bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benefits and tax credits
Authors: Hoynes Hilary , Joyce Robert , Waters Tom 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The UK government spends over £100 billion each year on working-age benefits, predominantly for those with low incomes or disabilities. Broadly, these payments protect families from hardship, reduce inequality, and support disabled people. But governments across the world and over time have designed these programmes in very different ways. We examine trends in benefit policy in the UK over time, including the treatment of work, support for children and housing costs, and the role of health-related benefits. We then provide a survey of the existing evidence on a wide range of questions in benefit policy design, including take-up, work incentives, and the impact on the next generation—and bring this evidence to bear on key UK policy questions.
Gendered economic inequalities: a social policy perspective
Authors: Bennett Fran 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis commentary addresses gender inequalities from a social policy perspective. It extends the analysis by Andrew et al. in this collection; focuses on lower incomes and social security; and recognizes both individual financial autonomy and interdependence as central. The commentary discusses labour market issues, including how to improve security and in-work progression for women in particular. Policy proposals are also made to limit the disruptions to women’s working lives by care for elderly or disabled people. More broadly, the commentary argues that a key question for any policy is whether it will help transform gender roles and relationships, to allow both sexes to fulfil their capabilities to the full. In addition, both male disadvantage and inequalities and economic dependence within households require more attention. Impact analysis should therefore explore not only distribution between households at the time but also potential effects on individual women and men over the life course. A balance is needed between moves towards economic independence and recognition of past, and continuing, inequalities. Policies can potentially tackle gender inequalities directly, and norms and values that may affect them indirectly. Proposals are put forward for changes in ‘family policy’, including towards second earners, parental leave and childcare. Finally, the commentary argues that the combination of a focus on autonomy and agency for all with awareness of our interdependence as a society and wider world means that gender issues must be central to the Deaton Review, not just for their own sake but also in a broader context.
Families and inequalities
Authors: Kiernan Kathleen , Crossman Sam , Phimister Angus 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This article examines inequalities between families with children in the UK. Families are central to the nurturing and raising of children, yet not every family is able to provide the same level of resources, support and opportunities. Moreover, in recent decades, changing partnership and fertility behaviours has led to greater diversity, fragility and complexity between families. Here we examine whether there are discernible socio-economic gradients and geographical variation in the recent changes in partnership and parenthood behaviour. We also assess the extent to which these family developments and the attributes of the families in which children are born and reared contribute to disparities in their lives and their future life chances, with a particular foci on education, income, mental well-being, parenting and parental relationships. To this end, we provide new analyses and draw on an extensive literature from a range of disciplines.
Political inequality: reasons for optimism?
Authors: Cagé Julia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
I comment on the article in this collection by Ansell and Gingrich, who highlight the concept of political inequality. Then they investigate empirically whether political inequality has risen in line with economic inequality over the past few decades in the UK. This is an important question, as political inequality can easily generate an inequality trap. I focus on the last dimension of political inequality that Ansell and Gingrich consider—who politicians are—and highlight that it is strongly linked to the first two: who votes and who they vote for. I first argue that the lack of political representativeness may at least partly explain the rise in abstention. I then highlight the role played by campaign finance regulations in explaining the relationship between political and economic inequalities. Finally, using the example of gender underrepresentation, I argue that shifting descriptive representation may have concrete policy consequences.
Perceptions and preferences for redistribution
Authors: Stantcheva Stefanie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The relationship between the degree of inequality and the demand for redistribution has been a central question in political science and political economy. The famous median-voter model predicts that higher inequality, reflected in a growing gap between the income of the average and the median voter, should lead to increased demand for redistribution, as policymakers cater to the median voter’s preferences. Yet data from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries show that, despite increases in inequality in those countries, there was no corresponding increase in demand for redistribution. Part of the explanation of this puzzle lies in the realization that it is not only (or even mainly) reality but also perceptions that shape support for policy. This article will explore recent evidence, using large-scale social economics surveys and experiments, that sheds light on beliefs about inequality, social mobility, diversity and immigration, social position, and understanding of how policies work.
What is wrong with inequality?
Authors: Satz Debra , White Stuart 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This article lays out the reasons we have for objecting to certain differences between what individuals have and in how they relate to one another. Our aim is to show that there is a plurality of reasons to be concerned with such differences and not simply with the absolute amount that each individual has considered independently. Furthermore, we argue against a limited focus on income inequality. Other forms of inequality can also matter.
