bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring depth-dependent residual stresses in gaseous nitrided steels using indentation method
Authors: Yayla Ahmet Fatih , Gecu Ridvan , Solak Nuri , Kazmanli Kursat , Urgen Mustafa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This study investigated residual stress evaluations during gaseous nitriding of 50CrMo4 and 31CrMoV9 steels. The nitriding processes were carried out in the NH3/H2/N2 atmosphere at 525 °C for 2 h by controlling the nitriding potential. The development of depth-dependent residual stresses was conducted using a Vickers indentation instrument with an estimated geometric correction. The obtained results correlated with the sublayer removal-assisted XRD sin2ψ method. Diffusion layers between 135 and 200 μm were obtained for all samples upon nitriding. The surface hardness values reached 475 HV for 50CrMo4 and 825 HV for 31CrMoV9 steels. The geometric correction factor α was calculated as 78° for a Vickers indenter to measure residual stresses. The generated compressive residual stresses by nitriding increased with increasing nitriding potential by 71% (from −350 to −600 MPa) and 13% (from −750 to −850 MPa) for 50CrMo4 and 31CrMoV9 steels, respectively. An approximately linear relationship was obtained between the hardness and residual stress profiles of the nitrided samples.
Effectiveness of Xanthan Gum-based composite in repairing cracks in reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Valli S Asvitha , Kumar M S Ravi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the enhancement of concrete slabs using a biopolymer-modified cementitious repair material (CXT) composed of Ordinary Portland Cement, Xanthan Gum, and Tartaric Acid Powder. The innovative formulation of CXT aims to improve the mechanical properties of repaired concrete structures. Experimental results demonstrate that CXT significantly enhances mechanical properties such as the load-bearing capacity of concrete slabs. Non-destructive testing methods, including the Rebound Hammer test and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), as well as destructive testing methods, were employed to evaluate the performance of CXT in repairing cracks. The study highlights the improved load-bearing capacity and structural integrity of CXT-repaired slabs, contributing to increased longevity and reduced maintenance costs of concrete structures. Furthermore, the sustainability metrics of CXT, including Process Mass Intensity (PMI), Energy Intensity (EI), Environmental Factor (E-Factor), and Reaction Mass Efficiency (RME), are evaluated, illustrating its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. This comprehensive approach underscores the potential of CXT as a durable and sustainable repair material for concrete infrastructure.
Process—structure correlations in co-precipitation synthesized lanthanum zirconates
Authors: Bhat Saideep Shirish , Irshad K A , Almeida Mahima , Sivakumar M , Vairavel P , Gurumurthy S C , K G Raghavendra 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Rare Earth Zirconates with pyrochlore/flourite structure have attracted interests owing to their immense potential in modern technological applications. Among these, Lanthanum Zirconates are a promising top coat thermal barrier material and also a candidate nuclear waste host matrix for radionuclide immobilization. Despite its candidacy for these high-tech applications, the fundamental questions related to process—structure—property correlation still lacks a thorough understanding and this article is an attempt to bridge this gap. The current study investigates the microstructural characteristics of Lanthanum Zirconate powders synthesized using co-precipitation method under various pH, annealing temperature and hold durations. An evolution from disordered to ordered pyrochlore structure is observed at a relatively lower annealing temperature of 950 °C, as investigated through x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, confirmed via synchrotron investigations. Further examinations of the samples synthesized at varied pH conditions indicated a relatively high surface area and stable microstructure with a lower propensity for grain growth for the samples synthesized at pH 11. The comprehensive material microstructural information as a function of process conditions studied here is thought to be crucial for microstructure tailoring in both pristine and doped Lanthanum Zirconates.
Parametric noise reduction and construction of performance degradation indexes for low-voltage switchgear appliances
Authors: Liu Shuxin , Li Yankai 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Aiming at the problem that there is a lot of noise in the feature parameter data of low-voltage switchgear, which makes it difficult to extract useful information about the feature parameters and unable to construct the performance degradation index reasonably. This paper proposes a noise reduction method through Relative Entropy (KL) optimized Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) combined with Non-Local Mean (NLM) and a method of constructing performance degradation indexes for low-voltage switching appliances through Convolutional Autoencoder (CAE). Firstly, the voltage and current signals are collected based on the full-life test platform of low-voltage switchgear, and the subset of feature parameters is extracted. Then, the feature parameters are decomposed into different components by relative entropy optimization VMD and the noise-dominant and effective components are selected based on the correlation. Secondly, NLM denoising is performed on the noise-dominated signal, and the noise-reduced signals are obtained by signal reconstruction. Finally, the construction of performance degradation indexes for multi-type switchgear is completed based on CAE. The final results show that the two noise reduction evaluation indicators including Noise Rejection Ratio (NRR) and trendiness (T), and the three performance degradation evaluation indexes including Goodness of Fit (R), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) all show optimal results, indicating that this paper’s method can better complete the construction of noise reduction and performance degradation indicators for the feature parameters of low-voltage switchgear.
