bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective vocabulary interventions for young emergent bilinguals: A best‐evidence synthesis
Authors: Bengochea Alain , Sembiante Sabrina F.
Published: January 2024

This best‐evidence synthesis appraises the design and outcome characteristics of vocabulary intervention studies conducted with preschool through 6th grade emergent bilingual (EB) children and spotlights rigorously designed studies for which effects could be better attributed to instructional features. Twenty‐nine selected studies were analysed for the design characteristics of attrition, random assignment, and baseline equivalence as well as the outcome characteristics of reliability and outcome alignment. Following suggestions from the What Works Clearinghouse (2020) guidelines, levels of evidence for effectiveness were determined for each treatment‐comparison group contrast. Studies meeting effectiveness standards were further analysed to determine intervention impacts (i.e., effect size) on EBs' English word learning. Analyses revealed that 17 studies (59% of the sample) were experimental and employed random assignment whereas baseline equivalence was established for most of the 12 quasi‐experimental studies (41% of the sample). Attrition did not plague the majority of vocabulary intervention studies. The outcome measures of all but one study showed satisfactory reliability indices, 85% of which showed alignment across treatment and comparison groups. Thirty‐six measures (65% of measures) across 21 reviewed studies (72% of studies) met acceptable levels of evidence of effectiveness. Most studies employed standardised vocabulary measures to assess EBs' growth in breadth rather than depth of vocabulary knowledge. The significance of outcome measures with large, medium and small posttest effect sizes are discussed relative to their oral/written, receptive/expressive, definitional/contextual and depth/breadth vocabulary characteristics. Implications address significant knowledge gaps regarding EBs' English vocabulary intervention and highlight issues and recommendations.
A review of existing methods used to assess demand for integrated education in Northern Ireland
Authors: Early Erin , Devine Paula , Liu Minchen , Schubotz Dirk
Published: January 2024

The education system in Northern Ireland (NI) is complex with the diversity of management structures reflecting religious affiliation and academic selection. Within the system, integrated education provides a mechanism to promote reconciliation among divided communities. Integrated education has been aided by legislation—most recently, the Integrated Education Act (NI) 2022, which places responsibility on the Department of Education and the Education Authority to encourage, facilitate and support integrated education. However, there is no standardised or agreed operational methodology on assessing demand for this. This study aims to examine the current approaches to assessing demand for integrated education in NI by collating existing evidence from key stakeholders and reviewing academic literature. Publicly available information was synthesised from the websites of key stakeholders, and a rapid literature review was conducted to identify methods used in NI and internationally to ascertain demand for education provision. The literature review returned limited results, and the review of key stakeholders' websites illustrated that although existing methods used in NI monitor support in principle for integrated education, they do not capture the full range of factors considered by parents when selecting a school. As a result, the findings indicate a mismatch between articulated preferences for integrated education, the availability of places in integrated schools, and the uptake of these. This study concludes that although existing methods provide part of the evidence jigsaw necessary to assess demand, alternative approaches must be considered to acknowledge the existing complexities within the education system and wider societal structures in NI.
Stimuli‐responsive fluorescent hydrogels: Strategies and applications
Authors: Lei Mengying , Wang Qian , Gu Ruirui , Qu Da‐Hui
Published: January 2024

Stimuli‐responsive fluorescent hydrogels are three‐dimensional networked polymeric materials with tunable luminescence and dynamic properties, which play an important role as a water‐rich soft material in the fields of information encryption, bionic actuation, bioimaging, environmental monitoring, and luminescent materials. Compared with conventional hydrogels, their unique luminescent properties allow the visualization of microscopic dynamics within the polymer network. By rational inclusion of dynamic motifs, such as photoswitches, AIEgens, lanthanide complexes, and host–guest complexes, these materials are endowed with tunability of emission, shape, and phase in time and space in response to environmental effectors. In this review, we summarize the fabrication strategies that are mainly used by recently reported stimuli‐responsive fluorescent hydrogels and the applications of these materials.
Are rescue workers still at risk? A meta‐regression analysis of the worldwide prevalence of post‐traumatic stress disorder and risk factors
Authors: Martínez Albert , Blanch Angel
Published: January 2024

Rescue workers (policemen, firefighters, emergency medical staff, etc.) experience intense stress due to rescuing and helping victims of accidents, terrorist attacks, violent crimes, and natural disasters. Overexposure and ineffective coping with such stressful events may lead to developing Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Meta‐regression procedures were applied to examine moderators such as the sample sex composition, age, working experience, occupation, country, or type of PTSD evaluation. The 9.8% PTSD prevalence found here was virtually the same compared with earlier findings from 10 years ago. There was a large heterogeneity, however, associated with geographical location and the instrument used to evaluate PTSD. The main findings revealed that rescue workers are a high‐risk group with increased levels of Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Moreover, PTSD prevalence could depend on a great extent on geographical and cultural factors, and on the type of PTSD evaluation.
Anisotropy of Anion Diffusion in All‐Inorganic Perovskite Single Crystals
Authors: Dong Shunhong , Hu Yaoqiao , Zhang Xuanyu , Guo Zhu , Chen Rui , Mao Lingling
Published: January 2024

