the other elements. The raw material of this process, the MG-Si, was produced by an aluminothermic process without direct

$${\text{CO}}_{2}$$

CO
2

emissions. Such a process, purification of MG-Si obtained from the aluminothermic reduction of a ferrosilicon slag, by a metallurgical route plus an additional step of directional solidification eliminates the use of highly hazardous silane gases associated with the conventional processes and requires much simpler equipment and lower operational energy, cost, and

$${\text{CO}}_{2}$$

CO
2

emissions.
Efficacy of Ozurdex implants as second-line therapy for non-responders to anti-VEGF in retinal vein occlusion-associated macular edema: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Eissa Mahmoud , Kalogeropoulos Dimitrios , Evans William , Arora Rashi , Lotery Andrew John
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a prevalent retinal vascular disorder characterized by retinal haemorrhage, neovascularization, and macular edema This study aimed to assess the structural and functional effects of intravitreal implant (Ozurdex) treatment as a second-line for RVO-associated macular edema in patients who did not respond to first-line anti-VEGF therapy.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study using electronic health records of RVO patients at Salisbury District Hospital between January 2014 and December 2019. Inclusion criteria included patients diagnosed with central or branch RVO. Patients underwent ophthalmic evaluations at baseline, including central retinal thickness (CRT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) assessments. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, employing various tests to determine significance.

Results

Sixteen eyes of 16 White British patients were evaluated. Most patients had branch RVO (52.95%), and 47.05% had central RVO. While anti-VEGF treatment significantly improved BCVA (p = 0.0061), Ozurdex did not result in additional gain (p = 0.747). Both treatments significantly reduced CRT (p = 0.0055 for anti-VEGF; p = 0.0079 for Ozurdex). No significant differences were observed between diabetic and non-diabetic BCVA patients receiving either treatment.

Conclusion

Ozurdex emerges as a safe and effective option for persistent macular edema in RVO patients unresponsive to anti-VEGF therapy. Although structural improvements in CRT were observed following Ozurdex treatment, they did not correlate with additional gain in BCVA. Despite this, the reduced treatment frequency of Ozurdex compared to anti-VEGF injections may be advantageous, particularly for frail non-responding patients minimizing treatment burden.
EEG Responses to Upper Limb Pinprick Stimulation in Acute and Early Subacute Motor and Sensorimotor Stroke: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Tedesco Triccas Lisa , Van Hoornweder Sybren , Camilleri Tracy , Boccuni Leonardo , Peeters Andre , Van Pesch Vincent , Meesen Raf , Mantini Dante , Camilleri Kenneth , Verheyden Geert
Published: January 2025

Electroencephalogram (EEG) during pinprick stimulation has the potential to unveil neural mechanisms underlying sensorimotor impairments post-stroke. A proof-of-concept study explored event-related peak pinprick amplitude and oscillatory responses in healthy controls and in people with acute and subuacute motor and sensorimotor stroke, their relationship, and to what extent EEG somatosensory responses can predict sensorimotor impairment. In this study, 26 individuals participated, 10 people with an acute and early subacute sensorimotor stroke, 6 people with an acute and early subacute motor stroke, and 10 age-matched controls. Pinpricks were applied to the dorsa of the impaired hand to collect somatosensory evoked potentials. Time(-frequency) analyses of somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) data at electrodes C3 and C4 explored peak pinprick amplitude and oscillatory responses across the three groups. Also, in stroke, (sensori-)motor impairments were assessed with the Fugl Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA) and Erasmus modified Nottingham Sensory Assessment (EmNSA) at baseline and 7 to 14 days later. Mixed model analyses were used to address objectives. It was demonstrated that increased beta desynchronization magnitude correlated with milder motor impairments (R
2
adjusted = 0.213), whereas increased beta resynchronization and delta power were associated to milder somatosensory impairment (R
2
adjusted = 0.550). At the second session, larger peak-to-peak SEP amplitude and beta band resynchronization at baseline were related to greater improvements in EMNSA and FMA scores, respectively, in the sensorimotor stroke group. These findings highlight the potential of EEG combined with somatosensory stimuli to differentiate between sensorimotor and motor impairments in stroke, offering preliminary insights into both diagnostic and prognostic aspects of upper limb recovery.
Can We Trust Artificial Intelligence?
Authors: Budnik Christian
Published: January 2025

