bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining skills of basic schoolteachers in test item construction
Authors: Nkonkonya Mpuangnan Kofi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAssessment practices play a crucial role in fostering student learning and guiding instructional decision‐making. The ability to construct effective test items is of utmost importance in evaluating student learning and shaping instructional strategies. This study aims to investigate the skills of Ghanaian basic schoolteachers in test item construction. The study focused on the revised Bloom's taxonomy. A cross‐sectional survey design was employed, and a questionnaire was developed and used to collect the needed data. The data were collected from 560 basic schoolteachers selected by using a simple random sampling technique. The participants comprised 280 male teachers and 280 female teachers. The data were collected and subjected to descriptive statistics analysis via mean, and standard deviation. While the p‐value (α ≤ 0.05) was used to determine the differences in the teachers' test item construction skills, the independence t‐test was used to compare the differences between the proficiency of male and female participants. The analysis revealed a notable contrast in how participants perceived their abilities in constructing test items, indicating a statistically significant difference. Specifically, female teachers demonstrated a stronger proficiency in test item construction skills compared to their male counterparts. Also, most teachers prioritised the lower levels within Bloom's taxonomy while crafting test items. Regular in‐service training on test item construction was recommended at the district level for teachers to update and upgrade their skills.
Optimization‐based motion planning for autonomous agricultural vehicles turning in constrained headlands
Authors: Peng Chen , Wei Peng , Fei Zhenghao , Zhu Yuankai , Vougioukas Stavros G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHeadland maneuvering is a crucial part of the field operations performed by autonomous agricultural vehicles (AAVs). While motion planning for headland turning in open fields has been extensively studied and integrated into commercial autoguidance systems, the existing methods primarily address scenarios with ample headland space and thus may not work in more constrained headland geometries. Commercial orchards often contain narrow and irregularly shaped headlands, which may include static obstacles, rendering the task of planning a smooth and collision‐free turning trajectory difficult. To address this challenge, we propose an optimization‐based motion planning algorithm for headland turning under geometrical constraints imposed by headland geometry and obstacles. Our method models the headland and the AAV using convex polytopes as geometric primitives, and calculates optimal and collision‐free turning trajectories in two stages. In the first stage, a coarse path is generated using either a classical pattern‐based turning method or a directional graph‐guided hybrid A* algorithm, depending on the complexity of the headland geometry. The second stage refines this coarse path by feeding it into a numerical optimizer, which considers the vehicle's kinematic, control, and collision‐avoidance constraints to produce a feasible and smooth trajectory. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm by comparing it to the classical pattern‐based method in various types of headlands. The results show that our optimization‐based planner outperforms the classical planner in generating collision‐free turning trajectories inside constrained headland spaces. Additionally, the trajectories generated by our planner respect the kinematic and control limits of the vehicle and, hence, are easier for a path‐tracking controller to follow. In conclusion, our proposed approach successfully addresses complex motion planning problems in constrained headlands, making it a valuable contribution to the autonomous operation of AAVs, particularly in real‐world orchard environments.
La‐doped ZnCr‐layered Double Hydroxide with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for Tetracycline Hydrochloride Removal
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Liu Qimeng , Zhu Jichao , Hu Lifang , He Jie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA series of lanthanum‐doped ZnCr‐layered double hydroxide (La/ZnCr‐LDH) photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by a facial hydrothermal method and their photocatalytic activity for degradation tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) were evaluated under visible light irradiation. The structure and physicochemical properties of the as‐synthesized photocatalysts were well characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), and UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy. The photocatalyst with La doping content of 10 % (molar ratio La3+/(La3++Cr3+), La/ZnCr‐LDH‐10) has optimal performance for TCH removal (87.2 %) among all synthesized photocatalysts. Radical trapping experiments and Valence Band‐XPS (VB‐XPS) were used to propose a possible photocatalytic degradation process for TCH by La/ZnCr‐LDH‐10 photocatalyst. This strategy can be used to modify other photocatalysts for efficient removal of organic pollution in the environment.