Ion diffusion is a fundamentally important process in understanding and manipulating the optoelectronic properties of semiconductors. Most current studies on ionic diffusion have been focusing on perovskite polycrystalline thin films and nanocrystals. However, the random orientation and grain boundaries can heavily interfere with the kinetics of ion diffusion, where the experimental results only reveal the average ion exchange kinetics and the actual ion diffusion mechanisms perpendicular to the direction of individual crystal facets remain unclear. Here, the anion (Cl, I) diffusion anisotropy on (111) and (100) facets of CsPbBr3 single crystals is demonstrated. The as‐grown single crystals with (111) and (100) facets exhibit anisotropic growth with different halide incorporation, which lead to different resulting optoelectronic properties. Combined experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the (111) CsPbBr3 shows a faster anion diffusion behavior compared with that of the (100) CsPbBr3, with a lower diffusion energy barrier, a larger built‐in electric field, and lower inverse defect formation energy. The work highlights the anion diffusion anisotropic mechanisms perpendicular to the direction of individual crystal facets for optimizing and designing perovskite optoelectronic devices.
4D‐STEM Nanoscale Strain Analysis in van der Waals Materials: Advancing beyond Planar Configurations
Authors: Bolhuis Maarten , van Heijst Sabrya E. , Sangers Jeroen J. M. , Conesa‐Boj Sonia
Published: January 2024

Achieving nanoscale strain fields mapping in intricate van der Waals (vdW) nanostructures, like twisted flakes and nanorods, presents several challenges due to their complex geometry, small size, and sensitivity limitations. Understanding these strain fields is pivotal as they significantly influence the optoelectronic properties of vdW materials, playing a crucial role in a plethora of applications ranging from nanoelectronics to nanophotonics. Here, a novel approach for achieving a nanoscale‐resolved mapping of strain fields across entire micron‐sized vdW nanostructures using four‐dimensional (4D) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging equipped with an electron microscope pixel array detector (EMPAD) is presented. This technique extends the capabilities of STEM‐based strain mapping by means of the exit‐wave power cepstrum method incorporating automated peak tracking and K‐means clustering algorithms. This approach is validated on two representative vdW nanostructures: a two‐dimensional (2D) MoS2 thin twisted flakes and a one‐dimensional (1D) MoO3/MoS2 nanorod heterostructure. Beyond just vdW materials, the versatile methodology offers broader applicability for strain‐field analysis in various low‐dimensional nanostructured materials. This advances the understanding of the intricate relationship between nanoscale strain patterns and their consequent optoelectronic properties.
Performance of Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy‐Grown GaInP Photovoltaics with Double‐Sided Al‐Containing Passivation Layers Under Air Mass 1.5 Global Solar Irradiation and Low‐Intensity Indoor Light Irradiation
Authors: Shoji Yasushi , Oshima Ryuji , Makita Kikuo , Ubukata Akinori , Koseki Shuuichi , Sugaya Takeyoshi
Published: January 2024

High‐performance III–V photovoltaic devices have the potential for various applications; however, their high production cost represents a challenge for market expansion. Hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) is a fabrication technology that can reduce the epitaxial growth cost of III–V compound semiconductors. This study demonstrates the performances of HVPE‐grown GaInP photovoltaic devices for solar and indoor photovoltaic applications. Herein, HVPE‐grown GaInP photovoltaic devices with AlInP frontside and AlGaInP backside passivation layers are fabricated for the first time. The developed GaInP photovoltaic device measured under air mass 1.5 global solar spectrum illumination achieves an independently certified power conversion efficiency of 17.3%, which is a new record efficiency among HVPE‐grown GaInP single‐junction solar cells. Furthermore, the GaInP photovoltaic device grown using HVPE exhibits a high power conversion efficiency (34.7–37.1%) under an illumination of 500–2000 lux, respectively, emitted by a white light‐emitting diode. These results demonstrate that HVPE‐grown GaInP photovoltaic devices can be used in low‐intensity indoor light energy harvesting systems.
Highly Stretchable Photovoltaic Module with Improved Mechanical Robustness through Elastomeric Interconnections
Authors: Salimzhanov Baurzhan , Kang Jeoung Eun , Raju Navya Anna , Kang Sung Bum , Choi Kyoung Jin
Published: January 2024

