bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen Activation by C2H2 Acting as a Substrate Molecule on Atomically Dispersed Catalysts for the Semi‐hydrogenation of C2H2
Authors: Xi Yongjie , Wang Jia , Li Jinlei , Li Fuwei
Published: August 2022

A fundamental problem of catalytic hydrogenation is the activation of H2, which is usually believed to occur through the interactions between H2 and the active center of a catalyst. In the present study, we show that H2 can be activated by chemisorbed C2H2 acting as a substrate molecule. This mechanism can occur when it is unfavorable for H2 to approach the metal‐center of the catalyst, which is caused by relatively strong adsorption C2H2. We demonstrate the proposed mechanism on various single/dual atom catalysts to establish a linear scaling relation generalizing the trend of H2 activation by C2H2. We also show that Ir‐doped graphene is a promising catalyst for the semi‐hydrogenation of C2H2 where H2 is preferably activated by the chemisorbed C2H2. The calculated turnover frequency reaches 0.076/s at 423 K and the selectivity to C2H4 approaches 100 %. The present study sheds light on mechanistic study of heterogeneous hydrogenation catalysts.
Synthesis of Highly Active Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride using Acid‐Functionalized Precursors for Efficient Adsorption and Photodegradation of Endocrine‐Disrupting Compounds
Authors: Ghaffar Rana Adeem , Zahid Hussain Mian , Hammond Nikki , Vlad Luca Simon , Fischer Roland A. , Minceva Mirjana
Published: August 2022

A highly active non‐metallic doped bulk graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) was synthesized via acid‐functionalized melamine decomposition. Specifically, melamine was treated with acetic acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid to obtain oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus‐doped g‐C3N4 derivatives. Sulfur‐doped g‐C3N4 exhibited remarkable photocatalytic activity to degrade two environmentally harmful hormones, 17β‐estradiol, and 17α‐ethinylestradiol, due to its narrow energy bandgap and high surface area. The hormones were removed entirely in 30–45 min by adsorption in the dark, followed by photodegradation under visible light (430 nm). Furthermore, the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model fitted the adsorption kinetics well, and photocatalytic degradation followed the exponential decay model. LC–MS identified the intermediate products for the photodegradation of 17β‐estradiol (E2). This study provides a simple one‐step method to synthesize highly reactive metal‐free doped bulk g‐C3N4 photocatalysts to remove harmful water pollutants.
Colloidal Synthesis of Zirconium Disulphide Nanostructures and their Stability Against Oxidation
Authors: Fadojutimi Paul , Tetana Zikhona , Moma John , Moloto Nosipho , Gqoba Siziwe
Published: August 2022

The need to exploit the exotic properties of ZrS2 synthesized via colloidal means is imperative. For almost a decade now there has been no literature on the colloidal synthesis of ZrS2 nanomaterials. Meanwhile, several publications are available on other methods of synthesis mostly chemical vapour transport (CVT) and chemical vapour deposition (CVD). The synthesized bulk material from the CVT method is further subjected to exfoliation (mechanical or liquid) to obtain mono or few‐layers of ZrS2. With the colloidal method, there is a possibility of the oxide being formed during the synthesis of ZrS2 and likely destabilization of the nanomaterial after synthesis on exposure to ambient environment. In this study, both the heat up and hot injection methods were employed to fabricate various morphologies of ZrS2 nanomaterials. The metal and sulphur precursors were dissolved in a mixture of octadecene (ODE) and oleic acid (OA); and refluxed at a temperature of 290 °C in the presence of nitrogen gas. ODE served the role of non‐coordinating solvent, while OA served as the capping agent. Nanorods, nanospheres and nanosheets were obtained from the heat up method. Meanwhile, the hot injection approach produced nanosheets and nanospheres with well noticeable hollow centres. Powder X‐ray diffractometer (PXRD) validated the formation of the ZrS2 hexagonal phase with traces of oxides of zirconium, ZrO2. The peak of S2p was conspicuously absent while the Zr3d peak was well noticeable in the XPS spectra. XPS and EDS measurements confirmed the replacement of the sulphur atom by the O atom on the surface of the nanomaterials. Only one exciton peak was observed for the absorption spectra from both the heat up and hot injection methods; and thermal thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) revealed three plateaux of decomposition of the nanomaterials.
Quantifying the Energy Impact of Soiling—Thanks to the Tool SoilRatio
Authors: Arbaretaz Sébastien , Pilat Eric , Colin Hervé , Urrejola Elias
Published: August 2022

