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An innovative modeling approach for the simulative description of the part quality of rubber materials, including the processing history, is presented in this paper. This modeling approach, the so-called average curing speed (ACS) model, is based on the degree of cure and the average curing speed instead of the conventionally considered temperature approach. Such approach neglects the processing history by calculating only the degree of cure. Thus, the correlation with part quality has to be performed either after the simulation or with the aid of other numerical analysis programs. Instead, by applying the ACS model, the key advantage is that the processing history is already taken into account during the filling and curing simulation, demanding a single calibration step with quality information to be able to calculate the part quality. For this purpose, parts were manufactured at mold temperatures ranging from 140 °C to 170 °C and degrees of cure from 24% to 99% via compression molding and subsequently the permanent deformation, i.e., the compression set (CS), of each part was analyzed. The CS results show that one and the same degree of cure; for example, 80%, which was defined on the basis of reaction isotherms, causes an almost twofold higher CS value for parts manufactured at 170 °C. Consequently, considerable deviations may occur when real part qualities are correlated with degrees of cure from simulations with common state-of-the-art kinetic models. By applying the ACS model, it was demonstrated that this challenge could be solved. Parts manufactured by compression molding exhibited the same quality as those simulated with the ACS model. Finally, this innovative modeling approach (fully implemented in the SIGMASOFT® v 6.0 simulation routine) provides enormous potential for understanding local differences in the quality of rubber parts, being an ideal tool for optimizing rubber parts through simulation routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different Augmented Reality (AR) displays are becoming more commonly used for work since AR promises benefits by offering support, e.g., with additional information or hints. However, most research compares AR with traditional work support, like paper-based or web-based instructions. Since various AR technologies offer device-specific advantages and disadvantages, different AR technologies are more or less suitable to offer support without overwhelming or distracting the worker. Research, therefore, needs to derive empirical results from comparing different AR displays to derive concrete recommendations for action on the use and design of AR for specific contexts. To address this research gap, this experimental study investigates the effect of video-see-through head-mounted AR (Varjo XR-3) vs. handheld AR (Apple iPad) on performance (time and committed failure), motivation, and cognitive load for guided assembly. The study results reveal that both AR displays can successfully guide people in guided assembly tasks. On a descriptive level, the head-mounted AR device reveals slightly better results in terms of time and committed failures. Notably, the impact of technical restrictions on the study results was still evident. Accordingly, further investigation of device-specific differences is of continuing importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) and microorganisms were characterized along the flow path of a geothermal facility that produces water from a deep (2800 m) carbonate rock reservoir for energy provision. A variety of analytical techniques were employed to distinguish between natural and synthetic organic matter, determine the composition of the microbial community, and evaluate the role of microorganisms in the operation of the geothermal site in Bad Blumau, Austria. Ion chromatography (IC), liquid chromatography with organic carbon detection (LC-OCD), and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) in negative electrospray ionization (ESI(-)) and positive atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI(+)) mode were applied to the fluid samples for the purpose of characterizing the composition of DOM and distinguishing natural DOM from a chemical inhibitor used to prevent scaling. The concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) ranged from 8.5 to 10.4 mg C L−1. The chemical scaling inhibitor contributes approximately 1 mg C L−1 of DOC to the produced fluids. Depending on the applied ionization mode, the FT-ICR-MS results show that between 31 % and 65 % of the macromolecular formulas (150–1000 Da) detected in the fluid samples appear to originate from the inhibitor. However, the DOM is primarily composed of low-molecular-weight acids (LMWA), with acetate being the most prevalent, reaching up to 7.4 mg C L−1. To assess the diversity of the bacterial communities, targeted amplification of the 16S rRNA gene was conducted. The composition of the microbial community exhibited variation along the flow path, with Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Thermotogae representing the dominant bacterial phyla. Based on the community composition, metabolic pathways associated with the presence of acetate in the samples were predicted. Microorganisms may produce acetate through diverse fermentation processes, including those involving lysine, pyruvate, and hexitol. Assessing the presence and interaction of organic compounds and microorganisms in geothermal fluids can provide a broader understanding of processes within the geothermal facility. This understanding could be beneficial for efficient operation of a geothermal power plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology-facilitated abuse in relationships (TAR) is a