Stretchable photovoltaics have garnered increasing attention due to their adaptability to various surfaces and applications, meeting the rising demands for portable and flexible power sources. Herein, stretchable solar modules are demonstrated by sandwiching electrically connected rigid solar cells between top and bottom polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layers, which are then attached onto an elastomer with an island and trench structure. The electrical connection of solar cells is achieved by dispenser printing of electrically conductive adhesive (ECA). The fabricated stretchable solar modules have a maximum biaxial elongation of 75%, and the electrical connection of the solar cells using ECA results in a negligible efficiency loss of 1.6%. In particular, embedding of solar cells and interconnects between PDMS layers enhances mechanical stability by placing these key components at the mechanical neutral plane and the long‐term stability against humidity due to the encapsulation role of the PDMS layer. The module demonstrates only a 5% of efficiency drop after 1000 hours in the dump‐heat test (85°C/85%). The results in this study are not limited to solar cells but can be applied to various types of rigid devices, paving the way for the commercialization of stretchable electronics.
Influences of Weld Nugget Shape and Material Gradient on the Shear Strength of Resistance Spot‐Welded Joints
Authors: Schuster Lilia , Olfert Viktoria , Sherepenko Oleksii , Fehrenbach Clemens , Song Shiyuan , Hein David , Meschut Gerson , Biro Elliot , Münstermann Sebastian
Published: January 2024

Resistance spot‐welded joints containing press‐hardened steels are seen to exhibit a fracture mode called total dome failure, where the weld nugget completely separates from one steel sheet along the weld nugget edge. The effect of weld nugget shape and material property gradients is studied based on damage mechanics modeling and experimental validation to shed light on the underlying influencing factors. For a three‐steel‐sheet spot‐welded joint combining DP600 (1.5 mm)–CR1900T (1.0 mm)–CR1900T (1.0 mm), experiments under shear loading reveal that fracture occurs in the DP600 sheet along the weld nugget edge. In subsequent numerical simulation studies with damage mechanics models whose parameters are independently calibrated for every involved material configuration, three variations of the geometrical joint configuration are considered—an approximation of the real joint, one variation with a steeper weld nugget shape, and one variation with a less pronounced gradient between weld nugget material and heat‐affected zone material properties. The results of the finite‐element simulations show that a shallower weld nugget and a more pronounced material gradient lead to a faster increase of plastic strain at the edge of the weld nugget and promote the occurrence of total dome failure.
Acceleration of Spheroidization in Low‐Density Ultrafine Pearlitic Steel by κ‐Carbide
Authors: Chen Ming , Zhang Chen , Zhang Guohong , Zhou Jie , Hu Feng , Wu Kaiming
Published: January 2024

The impact of κ‐carbide on the spheroidization process of low‐density ultrafine pearlitic steel (with 5 wt% Al and 5 wt% Mn additions) is investigated through isothermal annealing spheroidization. In the findings, it is demonstrated that κ‐carbides can significantly refine the lamellar spacing of low‐density ultrafine pearlite during the isothermal transformation. Additionally, under identical conditions, κ‐pearlite exhibits a higher number of ferrite/κ‐carbide interfaces. In the first stage of pearlite spheroidization, an abundance of dislocations and sub‐grain boundaries facilitate rapid fusion of the lamellar pearlite, while in the second stage, they provide a high‐speed diffusion pathway for carbon diffusion. Moreover, the reduced lamellar spacing shortens the distance for carbon and alloying elements diffusion, thereby promoting granular κ‐carbide formation and accelerating spheroidization in low‐density ultra‐fine pearlite.
Determination of the Maillard reaction products in complementary rice, flour, and noodles by high performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector
Authors: Hou Jian‐bo , Zhang Wen‐hua , Zhang Ya‐qin , Mao Ren‐yi , Zhu Ze‐long , Hu Xiao‐li , Xu Xin , Qiu Hui , Liang Ying
Published: January 2024

A method was established for the simultaneous determination of furosine, furanone, and four furfural compounds (5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, furyl methyl ketone, and methyl furfural) in complementary rice, flour, and noodles for infants and young children by high performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector. The sample was extracted using oxalic acid aqueous solution as a solvent, and the protein was removed using trichloroacetic acid. Then the six Maillard reaction products were separated by an Eclipse XDB‐C18 column with a gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min using acetonitrile‐0.1% trifluoroacetic acid solution as the mobile phase, detected by a diode array detector and quantified by external standard method. The linear ranges of the six Maillard reaction products were 250–20000 μg/100 g with the correlation coefficients greater than 0.999, and the limits of quantification ranged from 250 to 1000 μg/100 g (S/N ≥ 10). The recoveries of the six Maillard reaction products ranged from 71.2% to 100% with a relative standard deviation of 0.9%–4.9%. The real sample analysis results showed that 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural was detected in two cookie samples, the contents of which were 335 μg/100 g and 436 μg/100 g, respectively. There are no studies on the detection of the six Maillard reaction products in rice, flour, and noodles in the previous reports. The established method provided reference for the quantification of expiration date in complementary rice, flour, and noodles for infants and young children.
Enhancing Pre‐Service Teachers' Global Englishes Awareness with Technology: A Focus on AI Chatbots in 3D Metaverse Environments
Authors: Lee Seongyong , Jeon Jaeho , Choe Hohsung
Published: January 2024

