bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of future careers for middle year engineering students
Authors: McGough Spence Catherine , Kirn Adam , Benson Lisa
Published: February 2022

Background

One facet of motivation relevant to students' learning is their perceptions of the future, including future career goals and how those perceptions influence their present actions; this is collectively referred to as their future time perspective (FTP).

Purpose/Hypothesis

This study describes the different FTPs of engineering students. We aim to help researchers and practitioners leverage students' motivations to improve learning experiences and inform future studies by providing a model of engineering students' FTP.

Design/Method

A phenomenographic approach was used to determine students' different characteristic FTPs within the context of their engineering courses. Interviews with engineering students (n = 18) at a southeastern US research‐intensive university were analyzed for differences and similarities in their descriptions of their FTPs.

Results

Three groups emerged from the data that were visualized as different shapes within the outcome space. Cone, a long narrow shape, represents students who narrowed down their future careers deep into the future. Cup, a wider truncated cone, represents students who have conflicting desired and realistic future careers. Bowl, a short and wide shape, represents students who have broad perceptions of their future careers and do not describe how their future goals affect their present actions.

Conclusions

Using a phenomenographic approach to examine engineering students' FTPs revealed three characteristic groups and allowed us to document how different FTPs affect students' perceptions of tasks in their engineering courses. Our findings can help educators foster students' interest in and value of learning engineering concepts and their positive perceptions of their future careers.
Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy: A helping tool to identify the adultrant of dye from Curcuma longa L rhizome, and its ecofriendly applications on pharmaceutical products
Authors: Abbas Moneeza , Shaheen Shabnum , Idrees Komal , Jaffer Mehwish , Hussain Rana Abrar , Tabassum Muhammad Waheed , Rasool Ghulam
Published: February 2022

The current study was embraced to examine the morphoanatomical distinguishing proof utilizing light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and antibacterial activities of turmeric extract utilizing amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin. Cross over part of the rhizome is roundabout in structure. The peripheral layer is the periderm which comprises of 6–7 layers of digressively lengthened cells. This is trailed by an expansive cortex made of flimsy walled parenchyma cells with intercellular spaces. The antibacterial activities of turmeric extract in blend with drug items like amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin was likewise examined at various fixations. Different turmeric samples and drug items were gathered from various shops of Lahore. The samples were analyzed for antibacterial activities by utilizing pour plate method. In general outcomes showed fundamentally higher zone of inhibition of turmeric extract in combination with ciprofloxacin and lower zone of inhibition of turmeric extract in combination with amoxicillin. It is inferred that turmeric extract have hostile impact in blend with amoxicillin. Thus, the combination of turmeric extract with antimicrobial (amoxicillin) diminished the intensity of antibiotic. The turmeric extract have more antibacterial activity in mix with ciprofloxacin. Thus, the blend of turmeric extract with antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) expanded the intensity of antibiotic.

Research highlights

Morphoanatomical study of Turmeric rhizome using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

The antibacterial activities of turmeric extract like amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin was also investigated at different concentrations.
Quality and nutritional value of cookies enriched with plant‐based protein preparations
Authors: Nemś Agnieszka , Miedzianka Joanna , Kita Agnieszka
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of addition of plant‐based protein preparations in cookie recipes on the quality and nutritional value of the obtained products. Wheat flour was replaced by 10%, 20% or 30% of pea, hemp seed, pumpkin and sunflower seed preparations. Baked cookies were analysed for chemical composition, amino acid profile, colour and texture as well as organoleptic attributes and overall acceptability.

RESULTS

The addition of plant protein preparations improved the nutritional value of cookies by supplementing them with threonine and part of lysine. Replacing at least 20% of wheat flour with pea protein allowed the production of cookies with a well‐balanced amino acid profile. The use of pea and sunflower proteins improved the appearance of the obtained products (consumer notes from 7.4 to 8.0) in comparison to the control sample (note 7.2). The physical properties of cookies were changed while organoleptic properties worsened. Cookies with the most desirable sensory values were obtained using the pea protein preparation. Acceptable cookies were also obtained with pumpkin and sunflower seed protein preparations, if the proportion of additive did not exceed 20% in relation to the amount of wheat flour.

CONCLUSION

The use of protein preparations from pumpkin and sunflower as well as from hemp seeds allows the production of cookies with acceptable sensory characteristics that could diversify the range of cookie products. In the case of oilseed preparations, the amount of additive is limited primarily by the colour and taste of the finished products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Structure and functioning of Coriaria nepalensis dominated shrublands in degraded hills of Kumaun Himalaya. I. Dry matter dynamics
Authors: Awasthi Pankaj , Bargali Kiran , Bargali Surendra Singh , Jhariya Manoj Kumar
Published: February 2022