In view of the dramatic advancements in the development of artificial intelligence technology in recent years, it has become a commonplace to demand that AI systems be trustworthy. This view presupposes that it is possible to trust AI technology in the first place. The aim of this paper is to challenge this view. In order to do that, it is argued that the philosophy of trust really revolves around the problem of how to square the epistemic and the normative dimensions of trust. Given this double nature of trust it is possible to extract a threefold challenge to the defenders of the possibility of AI trust without presupposing any particular trust theory. They have to show (1) how trust in AI systems is more than mere reliance; (2) how AI systems can become objects of normative expectations; and (3) how the resulting attitude gives human agents reassurance in their interactions with AI systems. In order to demonstrate how difficult this task is, the threefold challenge is then applied to two recent accounts that defend the possibility of trust in AI systems. By way of conclusion it is suggested that instead of trusting AI systems, we should strive to make them reliable.
Impact of adherence to quality indicators and effects of targeted treatment with cefazolin or flucloxacillin on in-hospital mortality in patients with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bloodstream infections: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Kalbitz Sven , Marx Kathrin , Kellner Nils , Glas Annette , Fedders Maike , Lübbert Christoph
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To analyze the associations between adherence to quality indicators (QIs) in the treatment of bloodstream infections caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus (S.) aureus (MSSA) and in-hospital mortality.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted in patients admitted between 2019 and 2023 to Hospital St. Georg in Leipzig, Germany, with at least one positive blood culture for S. aureus. Ten QIs were categorized into four groups based on blood culture results, echocardiography, antibiotic treatment, and other parameters such as infectious disease (ID) specialist consultation. Propensity score (PS) matching was used to compare in-hospital mortality between MSSA patients treated with flucloxacillin and those treated with cefazolin. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality.

Results

Of the 637 patients with S. aureus bloodstream infections, 495 patients with MSSA infection (77.8%) were included in the study. After the introduction of mandatory ID consultation in 2020, the median QI score increased to 9 out of a maximum of 10 points and was significantly higher in surviving cases than in fatal cases in subsequent years. There was a non-significant decrease in in-hospital mortality from 2019 (28.8%) to 2023 (22.7%) (p = 0.432). Based on PS matching, cefazolin had a favorable hazard ratio of 0.44 (95% CI 0.28–0.71; p < 0.001) for in-hospital mortality. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed a significantly higher survival rate in patients who received QI-based management, including transesophageal echocardiography and antibiotic therapy initiated within 24 h.

Conclusions

ID consultation is associated with better adherence to quality improvement measures. Targeted MSSA therapy with cefazolin, early initiation of antibiotic therapy, and adherence to antimicrobial treatment protocols increased survival rates in our study setting.
An additive-noise approximation to Keller–Segel–Dean–Kawasaki dynamics: local well-posedness of paracontrolled solutions
Authors: Martini Adrian , Mayorcas Avi
Published: January 2025

Using the method of paracontrolled distributions, we show the local well-posedness of an additive-noise approximation to the fluctuating hydrodynamics of the Keller–Segel model on the two-dimensional torus. Our approximation is a non-linear, non-local, parabolic-elliptic stochastic PDE with an irregular, heterogeneous space-time noise. As a consequence of the irregularity and heterogeneity, solutions to this equation must be renormalised by a sequence of diverging fields. Using the symmetry of the elliptic Green’s function, which appears in our non-local term, we establish that the renormalisation diverges at most logarithmically, an improvement over the linear divergence one would expect by power counting. Similar cancellations also serve to reduce the number of diverging counterterms.
A novel harmonic resonance prevention measure for railway power conditioner–network–train interaction system
Authors: Xie Shaofeng , Zhong Fan
Published: January 2025

The integration of a large number of power electronic converters, such as railway power conditioner (RPC), introduces a series of problems, including harmonic interaction, stability issues, and wideband resonance, into the railway power supply system. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel harmonic resonance prevention measure for RPC–network–train interaction system. Firstly, a harmonic model, a parallel resonance impedance model, a series resonance admittance model, and a control stability model are each established for the RPC–network–train interaction system. Secondly, a comprehensive resonance impact factor (CRIF) is proposed to efficiently and accurately identify the key components affecting resonance, and to provide the selection results of optimization parameters for resonance prevention. Next, the initially selected parameters are constrained by the requirements of ripple current, reactive power and stability. Subsequently, the impedance parameters (control parameters and filter parameters) of the RPC are optimized with the objective of reshaping the parallel resonance impedance and series resonance admittance of the RPC–network–train interaction system, ensuring the output current harmonics of RPC meet standards to achieve resonance prevention, while ensuring the stable operation of the RPC. Finally, the proposed resonance prevention measure is verified under both light load and heavy load conditions using a simulation platform and a hardware-in-the-loop experimental platform.
Trust me, I’m a Doctor: Strategies for Combating Imposter Feelings Among Physicians and Medical Students
Authors: Rampersad Krystal , Salfarlie Rachqueda , Herry Arlette , Montalbano Michael
Published: January 2025