Political inequality
Authors: Ansell Ben , Gingrich Jane 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The rise of economic inequality in the UK over the past four decades raises serious questions about the state of political equality in Britain. In this article, we analyse changes in political equality from voter participation to voting behaviour to the descriptive and substantive representativeness of Parliament. We find that voter participation in the electoral process has become substantially more unequal since the 1960s but that traditional geographic patterns of voting, where wealthier constituencies typically voted Conservative, have almost entirely vanished. Descriptively, Parliament has become more reflective in demographic and socio-economic terms of the population. In terms of substantive representation, policymaking in Britain has been more responsive to the interests of older homeowners than younger, less wealthy groups. Almost all British citizens nonetheless feel less represented by politicians and policymaking than they did several decades ago.
Trade and price-index inequality
Authors: Atkin David 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This commentary reviews the literature exploring the impact of international trade on the cost of living. We first summarize the strategies researchers have used to identify such impacts in the data before discussing the evidence for heterogeneity in price effects across income groups and across regions. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of how trade may have affected components of the price index such as differentiated manufactures and services where measurement is more challenging and where the existing literature has made less progress.
Innovation and inequalities
Authors: Aghion Philippe , Griffith Rachel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Innovation is a key source of sustainable growth, but it can affect inequalities in many ways—increasing some inequalities and decreasing others. The impact of any particular innovation on inequalities will depend importantly on who controls the property rights to exploit the innovation and what they decide to do with it. The introduction of an innovation can affect the power of different actors in a market, the way markets work, and the returns to different attributes of actors in the market. All of these factors and more will influence how innovation affects inequalities. We would like policy to encourage innovation while making sure that yesterday's innovators do not use their rents to deter innovation by new entrants, thereby eventually undermining productivity growth and social mobility, and increasing inequalities. This requires a combination of regulation, progressive taxation, and enlightened competition policy.
Why has the UK’s social security system become so means-tested?
Authors: Timmins Nicholas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Since its foundation in 1948, the UK’s modern social security system has become increasingly means-tested, even though the intention of its conceptual founder, Sir William Beveridge, was that it should be overwhelmingly insurance based. This commentary looks at some of the key factors that have driven the change and briefly asks whether what remains of the national insurance system should be preserved.
Top income inequality and tax policy
Authors: Delestre Isaac , Kopczuk Wojciech , Miller Helen , Smith Kate 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The share of pre-tax income flowing to the top of the UK income distribution increased continually and substantially in the three decades leading up to the financial crisis, but has changed little since 2013. Using microdata sampled from UK tax records, we describe the nature of top incomes in the UK and how they are taxed. We show that wage income is the dominant source of pre-tax income, even for highest-income 0.1% of UK adults. However, ‘active’ business income—derived from self-employment or closely-held incorporated businesses—is considerably more important for the top 1% than for those with lower incomes. High-income wage earners work disproportionately in financial services. The high-income self-employed are predominately working in partnerships in professions such as accountancy and legal services. Overall, UK income taxes are progressive: average tax rates rise with income. Taxes on top incomes have been increased since 2010, with the result that the post-tax share of income flowing to the top has fallen. But average tax rates vary significantly within the top and depend on how income is received. Incomes from business ownership and investment are taxed at lower rates than employment income. We discuss options for reforming the taxation of top incomes.
The role of parenting in child development
Authors: Doepke Matthias , Zilibotti Fabrizio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
We study the consequences of unequal parenting on children’s long-term outcomes. Our analysis reveals that parenting style exerts a distinct influence on children’s development, separate from socio-economic factors such as education and race. We contend that parenting styles adapt to the evolving environment in which children are raised. Although correlated with socio-economic family characteristics, this factor demonstrates an independent impact. Recognizing how parents respond to economic shifts is crucial for deriving policy implications. Supporting this perspective, our findings indicate that parenting choices exhibit systematic variation across countries and local communities with varying formal and informal institutions. Therefore, a critical next step in addressing inequality in early-childhood outcomes involves examining how parents will modify their own behaviours in response to potential policy changes.