Herein, a soiling measurement tool, termed “SoilRatio,” and its software is presented. The originality of this fully integrated device lies in its standalone feature and its sensors on a module scale. It is able to quantify precisely, quickly, and regardless the type of soiling, the production loss of a photovoltaic plant. Most soiling measuring devices consist of two similar modules mounted side by side, one is cleaned frequently and the other is left soiled. Other systems use a photodiode optical sensor that has to be calibrated according to the type of soiling targeted or a cell protected and another exposed as sensors. The sensor surface is too small to generate results representative of commercial modules and should therefore, be processed and interpreted. The concept chosen by the CEA is to use a pair of modules and cover one of them to keep it clean. In this way, it does not require any cleaning, which ensures better accuracy and lowers operating costs. Various experiments are performed to assess its performance and improve the SoilRatio device. The specifications document of the next version is already written to integrate modules with multiple measurement areas so as to identify the soiling patterns.
Strong consistency estimators of the Brennan‐Schwartz diffusion process based on martingales approach
Authors: El Ansari Youness , Chaayra Toufik , El Bouanani Faissal , Omari Lahcen , Amrouch Mustapha
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the strong consistency of the Brennan‐Schwartz diffusion process (BSDP) Euler‐maximum likelihood (EML) parameter estimators is investigated. The Euler‐Maruyama scheme is first utilized to produce a discretized solution process, and then, the EML estimation technique is employed to construct explicit forms of the parameter estimators. Following that, using martingale theory (specifically, conditional expectancy, the strong law of large numbers for martingales and some inequalities), we show that, under certain reasonable conditions, the estimators and converge almost surely to their true values, implying strong consistency, and the estimator converges in to its true value. We have demonstrated that the interest rates (IRs) of Morocco and France may be represented using the BSDP, taking into consideration the possible convergence requirements of the estimators and some numerical simulation. This model helps us to anticipate how these IRs will evolve in the future years.
Determinantal shot noise Cox processes
Authors: Møller Jesper , Vihrs Ninna
Published: August 2022

We present a new class of cluster point process models, which we call determinantal shot noise Cox processes (DSNCP), with repulsion between cluster centres. They are the special case of generalized shot noise Cox processes where the cluster centres are determinantal point processes. We establish various moment results and describe how these can be used to easily estimate unknown parameters in two particularly tractable cases, namely, when the offspring density is isotropic Gaussian and the kernel of the determinantal point process of cluster centres is Gaussian or like in a scaled Ginibre point process. Through a simulation study and the analysis of a real point pattern data set, we see that when modelling clustered point patterns, a much lower intensity of cluster centres may be needed in DSNCP models as compared to shot noise Cox processes.
Impact resistance and mechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced concrete using string and fibrillated polypropylene fibers in a hybrid form
Authors: Najaf Erfan , Abbasi Hassan
Published: August 2022

In this study, the macro‐synthetic polypropylene fibers Forta and Barchip are used. The fibers are added at 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by weight of cement. Additionally, various fiber combinations with varying percentages are employed to create the concrete. Cubic specimens, bending beams, and impact specimens are all prepared on a percentage basis of fiber. The findings indicated that utilizing 1.5% fibrillated Forta fibers raised the compressive strength of the concrete by 18% and the flexural strength of the concrete by 58%. By increasing the usage of Barchip single‐strand fibers by 1.5%, the compressive strength increased by 36%, and the flexural strength increased by 89%. The highest ductility rate refers to the specimen containing 1.5% Forta fiber, with an energy capacity of 672 J. All the hybrid samples also possess a high ductility ratio. Forta fibrillated fibers are more effective in ductility, while Barchip monofilament fiber types can impressively increase the flexural strength of concrete. The hybrid usage of fibers improved compressive strength by 32% and flexural strength by 85%. Additionally, by combining fibers in hybrid form, energy absorption, ductility, impact resistance, and residual flexural strength are increased by 22, 2.3, 3.6, and 5.6 times, respectively, over the control sample.
Multifunctional computational models to predict the long‐term compressive strength of concrete incorporated with waste steel slag
Authors: Piro Nzar Shakr , Mohammed Ahmed Salih , Hamad Samir M. , Kurda Rawaz , Qader Bootan S.
Published: August 2022

To preserve the environment and natural resources, steel slag recovery conserves natural resources and makes landfill space available. Steel slag as a waste material has been partially substituted for fine (sand) and coarse aggregate in concrete (gravel). Compressive strength (CS) is the most significant mechanical attribute for all forms of concrete composites. To save time, energy, and money, it is essential to create accurate models for forecasting the CS of normal concrete (NC). In addition, it offers essential information for organizing the building work and details the ideal time to remove the formwork. In total, 338 data points were gathered, processed, and modeled in total. During the modeling approach, the most influential elements impacting the compressive strength (CS) of concrete with steel slag replacement were addressed. According to the modeling method, the most effective parameter which affects the compressive strength of normal concrete is the curing time. This research employed a Multi Logistic Regression model (MLR), an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), a Full Quadratic model (FQ), an M5P‐tree model, and an Interaction model to predict the compressive strength of normal strength concrete (CS ranged from 10 to 55 MPa) with steel slag aggregate replacement. According to data from the literature, the steel slag concentration enhanced the compressive strength. Based on evaluations with statistical tools like the objective (OBJ) function, the scatter index, and the Taylar diagram, the ANN model with the lowest root mean square error did better at predicting compressive strength than the other models.
Non‐similar modelling of Williamson Fluid over a non‐linear stretching sheet with temperature dependent thermal conductivity and Chemical Reactions
Authors: Mansoor Muavia , Kamran Muhammad Shoaib , Ahmad Bilal , ul‐Hassan Qazi Mahmood
Published: August 2022