Imposter phenomenon, characterized by persistent self-doubt and a fear of being exposed as a fraud, has become increasingly recognized within the last decade. Recent studies show that imposter phenomenon is widespread within the medical community, yet there exists no consensus framework or model to understand and assist those experiencing the phenomenon. This article aims to provide a practical guideline for managing imposter phenomenon in physicians and medical students at all levels. We propose that the use of specific strategies designed to support medical professionals can aid in recognizing, confronting, and overcoming imposter feelings.
Self-Directed Learning for Histopathology Using a Survey-Based Approach and Development of an Identification Key
Authors: Simmer Femke , Vink-Börger Elisa , Nagtegaal Iris D.
Published: January 2025

For the classification of colorectal polyps, we implemented an approach in which students are encouraged to use their imagination. First, students received surveys with histological pictures via an online tool, had to create associations for the observed tissue structures, and use these in an identification key. Subsequently, an interactive lecture linked their descriptions to correct terminology, followed by an exam. Participation in the surveys varied between 69 and 100%. All students took the exam, with a 73% pass rate. Feedback from 62 students (84%) was positive, highlighting the method’s effectiveness, making our approach successful, and a blueprint for future educational innovations.
Ultrasensitive Chemiresistive Gas Sensors Based on Dual-Mesoporous Zinc Stannate Composites for Room Temperature Rice Quality Monitoring
Authors: Xu Jinyong , Fan Xuxiong , Xu Kaichun , Wu Kaidi , Liao Hanlin , Zhang Chao
Published: January 2025

The integration of dual-mesoporous structures, the construction of heterojunctions, and the incorporation of highly concentrated oxygen vacancies are pivotal for advancing metal oxide-based gas sensors. Nonetheless, achieving an optimal design that simultaneously combines mesoporous structures, precise heterojunction modulation, and controlled oxygen vacancies through a one-step process remains challenging. This study proposes an innovative method for fabricating zinc stannate semiconductors featuring dual-mesoporous structures and tunable oxygen vacancies via a direct solution precursor plasma spray technique. As a proof of concept, the resulting zinc stannate-based coatings are applied to detect 2-undecanone, a key biomarker for rice aging. Remarkably, the zinc oxide/zinc stannate heterojunctions with a well-defined secondary pore structure exhibit exceptional gas-sensing performance for 2-undecanone at room temperature. Furthermore, practical experiments indicate that the developed sensor effectively identifies adulteration in various rice varieties. These results underscore the potential of this method for designing metal oxides with tailored properties for high-performance gas sensors. The enhanced adsorption capacity and dual-mesoporous features of this semiconductor make it a promising candidate for sensing applications in agricultural food safety inspections.
Dimensionality and Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Psychological Capital Questionnaire Short Form (CPCQ-12): Is PsyCap a Single-Factor, Four-Factor, Higher-Order, or Bifactor Construct?
Authors: Ho Henry C. Y. , Chan Ying Chuen
Published: January 2025

Psychological capital (PsyCap) is a personal resource that enables employees to persevere in pursuing goals, display confidence, recover from setbacks, and maintain positive outlooks. The Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ) is the standard measure for assessing PsyCap, and its short form (PCQ-12) has gained popularity. However, limited evidence exists regarding the validity and reliability of the PCQ-12, resulting in inconsistencies among studies concerning its factor structure. This is particularly notable for the Chinese version, where extensive research has been conducted without thorough investigation into its psychometric properties. This study investigated the dimensionality and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (CPCQ-12) using a diverse working sample (n = 991) from various occupations and industries in Hong Kong, China. The results revealed that the bifactor CFA model, comprising a general PsyCap factor and four specific factors (i.e., hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism), demonstrated superior fit compared to the single-factor, four-factor, and higher-order models. Strong measurement invariance was observed across occupations. Evidence supporting reliability and criterion-related validity was also obtained. However, item 8 did not load significantly on its resilience factor, suggesting that this item should be excluded if the resilience subscale is used. These findings suggest that the CPCQ-12 is a valid and reliable measure of PsyCap for Chinese working populations, while also highlighting the need for conceptual, item-level, and statistical refinements.
Physically cross-linked cellulose nanofiber (LCNF/CNF) hydrogels: impact of the composition on mechanical and swelling properties
Authors: Baraka Farida , Morales Amaia , Velazco-Cabral Ivan , Rivilla Iván , Labidi Jalel
Published: January 2025

Lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNFs) are highly regarded for their ability to significantly enhance the rigidity of formed structures. When integrated into cellulose nanofiber (CNF) hydrogels, they hold substantial promise in augmenting mechanical strength, as well as improving adsorption capacity. Herein, the preparation of hydrogels from an aqueous suspension of CNFs and LCNFs extracted from eucalyptus cellulose pulp through a homogenization process is outlined. Suspensions of different concentrations were prepared to assess the influence of lignin and nanofiber content on the properties of the hydrogels. The hydrogels cellulose nanofibers (HCNF) and lignocellulose nanofibers (HLCNF) were formed through a freeze–thaw process, revealing an enhancement in rigidity with increasing nanofiber concentration. DFT (density functional theory) calculations illustrated the cross-linking mechanism between cellulose chains induced by the crystallization of water molecules, thus, corroborating the postulated hydrogel formation mechanism. Microstructural analysis revealed honeycomb-shaped matrices in longitudinal sections, with HLCNF hydrogels presenting less smooth walls. Studies on water adsorption capacity showed rapid swelling in both hydrogels, correlated with the nanofiber content reaching 8750% and 5500% for HLCNF and HCNF, respectively. HLCNF hydrogels exhibited higher adsorption capacity due to the influence of lignin on cross-linking rates. Mechanical compression tests demonstrated exceptional resilience in all hydrogels. Despite having a lower cross-linking density compared to hydrogels made from 2 wt.% cellulose nanofibers, hydrogels composed of 2 wt.% lignocellulose nanofibers exhibited a Young’s modulus of 2.83 kPa. This underscores the superior mechanical properties of lignin-based hydrogels, highlighting the effect of lignin on the hydrogel matrix.
Emerging strategies to improve heat stress tolerance in crops
Authors: Xiong Jiawei , Wang Hao , Zhong Zhaohui , Li Shigui , Qin Peng
Published: January 2025

The heat stress (HS) response in plants involves complex processes at the molecular, cellular, and whole-organism levels. Sensitivity to HS differs based on the species and developmental stage of the plant, making it challenging to define HS and its impacts. Efforts to enhance HS tolerance by traditional breeding are constrained by limited genetic resources, but understanding the mechanisms that regulate HS responses can enable efforts to improve heat tolerance by precision breeding and gene editing. Here, we review recent research on the effects of HS on major cereal crops at different developmental stages and identify key genes potentially involved in the HS response, offering insight for precision molecular breeding. Additionally, we discuss the use of favorable natural variants and gene editing to improve crop tolerance to HS, emphasizing the value of alleles involved in thermomemory, combined stress tolerance, and the stress response–growth balance. This review aims to summarize recent advancements in understanding HS responses in crops, highlighting potential avenues for generating heat-tolerant crops.
Efficient adsorption and reduction of Au(III) to gold particles using cost-effective chitosan functionalized cellulose nanofiber
Authors: Wang Yao , Qiu Muqing , Tay Chia Chay , Liu Zhixin , Wang Wei , Hu Baowei
Published: January 2025

Precious metal demand was rising dramatically along with the growth of contemporary industry. However, the discharge of gold ions wastewater had caused environmental pollution and shortage of resources. Herein, using dialdehyde cellulose nanofiber (DACNF) as a cross-linking agent to immobilize chitosan (CS) was used to recover Au(III) from wastewater. The physicochemical characterization of the as-prepared adsorbents was performed by characterization methods. To investigate the adsorption performance of DACNF-CS for Au(III), a thorough investigation was conducted into the effects of pH, temperature, adsorption period, and starting concentration. The outcomes demonstrated that the adsorption process could be well described by the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, and the maximum adsorption capacity of DACNF-CS for Au(III) reached approximately 65.5 mg/g. The characterization analysis conformed that the Au(III) was adsorbed by an adsorption-reduction process. In order to facilitate the reduction of Au(III) to Au(0), Au(III) was first adsorbed on -NH2 groups by electrostatic attraction and chelation, which supplied an electron acceptor for the -OH groups. DACNF-CS was therefore a good option for recovering Au(III) from aqueous solutions because of its high efficiency, ease of production, and environmental friendliness.

