bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Québec-U.S. Relationship: Contributing Forces and Policy Choices
Authors: Gagnon Frédérick , Kirkey Christopher , Paquin Stéphane 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This chapter, which sets forth the scope and general framework of the book, considers Québec’s paradiplomatic activities in the international community, with specific reference to the United States. The essay further considers the work of previous scholars who have examined the Québec-U.S. relationship, and advances a summary of the theoretical constructs and empirical evidence featured in each chapter of the book.
20 Years of Climate Paradiplomacy Between Québec and the United States
Authors: Chaloux Annie , Boudreau Jennyfer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This chapter examines the evolution of relations between Québec and U.S. states over the past 20 years on the issue of climate change. Through the case studies of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian premiers, as well as the Western Climate Initiative, the authors illustrate that cooperation between Québec and its U.S. counterparts has been not only maintained but also strengthened over time. Shared energy and environmental interests (notably the export of hydroelectricity), along with similar constitutional powers and the institutionalization of these cooperative bonds, partly account for why, despite the political shifts of the last two decades, Québec's climate paradiplomacy with the U.S. states has been maintained without disruption.
Québec-U.S. Relations: “It’s the Economy Stupid!”
Authors: Paquin Stéphane , Millette Alexandre 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This chapter explores the evolving relationship between Québec and the United States through distinctive periods from the confederation of Canada in 1867–2023. Through this historical analysis, we define shifts in diplomatic approaches and economic strategies. Building on previous work, which established five distinctive periods, we believe Québec-U.S. relations entered a sixth period, in 2014, marked by a significant focus on economic policies under the administrations of Philippe Couillard and François Legault. This chapter emphasizes Legault’s government actions addressing economic issues, such as the Investissement Québec reform and the publication of Québec’s International Vision and Territorial Strategy for the United States. Nonetheless, Québec’s economic-centric approach is positioned against the renewal of protectionism in the United States. While Québec’s government tries to leverage the post-pandemic economic recovery to stimulate global exports, mainly within the strategic perimeter of the United States, protectionism and high inflation looms over the province. The chapter concludes by prompting a reflection on the sustainability of Québec’s one-track economic-focused approach by wondering if a more balanced strategy might be needed in the future.
Between Charm Offensives and Confrontations: A Brief Portrait of the Defense of Québec’s Commercial Interests Before American Authorities
Authors: McSweeney Patrick , Ouellet Richard 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The essential question examined in this chapter is: what does Québec do to protect its trade interests in the U.S.? After briefly explaining why Québec is directly involved in the protection of its trade with the U.S., this paper presents the legal basis for Québec’s engagement in international trade and the importance of the commercial partnership between Québec and the U.S. Then, three different situations are examined: when the sun is shining and Québec can promote its interests by its network of “economic diplomacy”; when clouds are gathering and advocacy efforts must become more focused between Québec and U.S. officials; and, when the storm begins, the dispute gets formal and the lawyers are at the front lines, before courts or arbitral panels.
Adapting to Distinct Societies: Québec Policy and Paradiplomacy in Migration
Authors: Carter Neal 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Québec faces a key policy dilemma as it tries to maintain its distinct society, enhance its economic future, and maintain its demographic power in Canada. While Québec has some limited powers over immigration granted in the Canadian constitution, it uses cooperation with the Canadian government and paradiplomacy to enhance its powers. The recent refugee crisis of Roxham Road challenged Canada, Québec, and the United States to alter their policy. This chapter places the crisis in the context of paradiplomacy, the history of migration, and Québec’s attempt to maintain its distinct society. While the revision of the Safe Third Country Agreement mitigated the crisis, it did little to address the underlying concerns.
Pair Crossing Number, Cutwidth, and Good Drawings on Arbitrary Point Sets
Authors: Pi Oriol Solé 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Determining whether there exists a graph such that its crossing number and pair crossing number are distinct is an important open problem in geometric graph theory. We show that

$$\textit{cr}(G)=O(\mathop {\textrm{pcr}}(G)^{3/2})$$

cr

(
G
)

=
O
(
pcr

(
G
)