Although Global Englishes (GE) research continues to grow in English language teaching (ELT), the role of technology in enhancing GE awareness remains underexplored. Addressing this gap, the study investigates the potential of English as a lingua franca (ELF) interactions with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in raising GE awareness. Using a quasi‐experimental design, 97 South Korean pre‐service English teachers were divided into a control group (CG, n = 32) and two experimental groups (EG1, n = 31; EG2, n = 34) for 16‐week teacher‐training courses. The CG received no GE instruction, while EG1 conducted a presentation task and EG2 interacted with AI chatbots in 3D metaverse environments. We used a mixed‐methods approach of pre‐ and post‐test surveys and interviews. ANCOVA results for survey data showed that both tasks had positive effects on all facets of GE awareness (e.g., acceptance of one's local English, acceptance of other Englishes, native‐speakerism, ELF confidence and intention, and willingness to incorporate GELT into teaching), with the AI chatbot task exerting a stronger effect on ELF confidence and intention. For practical implications, the findings outlined pedagogical strategies for integrating GELT into computer‐assisted (CA) language learning. Theoretically, we proposed the CA‐GELT approach for future research in the era of generative AI technology.
Improved application of immobilized Enterobacter cloacae into a bio‐based polymer for Reactive Blue 19 removal, an eco‐friendly advancement in potential decolorizing systems
Authors: Nazari Negin , Jookar Kashi Fereshteh , Nazari Niayesh
Published: January 2024

The widespread use of highly complex synthetic dyes like reactive dyes in the textile industry has some adverse environmental impacts and deserves close attention. Biological treatment of these effluents utilizing various species of bacteria with remarkable efficiency in dye removal is still considered promising. Our current study deals with immobilizing an isolated bacterial strain into calcium alginate (Ca/Alg) gel beads and using it to treat pernicious pollutants like synthetic dyes. A potential Reactive Blue 19 (RB19)‐degrading Enterobacter cloacae strain A1 was isolated from the Kashan textile industry and was characterized by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. The decolorization ability of strain A1 was assessed by time‐based studies using free bacterial cells/immobilized in Ca/Alg. Based on the results of the 16S rDNA gene sequencing, it appears that strain A1 belonged to E. cloacae, with a 99.74% similarity. The findings suggest that immobilized strain A1 accomplished maximum decolorization activity compared with the free cells. The immobilized strain could utterly decompose and decolorize 0.05 mg/mL of RB19 within 48 h, while the free bacterial strain decolorized RB19 within 5 days. Moreover, Ca/Alg gel beads can maintain their efficiency for over three decolorization cycles. Further infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC/MS) investigation declared complete RB19 decomposition on reaction products. Artemia salina was used to investigate the toxicity of dye and its degraded metabolites. The LC50 values signified the pure dye as very toxic with 0.01 mg/mL concentration, while after‐treatment products showed no toxic effect on larvae. This immobilization technique increased the applicability of bacterial strain for dye removal. It was beneficial for the decolorization of RB19 from textile wastewater due to a remarkable reduction in time. Notably, strain A1‐immobilized beads can maintain their activity for three consecutive decolorization cycles without a considerable decrease in efficiency.

Practitioner Points

The remarkable capacity of immobilized Enterobacter cloacae strain A1 for Reactive Blue 19 (RB19) removal

Immobilized A1 strain showed two‐fold higher removal than free one over 48 h

A promising method for enhancing RB19 decolorization

Decolorization was due to degradation based on UV–Vis, FTIR, and GC/MS analysis

Non‐toxic posttreatment products for Artemia
Safety and feasibility of emergency robot‐assisted transabdominal preperitoneal repair for the treatment of incarcerated inguinal hernia: A retrospective study
Authors: Murgante Testa Nicole , Mongelli Francesco , Sabbatini Flaminia , Iaquinandi Fabiano , Prouse Giorgio , Pini Ramon , La Regina Davide
Published: January 2024

Background

Few studies assessed robotic in emergency setting and no solid evidence was demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of robot‐assisted transabdominal preperitoneal (R‐TAPP) repair for the treatment of incarcerated inguinal hernia.

Methods

We retrospectively searched from a prospectively maintained database patients who underwent R‐TAPP or open surgery for incarcerated inguinal hernias from January 2018 to March 2023. The primary endpoint was to assess safety and feasibility of the R‐TAPP compared to the standard approach. For eligible patients, data was extracted and analyzed using a propensity score‐matching (PSM).

Results

Thirty‐four patients were retrieved from our database, 15 underwent R‐TAPP, while 19 underwent open surgery. Mean age was 73.1 ± 14.6 years, 30 patients (88.2%) were male and mean BMI was 23.5 ± 3.2 kg/m2. No intraoperative complication occurred. Three cases requiring small bowel resection were all in the open surgery group (p = 0.112). The operative time was 108 ± 31 min versus 112 ± 31 min in the R‐TAPP and open surgery groups (p = 0.716). Seven postoperative complications occurred, only one classified as severe was in the open surgery group. The length of hospital stay was 2.9 ± 1.8 in the R‐TAPP versus 4.2 ± 2.3 min in the open surgery group (p = 0.077). PSM analysis showed similar postoperative outcomes and costs in both groups.