Visualizing Falseness
Authors: Chan Eleanor 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The visuality of false relations, as they existed in early modern English modes of music notation, remains one of the most tantalizing insights into their cultural appeal. Frequently not graphically signified but rather implied through an internalized visual pattern that a reader aimed to (but did not always) memorize, false relations play into English Renaissance fascinations with concealment and revelation as a process of ornament, and with planarity, pattern, and texture. Beginning with an enigmatic drawing by Isaac Oliver and possibly finished by his son, Peter (both thoroughly musical artisans), this chapter seeks to explore the responses, contemplations, and analogies of discord in the visual culture of the English Renaissance. Ultimately, this chapter argues that solmization should be considered a matter of visual culture alongside musical culture, both in the context within which it was learned, and in the visuo-spatial demands it places upon a student learning to read music.
Factors associated with cognitive impairment before intracerebral haemorrhage: community-based neuropathological study
Authors: Xiang Yawen , Rodrigues Mark A , Lerpiniere Christine , Moullaali Tom J , Loan James J M , Wilkinson Tim , Humphreys Catherine A , Smith Colin , Al-Shahi Salman Rustam , Samarasekera Neshika 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Little is known about whether clinical, radiological or neuropathological features are associated with cognitive impairment before intracerebral haemorrhage. We conducted a community-based cohort study of 125 adults with intracerebral haemorrhage (lobar n = 71, non-lobar n = 54) with consent to brain autopsy. We compared small vessel disease biomarkers on diagnostic CT head and neuropathological findings including neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in adults without cognitive impairment versus cognitive impairment without dementia versus dementia before intracerebral haemorrhage, stratified by lobar and non-lobar intracerebral haemorrhage. In non-lobar intracerebral haemorrhage, severe cortical atrophy was less common in those without cognitive impairment (8/36, 22%) and cognitive impairment without dementia (0/9, 0%) versus dementia (5/9, 56%); P = 0.008. Irrespective of intracerebral haemorrhage location, adults without cognitive impairment had milder neurofibrillary tangle pathology measured by median Braak stage (lobar intracerebral haemorrhage: no cognitive impairment 2 [interquartile range, 2–3] versus cognitive impairment without dementia 4 [2–6] versus dementia 5.5 [4–6]; P = 0.004; non-lobar intracerebral haemorrhage: no cognitive impairment 2 [1–2] versus cognitive impairment without dementia 2 [1–2] versus dementia 5 [3–6]; P &lt; 0.001). Irrespective of intracerebral haemorrhage location, adults without cognitive impairment had milder amyloid plaque pathology measured by median Thal stage (lobar intracerebral haemorrhage: no cognitive impairment 2 [1–2] versus cognitive impairment without dementia 2 [2–3] versus dementia 2.5 [2–3.5]; P = 0.033; non-lobar intracerebral haemorrhage: no cognitive impairment 1 [0–1] versus cognitive impairment without dementia 0 [0–2] versus dementia 3 [2–3]; P = 0.002). Our findings suggest that irrespective of intracerebral haemorrhage location, adults with cognitive impairment before an intracerebral haemorrhage have more Alzheimer’s disease neuropathologic change.
Procurement and the ‘London Living Wage’: Boohene v Royal Parks Ltd
Authors: Davies A C L 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
This note analyses the Court of Appeal’s decision in the Boohene case. The defendant paid the ‘London Living Wage’ to its own workers but did not require its contractors to pay this rate tothe workers they employed. The claimants sought to challenge this as race discrimination against them as ‘contract workers’ under s. 41 Equality Act 2010, because of a clear difference in the ethnicities of the two groups of workers. The claim was unsuccessful because the Court of Appeal ultimately concluded that the claimants’ wages were set by their employer, the contractor, not by the defendant, even though the defendant influenced their wages by setting the price of the contract. The case highlights the complex and sometimes problematic relationship between outsourcing and wages.
Use what you have: leveraging microbiology support to develop a cumulative antibiotic susceptibility report for antimicrobial stewardship at a district hospital in Ghana
Authors: Bosu Benedicta , Amponsah Obed Kwabena Offe , Tawiah Phyllis , Darko Eric , Abruquah Nana Akua , Osafo Annabella Bensusan , Sarkodie Emmanuel , Buabeng Nana Bugyei , Kapona Otridah , Owusu-Ofori Alex , Buabeng Kwame Ohene , Ayisi-Boateng Nana Kwame 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Antibiograms provide effective support for empirical prescribing and antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs). In low-resource settings, microbiology systems to develop antibiograms may be rudimentary or entirely lacking, which may place such facilities at a disadvantage. Notwithstanding this, facilities should use what they have to support ASPs to inform evidence-based antibiotic use. We report how an antibiogram was developed at a district hospital in Ghana to support its ASP.

Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) results from the University Hospital, KNUST from January to December 2021. Data were exported from the hospital’s laboratory information system to Microsoft Excel (Version 2013). IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 25) and Epi Info™ Version 7 were used for statistical analyses.

Results
Overall, 1949 cultures were performed, 392 (20.1%) growing bacterial pathogens. Per the CLSI M39-A4 standard guidelines for antibiograms, only 360 of the bacterial isolates were used for the analyses. The majority of isolates were from urine (187; 51.9%). Among the Gram-negative bacteria, there was low susceptibility to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (28%), cephalosporins (11%–35%) and meropenem (21%), but high susceptibility to amikacin (96%) and levofloxacin (81%). Low susceptibility of Gram-positive isolates to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (34%), meropenem (34%) and penicillins (27%–35%) was also recorded, but high susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (80%), gentamicin (79%) and vancomycin (76%).

Conclusion
High levels of bacterial resistance to cephalosporins and meropenem in the antibiogram were reported. This antibiogram highlighted the urgent need for pragmatic steps to curb antibiotic resistance through ASPs using strategies that positively improve clinicians’ knowledge and prescribing practices.
Abuse of a Dominant Position (Specific Abuses)
Authors: Lianos Ioannis , Korah Valentine , Siciliani Paolo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter examines the relevant provisions of EU and UK competition law with regard to specific abuses of a dominant position. It first considers the question of exclusive rights and whether acquisition of a competitor is abusive if it strengthens a dominant position, citing the Court of Justice ruling in Tetra Pak Rausing v. Commission, before discussing the economics of unilateral refusals to supply (vertical foreclosure). It then analyses predation, focusing on predatory pricing and selective low pricing, the economics of predation, pricing below costs (predatory pricing), above cost selective price cutting, and UK case law. It also describes margin squeeze as a standalone/separate category of abuse, exclusive purchasing/dealing, conditional/loyalty rebates or discounts, (exclusionary) price and non-price discrimination, bundling/tying, abusive (vexatious) litigation and abuse of the regulatory process, abuses affecting the internal market, exploitative prices, and unfair commercial terms and conditions.
Mergers
Authors: Lianos Ioannis , Korah Valentine , Siciliani Paolo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter examines how mergers are regulated in the EU and the UK. It first provides a historical background on mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on the so-called ‘merger waves’, before discussing the origins of merger control in the EU and the UK. In particular, it considers the role of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU in merger control, the substantive tests and theories of harm, collective dominant position and co-ordinated effects, the use of the substantive tests in UK merger control, unilateral or non-co-ordinated effects, and public interest tests. The concepts of concentration and control are illustrated with two case studies, one involving Microsoft/Yahoo! and the other involving Eurotunnel. The chapter also explores minority shareholdings and cross-ownership, post-notification referrals to the National Competition Authorities (NCAs) under Articles 4 and 9 TFEU, coordinated and non-coordinated effects in vertical mergers, and coordinated and non-coordinated effects in conglomerate mergers.
Update to Chapter 13: Choice of Court Agreements
Authors: Hartley Trevor C 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter evaluates choice-of-court agreements under Brussels 2012, Lugano 2007, and Hague. It considers the matter on the assumption that the courts of only one country are involved. In general, it may be said that a choice-of-court agreement is an agreement between two or more parties as to where litigation will take place. It can have two effects: it may confer jurisdiction on a court which would not otherwise have had it; or it may take jurisdiction away from a court which would otherwise have had it. Several provisions in all three instruments are relevant. In the case of Brussels 2012, the most important for present purposes is Article 25; in the case of Lugano 2007, it is Article 23; in the case of Hague, the whole Convention could be regarded as relevant, since all of it is concerned with choice-of-court agreements; however, the key provisions for present purposes are Articles 5 and 6.
Jurisdiction in Matrimonial Matters
Authors: Wilderspin Michael 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter covers the jurisdiction in matrimonial matters under the Brussels IIb Regulation. It expounds on the second chapter of the Regulation, which addresses the regime applicable to matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility. The regime on international jurisdiction in matrimonial matters primarily aims to provide a wide selection of fora to allow a spouse to obtain divorce, legal separation, or annulment. The chapter explains that each selection is governed by the conflict-of-law rule of the forum. It also looks into the laws applicable for spousal maintenance, legal separation, and dissolution of the spouses’ matrimonial property regime.