3
/
2

)

for every graph G, improving the previous best bound by a logarithmic factor. Answering a question of Pach and Tóth, we prove that the bisection width (and, in fact, the cutwidth as well) of a graph G with degree sequence

$$d_1,d_2,\dots ,d_n$$

d
1

,

d
2

,
⋯
,

d
n

satisfies

$$\mathop {\textrm{bw}}(G)=O\big (\sqrt{\mathop {\textrm{pcr}}(G)+\sum _{k=1}^n d_k^2}\big )$$

bw

(
G
)

=
O

(

pcr

(
G
)

+

∑

k
=
1

n

d
k
2

)

. Then we show that there is a constant

$$C\ge 1$$

C
≥
1

such that the following holds: For any graph G of order n and any set S of at least

$$n^C$$

n
C

points in general position on the plane, G admits a straight-line drawing which maps the vertices to points of S and has no more than

$$O\left( \log n\cdot \left( \mathop {\textrm{pcr}}(G)+\sum _{k=1}^n d_k^2\right) \right) $$

O

log
n
·

pcr

(
G
)

+

∑

k
=
1

n

d
k
2

crossings. Our proofs rely on a slightly modified version of a separator theorem for string graphs by Lee, which might be of independent interest.
The AGM of Gauss, Ramanujan’s corresponding theory, and spectral bounds of self-adjoint operators
Authors: Faulhuber Markus , Gumber Anupam , Shafkulovska Irina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We study the spectral bounds of self-adjoint operators on the Hilbert space of square-integrable functions, arising from the representation theory of the Heisenberg group. Interestingly, starting either with the von Neumann lattice or the hexagonal lattice of density 2, the spectral bounds obey well-known arithmetic–geometric mean iterations. This follows from connections to Jacobi theta functions and Ramanujan’s corresponding theories. As a consequence, we rediscover that these operators resemble the identity operator as the density of the lattice grows. We also prove that the conjectural value of Landau’s constant is obtained as half the cubic arithmetic–geometric mean of

$$\root 3 \of {2}$$

2
3

and 1, which we believe to be a new result.
A practical and online trajectory planner for autonomous ships’ berthing, incorporating speed control
Authors: Mwange Agnes N. , Rachman Dimas M. , Suyama Rin , Maki Atsuo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Autonomous ships are designed and equipped to perceive their internal and external environments and subsequently take appropriate actions based on predefined objective(s) without human intervention. Consequently, trajectory-planning algorithms for autonomous berthing must consider factors such as system dynamics, ship actuators, environmental disturbances, and operational safety. In this study, trajectory planning for an autonomous ship was modeled as an optimal control problem (OCP), which was transcribed into a nonlinear programming problem (NLP) using direct multiple shooting. To enhance berthing safety, wind disturbances, speed control guidelines, actuator limitations, and collision avoidance features were incorporated as constraints in the NLP, which was then solved using the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm in MATLAB. Finally, the performance of the proposed planner was evaluated through (i) comparison with an existing method, (ii) trajectory planning for different harbor entry and berth approach scenarios, and (iii) a feasibility study using predefined as well as stochastically generated initial conditions. The simulation results indicate improved berthing safety as well as practical and computational feasibility.
Residual pain and fatigue are affected by disease perception in rheumatoid arthritis in sustained clinical and ultrasound remission
Authors: Perniola Simone , Bruno Dario , Di Mario Clara , Campobasso Denise , Calabretta Martina , Gessi Marco , Petricca Luca , Tolusso Barbara , Alivernini Stefano , Gremese Elisa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
Regardless of remission status, residual pain (RP) might persist in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to characterize RP, its perception, and patient-dependent features and to evaluate its possible association with residual synovitis in patients with RA in remission.

Methods
Ninety-seven patients with RA, including 68 in sustained clinical and ultrasound remission (Rem/RA) and 29 in high/moderate DAS28-CRP disease activity (H-Mo/RA) were enrolled in the study. Thirty patients with fibromyalgia were enrolled as a control group(FIBRO). At study entry, demographic, clinical, ultrasound characteristics, and pain dimension assessment (VAS-pain, FACIT, CSI, GHQ, and RAID) were collected for each patient. RA patients underwent synovial tissue biopsy to evaluate the degree of synovitis using the Krenn synovitis score (KSS).