Conclusions

Despite its limitations, our study appears to endorse the safety and feasibility of the robotic‐assisted treatment for incarcerated inguinal hernia. This approach yielded comparable results to open surgery, albeit in a limited number of patients, suggesting it might be a viable alternative.
Sustainability and Competition Law: An International Report
Authors: Nowag Julian
Published: January 2024

The interaction between sustainability and competition law has recently come onto the agenda of many competition agencies and international institutions. The International League of Competition Law (LIDC) has thus decided to explore the topic at the LIDC Congress on 20–22 October 2022 in Milano. This report provides an introduction into the debate and overview about the different national reports which were submitted from 11 countries (namely Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Switzerland, United Kingdom) and are contained in this book. The report first sets out the general legal framework on the interaction between competition law and sustainability in the different countries. The second part of the report addresses specific interactions between competition law and sustainability, exploring cases in the areas of co-operation, cartels, abuse/monopolisation, and mergers. It is subdivided into a section looking at ‘shield’, in other words, whether companies that take action to foster sustainability can rely on that fact before competition authorities, and the role of competition law as a ‘sword’ (cases where protecting competition was in turn expected to be beneficial to sustainability). The third part addresses ‘greenwashing’. The fourth part explores how agencies, beyond specific cases, have become active in the area, for example by setting out priorities, guidelines, working papers, and individual guidance and strengthening capacity. The final part briefly highlights some of the contributions that the reports have mentioned in other closely related areas of law, such as false advertising or unfair competition.
Sustainability and Intellectual Property in Austria
Authors: Kresbach Georg
Published: January 2024

Intangible assets such as patents, trademarks, designs and data are becoming increasingly important in today’s knowledge economy. According to the EU Commission’s Action Plan on Intellectual Property to strengthen EU’s economic resilience and recovery (‘IP Action Plan’) published on 25 November 2020, IP-intensive industries account for 45% of GDP and 93% of EU exports, while the added value of IP is growing across most European industrial ecosystems. Globally, IP filings are on the rise, as intangible assets become crucial in the global race for technological leadership. It goes without saying that the success of sustainable economies depends to a large extent on new and innovative solutions. Intellectual property rights, therefore, undoubtedly play an increasingly significant role in sustainable and green businesses.
Sustainability and Intellectual Property in Brazil
Authors: Antoniazzi Lucas Bernardo
Published: January 2024

Intellectual property rights, in short, are a set of rules that aim to protect certain types of intangible assets, with specific and—more traditional—objective of fostering innovation.
Sustainability and Intellectual Property in Hungary
Authors: Halász Bálint , Liber Ádám , Arányi Dániel , Nagy Fruzsina , Németh Olivér
Published: January 2024

Generally, IP rights as legal instruments intend to encourage and foster innovation and creativity, as well as to safeguard values worth preserving. IP rights as intangible assets facilitate social and economic growth and are essential to fair competition. While these instruments grant exclusive rights, they are likewise subject to a number of limitations aimed at achieving the right balance between public interest and the interests of the rightsholders.
Sustainability and Intellectual Property in Italy
Authors: Cristofori Marina
Published: January 2024

This chapter explores the role of Intellectual Property in sustainability from a comparative perspective, also in the light of the new challenges posed by the Green transition providing proposals and possible strategies to stimulate the development of the circular economy.
Sustainability and Intellectual Property in United Kingdom
Authors: Hitchens Ben , Heard Caitlin , Vertes Joel
Published: January 2024

Intellectual property (‘IP’) currently plays a strong role in sustainability, although its relationship with, and impact on, environmental, social and economic factors could be strengthened further. For example, at least six of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, namely zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, industry, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities and responsible consumption and production, overlap directly with most ‘definitions’ of sustainability and will require a range of new technologies to implement. Technological innovation geared towards environmental or sustainable factors (which could also loosely be referred to as ‘green’ technology) will therefore be pivotal in achieving the UN’s goals.
Sustainability and Competition Law in Belgium
Authors: Blockx Jan
Published: January 2024

So far, sustainability concerns have not influenced the enforcement of competition law by the Belgian Competition Authority or the national courts. However, with increased attention to this topic, this may change in the future. The BCA has also stated that it will pay increased attention to the relationship between competition law and sustainability, and that it is open to providing guidance on sustainability initiatives.
Sustainability and Competition Law in Brazil
Authors: Machado José Mauro Decoussau
Published: January 2024

The concept of sustainability admits different definitions. One of the most known is the one given by the UN as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” In the following answers, sustainability is understood as preventing the depletion of natural or physical resources so that they will remain available for society for the long term. In business and policy contexts, the concept of sustainability refers to the idea of planned and responsible development regarding the use of natural resources in economic activities to avoid or reduce environmental risks and allow the continuity of human life.
Sustainability and Competition Law in Czech Republic
Authors: MacGregor Pelikánová Radka
Published: January 2024

