Vertical Block Research Articles

Iliac crest vertical block grafts -placing outside or inside the bone contour: A cohort study.

Challenging defect configurations and dimensions arise from severe, localized vertical alveolar ridge defects caused by trauma or prior surgery. This study aims to analyze three-dimensional bone gain, assess marginal bone stability in such defect configurations, and evaluate the impact of grafting outside the bone contour on the overall outcome, with a focus on iliac crest block grafts as a valid treatment option. The prospective cohort study evaluated patients who required vertical block grafting due to localized bone defects in the maxilla or mandible and who had received iliac grafts. Three-dimensional bone gain was analyzed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) after 3 months of bone healing for each treated site and implant position. A comparison between bone grafts inside and outside the bone contour was conducted. Marginal bone stability was measured using intraoral radiographs during routine annual follow-up visits. Seventy patients with 89 treated sites were evaluated. After 3 months of graft healing, the mean vertical bone gain was 11.03 ± 3.54 mm, the mean horizontal bone gain was 7.18 ± 2.00 mm, and the mean graft length was 28.19 ± 11.01 mm. A total of 217 implants were placed in the augmented regions. On implant level, a mean vertical bone gain of 10.44 ± 3.44 mm and a mean horizontal bone gain of 6.54 ± 1.86 mm were measured. Over a 43-month observation period, mesial and distal marginal bone loss averaged 0.44 ± 0.92 mm and 0.49 ± 1.05 mm, respectively. Eight implants were diagnosed with periimplantitis, resulting in the loss of four implants, while no early implant losses were reported. Within the limitations of this study, vertical bone grafts with iliac crest block grafts were found to be a dependable treatment option for dental implant placement, and placing block grafts outside the bone contour did not lead to inferior outcomes.

Existence results of solutions to a generalized vertical polynomial complementarity problem in terms of vertical block tensor tuples

The goal of this paper is to investigate a class of vertical polynomial complementarity problems (denoted by VPCP), which is a subclass of complementarity problems. Firstly, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of solution for the VPCP. Secondly, the existence of the least element solution to the VPCP is shown when the involved tensor tuple is a vertical block Z-tensor tuple and the feasible set of the problem is nonempty. Particularly, we can find the least element solution of this problem by solving a polynomial optimization problem. In addition, some examples are given to demonstrate the validity of our findings.

T-t Evolution of the Early Proterozoic Rocks in the Northern Ladoga Region from the Data on U-Pb, Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd Systems in Minerals

This paper presents the results of a study of isotopic systems in minerals and rocks in southern margin of the epi-Archean Karelian craton in the zone of its junction with the Svecofennian mobile belt. U-Pb, Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr mineral ages of metamorphic rocks allowed reconstructing a T-t trend during ~1.88–1.61 Ga, which reflects a wide-ranging cooling history of metamorphic rocks from the peak values of about 650–700 °C at 1.88–1.79 Ga (U-Pb age of monazites and apparent oldest Sm-Nd age of amphiboles) to 300–400 °C at 1.61 Ga (model Rb-Sr age of biotites) in zones of low- and medium-temperature metamorphism. The specificity of removal of deep-seated rocks to the present-day erosion surface and the reconstructed T-t trend comply with the development of thrust-nappe structures during the exhumation of the Svecofennids. It is also assumed that differential vertical block movements played a significant role during the post-orogenic extensional collapse and neorifting.

To Rotate or to Link? The Connection Between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Rifts in Central Afar

AbstractCentral Afar is shaped by the interaction between the Red Sea (RS) and Gulf of Aden (GoA) rifts. While there have been several studies conducted in the region, we know surprisingly little about the mechanism of connection between these two rift branches. Here we use high‐resolution 3D lithospheric scale geodynamic modeling to capture the evolution of linkage between the RS and GoA rifts in central Afar. Our results demonstrate that the two rifts initially overlap and interact across a broad zone of faulting and vertical axis block rotation. However, through time, rift overlap is abandoned in favor of direct linkage which generates a series of localized en‐echelon basins. The present‐day direct linkage between the two rifts is supported by geodetic observations. Our study reconciles previously proposed models for the RS and GoA rift connection by considering spatial and temporal evolution of the rifts.