Results
Forty-eight percent of Rem/RA still declared unacceptable pain (VAS-Pain > 20) compared to 80% of H-Mo/RA patients (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, Rem/RA patients presented comparable levels of pain dimension assessment regardless of KSS. However, classifying Rem/RA group based on RAID score (< 2 as satisfied SAT-Rem/RA and ≥ 2 as unsatisfied UNSAT-Rem/RA), SAT-Rem/RA group presented a lower grade of VAS-Pain (p < 0.0001), lower percentage of patients with an unacceptable pain (p < 0.0001) and lower grade of fatigue(p < 0.0001) compared to the UNSAT-Rem/RA patients. The percentage of SAT-Rem/RA patients who presented a disease flare did not differ from UNSAT-Rem/RA over the 24 months of follow-up. Finally, female Rem/RA patients presented higher VAS-Pain compared to male Rem/RA (p = 0.0119).

Conclusions
Moreover,73% satisfied female Rem/Ra patients presented an acceptable pain compared to 23% unsatisfied female Rem/RA patients (p = 0.001). RP in RA patients in remission can represent the way by which the patients communicate their state of non-acceptance of the disease. It can be useful to treat RP with the appropriate treatments.

Key Points• Rheumatoid arthritis patients still reported unacceptable residual pain despite sustained clinical and ultrasound remission and despite the low grade/absence of histological synovitis.• Only a small rate of rheumatoid arthritis patients in sustained clinical and ultrasound remission showed residual pain as part of a central sensitivity syndrome or psychiatric disorders.• Rheumatoid arthritis patients in sustained clinical and ultrasound remission complained residual pain and fatigue as part of not acceptance of disease and/or dissatisfaction in the disease management.
Evaluating pulmonary stenosis and regurgitation impact on cardiac strain and strain rate in a porcine model via magnetic resonance feature tracking
Authors: Rösel Simon F. , Backhaus Sören J. , Lange Torben , Schulz Alexander , Kowallick Johannes T. , Gowda Kritika , Treiber Julia , Rolf Andreas , Sossalla Samuel T. , Hasenfuß Gerd , Kutty Shelby , Schuster Andreas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Pulmonary stenosis (PS) is common in congenital heart disease and an integral finding in Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Pulmonary regurgitation (PR) is more commonly found following surgery in repaired TOF. We aimed to evaluate the haemodynamic effects of PS and PR on cardiac physiology in a porcine model using cardiac magnetic resonance-based feature tracking (CMR-FT) deformation imaging.

Methods
CMR-FT was performed in 14 pigs before and 10–12 weeks after surgery. Surgery included either pulmonary artery banding to simulate PS (n = 7), or an incision to the pulmonary valve to simulate PR (n = 7). CMR-FT assessment included left and right ventricular global longitudinal (LV/RV GLS) and LV circumferential (GCS) strain and strain rates (SR) as well as left and right atrial reservoir/conduit/booster pump (LA/RA Es, Ee, Ea) strain and SR.

Results
RV GLS was significantly reduced following PS compared to PR induction (PS -7.51 vs. PR -23.84, p < 0.001). RV GLS improved after induction of PR (before − 20.50 vs. after − 23.84, p = 0.018) as opposed to PS (before − 11.73 vs. after − 7.51, p = 0.128). Similarly, RA Es (PS 14.22 vs. PR 27.34, p = 0.017) and Ee (PS 8.65 vs. PR 20.51, p = 0.004) were decreased in PS compared to PR with detrimental impact of PS (Es before 23.20 vs. after 14.22, p = 0.018, Ee before 15.04 vs. after 8.65, p = 0.028) but not PR (Es before 31.65 vs. after 27.34, p = 0.176, Ee before 20.63 vs. after 20.51, p = 0.499).