In this paper we investigate the mixed convection flow of a Williamson fluid under the effects of temperature dependent thermal conductivity and chemical reaction. The mathematical model for this phenomenon is described in a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) and further this set is reduced to a dimensionless system of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) using a non‐similarity method. The non‐similarity method has an advantage over similarity methods for handling non‐similar problems. The method first uses transformations to reduce governing equations into dimensionless systems of PDEs. The effects of Grashof number of heat and mass transfer Weissenberg number, Prandtl number, Schmidt number and reaction rate parameters on velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are given in forms of graphs.
Epidemiology of Suicide and Suicidal Behavior in Youth
Authors: Ruch Donna A. , Bridge Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2022

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10–19 years in the United States. Numerous risk factors are associated with suicide and suicidal behavior including individual, family, and social characteristics. Knowledge of the complex interplay of factors contributing to youth suicide is highly relevant to the development of effective prevention strategies.
Youth Crisis Hotlines: Merging Best Practice Suicide Prevention Within a System of Care
Authors: Andrews Bart , Coleman Laura , Bowlin Mandy , Cox Catherine
Published: August 2022

In the USA, crisis hotlines, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, have become a valued resource for individuals experiencing a suicidal crisis. Often staffed by trained counselors, crisis hotlines can provide immediate support and can help to identify a caller’s problem and potential solutions, ensure the caller’s safety, and connect them with appropriate resources. Notably, with the introduction of the 988 crisis system in the USA, it is important that crisis hotlines continue to improve their systems of care as their services will be used with increased frequency. This chapter highlights Behavioral Health Response (BHR), a regional crisis hotline located in St. Louis, Missouri, and details methods they have employed to address gaps in youth crisis response with the creation of the Youth Connection Helpline system. This chapter emphasizes the importance of integrating crisis hotlines with other community resources and the value of tracking outcomes to achieve intended goals. Guidance on how to implement and evaluate a youth-focused crisis system is provided.
Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention and Intervention in LGBTQIA+ Youth: Current Research and Future Directions
Authors: Rubin Alex , Smith Diana M. Y. , Lawson W. Cole , Fox Kathryn R.
Published: August 2022

Youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning (LGBQ PLUS_SPI ) and youth who are a gender distinct from their birth-assigned sex (i.e., transgender and gender diverse), collectively LGBTQIA PLUS_SPI , show nearly triple the risk for self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs). Research to date highlights that minority stressors across structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal levels may help to explain this heightened risk. This chapter reviews the research linking stress across each of these levels on LGBTQIA PLUS_SPI SITBs. Moreover, this chapter reviews evidence-based treatments to reduce SITBs in LGBTQIA PLUS_SPI youth, highlighting that interventions that reduce minority stressors and increase coping skills in the context of minority stress appear most effective. In addition to inter- and intrapersonal-level interventions, we argue that major structural changes are needed to meaningfully reduce elevated risk for SITBs in LGBTQIA PLUS_SPI youth.
Suicide Prevention for American Indian and Alaska Native Youth: Lessons Learned and Implications for Underserved Communities
Authors: Cwik Mary F. , Brockie Teresa , Edwards Sarah M. , Wilcox Holly C. , Campo John V.
Published: August 2022

This chapter synthesizes data on health disparities in suicide rates and lack of service access and discusses current gaps in research, training, and program implementation for underserved populations. We highlight emerging best practices in underserved communities that are innovative and low cost (e.g., frugal interventions) and discuss their implications for the suicide prevention field. Themes covered include the urgency of utilizing a community-based framework, the importance of early identification and upstream approaches to drive down suicide rates, the value of a comprehensive/holistic approach that is strengths-based and includes culture/spirituality, and the critical role of innovative service delivery models.
Understanding Suicide Bereavement, Contagion, and the Importance of Thoughtful Postvention in Schools
Authors: Diefendorf Sarah , Van Norden Sarah , Abrutyn Seth , Mueller Anna
Published: August 2022

The rising rates of youth suicide in the USA demand thoughtful evidence-based strategies to help schools and communities recover after a suicide loss has occurred. With this chapter, we review research on the experience of suicide bereavement in adolescence, outline what is known about the potential for suicide to spread through social networks and for singleton suicides to escalate into suicide clusters, and discuss best practices for thoughtful postvention in schools and communities.
Care and Domestic Work
Authors: Marchetti Sabrina
Published: August 2022