In Situ Phosphorization for Constructing Ni5P2‐Ni Heterostructure Derived from Bimetallic MOF for Li–S Batteries
Authors: Du Meng , Geng Pengbiao , Feng Wanchang , Xu Haoyang , Li Bing , Pang Huan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHeterostructured materials commonly consist of bifunctions due to the different ingredients. For host material in the sulfur cathode of lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries, the chemical adsorption and catalytic activity for lithium polysulfides (LiPS) are important. This work obtains a Ni5P2‐Ni nanoparticle (Ni5P2‐NiNPs) heterostructure through a confined self‐reduction method followed by an in situ phosphorization process using Al/Ni‐MOF as precursors. The Ni5P2‐Ni heterostructure not only has strong chemical adsorption, but also can effectively catalyze LiPS conversion. Furthermore, the synthetic route can keep Ni5P2‐NiNPs inside of the nanocomposites, which have structural stability, high conductivity, and efficient adsorption/catalysis in LiPS conversion. These advantages make the assembled Li–S battery deliver a reversible specific capacity of 619.7 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C after 200 cycles. The in situ ultraviolet‐visible technique proves the catalytic effect of Ni5P2‐Ni heterostructure on LiPS conversion during the discharge process.
Understanding the Role of Imide‐Based Salts and Borate‐Based Additives for Safe and High‐Performance Glyoxal‐Based Electrolytes in Ni‐Rich NMC811 Cathodes for Li‐Ion Batteries.
Authors: Klein Michel , Binder Markus , Koželj Matjaž , Pierini Adriano , Gouveia Tom , Diemant Thomas , Schür Annika , Brutti Sergio , Bodo Enrico , Bresser Dominic , Gómez‐Urbano Juan Luis , Balducci Andrea 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHerein, the design of novel and safe electrolyte formulations for high‐voltage Ni‐rich cathodes is reported. The solvent mixture comprising 1,1,2,2‐tetraethoxyethane and propylene carbonate not only displays good transport properties, but also greatly enhances the overall safety of the cell thanks to its low flammability. The influence of the conducting salts, that is, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), and of the additives lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB) and lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) is examined. Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to gain insights into the local structure of the different electrolytes and the lithium‐ion coordination. Furthermore, special emphasis is placed on the film‐forming abilities of the salts to suppress the anodic dissolution of the aluminum current collector and to create a stable cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). In this regard, the borate‐based additives significantly alleviate the intrinsic challenges associated with the use of LiTFSI and LiFSI salts. It is worth remarking that a superior cathode performance is achieved by using the LiFSI/LiDFOB electrolyte, displaying a high specific capacity of 164 mAh g−1 at 6 C and ca. 95% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1 C. This is attributed to the rich chemistry of the generated CEI layer, as confirmed by ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
High‐Coupled Magnetic‐Levitation Hybrid Nanogenerator with Frequency Multiplication Effect for Wireless Water Level Alarm
Authors: Li Mengfan , Lou Ying , Hu Jiaxi , Cui Weiqi , Chen Li , Yu Aifang , Zhai Junyi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHybrid nanogenerators (HNGs) represent a promising avenue for water energy harvesting, yet their commercial viability faces hurdles such as limited power output, poor coupling, and constrained operational lifespans. Here, a highly coupled triboelectric‐electromagnetic magnetic‐levitation hybrid nanogenerator (ML‐HNG) is introduced that shows great potential for water energy harvesting. The ML‐HNG fulfills the challenges of high power output, strong coupling, and long operational lifespans. During the contact‐separation process of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), the changing magnetic flux in the electromagnetic generator's coils generates a potential difference between the coils and Cu electrodes. The unique design of the ML‐HNG employs a shared coil electrode configuration, which enhances the coupling without adding extra volume. This integration allows the ML‐HNG to achieve multi‐frequency vibrations and multiple output cycles per external longitudinal movement, a phenomenon known as the frequency multiplication effect. With an average power density of 1.69 W m−3 in water, the ML‐HNG provides continuous power for a thermo‐hygrometer and can quickly drive a wireless water level alarm system within a minute. This groundbreaking hybrid nanogenerator design holds significant promise for the efficient and consistent harvesting of low‐frequency ocean wave energy, marking a substantial advancement in blue energy technology.
