Consumer Inertia, the New Economy and EU Competition Law

Services and goods in the new economy, such as social media platforms and applications, are often offered to end-consumers for “free”. This may cause problems for the application of traditional antitrust doctrines, such as tying or other forms of leveraging, which normally have been applied to products and services offered at a price. As illustrated by the Microsoft I decision (Windows Media Player), it is not self-evident that the bundling of an application with an operating system results in coercion, the pressure to consume the “tied” product, if consumers have a de facto possibility to download competing products for free. Moreover, the availability of competing products for free may also affect the long-term effects in the market, as both the existing customer base and new customers may easily shift their consumption, which decreases potential “lock-in” effects. This propensity and capability of customers to choose products or services other than the predefined “default” option, e.g. by being included in a bundle, was also relevant in the recent Google decision (Shopping), which concerned the company’s preferential placement of its own advertising messages in internet searches. In both Microsoft I and the Google decision, it was found that consumers were unable to choose products and services other than the default option, so-called consumer inertia. Consumer inertia has been explained both by the traditional law and economics literature and behavioural economics with switching costs, information costs and the status quo bias. Accordingly, this article explores the concept of consumer inertia in the light of the law and economics literature, in particular behavioural economics, to determine the factors which are relevant for establishing the presence of consumer inertia in individual antitrust cases concerning the new economy. Moreover, the article evaluates to what extent the use of consumer inertia in cases from the Union courts and the Commission is consistent with economic theory

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

Experiencias en el aula: segundo encuentro de prácticas pedagógicas innovadoras

Experiencias de profesores en su quehacer en los distintos ambientes de aprendizaje presenciales y a distancia.La segunda entrega de Experiencias en el aula es una publicación anual que recoge las ponencias ganadoras presentadas en el Segundo Encuentro de Prácticas Pedagógicas Innovadoras, organizado por el Centro de Excelencia Docente aeiou, de la Vicerrectoría General Académica de la Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios – UNIMINUTO Todas las ponencias publicadas en la segunda entrega de Experiencias en el aula fueron seleccionadas por evaluadores externos durante la convocatoria al Segundo Encuentro de Prácticas Pedagógicas Innovadoras en el que fueron presentadas; este evento, organizado por el Centro de Excelencia Docente aeiou, y la Vicerrectoría General Académica de la Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios- UNIMINUTO, tuvo lugar los días 9 y 10 de octubre de 2017

Omecamtiv mecarbil in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, GALACTIC‐HF: baseline characteristics and comparison with contemporary clinical trials

Aims: The safety and efficacy of the novel selective cardiac myosin activator, omecamtiv mecarbil, in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is tested in the Global Approach to Lowering Adverse Cardiac outcomes Through Improving Contractility in Heart Failure (GALACTIC‐HF) trial. Here we describe the baseline characteristics of participants in GALACTIC‐HF and how these compare with other contemporary trials. Methods and Results: Adults with established HFrEF, New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA) ≥ II, EF ≤35%, elevated natriuretic peptides and either current hospitalization for HF or history of hospitalization/ emergency department visit for HF within a year were randomized to either placebo or omecamtiv mecarbil (pharmacokinetic‐guided dosing: 25, 37.5 or 50 mg bid). 8256 patients [male (79%), non‐white (22%), mean age 65 years] were enrolled with a mean EF 27%, ischemic etiology in 54%, NYHA II 53% and III/IV 47%, and median NT‐proBNP 1971 pg/mL. HF therapies at baseline were among the most effectively employed in contemporary HF trials. GALACTIC‐HF randomized patients representative of recent HF registries and trials with substantial numbers of patients also having characteristics understudied in previous trials including more from North America (n = 1386), enrolled as inpatients (n = 2084), systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg (n = 1127), estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 528), and treated with sacubitril‐valsartan at baseline (n = 1594). Conclusions: GALACTIC‐HF enrolled a well‐treated, high‐risk population from both inpatient and outpatient settings, which will provide a definitive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this novel therapy, as well as informing its potential future implementation