The transnational migration of women (and some men) as domestic and care workers is based on the increasing expansion of a private market which is recruiting workers, mainly in the Global South, to perform tasks relating to reproductive labour in wealthier countries. To understand the experience of these workers, it is important to consider how this labour market differs from others. It cannot be reduced to payment for the performance of tasks. It is also undoubtedly affected by the private realm in which it takes place. Some scholars have argued that the uniqueness of this labour market lies in the intimacy that it is charged with, as a consequence of the physicality of care work, the privacy of the domestic setting in which it takes place, and the relevance of the interpersonal dimension it entails (Parreñas & Boris, 2010). Let us look more closely at these different elements.
Inequalities
Authors: Marchetti Sabrina
Published: August 2022

In parallel with the development of the scholarship on migrant domestic work, the feminist approach of intersectionality of differences has gained traction in the social sciences in recent decades. I do not have the space here to account for the different understandings of intersectionality and their methodological implications for research (see Collins & Bilge, 2020; Lutz et al., 2016; Romero, 2017). Certainly the fact that some of the sociologists occupied with domestic workers’ issues have also used intersectionality in their work (for instance Helma Lutz in Germany, and Mary Romero in the US) has had profound repercussions. An intersectional approach requires that we avoid homogenizing views on people’s experiences, and seek a deeper understanding of the real elements of commonality or difference between them. In other words, an intersectional perspective tells us that between people who apparently share the same experience, or the same social conditions, there may also be key differences. In the study of migrant domestic work this occurs at two different levels.
Zielsetzung der empirischen Arbeit
Authors: Bruhn Svenja
Published: August 2022

In dieser empirischen Arbeit wird die individuelle mathematische Kreativität von Erstklässler*innen bei der Bearbeitung arithmetisch offener Aufgaben fokussiert. Dazu werden zunächst relevante Ergebnisse aus mathematikdidaktischen Forschungen aufgeführt, die ein aktuelles Forschungsdesiderat aufzeigen, das durch diese Studie geschlossen werden soll. Anschließend werden die zentralen Forschungsziele und -fragen erläutert, durch deren Beantwortung die individuelle mathematische Kreativität von Erstklässler*innen facettenreich erforscht werden soll.
Explaining excesses in four-leptons at the LHC with a double peak from a CP violating Two Higgs Doublet Model
Authors: Antusch Stefan , Fischer Oliver , Hammad A. , Scherb Christiane
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Extended scalar sectors with additional degrees of freedom appear in many scenarios beyond the Standard Model. Heavy scalar resonances that interact with the neutral current could be discovered via broad resonances in the tails of the four-lepton invariant mass spectrum, where the Standard Model background is small and well understood. In this article we consider a recent ATLAS measurement of four-lepton final states, where the data is in excess over the background for invariant masses above 500 GeV. We discuss the possibility that this excess could be interpreted as a “double peak” from the two extra heavy neutral scalars of a CP violating Two Higgs Doublet Model, both coupling to the Z boson. We apply an iterative fitting procedure to find viable model parameters that can match the excess, resulting in a benchmark point where the observed four-lepton invariant mass spectrum can be explained by two scalar particles H2 and H3, with masses of 544 GeV and 629 GeV, respectively, being admixtures of the CP eigenstates. Our explanation predicts additional production processes for $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

, W+W−, 4b and γγ, some of which have cross sections close to the current experimental limits. Our results further imply that the electric dipole moment of the electron should be close to the present bounds.
Massive Ray-Singer torsion and path integrals
Authors: Blau Matthias , Kakona Mbambu , Thompson George
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Zero modes are an essential part of topological field theories, but they are frequently also an obstacle to the explicit evaluation of the associated path integrals. In order to address this issue in the case of Ray-Singer Torsion, which appears in various topological gauge theories, we introduce a massive variant of the Ray-Singer Torsion which involves determinants of the twisted Laplacian with mass but without zero modes. This has the advantage of allowing one to explicitly keep track of the zero mode dependence of the theory. We establish a number of general properties of this massive Ray-Singer Torsion. For product manifolds M = N × S1 and mapping tori one is able to interpret the mass term as a flat ℝ+ connection and one can represent the massive Ray-Singer Torsion as the path integral of a Schwarz type topological gauge theory. Using path integral techniques, with a judicious choice of an algebraic gauge fixing condition and a change of variables which leaves one with a free action, we can evaluate the torsion in closed form. We discuss a number of applications, including an explicit calculation of the Ray-Singer Torsion on S1 for G = PSL(2, R) and a path integral derivation of a generalisation of a formula of Fried for the torsion of finite order mapping tori.
Clinical implementation of the Versius robotic surgical system in visceral surgery-A single centre experience and review of the first 175 patients
Authors: Wehrmann Stefan , Tischendorf Kristin , Mehlhorn Torsten , Lorenz Annelie , Gündel Michael , Rudolph Hagen , Mirow Lutz
Published: August 2022

Background

Robotic surgical systems introduce new opportunities for the minimal accessed surgeon. The combination of three-dimensional magnified vision and articulated instruments with seven degrees of freedom provide a good and safe alternative to laparoscopic surgery. Indeed some of these features may support the case that robotic surgery may be better than conventional surgery. In this study, we report our experience of robotic surgery by using the first open console, modular robotic platform in Germany, the Versius Surgical System®.

