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Structural learning theory and the Rasch model measured learning gain, retention, and transfer in 1,037 students, grades 7-10. Students learned nine functional relationships with either spontaneous or synthetic algorithms. The Rasch model gave the better description of the data. The hypothesis that the synthetic method was superior was refuted. (CP)

Six experiments investigated the informational value of praise and criticism. Praise after success and neutral feedback after failure led to perceptions that an acting person's ability was viewed as low. Neutral feedback after success and criticism after failure led to perceptions that an acting person's ability was viewed as high. (Author/RD)

In the context of the discussion on an amendment of the Federal Hunting Act, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in Germany has dealt with scientific principles that enable an assessment of the introduction of bullet fragments into game meat. Until now, neither standardized terms nor definitions nor standardized procedures for quantifying the effects of the introduction of corpuscular bullet fragments were available for a health assessment. With the participation of international experts, a concept was developed that could be used to test hunting rifle bullets regarding their effectiveness potential [The term effectiveness potential (in German: Wirkpotenzial) describes more than the term "effectiveness" (in German: Wirksamkeit)] and entry of bullet fragments into game or game meat. The term "killing effect" newly introduced into the discussion in the context of the efforts to amend the Federal Hunting Act was not supported by the experts, since "killing" cannot be simulated and standardized. Other basic terms and definitions were formulated and/or interpreted. A distinction must be made between the effect of a bullet on biological tissue, the (optimal) effect of the bullet when shot in a manner appropriate for hunting, the impact on the hunted game when hit in a suitable location and the effect of the bullet, described as physical effectiveness potential. In principle, the following applies: The effectiveness potential of a bullet can be simulated and thus evaluated in test simulants/test media. Therefore, it is possible to describe hunting rifle bullets based on qualitative and quantitative parameters as well as concerning their physicochemical properties. Their effectiveness potential in game meat can thus be adequately assessed, both by the hunter and with a view to the scientific issues related to consumer health protection strategies for minimizing bullet fragments in game meat. Essential parameters required for a test procedure have been compiled in a product profile for hunting rifle bullets used to kill food-producing game species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life cycle assessment analysis of alternative constructions for a typical overpass structure in the course of motorways As part of a feasibility study various alternative construction methods for a typical overpass structure on a federal motorway were compared and evaluated regarding their environmental impacts. In addition to today's standard constructions in steel composite and prestressed concrete, new, innovative solutions using wood, high‐strength or carbon concrete were considered to analyze their potential in terms of sustainability aspects. The life cycle assessment method was used in addition to technical and economic criteria to enable a holistic view. The comparison was made for a specific overpass in the course of the planned A 20 in Schleswig‐Holstein, Germany. The technical solution for the various variants was planned by specialized engineers and specific quantities were determined. The idea is to realize these alternative variants in order to gain experience in the practical implementation. The following report presents the technical solutions of the variants. Then the applied methodology of the life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impacts is presented, and the potential of the new variants is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The European XFEL requires long and ultraflat X‐ray mirrors of high precision for the beam offset and distribution system [Altarelli et al. (2006), XFEL Technical Design Report, DESY 2006‐097. DESY, Hamburg, Germany]. A general specification of the beam transport mirrors is a length of up to 950 mm and an optical surface with a deviation from a perfectly flat surface of <30 nm peak‐to‐valley and a figure error of <2 nm peak‐to‐valley. From a production point of view, such a mirror cannot be easily fabricated so, in each beamline, it is foreseen to have at least one mirror with bending capabilities. In this way, it is possible to correct the residual divergence of the beam in order to focus it in the correct position with high accuracy and repeatability. This is practically implemented using a mechanical bender in which the mirror is mounted and bent through a motorized actuator. One such system was characterized in the metrology lab using a large‐aperture Fizeau interferometer and a capacitive sensor. It was then installed in the beamline and calibrated again using the X‐ray beam. Here, the procedure is described and the two different methods are compared, stressing the differences and the possible explanations and improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Nothosaurus from the Lower Keuper (Lettenkeuper, Ladinian, Erfurt Formation) of Vellberg-Eschenau, southern Germany, is described on the basis of a nearly complete skull that is only missing the lower jaw. Together with Nothosaurus edingerae, it is the only valid Nothosaurus species exclusively known from the Lower Keuper (Ladinian) of the Germanic Basin. Nothosaurus cristatus, sp. nov., differs from all other nothosaurs by exhibiting a postorbital that is excluded from the orbital margin by the postfrontal, the maxilla, and the jugal. The postfrontal and the maxilla form the posterior orbital margin exclusively. The parietal forms a pronounced and sharp crest anterior to the parietal foramen, which is unique among Nothosaurus. The ectopterygoid bears a long posterior process. A phylogenetic analysis of Nothosaurus cristatus, based on Liu et al. (2014, Scientific Reports 4:7142, doi: 10.1038/srep07142) with modified characters after Lin et al. (2017, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, doi: 10.1080/02724634.2017.1278703), yielded a nearly unchanged topology that supported the monophyly of (N. jagisteus (N. cristatus (N. mirabilis + N. tchernovi))). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open access mega journals represent an increasingly important part of the scholarly communications. The current research aims to introduce eight international mega journals and to investigate their performance in a five-year time span (2012-2016). The current study is an applied research in terms of objectives while it is a descriptive study in terms of data analysis and conducted using scientometric indicators. Research population comprised of 195011 articles published in eight mega journals during 2012-2016 and indexed by the Web of Science. Data was collected using three products of the Clarivate Analytics, namely Web of Science, Journal Citation Reports as well as InCites. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel. Results of the study showed 101% growth in 2016 compared to 2012 with regard to publications in eight studied mega journals. A total of 195011 articles have been published in eight mega journals during 2012-2016. Considering article processing fees of each journal, we can assume that roughly 300 million USD has been charged by eight mega journals. Papers published in mega journals were found to have higher citation impact compared with the average of the Web of Science database. Results revealed that two mega journals, namely PLoS One and Scientific Reports, were accountable for 91.6% of total publications and 96.1% of total citations. The highest share of publications in eight mega journals was found to be in the following research categories: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Sciences, Neurosciences, Oncology and Immunology. Moreover, the US, China, the UK, Germany and Japan had the highest number of publications in eight studied mega journals. Reputable publishers have identified a market demand for publication of scholarly output and are offering their services using open access mega journals. The mega journal market seems likely to keep increasing in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An analytical framework is applied to identify barriers to adaptation. • A case study of the transport sector of Bogotá, Colombia is presented. • The analysis identified information, resources and incentives barriers. • The institutional environment is the most influential underlying factor. • There is potential for this study to be replicated in other parts of the world. The adaptation of transport systems to climate change is crucial for maintaining city functions in the future. Due to the complexity of this process, urban transport planners may not always be aware of all challenges they must face, leading to maladaptation or lack of adaptation of the transport systems of their cities. Recognising this complexity, this paper identifies barriers and opportunities for effective adaptation planning via a socio-technical perspective. An existing analytical framework, previously used in some cities of Latin America and Germany, is adopted and applied to a case study of Bogotá, Colombia. Interviews conducted with local professionals and a review of policy documents and technical reports provided insight into city governance processes and the extent to which climate change adaptation shapes transport sector decisions. The study reveals that incomplete or unusable information about climate change and its effects, reduced availability of economic and human resources, and the lack of adequate incentives are limiting adaptation within the transport planning processes of the city. It also demonstrates the critical influence of the institutional structure in determining which infrastructure options are considered feasible and preferable. The study elucidates what levers are available to transport planners and why some solutions are just not considered. There is potential for this study to be replicated in other parts of the world to help support the development of effective systemic intervention to support adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a judgment by the provincial social court of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, delivered in October 1956. In a case involving a corporate health insurance fund, the key question settled was that technical reports and opinions by insurance bureaucrats were admissible in social court proceedings and could be used as legitimate evidence.