widespread social problem that has a significant impact on victim-survivors. Most contemporary evidence on TAR focuses on victim-survivor and practitioner perspectives rather than those of perpetrators who choose to enact this form of harm. Addressing this deficit, this study explored perpetrators' discourses on emotions and motivations associated with engaging in TAR. Using story completion method, 35 self-identified perpetrators of TAR completed story stems describing scenarios that may precede the use of abusive online behaviors. Reflexive thematic analysis generated three themes. Abusive behaviors and negative emotions speaks to maladaptive experiences of anger and/or sadness that can precede a decision to use TAR. A loss of trust, a desire for control describes potential motives for using TAR. Finally, inhibitors of abusive behavior investigates rationales perpetrators use for avoidance of TAR behaviors, suggesting avenues for working with perpetrators to refrain from using TAR. We conclude by discussing policy, practice, and research recommendations including strategies for technology designers and suggestions for primary prevention and response to TAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme environments on Earth host a large diversity of microbial life. Bacteria, archaea, and fungi are able to survive under one or several extreme conditions including extreme ranges of temperature, pressure, pH or salinity. Despite extensive research on extremophilic microorganisms, a relatively unexplored frontier within the study of the deep biosphere is the survey of the diversity of microorganisms inhabiting deep geothermal reservoirs used for energy production. These sites offer unique access to investigate life in the deep biosphere. The conditions in these reservoirs are often within the range of the known limits of life, which makes them a suitable habitat for various extremophilic microorganisms. Moreover, microbial-driven processes such as microbially induced scaling or corrosion can decrease the efficacy of geothermal power plant systems. The present review summarizes the current knowledge and uncertainties surrounding microbial life in deep geothermal reservoirs. As the knowledge in deep geothermal fluids is still scarce, the microbial diversity in analogous environments, such as surface geothermal springs, deep-sea hydrothermal vents or deep subsurface environments, is also summarized here. The high diversity of microorganisms inhabiting these analogous environments suggests that deep geothermal fluids may host an unsuspected microbial diversity. Moreover, the challenges associated to the study of microorganisms in geothermal fluids are reviewed. These include notably challenges linked to sampling, DNA extraction from low biomass samples, DNA amplification and sequencing of unknown communities, and biases induced by comparison of the sequences obtained to reference databases. Such biases are even stronger concerning fungi and archaea, as specific databases are less extensive than those for bacteria. A broader knowledge on microorganisms in deep geothermal fluids may not only allow to reduce the negative impact of microbial activity in geothermal power plants, but could also provide new insights into the evolution of microorganisms and their survival in extreme environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic matter and microorganisms were analyzed along the flow path of a geothermal facility in Austria. Various analytical methods were used to characterize and differentiate between natural and synthetic organic matter, characterize the microbial community composition, and determine the implications of microorganisms in an operating a geothermal site. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were in the range of 8.4-10.3 mg CL-1 and typically decreased from the production to the injection side. Carbonate scalings are avoided in the facility by the injection of a chemical scaling inhibitor within the production well at 500 m depth. It was calculated that the inhibitor contributes approximately 1 mg CL-1 DOC to the produced fluids. Ion chromatography (IC), liquid chromatography -- organic carbon detection (LC-OCD) and Fouriertransform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) in negative electrospray ionization (ESI(-)) and positive atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI(+)) mode were applied to the fluid samples to characterize the dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition and distinguish between the inhibitor and the natural DOM. Depending on the applied ionization mode, FT-ICR-MS results show that between 31 % and 65 % of the macromolecular formulas detected in the fluid samples seem to originate from the inhibitor. However, the DOM is mainly composed of low molecular weight acids (LMWA), especially acetate with up to 7.4 mg CL-1. The microbial community composition varied along the flowpath with dominant phyla being Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Thermotogae. Based on the microorganisms found in the sample, the metabolic pathways have been assessed. Acetate might be produced by microorganisms through various fermentation processes (e.g. from lysine, pyruvate and hexitol). Assessing the presence and interaction of organic compounds and microorganisms in geothermal fluids provides a broader understanding of processes within the geothermal facility. This understanding could be beneficial for the efficient use of a geothermal power plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article focuses on the book "Ethics for People Who Work in Tech" by M. Steen, delving into its examination of data ethics and AI strategies in the tech industry. Topics include the challenges faced by tech giants in ensuring social responsibility, the need for practical guidance amid ethical dilemmas, and the book's emphasis on creating a common language for ethical discussions.

