bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One-Step Polyester Dyeing and Antibacterial Treatment Using Innovative Thiazole Azo Dyes in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Sofan Mamdouh , Elsisi Hanan , El-Taweel Fathy , El-nagar Khaled , Yuesf Mohamed , Negm Elham 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA novel approach in the field, a range of new azothiazole dyes substituted with different hydrophobic groups, was utilized as colorants for dyeing polyester fabrics in a supercritical carbon dioxide environment. The innovative dyes were analyzed using standard spectroscopy techniques and elemental analysis. The dyeing process was assessed for its dyeing ability, color strength, and color fastness for twelve different dyes. The polyester fabrics dyed with these dyes appeared in various shades, between red and magenta. Using the AATCC method, the antibacterial assessment revealed that some dyes exhibited significant antibacterial properties against both positive and negative bacteria. All 12 dyes showed outstanding resistance to washing, rubbing, and light, with staining and color change ratings of 4–5. The results indicate that the synthesized dyes could be employed for large-scale, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly polyester fabric dyeing utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide.
Graphical abstract
Post-War Ukraine: A Kind of “Big Israel” in Europe?
Authors: Ginzburg Boris 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn April 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argued that post-war Ukraine could resemble a “big Israel” in Europe regarding its security policy. But what implications would this have on the European security order? By comparing Kyiv’s and Jerusalem’s security circumstances, this paper shows that Ukraine cannot view itself as a “European Israel”, although some parallels exist between both states. However, Israel’s foreign policy could serve as a template for Kyiv.
The metabolic profiles of phenolic acids and aromatic amino acids in the Orobanche crenata parasite and its host faba bean at different infestation stages
Authors: El-Mergawi Ragab , El-Dabaa Mahmoud , Elkhawaga Fathia 
Published: October 2024

AbstractOrobanche crenata is a root holoparasite that depends on its host for nutritional requirements. The shikimate pathway that metabolizes about 30% of the assimilated carbon in photosynthetic plants plays a role in host-parasite relationships. Aromatic amino acids (AAAs) and phenolic acids are derived from the shikimate pathway and serve as precursors of a wide number of primary and secondary metabolites. The effects of the O. crenata parasite on the phenolic acid and AAA profiles of two faba bean varieties and the differences of these compounds between the host organs and attached parasite at infestation stages were studied. Hosts and attached parasites were collected and divided, depending on the stage of parasite development, into four stages. The results revealed that phenolic acids and free AAAs tended to increase in parasitized roots compared to those of healthy roots, and the greatest increase in phenolic contents occurred at the first infestation stage. Syringic acid was observed to be unique to the parasite. Profiles of phenolic acids and AAAs were changed during the developmental stages of the parasite and differed from those of its host. Caffeic in the parasite reached more than 100 times that in Nubaria 4 host roots at the fourth infestation stage. Free phenylalanine in the parasite ranged between 2.2 and 5.5 times its level in host roots at all infestation stages. This study provides much evidence that indicates O. crenata is able to self-regulate its phenolic and AAA metabolites during its developmental stages, which differ from those of its host.
Performance of an Oral Rinse Point-Of-Care Assay to aid in the diagnosis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) in a High-Risk Danish Ear-Nose Throat (ENT) Clinic
Authors: Jensen David Hebbelstrup , Klokker Mads 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Oral examination and biopsy are established methods for early detection of oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OOSCC). The aim of the current study was to evaluate performance of a point-of-care (POC) assay to aid in the diagnosis of head and neck cancer.

Materials and methods
150 consecutive patients were enrolled from a high-risk ear nose and throat clinic at the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark. A positive POC test represented as a CD44 band or elevated level of total protein (TP) was correlated with biopsy results and then evaluated with sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), PPV, NPV and multivariate models.