In Kumaun Himalaya, the shrublands dominated by Coriaria nepalensis are present in patches and due to their facilitative nature enhance the restoration of degraded hills. This study deals with the dry matter dynamics of C. nepalensis shrublands. The equation for C. nepalensis was developed to measure the biomass and to understand the dry matter dynamics through compartmental models. Total biomass of tree, shrub and herb varied from 71.66 to 217.40 t ha−1, 43.65 to 77.55 t ha−1 and 11.11 to 64.55 t ha−1, respectively. The biomass of herbs was higher during monsoon and lowest during the summer season. Litter fall varied from 1.02–1.70 t ha−1 yr−1 and the highest value of litter fall was recorded during winter (52%) followed by rainy (29%) and summer season (19%). Order of contribution of different components to total litter fall was: foliage (45.32%–50.33%) > twigs (36.80%–42.22%) > miscellaneous litter (4.62%–6.97%) > Bark (3.56%–5.47%) > reproductive parts (2.13%–3.57%). Shrub floor biomass was recorded maximum during the rainy season (11.32–37.55 t ha−1) followed by the winter season (13.03–25.36 t ha−1) and minimum in the summer season (6.83–12.80 t ha−1). Net primary productivity in trees, shrubs and sapling was ranged from 0.94 to 11.01, 1.83 to 4.88 and 0.55 to 0.87, respectively. Due to less canopy cover, the litter fall was less than from the majority of the forest types of the region. Thus, proper conservation and management measures must be designed to improve the structural components and functional traits of the shrubland ecosystem to enhance the ecological services on sustained basis.
Local Direction of Optomechanical Stress in Azobenzene Containing Polymers During Surface Relief Grating Formation
Authors: Loebner Sarah , Yadav Bharti , Lomadze Nino , Tverdokhleb Nina , Donner Hendrik , Saphiannikova Marina , Santer Svetlana
Published: February 2022

In this work, it is revealed how the photoinduced deformation of azobenzene containing polymers relates to the local direction of optomechanical stresses generated during irradiation with interference patterns (IPs). It can be substantiated by the modeling approach proposed by Saphiannikova et al., which describes the directional photodeformations in glassy side‐chain azobenzene polymers, and proves that these deformations arise from the reorientation of rigid backbone segments along the light polarization direction. In experiments and modeling, surface relief gratings in pre‐elongated photosensitive colloids of few micrometers length are inscribed using different IPs such as SS, PP, ±45, SP, RL, and LR. The deformation of colloidal particles is studied in situ, whereby the local variation of polymer topography is assigned to the local distribution of the electrical field vector for all IPs. Experimentally observed shapes are reproduced exactly with modeling azopolymer samples as visco‐plastic bodies in the finite element software ANSYS. Orientation approach correctly predicts local variations of the main axis of light‐induced stress in each interference pattern for both initially isotropic and highly oriented materials. With this work, it is suggested that the orientation approach implements a self‐sufficient and convincing mechanism to describe photoinduced deformation in azopolymer films that in principle does not require auxiliary assumptions.
Multivariate, region‐based genetic analyses of facets of reproductive aging in White and Black women
Authors: Bielak Lawrence F. , Peyser Patricia A. , Smith Jennifer A. , Zhao Wei , Ruiz‐Narvaez Edward A. , Kardia Sharon L. R. , Harlow Sioban D.
Published: February 2022

Background

Age at final menstrual period (FMP) and the accompanying hormone trajectories across the menopause transition do not occur in isolation, but likely share molecular pathways. Understanding the genetics underlying the endocrinology of the menopause transition may be enhanced by jointly analyzing multiple interrelated traits.

Methods

In a sample of 347 White and 164 Black women from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), we investigated pleiotropic effects of 54 candidate genetic regions of interest (ROI) on 5 menopausal traits (age at FMP and premenopausal and postmenopausal levels of follicle stimulation hormone and estradiol) using multivariate kernel regression (Multi‐SKAT). A backward elimination procedure was used to identify which subset of traits were most strongly associated with a specific ROI.

Results

In White women, the 20 kb ROI around rs10734411 was significantly associated with the multivariate distribution of age at FMP, premenopausal estradiol, and postmenopausal estradiol (omnibus p‐value = .00004). This association did not replicate in the smaller sample of Black women.

Conclusion

This study using a region‐based, multiple‐trait approach suggests a shared genetic basis among multiple facets of reproductive aging.
Analytical modeling of the approximate solution behavior of multi‐dimensional reaction–diffusion Brusselator system
Authors: Hussain Manzoor
Published: February 2022

This article presents an effective and simple approximation scheme to analytically approximate solution behavior of a multi‐dimensional reaction–diffusion Brusselator system. This system has applications in cooperative processes of chemical kinetics and biochemical reaction processes. The proposed residual power series method is based on multiple power series expansion and residual error function formulation. The convergence properties and error bounds of the proposed scheme are theoretically established and numerically verified. Two benchmark problems in two‐ and three‐dimensional space are considered to validate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed scheme. The obtained results verified reliability, accuracy, and simplicity of the proposed scheme against the available results in literature.
Optimal control problem of various epidemic models with uncertainty based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Hwang Yoon‐gu , Kwon Hee‐Dae , Lee Jeehyun
Published: February 2022