Conclusions
In a porcine model of RV pressure vs. volume overload, increased after- but not preload shows detrimental impact on RV and RA physiology.
Developing a framework system for sustainability performance of cities: a case of Eskisehir city, Türkiye
Authors: Özbayrak Selcan , Özdemir Alp 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study aims to facilitates sustainable city assessment, which is extremely useful yet intricate, to evaluate sustainability of cities through the identification of both their strengths and areas that can be further improved. For this purpose, an easy-to-apply assessment framework was established, and a practical tool in MS Excel was developed using the framework. The framework consists of defining objectives, determining indicators, weighting the indicators, collecting indicator data, scaling, and normalizing indicator values, and calculating and evaluating the sustainability performance of cities. In this study, an indicator set was created using forty-five criteria aligned with the triple-bottom-line sustainability categories. The indicator set was weighted through a questionnaire study with experts, followed by a scaling study using minimum–maximum data values for normalization. Subsequently, criteria scores were calculated and aggregated within sub-indicators to assess sustainability performance of cities. A case study was conducted in Eskisehir city and its results were compared to average value from eighty-one cities in Türkiye. The results indicate that Eskisehir’s sustainability performance for indicators- environmental at 68%, social at 74%, and economic at 66% -yields an overall weighted average of approximately 69%, with the best performance in social indicators and the lowest in economic indicators. This study contributes to by developing of a globally applicable framework for city sustainability assessment. It enables individual evaluation of cities based on their sustainability goals and provides a practical tool for assessing urban sustainability performance. The findings provide key insights for guiding investments and policy decisions, supporting evidence-based approaches for researchers, stakeholders, and investors. The tool’s implications for urban development include improving air quality, waste management, economic growth, and social justice, making the study highly relevant for sustainable urban futures.
Horizon-bound objects: Kerr–Vaidya solutions
Authors: Dahal Pravin K. , Maharana Swayamsiddha , Simovic Fil , Terno Daniel R. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Kerr–Vaidya metrics are the simplest dynamical axially-symmetric solutions, all of which violate the null energy condition and thus are consistent with the formation of a trapped region in finite time according to distant observers. We examine different classes of Kerr–Vaidya metrics, and find two which possess spherically-symmetric counterparts that are compatible with the finite formation time of a trapped region. These solutions describe evaporating black holes and expanding white holes. We demonstrate a consistent description of accreting black holes based on the ingoing Kerr–Vaidya metric with increasing mass, and show that the model can be extended to cases where the angular momentum to mass ratio varies. For such metrics we describe conditions on their dynamical evolution required to maintain asymptotic flatness.Pathologies are also identified in the evaporating white hole geometry in the form of an intermediate singularity accessible by timelike observers. We also describe a generalization of the equivalence between Rindler and Schwarzschild horizons to Kerr–Vaidya black holes, and describe the relevant geometric constructions.
Understanding Marine Biodiversity Shifts in Southeast Greenland with Indigenous and Local Knowledge
Authors: Rathcke Kamilla , Qatsa Mathane , Burdenski Anna , Jacobsen Rikke Becker 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We contribute to the identification of marine biodiversity status and changes in the coastal area of Southeast Greenland through consultation with holders of local and Indigenous knowledge (LEK/IK). Through in-depth interviews with coastal fishers and hunters in the Ammassalik area, we explore a range of changes to known and new species in relation to ecosystem dynamics. Key observations include diminishing presence of polar cod (Boreogadus saida), new abundance of known fish species (Gadus morhua, Salvelinus alpinus, Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, Cyclopterus lumpus), inflow of new/rare species of whales, fish, and shellfish (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, Lamna nasus, Paralithodes camtschaticus, Physeter macrocephalus, Globicephala melas, Megaptera novaeangliae, Phocoena phocoena), and increasing absence in the fjords of some local seal species (Cystophora cristata and Pusa hispida). Observed changes in local abundances are understood with reference to the physical changes in temperature, ocean currents, glacier melt, and snowfall. Changed dynamics in prey-predator relationships are observed to mediate the local presence of target species. Other environmental changes include an influx of new food items in food chains and increased seaweed growth. Our study confirms the relevance and timeliness of systematically incorporating local and Indigenous knowledge to enhance the understanding of coastal marine dynamics in the context of climate change and the geographical ‘opening’ of the East Greenlandic region.
