bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nationwide assessment of microplastic abundance in agricultural soils: The influence of plastic crop covers within the United Kingdom
Authors: Cusworth Samuel J. , Davies William J. , McAinsh Martin R. , Stevens Carly J. 
Published: August 2023

Societal Impact StatementAgricultural soils are substantial receptors of plastic pollution. Plastic crop covers, a facet of agriplastics, may represent an important contribution to microplastic load in agricultural soils. The authors present a nationwide study of agricultural soils in the United Kingdom, comparing microplastic load between sites where plastic crop covers are and are not used for carrot and potato production. Sites where plastic crop covers were used received a higher microplastic load compared with sites where no plastic crop cover was used. The effects of microplastic pollution are largely unknown, requiring further research to determine the impact on soil, crop and human health.Summary

Agricultural soils are substantial receptors of plastic pollution, with agriplastics potentially making an important contribution to the overall microplastic load to agricultural soils. The intensive use and mismanagement of plastic crop covers, particularly plastic mulch films, nets and fleeces, represent a pollution pathway.
In this study, we have analysed the microplastic concentrations in agricultural soils in 324 samples from 108 sites across the United Kingdom, where carrots or potatoes were grown, using a combined digestion and density separation method. Microplastics were stained with Nile Red and quantified using fluorescence microscopy.
Microplastic concentrations ranged from 1320 to 8190 particles kg−1, with a mean of 3680 ± 129.1 particles kg−1. Where no plastic crop covers were used for potato and carrot production, a mean of 2667 ± 84.1 particles kg−1 were detected. At sites where plastic crop covers were used in the past 10 years, a mean of 4689 ± 147.1 particles kg−1 were recorded.
There was a significant difference in microplastic abundance between sites where plastic crop covers were and were not used (p ≤ 0.001), confirming that plastic crop covers are an important source of microplastics to agricultural soils. Further studies are needed to investigate microplastic occurrence in the environment to better understand their impact on soil, crops and human health.
Integrating deep learning, threading alignments, and a multi‐MSA strategy for high‐quality protein monomer and complex structure prediction in CASP15
Authors: Zheng Wei , Wuyun Qiqige , Freddolino Lydia , Zhang Yang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe report the results of the “UM‐TBM” and “Zheng” groups in CASP15 for protein monomer and complex structure prediction. These prediction sets were obtained using the D‐I‐TASSER and DMFold‐Multimer algorithms, respectively. For monomer structure prediction, D‐I‐TASSER introduced four new features during CASP15: (i) a multiple sequence alignment (MSA) generation protocol that combines multi‐source MSA searching and a structural modeling‐based MSA ranker; (ii) attention‐network based spatial restraints; (iii) a multi‐domain module containing domain partition and arrangement for domain‐level templates and spatial restraints; (iv) an optimized I‐TASSER‐based folding simulation system for full‐length model creation guided by a combination of deep learning restraints, threading alignments, and knowledge‐based potentials. For 47 free modeling targets in CASP15, the final models predicted by D‐I‐TASSER showed average TM‐score 19% higher than the standard AlphaFold2 program. We thus showed that traditional Monte Carlo‐based folding simulations, when appropriately coupled with deep learning algorithms, can generate models with improved accuracy over end‐to‐end deep learning methods alone. For protein complex structure prediction, DMFold‐Multimer generated models by integrating a new MSA generation algorithm (DeepMSA2) with the end‐to‐end modeling module from AlphaFold2‐Multimer. For the 38 complex targets, DMFold‐Multimer generated models with an average TM‐score of 0.83 and Interface Contact Score of 0.60, both significantly higher than those of competing complex prediction tools. Our analyses on complexes highlighted the critical role played by MSA generating, ranking, and pairing in protein complex structure prediction. We also discuss future room for improvement in the areas of viral protein modeling and complex model ranking.