Results
119 patients enrolled between January 2016 and April 2017. Presence of a CD44 band or TP ≥3: Se of 73% (95% CI 57.0–84.6%), Sp of 50% (95% CI 39.4–60.5%), and NPV of 94.77% (95% CI 84.12–98.33%). CD44 band or TP of ≥ 2 for non-smkers and ≥ 3 for smokers improved performance: Se 81% (95%CI 66–90%) and Sp 33% (95%CI 24–44%), NPV of 94%. Multivariate models with male gender and ≥ 60 years: Se of 84% (95%CI 67–92%) and Sp of 37% (95%CI 27–47%), NPV of 95%. Non-biopsied, healthy, non-smoking, females (n = 17): Sp of 78%.

Conclusions
POC assay performed well for identifying OOSCC in a prospective clinical trial. Clinical features such as age, smoking status and gender are important variables in assessing risk. Additional studies are underway to further confirm these results including the incorporation of a version 2 POC device.
The Mindful Brain at Rest: Neural Oscillations and Aperiodic Activity in Experienced Meditators
Authors: McQueen Brittany , Murphy Oscar W. , Fitzgerald Paul B. , Bailey Neil W. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Previous research has demonstrated that mindfulness meditation is associated with a variety of benefits, including improved mental health. Researchers have suggested these benefits may be underpinned by differences in neural oscillations. However, previous studies measuring neural oscillations have not controlled for non-oscillatory neural activity, the power spectrum of which follows a 1/f distribution (whereby the power of neural activity at each frequency is inversely proportional to that frequency (such that as frequency increases, power decreases)) and contributes to power measurements within oscillation frequencies of interest. We applied recently developed methods to determine if past findings related to neural oscillations in meditation are present even after controlling for non-oscillatory 1/f activity.

Method
Forty-eight experienced meditators and 44 demographically matched non-meditators provided resting electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. Whole-scalp EEG comparisons (topographical ANOVAs) were used to test for differences between meditators and non-meditators in the distribution or global power of activity for theta, alpha, beta, and gamma oscillations, and for the 1/f components slope and intercept using the extended Better OSCillation detection toolbox.

Results
Results indicated that meditators showed differences in theta, alpha, and gamma oscillatory power compared to non-meditators (all p < 0.05). Post hoc testing suggested that the oscillatory differences were primarily driven by differences in the distribution of neural activity between meditators and non-meditators, rather than differences in the overall power across all scalp electrodes.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that experience with meditation is associated with higher oscillatory power and altered distributions of theta, alpha, and gamma oscillations, even after controlling for non-oscillatory 1/f activity. Band-specific differences in oscillatory activity may be a mechanism through which meditation leads to neurophysiological benefits.

Preregistration
This study was not preregistered.
Bias-Motivated Physical or Verbal Violence Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: Findings from the Lisbon Cohort of MSM
Authors: Vieira Laís , Fraga Sílvia , Rocha Miguel , Oliveira Miguel , Meireles Paula 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Victimization based on sexual orientation or gender identity is a cause for concern. Bias-motivated violence affect not only the individuals targeted but also their communities and societies as a whole.

Objective
To estimate the proportion of bias-motivated victimization among cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and to compare sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and HIV and syphilis test results between victims and non-victims.

Methods
We used data from the baseline visit of 2811 adult cisgender MSM from July 2017 to December 2020 in the Lisbon Cohort of MSM. Victimization was defined as self-reported lifetime or recent (in the previous 12 months) experience of physical or verbal violence motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity. Rapid HIV and syphilis tests determined serostatus. We conducted descriptive statistics to summarize the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and the prevalence of victimization and compared groups using the Student t-test or Mann–Whitney U test and chi-square test, as appropriate.

Results
Overall, 40.3% of participants reported lifetime bias-motivated physical or verbal violence, and 11.7% reported recent victimization. Recent victimization contexts more frequently reported were street/neighborhood (67.9%) and workplace/school (35.5%). Victimization was associated with younger age (mean age: 26.5 vs 30.2, p-value < 0.001), being born in Brazil or other American countries, or being 14 or younger at their anal intercourse with a man debut (19.5% vs. 11.0%, p-value < 0.001). Lifetime victimization was not significantly associated with reactive results for HIV (p-value = 0.135) or syphilis (p-value = 0.760).