Methods

We implemented the Versius Surgical System® in April 2021 at our centre. Since then, 175 patients received robotic assisted surgery. All patients were included in this study. Data were analysed by using the SPSS (IBM Statistics) Software.

Results

175 patients underwent robotic surgery. We started the implementation of the system by performing cholecystectomy. After the first 50 successful operations, we began to perform robotic assisted oncological resections. We saw a learning curve with improvements in total operative time and console time until reaching a standard similar to conventional laparoscopic surgery. The perioperative complication-ratio was equivalent for operations matched the histopathological outcome (MERCURY graduation, R0-staus) at oncological resections. However, four patients had to be revised because of secondary bleeding. Interestingly the total hospital stay for right sided hemicolectomy and oesophagus-resection was shorter than in laparoscopic surgery.

In our opinion, the Versius Surgical System® seems to be a good, promising system and a safe alternative to other robotic systems, although any comparison is still missing. The open design enabling a better communication between console surgeon and bedside-unit assistant as well as the mobile bedside units are very interesting and allow more flexibility. Nevertheless, there are limitations of the system that require a direct comparison with other robotic systems as well as continuous advancement.
A condition for spontaneous capillary flow in open microgrooves
Authors: Mitteramskogler Tina , Hingerl Kurt , Jakoby Bernhard
Published: August 2022

In this work, we investigate the behaviour of liquids in symmetric open microgrooves and give a criterion for spontaneous capillary flow. To that end, we use a two-dimensional model and analyse the liquid morphologies minimizing the Gibbs energy of the system. We find that the condition of a flat liquid surface, which was hitherto assumed, is indeed the solution minimizing the Gibbs energy, so that it can safely be accepted to investigate whether open capillaries fill spontaneously. Furthermore, we find a condition for spontaneous capillary flow that depends on the cross-section of the channel alone. We use the findings to derive the critical contact angle, below which spontaneous capillary flow happens, for three examples including V-grooves, Gaussian grooves, and lenticular grooves.
Vessel and sex differences in pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation obtained with coronary CT in individuals without coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: van Rosendael Sophie E. , Kuneman Jurrien H. , van den Hoogen Inge J. , Kitslaar Pieter H. , van Rosendael Alexander R. , van der Bijl Pieter , Reiber Johan H. C. , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Jukema J. Wouter , Knuuti Juhani , Bax Jeroen J.
Published: August 2022

Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation, derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), is associated with coronary artery inflammation. Values for PCAT attenuation in men and women without atherosclerosis on CCTA are lacking. The aim of the current study was to assess the mean PCAT attenuation in individuals without coronary artery atherosclerosis on CCTA. Data on PCAT attenuation in men and women without coronary artery atherosclerosis on CCTA were included in this retrospective analysis. The PCAT attenuation was analyzed from the proximal part of the right coronary artery (RCA), the left anterior descending artery (LAD), and the left circumflex artery (LCx). For patient level analyses the mean PCAT attenuation was defined as the mean of the three coronary arteries. In 109 individuals (mean age 45 ± 13 years; 44% men), 320 coronary arteries were analyzed. The mean PCAT attenuation of the overall population was − 64.4 ± 8.0 HU. The mean PCAT attenuation was significantly lower in the LAD compared with the LCx and RCA (− 67.8 ± 7.8 HU vs − 62.6 ± 6.8 HU vs − 63.6 ± 7.9 HU, respectively, p < 0.001). In addition, the mean PCAT attenuation was significantly higher in men vs. women in all three coronary arteries (LAD: − 65.7 ± 7.6 HU vs − 69.4 ± 7.6 HU, p = 0.014; LCx: − 60.6 ± 7.4 HU vs − 64.3 ± 5.9 HU, p = 0.008; RCA: -61.7 ± 7.9 HU vs − 65.0 ± 7.7 HU, p = 0.029, respectively). The current study provides mean PCAT attenuation values, derived from individuals without CAD. Moreover, the mean PCAT attenuation is lower in women vs. men. Furthermore, the mean PCAT attenuation is significantly lower in the LAD vs LCx and RCA.
Artificial intelligence and responsibility gaps: what is the problem?
Authors: Königs Peter
Published: August 2022