Positive psychology and language learning: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Aydın Selami , Tekin Işıl 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAlthough emotions are vitally important for achievement and performance in learning a new language, prior research has mainly focused on negative emotions and the cognitive aspects of second language acquisition and foreign language learning. However, the number of studies on the relationship between positive psychology and language learning has increased since 2014. Nevertheless, research is still inconclusive. This study, using a systematic scoping review, aims to analyse and synthesise the studies on the relationship between positive psychology and of second language acquisition and foreign language learning to present implications for practice and future research. It concludes that the use of positive psychology elements effectively enhances foreign language enjoyment, decreases foreign language anxiety, and develops basic language skills. In light of the conclusions reached, implications for practice and further research are presented.
Context and implications
Rationale for the study
Emotions are vital for performance and achievement in the second language acquisition and foreign language learning processes. However, research on these processes has mainly focused on negative emotions and the cognitive aspects until 2014. Although the number of studies has significantly increased after 2014, the results are inconclusive in gaining insight and shaping practice and future research.
Why do the new findings matter?
The findings in the study are significant for positioning the elements of positive psychology in second language acquisition and foreign language learning and may lead to the emergence of a novel language learning approach.
Implications for researchers, teachers, and policy makers
Researchers should focus on the relationships between positive psychology and language learning in different cultures and educational and instructional contexts. Language teachers need to attach importance to the mediating role of positive psychology in their classes. To achieve this, they should collaborate with school counsellors. Last, curriculum developers and policy makers should integrate and implement positive psychology elements into the pre‐service and in‐service teaching programmes.
Assessing the quality of science teachers' lesson plans: Evaluation and application of a novel instrument
Authors: Großmann Leroy , Krüger Dirk 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLesson planning is a core part of teachers' professional competence. Written lesson plans play a significant role in science teacher education as a preparation for demonstration lessons during the final teacher certification exam. However, the few existing scoring rubrics on lesson plans are not particularly theoretically sound and are barely tested for the validity of score interpretations. In response to the demand for transparent and applicable criteria, we developed therubric to assess science lesson plans(RALP) to assess science teachers' lesson plan quality. We employed a mixed‐methods approach: First, we present multiple sources of validity evidence (based ontest content,internal structure,relations to other variables, andconsequences of testing) as mainly quantitative indicators for the quality of the RALP. Based upon that, we applied the RALP to lesson plans written by preservice and trainee science teachers (N = 100) and provided a qualitative analysis of six cases to illustrate common patterns in these lesson plans. Results indicate that teacher educators consider the RALP criteria (N = 24) relevant and objectively applicable. Correlation analyses of the scores and two teacher educators' holistic quality assessment of all lesson plans provide convincing evidence that the RALP can discriminate lesson plan quality levels. Moreover, comparisons between preservice science teachers and trainee science teachers reveal that trainee teachers score significantly higher than preservice teachers, indicating that the RALP is sensitive to differences in teaching and planning experience. The application and in‐depth analysis of three criteria of the RALP illustrate these differences in levels of planning quality. We discuss possible applications of the RALP in science teacher education and research in science teaching.
Toward quality education: Contributions of EdTech to the achievement of the fourth United Nations sustainable development goal
Authors: Costa Ana Carolina Ferreira , de Brito Silva Andresa Monique , Espuny Maximilian , Rocha Aglaé Baptista Torres , de Oliveira Otávio José 
Published: August 2023

AbstractQuality Education (QE) is the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) established by the United Nations, which seeks to ensure quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all. Despite its importance in facing the challenges of society, QE is not offered to the population equitably and democratically, especially to the most vulnerable people and those living in remote areas. In this regard, the use of Educational Technology (EdTech) has been encouraged to improve the teaching‐learning process and promote the achievement of SDG 4. This work proposes a framework containing recommendations for EdTech to contribute to the development of QE. The framework was developed from the systematization of pillars related to the main EdTech categories identified through the content analysis method. The main scientific contribution of this work is the deepening and broadening of the theory that associates EdTech with QE, providing new bases for the further development of research on the subject. This work also contributes to the development and achievement of SDG 4 through the framework with recommendations for democratizing access to education and improving students' academic performance.
