bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluorine‐Free MXenes: Recent Advances, Synthesis Strategies, and Mechanisms
Authors: Kumar Sunil 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMXenes, an exceptional class of 2D materials, possess high conductivity, adaptable surface chemistry, mechanical strength, and tunable bandgaps, making them attractive for diverse applications. Unlocking the potential of MXenes requires precise control over synthesis methods and surface functionality. Conventionally, fluorine‐based etchants are used in MXenes synthesis, posing both environmental concerns and alterations to surface properties, along with the introduction of certain defects. This prompts the exploration of innovative fluorine‐free strategies for MXenes synthesis. This review focuses on environmentally friendly, fluorine‐free techniques for MXene synthesis, emphasizing mechanisms and recent breakthroughs in alternative etching strategies. The comprehensive coverage includes electrochemical etching, Lewis acid‐driven molten salt etching, alkaline/hydrothermal techniques, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and recent innovative methods. Fluorine‐free MXenes synthesis yields terminations such as ─O, ─OH, ─Cl, etc., influencing surface chemistry and improving their properties. The presence of ─OH groups in NaOH etched MXenes boosts their energy storage, while ─Cl functionality from Lewis acidic salts optimizes electrochemical performance. Fluorine‐free methods mitigate adverse effects of ─F terminations on MXene conductivity, improving electronic properties and broadening their applications. In addition to traditional approaches, this review delves into novel fluorine‐free methods for tailoring MXenes properties. It comprehensively addresses challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives in fluorine‐free MXenes.
Injectable and Microporous Microgel‐Fiber Granular Hydrogel Loaded with Bioglass and siRNA for Promoting Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Li Ying , Song Wei , Kong Lingzhi , He Yaohua , Li Haiyan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractInjectable hydrogels find extensive application in the treatment of diabetic wound healing. However, traditional bulk hydrogels are significantly limited due to their nano‐porous structure, which obstructs cell migration and tissue infiltration. Moreover, regulating inflammation and matrix metalloproteinase ‐9 (MMP‐9) expression in diabetic wounds is crucial for enhancing wound healing. This study marks the first instance of introducing an efficient, scalable, and simple method for producing microfiber‐gel granules encapsulating bioceramics powders. Utilizing this method, an injectable microporous granular microgel‐fiber hydrogel (MFgel) is successfully developed by assembling microgel‐fibers made from hyaluronic acid (HA) and sodium alginate (SA) loaded with small interfering RNA (siRNA) and bioglass (BG) particles. Compared to traditional hydrogels (Tgel), MFgel possesses a highly interconnected network with micron‐sized pores, demonstrating favorable properties for cell adhesion and penetration in in vitro experiments. Additionally, MFgel exhibits a higher compressive modulus and superior mechanical stability. When implanted subcutaneously in mice, MFgel promotes cellular and tissue infiltration, facilitating cell proliferation. Furthermore, when applied to skin defects in diabetic rats, MFgel not only effectively regulates inflammation and suppresses MMP‐9 expression but also enhances angiogenesis and collagen deposition, thereby significantly accelerating diabetic wound healing. Taken together, this hydrogel possesses great potential in diabetic wound healing applications.
Flexural and cracking behavior of corroded RC continuous beams strengthened with energized C‐FRCM system
Authors: Feng Ran , Tang Jing‐Pu , Liu Panpan , Wang Fangying , Zeng Jun‐Jie , Zhu Ji‐Hua 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper presents an experimental investigation into the flexural and cracking behavior of corroded reinforced concrete continuous beams with 11‐month wet–dry cycles strengthened by anodic polarized carbon‐fabric‐reinforced cementitious matrix (C‐FRCM) plates. The failure modes and flexural bearing capacities were discussed. The influences of the layer of carbon fabric mesh and complete carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) wrapping as end anchorage on the strengthening effectiveness were explored. The complete crack development patterns were captured by a digital image correlation system, and the results showed that the C‐FRCM system can provide satisfactory crack width control, as proved by the reduced crack spacing and the maximum crack width. The flexural capacities of the strengthened beams were effectively enhanced and the debonding failure can be eliminated through complete CFRP wrappings. Moreover, the design recommendations were proposed based on the estimation of the crack development as per related design guidelines.