Design and Analysis of Simple Compact MIMO Antenna for Ultra-Wide Band Application

The proposed research presents a compact two ports Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna for the Ultra-Wide Band Application. The two symmetrical radiators consist for presented antenna and developed on an FR4 substrate for the overall size of the antenna is 20 × 44.1 × 1.6mm3. The microstrip line is fed with a 50Ω for the proposed antenna. The lower than isolation is < −25 dB from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz. The gain is 4.3dB and The Envelope Correlation Coefficients (ECC) < 0.01. The radiators for the better isolations used for the F-shaped stub. The size of the vertical block of stub is 12.3 X 5 mm. Antenna parameters are evaluation for the return loss, ECC, DG, gain, radiation pattern and isolation.

Design and Analysis of Simple Compact MIMO Antenna for Ultra-Wide Band Application

The proposed research presents a compact two ports Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna for the Ultra-Wide Band Application. The two symmetrical radiators consist for presented antenna and developed on an FR4 substrate for the overall size of the antenna is 20 × 44.1 × 1.6mm3 . The microstrip line is fed with a 50Ω for the proposed antenna. The lower than isolation is < −25 dB from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz. The gain is 4.3dB and The Envelope Correlation Coefficients (ECC) < 0.01. The radiators for the better isolations used for the F-shaped stub. The size of the vertical block of stub is 12.3 X 5 mm. Antenna parameters are evaluation for the return loss, ECC, DG, gain, radiation pattern and isolation.

Online travel agencies, minimum advertized prices and online intermediation services: some lessons from the Swedish Finnair case

ABSTRACT In 2023, the Swedish Competition Authority adopted a decision accepting commitments from Finnair to reverse a policy implemented with online travel agencies. Specifically, Finnair was preventing online travel agencies from marketing Finnair airfares at a discounted level (relative to the airfares offered by Finnair to the online travel agencies) to customers who were searching for Finnair tickets online, in particular on metasearch websites. This case is noteworthy for three reasons. First, this commitments decision has commercial and strategic implications for the sector across the European Union. Second, while conflicting legal arguments were raised, the economic assessment was quite unequivocal, pointing to the challenged conduct being very likely to generate anti-competitive effects. Third, the Swedish Competition Authority’s investigation overlapped with the entry into force of the 2022 European Commission’s Vertical Block Exemption Regulation and showed some potential ambiguity in its interpretation and application, which the investigation’s outcome has hopefully alleviated.

Evaluating the axial compression behaviour of hollow concrete block masonry walls with small-size openings: Various opening positions and their influence on experimental results

Openings such as windows or channels for ventilation and heating systems are commonly encountered in masonry buildings to meet with functional needs. Although these openings are known to reduce the strength and stiffness of masonry walls, however, the relationship between the position of openings and load bearing capacity of masonry walls is not well understood. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to investigate the effect of double opening positions on the axial compressive behaviour of masonry walls constructed with hollow concrete block units. Seven one-half scale walls with different double opening positions were constructed using hollow concrete block units and subjected to a uniformly distributed axial load. The compressive performance such as the strength, stiffness, load-deformation behaviour, stress-strain response, cracking pattern and failure behaviour of the walls have been reported. The results indicate that the 50% reduction in sectional area ratio caused by introducing two small openings in the walls reduced the load bearing capacity by 36 to 50%. Measured ultimate strain values ranges between 5.5 to 38.8% reduction in walls with openings compared with the wall without opening. Vertical cracking, face spalling, and block rupture were the dominant failure modes for walls with double openings, in contrast to mainly vertical cracks observed in the solid wall. This research provides valuable insights into how the positions of double openings influence the performance and overall structural response of hollow concrete block masonry walls under compression load.

Bolometric IR photoresponse based on a 3D micro-nano integrated CNT architecture.