Efficient Suppression of Dendrites and Side Reactions by Strong Electrostatic Shielding Effect via the Additive of Rb2SO4 for Anodes in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqin , Chen Ji , Cao Heng , Huang Xiaomin , Liu Yu , Chen Yuxiang , Huo Yu , Lin Dunmin , Zheng Qiaoji , Lam Kwok‐ho 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted considerable attention due to their low cost and environmental friendliness. However, the rampant dendrite growth and severe side reactions during plating/stripping on the surface of zinc (Zn) anode hinder the practicability of AZIBs. Herein, an effective and non‐toxic cationic electrolyte additive of Rb2SO4 is proposed to address the issues. The large cation of Rb+ is preferentially adsorbed on the surface of Zn metal to induce a strong shielding effect for realizing the lateral deposition of Zn2+ ions along the Zn surface and isolating water from Zn metal to effectively inhibit side reactions. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell with the addition of 1.5 mm Rb2SO4 can cycle more than 6000 h at 0.5 mA cm−2/0.25 mAh cm−2, which is 20 times longer than that without Rb2SO4. Besides, the Zn||Cu asymmetric cell with Rb2SO4 achieves a very high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.16% up to 500 cycles. Moreover, the electrolyte with Rb2SO4 well matches with the VO2 cathode, achieving high initial capacity of 412.7 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 and excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 71.6% at 5 A g−1 after 500 cycles for the Zn//VO2 full cell.
Single‐Crystal Ferroelectric‐Based (K,Na)NbO3 Microcuboid/CuO Nanodot Heterostructures with Enhanced Photo–Piezocatalytic Activity
Authors: Im Eunmi , Park Seonhwa , Hwang Geon‐Tae , Hyun Dong Choon , Min Yuho , Moon Geon Dae 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDeveloping single‐crystal‐based heterostructured ferroelectrics with high‐performance photo–piezocatalytic activity is highly desirable to utilize large piezopotentials and more reactive charges that can trigger the desired redox reactions. To that end, a single‐crystal‐based (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN) microcuboid/CuO nanodot heterostructure with enhanced photo–piezocataytic activity, prepared using a facile strategy that leveraged the synergy between heterojunction formation and an intense single‐crystal‐based piezoelectric effect, is reported herein. The catalytic rhodamine B degrading activity of KNN/CuO is investigated under light irradiation, ultrasonication, or co‐excitation with both stimulations. Compared to polycrystalline KNN powders and bare KNN single‐crystals, single‐crystal‐based KNN/CuO exhibits a higher piezocurrent density and an optimal energy band structure, resulting in 5.23 and 2.37 times higher piezocatalytic degradation activities, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum photo–piezocatalytic rate constant (≈0.093 min−1) of KNN/CuO under 25 min ultrasonication and light irradiation is superior to that of other KNN‐based catalysts, and 1.6 and 48.6 times higher than individual piezocatalytic and photocatalytic reaction rate constants, respectively. The excellent photo–piezocatalytic activity is attributed to the enhanced charge‐carrier separation and proper alignment of band structure to the required redox levels by the appropriate p–n heterojunction and high piezoelectric potential. This report provides useful insight into the relationships between heterojunctions, piezoelectric responses, and catalytic mechanisms for single‐crystal‐based heterostructured catalysts.
Non‐Classical Self‐Assembly of Anisotropic Magneto‐Organosilica Janus Particles Possessing Surfactant Properties and the Field‐Triggered Breakdown of Surface Activity and Amphiphilic Properties
Authors: Lanz Cornelia , Krysiak Yaşar , Liu Xu , Hohgardt Manuel , Walla Peter Jomo , Polarz Sebastian 
Published: August 2023

AbstractUsing colloidal particles as models to understand processes on a smaller scale is a precious approach. Compared to molecules, particles are less defined, but their architecture can be more complex and so is their long‐range interaction. One can observe phenomena that are unknown or much more difficult to realize on the molecular level. The current paper focuses on particle‐based surfactants and reports on numerous unexpected properties. The main goal is creating an amphiphilic system with responsiveness in surface activity and associated self‐organization phenomena depending on applying an external trigger, preferably a physical field. A key step is the creation of a Janus‐type particle characterized by two types of dipoles (electric and magnetic) which geometrically stand orthogonal to each other. In a field, one can control which contribution and direction dominate the interparticle interactions. As a result, one can drastically change the system's properties. The features of ferrite‐core organosilica‐shell particles with grain‐like morphology modified by click chemistry are studied in response to spatially isotropic and anisotropic triggers. A highly unusual aggregation–dissolution–reaggregation sequence w as discovered. Using a magnetic field, one can even switch off the amphiphilic properties and use this for the field‐triggered breaking of multiphase systems such as emulsions.