Background: Dysregulation of the immune system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) includes changes in T-cells composition and infiltration of T cells in the brain and spinal cord. Recent studies have shown that cytotoxic T cells can directly induce motor neuron death in a mouse model of ALS and that T cells from ALS patients are cytotoxic to iPSC-derived motor neurons from ALS patients. Furthermore, a clonal expansion to unknown epitope(s) was recently found in familial ALS and increased peripheral and intrathecal activation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in sporadic ALS. Results: Here, we show an increased activation of peripheral T cells from patients with sporadic ALS by IL-2 treatment, suggesting an increase of antigenexperienced T cells in ALS blood. However, a putative antigen for T-cell activation in ALS has not yet been identified. Therefore, we investigated if peptides derived from TDP-43, a key protein in ALS pathogenesis, can act as epitopes for antigen-mediated activation of human T cells by ELISPOT and flow cytometry. We found that TDP-43 peptides induced only a weak MHCI or MHCIIrestricted activation of both naïve and antigen-experienced T cells from healthy controls and ALS patients. Interestingly, we found less activation in T cells from ALS patients to TDP-43 and control stimuli. Furthermore, we found no change in the levels of naturally occurring auto-antibodies against full-length TDP-43 in ALS. Conclusion: Our data suggests a general increase in antigen-experienced T cells in ALS blood, measured by in-vitro culture with IL-2 for 14 days. Furthermore, it suggests that TDP-43 is a weak autoantigen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freshwater resource in karst is subjected to both sea level rise and an increasing pressure caused by the high-water demand. Therefore, developing an understanding of the hydrogeological dynamics of the karst aquifer can be a useful tool for improving protection and management actions. Vora Bosco cave (Apulia, Southern Italy) was instrumented with a multi-parameter probe for groundwater level measurements, aimed at exploring the system behavior within the cave recharge area. To characterize and quantify the natural recharge and discharge behavior of the system, a simple reservoir model was developed, initially also with the intention of predicting groundwater dynamics. Based on the original time-series of water level observations, different calibration datasets were established using different split-sample and bootstrapping approaches, and a regional sensitivity analysis was executed. Furthermore, in addition to the original observation time-series, a 3-month extension was used as a model testing period. Using these analyses, the parameters identifiability and the predictions robustness for the model testing period were evaluated. Results reveal that while the calibration on the whole dataset, as well as the bootstrapping approaches, lead to better performances in the calibration and validation period of the original time-series, and to a higher model precision with smaller uncertainty ranges. their performance in the model testing period becomes very poor and the observed water level data no longer plots within the uncertainty bands. Based on this extensive analysis, the model is finally rejected. Our study therefore also confirms the importance of model validation, especially when only a short time-series of observations are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the decision‐making processes of soldiers as they evaluated scenarios containing information offering various levels of certainty. Soldiers with different levels of experience read scenarios that presented potential threats and then identified the priority threat, their confidence in this identification, and the cues they used to identify priority threats. Soldiers then searched for additional scenario‐relevant information and modified their reports if their assessments changed. Compared with inexperienced soldiers, experienced soldiers reported a greater number of priority threats and informative cues and were more likely to search additional topics that matched details in their initial assessments. High certainty scenarios yielded more identified threats, more cues, and higher confidence in initial reports. Soldiers' initial assessments rarely changed after additional information searches, but when they did, they were associated with low initial confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many species, dispersal is decisive for survival in a changing climate. Simulation models for population dynamics under climate change thus need to account for this factor. Moreover, large numbers of species inhabiting agricultural landscapes are subject to disturbances induced by human land use. We included dispersal in the HiLEG model that we previously developed to study the interaction between climate change and agricultural land use in single populations. Here, the model was parameterized for the large marsh grasshopper (LMG) in cultivated grasslands of North Germany to analyze (1) the species development and dispersal success depending on the severity of climate change in subregions, (2) the additional effect of grassland cover on dispersal success, and (3) the role of dispersal in compensating for detrimental grassland mowing. Our model simulated population dynamics in 60‐year periods (2020–2079) on a fine temporal (daily) and high spatial (250 × 250 m2) scale in 107 subregions, altogether encompassing a range of different grassland cover, climate change