bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Orchestration of Sociology in a New Key: Consonances and Dissonances
Authors: Staubmann Helmut 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNine distinguished scholars contributed to the review symposium on Sociology in a New Key, offering critiques, approval, and suggestions for further refinements: James J. Chriss, Alberto Luis Cordeiro de Farias, Jayme Gomes, Victor Lidz, Isaac Arial Reed, Jeremy Tanner, Frédéric Vandenberghe, Raf Vanderstraeten, and Daniel Wehinger. My rejoinder focuses on five issues: (1) Aesthetic experiences and metaphors for sociology; (2) Meaning, the senses, and the body; (3) The aesthetic and culture-theoretical common denominator of Adorno, Parsons, and Simmel; (4) Aesthetics and individuality; and (5) Comparisons and prospects for a sociology in a new key.
Firm-Centered Approaches to Overcoming Semi-Peripheral Constraints
Authors: Avlijaš Sonja , Gartzou-Katsouyanni Kira 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Scholars of economic development in the Global South and of industrial policy in the Global North are increasingly advocating top-down policies by a strong, activist state to promote growth and innovation. Instead, we argue there is much to learn from firm-centered approaches about how the main economic decision-makers, namely, firms, engage with the constraints and opportunities that they face. This is particularly important in the semi-periphery, where public authorities do not always have the capacity, resources, and political support required to play the activist developmental role suggested in the literature. This introduction to the special issue develops the concept of the semi-periphery, showing that it can foster knowledge exchange across the North–South divide and promote innovation in analyses of the dynamics of economic development. It also presents the multilevel perspective through which the special issue accounts for cases where firms were able to overcome semi-peripheral constraints. We argue that carving out economic opportunities in the semi-periphery often requires the activation of the initiative of local firms, which form alliances with other actors from the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Rather than producing economic innovation directly, macro-institutions facilitate those efforts by providing a governance architecture that makes it easier for firms to form alliances and innovate.
Effectiveness of behavior change in rehabilitation interventions to improve functional recovery after lower limb fracture: a systematic review
Authors: Bretherton Christopher , Al-Saadawi Ahmed , Thomson Fraser , Sandhu Harbinder , Baird Janis , Griffin Xavier 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAnkle fractures are common injuries that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Rehabilitation following ankle fracture treatment is crucial for recovery, yet adherence to regimens remains a challenge. Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) have been suggested to improve adherence, but their effectiveness in ankle fracture rehabilitation is not well established. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of BCTs in the rehabilitation of ankle fracture patients. We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, focusing on Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) that incorporated BCTs into rehabilitation interventions. The effectiveness of BCTs on patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), quality of life, and adverse events was analysed. Nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a range of interventions that employed BCTs, most commonly including goal setting and instruction on how to perform behaviours, specifically physiotherapy exercises. The review found limited evidence supporting their effectiveness in improving PROMs. Only one study showed a significant positive effect, but it was deemed at high risk of bias. The lack of integration of behavioural theory in the design of rehabilitation interventions and the varied nature of the BCTs employed across studies may contribute to these findings. The use of BCTs in ankle fracture rehabilitation is prevalent, but this review highlights a significant gap their role of enhancing patient outcomes. Future research should incorporate a theory-based approach to intervention design, utilising a broader range of BCTs, to fully evaluate their potential in improving rehabilitation adherence and outcomes following ankle fracture .
Evaluation of an Automated Ultrafiltration System for Concentrating a Range of Viruses from Saline Waters
Authors: Singh Simran , Aw Tiong Gim , Rose Joan B. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPathogenic viruses in environmental water are usually present in levels too low for direct detection and thus, a concentration step is often required to increase the analytical sensitivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate an automated filtration device, the Innovaprep Concentrating Pipette Select (CP Select) for the rapid concentration of viruses in saline water samples, while considering duration of process and ease of use. Four bacteriophages (MS2, P22, Phi6, and PhiX174) and three animal viruses (adenovirus, coronavirus OC43, and canine distemper virus) were seeded in artificial seawater, aquarium water, and bay water samples, and processed using the CP Select. The recovery efficiencies of viruses were determined either using a plaque assay or droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Using plaque assays, the average recovery efficiencies for bacteriophages ranged from 4.84 ± 3.8% to 82.73 ± 27.3%, with highest recovery for P22 phage. The average recovery efficiencies for the CP Select were 39.31 ± 26.6% for adenovirus, 19.04 ± 11.6% for coronavirus OC43, and 19.84 ± 13.6% for canine distemper virus, as determined by ddPCR. Overall, viral genome composition, not the size of the virus, affected the recovery efficiencies for the CP Select. The small sample volume size used for the ultrafilter pipette of the system hinders the use of this method as a primary concentration step for viruses in marine waters. However, the ease of use and rapid processing time of the CP Select are especially beneficial when rapid detection of viruses in highly contaminated water, such as wastewater or sewage-polluted surface water, is needed.