We investigate an optimal control problem of various epidemic models with uncertainty using stochastic differential equations, random differential equations, and agent‐based models. We discuss deep reinforcement learning (RL), which combines RL with deep neural networks, as one method to solve the optimal control problem. The deep Q‐network algorithm is introduced to approximate an action‐value function and consequently obtain the optimal policy. Numerical simulations show that in order to effectively prevent the spread of infectious diseases, it is essential to vaccinate at the highest rate for the first few days and then gradually reduce the rate.
Synthesis of malformin‐A1, C, a glycan, and an aglycon analog: Potential scaffolds for targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Hossain Farzana , Nishat Sharmeen , Andreana Peter R.
Published: February 2022

Improvement in therapeutic efficacy while reducing chemotherapeutic side effects remains a vital objective in synthetic design for cancer treatment. In keeping with the ethos of therapeutic development and inspired by the Warburg effect for augmenting biological activities of the malformin family of cyclic‐peptide natural products, specifically anti‐tumor activity, a β‐glucoside of malformin C has been designed and synthesized utilizing precise glycosylation and solution phase peptide synthesis. We optimized several glycosylation procedures utilizing different donors and acceptors. The overarching goal of this study was to ensure a targeted delivery of a glyco‐malformin C analog through the coupling of D‐glucose moiety; selective transport via glucose transporters (GLUTs) into tumor cells, followed by hydrolysis in the tumor microenvironment releasing the active malformin C a glycon analog. Furthermore, total synthesis of malformin C was carried out with overall improved strategies avoiding unwanted side reactions thus increasing easier purification. We also report on an improved solid phase peptide synthesis protocol for malformin A1.
On‐surface synthesis of porous graphene nanoribbons containing nonplanar [14]annulene pores
Authors: Ajayakumar M. R. , Di Giovannantonio Marco , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Yang Lin , Ruffieux Pascal , Ma Ji , Fasel Roman , Feng Xinliang
Published: February 2022

The precise introduction of nonplanar pores in the backbone of graphene nanoribbon represents a great challenge. Here, we explore a synthetic strategy toward the preparation of nonplanar porous graphene nanoribbon from a predesigned dibromohexabenzotetracene monomer bearing four cove‐edges. Successive thermal annealing steps of the monomers indicate that the dehalogenative aryl‐aryl homocoupling yields a twisted polymer precursor on a gold surface and the subsequent cyclodehydrogenation leads to a defective porous graphene nanoribbon containing nonplanar [14]annulene pores and five‐membered rings as characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy and noncontact atomic force microscopy. Although the C–C bonds producing [14]annulene pores are not achieved with high yield, our results provide new synthetic perspectives for the on‐surface growth of nonplanar porous graphene nanoribbons.
A push–pull strategy for controlling the tea green leafhopper (EmpoascaflavescensF.) using semiochemicals fromTageteserectaandFlemingiamacrophylla
Authors: Niu Yuqun , Han Shanjie , Wu Zihui , Pan Cheng , Wang Mengxin , Tang Yanyan , Zhang Qing‐He , Tan Genjia , Han Baoyu
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The tea green leafhopper,Empoasca flavescensis the most important pest in Chinese tea plantations. For decades its control has been executed almost exclusively through pesticide applications. A semiochemical‐based ‘push–pull’ strategy was tested on the leafhopper in the study.

RESULTS

The odors released fromTagetes erectaandFlemingia macrophyllasignificantly repelled and attracted leafhoppers, respectively. These volatile compounds (46 fromT. erectaand 53F. macrophylla) were identified and quantified via gas chromatography–mass spectometry (GC–MS) analysis. Y‐tube olfactometer assays indicated that thymol anisole, thymol and camphor had significant repellent effects on the leafhoppers, resulting in a ternary repellent blend at a 4:3:13 ratio.Cis‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol,cis‐3‐hexenyl acetate, nonanal andα‐farnesene were significantly attractive to the leafhoppers, making an attractant blend at a 17:4:1:1 ratio. In the field, the push–pull strategy with the repellent dispensers placed within the tea bushes and the attractant‐baited sticky traps hung 15 cm above the tea plants showed a significant control efficacy, reaching 69% and 55% at two and 14 days post‐treatment, respectively, similar to those in the insecticide control plots. Additionally, the leafhopper density in the push–pull intercropping plot was 63.2 leafhoppers/100 tea shoots/visit, much lower than those in the pull intercropping plot and nonintercropping plot.