projections, and mowing schedules. We show that climate change alone would allow the LMG to thrive and expand, while grassland cover played a minor role. Some mowing schedules that were harmful to the LMG nevertheless allowed the species to moderately expand its range. Especially under minor climate change, in many subregions dispersal allowed for mowing early in the year, which is economically beneficial for farmers. More severe climate change could facilitate LMG expansion to uninhabited regions but would require suitable mowing schedules along the path. These insights can be transferred to other species, given that the LMG is considered a representative of grassland communities. For more specific predictions on the dynamics of other species affected by climate change and land use, the publicly available HiLEG model can be easily adapted to the characteristics of their life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) can be found in a variety of deep subsurface environments such as sedimentary basins, oil fields and mines. However, the origin, composition and fate of DOM within deep geothermal reservoirs used for energy production is relatively unknown. With well depths reaching a few kilometers, these sites give access to investigate deep subsurface environments. Natural DOM as well as artificial DOM (e.g., from chemical scaling inhibitors) might serve as nutrients for microorganisms or affect chemical properties of the fluids by complexation. Its composition might reveal hydraulic connections to organic-rich strata, giving insights to the fluid flow within the reservoir. This review presents an overview of a total of 143 fluid samples from 22 geothermal sites (mainly central Europe), from the literature and compiling data to address the importance of DOM in geothermal fluids and how it might affect geothermal operation. The environmental conditions of the sites included varied greatly. Temperatures range from 34 to 200 ∘ C , depths from 850 to 5000 m, chloride content from 0.1 to 160 g L - 1 , and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations from 0.1 to 30.1 g L - 1 . The DOC concentrations were found to be generally lower in the fluids with temperatures below 80 ∘ C . DOC concentrations were higher in fluids with temperatures above 80 ∘ C and showed a decrease towards 200 ∘ C . Microbial degradation might be the main driver for low DOC concentrations in the lower temperature range (below 80 ∘ C ), while thermal degradation likely accounts for the decline in DOC in the temperature region between 80 ∘ C and 200 ∘ C . This review shows that DOM can be found in a variety of geothermal reservoirs and that it could be an additional essential tool to better understand fluid chemistry and reservoir conditions, and to optimize geothermal operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and anticipating market movements plays a critical role in current capitalist activity. Through the assessment of the present and the engagement in the unknowable future, financial-market participants create financial opportunities. At the heart of this process is the work of experts who claim to provide 'thorough analyses' of economic trends and market movements. In this article, I illustrate how analysts – a powerful guild of economic experts – capitalise on 'feeling', individualised strategies and storytelling to come up with explanatory narratives about possible future market scenarios. In doing so, I build upon the notion of speculation as a practice that is grounded in imagination and show that narrativization of such futured-oriented images is a vital – yet often neglected – process: it allows to treat the unknowable as if it was anticipatable, uncertainty as if it was calculable risk, and thus speculation as if it was 'investment'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ventral metasomal scopa is in female megachilid bees (Megachilidae) the main morphological structure which is known to be used for transporting pollen from the flower to the nest. Here a new species of bee, Anthidium pectinatum Kasparek, sp. nov. is described from southern Syria and eastern Anatolia, in which significant pollen loads were regularly found also on the female clypeus. Pollen grains accumulated on the clypeus were mostly colourful and large; the majority was assigned to the Cardueae (Asteraceae). By contrast, pollen grains accumulated in the ventral scopa were smaller and mainly belonged to Convolvulaceae, probably within the genus Cuscuta. Possible roles of the pollen packages found on the clypeus are discussed, including the possibility that these pollen grains are used for adorning or masking the nest entrance as was observed in other bee species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Body and food‐related information are thought to activate cognitive biases and contribute to the maintenance of eating disorders (ED). Approach‐avoidance biases may play an important role in the maintenance of dietary restriction and excessive food intake. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine approach‐avoidance biases toward food and body stimuli in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and healthy controls (HC). Methods: The study included 42 individuals with AN, 24 individuals with BN, and 38 HCs. We used two implicit Approach‐Avoidance Tasks (AAT) to assess approach‐avoidance biases: participants completed a Food‐AAT (high‐calorie vs. low‐calorie food) and a Body‐AAT (thin vs. normal weight bodies). Additionally, explicit ratings of food and body stimuli were assessed. Results: There were no significant Group × Stimulus × Direction interactions in the implicit Food‐AAT or implicit Body‐AAT. In explicit ratings, individuals with AN and BN reported less urge to eat and more regret if they ate high‐calorie and low‐calorie food; individuals with AN and BN rated normal weight bodies as less normal weight, less attractive and less desirable than HCs. There were no group differences in explicit ratings of the thin body. Discussion: We did not find evidence for biased approach‐avoidance tendencies toward food or body stimuli in individuals with AN or BN. Future studies are necessary to understand conflicting findings regarding approach‐avoidance biases toward food and body stimuli in individuals with ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly 100 North Carolina State University (NCSU) students have participated in a unique, highly structured internship course conducted by the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Raleigh, North Carolina. Here, we explore the impact that this course has had on their professional development and career trajectories. As of this writing, the course has been running for 17 years; this paper provides an update on how the course has changed over time, and information concerning participant outcomes. Changes include a reduction in class size to allow for more individualized mentoring, and the addition of experiences outside of the WFO. The course serves as a compelling selling point in student recruiting for the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences (MEAS), and participation also helps to ensure that the curriculum is adequately preparing students for positions in the NWS. The NWS benefits from a pool of potential employees that will require less spin-up time if hired; additionally, some NCSU graduates have participated in similar student volunteer programs at their respective offices once hired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striving for more robust and natural control of multi-fingered hand prostheses, we are studying electrical impedance tomography (EIT) as a method to monitor residual muscle activations. Previous work has shown promising results for hand gesture recognition, but also lacks generalization across multiple sessions and users. Thus, the present paper aims for a detailed analysis of an existing EIT dataset acquired with a 16-electrode wrist band as a prerequisite for further improvements of machine learning results on this type of signal. The performed t-SNE analysis confirms a much stronger inter-session and inter-user variance compared to the expected in-class variance. Additionally, we observe a strong drift of signals within a session. To handle these challenging problems, we propose new machine learning architectures based on deep learning, which allow to separate undesired from desired variation and thus significantly improve the classification accuracy. With these new architectures we increased cross-session classification accuracy on 12 gestures from 19.55 to 30.45%. Based on a fundamental data analysis we developed three calibration methods and thus were able to further increase cross-session classification accuracy to 39.01, 55.37, and 56.34%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous research suggested that exposure to the thin beauty ideal propagated by the media is associated with body dissatisfaction and the development of disordered eating. Given recent suggestions regarding the role of automatic processes, we aimed to enhance our understanding of automatic, unconscious responses to body pictures and the association with the internalization of the thin ideal and the severity of eating disorder symptoms. Method: An affective priming task with body pictures of different weight as primes and a normal‐weight body picture as target, which had to be evaluated with regard to attractiveness and desirability, was administered to healthy women with either subliminal prime presentation (Experiment 1) or conscious presentation (Experiment 2). Results: Subliminal presentation did not affect the evaluation of the normal‐weight target, although strength of evaluative shifts was significantly associated with internalization of the thin ideal. In contrast, the conscious presentation of the ultra‐thin prime decreased and of the obese prime increased desirability and attractiveness ratings of the target. Discussion: Prevention strategies focusing on the critical evaluation of the thin ideal are important. Future studies are warranted to enhance our understanding of automatic, unconscious processes in women experiencing eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cdc42 is a small RhoGTPase regulating multiple functions in eukaryotic cells. The activity of Cdc42 is significantly elevated in several tissues of aged mice, while the Cdc42 gain‐of‐activity mouse model presents with a premature aging‐like phenotype and with decreased lifespan. These data suggest a causal connection between elevated activity of Cdc42, aging, and reduced lifespan. Here, we demonstrate that systemic treatment of aged (75‐week‐old) female C57BL/6 mice with a Cdc42 activity‐specific inhibitor (CASIN) for 4 consecutive days significantly extends average and maximum lifespan. Moreover, aged CASIN‐treated animals displayed a youthful level of the aging‐associated cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐1α, and INFγ in serum and a significantly younger epigenetic clock as based on DNA methylation levels in blood cells. Overall, our data show that systemic administration of CASIN to reduce Cdc42 activity in aged mice extends murine lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Etiological models of eating disorders (EDs) describe body dissatisfaction (BD)as one of the major influences fostering dysfunctional body‐related behaviour and disordered eating behaviour. BD is influenced by repeated exposure to thin ideals that evoke high self‐ideal discrepancy