Conclusion
The violence motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity was quite frequent in this community. The occurrence of violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the Lisbon Cohort of MSM was associated with adverse social conditions and health risk behaviors.

Policy Implications
Raising awareness about bias-motivated violence as a hate crime may deter potential aggressions. Primary violence prevention should tackle specificities of sexual and gender minorities.
In silico analysis of R2R3-MYB transcription factors in the basal eudicot model, Aquilegia coerulea
Authors: Phukela Banisha , Leonard Hanna , Sapir Yuval 
Published: October 2024

AbstractR2R3-MYBs are an important group of transcription factors that regulate crucial developmental processes across the plant kingdom; yet no comprehensive analysis of the R2R3-MYBs in the early-diverging eudicot clade of Ranunculaceae has been conducted so far. In the present study, Aquilegia coerulea is chosen to understand the extent of conservation and divergence of R2R3-MYBs as a representative of the family by analysing the genomic distribution, organization, gene structure, physiochemical properties, protein architecture, evolution and possible mode of expansion. Genome-wide analysis showed the presence of 82 putative homologues classified into 21 subgroups, based on phylogenetic analysis of full-length protein sequences. The domain has remained largely conserved across all homologues with few differences from the characterized Arabidopsis thaliana R2R3-MYBs. The topology of the phylogenetic tree remains the same when full-length protein sequences are used, indicating that the evolution of R2R3-MYBs is driven by the domain region only. This is supported by the presence of similar structures of exon–intron and conserved motifs within the same subgroup. Furthermore, comparisons of the AqcoeR2R3-MYB members with monocots and core-eudicots revealed the evolutionary expansion of a few functional clades, such as A. thaliana R2R3-MYB subgroup 6 (SG6), the upstream regulatory factors of floral pigment biosynthesis and floral color. The reconstructed evolutionary history of SG6-like genes across angiosperms highlights the occurrence of independent duplication events in the genus Aquilegia. AqcoeR2R3-MYB genes are present in all seven chromosomes of A. coerulea, most of which result from local and segmental duplications. Selection analysis of these duplicated gene pairs indicates purifying selection except one, and the physiochemical analyses of R2R3-MYBs reveal differences among the MYBs signifying their functional diversification. This study paves the way for further investigation of paralogous copies and their probable role in the evolution of different floral traits in A. coerulea. It lays the foundation for functional genomic studies of R2R3-MYBs in the basal eudicots and facilitates comparative studies among angiosperms. The work also provides a framework for deciphering novel genetic regulatory pathways that govern the diversity of floral morphology.
Parameter-adaptive variational autoencoder for linear/nonlinear blind source separation
Authors: Wei Yuan-Hao , Ni Yi-Qing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBlind source separation (BSS) serves as an important technique in the field of structural health monitoring (SHM), particularly for solving modal decomposition tasks. This study proposes a novel approach to both linear and nonlinear BSS problems in the Variational Autoencoder (VAE) framework, where the encoding and decoding processes of VAE are interpreted as procedures for inferring sources from observations and remixing these sources, respectively. In this way, the distribution of latent variables inferred by VAE is equivalent to the distribution of sources. We make improvements to the vanilla VAE to augment its effectiveness for BSS. First, we substitute standard normal distributions with trainable Gaussian processes (GP) as priors for latent variables and implement an exponential function as the activation function for adaptive parameters in the GP kernel functions. While the form of the priors is set as GP, the parameters of their kernel functions are not fixed but automatically converge to suitable values during the model training process. Additionally, a hyperparameter is introduced to balance the terms in the loss function. The proposed method is referred to as parameter-adaptive VAE (PAVAE). Then, upon different assumptions of the variances of sources, the proposed PAVAE is branched into two types: homoscedastic PAVAE (Ho-PAVAE) and heteroscedastic PAVAE (He-PAVAE). Through numerical and laboratory experiments, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in solving BSS problems and their potential to underpin future research in SHM.