Graphical abstract
The Correlation Between Mindfulness, Decentering, and Psychological Problems: A Structural Equation Modeling Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guo Lin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objectives
It has been assumed that decentering is one mechanism underlying the health-promoting benefits of mindfulness. This study aimed to investigate the potential mediating role of decentering in the relationship of mindfulness with psychological problems. Moreover, this study examined whether age and clinical status moderated this relationship.

Method
This study systematically reviewed prior studies published until May 2023. Data were extracted from survey results in observational studies and from baseline scores in intervention studies. The technique of meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) was applied to analyze the aggregated data. Moderator analyses examined the role of individual characteristics in the relations between (1) mindfulness and decentering, (2) decentering and psychological problems, and (3) mindfulness and psychological problems.

Results
The final meta-analysis included 110 effect sizes extracted from 57 studies, with a total number of 18,515 participants. Overall, the MASEM results showed that mindfulness had a positive, large direct effect on decentering (β = 0.42, 95% CI[0.38, 0.47]), and a negative, small-to-medium direct effect on psychological problems (β =  − 0.25, 95% CI[− 0.31, − 0.20]). Decentering also had a negative, modest direct effect on psychological problems (β =  − 0.24, 95% CI[− 0.29, − 0.19]). Regarding the indirect effect, decentering had a significant, small effect in the association between mindfulness and psychological problems (β =  − 0.10, 95% CI[− 0.13, − 0.08]). Moderator analyses suggested that these effects were consistent across age and clinical status.

Conclusions
The current results provide preliminary evidence that the correlation between mindfulness and decentering carries over to psychological problems. Understanding this correlation is an essential step towards mapping out the underlying psychological processes moving from mindfulness to psychological outcomes. The cultivation of decentering skills should be embedded in mindfulness-based training to confer benefits on psychological problems. Moreover, secular programs that do not include cultural or spiritual aspects of mindfulness need to expand their current knowledge of what decentering involves and what impedes effective decentering.

Preregistration
This study is not preregistered.
Project Report: Requirements for a Social Robot as an Information Provider in the Public Sector
Authors: Sievers Thomas , Russwinkel Nele 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIs it possible to integrate a humanoid social robot into the work processes or customer care in an official environment, e.g. in municipal offices? If so, what could such an application scenario look like and what skills would the robot need to have when interacting with human customers? What are requirements for this kind of interactions? We have devised an application scenario for such a case, determined the necessary or desirable capabilities of the robot, developed a corresponding robot application and carried out initial tests and evaluations in a project together with the Kiel City Council. One of the most important insights gained in the project was that a humanoid robot with natural language processing capabilities based on large language models as well as human-like gestures and posture changes (animations) proved to be much more preferred by users compared to standard browser-based solutions on tablets for an information system in the City Council. Furthermore, we propose a connection of the ACT-R cognitive architecture with the robot, where an ACT-R model is used in interaction with the robot application to cognitively process and enhance a dialogue between human and robot.
Evaluating collective action theory-based model to simulate mobs
Authors: Al-khateeb Samer , Burright Jack , Agarwal Nitin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
A mob is an event that is organized via social media, email, SMS, or other forms of digital communication technologies in which a group of people (who might have an agenda) get together online or offline to collectively conduct an act and then disperse (quickly or over a long period). In recent years, these events are increasingly happening worldwide due to the anonymity of the internet, affordability of social media, boredom, etc. Studying such a phenomenon is difficult due to a lack of data, theoretical underpinning, and resources. In this research, we use the Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) technique to model the mobbers and the Monte Carlo method to assign random values to the factors extracted from the theory of Collective Action and conduct many simulations. We also leverage our previous research on Deviant Cyber Flash Mobs to implement various scenarios the mobber could face when they decide to act in a mob or not. This resulted in a model that can simulate mobs, estimate the mob success rate, and the needed powerful actors (e.g., mob organizers) for a mob to succeed. We finally evaluate our model using real-world mob data collected from the Meetup social media platform. This research is one step toward fully understanding mob formation and the motivations of its participants and organizers.