Additively manufactured polyethylene terephthalate-based high-gain multiband-flexible antenna for wireless mobile applications
Authors: Hassan Arshad , Saeed Ahtesham , Ali Shawkat , Cheema Hammad M. , Bermak Amine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper presents a novel additively manufactured antenna array on a flexible polymeric substrate for conformal mobile applications. The antenna consists of two identical z-shape patch elements integrated with symmetrical arrangements and right-angle ground assemblies to converge the dispersed radiation pattern for gain improvement. For planar feeding and fabrication, the antenna is fed with a coplanar waveguide and, horizontal defected ground structures are used in the patch to achieve multiband characteristics. The prototype antenna, fabricated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using precision piezoelectric inkjet-printing technique, exhibited operation across five different frequency bands: 0.58–0.83 GHz, 1.39–1.58 GHz, 2.40–2.43 GHz, 2.88–3.52 GHz, and 4.93–5.15 GHz, covering mobile radios, GPS, UMTS, Wi-Fi, ISM, Bluetooth, WLAN, WiMAX, and sub-6 GHz 5G applications. Surface morphological studies of deposited conductive pattern of silver nanoparticles are also evaluated to confirm its smooth and uniform deposition. The antenna demonstrates an omnidirectional pattern with a peak gain of 12 dBi at 3.21 GHz and a measured impedance bandwidth of 640 MHz that show a good agreement with the simulation. The prototype antenna is also tested under bent conditions (radius of 3, 4, and 5 cm) and, the measured performance depicts apart from the minor shift in S11, it still performs sufficiently well. Comparison with existing literature reveals a significant improvement in gain, making this antenna superior in performance. The antenna’s robust performance under deformation, combined with its high gain and multiband capabilities, makes it excellent candidate for wearable electronics and conformal wireless mobile communication applications. This work paves the way for future advancements in flexible and high-performance antennas for next-generation wireless technologies.
The influence of annealing temperature on the gas sensing properties of multifunctional hematite (α-Fe2O3) films
Authors: Sarf Fatma , Karaduman Er Irmak , Yakar Emin , Acar Selim 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In this study, hematite (α-Fe2O3) were prepared using direct solution spin coating and the changes of some physical properties with annealing temperature (400, 500 and 600 °C) for 2 h were investigated. The sensors annealed at 400 °C, 500 °C and 600°C are referred to as F400, F500 and F600 respectively. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the prepared samples confirm the polycrystalline nature of the rhombohedral crystal structure of hematite (α-Fe2O3). The surface roughness parameters (SA-SQ) of the α-Fe2O3 films decreased drastically with increasing annealing temperature from 400 to 600 °C (57.47–68.08/13.63–17.13). The direct optical band gap values were estimated from absorption measurements and ranged from 2.77 to 2.52 eV. The electrical resistivity measurement at room temperature of the samples decreased with increasing annealing temperature from 400 to 600 °C. The response of the CO sensor of F400, F500 and F600 was found at 180 °C. The response to 1 ppm CO gas was calculated to be 1.45%, 8% and 10% for F400, F500 and F600 respectively. The wettability test of the samples showed a water contact angle (WCA) of less than 90°, demonstrating the hydrophilic surface especially for the samples annealed at 500 °C.
Evaluation of TOCSY mixing for sensitivity-enhancement in solid-state NMR and application of 4D experiments for side-chain assignments of the full-length 30 kDa membrane protein GlpG
Authors: Öster Carl , Chevelkov Veniamin , Lange Adam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Chemical shift assignments of large membrane proteins by solid-state NMR experiments are challenging. Recent advancements in sensitivity-enhanced pulse sequences, have made it feasible to acquire 1H-detected 4D spectra of these challenging protein samples within reasonable timeframes. However, obtaining unambiguous assignments remains difficult without access to side-chain chemical shifts. Drawing inspiration from sensitivity-enhanced TOCSY experiments in solution NMR, we have explored the potential of 13C- 13C TOCSY mixing as a viable option for triple sensitivity-enhanced 4D experiments aimed at side-chain assignments in solid-state NMR. Through simulations and experimental trials, we have identified optimal conditions to achieve uniform transfer efficiency for both transverse components and to minimize undesired cross-transfers. Our experiments, conducted on the 30 kDa membrane protein GlpG embedded in E. coli liposomes, have demonstrated enhanced sensitivity compared to the most effective dipolar and J-coupling-based 13C- 13C mixing sequences. Notably, a non-uniformly sampled 4D hCXCANH spectrum with exceptionally high sensitivity was obtained in just a few days using a 600 MHz spectrometer equipped with a 1.3 mm probe operating at a magic angle spinning rate of 55 kHz.