Graphical Abstract
Numerical and theoretical investigation of helicopter ditching for variations in initial velocity and pitching angle
Authors: Lu Y. , Wang M. , Zhi H. , Xiao T. , Chen J.
Published: January 2025

The dynamic behaviour of helicopter during water impact, considering variations in initial downward velocity and pitching angle, have been investigated numerically and theoretically in the present study. The air-water two-phase flows are simulated by solving unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations enclosed by standard

$k - \omega $

turbulence model. A treatment for computational domain in combination with a global dynamic mesh technique is applied to deal with the relative motion between the helicopter and water. Results indicate that the initial downward velocity of helicopter exhibits behaviour similar to that of a V-shaped body impacting on water, as does the initial pitching angle. To extend the theoretical approach for predicting the kinematic parameters during helicopter ditching, a shape factor capturing the combined effect of various attributes and an average deadrise angle for asymmetric wedges are also introduced.
International economic relations and American support for antitrust policy
Authors: Brutger Ryan , Pond Amy
Published: January 2025

Antitrust policy aims to reduce market concentration and increase competition among firms. Contemporary antitrust is sensitive to both domestic and international considerations. Internationally, the market is dominated by the largest firms, raising questions about the competitiveness of domestic firms and the application of antitrust against foreign firms. Domestically, public support for antitrust is needed for continued enforcement. This paper examines how international markets shape public support for antitrust in the United States. Using media analysis, we find that antitrust is increasingly in the news, and that international competition is referenced in antitrust debates. We theorize that support for antitrust is shaped by concerns for the competitiveness of domestic firms, relative to foreign competition, and that these concerns vary based on individuals’ levels of nationalism. We test our theory using a survey experiment and find that individuals are especially concerned with being placed at a disadvantage relative to foreign competitors. Interestingly, we find that using antitrust laws against foreign firms yields divergent reactions—highly nationalistic Americans increase their support for strong antitrust laws, while those with low levels of nationalism decrease support. The paper highlights the importance of global competition in shaping preferences for domestic regulation.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Can You See? Exploring the Tension Between Strategic Choices and Claimants’ Voices in Environmental Litigation in the EU
Authors: Dempsey Willis Reilly Anne
Published: January 2025

This paper poses an important challenge to the growing trend of strategic environmental litigation in the EU: when making strategic choices about bringing, framing, and litigating claims, what becomes more important—being heard through strategically critical procedural choices or being true through ensuring that rights holders and the environment remain at the forefront of decision-making? There are many legal hurdles to bringing environmental claims and it is possible that the voice of the environment and those most adversely affected by its degradation is lost in the strategic legal decision-making. This study uses a small number unstructured scoping interviews with practitioners active in bringing litigation to the CJEU to inductively analyse voice and representation in strategic environmental litigation. This initial research indicates that there are areas which should be further explored. First, all of the practitioners brought up the issue of access to resources. This raises concerns about potential elitism. Second, practitioners highlighted that there are numerous strategic choices made during case selection and framing which could affect how voices are heard. Finally, practitioners felt strongly that admissibility rules have a negative impact on claimants’ voices. Challenges in legal standing and establishing individual harm or direct concern have an enormous impact on what claims are heard and how they are heard.
Strategic Climate Litigation before National Courts: Can European Union Law be used as a Shield?
Authors: Eckes Christina
Published: January 2025

The climate emergency is unfolding. Efforts to reduced greenhouse gas emissions globally, including the efforts of the European Union and the Member States, are severely insufficient to hold global warming below the 1.5°C temperature limit. In light of this public institutional failure, civil society actors increasingly resort to strategic climate litigation. However, the EU has very restrictive standing requirements for direct actions against general acts. Therefore, most strategic climate litigation is brought to national courts. In 2023 and 2024, national judges have in several cases allowed defendant states to use EU law as a shield against the litigants’ demands to declare national climate targets and policies insufficient. This Article argues that in light of the fact that EU climate policy is inadequate and nearly impossible to challenge, it is highly problematic when national judges accept EU law to be an obstacle to (full) judicial review. First, EU law itself is not an obstacle to judicial review of national climate policy. Second, the European Convention on Human Rights, read in light of KlimaSeniorinnen, imposes higher requirements on Member States than EU law. Third, the European Court of Human Rights would not accept the “EU law as a shield” argument.
What Happens After the Court of Justice Has Given its Ruling? Promises and Pitfalls of Strategic Litigation Against Internal Border Controls in EU Law
Authors: Salomon Stefan
Published: January 2025

This Article inquires into the aftermath of judgments by the CJEU under the preliminary ruling procedure under article 267 TFEU in cases of strategic litigation. As the principal objective of strategic litigants is to effectively achieve broader societal, political, economic, or legal change, the afterlife of a judgment is crucial for them. While excellent scholarship exists on strategic litigation in EU law, much remains unclear on what happens to a case after the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) has given its judgment. Does the referring court and other national courts faithfully comply with the judgment of the CJEU? Do governments implement the ruling? This Article takes the decision of the CJEU in Landespolizeidirektion Steiermark, which concerns the reintroduction of internal border controls, as case study to inquire into the different factors that affect the implementation of a preliminary ruling that is the outcome of strategic litigation. The main argument in this Article is that the implementation of preliminary rulings is determined by the interplay between three different factors: The role of strategic litigants to initiate follow-up litigation, the receptivity of national courts to comply with a preliminary ruling, and the European Commission’s willingness to enforce a preliminary ruling.
Who Does and Who Does Not Engage in Strategic Litigation in European Law?
Authors: Hofmann Andreas
Published: January 2025