Towards a probabilistic foundation of relativistic quantum theory: the one-body Born rule in curved spacetime
Authors: Reddiger Maik , Poirier Bill 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this work, we establish a novel approach to the foundations of relativistic quantum theory, which is based on generalizing the quantum-mechanical Born rule for determining particle position probabilities to curved spacetime. A principal motivator for this research has been to overcome internal mathematical problems of relativistic quantum field theory (QFT) such as the ‘problem of infinities’ (renormalization), which axiomatic approaches to QFT have shown to be not only of mathematical but also of conceptual nature. The approach presented here is probabilistic by construction, can accommodate a wide array of dynamical models, does not rely on the symmetries of Minkowski spacetime, and respects the general principle of relativity. In the analytical part of this work, we consider the 1-body case under the assumption of smoothness of the mathematical quantities involved. This is identified as a special case of the theory of the general-relativistic continuity equation. While related approaches to the relativistic generalization of the Born rule assume the hypersurfaces of interest to be spacelike and the spacetime to be globally hyperbolic, we employ prior contributions by C. Eckart and J. Ehlers to show that the former condition is naturally replaced by a transversality condition and that the latter one is obsolete. We discuss two distinct formulations of the 1-body case, which, borrowing terminology from the non-relativistic analog, we term the Lagrangian and Eulerian pictures. We provide a comprehensive treatment of both. The main contribution of this work to the mathematical physics literature is the development of the Lagrangian picture. The Langrangian picture shows how one can address the ‘problem of time’ in this approach and, therefore, serves as a blueprint for the generalization to many bodies and the case that the number of bodies is not conserved. We also provide an example to illustrate how this approach can in principle be employed to model particle creation and annihilation.
Cactus doodles
Authors: Mostovoy Jacob , Rincón-Prat Andrea 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCactus doodles are combinatorial/geometric objects that are related to cactus groups in the same way as knots are related to braids. We define them in terms of local moves on plane curves, show that they can be obtained from elements of the cactus group by a “closing” procedure and establish some of their basic properties.
On the Identification and Use of Social versus Nonsocial Reinforcers: A Review of Research Practices
Authors: Morris Samuel L. , Bridges Katherine G. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRecent research has developed efficacious methods for identifying individualized social reinforcers and utilizing social reinforcers may be beneficial for several reasons. However, the relative likelihood of utilizing social versus nonsocial reinforcers in behavior-analytic research remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate how likely behavior analysts are to employ social versus nonsocial reinforcers in the context of research. We pursued this aim by evaluating the types of reinforcers utilized in research published during the past 9 years in five applied behavior-analytic journals. Results suggest that researchers in applied behavior analysis have been more likely to use individualized nonsocial reinforcers than individualized social reinforcers. Moreover, when social reinforcers were employed, they were much more likely to be generic and not individualized. These data suggest there is room for improvement in the types of programmed reinforcement contingencies we use in research and ways of facilitating such improvement are discussed. Implications and directions for future research evaluating current practices, demonstrating the utility of social reinforcers, and comparing the utility of social versus nonsocial reinforcers are also discussed.
Intersecting Epidemics: Examining the Impact of Internalized Homophobia and Depression Symptoms on HIV Testing Through a Suicide Syndemic Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Boyd Donte T. , Martinez Omar , Mammadli Tural , Shamrock Osman Wumpini , Abu-Ba’are Gamji Rabiu , Dyer Typhanye V. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractYoung Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in the USA face disproportionate rates of HIV incidence. Mental health vulnerabilities, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and trauma, further exacerbate the HIV epidemic among this population. Internalized homophobia, discrimination, and depression contribute to elevated rates of suicidal behavior among young BMSM, which in turn may influence engagement in HIV prevention behaviors, such as HIV testing. However, limited research has examined the interplay among suicidal behaviors, internalized homophobia, depression, and HIV testing among young BMSM. This study utilized syndemic theory to explore the relationships among these factors in a sample of 400 young BMSM ages 18–29. Results indicate alarming rates of suicidal behavior among young BMSM, with significant associations among internalized homophobia, depression symptoms, suicidal behavior, and HIV testing. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and HIV prevention services tailored to address the unique challenges faced by young BMSM. Comprehensive, multi-level, community-centered interventions are essential to address the syndemics affecting young BMSM, promoting holistic health and well-being while improving outcomes across the HIV prevention continuum.
Do Emission Trading Systems, Green Technology, and Environmental Governance Matter for Environmental Quality? Evidence from the European Union
Authors: Radulescu Magdalena , Hossain Mohammad Razib , Alofaysan Hind , Si Mohammed Kamel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This study investigates how emission trading systems can diminish the ecological footprint in the European Union bloc by considering the contribution of eco-friendly technology and ecological governance through another market-based intervention (i.e., environmental tax). Using PQARDL in the 26 EU members for data during 2011–2021, the study demonstrates that carbon pricing emission trading systems successfully reduce emissions in medium and upper quantiles but have little influence on lower quantiles. As businesses and consumers face higher costs for carbon-intensive activities, they are encouraged to adopt cleaner technologies and more sustainable practices. Over time, this shift decreases overall carbon emissions and resource consumption, which helps lower ecological pressure. Additionally, Europe's robust regulatory framework and commitment to climate goals ensure that carbon pricing is enforced consistently, further amplifying its positive environmental impact. Eco-friendly technology innovation appears to be a powerful tool for achieving rapid environmental advantages, leading to a considerable reduction in environmental footprint across various levels. Climate-smart patents can significantly curb emissions within the ecosystem and help balance the economy and the environment. Environmental taxes work alongside carbon pricing and green patents to incentivize individuals and corporations to adopt more sustainable practices in the 26 EU members. By unraveling the multifaceted relationships underpinning emission trading systems, renewable energy, green patents, and environmental tax, this study provides actionable insights to guide strategic decisions and policy formulations to reduce the ecological footprint.
Simulation of floods under the influence of effective factors in hydraulic and hydrological models using HEC-RAS and MIKE 21
Authors: Ansarifard Sara , Eyvazi Morteza , kalantari Mahsa , mohseni Behrooz , Ghorbanifard Mahdi , Moghaddam Hadi Jafakesh , Nouri Maryam 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSimulating floods and creating vulnerability maps are essential in urban watershed management systems. The present research aimed to simulate floods and assess floodplain risk in the Khalkai watershed located in Gilan Province, Iran. This river is characterized by extensive agricultural areas and urban areas that become flooded during most rainy seasons. Hence, an accurate assessment of flood extent and behavior is necessary. This study employs HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, and MIKE 21 for advanced hydrodynamic modeling, focusing on two-dimensional (2D) capabilities essential for urban areas and flood is simulated with probability return periods of 50, 100, and 500 years. The research objectives include comparing HEC-RAS and MIKE 21 to identify the most effective flood simulation model, evaluating the impact of hydrological and hydraulic factors, the influence of GPS topographic mapping compared with DEMs extracted from satellite images and assessing land-use changes on flood behavior. Model accuracy is validated against historical flood data, revealing that MIKE 21 effectively addresses challenges related to grid resolution and flood delineation. Results indicate that while HEC-RAS provides a broader extent of flooding, both models offer critical insights into flood depth and flow characteristics. This research contributes to enhanced flood risk management by illustrating the implications of land-use changes on flood events, offering valuable insights for policymakers in mitigating future flood impacts and developing sustainable urban strategies.