A new 3D micro-nano integrated M-shaped carbon nanotube (CNT) architecture was designed and fabricated. It is based on vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays composed of low-density, mainly double-walled CNTs with simple lateral external contacts to the surroundings. Standard optical lithography techniques were used to locally tailor the width of the vertical block structure. The complete sensor system, based on a broadband blackbody absorber region and a high-resistance thermistor region, can be fabricated in a single chemical vapor deposition process step. The thermistor resistance is mainly determined by the high junction resistances of the adjacent aligned CNTs. This configuration also provides low lateral thermal conductivity and a high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). These properties are advantageous for new bolometric sensors with high voltage responsivity and broadband absorption from the infrared (IR) to the terahertz spectrum. Preliminary performance evaluations have shown current and voltage responsivities of 2 mA/W and 30 V/W, respectively, in response to IR (980 nm) absorption for a 20 × 20 μm2 device. The device exhibits an exceptionally fast response time of ≈0.15 ms, coupled with a TCR of -0.91 %/K. These attributes underscore its high operating speed and responsivity, respectively. In particular, the device maintains excellent thermal stability and reliable operation at elevated temperatures in excess of 200 °C, extending its potential utility in challenging environmental conditions. This design allows for further device miniaturization using optical lithography techniques. Its unique properties for mass production through large-scale integration techniques make it important for real-time broadband imaging systems.

Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Mixed Convection Around a Heated Elliptic Block Cylinder within a Lid-driven Square Cavity

A numerical analysis of mixed convection flows and heat transfer in a square enclosure having a sliding wall containing an elliptical block heated by isothermal temperature has been carried out. The enclosure is full of air and cooling from its sides by a cold temperature, whereas the remaining walls of the enclosure are considered thermally insulated. The mixed convection impact is attained by the heating elliptic block and moving upper wall. The investigation of fluid’s hydrodynamic and thermal behavior was examined by using Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) at different locations and orientations of the interior elliptical block for Richardson number, Ri, varying from 0.01 to 100 while the Rayleigh number, Ra, is fixed at 104. The findings indicate that the temperature pattern and flow structure are very responsive to the position of the elliptical block and Richardson number. Also, it is found that the heat exchange is very important for the block placed vertically close to the left wall or horizontally close to the bottom wall. More precisely, for Ri = 0.01, by moving the vertical block from the center towards the vicinity of the left/ (the right) surface, the heat transfer rate increases from 5.44 to 11.06/(8.36) with an increase of 103.30%/(53.67%). On the other hand, it is noted that the horizontal elliptic block favors heat evacuation in comparison with the vertical one. This study’s real-world impact lies in the potential to improve our understanding and, consequently, design more efficient cooling systems for electronic devices.

Development of Digital Platform Economy and Problems of Regulation in European Union

The ongoing growth of e-commerce has been changing the incentives and character of interaction between market participants at different levels of the vertical production chain. During the last 10 years, these trends have been attracting the attention of European antitrust and became a productive area of economic research. The altering nature of competition and the role of market participants influenced by the development of digital platforms have become the reference point for the emerging of new varieties of vertical restraints such as cross-platform parity agreements (across-platforms parity agreements). These types of agreements creates new incentives for firms. This was a challenge for the European Commission in the light of the preparation of the next edition of regulatory documents determining the legality of the application of vertical restrictive agreements, such as Vertical Block Exemption Regulation - "VBER" and Vertical Guidelines – "Guidelines for the Regulation of vertical restrictive agreements". We find it extremely interesting to identify to what extent the final versions of these regulatory documents took into account the opinions of judges, market participants and the academic community, who actively participated in identifying the most complex aspects of vertical interaction between firms and the growing role of digital platforms in this interaction.