CONCLUSION

Application of the push–pull strategy using both synthetic repellent and attractant, or intercroppingT. erectaandF. macrophyllawith tea plants, can effectively reduce the leafhopper population. This approach might have great potential as an environmentally safe control strategy against the leafhopper. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multilayer MoS2 Back‐Gate Transistors with ZrO2 Dielectric Layer Optimization for Low‐Power Electronics
Authors: Zhao Haochen , Lin Guangyang , Cui Peng , Zhang Jie , Zeng Yuping
Published: February 2022

Herein, high‐performance back‐gate molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) field‐effect transistors (FETs) with high‐quality sub‐20 nm high‐k dielectric layers are developed for high‐performance and lower‐power consumption applications. The 20 nm ultrathin ZrO2 dielectric layers are deposited by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) method, where the growth temperature is varied and it shows a significant impact on the electrical characteristics of the deposited ZrO2 materials. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) transfer process is used to transfer multilayer MoS2 flakes onto a 20 nm ZrO2/p–Si substrate with an optimized dielectric growth temperature without any subsequent processing, resulting in back‐gate MoS2 FET device architecture. These transistors demonstrate excellent electrical characteristics with on–off current ratio up to 1.8 × 107, subthreshold swing as low as 70 mV decade−1 and field‐effect mobility as high as 3.9 cm2 V−1 s−1. Furthermore, an enhancement‐mode device operation and a high complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) ION/IOFF ratio of 107 are achieved. The excellent electrical performance is attributed to the low interface state traps and high‐quality ZrO2 dielectric layer, indicating the great potential of our multilayer MoS2 FETs technology for low‐power applications.
Cover crops effects on soil hydraulic properties in two contrasting Mollisols of the Argentinean Pampas region
Authors: Villarreal Rafael , Lozano Luis Alberto , Polich Nicolas , Salazar María Paz , Barraco Miriam , Soracco C. German
Published: February 2022

Decreasing physical quality of Mollisols in the Argentinean Pampas region is observed due to simplified crop rotations. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of cover cropping management on soil water capture, transport, and storage as compared with different crop rotations with bare fallow in two different and representative Mollisols of the Argentinean Pampas region (one Typic Argiudoll [TA] and one Typic Hapludoll [TH]). Water capture, transport, and storage processes were assessed through soil sorptivity, infiltration tests at different pressures heads, and soil water retention curve determination. In addition, aggregate stability and soil organic carbon (SOC) were determined and the relationship between studied variables and processes was evaluated. It was observed that soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] monocultures jeopardize Mollisols conservation, decreasing water capture and transport and SOC content. The inclusion of cover cropping management increased the soil water transport in the TA and water capture in the TH, as compared with bare fallow rotations. In this sense, our results show that cover cropping could be a suitable management in order to recover degraded soils due to simplified crop rotations in Mollisols from the Argentina Pampas region.
High‐Efficiency Sequential‐Cast Organic Solar Cells Enabled by Dual Solvent‐Controlled Polymer Aggregation
Authors: Li Xinrui , Cao Luye , Yu Xin , Du Xiaoyang , Lin Hui , Yang Gang , Chen Zhenhua , Zheng Caijun , Tao Silu
Published: February 2022

The precise tuning of the active layer morphology to improve organic solar cells (OSCs) efficiency remains a key issue in the field of organic photovoltaics. Herein, a new solution to the above problem is provided by using the dual‐solvent modulated polymer‐assisted sequential spin‐coating method. Herein, the sequential spin‐coated OSCs based on the D18‐Cl/Y6 system are prepared for the first time and an efficiency of 16.38% is obtained, similar to that of bulk heterojunction OSCs. On this basis, the performance is further improved by using a dual solvent to balance the dissolution and crystallization of D18‐Cl, separately optimizing the morphology of the donor layer and allowing the subsequent spin‐coated Y6 solution to penetrate uniformly into the D18‐Cl framework. After the dual‐solvent treatment, the D18‐Cl (CF + CB)/Y6‐based device obtains a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.33% and the D18‐Cl (THF + CB)/Y6‐based device achieves an even better PCE of 17.73%. It is worth noting that no post‐treatment is adopted here and after 2500 h of placement, the efficiency of the aforementioned devices is still 90% of the original. Thus, this work provides a simple method for tuning the film morphology to prepare efficient and stable devices, which is beneficial for future commercial production of OSCs.
Numerical Simulations of the Molten Metal Droplet Formation in the Electroslag Remelting Process with a Rotating Electrode
Authors: Schubert Christian , Eickhoff Moritz , Pfeifer Herbert
Published: February 2022

Electroslag remelting (ESR) is a well‐known process widely used in the production chain of high‐quality alloys. Herein, numerical investigations of the implementation of a rotating‐electrode (low rotation speed) modification to the flow behavior inside the slag area of a lab‐sized ESR process are shown. Therefore, a coupled simulation approach between a commercial CFD (FVM) and electromagnetics (FEM) software is used. Comparative results for the simulated droplet formation between a stationary and a rotating electrode are shown. The results show a strong effect on the local shaping of the liquid metal film below the electrode and consequently a radial shift of the droplet incidence into the metal pool under electrode rotation. There are no observable positive effects on mean metal film thickness, droplet trajectory, or droplet size, which are suspected as possible explanations for observed material improvements in small‐scale rotating electrode ESR processes. In addition, an overview of current bottlenecks, restrictions, and possible strategies for improved ESR process simulations is given.
Show me the money! The impact of a conditional cash transfer on educational achievement
Authors: Pedraja-Chaparro Francisco , Santín Daniel , Simancas Rosa
Published: February 2022