The Application of EU Competition Law to the Exploitation of Human Genome Editing Technology

This paper explores the application of EU Competition Law to the exploitation of human genome editing technology. Holders of key patents in the sector have applied different methods for disseminating the technology, such as different forms of licens- ing agreement and patent pools. It is found that that the competition rules are ill-suited to assess some of the licensing arrangements applied, which give rise to legal uncertainty. Accordingly, holders of patents on human genome editing technology may be discouraged to apply efficient methods for disseminating the technology. This may delay or obstruct some of the benefits the technology is supposed to deliver to the market, maker actors and consumers.

Análisis del sistema de tierras en descanso (barbecho) en dos comunidades campesinas de cabecera de valle de la Provincia Tapacari

Los objetivos de la presente tesis de investigación son de Analizar el sistema actual de tierras en descanso en comunidades campesinas âAramasí y Tres Crucesâ de Cabecera de Valle en la provincia Tapacarí. Y Proponer alternativas técnicas para el manejo adecuado de la rotación de cultivos en las zonas de estudio. La Metodología del presente trabajo de investigación, consideró 2 fases: el análisis del Sistema actual de uso de tierras y el análisis de alternativas técnicas al manejo de tierras en descanso. La agroecología demuestra que el aprovechamiento de los recursos naturales en base a la preservación de los procesos ecológicos esenciales (fertilidad del suelo, ciclo de nutrientes, ciclo hidrológico, etc.), no es algo nuevo para nuestro país, puesto que las consideraciones ecológicas ya fueron tomadas en cuenta por las culturas precolombinas en el desarrollo de sus actividades agropecuarias, cuya estrategia y tecnología de producción aún se mantiene en toda la zona Andina. En la actualidad no existe el barbecho en el sentido de descanso completo de la tierra para su recuperación, puesto que con el pastoreo el uso de la tierra continúa, por lo que el cambio del sistema de descanso o barbecho hacia un sistema de cultivos que incluyan pasturas (leguminosas o gramineas) en rotación, induciría a mantener una adecuada cobertura vegetal, un reciclaje natural de nutrientes al suelo, una alimentación complementaria para el ganado ovino y caprino, consiguientemente una mejor estabilidad del sistema de producción

Entre ser y parecer gentries. Reflexión en torno a grupos sociales residentes en barrios bajo procesos de gentrificación

SociólogoEn el contexto chileno donde se ha naturalizado la idea de estar en presencia de una sociedad mesocrática junto con una autopercepción subjetiva de pertenecer a esa “clase media” por buena parte de la población, se hace pertinente evaluar el verdadero significado de estas dos aseveraciones las cuales solo serían un reflejo de la compleja relación entre una realidad estadística presentada parte de los logros del modelo de desarrollo chileno y la “realidad-realidad” –parafraseando a un profesor de estadística cuando intentaba explicar las limitaciones de los datos numéricos para explicar la realidad. Bajo esta premisa la presente investigación se enmarca en los cambios socio-espaciales que se han producido en el centro de la ciudad de Santiago focalizándose en un fenómeno urbano conocido internacionalmente como gentrificación, el cual involucra entre sus principales actores la antes mencionada clase media. En otras palabras, esta investigación se aprovechará de la extensa literatura tanto internacional como nacional referida a la gentrificación y a su fuerte vinculación con el desarrollo de las clases medias para evaluar a esta última en el contexto nacional, y más específicamente en la comuna de Santiago, tanto en términos objetivos -o situación de clase- como en términos subjetivos -o de conciencia de clas