The Czech Republic is a member of the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as well as the European Union (EU). The Czech law shares the continental law tradition and reflects the international and regional commitments and obligations of the Czech Republic, including the call for sustainable development. Namely, the concept of sustainability projected on the responsibility of all stakeholders, including businesses—see corporate social responsibility (CSR)—is recognized in the Czech Republic, and its application in various spheres is expected. Indeed, sustainability rests on three pillars—economic, environmental and social—and all three need to be met while their objectives should be advanced simultaneously, if not synergistically, i.e. there should not be trade-offs. At the same time, it must be emphasized that the Czech Republic is not a pro-sustainability force par excellence and rather follows than leads these trends in the EU. These follow-ups are sometimes more and sometimes less enthusiastic, generally on time, but occasionally a national resistance can be identified.
Sustainability and Competition Law in Germany
Authors: Bueren Eckart , Crowder Jennifer
Published: January 2024

For some time now, there has been a debate in German competition law about how and to what extent sustainability concerns can and should play a role in cartel, abuse of dominance and merger proceedings. Most academics and practitioners in Germany share the view that sustainability and competition law do not usually collide. Nevertheless, conflicts can arise in situations of market failure. The paper first analyses the legal provisions relevant for dealing with these in competition law matters, in particular constitutional law, European law and the German Climate Protection Act. While German competition law used to contain sustainability related exemptions, these have gradually been abolished. In addition, the paper shows that compared with older cases, the Federal Cartel Office has recently taken a more restrictive view on the extent to which sustainability issues can be considered when applying competition law. The paper then examines the case law of German authorities and courts to shed light on how competition and sustainability objectives can be reconciled, focusing on sustainability as both a sword and a shield. Finally, the paper summarizes reform proposals for the next amendment to the German Act against Restraints of Competition which has been announced to focus, inter alia, on sustainability.
Sustainability and Competition Law in Hungary
Authors: Horváth András M.
Published: January 2024

The concept of sustainable yield—serving as the origin of the concept of sustainable development – was introduced in response to dwindling forest resources in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This suggests that the concept of sustainability is inherently economical, not alien from competition law, but having benefits going beyond simple economic gains.
Sustainability and Competition Law in Italy
Authors: Teti Elisa
Published: January 2024

Before outlining the sustainability initiatives with a competitive impact that have been undertaken at the Italian level by the various competent authorities, it is necessary to briefly clarify some preliminary notions concerning the concept of sustainability and ecological transitions, the role that these issues have in the framework of competition law, and the role played by the Italian Antitrust Authority (IAA) in the context of ecological transition and in explaining how in concrete terms sustainability issues intersect with antitrust issues. Finally, some specific cases related to sustainability issues investigated by the IAA will be mentioned.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Under Intercrop, Regenerative, and Conventional Agriculture Systems
Authors: Robdrup Melissa , Hubbard Michelle , Gorim Linda Yuya , Gorzelak Monika A.
Published: January 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) increase in diversity and abundance in agricultural systems that emphasize soil health practices, including regenerative agriculture and intercropping. Regenerative agriculture in principle includes any practice that increases biodiversity and living roots and integrates livestock while reducing tillage, bare soil, and agrichemical inputs. Intercropping increases biodiversity in an annual system and reduces disease prevalence and weeds while improving soil conditions and yielding more than the equivalent monocrop. These principles and practices simultaneously support AMF proliferation in soils and in turn AMF provide multiple benefits to crops. AMF colonize roots, trading photosynthates for nutrients acquired beyond the reach of the plant root system. While colonizing roots, they trigger innate plant immunity and confer resistance to some insect, fungal, and bacterial pests. Colonized plants hold more water and thus are more resistant to drought. In soils with ample AMF propagules, multiple plants are likely to become connected to their neighbors by a common mycorrhizal network (CMN). Plants connected by a CMN are likely to share beneficial microbes, resistance to disease, and resources. A better understanding of crop root traits and AMF is important to building a wholistic picture of ecological interactions that can be leveraged to maintain agricultural production in intercropped, regenerative, and conventional systems.
Further Properties of an Operator Commuting with an Injective Quasi-Nilpotent Operator
Authors: Aiena Pietro , Burderi Fabio , Triolo Salvatore
Published: January 2024

In (Aiena et al., Math. Proc. R. Irish Acad. 122A(2):101–116, 2022), it has been shown that a bounded linear operator $$T\in L(X)$$

T
∈
L
(
X
)

, defined on an infinite-dimensional complex Banach space X, for which there exists an injective quasi-nilpotent operator that commutes with it, has a very special structure of the spectrum. In this paper, we show that we have much more: if a such quasi-nilpotent operator does exist, then some of the spectra of T originating from B-Fredholm theory coalesce. Further, the spectral mapping theorem holds for all the B-Weyl spectra. Finally, the generalized version of Weyl type theorems hold for T assuming that T is of polaroid type. Our results apply to the operators that belong to the commutant of Volterra operators.
Mechano-regulation by clathrin pit-formation and passive cholesterol-dependent tubules during de-adhesion
Authors: Mandal Tithi , Biswas Arikta , Ghosh Tanmoy , Manikandan Sreekanth , Kundu Avijit , Banerjee Ayan , Mitra Dhrubaditya , Sinha Bidisha
Published: January 2024