and result in body‐related cognitive distortions such as thought–shape fusion body (TSF‐B). The aim of this study was to investigate the covariation of daily media exposure and the experience of TSF‐B in a naturalistic setting. It was further analysed whether TSF‐B is associated with self‐ideal discrepancy, dysfunctional body‐related behaviour, and disordered eating behaviour. Moreover, person‐related predictors of TSF‐B were explored. Altogether, 51healthy female students (mean age 21.06years, SD = 1.76) participated in an ecological momentary assessment study with four daily surveys during 10consecutive days. Exposure with thin ideals in contrast to exposure to unspecific media contents went along with the experience of TSF‐B. TSF‐B was associated with higher self‐ideal discrepancy and dysfunctional body‐related behaviour as well as more pronounced disordered eating behaviour, suggesting that TSF‐B is a common phenomenon in young healthy females' everyday life. A main effect of trait measures (e.g., pre‐existing BD) on TSF‐B was observable but has no moderating effect. Thus, a specific vulnerability has not been detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looks at recent forms of 'responsible investment'. It follows the use of ESG within a large global bank. ESG is a valuation technique that takes into account environmental, social and governance issues. Drawing on ethnographic data, the paper explores how ESG has become an accepted concept among financial analysts, and looks at how they implement it in their everyday calculations. It argues that ESG enables financial analysts to understand factors related to corporate responsibility as market signals and to use them to support their investment narratives. It concludes that the application of ESG has transformed 'responsible investment' from a normative attempt to increase the morality of investing into a speculative practice of valuation. This creates profit from current social contention and crises of capitalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the mechanisms underlying how interviewers establish and monitor baselines of respondent behaviour. This study addresses this knowledge gap by characterising the practice of establishing baselines and measuring the accuracy of interviewer judgements based on assessments of baseline and departure behaviours. Eighteen professional interviewers viewed two videos of naturalistic interviews, reported the cues they perceived as informative for establishing and assessing a baseline, and diagnosed respondents' internal states. Participants reported multiple cue types as informative, but predominantly relied on non‐verbal cues. Overall, participants were sensitive to 27% of respondents' identified internal states but showed improvement over time. They achieved a hit rate of 20% during early interview stages and a hit rate of 33% during late stages. Although non‐verbal cues dominated reports, attending to verbal cues afforded participants greater efficiency in identifying respondent internal states. Implications and recommendations for practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article addresses philosophical and ethical questions about xenobots. Topics discussed include features of xenobots, possible benefits and potential ethical issues related to xenobots acknowledged by the biological and computational scientists who created them, and potential risks posed by future biobots.

Organisations conducting research programs often focus the work of their scientists and technologists on challenge problems (CPs). These challenges are designed to ensure that progress is measurable and relevant to the goals of the program sponsor. Generating and selecting pertinent CPs is difficult, as is assessing their value. We describe a method of generating and selecting CPs and its application in a highly collaborative, multi-organisation research program. Thirty-eight biologists, chemists, mathematicians and computer scientists across academic, commercial and government organisations generated and ranked their top choices from among 12 richly described candidate challenge problems. A ranked-choice voting formula was applied. Five CPs were highly scored; the remaining seven were distributed across a lower range of scores. The program sponsor subsequently directed researchers to address six CPs, including the elected five. Analysis of the rationales that participants offered for their CP rankings revealed four domain-independent dimensions of value: capability, speed, impact and synergy. These dimensions of value can help managers of interdisciplinary research programs systematically select a portfolio of CPs that will efficiently apply utilise resources towards program goals and facilitate measurement of scientific progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The generally held opinion that seeds of Lunaria remain at the replum after detachment of the two valves and then wind causes a shaking or rattling of the replum with its diaphragm, thus launching the seeds, is challenged. In a sparse forest in the Swabian Alb, the first author noticed flying valves of Lunaria rediviva to which the narrow‐winged flat seeds are attached. Investigations with SEM and histology have shown that the valves secrete a glue only at those sites where the seeds rest on the valves before valve tissues die. Further analysis has shown (using the periodic acid‐Schiff reaction) that the glue consists of polysaccharides. After detachment and dispersal of the valves, the adhesive strength continuously decreases. This is the first report for a sticky valve exudate in the Brassicaceae. Because of the adhesion of Lunaria seeds to their valves for some time, the 1st order diaspore is a mericarp, in a broad