Ultrathin Serpentine Insulation Layer Architecture for Ultralow Power Gas Sensor
Authors: Kim Sung‐Ho , Jo Min‐Seung , Choi Kwang‐Wook , Yoo Jae‐Young , Kim Beom‐Jun , Yang Jae‐Soon , Chung Myung‐Kun , Kim Tae‐Soo , Yoon Jun‐Bo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractToxic gases have surreptitiously influenced the health and environment of contemporary society with their odorless/colorless characteristics. As a result, a pressing need for reliable and portable gas‐sensing devices has continuously increased. However, with their negligence to efficiently microstructure their bulky supportive layer on which the sensing and heating materials are located, previous semiconductor metal‐oxide gas sensors have been unable to fully enhance their power efficiency, a critical factor in power‐stringent portable devices. Herein, an ultrathin insulation layer with a unique serpentine architecture is proposed for the development of a power‐efficient gas sensor, consuming only 2.3 mW with an operating temperature of 300 °C (≈6% of the leading commercial product). Utilizing a mechanically robust serpentine design, this work presents a fully suspended standalone device with a supportive layer thickness of only ≈50 nm. The developed gas sensor shows excellent mechanical durability, operating over 10 000 on/off cycles and ≈2 years of life expectancy under continuous operation. The gas sensor detected carbon monoxide concentrations from 30 to 1 ppm with an average response time of ≈15 s and distinguishable sensitivity to 1 ppm (ΔR/R0 = 5%). The mass‐producible fabrication and heating efficiency presented here provide an exemplary platform for diverse power‐efficient‐related devices.
Significantly Enhanced Energy‐Saving H2 Production Coupled with Urea Oxidation by Low‐ and Non‐Pt Anchored on NiS‐Based Conductive Nanofibers
Authors: Zhong Mengxiao , Yang Junyu , Xu Meijiao , Ren Siyu , Chen Xiaojie , Wang Ce , Gao Mingbin , Lu Xiaofeng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRational designing electrocatalysts is of great significance for realizing high‐efficiency H2 production in the water splitting process. Generally, reducing the usage of precious metals and developing low‐potential nucleophiles oxidation reaction to replace anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are efficient strategies to promote H2 generation. Here, NiS‐coated nickel–carbon nanofibers (NiS@Ni‐CNFs) are prepared for low‐content Pt deposition (Pt‐NiS@Ni‐CNFs) to attain the alkaline HER catalyst. Due to the reconfiguration of NiS phase and synergistic effect between Pt and nickel sulfides, the Pt‐NiS@Ni‐CNFs catalyst shows a high mass activity of 2.74‐fold of benchmark Pt/C sample. In addition, the NiS@Ni‐CNFs catalyst performs a superior urea oxidation reaction (UOR) activity with the potential of 1.366 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at 10 mA cm−2, which demonstrates the great potential in the replacement of OER. Thus, a urea‐assisted water splitting electrolyzer of Pt‐NiS@Ni‐CNFs (cathode)||NiS@Ni‐CNFs (anode) is constructed to exhibit small voltages of 1.44 and 1.65 V to reach 10 and 100 mA cm−2, which is much lower than its overall water splitting process, and presents a 6.5‐fold hydrogen production rate enhancement. This work offers great opportunity to design new catalysts toward urea‐assisted water splitting with significantly promoted hydrogen productivity and reduced energy consumption.