Seismic response and ambient vibrations of a Mediaeval Tower in the Mugello area (Italy)
Authors: Azzara R. M. , Cardinali V. , Girardi M. , Padovani C. , Pellegrini D. , Tanganelli M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This paper describes the experimental campaigns on the Tower of the Palazzo dei Vicari in Scarperia, a village in the Mugello area (Tuscany) exposed to high seismic hazards. The first campaign was carried out from December 2019 to January 2020, and the Tower underwent the so-called Mugello seismic sequence, which featured an M 4.5 earthquake. Other ambient vibration tests were repeated in June 2021 and September 2023 when another seismic sequence struck the area near Scarperia. These tests aimed to characterise the Tower’s dynamic behaviour under ambient and seismic excitations and check the response of the Tower over time. The experimental results were then used to calibrate a finite-element model of the Tower and estimate its seismic vulnerability. Several numerical simulations were conducted on the calibrated model using the NOSA-ITACA code for nonlinear structural analysis of masonry buildings. The dynamic behaviour of the Tower subjected to a seismic sequence recorded in 2023 by a seismic station at the base was investigated by comparing the velocities recorded along the Tower’s height with their numerical counterparts. Furthermore, several pushover analyses were conducted to investigate the collapse of the Tower as the load’s distribution and direction varied.
Identification of Bacteria Producing Red Pigments and Their Application in the Textile Industry
Authors: Simsek Geyik Merve , Efe Derya , Gormez Arzu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, bacterial strains previously isolated and maintained in a culture collection were evaluated for their pigment production capabilities. The pigments produced by the bacteria were using the methanol extraction method and characterized by thin-layer chromatography, UV–Vis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, the potential use of these pigments as textile dyes in silk fabrics was investigated. Four of the 270 isolates screened (AS-54, AS-55, AS-67, and AS-75) showed superior pigment production. These isolates were further identified using both classical and molecular methods. Based on the analysis of the 16S rRNA gene region, AS-54, AS-55, and AS-67 were identified asSerratia plymuthicaand, AS-75 asSerratia marcescens. Characterization results showed that the pigments exhibited a red coloration, indicating prodigiosin. The dyeing of silk fabrics with these pigments resulted in various shades of pink, highlighting their potential as textile dyes. These results suggest that pigments derived from these bacterial isolates hold great promise for applications in the textile industry.
Impact of surface roughness on the coefficient of friction of polymer-on-polymer contacts for deflection pulley-rope systems in the lift industry
Authors: Guinea Ainhoa , Aginagalde Andrea , Tato Wilson , Llavori Iñigo , Garcia Pablo , Arraiago Leire , Zabala Alaitz 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe coefficient of friction (CoF) between the deflection pulley and rope in a lift strongly affects the life span of the rope. Although surface roughness is a key factor affecting the metallic pulley–rope CoF, its effect on polymeric pulleys is unknown. The present study analyses the effect of roughness and working conditions on cast polyamide 6 (PA6G) deflection pulley–thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-coated rope contacts. The statistical analysis revealed that the effect of surface roughness on the CoF for low-load tests was significant. The present study contributes significantly to parameter selection in deflection pulley machining to minimise friction between the pulley and rope.
Designing Symmetric Gradient Honeycomb Structures with Carbon-Coated Iron-Based Composites for High-Efficiency Microwave Absorption
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yang Shu-Hao , Xin Yue , Cai Bo , Hu Peng-Fei , Dai Hai-Yang , Liang Chen-Ming , Meng Yun-Tong , Su Ji-Hao , Zhang Xiao-Juan , Lu Min , Wang Guang-Sheng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe impedance matching of absorbers is a vital factor affecting their microwave absorption (MA) properties. In this work, we controllably synthesized Material of Institute Lavoisier 88C (MIL-88C) with varying aspect ratios (AR) as a precursor by regulating oil bath conditions, followed by one-step thermal decomposition to obtain carbon-coated iron-based composites. Modifying the precursor MIL-88C (Fe) preparation conditions, such as the molar ratio between metal ions and organic ligands (M/O), oil bath temperature, and oil bath time, influenced the phases, graphitization degree, and AR of the derivatives, enabling low filler loading, achieving well-matched impedance, and ensuring outstanding MA properties. The MOF-derivatives 2 (MD2)/polyvinylidene Difluoride (PVDF), MD3/PVDF, and MD4/PVDF absorbers all exhibited excellent MA properties with optimal filler loadings below 20 wt% and as low as 5 wt%. The MD2/PVDF (5 wt%) achieved a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.52 GHz (1.90 mm). The MD3/PVDF (10 wt%) possessed a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value of − 67.4 at 12.56 GHz (2.13 mm). A symmetric gradient honeycomb structure (SGHS) was constructed utilizing the high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) to further extend the EAB, achieving an EAB of 14.6 GHz and a RLmin of − 59.0 dB. This research offers a viable inspiration to creating structures or materials with high-efficiency MA properties.
