bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproductive parameters of a new biocontrol agent, Eupeodes americanus (Diptera: Syrphidae) and comparison with the commercialized Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)
Authors: Ouattara Téné Yacine , Fournier Marc , Gonzalez Noémie , Rojo Santos , Lucas Eric 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The American hoverfly Eupeodes americanus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Syrphidae) is an aphidophagous predator during its larval stage and is currently being evaluated for inclusion in biocontrol programs as a new biocontrol agent. However, little is known about its reproductive aptitudes. The objective of the present study was to determine the reproductive parameters of E. americanus and to compare them with those of a commercialized and widely used biological control agent for aphids, the aphid midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). The preoviposition period, oviposition period, adult longevity, lifetime and daily fecundity, egg hatching rate, and fertility were determined for E. americanus females and compared to those of A. aphidimyza. Trials were conducted under laboratory conditions in rearing cages on the broad bean plant Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae), infested with pea aphids Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The results revealed that the preoviposition period, oviposition period, and adult longevity were significantly longer in E. americanus than in A. aphidimyza. The daily fecundity and egg-hatching rate were similar in both species. However, lifetime fecundity and fertility were considerably higher in E. americanus than in A. aphidimyza. This study demonstrates that the reproductive capacity of E. americanus is clearly superior to that of A. aphidimyza and therefore supports its inclusion in the aphid pest management program as a new biocontrol agent.
SPC squatting
Authors: Stief Marco 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) for pharmaceutical products are an important complement to patent protection which is often inadequate in commercial terms. SPCs are designed to ensure that originators can amortize their high investments in research and clinical trials. But unlike in the USA, for example, the European SPC is not simply a patent term extension. Rather, it is a unique form of intellectual property right whose subject matter is not the overall patented invention, but the active ingredient or combination of active ingredients of a patented and authorized pharmaceutical product. This link between the basic patent and market authorization has led to many questions of interpretation and Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) rulings since the SPC Regulation was adopted. An issue that has not yet been decided by the CJEU concerns the discrepancy between the ownership of the patent and the marketing authorisation under pharmaceutical law. This scenario, in which a patent proprietor relies on the marketing authorisation of a third party (possibly even a competitor) in said patent proprietor’s application for an SPC, is also referred to as “SPC squatting”. The following article discusses the admissibility of such a practice de lege lata, which also becomes relevant in light of current reform efforts by the legislator.
Deubiquitinase BAP1 is crucial for surface expression of T cell receptor (TCR) complex, T cell-B cell conjugate formation, and T cell activation
Authors: Radhakrishnan Dhwani , Kotulová Jana , Hofmanová Lucie , Sithara Anjana Anilkumar , Turi Marcello , Žihala David , Ďurech Michal , Vrána Jan , Uleri Valeria , Niederlova Veronika , Stepanek Ondrej , Chyra Zuzana , Jelínek Tomáš , Hájek Roman , Hrdinka Matouš 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The adaptive immune response critically hinges on the functionality of T cell receptors, governed by complex molecular mechanisms, including ubiquitination. In this study, we delved into the role of in T cell immunity, focusing on T cell–B cell conjugate formation and T cell activation. Using a CRISPR-Cas9 screening approach targeting deubiquitinases genes in Jurkat T cells, we identified BAP1 as a key positive regulator of T cell-B cell conjugate formation. Subsequent investigations into BAP1 knockout cells revealed impaired T cell activation, evidenced by decreased MAPK and NF-kB signaling pathways and reduced CD69 expression upon T cell receptor stimulation. Flow cytometry and qPCR analyses demonstrated that BAP1 deficiency leads to decreased surface expression of T cell receptor complex components and reduced mRNA levels of the co-stimulatory molecule CD28. Notably, the observed phenotypes associated with BAP1 knockout are specific to T cells and fully dependent on BAP1 catalytic activity. In-depth RNA-seq and mass spectrometry analyses further revealed that BAP1 deficiency induces broad mRNA and protein expression changes. Overall, our findings elucidate the vital role of BAP1 in T cell biology, especially in T cell-B cell conjugate formation and T cell activation, offering new insights and directions for future research in immune regulation.