The Six Ways to Build Trust and Reduce Privacy Concern in a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
Authors: Zarifis Alex , Cheng Xusen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) can offer several benefits for governments and citizens such as faster transactions at a lower cost, and richer information on consumers’ behaviour. It is important however that the consumer’s perspective on the adoption of CBDCs is not neglected. A CBDC needs consumers to trust and use it, to avoid either a complete failure, or a partial failure. A partial failure may lead to CBDCs being one of two parallel systems’ consumers use. This research uses a survey analysed by structural equation modelling to identify the six ways to build trust in a CBDC so it can be successfully adopted and used extensively: (1) Trust must be built in the government and the central bank issuing a CBDC, (2) expressed guarantees for the user of a CBDC must be provided, (3) the positive reputation of existing CBDCs active elsewhere must be utilized, (4) the automation and reduced human involvement achieved by a CBDC technology can be helpful, (5) specific trust building functionality of a CBDC can be utilized, and (6) specific privacy features of the CBDC wallet app and back-end processes such as anonymity can be beneficial.
Comparison of the agar contact method and the wet-dry double swabbing method for determining the total viable bacterial count on pig carcass surfaces
Authors: Fürstenberg Roland , Meemken Diana , Langforth Susann , Grosse-Kleimann Julia , Kreienbrock Lothar , Langkabel Nina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA practical and representative sampling method for microbiological examination of the slaughter process is useful for identifying abattoir-specific risk factors within the pig slaughter line. The aim of this study was to examine the suitability of an agar contact method (ACM), where the agar was homogenized before the microbiological processing, in comparison with the wet-dry double swabbing method (WDSM) for quantitative determination of total viable counts (TVC) on pig skin surfaces. In our experimental trial, pig skin pieces were artificially contaminated at 2 levels (3 log and 7 log cfu/ml) with a suspension of bacteria species commonly found on pig skin and cultivated in vitro. Within our field trial, pig carcasses were investigated at pre-chilling in an abattoir under standard processing conditions. For both sampling methods, TVC was determined, and statistical equivalence tests were calculated. Linear regression models showed the similarity of the sampling methods, with coefficient of determination (R2) > 90% and slope parameters of nearly 1 for both trials separately. Statistically significant equivalence between the 2 sampling methods was proven in both trials (with p < 0.0001 within an equivalence range of ± 0.5 log cfu/ml, respectively). The field trial revealed TVC on carcass surfaces sometimes at or below the lower detection limit for the ACM, while TVC from all carcasses were able to be determined by WDSM. Overall, low contamination levels were less reliably detectable by ACM than by WDSM. The ACM can be seen as an additional and suitable sampling procedure for pig skin and can contribute to the identification of abattoir specific risk factors for investigations of the hygienic status at process stages along the pig slaughter line.
Improving bonding strength by non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma-assisted technology for A5052/PEEK direct joining
Authors: Takenaka Kosuke , Jinda Akiya , Nakamoto Soutaro , Koyari Ryosuke , Toko Susumu , Uchida Giichiro , Setsuhara Yuichi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe direct bonding of A5052 aluminum (Al) alloy to the engineering polymer poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) using an atmospheric pressure plasma-assisted process was demonstrated. The effect of plasma irradiation on the bonding surface of metal resin on the bonding strength following thermal press fitting method was investigated. Specimens bonded by plasma irradiation on the PEEK surface only showed a high tensile shear stress of 15.5 MPa. With increasing plasma irradiation time, the bond strength of the samples bonded to the PEEK surface by plasma irradiation increased. The increase in the bond strength between metals and polymers following direct bonding is caused by the addition of oxygen functional groups on the polymer. In contrast, specimens in which only the Al was exposed to the plasma showed a decrease in bond strength compared with unirradiated samples. This reduction in bond strength is attributed to the forming magnesium oxide, which forms in the early stages of participation due to plasma irradiation.