ANTICOMPETITIVE PRICE FIXING IN DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS – ECJ C-211/22, SUPER BOCK V. PORTUGUESE COMPETITION AUTHORITY

On June 29, 2023, the judgment concerning the case C-211/22, Super Bock v. Portuguese Competition Authority, was released by the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”). This judgment delivers a comprehensive review of fundamental competition law principles pertaining to vertical agreements. In this judgement was examined the business approach of Super Bock, a manufacturing Portuguese company. The preliminary ruling emphasizes to the court referring the case the vital distinction between hardcore restrictions as defined by the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER) and competition-constraining practices falling within the purview of Article 101(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Furthermore, the ruling clarifies the expansive scope of the term “agreement” according to Article 101(1) of the TFEU, while also highlighting the array of (both direct and indirect) evidence that can substantiate the identification of an agreement. In alignment with established legal precedents, ECJ reinforces the principle that an agreement encompassing nearly the entire geographical expanse, though not entirely exhaustive, of a Member State can still impact the inter-member trade. Vertical agreements involve relationships between entities at various levels of the supply chain, such as manufacturers and distributors. The key aspects addressed in this judgment have direct relevance to how manufacturers interact with their distribution networks and set pricing policies, which in turn can affect market dynamics and competition within the manufacturing industry. The Super Bock v. Portuguese Competition Authority judgment serves as a pivotal milestone in clarifying the legal framework governing vertical agreements in the European Union. Its comprehensive analysis of competition law principles provides valuable guidance to businesses operating within the EU, ensuring a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment for vertical agreements and, consequently, fostering healthy competition in the market. The ECJ confirmed for the first time the established EU law principles regarding vertical price-fixing agreements. It emphasizes that an agreement should not rigidly be classified by actions without considering the broader context. Although deviating from stricter framework centered on the primary purpose and severe restrictions may complicate the application of the law, this ruling encourages a more thoughtful evaluation of vertical agreements and their overlap with competition law.

A Design and Implementation Using an Innovative Deep-Learning Algorithm for Garbage Segregation.

A startling shift in waste composition has been brought on by a dramatic change in lifestyle, the quick expansion of consumerism brought on by fierce competition among producers of consumer goods, and revolutionary advances in the packaging sector. The overflow or overspill of garbage from the bins causes poison to the soil, and the total obliteration of waste generated in the area or city is unknown. It is challenging to pinpoint with accuracy the specific sort of garbage waste; predictive image classification is lagging, and the existing approach takes longer to identify the specific garbage. To overcome this problem, image classification is carried out using a modified ResNeXt model. By adding a new block known as the "horizontal and vertical block," the proposed ResNeXt architecture expands on the ResNet architecture. Each parallel branch of the block has its own unique collection of convolutional layers. Before moving on to the next layer, these branches are concatenated together. The block's main goal is to expand the network's capacity without considerably raising the number of parameters. ResNeXt is able to capture a wider variety of features in the input image by using parallel branches with various filter sizes, which improves performance on image classification. Some extra dense and dropout layers have been added to the standard ResNeXt model to improve performance. In order to increase the effectiveness of the network connections and decrease the total size of the model, the model is pruned to make it smaller. The overall architecture is trained and tested using garbage images. The convolution neural Network is connected with a modified ResNeXt that is trained using images of metal, trash, and biodegradable, and ResNet 50 is trained using images of non-biodegradable, glass, and hazardous images in a parallel way. An input image is fed to the architecture, and the image classification is achieved simultaneously to identify the exact garbage within a short time with an accuracy of 98%. The achieved results of the suggested method are demonstrated to be superior to those of the deep learning models already in use when compared to a variety of existing deep learning models. The proposed model is implemented into the hardware by designing a three-component smart bin system. It has three separate bins; it collects biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous waste separately. The smart bin has an ultrasonic sensor to detect the level of the bin, a poisonous gas sensor, a stepper motor to open the lid of the bin, a solar panel for battery storage, a Raspberry Pi camera, and a Raspberry Pi board. The levels of the bin are maintained in a centralized system for future analysis processes. The architecture used in the proposed smart bin properly disposes of the mixed garbage waste in an eco-friendly manner and recovers as much wealth as possible. It also reduces manpower, saves time, ensures proper collection of garbage from the bins, and helps attain a clean environment. The model boosts performance to predict waste generation and classify it with an increased 98.9% accuracy, which is more than the existing system.