During the global economic crisis, unemployment rates increased dramatically across Europe, especially among the least educated population groups. The picture in Spain in 2012, with unemployment rates running at over 20% and youth employment close to 45%, was discouraging. In face of this situation, the Spanish autonomous government of Extremadura launched a programme specifically aimed at motivating unemployed individuals without a school degree to return to education and earn the compulsory secondary education diploma. This paper applies a fuzzy regression discontinuity design to evaluate the impact of this conditional cash transfer programme using administrative data. The results show that the programme did not increase the likelihood of earning the lower secondary education diploma. This finding is a caveat emptor for governments considering similar policies, and remarks again the importance of testing innovations before generalization.
MDMA and memory, addiction, and depression: dose-effect analysis
Authors: Pantoni Madeline M. , Kim Jinah L. , Van Alstyne Kaitlin R. , Anagnostaras Stephan G.
Published: February 2022

Rationale

±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a recreational drug that shows substantial promise as a psychotherapeutic agent. Still, there is some concern regarding its behavioral toxicity, and its dose-effect relationship is poorly understood. We previously explored the role of dose in the cognitive effects of MDMA in a systematic review of existing literature and found no evidence in animals that MDMA impairs memory at low doses (< 3 mg/kg) but mixed results at high doses (≥ 3 mg/kg). Since this review comprised mostly of single-dose studies and an assortment of methodologies, an empirical dose-ranging study on this topic is warranted.

Objectives

The current study aims to evaluate the conclusion from our systematic review that 3 mg/kg may be the threshold for MDMA-induced amnesia, and to further understand the dose-effect relationship of MDMA on behavioral assays of memory, addiction, and depression.

Methods

We systematically examined the effects of 0.01 to 10 mg/kg MDMA on Pavlovian fear conditioning; behavioral sensitization, conditioned place preference, and conditioned responding; and the Porsolt forced swim test in mice.

Results

High doses of MDMA (≥ 3 mg/kg) produced amnesia of fear conditioning memory, some evidence of an addictive potential, and antidepressant effects, while low doses of MDMA (≤ 1 mg/kg) had no effect on these behaviors.

Conclusions

The present dose-ranging study provides further evidence that 3 mg/kg is the threshold for MDMA-induced amnesia. These findings, in addition to our systematic review, demonstrate that careful selection of MDMA dose is critical. High doses (≥ 3 mg/kg) should likely be avoided due to evidence that they can produce amnesia and addiction. Conversely, there is little evidence to suggest that low doses, which are usually administered in clinical studies (approximately 1–2 mg/kg), will lead to these same adverse effects. Ultra-low doses (< 1 mg/kg) are likely even safer and should be investigated for therapeutic effects in future studies.
Zebrafish excel in number discrimination under an operant conditioning paradigm
Authors: Bisazza Angelo , Santacà Maria
Published: February 2022

Numerical discrimination is widespread in vertebrates, but this capacity varies enormously between the different species examined. The guppy (Poecilia reticulata), the only teleost examined following procedures that allow a comparison with the other vertebrates, outperforms amphibians, reptiles and many warm-blooded vertebrates, but it is unclear whether this is a feature shared with the other teleosts or represents a peculiarity of this species. We trained zebrafish (Danio rerio) to discriminate between numbers differing by one unit, varying task difficulty from 2 versus 3 to 5 versus 6 items. Non-numerical variables that covary with number, such as density or area, did not affect performance. Most fish reached learning criterion on all tasks up to 4 versus 5 discrimination with no sex difference in accuracy. Although no individual reached learning criterion in the 5 versus 6 task, performance was significant at the group level, suggesting that this may represent the discrimination threshold for zebrafish. Numerosity discrimination abilities of zebrafish compare to those of guppy, being higher than in some warm-blooded vertebrates, such as dogs, horses and domestic fowl, though lower than in parrots, corvids and primates. Learning rate was similar in a control group trained to discriminate between different-sized shapes, but zebrafish were slightly more accurate when discriminating areas than numbers and males were more accurate than females. At the end of the experiment, fish trained on numbers and controls trained on areas generalized to the reciprocal set of stimuli, indicating they had used a relational strategy to solve these tasks.
Variation in growth patterns of Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus nestlings: effects of hatching order, nestling subperiod, brood size and weather conditions
Authors: Zaremba Urszula , Golawski Artur , Kasprzykowski Zbigniew
Published: February 2022