Both European Union law and the European Convention on Human Rights offer an opportunity structure for a broad array of interests to pursue their objectives through strategic litigation. The spectrum of rights that litigants can claim is sufficiently broad that no consensus has emerged on the general consequences of such litigation. While much research has emphasized European law as a resource for civil society groups, EU law in particular has also been identified as a boon for businesses who challenge cornerstones of coordinated capitalism. This paper sets out to provide a better empirical basis for a normative evaluation of the consequences of strategic litigation in European law by asking who engages in it and who does not. It draws on data from a large-scale survey among interest groups in eight European countries. While results show significant differences in country-level litigation rates, the focus of this analysis is on the impact of group characteristics on the choice of litigation as a strategy. The findings confirm that litigation requires specific resources but highlight that groups with a prior interest in European affairs and those with antagonistic relations to national authorities are the most likely to turn to strategic litigation based in European law.
Beyond EU Law Heroes: Unleashing Strategic Litigation as a Form of Participation in the Union’s Democratic Life
Authors: Alemanno Alberto
Published: January 2025

This Article discusses the emerging strategic litigation practice in the European Union through the lens of participatory democracy. After situating such a practice both historically and conceptually within the specificities of the EU legal order, it explores whether and the extent to which strategic litigation, understood as an additional form of participation in the Union’s democratic life, may contribute to EU participatory democracy and under which conditions. It unveils that while strategic litigation carries the potential to enhance democratic participation in the EU, it also risks—due to limited judicial literacy and unequal access to justice—empowering those already powerful. For strategic litigation to unleash its democratic potential at scale, EU courts must—as required by the “Provisions on Democratic Principles” of the Treaty of Lisbon—ensure a participatory enabling environment capable of proactively catalyzing and facilitating the ability of ordinary citizens—as well as diffuse, under-resourced and traditionally overlooked groups—to be better able to contribute to the Union’s democratic life. Ultimately, no legal order worth of its name should rely on the heroism of its citizens and residents to keep its legal system in check.
Strategic Litigation in a Time of Populism: Poland’s Experience
Authors: Ploszka Adam
Published: January 2025

For strategic litigation, the existence of independent judicial institutions is a prerequisite. In this Article, based on the case of Poland, I analyze what happens when some domestic judicial institutions are weakened and how this affects the ability of different stakeholders to engage in strategic litigation. I argue that strategic litigation was an important tool used by civil society and crucial for countering democratic backsliding in Poland in 2015–2023. In addition to traditional actors involved in strategic litigation in Poland, new ones have joined—such as the Human Rights Commissioner (the “Ombudsman”) or increased their involvement—such as corporate actors. Also, the prosecution office, controlled by the populist government, became active in litigation conducted by right-wing NGOs. Paradoxically, the rule of law crisis also resulted in the popularization of strategic litigation before the Court of Justice of the European Union and some domestic courts, which began to apply the Constitution directly.
Opportunities and Difficulties for Strategic Litigation to Advance Digital Rights in the Internet Audience Economy
Authors: Harris Swee Leng
Published: January 2025

Internet tech giants are regulated by multiple overlapping yet distinct pieces of EU legislation that establish a range of substantive digital rights for internet users, and varying legal opportunity structures for strategic litigation within their enforcement architecture. My Article focuses on the digital rights and enforcement architecture of the EU’s new Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act compared to the General Data Protection Regulation. Consideration of key strategic litigation concerning the existing Regulation informs my exploration of opportunities and barriers for strategic litigation under the new Acts. Analysis of these strategic litigation opportunities necessarily encompasses the EU’s new regime for mass claims under the Representative Action Directive, and interaction between internet users’ digital rights and consumer protection laws. I contend that the new Acts comparatively centralize public enforcement power in the European Commission, marginalizing civil society, and effectively precluding most strategic litigation by civil society with regard to public enforcement. Furthermore, the new Acts could increase regulatory fragmentation and the risk of legal incoherence by establishing additional regulatory authorities and competences alongside existing institutions and regimes. I argue that private enforcement strategic litigation against internet tech giants could empower civil society to influence the development of digital rights. Private enforcement strategic litigation could also aid legal coherence as an enforcement mechanism that allows multiple areas of law to be raised and addressed at the same time, rather than in silos. However there are considerable barriers to such litigation, including legal questions such as cross-border jurisdiction and standing, and the resources needed for effective strategic litigation. Overall, concerning legal analysis for strategic litigation, my article demonstrates that we must consider both public and private dimensions of enforcement architecture across multiple area of law, taking into account the different power dynamics of different enforcement mechanisms, to understand the opportunities for strategic litigation to advance digital rights in the internet attention economy.
A resolvent-based perspective on the generation of Mach wave radiation from compressible boundary layers
Authors: Madhusudanan Anagha , Stroot Gregory , McKeon Beverley. J.
Published: January 2025