Paleomagnetic Rotations in the Northeastern Caribbean Region Reveal Major Intraplate Deformation Since the Eocene

AbstractRelative Caribbean‐North American plate motion is partitioned over the trench and intra‐Caribbean plate faults that bound large scale tectonic blocks. Quantifying the kinematic evolution of this tectonic corridor is challenging because much of the region is submarine. We present an extensive regional paleomagnetic data set (1,330 cores from 136 sampling locations) from Eocene and younger rocks of the northern Lesser Antilles, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, and use a statistical bootstrapping approach to quantify vertical axis block rotations. Our results show that the Puerto Rico–Virgin Island (PRVI) block and the Northern Lesser Antilles (NoLA) block formed two coherently rotating domains that both underwent at least 45° counterclockwise rotation since the Eocene. The first ∼20° occurred in tandem in late Eocene and Oligocene time, after which the blocks were separated in the Miocene by the opening of the Anegada Passage. The last 25° of rotation of the PRVI block ended in the middle Miocene, whereas the NoLA block rotated slower, until the latest Miocene. The boundary between the NoLA block and a non‐rotated Southern Lesser Antilles was likely the Monserrat‐Harvers fault zone. These results require hundreds of kilometers of intra‐Caribbean motions with oroclinal bending of the trench or forearc sliver motion along the curved plate boundary as endmembers. These data invite a critical re‐evaluation of the kinematic reconstruction of Caribbean‐North American plate motion. The consequent changes in paleogeography may provide a new view on the enigmatic eastern Caribbean paleo‐biogeography and the Paleogene dispersal of South American mammals toward the Greater Antilles.

MFNs: the latest turn in the policy debate – key lessons from the CAT’s judgment on CompareTheMarket’s use of wide MFNs in home insurance

For the last ten years, most-favoured-nation clauses (MFNs), also known as price parity clauses, have remained a hotly debated topic in competition policy. The direction of travel has generally been one-way, culminating with the UK and EU vertical block exemption regimes designating wide MFNs as ‘hardcore’ or excluded restrictions respectively. However, the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal’s judgment in BGL (Holdings) Limited v. Competition and Markets Authority injects nuance into the debate. The CAT found that, not only had the Competition and Markets Authority not proved its case on anti-competitive effects, but that it was unlikely that, in this case, wide MFNs had any effect on the key market outcomes of retail prices (i.e. insurance premiums), commissions paid by insurers to CompareTheMarket or increased barriers to entry. The CAT’s judgment and the economic evidence presented throughout the case provide valuable insights into how the competitive effects of wide MFNs should be assessed, why harmful effects may not arise and the role that econometric evidence can play. As explained in this article, at most, MFNs (whether wide or narrow) only directly restrict intra-brand competition and, if coverage and adherence to the MFNs are limited, competitive effects (whether pro-competitive or anti-competitive) may not arise. In this case, there was an opportunity to test empirically for any competitive effects, as CompareTheMarket removed its wide MFNs shortly after the CMA’s investigation opened (and no other price comparison website had them in place). As described by the CAT, ‘such a “before and after” consideration at least prima facie lends itself to econometric analysis’, which can provide a robust comparison to the situation that prevailed when wide MFNs were applied. In contrast, the CAT raised concerns with the qualitative evidence relied on by the CMA and its absence of any quantitative analysis of the competitive effects, if any, of the wide MFNs.

The influence of functional training classes on the manifestation of special physical preparedness of qualified sportswomen and fitness models during the preparatory period