Post-natal growth has long-term consequences for survival and fitness in birds and is subject to strong directional selection. Highly variable patterns of nestling development are influenced by an array of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. This study analysed the impacts of hatching order, nestling subperiod, brood size and weather conditions, all of which could influence the growth rate of Marsh HarrierCircus aeruginosusnestlings. It was conducted over a period of 6 years, during which measurements of 173 nestlings from 66 nests were made at fishpond complexes in eastern Poland. Relative growth rates (RGR) were calculated on the basis of tarsus and wing lengths during two subperiods of nestling development. Linear mixed models showed that the hatching order and nestling subperiod influenced nestling growth, whereas brood size did not affect wing or tarsus relative growth rates. The effect of hatching order differed between the two traits and between subperiods. Marginal nestlings in broods of five exhibited poor wing growth and perished before fledging. In contrast to wing growth, tarsus growth rates were similar in all the siblings in the first subperiod. During the second developmental subperiod, the growth rates of both locomotor traits exhibited the same pattern, i.e., higher values in the later-hatched chicks than in the earlier ones. Precipitation, but not temperature, had a negative impact on growth in the second subperiod. Our results show a variation in growth patterns between nestmates, which was the most evident in the rate of wing growth. The study enhances our understanding of brood reduction and cainism in birds of prey.
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among Adolescents: A Structural Model with Socioecological Connectedness, Bullying Victimization, and Depression
Authors: Baker Ashley C. , Wallander Jan L. , Elliott Marc N. , Schuster Mark A.
Published: February 2022

The objective was to examine the associations of socioecological connectedness with bullying victimization and depressive symptoms in early adolescence and with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in mid-adolescence, and how these might differ between genders. Diverse adolescents (N = 4115; 49.1% girls) in the 7th grade reported on connections with parents/family, peers, school, and neighborhood, as well as bullying victimization and depressive symptoms, and NSSI in 10th grade (Me = 16.1 years). Structural equation modeling with WSLMV indicated that the lower likelihood of NSSI in 10th grade was associated with higher perceptions of connections between adolescents and their families, both directly as well as indirectly through reduced bully victimization and depressive symptoms three years earlier. Higher school connectedness was indirectly associated with the lower likelihood of NSSI through bullying victimization and depressive symptoms. Paths to NSSI varied for girls and boys. Results advance the understanding of developmental pathways leading to NSSI in adolescent girls and boys.
Synthesis, Molecular and Crystal Structures of Some Monocyanocymantrenes
Authors: Sünkel Karlheinz , Reimann Dietmar , Klein-Heßling Christian
Published: February 2022

Electrophilic cyanation of the lithiated cymantrenes [(C5X4Li)Mn(CO)3] (X = H, Cl) yields the corresponding monocyanocymantrenes [(C5X4CN)Mn(CO)3] (1, 3). UV irradiation of 1 in the presence of PPh3 leads to the formation of [(C5H4CN)Mn(CO)2PPh3] (2). The molecular and crystal structures of 1, 2 and 3 were determined. The cyano groups take part in intermolecular C-X⋯N (X = H, Cl) interactions for all compounds.

Graphical Abstract
Are Propositional Attitudes Mental States?
Authors: Baysan Umut
Published: February 2022

I present an argument that propositional attitudes are not mental states. In a nutshell, the argument is that if propositional attitudes are mental states, then only minded beings could have them; but there are reasons to think that some non-minded beings could bear propositional attitudes. To illustrate this, I appeal to cases ofgenuine group intentionality. I argue that these are cases in which some group entities bear propositional attitudes, but they are not subjects of mental states. Although propositional attitudes are not mental states, I propose that they are typically co-instantiated with mental states. In an attempt to explain this co-instantiation, I suggest that propositional attitudes of minded beings are typically realized by mental states.
The Inequality-Trust Nexus Revisited: At What Level of Aggregation Does Income Inequality Matter for Social Trust?
Authors: Kanitsar Georg
Published: February 2022

The negative linkage between income inequality and social trust is widely acknowledged. Despite this consensus, it remains unclear at what level of aggregation income inequality matters most to the cultivation of social trust. In a comprehensive review, Wilkinson and Pickett (Annu Rev Sociol 35:493–511, 2009) speculate that income inequality is most important when measured at the societal level, whereas for lower units of aggregation economic development becomes a stronger predictor. Merging regional inequality data for 216 regions in 22 European countries (2010–2014) to the European Social Survey, this paper is the first to examine this claim for social trust. The results demonstrate that in non-Eastern European countries most of the variation in social trust is accounted for by differences in inequality between countries rather than differences in inequality within countries. For economic development, the opposite is true. Within-country differences in economic development relate significantly to social trust, while between-country differences do not. I conclude that social trust is more strongly affected by the stratification of society as a whole than by income inequalities within smaller units of aggregation.
Evaluation of thermal sensitivity is of potential clinical utility for the predictive, preventive, and personalized approach advancing metabolic syndrome management
Authors: Mun Sujeong , Park Kihyun , Lee Siwoo
Published: February 2022

