bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Bangla Using Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory
Authors: Siraji Mushfiqul Anwar , Rahman Munia , Saha Bishal , Haque Shamsul 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Mindfulness-based interventions are common in contemporary mental health practices. Hence, the assessment of mindfulness is necessary during those interventions, and the 39-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) is one of the most frequently used tools. As there is a scarcity of mindfulness scales for Bangla-speaking people, we translated this questionnaire into Bangla and validated it with a Bangladeshi community sample.

Method
We collected data from 532 Bangladeshi adults (mean age = 30.22; SD = 5.19), of which 390 were females and 142 were males. The participants completed FFMQ-Bangla, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, Emotional Intelligence Scale, Depression Scale, and Openness and Neuroticism sub-scales of the Big Five Personality Inventory. Item response theory–based analysis evaluated the item quality of the Bangla FFMQ. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) assessed the scale’s structural validity.

Results
Item response theory–based analysis discarded 10 items. Both CFA and ESEM supported the five-faceted model (CFA: CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.94; ESEM: CFI = 0.99; TLI = 0.99) and indicated satisfactory reliability for the remaining 29-item scale (≥ 0.80). ESEM revealed two general components (self-regulated attention and orientation to experience) encompassing the five facets (CFI = 0.99; TLI = 0.93). All those facets exhibited positive correlations with the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, Emotional Intelligence Scale, and the Openness trait and negative correlations with Depression and the Neuroticism trait, revealing the scale’s concurrent validity.

Conclusions
Since the FFMQ-Bangla has exhibited satisfactory reliability and structural and concurrent validity, we recommend that researchers and mental health practitioners use this scale to assess mindfulness among Bangla-speaking people.