The purpose of the article was to study the impact of functional training classes on the manifestation of special physical fitness of qualified sportswomen and fitness models during the preparatory period of the annual training cycle. This research was carried out in the fitness clubs: "Pheromon" and the network of fitness clubs "Puls Gym", Kharkiv and the Department of Athletics and Strength Sports of the Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture with 20 female athletes 20-21 years old engaged in fitness modeling (bodybuilding), during the preparatory period, the general preparatory stage, three mesocycles (absorbing and two basic (general training and special training)). A number of tests were developed to demonstrate special physical fitness in the training process, which took place with the use of special preparatory exercises: bench press of 20 kg lying on a horizontal bench, a number of times in 30 seconds; standing dumbbell press of 5 kg, several times in 30 seconds; squats with a barbell on the shoulders of 20 kg, a number of times in 30 seconds; classic deadlift 20 kg, number of times in 30 seconds; bending of arms with dumbbells while standing 3 kg each, number of times in 30 seconds; thrust of the vertical block to the chest 10 kg, number of times in 30 seconds. As a result of the testing of strength indicators due to special preparatory basic and isolated exercises for female athletes engaged in fitness modeling (bodybuilding), it was found that the indicators in all tests of special preparatory exercises had high reliability (p<0.001). Thus, the method of functional training in the preparatory period of the annual macrocycle has a positive effect on the improvement and increase of muscle groups that are involved in the mandatory posing of sportswomen engaged in fitness modeling.

Existence of the least element solution of the vertical block Z-tensor complementarity problem

Existence of the least element solution of the vertical block Z-tensor complementarity problem

Using simulated rainfall to evaluate cover crops and winter manure application to limit nutrient loss in runoff

AbstractCover crops can be effective in minimizing nutrient losses from agricultural fields. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of cover crop (rye, Secale cereale L.) and winter manure application on nutrient loss in simulated rainfall runoff. A split block design study with manure (as vertical block) and cover crops (as horizontal block) was established in 2009. Two rain simulations (the first defined as “dry” and the second “wet”) using sixteen 4 m2 steel frames were conducted in May 2010. The runoff volume collected from each plot was analyzed for nitrate–nitrogen (NO3–N), total suspended solids, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total dissolved phosphorus. In the dry run, the concentration and load of NO3–N were significantly lower (p = 0.05) in runoff with the cover crop than in no‐cover crop treatment. Overall, cover crops reduced nutrient loss in concentration by 6%–48% in the dry and 8%–40% in the wet run than with no‐cover crops. The concentration and load of NO3–N were significantly higher under manure treatments in both “dry” and “wet” runoff runs compared to no‐manure application. Manure application increased nutrient loss in concentration by 6%–58% in the dry and 10%–69% in the wet run than with no‐manure application. This study helps us to understand the complexity of winter manure application with cover crops and potential risks of nutrient loss to surface runoff during spring in the Northern Great plains of the Dakotas.

Recent Developments at DG Competition: 2021/2022.

The Directorate General for Competition at the European Commission enforces competition law in the areas of antitrust, merger control, and State aid. After providing a general presentation of the role of the Chief Competition Economist's team, this article surveys some of the main developments at the Directorate General for Competition over 2021/2022. In particular, the article reviews the new antitrust "Vertical Block Exemption Regulation" and "Vertical Guidelines", the new "Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection, and energy", and the Veolia/Suez merger.

View from below: experimental manipulation of water surfaces to evaluate visual integrity of heron-like models through Snell’s window

Abstract The water–air interface is a globally widespread habitat for interactions between prey and predators. We experimentally manipulated water surface conditions (flat, smooth waves, three levels of current-induced turbulence) and digitally quantified the visual integrity of above-surface models from a subsurface perspective. Progressive fragmentation was present in each of the models (upright heron, crouched heron, vertical block, horizontal block) with increased departure from flat surface conditions. Smooth directional waves produced multiple horizontal bands (shadows) that moved across the models while surface currents distorted the profile, including progressive disintegration of the models appearance into multiple fragments of different sizes. This fragmentation is caused by scattered surface irregularities interacting with waves and is accentuated at the broken periphery of the optical window, reducing recognition of the models. Unexpectedly, we found that bands and fragments emerging from different surface conditions resemble common frontal plumage patterns on some Ardeidae and shorebirds (Charadriiformes). While these natural plumages are widely recognized to reflect a diversity of adaptations, including camouflage in terrestrial habitats, we suggest that their resemblance to water surface-induced fragmentation might also reflect foraging adaptations of predators though the water–air interface.