A possible association between metabolic disorders and ambient temperature has been suggested, and cold exposure as a way of increasing energy expenditure has gained considerable interest for preventative/therapeutic measures toward metabolic disorders. Although thermal sensitivity, which has recently been studied in regard to its utility as a risk assessment/patient stratification for various diseases, might influence physiological responses to ambient temperature on an individual basis, more studies are needed. We aimed to investigate the association between self-identified thermal intolerance/sensation and metabolic syndrome (MetS) to verify the working hypothesis that individuals with altered thermal sensitivity may have a predisposition to MetS. We fitted generalized additive models for thermal intolerance/sensation using body mass index (BMI) and waist–hip ratio in women, and identified those with higher/lower thermal intolerance/sensation than those predicted by the models. Higher heat intolerance, higher heat sensation, and lower cold intolerance were associated with a higher prevalence of MetS. The risk of having MetS was increased in those who had two or three associated conditions compared with those with none of these conditions. In an analysis for MetS components, significant associations of thermal sensitivity were present with high glucose, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels. Overall, higher heat intolerance/sensation and lower cold intolerance were associated with increased prevalence of MetS even at a similar level of obesity. Our study indicates that evaluation of thermal sensitivity may help identify individuals at high risk for MetS, and lead to more advanced patient stratification and personalized treatment strategies for MetS, including cold-induced thermogenesis.
Evaluation of variable speed pumps in pressurized water distribution systems
Authors: Salmasi Farzin , Abraham John , Salmasi Arian
Published: February 2022

In pressurized water distribution systems, a constant speed pump is often used because of its simplicity. However, constant speed pumps are not easily able to deal with changing demands in water flows. When the demand for the discharge differs from the design discharge, the required demand (discharge and head) could be met by changing the pump speed without making any special changes in the system. Using an electronic drive circuit, the electrical frequency can be changed, and the rotation speed of the pump motor can thus be modified. In this study, the application of variable speed pumps in pressurized irrigation systems is investigated. Two pumping station scenarios including a fixed speed pump and a variable speed pump are considered. The selected pump station includes a real sprinkler irrigation system near Tabriz city, Iran, with 3 lateral pipes and 600 m length of main pipe. The diameter of the main pipes is 8 and 6 inches. The results show that using a variable speed pump increases the average pump efficiency by 18.7%. In addition, the variable speed pump system reduces the electrical consumption 57.6% compared to a fixed speed pump. Therefore, the use of variable speed pumps in pressurized systems is recommended. Step-by-step calculations for a sprinkler irrigation system design are the contribution of this study. This information helps engineers who are not familiar with commutation process.
Body image and compulsive exercise: are there associations with depression among university students?
Authors: Edlund Klara , Johansson Fred , Lindroth Rebecca , Bergman Louise , Sundberg Tobias , Skillgate Eva
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Mental health problems among university students have been reported to be significantly increasing and suggested to be associated with college drop-out. Body dissatisfaction and compulsive exercise are both constructs relevant for mental health problems in general and eating disorders in particular. This study examined associations between body dissatisfaction, compulsive exercise and self-reported symptoms of depression among Swedish university students.

Methods

Participants (n = 4262) are students in an ongoing cohort study, and data from the baseline assessment were used. Four linear regression models were built to explore the associations between body dissatisfaction, compulsive weight control exercise and depressive symptoms.

Results

Our findings showed that females reported higher levels of body dissatisfaction than males. Body dissatisfaction and compulsive exercise were associated with self-reported symptoms of depression in this non-clinical population. Results showed that compulsive exercise was negatively associated with reported symptoms of depression, while body dissatisfaction was positively associated with symptoms of depression.

Conclusion

In line with previous research, there was a gender difference in body dissatisfaction where females displayed higher levels of dissatisfaction than males.  Body dissatisfaction was  positively associated with reported symptoms of depression, suggesting support of previous research indicating body dissatisfaction to increase mental health problems. Compulsive exercise was negatively associated with symptoms of depression suggesting a behavior negatively reinforced, supporting both constructs to be of interest for reported symptoms of depression in a non-clinical population of Swedish university students.

Level of evidence

III, cohort study.

Trial registration

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ID: NCT04465435.
High performance removal of sulfamethoxazole using large specific area of biochar derived from corncob xylose residue
Authors: Li Yinxue , Shang Hongru , Cao Yongna , Yang Chunhui , Feng Yujie , Yu Yanling
Published: February 2022

To remove antibiotics from waste water, an alkali active porous biochar, 850BC, was prepared from corncob xylose residue. In preparation, NaOH dipping was used for silicon removal and KOH activation was operated at 850℃. Further characterization containing BET, SEM, and FTIR were confirmed. 850BC possessed a huge specific surface area of 3043 m2·g−1, developed pore structure and abundant oxygen functional groups. The adsorption performance of sulfamethoxazole on 850BC was quick and efficient, and the adsorption capacity reached 1429 mg·g−1, which was significantly higher than other adsorbents reported previously. While pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model could better describe the adsorption, chemisorption dominated the SMX adsorption onto 850BC. In virtue of pore-filling and π–π interaction as major mechanism, a large surface area and rich oxygen-containing functional groups led to an excellent adsorption performance. Thus, this preparation method provided a biochar-based adsorbent with enhanced specific surface for efficient removal of antibiotic pollutants.