Preregistration
This study is not preregistered.
Economic Costs of Work Stoppages Caused by the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Cui Lianbiao , Li Xiao , Weng Shimei , Brutu Madalina , Shahzad Umer 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study explores the economic costs of work stoppages resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. It utilizes a global multiregional dynamic computable general equilibrium model and finds that the higher the proportion of labor compensation in the initial factor distribution, the greater the economic damage. Macroeconomic loss was characterized by a monotonically increasing function, with developed countries potentially incurring greater losses than developing countries. The COVID-19 pandemic had significant negative impacts on the global labor market, with a decline in labor productivity; the cumulative global economic loss in 2020–2022 surpassed $10.4 trillion, of which the EU, the USA, and China contributed 30.44%, 18.74%, and 15.44%, respectively. Countries’ anti-epidemic responses showed great heterogeneity, with South Korea and China’s actions showing the dual advantages of protecting the economy and lives, whereas the EU failed to protect either lives or the economy. This article argues that it was necessary to adopt strict quarantine measures to control the spread of the virus in the early stages of the epidemic, but with a drop in the case fatality rate and the introduction of vaccinations, strict control measures had to be removed to protect the economy.
Folic acid grafted mixed polymeric micelles as a targeted delivery strategy for tamoxifen citrate in treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Nasr Mohamed , Hashem Fahima , Teiama Mohammed , Tantawy Norhan , Abdelmoniem Raghda 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe objective of this study was to develop folic acid (FA) grafted mixed polymeric micelles loaded with Tamoxifen citrate (TMXC) to enhance its antitumor activity in breast tissues. The conjugated folic acid Pluronic 123 (FA-P123) was prepared using carbonyl diimidazole cross-linker chemistry and confirmed using FTIR and 1HNMR. TMXC-loaded P123/P84 (unconjugated) and TMXC-loaded FA-P123/P84 (conjugated) micelles were examined for encapsulation efficiency, particle size, surface charge, in vitro drug release, cytotoxic effect, and cellular uptake by a breast cancer cell line. The conjugated TMXC-loaded micelle exhibited a nanoparticle size of 35.01 ± 1.20 nm, a surface charge of—20.50 ± 0.95 mV, entrapped 87.83 ± 5.10% and released 67.58 ± 2.47% of TMXC after 36 h. The conjugated micelles exhibited a significantly higher cellular uptake of TMXC by the MCF-7 cell line and improved in vitro cytotoxicity by 2.48 folds compared to the TMXC-loaded unconjugated micelles. The results of in vivo studies indicated that TMXC-loaded FA-P123/P84 has a potential antitumor activity, as revealed by a significant reduction of tumor volume in tumor-bearing mice compared to TMXC-loaded unconjugated micelles. In conclusion, the obtained results suggested that conjugated FA-P123/P84 micelles could be an encouraging carrier for the treatment of breast cancer with TMXC.
Graphical abstract
Elastic metamaterials with fractional-order resonators
Authors: Kaczmarek Marcin B. , HosseinNia S. Hassan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractElastic metamaterials incorporating locally resonating unit cells can create bandgap regions with lower vibration transmissibility at longer wavelengths than the lattice size and offer a promising solution for vibration isolation and attenuation. However, when resonators are applied to a finite host structure, not only the bandgap but also additional resonance peaks in its close vicinity are created. Increasing the damping of the resonator, which is a conventional approach for removing the undesired resonance peaks, results in shallowing of the bandgap region. To alleviate this problem, we introduce an elastic metamaterial with resonators of fractional order. We study a one-dimensional structure with lumped elements, which allows us to isolate the underlying phenomena from irrelevant system complexities. Through analysis of a single unit cell, we present the working principle of the metamaterial and the benefits it provides. We then derive the dispersion characteristics of an infinite structure. For a finite metastructure, we demonstrate that the use of fractional-order elements reduces undesired resonances accompanying the bandgap, without sacrificing its depth.
Biofilm formation on microplastics in wastewater: insights into factors, diversity and inactivation strategies
Authors: Rajcoomar S. , Amoah I. D. , Abunama T. , Mohlomi N. , Bux F. , Kumari S. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMicroplastic (MP) occurrence in wastewater poses serious threats to aquatic organisms due to their ecological impact. Additionally, these microplastics may provide a unique habitat for microbial biofilms. This study explored the possible factors that facilitate biofilm formation on different MPs in a wastewater environment. Biofilm formation was determined via measurement of optical density (OD) and confirmed using scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, microbial community profiling was performed via 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The highest biofilm formation occurred after 3 weeks of exposure, followed by a decline to its lowest after 5 weeks. Biofilms were predominant on MPs that were exposed to dark conditions, mesophilic temperature (25 °C) and aerobic conditions. Under these conditions, a positive correlation was observed between the OD value and ammonia (NH3) (r = 0.824) and nitrite (NO2) concentrations (r = 0.1). However, a negative correlation (r = −0.673) was found between the OD value and nitrate (NO3) levels in the medium. Furthermore, the highest biofilm formation was observed on polyethylene particles. The most dominant phyla in both the biofilms and wastewater medium were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Planctomycetes, with Methylotenera being the most abundant genera in the biofilms. In general, the polypropylene particles supported the most diverse bacterial community (H' = 2.51138 and Simpson index = 11.096), while high-density polyethylene supported the least diverse bacterial community (H' = 0.88779 and Simpson index = 1.5324). The study also demonstrated that both UV and chlorine treatments were effective in inactivating these biofilms, within 30 and 10 min, respectively.
Exploring the Dynamic Relationship of Transformational Leadership Behavior and Leader Well-Being: A Three-Wave Cross-Lagged Panel Study