Entre a consolidação e latência: Gentrificação em barrios centro de Santiago

They are confronted here, residential and commercial transformations of two historic neighborhoods of Santiago, a central neighborhood Concha y Toro and other pericentral, Italy. In both cases, different time scales of the gentrification process strongly related to the actions of local governments, as well as the motivations for evidence neighborhoods. In particular, the Concha y Toro neighborhood responds to a broken classical gentrification, dominated by the arrival of foreign and native pioneers who rehabilitate old buildings abandoned or deteriorated, especially since the 2000s opposite situation occurs in Italy neighborhood, where gentrification is among one second to fourth wave started in the 80s and overcrowded since 2000, especially with the arrival of artists, cafes, shopping malls and other similar offers, thus promoting fetishes spaces.Se confrontan aquí las transformaciones residenciales y comerciales de dos calles ancladas en barrios históricos dentro de la ciudad de Santiago en Chile. Se postula la tesis de la consolidación y la latencia de la gentrificación a partir de dos casos de estudios. Las temporalidades y espacialidades del proceso se explican por la acción de promotores inmobiliarios o pioneros particulares, pero también por la omnipresencia o ausencia de los gobiernos locales. La calle Concha y Toro responde a una gentrificación clásica discontinua, expresiva de un mosaico socioespacial donde se superponen diferentes procesos y actores. En cambio, la gentrificación de la calle Italia se encuentra entre una segunda a cuarta oleada y se explica por las acciones del gobierno local promoviendo así, espacios fetiche.Transformações residenciais e comerciais de duas ruas ancoradas em bairros históricos dentro da cidade de Santiago enfrentar aqui. A tese de consolidação e de latência de gentrificação a partir de dois estudos de caso é postulada. Temporalidades e espaciais do processo são explicados pela acção dos promotores ou pioneiros individuais, mas também pela omnipresence e / ou ausência dos governos locais. Concha y Toro rua encontra um gentrificação clássica expressiva descontínua de um mosaico socio onde diferentes processos e atores se sobrepõem. Em vez disso, a gentrificação da Itália está entre um segundo para quarta onda e é explicado pelas ações dos espaços públicos e fetiches que promovem locais

Entre a consolidação e latência: Gentrificação em barrios centro de Santiago

They are confronted here, residential and commercial transformations of two historic neighborhoods of Santiago, a central neighborhood Concha y Toro and other pericentral, Italy. In both cases, different time scales of the gentrification process strongly related to the actions of local governments, as well as the motivations for evidence neighborhoods. In particular, the Concha y Toro neighborhood responds to a broken classical gentrification, dominated by the arrival of foreign and native pioneers who rehabilitate old buildings abandoned or deteriorated, especially since the 2000s opposite situation occurs in Italy neighborhood, where gentrification is among one second to fourth wave started in the 80s and overcrowded since 2000, especially with the arrival of artists, cafes, shopping malls and other similar offers, thus promoting fetishes spaces.Se confrontan aquí las transformaciones residenciales y comerciales de dos calles ancladas en barrios históricos dentro de la ciudad de Santiago en Chile. Se postula la tesis de la consolidación y la latencia de la gentrificación a partir de dos casos de estudios. Las temporalidades y espacialidades del proceso se explican por la acción de promotores inmobiliarios o pioneros particulares, pero también por la omnipresencia o ausencia de los gobiernos locales. La calle Concha y Toro responde a una gentrificación clásica discontinua, expresiva de un mosaico socioespacial donde se superponen diferentes procesos y actores. En cambio, la gentrificación de la calle Italia se encuentra entre una segunda a cuarta oleada y se explica por las acciones del gobierno local promoviendo así, espacios fetiche.Transformações residenciais e comerciais de duas ruas ancoradas em bairros históricos dentro da cidade de Santiago enfrentar aqui. A tese de consolidação e de latência de gentrificação a partir de dois estudos de caso é postulada. Temporalidades e espaciais do processo são explicados pela acção dos promotores ou pioneiros individuais, mas também pela omnipresence e / ou ausência dos governos locais. Concha y Toro rua encontra um gentrificação clássica expressiva descontínua de um mosaico socio onde diferentes processos e atores se sobrepõem. Em vez disso, a gentrificação da Itália está entre um segundo para quarta onda e é explicado pelas ações dos espaços públicos e fetiches que promovem locais