“If this is what it means to be old…”: a mixed methods study on the effects of age simulation on views on aging and perceptions of age-related impairments
Authors: Schmidt Laura I. , Gerhardy Thomas H. , Carleton-Schweitzer Leslie , Wahl Hans-Werner , Jekel Katrin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAge simulation suits are a promising tool to increase empathy and to promote positive attitudes toward older adults. However, studies have largely focused on (young) healthcare professionals, are probably biased by social desirability, and have not addressed participants’ views of the aging process triggered by the simulation. The current work combines two studies addressing effects of aging suits on both general and personal views on aging among heterogeneous samples, and exploring spontaneous associations during the simulation. In study 1, N = 165 adults (M = 37.1 years, SD = 15.4, range 18–74 years) answered questionnaires containing general views regarding older adults (“old people are…”) as well as personal perceptions (”aging means to me…”) before and after wearing an aging suit. In study 2, young adults (N = 22; M = 24.8 years, SD = 4.3, range 20–38 years) and middle-aged adults (N = 41; M = 60.8 years, SD = 6.9, range 40–75 years) carried out established geriatric assessments with and without aging suit, and spontaneous impressions on the instant aging experience were recorded. Findings indicated negative shifts in both general and personal views on aging measures in both age groups (d = .30 to d = .44). Analyses of qualitative data resulted in seven main themes, e.g., “strain/coordination”, “future me”, “empathy/insight”. Group comparisons revealed higher frequencies of future-self related thoughts among middle-aged adults, whereas younger adults mentioned predominantly physical effects of the suit. In conclusion, applying age simulation suits might evoke unintended negative views on aging. In comparison with young adults, middle-aged adults showed broader reflections including thoughts related to emotions, future-self, and potential struggles of older people.
Phylogenetic analyses reveal multiple new stem-boring Tetramesa taxa (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae): implications for the biological control of invasive African grasses
Authors: van Steenderen Clarke J. M. , Sutton Guy F. , Yell Liam D. , Canavan Kim , McConnachie Andrew J. , Day Michael D. , Paterson Iain D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMany native South African grass species have become invasive elsewhere in the world. The application of biological control to invasive grasses has been approached with trepidation in the past, primarily due to concerns of a perceived lack of host specific herbivores. This has changed in recent times, and grasses are now considered suitable candidates. The Tetramesa Walker genus (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) has been found to contain species that are largely host specific to a particular grass species, or complex of closely related congeners. Very little taxonomic work exists for Tetramesa in the southern hemisphere, and the lack of morphological variability between many Tetramesa species has made identification difficult. This limits the ability to assess the genus for potential biological control agents. Species delimitation analyses indicated 16 putative novel southern African Tetramesa taxa. Ten of these were putative Tetramesa associated with Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees and Sporobolus pyramidalis Beauv. and S. natalensis Steud., which are alien invasive weeds in Australia. Of these ten Tetramesa taxa, eight were only found on a single host plant, while two taxa were associated with multiple species in a single grass genus. The Tetramesa spp. on S. pyramidalis and S. africanus were deemed suitably host-specific to be used as biological control agents. Field host range data for the Tetramesa species on E. curvula revealed that the wasp may not be suitably host specific for use as a biological control agent. However, further host specificity testing on non-target native Australian species is required.