Commercial products are not effective at repelling European deer keds, Lipoptena cervi (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) but may increase mortality after exposure
Authors: Skvarla Michael J , Poh Karen , Norman Calvin , Machtinger Erika T 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
European deer keds, Lipoptena cervi (Linnaeus, 1758), are hematophagous ectoparasitic flies known to bite cervids and noncervids, including humans. To prevent deer keds from landing and biting hosts, 5 commercially available insect repellents (DEET, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), picaridin, and permethrin) and water control were evaluated to determine repellency efficacy and postexposure mortality of deer keds. While there was a significant difference between the groups tested, a post hoc analysis revealed that no treatment was significantly different from the water control. Deer ked survival was different amongst the treatments, with deer keds exposed to permethrin dying much sooner than those exposed to other treatments or control (median survival for permethrin = 0.58 h). Post-hoc pairwise comparisons revealed that deer keds exposed to DEET or IR3535 had similar survival rates (4.82 and 5.15 h, respectively). Still, there were significantly lower survival times for DEET compared to OLE (6.33 h) and picaridin (15.00 h). Deer keds exposed to the water control survived the longest (23.12 h). Overall, deer ked repellency was not significantly different from the control, but permethrin-treated clothes can effectively kill deer keds in a short amount of time, thereby protecting those who recreate outdoors or encounter animals carrying deer keds.
Disability, Offense, and the Expressivist Objection to Medical Aid in Dying
Authors: Kious Brent M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
One criticism of medical aid in dying (MAID) is the expressivist objection: MAID is morally wrong because it expresses judgments about disabilities or persons with disabilities, that are offensive, disrespectful, or discriminatory. The expressivist objection can be made at the level of individual patients, medical providers, or the state. The expressivist objection originated with selective abortion, and responses to it in that context typically claim either that selective abortion does not express specific judgments about disabilities, or that any judgments expressed are not offensive. This response is inadequate: MAID often does express negative judgments about disabilities, which could reasonably be seen as offensive. But, does this offensiveness make MAID wrong? Drawing on Joel Feinberg’s account of offense, I argue that it is unlikely that the offensiveness of the judgments expressed by individuals who seek MAID or through the state’s legalization of MAID is enough to make it morally impermissible.
Climate warming advances plant reproductive phenology in China’s northern grasslands
Authors: Bai Lu , Tian Lei , Ren Zhiguo , Song Xiaohui , Yu Kailiang , Meng Lin , Hou Zhanfeng , Ren Haiyan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Despite much recent progress, our understanding of plant phenology response to climate change remains incomplete. In particular, how and to what extent climate warming affects the vegetative and reproductive phenology of different plant functional groups in northern grassland ecosystems remains largely unexplored. Here, we compiled data of 1758 observations from 25 individual studies and carried out a meta-analysis of plant phenology in relation to temperature changes across a range of plant species and functional groups in northern China. We show that climate warming tended to extend the duration of reproductive phenology while having no effect on the duration of vegetative phenology. We also identified specific temperature sensitivities for different phenological stages: 1.73 days °C−1 for budding, −3.38 days °C−1 for leaf spreading and 0.56 days °C−1 for yellow withered stage, respectively. Notably, warming resulted in earlier leaf spreading in shrubs and semi-shrubs, but caused a delay in the budding time of sedges. In terms of reproductive phenology, temperature sensitivity was −1.73 days °C−1 for flowering time, −2.53 days °C−1 for fruit ripening and −0.11 days °C−1 for fruit shedding, respectively. Warming advanced the flowering and fruit repining time of all functional groups except for legumes. Our results indicate that elevated temperatures advanced reproductive phenology and extended its duration in northern grasslands, while showing no impact on vegetative phenology. Our findings demonstrate the differential responses of different functional groups to warming, highlighting the diverse growth strategies and adaptation of grassland plants in a warming world.
International Energy Investment Law
Authors: Cameron Peter 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The focus of this book is the law on international investment relating to the energy sector, and particularly the guarantees it offers investors for making long-term commitments. Through a study of energy contracts and investment treaties, the book asks whether the law is successful in delivering the kind of long-term stability for the business environment that energy investors typically seek, and further, what limits there may be on those guarantees and why. A subordinate question the book addresses is whether there are distinct features of the legal protection of international investments in the energy sector that justify the use of the term ‘international energy investment law’.