An Elastomeric Lithium‐Conducting Interlayer for High‐Performance LATP‐Based Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Geng Zhisong , Sun Yingqi , Zhang Qing , Shen Shao‐Peng , Zhang Liang , Zheng Jin‐Chi , Luo Yuan , Shi Yongzheng , Chen Zhe 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn response to the critical challenges of interfacial impedance and volumetric changes in Li(1+x)AlxTi(2‑x)(PO4)3 (LATP)‐based lithium metal batteries, an elastomeric lithium‐conducting interlayer fabricates from fluorinated hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (F‐HNBR) matrix is introduced herein. Owing to the vulcanization, vapor‐phase fluorination, and plasticization processes, the lithium‐conducting interlayer exhibits a high elasticity of 423%, exceptional fatigue resistance (10 000 compression cycles), superior ionic conductivity of 6.3 × 10−4 S cm−1, and favorable lithiophilicity, rendering it an ideal buffer layer. By integrating the F‐HNBR interlayer, the LATP‐based lithium symmetric cells demonstrate an extended cycle life of up to 1600 h at 0.1 mA cm−2 and can also endure deep charge/discharge cycles (0.5 mAh cm−2) for the same duration. Furthermore, the corresponding lithium metal full cells achieve 500 cycles at 0.5 C with 98.3% capacity retention and enable a high‐mass‐loading cathode of 11.1 mg cm−2 to operate at room temperature.
Bi‐Functional Electrolyte Additive Leading to a Highly Reversible and Stable Zinc Anode
Authors: Tang Mingcong , Liu Qun , Yu Zhenlu , Zou Xiaohong , Huo Xiaoyu , Zhang Biao , An Liang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA stable stripping/plating process of the zinc anode is extremely critical for the practical application of aqueous zinc metal batteries. However, obstacles, including parasitic reactions and dendrite growth, notoriously deteriorate the stability and reversibility of zinc anode. Herein, Methyl l‐α‐aspartyl‐l‐phenylalaninate (Aspartame) is proposed as an effective additive in the ZnSO4 system to realize high stability and reversibility. Aspartame molecule with rich polar functional groups successfully participates in the solvation sheath of Zn2+ to suppress water‐induced side reactions. The self‐driven adsorption of Aspartame on zinc anode improves uniform deposition with a dose of 10 mm. These synergetic functions endow the zinc anode with a significantly long cycling lifespan of 4500 h. The cell coupled with a vanadium‐based cathode also exhibited a high‐capacity retention of 71.8% after 1000 cycles, outperforming the additive‐free counterparts.
Theoretical Prediction of Monolayer BeP2O4H4 with Excellent Nonlinear‐Optical Properties in Deep‐Ultraviolet Range
Authors: Liu Xin , Wu Li‐Ming , Kang Lei , Lin Zheshuai , Chen Ling 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMost 2D nonlinear optical (NLO) materials do not have an ultrawide bandgap, therefore, they are unsuitable for working in the deep‐ultraviolet spectral range (< 200 nm). Herein, the theoretical prediction of an excellent monolayer BeP2O4H4 (ML‐BPOH) is reported. DFT analyses suggest a low cleavage energy (≈45 meV per atom) from a naturally existed bulk‐BPOH material, indicating feasible exfoliation. This novel 2D material exhibits excellent properties including an ultrawide bandgap (Eg) of 7.84 eV, and a strong second‐order nonlinear susceptibility ( = 0.43 pm V−1), which is comparable to that of benchmark bulk‐KBBF crystal (d16 = 0.45 pm V−1). The wide bandgap and large SHG effect of ML‐BPOH are mainly derived from the (PO2H2)− tetrahedron. Notably, ML‐BPOH exhibits an outstanding 50% variation in dsheet under minor stress stimuli (±3%) due to rotation of structurally rigid (PO2H2)− tetrahedron. This indicates significant potential for application in material deformation monitoring.