Graphical Abstract
Contested Legitimacy in Ferguson
Authors: Bloom Joshua
Published: February 2022

At noon on August 9, 2014 when Michael Brown was killed on Canfield Drive in Ferguson, there was little protest. But by 9 pm, dozens were nonviolently defying police armed with military style weapons, armored vehicles, helicopters, and snarling dogs. The structural situation alone cannot account for the emergence of insurgency in Ferguson. To explain mobilization, I advance a theory of Contested Legitimacy. The stakes of each action by insurgents, authorities, and third parties for mobilization concern regulatory repression. Actions that undercut the validity of repression encourage mobilization. Video, photo, and textual data make it possible to unpack the complex interactive process of mobilization. Given longstanding grievances concerning racist policing in Ferguson, reclaiming the site where Michael Brown was killed on Canfield Drive as a memorial provided means to challenge unjust police authority. When police responded as accustomed– disproportionately, callous, and indiscriminate – their actions galvanized local Black support for activists.
Chinese Soft Power
Authors: Repnikova Maria
Published: February 2022

This Element presents an overarching analysis of Chinese visions and practices of soft power. Maria Repnikova's analysis introduces the Chinese theorization of the idea of soft power, as well as its practical implementation across global contexts. The key channels or mechanisms of China's soft power examined include Confucius Institutes, international communication, education and training exchanges, and public diplomacy spectacles. The discussion concludes with suggestions for new directions for the field, drawing on the author's research on Chinese soft power in Africa.
Battery consumption estimation methodology for electric unmanned aerial systems
Authors: Rodríguez-Novillo E. , Sanchez-Carmona A.
Published: February 2022

This study presents a methodology to estimate the battery consumption of an electric powerplant, based on brushless motors, typically used in light unmanned aerial systems. The methodology models brushless motors through an equivalent circuit obtained from their dynamic behaviour. Propellers’ data are taken from an experimental database. Furthermore, a variable speed controller efficiency is considered in the methodology. All the parameters involved in the model are adjusted by minimising the mean quadratic error of measurements taken in both direct and alternating currents. This model allows designers to predict energy consumption, also if any element of the powerplant changes, such as battery or propeller. Thus, it is useful for selecting the best powerplant for an actual RPAS operation. The results obtained to predict the current consumption of several electric powerplants show a coefficient of determination higher than 0.96. Finally, the methodology is validated by means of a case study of an actual RPAS, where the best powerplant is selected in terms of endurance.
Changes in obesity and diabetes severity during the COVID-19 pandemic at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
Authors: Namoos Asmaa M. , Sheppard Vanessa , Abosamak NourEldin , Lavallee Martin , Ramadan Rana , Eyob Estelle , Wang Chen , Gal Tamas S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the lives of millions of people in the USA, preventing them from continuing their regular lifestyles. This study examined the manifestation of “Covibesity” in the patient population of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health System and explored the effects of the distraction caused by the pandemic in the management of diabetes disease.

Methods:

This project analyzed body mass index (BMI) rates of the general adult patient population at the VCU Health System during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to prior years. The project also investigated the changes in the severity of diabetes cases treated at the VCU Health System by comparing HbA1c laboratory results and the number of diabetes-related emergency department (ED) visits before and during the pandemic. The results were stratified by age, gender, and race to examine subpopulations.

Results:

The mean BMI for the general patient population increased from 2018 to 2019 but decreased in 2020. The mean HbA1c measurements for the diabetic patient population increased from 2018 to 2020, while the number of ED visits declined in 2020 for the same population. When stratified by race, the trends in the outcomes largely reflected those of the overall mean. The African American population had a higher mean BMI, HbA1c, and number of ED visits than other races, but showed the same temporal behavior to the overall mean.
From transparency to accountability of intelligent systems: Moving beyond aspirations
Authors: Williams Rebecca , Cloete Richard , Cobbe Jennifer , Cottrill Caitlin , Edwards Peter , Markovic Milan , Naja Iman , Ryan Frances , Singh Jatinder , Pang Wei
Published: February 2022

A number of governmental and nongovernmental organizations have made significant efforts to encourage the development of artificial intelligence in line with a series of aspirational concepts such as transparency, interpretability, explainability, and accountability. The difficulty at present, however, is that these concepts exist at a fairly abstract level, whereas in order for them to have the tangible effects desired they need to become more concrete and specific. This article undertakes precisely this process of concretisation, mapping how the different concepts interrelate and what in particular they each require in order to move from being high-level aspirations to detailed and enforceable requirements. We argue that the key concept in this process is accountability, since unless an entity can be held accountable for compliance with the other concepts, and indeed more generally, those concepts cannot do the work required of them. There is a variety of taxonomies of accountability in the literature. However, at the core of each account appears to be a sense of “answerability”; a need to explain or to give an account. It is this ability to call an entity to account which provides the impetus for each of the other concepts and helps us to understand what they must each require.