Authors: Poetz Lennart , Volmer Judith 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLeadership behavior is associated with leader well-being. Yet, existing research, with the majority representing cross-sectional studies, limits our understanding of the association over time, potential mediating mechanisms, and potential reciprocal relations. Based on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, we test between- and within-person relationships between transformational leadership and leader vigor as well as emotional exhaustion over time. In addition, we include leaders’ occupational self-efficacy, information exchange with followers, and meaning of work as mediators. 132 leaders participated in a fully cross-lagged study across three consecutive weeks. We analyzed the data with a random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) that allows separating the within- and between-person variance in our variables. At the between-person level, transformational leadership was positively related to vigor, occupational self-efficacy, information exchange, and meaning of work. At the within-person level, there were no lagged associations of transformational leadership and well-being, but a positive lagged effect of vigor in one week on information exchange and meaning of work in the next week. Within one week, transformational leadership was related to occupational self-efficacy, meaning of work, and vigor (positive, respectively) and to emotional exhaustion (negative) within persons. In line with COR theory, we discuss transformational leadership as a resource for leaders associated with greater well-being for leaders. Our study contributes to the literature on dynamic leadership behavior and the mechanisms between leadership and leader well-being
Organo-mineral Fertilizer Containing Struvite from Liquid Digestate for Cucurbita pepo L. Seedling Production
Authors: Melito Sara , Ronga Domenico , Marceddu Daniele , Kallikazarou Nomiki I. , Antoniou Maria G. , Giannini Vittoria 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe increasing demand for sustainable fertilizers has made phosphorus recovery from waste a win–win solution. The present study shows the effects of two different types of organo-mineral fertilizers, derived from liquid digestate, on Cucurbita pepo L. (zucchini) seed germination and seedling growth. Organo-mineral fertilizers (OMF) were obtained from two biogas plants—one in Cyprus and one in Sardinia. In Cyprus, it was extracted from the digestate of mixed agricultural by-products. In Sardinia, it was extracted from the digestate of bovine slurry. Different treatment levels, compared with the traditional fertilizers, were applied in a nursery: (i) business-as-usual (0.04 g of N, 0.03 g of P2O5, 0.07 of K2O per seedling), (ii) half business-as-usual level, (iii) double business-as-usual level. Agronomic, physiological, and quality parameters were assessed. At the germination level, comparable results were shown for traditional fertilizers and OMF treatments. A significant rate-response effect was observed for leaf number and area. Cyprus OMF and traditional fertilizer showed a comparable trend with the highest value at the double business-as-usual level or fertilizer. A similar trend was observed for other biometric parameters and for fresh and dry biomasses. The highest total polyphenol and anthocyanin values were recorded under Cyprus OMF and traditional fertilizer treatments at the business-as-usual level. Cyprus OMF at the highest level (2BAU, business-as-usual) presents a comparable effect on seedling growth and to traditional fertilizers probably due to the use of different agro-industrial by-products and suggesting its potential use as an alternative nutrient supply.
The Urban Circularity Assessment Framework (UCAF): a Framework for Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning from CE Transitions in Cities
Authors: Vanhuyse Fedra 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWhile several studies have been undertaken to understand the circular economy (CE) in cities, there needs to be a comprehensive framework acknowledging why certain decisions related to the CE have been taken. This paper proposes a framework building on literature reviews on circular cities and engagements with cities. Our research objectives are to improve how the CE is understood at the city level; and support the planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning on the CE at the city level. Our framework locates urban CE strategies and visions, biophysical and socio-economic urban stocks and flows, and institutional arrangements within the triple bottom line concept and conceptualises how they interact. Our case studies with two cities provide insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the cities’ CE approaches. It can help identify priority interventions.
Study of active design strategies to enhance physical activity in university educational buildings: a case study at King Abdulaziz University
Authors: Mahfoudh Rawan , Ghabra Noura 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSaudi Arabia is taking significant steps to improve urban lifestyles by implementing the Quality-of-Life Program, which focuses on increasing public participation in physical activities. Studies have shown a link between physical inactivity and poor health. A large percentage of the adult population does not meet the World Health Organization's physical activity recommendations due to many reasons, including the lack of active design strategies in the built environment. This research aims to measure the extent to which active design strategies are applied in university buildings at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia and suggest recommendations for university educational buildings in KSA. A comparative analysis of systems for evaluating the application of active design strategies was conducted, and The Movement Checklist in WELL Building Standard was used as a tool to evaluate educational buildings. Additionally, a questionnaire and interviews were used to identify the awareness of the study sample of the importance of physical activity and to discover appropriate active design strategies for them. The findings of this research will help to inform the development of active design strategies that can be applied to university educational buildings in KSA and will contribute to achieving the objectives of the National Transformation Program's Quality-of-Life Program.
Development and performance assessment of a new opensource Bayesian inference R platform for building energy model calibration
Authors: Hou Danlin , Zhan Dongxue , Wang Liangzhu , Hassan Ibrahim Galal , Sezer Nurettin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMany factors contribute to the inherent uncertainty of energy consumption modeling in buildings. It is essential to perform a calibration and sensitivity analysis in order to manage these uncertainties. Despite the availability of several calibration methods, they are often deterministic and lack quantified uncertainties. Moreover, the selection of parameters in building energy modeling for calibration depends on the user’s experience. Therefore, a more rigorous selection process is required. This study developed a new automated Bayesian Inference calibration platform running as an R package. A sensitivity analysis module and a Bayesian inference module determine the calibration parameters and uncertainties, respectively. The Meta-model module is developed to replace the building energy model for the Markov Chain Monte Carlo process to save computing time. The proposed platform is successfully demonstrated on a synthetic high-rise office building and a real high-rise residential building in a hot and arid climate. The relationship between the number of calibration parameters, calibration performance, and the accuracy of the Meta-model is further discussed. The developed calibration platform in this study proved to have clear advantages over the existing platforms, with the ability to reasonably estimate building energy performance in a short computing time.