Impact of light and nutrient availability on the phagotrophic activity of harmful bloom-forming dinoflagellates
Authors: Mena Catalina , Long Marc , Lorand Ophélie , Malestroit Pascale , Rabiller Emilie , Maguer Jean-François , L’helguen Stéphane , Regaudie De Gioux Aurore 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Phagotrophy is a key nutritional mode for many bloom-forming dinoflagellates that can supplement their carbon and nutrient requirements. However, the environmental drivers and ecological relevance of phagotrophy in algal blooms are still poorly understood. This study evaluates the effect of light and nutrient availability on the phagotrophic activity of three common bloom-forming dinoflagellates (Alexandrium minutum, Heterocapsa triquetra and Prorocentrum micans) using three fluorescently labeled preys: bacteria, Synechococcus and the haptophyte Isochrysis galbana. The three dinoflagellates exhibited distinct responses to light and nutrient availability in terms of growth, cell size, prey ingestion and preference. A. minutum and H. triquetra showed higher cell-specific ingestion rates on bacteria (0.53 ± 0.13 and 1.64 ± 0.39 prey dinoflagellate−1 h−1, respectively) under co-limited nutrient and light availability, whereas P. micans showed higher ingestion on Synechococcus (0.93 ± 0.22 prey dinoflagellate−1 h−1) under low-light availability alone. However, the three dinoflagellates exhibited the highest carbon and nitrogen-specific ingestion rates when feeding on the larger prey I. galbana. Our findings indicate that phagotrophy could be of advantage in short periods of light or nutrient limitation and may play different roles during the development of blooms, likely influencing the energy transfer through the food web.
Synthesis and characterisation of calcium–iron–aluminium nanocomposites for electromagnetic radiation shielding application
Authors: Ramachandrappa Umashankara Raja , Shivanna Vidya Yakekadakalu , Shastry Manjunatha Holaly Chandrashekara , Lakshmaiah Seenappa , Nagarthnamma Sridhar Krishnachari , Rajachari Munirathnam , Mahadevappa Rajashekara Koppa , Shivanna Manjunath 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Electromagnetic shielding parameters are crucial to investigate unexplored nanoparticles and their nanocomposites. Herein, calcium–iron–aluminium (Ca: Fe: Al) nanocomposites are synthesised using the simple solution combustion technique. The as-synthesised nanocomposites with various doping concentrations of Al nanoparticles are characterised to study the structural and surface parameters and to confirm the successful formation. Further, the procured Ca: Fe: Al nanocomposites along with various doping concentrations are utilised for electromagnetic shielding applications, and various shielding parameters are calculated. It was confirmed that Ca: Fe: Al nanocomposites are suitable for electromagnetic shielding applications.
Radiation dose due to uranium in groundwater to the population of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, India
Authors: Lavanya Bevinathalapura Shankarappa Kempalingappa , Namitha Shivachara Nandish , Manilal Smithri , Ghosh Malay , Chandrashekara Mallupura Shrirangaiah 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This paper presents the concentration of uranium in 67 groundwater samples of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, India, estimated using an LED fluorimeter. The age-dependent ingestion dose to the population of the district is also studied. The concentration of uranium in groundwater varied from 0.20 to 57.50 μg L−1 with an average of 4.40 μg L−1. The annual ingestion dose due to uranium varies from 0.18 to 142.68 μSv y−1, with an average of 7.11 μSv y−1. The ingestion dose received by the population in the study area is less than the recommended level of 100 μSv y−1 by the World Health Organization (2011).
Gamma-ray shielding characteristics of concrete containing different percentage of ceramics for different energies
Authors: Chikkegowda Ashwitha , Adarsh Raj Lingaraj , Belur Mohan Sankarshan , Sannathammegowda Krishnaveni 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
To shield people from dangerous gamma radiation, it is imperative to fabricate inexpensive and environmentally friendly materials. In the present work, suitability of concrete with various % concentrations of ceramics as gamma-ray shielding material has been studied. In this regard, concrete mixture using M-sand and cement with ceramic as filler in different concentrations has been prepared. The mass attenuation coefficients of the prepared samples were measured for different concentrations of ceramics such as 15, 30, 45 and 60%. The mass attenuation coefficients, half value layer (HVL) and tenth vale layer (TVL) of the prepared samples were determined using gamma-ray spectrometer with NaI(Tl) detector at 511, 661.6, 1173, 1332 keV gamma energies. Experimentally obtained mass attenuation coefficients varied from 0.080 to 0.090, 0.074 to 0.086, 0.056 to 0.072 and 0.054 to 0.055 cm2 g−1 at 511, 662, 1173 and 1332 keV, respectively. Therefore concrete mixture with ceramics filler could be a promising shielding material than the bare concrete.