Adherent cells ensure membrane homeostasis during de-adhesion by various mechanisms, including endocytosis. Although mechano-chemical feedbacks involved in this process have been studied, the step-by-step build-up and resolution of the mechanical changes by endocytosis are poorly understood. To investigate this, we studied the de-adhesion of HeLa cells using a combination of interference reflection microscopy, optical trapping and fluorescence experiments. We found that de-adhesion enhanced membrane height fluctuations of the basal membrane in the presence of an intact cortex. A reduction in the tether force was also noted at the apical side. However, membrane fluctuations reveal phases of an initial drop in effective tension followed by saturation. The area fractions of early (Rab5-labelled) and recycling (Rab4-labelled) endosomes, as well as transferrin-labelled pits close to the basal plasma membrane, also transiently increased. On blocking dynamin-dependent scission of endocytic pits, the regulation of fluctuations was not blocked, but knocking down AP2-dependent pit formation stopped the tension recovery. Interestingly, the regulation could not be suppressed by ATP or cholesterol depletion individually but was arrested by depleting both. The data strongly supports Clathrin and AP2-dependent pit-formation to be central to the reduction in fluctuations confirmed by super-resolution microscopy. Furthermore, we propose that cholesterol-dependent pits spontaneously regulate tension under ATP-depleted conditions.
Convergence in Law of Iterates of Weakly Contractive in Mean Random-Valued Functions
Authors: Baron Karol , Kapica Rafał , Morawiec Janusz
Published: January 2024

We investigate the asymptotic behaviour of the sequence of forward type iterations of a given random-valued vector function on the state space being a separable and complete metric space. Assuming non-linear contraction in mean we prove that the considered sequence converges weakly to a random variable with a finite first moment and independent of the initial state. Moreover, we show that the speed of this convergence does not have to be geometric. We also present examples illustrating the result obtained.
Approximation Theorems for Complex $$\alpha $$-Bernstein–Kantorovich Operators
Authors: Kara M. , Mahmudov N. I.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we introduce the complex form of$$\alpha $$α-Bernstein–Kantorovich operators. Respectively, upper quantitative estimates for the complex$$\alpha $$α-Bernstein–Kantorovich operator and its derivatives, Voronovskaya type result and the exact order of approximation of these operators are studied.
Non-targeted analytical comparison of a heated tobacco product aerosol against mainstream cigarette smoke: does heating tobacco produce an inherently different set of aerosol constituents?
Authors: Lang Gerhard , Henao Carlos , Almstetter Martin , Arndt Daniel , Goujon Catherine , Maeder Serge
Published: January 2024

Smoking-related diseases remain a significant public health concern, and heated tobacco products (HTPs) have emerged as a potential alternative to cigarettes. While several studies have confirmed that HTP aerosols contain lower levels of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) than cigarette smoke, less is known about constituents that are intrinsically higher in HTP aerosols. This study provides a comprehensive comparative assessment of an HTP aerosol produced with Tobacco Heating System 2.2 (THS) and comparator cigarette (CC) smoke aiming at identifying all unique or increased compounds in THS aerosol by applying a broad set of LC–MS and GC × GC–MS methods. To focus on differences due to heating versus burning tobacco, confounding factors were minimized by using the same tobacco in both test items and not adding flavorants. Of all analytical features, only 3.5%—corresponding to 31 distinctive compounds—were significantly more abundant in THS aerosol than in CC smoke. A notable subset of these compounds was identified as reaction products of glycerol. The only compound unique to THS aerosol was traced back to its presence in a non-tobacco material in the test item and not a direct product of heating tobacco. Our results demonstrate that heating a glycerol-containing tobacco substrate to the temperatures applied in THS does not introduce new compounds in the resulting aerosol compared to CC smoke which are detectable with the method portfolio applied in this study. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the chemical composition of HTP aerosols and their potential impact on human health.

Graphical Abstract
Generation of macro- and microplastic databases by high-throughput FTIR analysis with microplate readers
Authors: Cowger Win , Roscher Lisa , Jebens Hannah , Chamas Ali , Maurer Benjamin D. , Gehrke Lukas , Gerdts Gunnar , Primpke Sebastian
Published: January 2024

FTIR spectral identification is today’s gold standard analytical procedure for plastic pollution material characterization. High-throughput FTIR techniques have been advanced for small microplastics (10–500 µm) but less so for large microplastics (500–5 mm) and macroplastics (> 5 mm). These larger plastics are typically analyzed using ATR, which is highly manual and can sometimes destroy particles of interest. Furthermore, spectral libraries are often inadequate due to the limited variety of reference materials and spectral collection modes, resulting from expensive spectral data collection. We advance a new high-throughput technique to remedy these problems using FTIR microplate readers for measuring large particles (> 500 µm). We created a new reference database of over 6000 spectra for transmission, ATR, and reflection spectral collection modes with over 600 plastic, organic, and mineral reference materials relevant to plastic pollution research. We also streamline future analysis in microplate readers by creating a new particle holder for transmission measurements using off-the-shelf parts and fabricating a nonplastic 96-well microplate for storing particles. We determined that particles should be presented to microplate readers as thin as possible due to thick particles causing poor-quality spectra and identifications. We validated the new database using Open Specy and demonstrated that additional transmission and reflection spectra reference data were needed in spectral libraries.