We identify forcing mechanisms that separately amplify subsonic and supersonic features obtained from a linearised Navier–Stokes based model for compressible parallel boundary layers. Resolvent analysis is used to analyse the linear model, where the nonlinear terms of the linearised equations act as a forcing to the linear terms. Considering subsonic modes, only the solenoidal component of the forcing to the momentum equations amplify these modes. When considering supersonic modes, we find that these are pressure fluctuations that radiate into the free stream. Within the free stream, these modes closely follow the trends of inviscid Mach waves. There are two distinct forcing mechanisms that amplify the supersonic modes: (i) the ‘direct route’, where the forcing to the continuity and energy equations and the dilatational component of the forcing to the momentum equations directly force the mode; and (ii) the ‘indirect route’, where the solenoidal component of the forcing to the momentum equations force a response in wall-normal velocity, and this wall-normal velocity in turn forces the supersonic mode. A majority of the supersonic modes considered are dominantly forced by the direct route. However, when considering Mach waves that are, like in direct numerical simulations, forced from the buffer layer of the flow, the indirect route of forcing becomes significant. We find that these observations are also valid for a streamwise developing boundary layer. These results are consistent with, and extend, the observations in the literature regarding the solenoidal and dilatational components of velocity in compressible turbulent wall-bounded flows.
Irreducible factors of a polynomial
Authors: Mavi Sneha , Bishnoi Anuj
Published: January 2025

Let (K, v) be a valued field and

$\phi\in K[x]$

be any key polynomial for a residue-transcendental extension w of v to K(x). In this article, using the ϕ-Newton polygon of a polynomial

$f\in K[x]$

(with respect to w), we give a lower bound for the degree of an irreducible factor of f. This generalizes the result given in Jakhar and Srinivas (On the irreducible factors of a polynomial II, J. Algebra556 (2020), 649–655).
Effect of suboptimal growing conditions induced by agroecological practices on the yield of 12 Cavendish banana cultivars
Authors: Rapetti Manon , Ramassamy Régis , Truc Cyril , Dorel Marc
Published: January 2025

In the French West Indies (FWI), practices alternative to chemical inputs are implemented to improve the sustainability of banana cropping systems. These agroecological practices are based on organic fertilization, soil covering with weed live mulch and severe prophylactic deleafing to limit sigatoka disease dissemination. However, these practices may impair the availability of soil mineral nutrients and the photosynthetic capacity of the plant and consequently induce suboptimal plant growth conditions. To assess the performance of the different banana cultivars from the Cavendish group in these suboptimal conditions, the yield components of 12 Cavendish banana cultivars were compared with four crop management modalities: i) high mineral fertilization, chemical weed control and minimum prophylactic deleafing (N + L+), ii) high mineral fertilization, chemical weed control and severe prophylactic deleafing (N + L−), iii) low organic fertilization, weed live mulch and minimum prophylactic deleafing (N−L+) and iv) low organic fertilization, weed live mulch and severe prophylactic deleafing (N−L−). The performance of all cultivars varied according to the crop management modalities in the following order: N + L+ > N + L− > N−L+> N−L−. However, the hierarchical order among the cultivars differed according to the crop management modality. Cultivar Americani exhibited the best performance in non-limiting conditions. Cultivars such as Ruby, Gua01 and Mat12 performed better with severe prophylactic deleafing while Gua02 and Ruby performed better with the low soil nutrient availability induced by organic fertilization and weed live mulch. These results can be used to guide the choice of Cavendish cultivar according to production constraints, particularly with regard to agroecological practices or abiotic stresses, such as reduced photosynthesis or limited nitrogen resource. These results suggest that there is a variability in the tolerance to abiotic stresses between the cultivars of the Cavendish group.
The prevalence and immune response to coinfection by avian haemosporidians in wild Eurasian blackbirds Turdus merula
Authors: Lebeau Ellie , Dunn Jenny C.
Published: January 2025