Transcriptome analysis of resistant and susceptible grapes reveals molecular mechanisms underlying resistance of white rot disease
Authors: Li Peng , Tan Xibei , Wanghao  , Sun Lei , Jiang Jianfu , Fan Xiucai , Liu Chonghuai , Zhang Ying 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGrape production in China is significantly impacted by white rot disease, which is caused by Coniella diplodiella (Speg.) Sacc. This study analyzes the differences in leaf transcriptomes and phenotypes of two grape species, ‘Manicure Finger (Vitis vinifera L.)’ and ‘0940 (Vitis davidii Foex)’, following inoculation with C. diplodiella. Leaf anatomy and H2O2 content confirm the greater resistance of '0940' to C. diplodiella compared to 'Manicure Finger.' Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals that the defense mechanism of '0940' against C. diplodiella involves sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis, plant-pathogen interactions, sulfur relay systems, suberin and wax biosynthesis, monoterpenoid biosynthesis, as well as flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis pathways. Using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), we identified three modules highly correlated with C. diplodiella resistance and 125 candidate genes, including resistant genes (R genes), pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), and pathogenesis-related proteins genes (PR genes), which may play important roles in grape resistance to this disease.
Reimagining public policy formulation and analysis: a comprehensive theoretical framework for public policy
Authors: Manazir Sharique Hassan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis research paper delves into the intricate domain of policy science, focusing on the policy-making process itself. Existing theoretical frameworks in policy science often overlook essential nuances, particularly the role of political willingness causing non-linearity in the policy-making process. Three fundamental questions drive the research at hand. First, the research delves into the adequacy of existing policy frameworks in effectively elucidating the complexities of policymaking in the context of large democracies, with a particular focus on India. Second, it investigates the significant role of political willingness in shaping the trajectory of policymaking, particularly within democratic systems. Lastly, the research aims to construct a comprehensive framework capable of accommodating and explaining the non-linear dynamics introduced by the influence of political willingness throughout the policy-making process. Through an analysis of India's Data Protection Regulation formulation process, this paper attempts to map the existing gap and way forward. As an outcome of the case study analysis, the proposed framework introduces political willingness as a central element extending the policy formulation cycle and showcases its influence on agenda setting, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation. This research contributes to the field of policy science by providing a comprehensive framework that accounts for the complexities of policymaking, especially in the Indian context. By acknowledging the pivotal role of political willingness, this framework seeks to bridge the gap in existing theoretical models, offering a more holistic understanding of policy formulation and analysis. This research lays the foundation for a paradigm shift in the study of policy science, addressing the challenges posed by evolving governance mechanisms and the rising influence of political agendas in the modern world.
Revisiting debates over China’s proposed Antarctic specially managed area at Dome A: a test of consistency for the Antarctic Treaty System
Authors: Jiang Maozeng , Tang Jianye 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFacing the challenges arising from climate change and biodiversity loss, the tool of protected areas has been gaining increasing attention. This phenomenon is similarly observed in the Antarctic. At this critical juncture, revisiting the practice of the Antarctic Treaty System in relation to the Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA), particularly China’s proposal to designate an ASMA at Dome A in 2013, will be valuable. This paper compares several key features of existing ASMAs, including their management plans, and reviews the debates on China’s proposal since 2013. Three dilemmas of the Antarctic Treaty System are observed, and thorough analyses are conducted. This paper argues that China’s proposal fully complies with the rules of the Environmental Protocol, and safeguarding and promoting consistency in the application and interpretation of the rules of the Antarctic Treaty and its Environmental Protocol should be the top priority for the Antarctic Treaty System.
Relationship Between Community Resilience and Quality of Life of Disaster-Affected People: Reinforcement Effects of the Perception of Government Relief Services in South Korea
Authors: Park Hyung-Joo , Shin Yerim , Lee Soo-Bi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective:
The occurrence of various forms of disasters has increased worldwide. In South Korea, community resilience is particularly emphasized, especially in response to large-scale disasters in regional and group units. This study investigated the association between community resilience and the quality of life of disaster-affected people, and identified the moderating effects of perception of government relief services.

Methods:
Data from the third long-term survey on the change of life of disaster-affected people conducted in 2018 by the National Disaster Management Research Institute were used. The study selected 1046 participants ages ≥ 19 years from among the disaster-affected people. Statistical analyses were performed using Model 1 of the PROCESS Macro 4.0 in the SPSS program.

Results:
Community resilience positively affected disaster-affected people’s quality of life. The perception of government relief services significantly strengthened the association between community resilience and quality of life.

Conclusions:
The study highlights the importance of enhancing community resilience to improve disaster-affected people’s quality of life and emphasizes the role of perception of government relief services in reinforcing this relationship. Several practical and political measures that focus on improving community resilience and perception of government relief services are suggested to enhance disaster-affected people’s quality of life.