bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence and responsibility gaps: what is the problem?
Authors: Königs Peter 
Published: August 2022

AbstractRecent 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

AbstractPonds 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractGrowth 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

AbstractIt 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

AbstractSocial 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

AbstractTall 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

AbstractThe 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

Abstract
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

AbstractLinkages 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

AbstractEndogenous 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

AbstractThis 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.
Adsorption behaviour of tetrabromobisphenol A on sediments in Weihe River Basin in Northwest China
Authors: Qiao Weihan , Yuan Xiaoyu , Dong Luyu , Xia Yujin , Wang Xueli 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is adsorbed on sediments in river environments, and various environmental factors have distinct effects on its adsorption behaviour. Investigating the adsorption behaviour of TBBPA on the sediments in Weihe River Basin is critical for protecting the water environment and providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of brominated flame retardant pollution. In this study, the adsorption behaviour of TBBPA on Weihe River sediment was investigated by conducting batch equilibrium experiments, and the effects of pH, dissolved organic matter, and ionic strength on the adsorption of TBBPA were discussed. The obtained results revealed that rapid adsorption was the main mechanism of the TBBPA kinetic adsorption process. The isothermal adsorption behaviour of TBBPA was well fitted by Freundlich model (R2 99.21%) than Langmuir model (R2 98.59%). The adsorption capacity for TBBPA is 34.13 mg/kg. The thermodynamic results revealed that the adsorption process of TBBPA by the sediment was a spontaneous endothermic reaction. The increase in pH and ionic strength inhibited the adsorption of sediments on TBBPA. With the increase in the humic acid concentration, the adsorption of TBBPA initially increased and subsequently decreased. Synchrotron radiation-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the adsorption mechanism of TBBPA on the surface of sediment was mainly π–π and hydrogen bonds. The obtained results are useful for understanding of TBBPA migration and transformation in river water bodies.
Nanosponges by the oxo-Michael polyaddition of cyclodextrins as sorbents of water pollutants: the o-toluidine case
Authors: Pifferi Valentina , Ferrari Elena , Manfredi Amedea , Ferruti Paolo , Alongi Jenny , Ranucci Elisabetta , Falciola Luigi 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHydrophilic cyclodextrin nanosponges were prepared by the oxo-Michael polyaddition in an aqueous solution at pH > 10 of α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrin with 1,4-bisacryloylpiperazine or 2,2-bisacrylamidoacetic acid. These nanosponges and, for comparison purposes, their precursor cyclodextrins were tested as sorbents of o-toluidine, a carcinogenic wastewater contaminant, by monitoring the depletion of o-toluidine from a 10−4 M (10 ppm) aqueous solutions. To this aim, an innovative analytical procedure was used: The voltammetric peak currents of o-toluidine in linear sweep voltammetry experiments were registered using multi-walled carbon nanotubes-modified glassy carbon electrodes. The experimental sorption curves fitted a mono-exponential kinetic model, and the residual o-toluidine was 0.16 ppm, one order of magnitude lower than those of all other sorbents reported so far. The sorption capacities ranged from 88 to 199 µmol g−1 (10–21.3 mg g−1), equal to or higher than those of the parent cyclodextrins. All nanosponges were completely regenerated by extracting with methanol. After regeneration, the sorption capacity slightly improved, suggesting a rearrangement of the nanosponge network. Overall, it may be reasonably concluded that the cyclodextrin nanosponges reported in this paper warrant potential as o-toluidine exhaustive sorbents.