Personalized pricing with heterogeneous mismatch costs
Authors: Matsushima Noriaki , Mizuno Tomomichi , Pan Cong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPersonalized pricing has become a reality through digitization. We examine firms' incentives to adopt one of the three pricing schemes: uniform, personalized, or group pricing in a Hotelling duopoly model. There are two types of consumer groups that are heterogeneous in their mismatch costs. We show that both firms employ personalized pricing in equilibrium regardless of the heterogeneity of consumer groups. If the consumer groups' heterogeneity is significant, the profits are higher when both firms use personalized pricing than when they employ uniform pricing; otherwise, the latter profits are higher than the former. Profits are highest when firms employ group pricing among the three cases. The ranking of consumer welfare among the three cases is opposite to that of profits.
Cobalt Oxide‐Based Electrocatalysts with Bifunctionality for High‐Performing Rechargeable Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Saha Protity , Shaheen Shah Syed , Ali Muhammad , Nasiruzzaman Shaikh M. , Aziz Md. Abdul , Saleh Ahammad A. J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn recent years, the rapid growth in renewable energy applications has created a significant demand for efficient energy storage solutions on a large scale. Among the various options, rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) have emerged as an appealing choice in green energy storage technology due to their higher energy density, sustainability, and cost‐effectiveness. Regarding this fact, a spotlight is shaded on air electrode for constructing high‐performance ZABs. Cobalt oxide‐based electrocatalysts on the air electrode have gained significant attention due to their extraordinary features. Particularly, exploration and integration of bifunctional behavior for energy storage has remarkably promoted both ORR and OER to facilitate the overall performance of the battery. The plot of this review is forwarded towards in‐depth analysis of the latest advancements in electrocatalysts that are based on cobalt oxide and possess bifunctional properties along with an introduction of the fundamental aspects of ZABs, Additionally, the topic entails an examination of the morphological variations and mechanistic details mentioning about the synthesis processes. Finally, a direction is provided for future research endeavors through addressing the challenges and prospects in the advancement of next‐generation bifunctional electrocatalysts to empower high‐performing ZABs with bifunctional cobalt oxide.
Sequential inoculation of flocculent Torulaspora delbrueckii with Saccharomyces cerevisiae increases color density of Pinot Noir wines
Authors: McCullough Katasha S. , Yang Yi , Lindsay Melodie A. , Culley Neill , Deed Rebecca C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPinot noir grapes require careful management in the winery to prevent loss of color density and promote aging stability. Winemaking with flocculent yeast has been shown to increase color density, which is desirable to consumers. This research explored interspecies sequential inoculation and co‐flocculation of commercial yeast on Pinot noir wine color. Sedimentation rates of six non‐Saccharomyces species and two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were assayed individually and in combination. The most flocculent pairings, Torulaspora delbrueckii BIODIVA with S. cerevisiae RC212 or VL3, were used to ferment 20 L Pinot noir must. Sequential fermentations produced wines with greater color density at 420 + 520 nm, confirmed by sensory panel. Total and monomeric anthocyanin concentrations were decreased in sequentially fermented wines, despite being the main source of red wine color. BIODIVA adsorbed more anthocyanins than S. cerevisiae, indicating a greater number of cell wall mannoproteins in flocculent yeast, that could then result in a later release of anthocyanins and enhance copigment formation in red wines.
Introduction: Theorizing Remittances — Social Positioning and the Making of Migrant Subjectivity
Authors: Meyer Silke 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRemittances connect migrants to their homelands, manifest cross-border relations, and shape the transnational social field. By doing so, they have a transformative effect on both the place of origin and the destination. Their power to change individual lives trajectories, household conditions, and community infrastructure results from structural inequality in the transnational field. Thus, while generally considered an improvement, remittances also project the global divide into personal relationships and reproduce neocolonial structures. These asymmetries are negotiated through scripts which give meaning to financial and social transactions and assign a social position to the senders and recipients. More than constituting ways of being and belonging, remittances are also ways of becoming. This chapter aims to theorize remittances by exploring the forms of social positioning that accompany remittance scripts and the making of migrant subjectivity.