Recent decades have witnessed tremendous progress in artificial intelligence and in the development of autonomous systems that rely on artificial intelligence. Critics, however, have pointed to the difficulty of allocating responsibility for the actions of an autonomous system, especially when the autonomous system causes harm or damage. The highly autonomous behavior of such systems, for which neither the programmer, the manufacturer, nor the operator seems to be responsible, has been suspected to generate responsibility gaps. This has been the cause of much concern. In this article, I propose a more optimistic view on artificial intelligence, raising two challenges for responsibility gap pessimists. First, proponents of responsibility gaps must say more about when responsibility gaps occur. Once we accept a difficult-to-reject plausibility constraint on the emergence of such gaps, it becomes apparent that the situations in which responsibility gaps occur are unclear. Second, assuming that responsibility gaps occur, more must be said about why we should be concerned about such gaps in the first place. I proceed by defusing what I take to be the two most important concerns about responsibility gaps, one relating to the consequences of responsibility gaps and the other relating to violations of jus in bello.
Organic carbon in British lowland ponds: estimating sediment stocks, possible practical benefits and significant unknowns
Authors: Jeffries Michael J. , Gilbert Peter J. , Taylor Scott , Cooke David A. , Deary Michael E.
Published: August 2022

Ponds are aquatic habitats defined by their small size. Although small they are found on every continent, they are disproportionately rich in aquatic biodiversity, benefit terrestrial wildlife and have important ecosystem function benefits. One of these benefits might be carbon sequestration, a possibility suggested by (1) their abundance, (2) the intensity of their biogeochemical activity. Whilst greenhouse gas fluxes from ponds have been monitored widely, quantifying the stocks of organic carbon buried in sediment is a gap in our knowledge. Here we summarise measures of organic carbon in pond sediments cores from a diverse range of lowland ponds in England. We estimate a general measure of 9.38 kg OC in a 1 m2 × 20 cm block of pond sediment and scale this up to an overall estimate for Great Britain of 2.63 million tons of OC in pond sediment, with 95% CI of 1.41 to 3.84 million tons. The relationship between sediment carbon and gas fluxes remains a significant unknown.
Effects of Social Skills Training for Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: a Randomized Controlled Trial of the Polish Adaptation of the PEERS® Intervention via Hybrid and In-Person Delivery
Authors: Płatos Mateusz , Wojaczek Kinga , Laugeson Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2022

The study examined the efficacy of the Polish adaptation of the PEERS® curriculum for adolescents on the autism spectrum. Twenty-nine adolescents (aged 11–16) were randomized into a Treatment and a Waitlist Control Group. Due to COVID-19-related restrictions, the Treatment Group received part of the intervention online (in hybrid mode). Results showed large effects of PEERS® increasing the teens’ social skills, knowledge about social skills, and the number of get-togethers with peers. Most of the effects were maintained over a six-month follow-up period. There was no impact of the delivery mode on the treatment effects. The study demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of the Polish adaptation of PEERS® and encourages future research on the online/hybrid delivery of Social Skills Training.
Multioxide-superoxide dismutase enzyme-nanocomplexes and their antioxidant activity
Authors: Matysik Julia , Długosz Olga , Loureiro Joana , da Silva Pereira Maria do Carmo , Banach Marcin
Published: August 2022

Growth of bionanotechnology requires functional materials, which can lower the costs and can be modified to the specific reaction. Conjugations of nanoparticles and enzymes form efficient products of multi-material enzyme-nanocomplexes, which can be controlled from synthesis to application and can provide predicted results. Multimetallic nanooxides of ZnO–CuO, ZnO–MnO, ZnO–MnO–CuO were obtained by precipitation method with sonication, followed by microwave process. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was immobilized on the surface of the nanoparticles. Obtained nanomaterial-enzyme complexes had antioxidant properties. Particles were characterised by XRD, SEM and TEM methods and ATR spectroscopy which proved enzyme-nanooxides conjugation. Scavenging activity of the materials was on average 85% in DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method and 20 mg/l in TROLOX (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid) concentration, where pure SOD enzyme presented around 90% and 10 mg/l activity, respectively. Conjugation of the highest antioxidant power is ZnO–MnO with SOD, however all three types of materials could be used in further applications.

Graphical abstract
High surface area, spongy graphitic carbon nitride derived by selective etching by Pt and Ru nanoparticles in hydrogen
Authors: Alwin Emilia , Zieliński Michał , Suchora Agata , Gulaczyk Iwona , Piskuła Zbigniew , Pietrowski Mariusz
Published: August 2022

It was observed for the first time that the specific surface area of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) increased from 32 m2g−1 to 142 and 171 m2g−1 for Pt and Ru, respectively, due to the etching of g-C3N4 by Pt and Ru nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles catalyze hydrogenation of C – N bonds and “move” through the structure of g-C3N4 etching tunnels in it and creating “spongy graphitic carbon nitride” (sgCN). The reactions take place on the surface of metal NPs, which are covered with oxidized forms of Pt and Ru capable of strong interactions with nitrogen, which was confirmed by XPS studies. The activation energy of hydrogenation of g-C3N4 is 112 and 151 kJmol−1 for Ru and Pt nanoparticles, respectively. The process of etching of g-C3N4 was observed by mass spectrometry and temperature programmed reduction coupled with on-line infrared spectroscopy. On the basis of thermodynamic considerations and quantum mechanical calculations of bonds strengths, a probable mechanism of g-C3N4 hydrogenation was proposed.