On spatially correlated observations in importance sampling methods for subsidence estimation
Authors: Kim Samantha S. R. , Vossepoel Femke C. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe particle filter is a data assimilation method based on importance sampling for state and parameter estimation. We apply a particle filter in two different quasi-static experiments with models of subsidence caused by a compacting reservoir. The first model considers uncorrelated model state variables and observations, with observed subsidence resulting from a single source of strain. In the second model, subsidence is a summation of subsidence contributions from multiple sources which causes spatial dependencies and correlations in the observed subsidence field. Assimilating these correlated subsidence fields may trigger weight collapse. With synthetic tests, we show in a model of subsidence with 50 independent state variables and spatially correlated subsidence a minimum of $$\varvec{10^{13}}$$

10
13

particles are required to have information in the posterior distribution identical to that in a model with 50 independent and spatially uncorrelated observations. Spatial correlations cause an information loss which can be quantified with mutual information. We illustrate how a stronger spatial correlation results in lower information content in the posterior and we empirically derive the required ensemble size for the importance sampling to remain effective. We furthermore illustrate how this loss of information is reflected in the log likelihood, and how this depends on the number of model state variables. Based on these empirical results, we propose criteria to evaluate the required ensemble size in data assimilation of spatially correlated observation fields.
Identifying Sexual Abuse in Same-Sex Relationships: Turning Points and Meta-Narratives
Authors: Øverlien Carolina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Youth intimate partner violence (YIPV) is an under-researched topic within the field of domestic violence. This is particularly true of same-sex YIPV. In this article, the words of one young man, Philip, are analyzed to explore how he narrates his process of defining his sexual experiences as abuse and, consequently, himself as a possible victim of IPV.

Methods
The qualitative in-depth interview with Philip was conducted as part of a larger study on YIPV in Norway, with a specific focus on sexual YIPV. The article is framed both theoretically and methodologically by the assumption that narratives give meaning to our experiences. Meta-narratives and turning points are used as tools for narrative analysis.

Results
Important contextual issues in Philip’s storyline include his prior exposure to severe homophobic bullying, being forced to return to the closet as his partner had not yet come out, and no prior experience of serious romantic relationship. Influential cultural meta-narratives regarding IPV and gender that complicate his process of identifying his experiences as abuse include the violence of adult men towards adult women, the ever-present male sex drive, and the importance of physical violence and bodily size and strength. The findings are discussed in light of the theory of the ideal victim.

Conclusion
Schools need to include sexual minority youth when teaching about sex and relationships, and professionals working with youth need to actively ask them about experiences of violence and abuse in their relationships, regardless of their sexuality.
Sedimentary Processes on Venus
Authors: Carter Lynn M. , Gilmore Martha S. , Ghail Richard C. , Byrne Paul K. , Smrekar Suzanne E. , Ganey Terra M. , Izenberg Noam 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe sedimentary cycle, including the processes of erosion, transport, and lithification, is a key part of how planets evolve over time. Early images of Venus’s vast volcanic plains, numerous volcanoes, and rugged tectonic regions led to the interpretation that Venus is a volcanic planet with little sediment cover and perhaps few processes for generating sedimentary rocks. However, in the years since the Magellan mission in the 1990s we have developed a better understanding of sedimentary process on Venus. Impact craters are the largest present-day source of sediments, with estimates from the current crater population suggesting an average sediment layer 8–63 cm in thickness if distributed globally. There is clear evidence of fine-grained material in volcanic summit regions that is likely produced through volcanism, and dune fields and yardangs indicate transport of sediments and erosion of rocks through wind. Landslides and fine-grained materials in highland tessera regions demonstrate erosive processes that move sediment downhill. It is clear that sediments are an important part of Venus’s geology, and it is especially important to realize that they mantle features that may be of interest to future landed or low-altitude imaging missions. The sinks of sediments are less well known, as it has been difficult to identify sedimentary rocks with current data. Layering observed in Venera images and in Magellan images of some tessera regions, as well as calculated rock densities, suggest that sedimentary rocks are present on Venus. New data is needed to fully understand and quantify the present-day sedimentary cycle and establish with certainty whether sedimentary rock packages do, in fact, exist on Venus. These data sets will need to include higher-resolution optical and radar imaging, experimental and geochemical measurements to determine how chemical weathering and lithification can occur, and topography to better model mesospheric winds. Sediments and sedimentary rocks are critical to understanding how Venus works today, but are also extremely important for determining how Venus’s climate has changed through time and whether it was once a habitable planet.