sense, and can be interpreted as an adaptation to long‐distance dispersal by stronger winds. In this context, the ‘flying carpets’ of Lunaria are more effective and transport more than one seed. Molecular studies assigned Lunaria to the tribe Biscutelleae, which now contains the angustiseptate genera Biscutella and Megadenia as well as the latiseptate genera Lunaria and Ricotia. The valves in Ricotia can easily be detached (studied in herbarium material and a living plant), but, in contrast to Lunaria, the ripe seeds remain at the replum and its diaphragm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested the ability of experienced interviewers and novice observers to detect deception while watching mock interviews featuring experimental or control questioning methods and different detainee languages. The protocol featured a complex, realistic critical event and naturalistic interviews in which mock detainees could report unconstrained. Experimenters recorded these interviews and presented them to observers who judged veracity in real time. In general, experienced interviewers were no more sensitive to deception than were novices and both groups set conservative response criteria. Observers were more sensitive to deception when viewing control versus experimental questioning methods. Observers were more sensitive to deception when viewing Arabic speakers interviewed through an interpreter. Results imply that not all trained interviewers exhibit a lie bias; additional research should examine how best to transition lab-tested interview methods into the field, and language and interpreter factors may impact the ability to assess veracity in multiple ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing challenge for many secondary special education teachers is preparing students for the writing demands in postsecondary settings. The self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) model of writing instruction, considered an evidence-based practice, is an effective strategy for enhancing the writing skills of students with disabilities, such as learning disabilities or behavioral disorders, at the secondary level. This article discusses the flexibility and practicality of the SRSD model by describing ways in which secondary teachers can effectively use this strategy to enhance the argumentative writing skills of their students in English language arts, science, history, and mathematics and to teach students how to self-advocate through writing. Information about supports, materials, and other resources for teachers to utilize are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite limited evidence, woollen clothing has traditionally been considered to be an irritant that should be avoided by individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD). Wool fibres come in a range of diameters, and have beneficial thermodynamic and moisture transport properties. Objectives This study examines the effects of superfine merino wool on symptoms in participants with mild-to-moderate AD. Methods The trial was a 12-week, randomized, assessor-blinded, crossover, prospective, cohort study of 39 patients with mild-to-moderate AD, aged between 4 weeks and 3 years, comparing superfine merino wool ensembles with standard cotton clothing chosen by parents. Participants were assigned to wool or cotton clothing and assessed every 3 weeks for 6 weeks, before crossing over to wear the other clothing material for a further 6-week period, with similar 3-weekly reviews. The primary end point was the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index after each 6-week period, with Atopic Dermatitis Severity Index (ADSI), Infants’ Dermatitis Quality Of Life Index (IDQOL) and topical steroid use as secondary end points to measure AD severity and quality of life. Results Overall, compared with baseline, superfine wool ensembles were associated with a reduction in mean SCORAD of 2·5 [95% confidence interval (CI) −4·7 to −0·4] at 3 weeks and 7·6 (95% CI −10·4 to −4·8) at 6 weeks when compared with the cotton ensembles. A similar change was observed in ADSI and IDQOL scores for the same period. Body steroid use was also reduced. Conversely, changing ensembles from wool to cotton resulted in an increase in scores. Conclusions Superfine merino wool may assist in the management of childhood AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power-to-gas is a storage technology aiming to convert surplus electricity from renewable energy sources like wind and solar power into gaseous fuels compatible with the current network infrastructure. Results of CO2 dissociation in a vortex-stabilized microwave plasma reactor are presented. The microwave field, residence time, quenching, and vortex configuration were varied to investigate their influence on energy- and conversion efficiency of CO2 dissociation. Significant deterioration of the energy efficiency is observed at forward vortex plasmas upon increasing pressure in the range of 100 mbar towards atmospheric pressure, which is mitigated by using a reverse vortex flow configuration of the plasma reactor. Data from optical emission shows that under all conditions covered by the experiments the gas temperature is in excess of 4000 K, suggesting a predominant thermal dissociation. Different strategies are proposed to enhance energy and conversion efficiencies of plasma-driven dissociation of CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spring 2014 and 2016, we studied Rhodanthidium siculum in dunes south of Syracuse (Sicily). The females search for one of the frequently empty snail shells (mostly of Theba pisana), checking their size. In a suitable snail shell, a mixture of sand and saliva is deposited in the navel. A severe struggle among several males