Graphical abstract
Attitude Towards Deposit Limits and Relationship with Their Account-Based Data Among a Sample of German Online Slots Players
Authors: Auer Michael , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: August 2022

Social responsibility and duty of care have become major cornerstones for gambling operators. This has led to the introduction of many different responsible gambling tools such as limit-setting, mandatory play breaks, and personalized messaging. In the present study, the authors were given access to two secondary datasets provided by a German online slots game operator. The first dataset was from an online survey carried out by the gambling operator among 1000 of its players concerning their attitude towards deposit limits as well as self-reported problem gambling. In addition to the survey responses, the authors were given access to a second dataset of account-based data concerning each customer’s wagers, wins, monetary deposits, and monetary withdrawals. These datasets were then combined. The majority of players had a positive attitude towards the maximum deposit monthly deposit limit which was introduced by the German State Treaty on Gambling in 2021. Players who disagreed with the maximum monthly deposit limit, deposited significantly more money in the 30 days prior to answering the survey questions compared to players who agreed with the monthly deposit limit. The tracking data found only 7.6% of players had deposited the maximum amount of money allowed in one month. However, 60.5% of players in the survey data said that they did so. Players who said that they continued to gamble after reaching the deposit limit wagered and deposited significantly more money in the 30 days prior to the survey compared to players who said they stopped gambling after reaching the deposit limit. Two-fifths of players said they continued to gamble after reaching the monthly deposit limit (42%). The majority of the players said they chose a personal deposit limit because it helped them to better control their gambling expenditure. A quarter of the players reported gambling problems using the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (27%). Self-reported problem gambling was not correlated with depositing, wagering or any other player tracking metric.
Epoxidation of Tall Oil Fatty Acids and Tall Oil Fatty Acids Methyl Esters Using the SpinChem® Rotating Bed Reactor
Authors: Polaczek Krzysztof , Kaulina Eliza , Pomilovskis Ralfs , Fridrihsone Anda , Kirpluks Mikelis
Published: August 2022

Tall oil fatty acids are a second-generation bio-based feedstock finding application in the synthesis of polyurethane materials. The study reported tall oil fatty acids and their methyl esters epoxidation in a rotating packed bed reactor. The chemical structure of the synthesized epoxidized tall oil fatty acids and epoxidized tall oil fatty acids methyl ester were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Average molecular weight and dispersity were determined from gel permeation chromatography data. The feasibility of multiple uses of the Amberlite® IRC120 H ion exchange resin as a catalyst was investigated. Gel permeation chromatography chromatograms of epoxidized tall oil fatty acids clearly demonstrated the formation of oligomers during the epoxidation reaction. The results showed that methylation of tall oil fatty acids allows obtaining an epoxidized product with higher relative conversion to oxirane and much smaller viscosity than neat tall oil fatty acids. Epoxidation in a rotating packed bed reactor simplified the process of separating the catalyst from the reaction mixture. The Amberlite® IRC120 H catalyst exhibited good stability in the tall oil fatty acids epoxidation reaction.

Graphical Abstract
Face Mask Acceptability for Communal Religious Worship During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom: Results from the CONFESS Study
Authors: Ho Kai Man Alexander , Baggaley Rebecca F. , Stone Timothy C. , Hogan Áine , Kabir Yusuf , Johnson Christopher , Merrifield Robert , Lovat Laurence B.
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to restrictions such as social distancing and mandatory wearing of face masks. Singing and religious gatherings have been linked to infection clusters, and between 2020 and 2021 indoor congregational singing and chanting were prohibited in the United Kingdom. We evaluated attitudes to face mask use and their acceptability as well as changes within places of worship since their reopening in July up to autumn 2020. In this cross-sectional study, participants were recruited using convenience sampling through selective targeting of religious organisations and social media. Participants self-enrolled and completed an online questionnaire, which included open and closed questions. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with face mask acceptability. We performed thematic analysis to evaluate responses to open questions. A total of 939 participants were included in the analysis. Median age was 52.7 years and 66.1% were female, while 80.7% identified as Christian. A majority (672/861; 78.0%) of participants would find it acceptable to wear a face mask and reduce their singing or chanting volume if required, even though 428/681 (49.1%) found face masks to be uncomfortable. Multivariable regression found that younger age was associated with a higher acceptability of face masks (adjusted OR (aOR): 0.98 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.96–1.00), p = 0.0218). The majority of respondents stated that religious services had become shorter, attended by fewer people and with reduced singing or chanting. Most (869/893, 97.3%) stated their place of worship complied with government guidelines, with 803/887 (90.5%) reported that their place of worship enforced face mask wearing and 793/887 (89.4%) at least moderately happy with precaution measures. Our study demonstrates the significant impact of COVID-19 in places of worship but a high degree of compliance with guidelines. Face masks, despite practical difficulties, appeared to be more acceptable if there was an incentive of being able to sing and chant.
Effects of local farm management on wild bees through temporal and spatial spillovers: evidence from Southern India
Authors: Steinhübel Linda , Wenzel Arne , Hulamani Prashant , von Cramon-Taubadel Stephan , Mason Nicole M.
Published: August 2022

Context

The agricultural landscape in many low- and middle-income countries is characterized by smallholder management systems, often dependent on ecosystem services, such as pollination by wild pollinator populations. Increased adoption of modern inputs (e.g., agrochemicals) may threaten pollinators and smallholder crop production.