Graphical abstract
Highly active fish in low oxygen environments: vertical movements and behavioural responses of bigeye and yellowfin tunas to oxygen minimum zones in the eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Humphries Nicolas E. , Fuller Daniel W. , Schaefer Kurt M. , Sims David W.
Published: January 2024

Oxygen minimum zones in the open ocean are predicted to significantly increase in volume over the coming decades as a result of anthropogenic climatic warming. The resulting reduction in dissolved oxygen (DO) in the pelagic realm is likely to have detrimental impacts on water-breathing organisms, particularly those with higher metabolic rates, such as billfish, tunas, and sharks. However, little is known about how free-living fish respond to low DO environments, and therefore, the effect increasing OMZs will have cannot be predicted reliably. Here, we compare the responses of two active predators (bigeye tuna Thunnus obesus and yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares) to DO at depth throughout the eastern Pacific Ocean. Using time-series data from 267 tagged tunas (59,910 days) and 3D maps of modelled DO, we find that yellowfin tuna respond to low DO at depth by spending more time in shallower, more oxygenated waters. By contrast, bigeye tuna, which forage at deeper depths well below the thermocline, show fewer changes in their use of the water column. However, we find that bigeye tuna increased the frequency of brief upward vertical excursions they performed by four times when DO at depth was lower, but with no concomitant significant difference in temperature, suggesting that this behaviour is driven in part by the need to re-oxygenate following time spent in hypoxic waters. These findings suggest that increasing OMZs will impact the behaviour of these commercially important species, and it is therefore likely that other water-breathing predators with higher metabolic rates will face similar pressures. A more comprehensive understanding of the effect of shoaling OMZs on pelagic fish vertical habitat use, which may increase their vulnerability to surface fisheries, will be important to obtain if these effects are to be mitigated by future management actions.
European Society of Pediatric Radiology survey of perioperative imaging in pediatric liver transplantation: (2) intraoperative imaging
Authors: Herrmann Jochen , Petit Philippe , Franchi-Abella Stéphanie , Verhagen Martijn V. , McGuirk Simon P. , Dammann Elena , Bokkers Reinoud P. H. , Clapuyt Philippe R. M. , Deganello Annamaria , Tandoi Francesco , de Ville de Goyet Jean , Hebelka Hanna , de Lange Charlotte , Lozach Cecile , Marra Paolo , Mirza Darius , Kaliciński Piotr , Patsch Janina M. , Perucca Giulia , Tsiflikas Ilias , Renz Diane M. , Schweiger Bernd , Spada Marco , Toso Seema , Viremouneix Loïc , Woodley Helen , Fischer Lutz , Ording-Müller Lil-Sofie , Brinkert Florian
Published: January 2024

Background

Liver transplantation is the state-of-the-art curative treatment for end-stage liver disease. Imaging is a key element in the detection of intraoperative and postoperative complications. So far, only limited data regarding the best radiological approach to monitor children during liver transplantation is available.

Objective

To harmonize the imaging of pediatric liver transplantation, the European Society of Pediatric Radiology Abdominal Taskforce initiated a survey addressing the current status of imaging including the pre-, intra- and postoperative phase. This paper reports the responses related to intraoperative imaging.

Materials and methods

An online survey, initiated in 2021, asked European centers performing pediatric liver transplantation 48 questions about their imaging approach. In total, 26 centers were contacted, and 22 institutions from 11 countries returned the survey.

Results

Intraoperative ultrasound (US) is used by all sites to assess the quality of the vascular anastomosis in order to ensure optimal perfusion of the liver transplant. Vessel depiction is commonly achieved using color Doppler (95.3%). Additional US-based techniques are employed by fewer centers (power angio mode, 28.6%; B-flow, 19%; contrast-enhanced US, 14.3%). Most centers prefer a collaborative approach, with surgeons responsible for probe handling, while radiologists operate the US machine (47.6%). Less commonly, the intraoperative US is performed by the surgeon alone (28.6%) or by the radiologist alone (23.8%). Timing of US, imaging frequency, and documentation practices vary among centers.

Conclusion

Intraoperative US is consistently utilized across all sites during pediatric liver transplantation. However, considerable variations were observed in terms of the US setup, technique preferences, timing of controls, and documentation practices. These differences provide valuable insights for future optimization and harmonization studies.