Multifiller-based polymer composites for shielding high energy ionising radiation
Authors: Rajanna Ambika Madalakote , Kuttukaran Sherry S , Nagaiah Ningaiah , Melavanki Raveendra , Shashi Kumar Shivappa K , Kumar Suman Santosh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Polydimethyl silicone rubber-based polymer composites filled with molybdenum and bismuth were fabricated using simple open mold cast technique. The physical and chemical structure and gamma shielding parameters like attenuation coefficient, half-value layer (HVL) thickness and relaxation length have been investigated for the said novel materials using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gamma ray spectrometer. XRD study reveals the crystalline nature of the composites. It is evident from FTIR studies that there is no chemical interaction between the polymer matrix and filler particles. The results of attenuation studies reveal that the linear attenuation coefficient increases with addition of Bi and Mo and is found to be 0.653, 1.341 and 1.017, 1.793 and 0.102, 0.152 cm−1 for 1MMB and 2MMB polymer composites at 80, 356 and 662 keV gamma rays, respectively. The HVL thickness of the materials is found to be 1.06, 0.51 and 0.68, 0.38 and 6.73, 4.532 cm for 1MMB (20Mo + 10Bi phr) and 2MMB (40Mo + 20Bi phr) at these energies, respectively. The mass attenuation coefficient of the novel composites 1MMB and 2MMB is found to be higher than the conventional materials like lead and barite for 356 keV gamma rays. In addition, the material is found to be light weight and flexible enabling to be molded in required forms, thus being a substitute for the material lead that is known to be heavy and toxic by nature.
60Co gamma radiation effects on NPN transistor at cryogenic temperature
Authors: Muddubasavanna Darshan , Anjum Arshiya , Nagaraj Pushpa , Patel Gnana Prakash A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The 60Co gamma radiation effects on the DC electrical characteristics of silicon NPN transistor were studied in the dose range of 100 krad to 6 Mrad at room temperature (300 K) and cryogenic temperature (77 K). The measurements were carried out at both 300 and 77 K temperature. The electrical characteristics such as Gummel characteristics, excess base current (ΔIB), current gain (hFE), transconductance (gm) and output characteristics were studied in situ as a function of total dose. The results show that there is a considerable degradation in the electrical parameters of the device irradiated both at 300 and 77 K as a consequence of increase in excess base current (ΔIB) because of the formation of generation and recombination centers in the emitter–base spacer oxide (SiO2). At cryogenic temperature irradiation, the degradation in electrical characteristics is less because of the physical phenomena such as carrier freezeout effect, decreased recombination rate, reduced charge yield, decreased electron mobility, etc.
Methodology for shielding design and evaluation for container scanners
Authors: Singh Thokchom D , Sha Rajib L , Singh Ranjankumar K , Sahani Ghanshyam , Tandon Pankaj , Sharma Pankaj Kumar Dash 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
There has been an increase in the use of high energy photon beam for container scanners in many countries for multi purposes such as detecting high atomic number materials which might be nuclear materials, drugs, high explosive materials and other contrabands etc. High energy photon beams generally 6 and 9 MV can be used for scanning such materials. However, it is important to ensure that radiation level beyond the container scanner installation is within the permissible dose limit specified by the national competent authority for the protection of public and radiation workers. In this paper, challenges in the biological shielding during the installation of high energy X-ray system for scanning vehicles containing suspected materials are discussed. The purpose of the present study is to develop a methodology for shielding design and evaluation for container scanner installations. The basic concept pertaining to shielding evaluation of radiotherapy installations provided in National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP)/International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports are referred, and appropriately used to calculate optimized shielding thicknesses requirements for container scanner installation. Workload is estimated based on number of containers scanned, machine ON time and dose rate at 1 m. The shielding evaluation includes use of beam stopper in the primary beam, scattering by heterogeneous metallic scrap materials or any other suspected materials contained in the vehicle and their impact on the thickness of shielding walls. A model lay out plan to be used for installation of container scanner is developed. A methodology for shielding evaluation for various protective walls and ceiling of this model is also discussed. The study provides basic requirement for designing a structural room for installing 9MV container scanner from radiological safety view point.
Assessment of naturally occurring radionuclides in surface soil and drinking water from western part of Yadgir district Karnataka, India
Authors: Mugalgaon Archanadevi R , Mugalgaon Rajesh S , Kerur Basavaraj R , Suresh Shesha 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Radionuclide activity of the selected radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K was measured in surface soil samples collected from 40 villages of the western part of Yadgir district of Karnataka. A 4″ × 4″ NaI (Tl) detector based on a gamma spectrometer is used for the estimation of radionuclides. The major type of soil in this region is sandy and red. The 222Rn activity concentrations in drinking water were determined by the Emanometry method. The 222Rn activity in ground water is found to vary from 1.73 to 155.6 Bql−1. The total annual effective doses because of 222Rn inhalation and ingestion range from 4.72 to 424.84 μSv y−1 with an average value of 108.8 μSv y−1, respectively. Among the sampling stations, Shahapur and Shorapur soil samples show higher activity values than the Kembhavi and Hunasagi sampling stations soil samples.