Analyzing water level variability in Odisha: insights from multi-year data and spatial analysis
Authors: Mohanty Litan Kumar , Panda Banajarani , Samantaray Sambit , Dixit Ankur , Bhange Sandesh 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA comprehensive analysis of long-term water level trends is essential for freshwater sustainability. Given that Odisha heavily relies on agriculture, the monitoring and management of groundwater and its fluctuations are imperative for ensuring future sustainability in the state. Here, we analyzed the trend in Groundwater using water level data for a 30-year period (1990–2020) for the entire Odisha region. Moreover, to determine the long term variability, critical zones of future groundwater variability and controlling parameters of the water level change, we used spatio-temporal water level data of 746 locations. Water level rise of coastal districts during post-monsoon (POM), corresponds to the intensity of rainfall received, thus rising, however other districts of Odisha, showing decline in water level during the same season is due to shortage of rainfall, increase in population at a sudden, and over pumping due to industrial activities. Similarly, during pre-monsoon (PRM), water level shows an increasing trend in hard rock terrain of Odisha implying rabi crop irrigation, high density drainage network and lesser population density. Feature selection techniques were used in this study to know the parameters controlling most to this water level fluctuation in the entire Odisha state. Precipitation followed by landuse & landcover, lithology and population density are controlling the most for the long term water level change. Drainage, elevation, lithology and slope are positively related to the water level change while others are negatively related. It is also inferred that the districts like Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Boudh, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Koraput and Kalahandi contain most of the high critical zone concerning future availability of groundwater while most of the coastal regions are safe.
A Note on Rounding Error in The Variables: Understanding Its Influence on Statistical Estimators
Authors: Ahmad Amar 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWhen estimating the variance, higher moments, and regression coefficients using rounded data, bias is commonly introduced into these estimates. Sheppard’s correction can be used to approximately adjust for this bias under certain conditions. This study investegated the conditions that allow for the valid application of Sheppard’s corrections. A significant observation from the research was that the rounding error-often displaying a uniform distribution-was not independent of the original, unrounded variable. The study provided a thorough investigation of instances where variables, distributed uniformly, undergo rounding. This investigation yielded crucial insights into the statistical behavior and potential ramifications of such variables within statistical analyses. An integral part of this study was the computation and discussion of the density function of the rounding error. Deriving this density function facilitated a nuanced analysis of the differences between the moments of rounded data and the original, unrounded data. Sheppard’s regularities, under which Sheppard’s correction is applied, were discussed. The letter also carefully considered the effects of rounding error on regression estimates. In this context, Sheppard’s correction was implemented to the biased regression parameters to evaluate its efficacy in providing more accurate estimations. Further, our research provides new insights into how rounding can affect statistical outcomes, depending on the underlying distribution of the data. We have discovered that the impact is minimal under uniform distribution assumptions but becomes significantly pronounced under non-uniform distributions. This highlights the importance of considering the distributional characteristics of data when applying rounding corrections to ensure the reliability of statistical inferences.
A Multiple Environment Available Path Planning Based on an Improved A* Algorithm
Authors: Sun Yu , Yuan Qingni , Gao Qingyang , Xu Liangyao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe objective of the path planning for a mobile robot is to generate a collision-free path from a starting position to a target position, aiming to realize a higher quality of path planning, an improved A* algorithm and a hybrid approach incorporating the dynamic window algorithm have been proposed for robot path planning in various environments in this paper. In global path planning, first, a bidirectional search strategy was introduced into to improve the searching efficiency, and an adaptive heuristic function was designed to reduce redundant search nodes. In the meantime, a filtering function for key path nodes and an enhanced jump point optimization method help to remove redundant nodes in the path, reduce turning angles, greatly shorten the path length, and smooth the path using cubic B-spline curves. Furthermore, in local path planning, the combination of key path nodes and the dynamic window approach (DWA) algorithm is utilized to achieve obstacle avoidance in dynamic environments and adjust the heading angle of the section enables seamless locomotion of the robot. Finally, the simulation experiments and physical experiments on the robot were conducted to validate that the proposed improved algorithm significantly improves the speed of path planning while also reducing the length of the planned path and improve the reliability of the algorithm when compared with other algorithms.
The ‘Good Death’ versus ‘Euthanasia”
Authors: Trowell Hugh 
Published: July 2024

We pray for a good death and a perfect end in every service of Compline. When is death (thanatos) good (eu-) ? Every man must answer this according to his definition of goodness. Does goodness depend merely on the absence of pain in the sufferer or of grief in the spectators? Death is such a negative subject that to make it good one must see some positive content of love, compassion, even bravery and perhaps immortality set around it, within it and beyond it. Only then is death euthanatos (the good death).Dictionaries define euthanasia as ‘gentle easy death’, but euthanasia is a euphemism which like a shroud hides the reality. When the sprightly old lady died in her sleep no one would call it euthanasia, but it is. If a man had a stroke and sank slowly and gently without pain to death in a couple of days and the doctor gave only one brandy, no one would accuse him of assisting euthanasia.