Suffering is bad: experiential understanding and the impossibility of intrinsically valuing suffering
Authors: Gularte Louis 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSuffering, I argue, is bad. This paper supports that claim by defending a somewhat bolder-sounding one: namely that if anyone—even a sadistic ‘amoralist’—fully understands the fact that someone else is suffering, then the only evaluative attitude they can possibly form towards the person’s suffering as such is that of being intrinsically against it. I first argue that, necessarily, everyone is disposed to be intrinsically against their own suffering experiences, holding fixed their specific overall degree of emotional aversiveness, because any evaluative attitude other than ‘being against’—including mere indifference—would in certain key circumstances make our suffering less emotionally aversive and thus different from the suffering experience (stipulatively) at issue. Second, fully understanding that someone else is having a given experience—Mary’s experiencing a vividly blue sky, say, or Job’s experiencing heart-rending grief—requires that we represent experientially their very instance of that experience-type (it requires, in other words, token phenomenal concepts). The result is that what goes for our own suffering goes for others’, too: maintaining an accurate experiential representation of the fact that someone else is having a suffering experience with a specific degree of overall emotional aversiveness is only compatible with coming to be intrinsically against their suffering. So suffering is—‘objectively’—bad: it’s only possible to respond with indifference towards anyone’s suffering if we don’t fully understand that they are suffering in the first place.
Environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil
Authors: Dutra Leticia Batista , Stein Janaína Francieli , da Rocha Bruna Seixas , Berger Andresa , de Souza Beatriz Andrade , Prandi Bruno Aschidamini , Mangini Arthur Tonietto , Jarenkow André , Campos Aline Alves Scarpellini , Fan Fernando Mainardi , de Almeida Silva Maria Cristina , Lipp-Nissinen Katia Helena , Loncan Manuel Rodrigues , Augusto Matheus Ribeiro , Franco Ana Cláudia , de Freitas Bueno Rodrigo , Rigotto Caroline 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSince starts the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic identified the presence of genomic fragments of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in various environmental matrices: domestic sewage, surface waters, and contaminated freshwater. Environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 is a tool for evaluating trend curves over the months, compared to several clinical cases of the disease. The objective of this study was to monitor the SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples collected in different sites in a metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. During 10 months from 2020 to 2021, 300 samples were collected weekly and biweekly from nine points located in 3 cities: one point from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in São Leopoldo (fortnightly collection), two points in Dilúvio Stream in Porto Alegre (fortnightly collection), two points in Pampa and Luiz Rau Streams (weekly collection), and two points in public fountains (fortnightly collection) in Novo Hamburgo. After collection, samples were concentrated by ultracentrifugation, and viral nucleic acids were extracted using MagMax® Core Nucleic Acid Purifications kits and submitted to RT-qPCR, using E, N1, and N2 gene targets of SARS-CoV-2. Only 7% (3/41) samples from public fountains were positive, with a mean viral load (VL) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA of 5.02 × 101 gc/l (2.41~8.59 × 101 gc/l), while the streams had average VL of 7.43 × 105 gc/l (Pampa), 7.06 × 105 gc/l (Luiz Rau), 2.01 × 105 gc/l (Dilúvio), and 4.46 × 105 cg/l (WWTP). The results showed varying levels of viral presence in different sample types, with a demonstrated correlation between environmental viral load and clinical COVID-19 cases. These findings contribute to understanding virus persistence and transmission pathways in the environment. Continuous monitoring, especially in less developed regions, is crucial for early detection of vaccine resistance, new variants, and potential COVID-19 resurgence.