gets started. At every opportunity, the males try to copulate with the females. Large males occupy the snail shell that is used by the female to bring in pollen and nectar (preferably from Galactites tomentosus, Centaurea sphaerocephala, Glebionis coronaria and Lotus creticus). The procedure of harvesting lasts about 2-3 h, sometimes several hours. During this period, the female is visited for copulation every 2 min (initially even more frequently), preferentially by one large male, but small males occasionally mate as well. After laying one or two eggs, the female closes the snail shell with pieces of seashells or snail shells, aggregated with sand and saliva. The female transports the closed snail shell to a safe site. Depending on weather conditions, this may take several days. The maximum distance of movement observed was about 10 m. Finally, the completed snail shell will be buried, most often beneath a plant. The burial follows a certain pattern of movement. Females ensure higher pollination efficiency than the males due to their higher flower constancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the performance of interpreters in military intelligence-gathering interrogations. We coded transcripts of 10 interrogations of one detainee at an overseas U.S. military detention facility. The same interrogator conducted each session with the assistance of two interpreters who participated in one session together and worked alone in the remaining sessions. We coded interpretations as accurate (gist) or one of three errors: omission, substitution, or addition. We report accuracy and error rates across interpreters, as well as differences in interpretation accuracy as a function of the direction of interpretation (EnglishtoArabic or vice versa). Interpreters were largely accurate, conveying the gist of information in at least 82% of interpretation attempts. However, they made a variety of errors which differed depending upon the direction of interpretation. Interpreters generally refrained from assuming the role of interrogator and using tactics or rapport building techniques. Implications and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Previous research demonstrated that the exposure to media portrayals of the thin body ideal negatively affects body satisfaction and mood of healthy women and thus represents a sociocultural risk factor for the development of eating disorders. However, at present, it is not known whether negative effects of the thin ideal are pronounced in eating-disordered patients. Method Female inpatients with a current diagnosis of anorexia nervosa ( N = 36), bulimia nervosa ( N = 32), or mood or anxiety disorder ( N = 31), and women with no current psychiatric diagnosis were randomly assigned to exposure to magazine pictures depicting the thin female body ideal or landscape scenes in two experimental phases (leafing through a magazine followed by instructed imagination of a picture from the magazine). The groups were compared on measures of body satisfaction and mood that were collected before and after the two phases. Results Leafing through a fashion magazine was not associated with negative effects on body satisfaction or mood in all groups. Imagining the thin ideal resulted in a decrease in body satisfaction and a decrease in positive mood. We found no diagnosis-specific effects indicating no stronger negative impact of the thin ideal on eating-disorder patients. Discussion Given the lacking differences between eating-disordered patients and controls, these findings underline the importance of future research to enhance our understanding of what happens when patients are exposed to external or internal stimuli of media images of the thin ideal. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:708-715) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to consider potential legal implications of deployment of nanolaser technology in armed conflict. Nanotechnology will undoubtedly enhance the performance of many weapons systems, including autonomous systems, 1 with better energy storage, more rapid computations, and lower power consumption, to name just a few features, but in this article I consider just two types of technology purportedly utilizing nanolasers. Firstly, I will discuss the Laser Weapons System (LaWS), a directed energy weapon already in use.2 LaWS is often wrongly described as nanoenhanced; I will explain why the descriptor is fallacious while also discussing the legal implications, if any, which arise from the deployment of the system (and whether this error has any legal implications). Secondly, I will examine optogenetics, which uses nanolaser light-delivery technology to effectively switch neurons "on" and "off" to alter brain function. This technology is currently at the research stage with mice, and has not yet been used by the military. I plan to identify the key legal implications if such technology were to be used in humans in armed conflict. Two key legal issues arise in relation to both technological developments. One involves the responsibility of States Parties to Additional Protocol I3 of the Geneva Conventions to review and supervise the use of emerging weapons technology to ensure compliance with the law of armed conflict (LOAC) and the second involves identifying what specific and general rules may apply to such technology.4 General legal principles have relevance to all means and methods of warfare and so apply as much to nanolaser weapons systems as to any other category of lethal or nonlethal weapon. Furthermore, the lack of anticipation of nanotechnology by the original drafters does not remove the obligation to review any such technology before its use in armed conflict.5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]