Energy Investment Law
Authors: Cameron Peter 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter explains that investments in various kinds of energy comprise a higher proportion of total international investment than any other sector of the global economy. It discusses the strategic sensitivity of energy investments to nation-states that has guaranteed a strong state interest and established sound legal arrangements among states to support certain transactions and the resolution of differences. It also clarifies how states take responsibility for the allocation of rights to investors and regulate the resulting activities, even often participating in them to some degree. The chapter describes energy investments as usually international, large-scale, and longer in duration than most types of investments. It highlights the legal framework for energy investment that comprises the large number of international investment treaties or agreements (IIAs), including the multilateral Energy Charter Treaty (ECT).
The Classic Tests of Contract-Based Stability
Authors: Cameron Peter 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter traces robust conflicts in the history of international energy investment between host governments in countries with energy resources or energy networks and foreign companies that are invited in to develop resources or networks under long-term contracts. It cites conflicts that emerged between investors and states with respect to the generation, transmission and sale of electricity and gas, and with respect to investments in various forms of renewable energy. It also talks about conflicts in the development of oil and gas resources, which were evident in Latin America and the Middle East as early as the 1930s. The chapter examines the arbitral awards made in the 1970s and early 1980s that followed the wave of unilateral state actions at the time. It discusses the 'classic tests' of the validity, scope, and function of contractual stabilization in international energy arrangements.
Latin America
Authors: Cameron Peter 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter details the government policies that initiated coordinated swings toward and then sharply away from foreign investment in Latin America. It cites the international investment treaty regime and investor-state arbitration that have been challenged and sometimes rejected by several states of the region. It also refers to regional or domestic forums for dispute settlement that have been championed as an alternative and more appropriate venue for dispute settlement. The chapter emphasizes how the Latin American region provides a case study of challenges to various kinds of stability guarantees and give important examples of awards in proceedings that have arisen from state actions to comprehensively revise arrangements with investors in energy projects. It looks at investments in the energy sector have that figured prominently in disputes between foreign investors and host states.
Principles of the Digital Services Act
Authors: Husovec Martin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Numerous questions were at the heart of the parliamentary discussions over the provisions of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU’s new regulatory framework for digital services. How should liberal democracies prevent illegal and harmful online activities and protect fundamental rights? How should digital service providers assess the impact of their technology on others? And how should technology companies moderate user-generated content? Principles of the Digital Services Act analyses the DSA’s key provisions, dissecting its mechanisms and components, to understand the new law’s likely impact on digital services in Europe and beyond. The book puts the new legal framework into its political, economic, and social contexts by explaining its grounding within the frameworks of economic regulation and human rights. It examines the European legislature’s approach to the DSA, offering a detailed historical account of the legislative and pre-legislative process. The book argues that the envisaged regulatory system has the potential to boost trust in the digital environment. However, its mechanisms must be able to rely on the robust network of civil society organisations, and the regulators should follow a set of principles. In this way, the DSA’s goal can be achieved through means that are firmly aligned with respect for individual liberties, including the freedom of expression. Combining academic research with practical insights, Principles of the Digital Services Act offers a robust analysis of how to apply and further develop the most important tools of the DSA, to rebuild trust in the digital environment.
Injunctions and Orders
Authors: Husovec Martin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The chapter describes the special place of injunctive relief and other types of orders under the European Union system of liability exemptions for third-party content. It explains why such orders are exempted from the liability framework if they are issued by authorities and do not amount to general monitoring. The text is accompanied by several examples of specific orders that have been litigated in the past two decades. Finally, the reader learns about the shortcomings of the latest case law trying to limit the permissible scope of such injunctions and how the provisions on orders in the Digital Services Act affect the pre-existing framework.
Risk-Based Approach to Digital Services
Authors: Husovec Martin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The chapter describes why digital services had to become regulated like many other industries and whether the risk-based approach is appropriate. After concluding that the approach is justified for several reasons, such as information asymmetry and fast innovation cycles, the chapter looks at the key characteristics of digital services and compares them with some of the often-used examples from other industries, such as banking or food safety. It concludes that while parallels are useful, the communication tools cannot be regulated in the same way, and the regulators should not rely on the precautionary principle as they do in other areas. Instead, the regulators must remain deferential to legislatures about what content is prohibited or allowed. This limited risk management approach, it is argued, is to be preferred to full risk management, which does not shy away from changing the underlying content rules.