Objective

We aimed to identify the link between the use of agrochemicals and wild bee populations in Southern India, while explicitly considering the effects of temporal and spatial scaling.

Methods

For our empirical analysis, we combined data from pan trap samples and a farm management survey of 127 agricultural plots around Bangalore, India. We implemented a Poisson generalized linear model to analyze factors that influence bee abundance and richness with a particular focus on the present, past, and neighboring management decisions of farmers with respect to chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation.

Results

Our results suggest that agricultural intensification is associated with a decrease in the abundance and richness of wild bees in our study areas. Both time and space play an important role in explaining farm-bee interactions. We find statistically significant negative spillovers from pesticide use. Smallholders’ use of chemical fertilizers and irrigation on their own plots significantly decreases the abundance of bees. Intensive past management reduces both bee abundance and richness.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that cooperative behavior among farmers and/or the regulation of agrochemical use is crucial to moderate spatial spillovers of farm management decisions. Furthermore, a rotation of extensive and intensive management could mitigate negative effects.
Synthesis of kinematotropic parallel manipulators by inclusion of additional motion generators
Authors: López-Custodio P. C. , Müller A.
Published: August 2022

Linkages able to change their finite degree of freedom due to geometric constraints are commonly known as kinematotropic linkages. Although a considerable number of examples of such linkages can be found in the literature, the amount of reported kinematotropic parallel manipulators remains small. Even more rare are publications presenting systematic methods for the design of such parallel manipulators. Hence, in this paper, a design method for kinematotropic parallel manipulators is introduced. It takes existing parallel manipulators with a constant degree of freedom and shows how to design an additional limb that renders the manipulator kinematotropic. The method is applied in two examples, a manipulator that can switch between 1-, 2- and 3-DOF motion modes, and a different manipulator with two 1- and one 2-DOF motion modes.
Treatment of Cushing’s syndrome with osilodrostat: practical applications of recent studies with case examples
Authors: Fleseriu Maria , Biller Beverly M. K.
Published: August 2022

Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a rare endocrine condition frequently caused by a tumor resulting in elevated cortisol levels. Cushing’s disease (CD) caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone–secreting pituitary adenoma is the most common form of endogenous CS. Medical therapy for CD is mostly used as second-line treatment after failed surgery or recurrence and comprises several pituitary-directed drugs, adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitors, and a glucocorticoid receptor blocker, some of which are US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved for this condition. The recent Pituitary Society consensus guidelines for diagnosis and management of CD described osilodrostat, an oral inhibitor of 11β-hydroxylase, as an effective, FDA-approved medical therapy for CD. Because clinical experience outside clinical trials is limited, we provide here a review of published data about osilodrostat and offer example case studies demonstrating practical considerations on the use of this medication. Recommendations regarding osilodrostat are provided for the following situations: specific assessments needed before treatment initiation; monitoring for adrenal insufficiency, hypokalemia, and changes in QTc; the potential value of a slow up-titration in patients with mild disease; managing temporary treatment cessation for patients with CD who have acquired coronavirus disease 2019; monitoring for increased testosterone levels in women; exercising caution with concomitant medication use; considering whether a higher dose at nighttime might be beneficial; and managing cortisol excess in ectopic and adrenal CS. This review highlights key clinical situations that physicians may encounter when using osilodrostat and provides practical recommendations for optimal patient care when treating CS, with a focus on CD.
Basic Level Categorisation and the Law
Authors: Zeifert Mateusz
Published: August 2022

This article probes the usefulness of the notion of basic level categorisation for legal theory. Basic level categorisation is the central part of the vertical dimension of Eleanor Rosch’s prototype theory. It addresses the question about the various levels of abstraction at which humans can categorise the world. Extensive anthropological, psychological and linguistic research has proven that there is a preferable level of abstraction, namely the basic level, at which primary categorical cuts of the perceived world are made. Three areas of legal theory are identified when applying these findings. The first is the area of visualisation of legal rules. The notion of basic level categories addresses some of the known problems of discrepancies between the visualisation of a rule and its verbal description. The second is the area of statutory interpretation. Many famous cases of interpretive doubts are resolved around superordinate categories in statutory language. Categories of this level of abstraction are less contrastive than basic level categories, thus resulting in more potential for borderline cases and more reliance on functional methods in their classification. The third is the area of legislative drafting. The way in which the law categorises the world often invalidates two principles of categorisation identified by Rosch, namely cognitive economy and perceived world structure. In order to successfully enhance the comprehensibility of legal texts, it is necessary to go beyond the purely linguistic level and address the problem of legal categorisation.