Anthropomorphisms in multimedia learning: Attract attention but do not enhance learning?

Anthropomorphizing graphical elements in multimedia learning materials improves learning outcomes. The reasons for enhanced learning are unclear. We extended a seminal anthropomorphism study in order to examine whether the effect of anthropomorphisms on learning outcomes, both immediate and delayed, is caused by the anthropomorphized elements' effects on attention distribution or by elevated positive affective–motivational states. The study had a partial 3 × 2 design (the materials' graphics: schematic vs. black‐and‐white anthropomorphisms vs. colourful anthropomorphisms × eye tracker: present vs. absent). The participants were university students (N = 181). Unexpectedly, we found no significant effect of anthropomorphisms on learning outcomes. Anthropomorphisms significantly affected attention distribution during initial fixations but not overall. Modest effect on enjoyment was found, but no such effect was detected as concerns flow and generalized positive affect. We also found that the eye tracker's mere presence had slight adverse effects on learners, but these effects did not compromise learning.     

Carbonation durability of blended cement pastes used for waste encapsulation

Blended cement pastes are currently used for encapsulation of low level and intermediate level nuclear waste in the UK. However, there is still little information on the long-term durability of those mixes to some chemical attacks. Accelerated testing may predict the long-term durability or at least help the selection of more durable formulations. In this work, blended blastfurnace slag (BFS)/Portland cement (OPC) pastes containing 60, 75 and 90% BFS and pulverised fuel ash (PFA)/OPC pastes with 40, 55 and 75% PFA were cured at 20 and 60°C for 90 days then submitted to natural and accelerated carbonation (5% CO₂). The effects of the curing temperature as well as the OPC replacement level on the carbonation ratio are presented. Results showed a good correlation between natural and accelerated carbonation for the pastes studied. Carbonation was found to be governed by the amount of calcium hydroxide available in the mixes before the process started.     

Morphological and Mechanical Investigation of Double-Layer Reciprocal Structures

The simple connection conditions of reciprocal structures means that technological constraints become geometrical constraints and bending moments are increased. Geometrical constraints can be dealt by using form-finding methods such as a dynamic relaxation algorithm, but resisting bending moments to gain stiffness is difficult to accomplish without increasing the weight of the structure. For standard reticulated structures, common strategies consist in introducing curvature in the structure and/or modifying the structure into a double-layer space structure. The proposed paper is thus an attempt to apply these strategies to reciprocal structures and to develop spherical domes with a structural thickness. Several configurations will be investigated and compared in term of geometrical feasibility and structural performance.     

Pd-Decorated Tungsten as Pt-Free Bimetallic Catalysts for Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction in Alkaline Electrolyte

Developing Pt-free catalysts for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline solution is becoming a key challenge in the development of anion exchange membrane fuel cells and electrochemical reactors. Herein, we present the preparation, HOR activity, and stability of Pd-decorated tungsten (Pd-d-W) catalysts. The Pd-d-W catalysts were prepared by the chemically activated surface of tungsten nanoparticles by Pd ions. The resultant bimetallic catalysts consisted of crystalline phases of both Pd and W nanoparticles. The CO stripping voltammograms and H-desorption (H_des) peak potential of hydrogen desorption in Pd suggests that the enhancement of HOR catalytic activity observed in Pd-d-W catalyst can be ascribed to the modification of electronic property of Pd and availability of OH_ad near-surface Pd atoms.     

Lipid biophysics and/or soft matter-inspired approach for controlling enveloped virus infectivity

Proven as a natural barrier against viral infection, pulmonary surfactant phospholipids have a biophysical and immunological role within the respiratory system, acting against microorganisms including viruses. Enveloped viruses have, in common, an outer bilayer membrane that forms the underlying structure for viral membrane proteins to function in an optimal way to ensure infectivity. Perturbating the membrane of viruses using exogenous lipids can be envisioned as a generic way to reduce their infectivity. In this context, the potential of exogenous lipids to be used against enveloped virus infectivity would be indicated by the resulting physical stress imposed to the viral membrane, and conical lipids, i.e. lyso-lipids, would be expected to generate stronger biophysical disturbances. We confirm that when treated with lyso-lipids the infectivity three strains of influenza virus (avian H2N3, equine H3N8 or pandemic human influenza H1N1) is reduced by up to 99% in a cell-based model. By contrast, lipids with a similar head group but two aliphatic chains were less effective (reducing infection by only 40–50%). This work opens a new path to merge concepts from different research fields, i.e. ‘soft matter physics'' and virology.     

Auto-parametric semi-trivial and post-critical response of a spherical pendulum damper

The pendulum vibration damper modelled as a two degree of freedom strongly non-linear auto-parametric system is investigated. A kinematic external excitation in the suspension point is applied. The excitation is considered to be horizontal and harmonically variable in time. A semi-trivial solution and its stability are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the resonance domain. In certain domains of pendulum and excitation parameters the semi-trivial solution does not exist in this domain and various post-critical three-dimensional regimes occur. Some of them are non-stationary despite the harmonic excitation. Three different types of the resonance domain are investigated. Their main properties depend significantly on dynamic parameters of the pendulum and of the external excitation amplitude. An analytical and numerical study brings forth several recommendations for designers of these devices. Their aim is to avoid any post-critical response regimes endangering the pendulum functionality.     

Porphyrin-grafted cellulose fabric: New photobactericidal material obtained by “Click-Chemistry” reaction

A new antibacterial material has been elaborated by grafting mesoarylporphyrin on cotton fabric by the means of cellulose azidation followed by “Click-Chemistry” reaction with acetylenic porphyrin. Azidation and functionalization have been checked by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Under irradiation with visible light, this material displayed an antibacterial activity against representative strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This new photobactericidal textile has potential for industrial, medical, and household applications.     

Suitability of European climate for the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus: recent trends and future scenarios

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is an invasive species that has the potential to transmit infectious diseases such as dengue and chikungunya fever. Using high-resolution observations and regional climate model scenarios for the future, we investigated the suitability of Europe for A. albopictus using both recent climate and future climate conditions. The results show that southern France, northern Italy, the northern coast of Spain, the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea and western Turkey were climatically suitable areas for the establishment of the mosquito during the 1960–1980s. Over the last two decades, climate conditions have become more suitable for the mosquito over central northwestern Europe (Benelux, western Germany) and the Balkans, while they have become less suitable over southern Spain. Similar trends are likely in the future, with an increased risk simulated over northern Europe and slightly decreased risk over southern Europe. These distribution shifts are related to wetter and warmer conditions favouring the overwintering of A. albopictus in the north, and drier and warmer summers that might limit its southward expansion.