Business Orientation
Authors: Wood Philip R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter reviews the comparative business orientation of legal systems. It underlines the importance of business law in economic prosperity and welfare. There is a historical review of business orientation in relation to the development of bond markets and bills of exchange. The key indicator is chosen for measuring business orientation include compulsory notice of the assignment of receivables and the deprivation of the assets of a bankrupt corporation in relation to joint ventures and flip clauses. This chapter explains that one of the most remarkable changes over the last century has been the acceleration of economic development and prosperity by the growth of business in the world and the reduced importance of agriculture in terms of GDP. It describes how cruel life could be without this prosperity and proposes that the law should seek to foster enterprise and invention.
Security Interests
Authors: Wood Philip R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter discusses what is a security interest (mainly mortgages, pledges, and charges) and the use of security interests in international finance, as well as the role of title finance transactions, such as finance leases, repos, securities lending, conditional sales, and sale and leaseback. It surveys the comparative strengths of security interests across the world’s jurisdictions and describes which law governs aspects of security interests, including the secured debt, the validity of the security interest, transfers of secured debt, enforcement remedies, and the impact of bankruptcy proceedings. It reviews risk mitigation and the role of corporate structures to minimise risks and to maximise the role of the governing law.
Commercial Trusts
Authors: Wood Philip R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter reviews what is meant by a trust and contains an international survey of trust recognition in the families of jurisdictions. It criticises the legal objections to the trust in those jurisdictions which do not recognise the trust and then examines the maximisation of trust recognition and risk mitigation. It explains that a trust is a situation where one person has the public title to an asset where the asset belongs to someone else so that the beneficial ownership is immune from the private creditors of the trustee. The recognition of trusts is absent or restricted in many jurisdictions outside the English and American common law jurisdictions. The two main commercial uses of the trust are securities settlement systems and custodianship of investment securities for safe custody and administration. Other important uses include bondholder trustees and the holding of collateral by an agent bank as trustee for a syndicate of lending banks. Additional cases include mutual funds and pension funds. The use of a governing law like English law can improve the recognition of commercial trusts in the courts of a non-trust jurisdiction.
Examination as to Jurisdiction and Admissibility
Authors: Kramer Xandra 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter discusses Arts 27 and 28 included in Section 8 of Chapter II on the examination as to jurisdiction and admissibility. Arts 27 and 28 focus on the issue of whether jurisdiction rules have to be applied ex officio by the courts or only when a jurisdictional defence is raised by the parties. The chapter covers provisions on the role of national procedural law in establishing jurisdiction, obligation to decline jurisdiction where another Member State court has exclusive jurisdiction, and review of jurisdiction prior to granting a judgment in default of appearance.
Provisional Measures
Authors: Nuyts Arnaud 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter discusses Art 35 of Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Jurisdiction and the Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments (Recast). Art 35 is an exception to the principle that jurisdiction can only be established under the grounds of jurisdiction provided for in the Regulation itself, namely those spelt out in Arts 4 and 7-26 of the Regulation. Topics covered include the two-track jurisdictional system for provisional measures, the notion of provisional and protective measures, and the territorial restriction.
Mergers
Authors: Niels Gunnar , Jenkins Helen , Kavanagh James 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter deals with the economics of merger review. Key economic concepts such as market definition, barriers to entry, and countervailing buyer power were discussed in earlier chapters. The current chapter sets out the principles behind the substantial lessening of competition (SLC) test and its variants, and of counterfactual analysis, including the failing-firm defence. The chapter then turns to unilateral effects, in particular the analysis of closeness of competition (including diversion analysis and consumer surveys) and the techniques for simulating price effects from mergers. The chapter also discusses co-ordinated effects (including the theory of tacit collusion), non-horizontal mergers (in particular vertical mergers), and minority shareholdings. Finally, it covers merger efficiencies: how they arise, how they can be measured, and in which situations they benefit consumers sufficiently to offset any anti-competitive effects of the merger.
Quantification of Damages
Authors: Niels Gunnar , Jenkins Helen , Kavanagh James 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter deals with the economics of quantifying damages. A growing number of damages actions are brought before national courts by victims of cartels and other competition law infringements. The chapter sets out conceptual frameworks for estimating the harm from cartels (mainly the cartel overcharge) and exclusionary practices (lost profit). It presents a classification of approaches that can be used to quantify damages: cross-sectional comparisons; time-series comparisons; difference-in-differences comparisons; financial-analysis-based approaches; and market-structure-based approaches. For each of these approaches various quantitative techniques can be applied, ranging from the relatively simple (such as comparison of averages and interpolation) to more sophisticated econometric techniques. The chapter also addresses the economics of pass-on in the context of the passing-on defence in damages actions, and the principles behind interest and discounting, usually the final (but relatively unexplored) step in damages calculations.