Transparency
Authors: Husovec Martin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The chapter maps the various transparency obligations advanced by the Digital Services Act. First, the chapter describes access to data held by very large online platforms and very large search engines and conceptualises this access in light of the DSA’s regulatory goals. It is argued that data access is among the most important tools envisaged by the whole regulation because it allows researchers to set the enforcement agenda for Big Tech and the European Commission. Second, the chapter looks at the transparency reports that apply to the various tiers of services to map the content moderation efforts of platforms, such as the takedown or appeal rates, and resources used to tackle the challenges.
The DSA as a Cornerstone of the EU Single Market
Authors: Husovec Martin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The chapter describes the role of national rulemaking before the adoption of the Digital Services Act and after it. Under the E-Commerce Directive, the country-of-origin principle, and various notification mechanisms increasingly constrained the national law-making. Post-DSA, it is argued, the new harmonised rules offer very little space for national legislatures to introduce new domestic regulations. The only exceptions are the rules about illegal content, super-users, and orders that can be issued by domestic authorities or courts. Many other rules, especially those concerning due diligence in the DSA’s scope, will be pre-empted and thus inapplicable. Therefore, the Member States are likely to focus their attention on initiatives at the European level and push for more detailed Codes of Conduct.
The DSA as a Mixed Enforcement System
Authors: Husovec Martin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The chapter describes the public and private enforcement mechanisms of the Digital Services Act (DSA). Public enforcement mechanisms are at the heart of the legislative text. The DSA’s provisions mostly rely on administrative enforcement by the European Commission and the Digital Service Coordinators. Despite this, it is argued that private enforcement is not pre-empted and remains crucial. Private enforcement is argued to have a lot of potential to improve public participation and increase enforcement efforts in the Member States. Among private enforcement tools, the place of collective redress exercised by consumer organisations is considered to be key. Thus, it is argued that the system of the DSA should be better described as a mixed enforcement system that is not entirely reliant on administrative authorities.
Due Process and Transparency Requirements for Investigating Competition Cases in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Andy C M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter uses the enforcement experience of Taiwan to illustrate how due process and transparency requirements are implemented in competition. Part I introduces the regulatory framework for due process and transparency requirements in Taiwan. Part II describes how these requirements are implemented during investigation procedures for competition cases. Part III highlights the problems associated with implementation in practice. Part IV examines the likely causes for these problems and offers preliminary thoughts on how these problems should be addressed, and Part V concludes. As a mature jurisdiction of competition law in Asia, the fundamental principles and rules honoured by other experienced jurisdictions in this regard have already been in existence in both the general legislations on administrative investigations and sanctions, as well as in the specific competition legislations in Taiwan. However, the implementation of these provisions can be limited by the provisos that authorize the Taiwan Fair Trade Commission the discretion to deny due process or transparency requests from investigated parties.
Procedural Fairness in Japan
Authors: Shiraishi Tadashi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In Japan, debates on procedural fairness have been closely connected to administrative fines, which were first introduced to the Antimonopoly Act by the 1977 Amendment. This chapter first examines the 1977, 2005, 2009, and 2013 Amendments. A weak administrative fine system was introduced in 1977, strengthened in 2005 and 2009, and repercussions appeared in 2013. Then, the competition authority regained power in the debates on procedural fairness after the 2013 Amendment. The chapter also mentions the commitment decision procedure from the perspective of administrative fines. It is shown that administrative fines have almost always controlled and directed the debates on procedural fairness. As of August 2017, the results of the current endeavours by the Japan Fair Trade Commission remain to be seen.
Due Process of Law and the Brazilian Antitrust Agency
Authors: Forgioni Paula A , Forgioni Alessandra 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of the Brazilian antitrust legislation and practice from the standpoint of procedural fairness. It begins with a summary of the legislative evolution that led to the current antitrust regulation in Brazil. It then discusses the main aspects of the rules in place, provided by Law n. 12,529 of 2011. Finally, the main part of the chapter addresses the guarantees of procedural fairness in administrative proceedings held before the Brazilian antitrust agency and the important role Brazilian courts play in this scenario. Brazil's first antitrust agency, the Administrative Commission for Economic Defense (CADE), was created by Executive Order n. 7,666. CADE supervised markets, fined illegal practices — including those against national economy — and authorized mergers. The Brazilian Constitution, laws, and regulations guarantee that CADE respects due process of law in all its proceedings, and the agency has taken this duty seriously.