Coinfection of a host by more than 1 parasite is more common than single infection in wild environments and can have differing impacts, although coinfections have relatively rarely been quantified. Host immune responses to coinfection can contribute to infection costs but are often harder to predict than those associated with single infection, due to the influence of within-host parasite–parasite interactions on infection virulence. To first quantify coinfection in a common bird species, and then to test for immune-related impacts of coinfection, we investigated the prevalence and immune response to avian haemosporidian (genera: Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) coinfection in wild blackbirds. Coinfection status was diagnosed using a 1-step multiplex polymerase chain reaction, immune response was quantified through white blood cell counts and heterophil: lymphocyte ratios, and parasitaemia was quantified for each infected sample. We detected high rates of haemosporidian infection and coinfection, although neither impacted immune activity, despite a significantly higher parasitaemia in individuals experiencing double vs single infection. This suggests that immune-related costs of haemosporidian single and coinfection are low in this system. This could be due to long-term host–parasite coevolution, which has decreased infection virulence, or a consequence of reduced costs associated with chronic infections compared to acute infections. Alternatively, our results may obscure immune-related costs associated with specific combinations of coinfecting haemosporidian genera, species or lineages. Future research should investigate interactions that occur between haemosporidian parasites within hosts, as well as the ways in which these interactions and resulting impacts may vary depending on parasite identity.
Intergenerational relationships and trajectories of older parents’ cognitive functioning in multi-child families
Authors: Zhang Yang , Gong Jiaowei , Tang Tianrong , Li Ting
Published: January 2025

High-quality intergenerational relationships positively influence cognitive functioning in older parents. However, there is insufficient information on how they shape the trajectories of mothers’ and fathers’ cognitive functioning decline in multi-child families, owing to the complexity of intergenerational relationships, such as multi-dimensional and ambivalent natures and differences varying across children. Drawing on three waves of data (2014, 2016 and 2018) from a nationally representative survey – the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey (N = 9,404) – we used the k-means clustering method to discern patterns of intergenerational relationships in multi-child Chinese families, as well as the growth curve models, to examine the associations between parent–child relationship types and the trajectories of older parents’ cognitive functioning. Five types of intergenerational relationship were identified: alienated, stressfully interacting, independent, beneficially interacting and tight-knit. We then investigated the associations between trajectories of cognitive functioning and the most distant type, the closest type, and the heterogeneity of parent–child relationships across multiple children. The most distant parent–child relationship was significantly related to cognitive functioning trajectories with the alienated (tight-knit) type associated with the lowest (highest) levels of cognitive functioning and the fastest (slowest) cognitive decline. However, the closest parent–child relationship was not significantly related to cognitive functioning trajectories. Moreover, greater variation in relationships with multiple children was correlated with lower levels of cognitive functioning and faster cognitive functioning decline. These associations were stronger among mothers than fathers. This study provides new insights into the potentially protective role of intergenerational relationships in older parents’ cognitive functioning and their gendered differences.
Anti-corruption Efforts, Corruption Perception and Public Evaluation of Local Governments in China
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Zhou Yangxuan , Yuan Meng , Tang Anni
Published: January 2025

China has taken significant steps to combat corruption since the 18th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). However, whether and how the anti-corruption efforts influence the public's evaluation of local government performance remain understudied. Using multiple data sources, including panel survey data taken from the China Family Panel Studies from 2010 to 2018, this research examines how anti-corruption efforts improve evaluations of local government performance by reducing public perception of existing corruption. Additional analysis reveals that anti-corruption efforts reduce perceived corruption primarily when the public trusts officials or has had positive experiences with them. The positive impact on local government evaluations has been more pronounced in provinces with high levels of pre-existing corruption and since the 18th CCP National Congress in 2012. Moreover, the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts has remained consistent across all time periods since 2012.
Effects of Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) feces on seed germination and early seedling growth: insights into their contribution to seed dispersal
Authors: Lee Seung-Kyung , Lee Eun Ju
Published: January 2025

Endozoochory, the dispersal of seeds through the animal gut passage, plays a significant role in vegetation dynamics. The success of endozoochorous seed dispersal depends on each stage of the process: ingestion by animals, gut passage, and post-dispersal events after defecation. After the deposition of seeds through feces, the effects of feces on the initial stages of seedling establishment, including seed germination and seedling growth, can significantly impact overall survival. The pattern of fecal effects on plant species depends on the animal species. In this study, we investigated the effects of feces presence on seed germination and early seedling growth using feces of the Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus). We conducted a germination experiment on 12 plant species belonging to 10 plant families, which are known to germinate in the feces of Korean water deer. The study compared the seed germination rate and seedling length after germination between seeds sown with and without feces of the Korean water deer. In general, we found that the presence of deer feces per se had no significant effects on seed germination and early growth stages. However, additional research on post-dispersal events such as long-term growth, fecal type, and germination conditions is needed to fully understand the costs and benefits of endozoochory.