Looking back and forward: A retrospective and future directions on software engineering for systems‐of‐systems
Authors: Cavalcante Everton , Batista Thais , Oquendo Flavio 
Published: June 2024

AbstractModern systems are increasingly connected and more integrated with other existing systems, giving rise to systems‐of‐systems (SoS). An SoS consists of a set of independent, heterogeneous systems that interact to provide new functionalities and accomplish global missions through emergent behavior manifested at runtime. The distinctive characteristics of SoS, when contrasted to traditional systems, pose significant research challenges within software engineering. These challenges motivate the need for a paradigm shift and the exploration of novel approaches for designing, developing, deploying, and evolving these systems. The International Workshop on Software Engineering for Systems‐of‐Systems (SESoS) series started in 2013 to fill a gap in scientific forums addressing SoS from the software engineering perspective, becoming the first venue for this purpose. This article presents a study aimed at outlining the evolution and future trajectory of software engineering for SoS based on the examination of 57 papers spanning the 11 editions of the SESoS workshop (2013–2023). The study combined scoping review and scientometric analysis methods to categorize and analyze the research contributions concerning temporal and geographic distribution, topics of interest, research methodologies employed, application domains, and research impact. Based on such a comprehensive overview, this article discusses current and future directions in software engineering for SoS.
Accurate Internal Monitoring of Batteries by Embedded Piezoelectric Sensors
Authors: Bendadesse Ezzoubair , Lemaire Pierre , Travers Pascal , Tarascon Jean‐Marie , Sel Ozlem 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAdvancements in operando techniques have unraveled the complexities of the Electrode Electrolyte Interface (EEI) in electrochemical energy storage devices. However, each technique has inherent limitations, often necessitating adjustments to experimental conditions, which may compromise accuracy. To address this challenge, a novel battery cell design is introduced, integrating piezoelectric sensors with electrochemical analysis for surface‐sensitive operando measurements. This innovative approach aims to overcome conventional limitations by accommodating commercial‐grade battery electrodes within a single body, alongside a piezoelectric sensor. This enables operando electrogravimetric measurements to be realized, and the electrochemistry of a battery to be more faithfully reproduced at the sensor level. A proof of concept is carried out on both Li‐ion (LiFePO4//Graphite) and Na‐ion (Na3V2(PO4)2F3//Hard carbon) systems, utilizing commercially available powder electrodes. In both cases, the results reveal rational mass variations at the sensor level during the cycling of commercial electrodes with mass loadings several orders of magnitude higher, while performing Galvanostatic Charge Discharge (GCD) tests across various C‐rates. This innovative design opens up possibilities for a broader application of operando electrogravimetry within the battery community, to enhance the understanding of EEI behavior and facilitate the development of more efficient energy storage solutions.
Discretion and political favoritism: Evidence from two reforms in public procurement
Authors: Celis Galvez Marly Tatiana , Titl Vitezslav , Schotanus Fredo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe misuse of bureaucratic discretion in public procurement risks political favoritism and corruption. Discretionary thresholds regulate this, with lenient rules below and strict oversight above these thresholds. We examine the impact of changes in these thresholds in the Czech Republic in 2012 and 2016 on discretion misuse and market competition, using bunching estimators, regression discontinuity, and comprehensive data on construction contracts, political ties, and firm productivity. Our findings show a concentration of contracts just below thresholds, both pre and post‐reforms. Reforms reallocating contract values to new thresholds reveal that limiting discretion lowers final contract prices, indicating increased efficiency. However, when discretion increases, final prices are unaffected. Efficiency gains are not seen in contracts awarded to politically connected firms, suggesting that political favoritism hinders market outcome improvements from stricter regulations.
Origin of the synergistic effects of bimetallic nanoparticles coupled with a metal oxide heterostructure for accelerating catalytic performance
Authors: Al Zoubi Wail , Al Mahmud Abdullah , Hazmatulhaq Farah , Thalji Mohammad R. , Leoni Stefano , Kang Jee‐Hyun , Ko Young Gun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPrecisely tuning bicomponent intimacy during reactions by traditional methods remains a formidable challenge in the fabrication of highly active and stable catalysts because of the difficulty in constructing well‐defined catalytic systems and the occurrence of agglomeration during assembly. To overcome these limitations, a PtRuPNiO@TiOx catalyst on a Ti plate was prepared by ultrasound‐assisted low‐voltage plasma electrolysis. This method involves the oxidation of pure Ti metal and co‐reduction of strong metals at 3000°C, followed by sonochemical ultrasonication under ambient conditions in an aqueous solution. The intimacy of the bimetals in PtRuPNiO@TiOx is tuned, and the metal nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the porous titania coating via strong metal‒support interactions by leveraging the instantaneous high‐energy input from the plasma discharge and ultrasonic irradiation. The intimacy of PtRuPNiO@TiOx increases the electron density on the Pt surface. Consequently, the paired sites exhibit a high hydrogen evolution reaction activity (an overpotential of 220 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope of 186 mV dec−1), excellent activity in the hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol with a robust stability for up to 20 cycles, and the ability to contrast stated catalysts without ultrasonication and plasma electrolysis. This study facilitates industrially important reactions through synergistic chemical interactions.
Gill alterations of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) exposed to cadmium under different experimental salinities
Authors: Ehsani Jafar , Movahedinia Abdolali , Abdi Rahim , Safahieh Alireza , Salati Amir Parviz 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundHeavy metals are one of the most important environmental pollutants in marine coastal ecosystems. Cadmium is a heavy metal that enters to marine environments via industrial wastes and oil production activities.ObjectivesThis study were done to determine the toxicity of cadmium to Litopenaeus vannamei and to evaluate the histological changes in gill tissues after exposure to sublethal concentrations of cadmium at different salinities.MethodsFor this reason, toxicity test was done to determine the lethal concentration (LC50) of cadmium for whiteleg shrimp. According to the calculated LC50 amount, sublethal doses of cadmium were used to determine its histological effects in different salinity during 2 weeks exposing period.ResultsLC50 of cadmium for 96 h for whiteleg shrimp was 6.56 mg/L. Histological alterations in the gill were observed in L. vannamei after 14 days exposure to different concentrations of cadmium and salinity. Histopathological index was increased in a dose‐dependent manner.ConclusionOur findings showed that doses lower than 2 mg/L have repairable effects on gill structure, but the concentration of 2 mg/L cadmium leaves irreparable and destructive effects on the gill tissue.
Suspected hypocortisolaemia‐induced cardiac dysfunction and congestive heart failure in a dog with hypoadrenocorticism
Authors: Russell Oliver Luke , Gardner Larissa , Matos Jose Novo , Kortum Andre 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA 3‐year‐old, female, neutered lurcher was presented with a 6‐day history of lethargy and hyporexia. Clinical examination documented evidence of dehydration and hypovolaemia, but was otherwise unremarkable, including cardiac and pulmonary auscultation. Clinicopathological results, thoracic radiography, abdominal ultrasound, electrocardiography and adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing were consistent with hypoadrenocorticism and hypovolaemia. Following initial stabilisation with intravenous fluid therapy, mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid replacement, the dog became acutely tachypnoeic, and repeat radiography revealed a marked, generalised alveolar lung pattern consistent with pulmonary oedema. Echocardiography documented left ventricular volume overload and mild left atrial enlargement with increased left ventricular filling pressures, suggestive of cardiac dysfunction and left‐sided congestive heart failure. Following initiation of furosemide and pimobendan, alongside desoxycortone pivalate and prednisolone therapy, left‐sided congestive heart failure resolved within 24 hours. Cardiac structure and function, and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide normalised over the following 2 months, enabling tapering and discontinuation of furosemide and pimobendan therapy.