Exploring the Limits of Social Cognitive Theory: Why Negatively Reinforced Behaviors on TV May Be Modeled Anyway

Despite extensive discussion of the potential for viewers' social learning of risky health behaviors from TV programming, there has been relatively little effort to test behavioral modeling predictions. That is, it is not clear whether televised depictions of negatively reinforced undesirable behaviors (e.g., unsafe sex), in fact, influence the value viewers attach to those behaviors and their future likelihood of performing them, as social cognitive theory (SCT) would predict. Indeed, we argue that social learning in likely minimal in such contexts due to the programming schemas audiences bring to the viewing experience. In Study 1, the contents of serial TV programming schemas are examined. Results suggest that viewers expect main characters to ultimately survive and thrive, despite the adversity they face. In Study 2, competing predictions from SCT and schema theory are tested. College women ( N = 400) were exposed to various portrayals of promiscuous sexual behavior (1-night stands) that were edited to display more or less positive or negative outcomes. Results suggested that, consistent with SCT, those with direct experience with the behavior were not influenced by the portrayals. However, inconsistent with SCT, but consistent with the schema argument, those without direct experience were more likely to expect future participation in the unsafe behavior, regardless of the valence of the reinforcement depicted. Implications for future research on media, SCT, and risky behaviors are discussed.     

The Persuasive Influence of Emotion in Cancer Prevention and Detection Messages

This paper reviews and summarizes the literature on the relationship between emotion and persuasion as it bears on the production of cancer prevention and detection messages. A series of propositions are presented that serve to illustrate the intricacies of the emotion–persuasion relationship. These propositions deal with the necessary conditions for emotional arousal, individual differences in emotional reactivity to cancer messages, the potential for emotion-inducing messages to produce persuasive and counterpersuasive effects, the conditions that circumscribe the influence of emotions on persuasion, and the mechanisms by which that influence is achieved. To the extent that the literature permits, advice on message design is offered.     

Optical properties and characterization of zinc nitride nanoneedles prepared from ball-milled Zn powders

Zinc nitride nanoneedles (ZNNs) with diameters at stem and tip parts as 200-300 nm and 30-70 nm respectively have been prepared by the nitridation of ball-milled zinc powders at 600 °C for 120 min under NH₃ gas environment. The structural, compositional and morphological characterizations of the product were conducted by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. From transmission spectrum data, an indirect band gap of 2.72 eV has been calculated for ZNNs whereas photoluminescence studies exhibited a strong UV excitonic mission band at 395 nm as well as two weak defect related blue emissions at 453 and 465 nm. A vapor-solid (VS) process based growth mechanism for the formation of ZNNs has also been discussed briefly.     

Dielectric and electrical studies on iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles synthesized by modified solution combustion reaction for microwave applications

Journal of Electroceramics - Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized by modified solution combustion method using a mixture of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and glycine fuels at fuel...     

Incorporation of pyridinic and graphitic N to Ni@CNTs: As a competent electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

Cheap production of hydrogen (H₂) from eco-friendly routes is preeminent for solving future energy challenges. This study explores the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of nickel (Ni) nanoparticles and nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (NiNCNTs), which are fabricated by a cheap and one-step pyrolysis method. The most active catalyst synthesized at 800°C exhibits an overpotential of 0.244 V to reach a current density of 10 mA cm⁻², Tafel slope of 93.3 mV dec⁻¹ and a satisfactory 10 hours stability. Low resistance and large ECSA value of the sample also favor the competent response for HER in alkaline media. The robust HER activity of the catalyst is as a result of the nickel nanoparticles which are the active spots of reaction; while the presence of well-developed nitrogen containing carbon nanotubes with large content of pyridinic and graphitic nitrogen may provide high-electron density and feasible routes for its transportation to deliver an outstanding HER performance.     

Fabrication of novel hybrid composite La2‐xCoxCuO4 electrode for high performance supercapacitors

Hybrid composites La_2‐xCo_xCuO₄ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) are prepared using one‐step simple hydrothermal route as electrodes for supercapacitors. The effect of varying cobalt content on morphological, structural, and electrochemical properties has been explored using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and cyclic voltammetry, respectively. The structural parameters obtained by X‐ray diffraction showed tetragonal phase of hybrid composite without any evident impurity phases. The analysis of morphological properties suggested a strong correlation with electrochemical properties, for instance, a relationship between fabric porous structures and electrochemically active sites for redox reactions and intercalation/de‐intercalation processes. The hybrid composite electrodes demonstrated high specific capacitance of the order of 1304 F/g at 10 mV/s scan rate and exhibited decreasing trend on increasing scan rate. Hybrid composites were also tested for their ability as an electrode of high performance supercapacitors in different aqueous electrolytes, i. e, KOH, H₂SO₄, and Na₂SO₄ to optimize the best compatible electrolyte. The composite electrode material showed excellent cyclic stability and 98% capacitance retention for 1 A/g after 2000 cycles. The remarkable performance of hybrid composite electrode entails its potential for commercial applications of supercapacitors.     

Ternary MIL-100(Fe)@Fe3O4/CA magnetic nanophotocatalysts (MNPCs): Magnetically separable and Fenton-like degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

Today’s world, tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) is considered as a Compounds of Emerging Concern (CECs). Metal-organic frameworks MOFs with a microporous structure and holding larger pores indicating potential applications in the fields of environmental purification. Recently, carbon aerogel (CA) has also aroused great interest due to its larger specific surface area, low density, thermal stability, and non-toxicity. Herein, MIL-100(Fe) was synthesized under low temperature and combined with Fe₃O₄ and CA, respectively. The obtained MIL-100(Fe), MIL-100(Fe)@Fe₃O₄, MIL-100(Fe)@CA and MIL-100(Fe)@Fe₃O₄/CA were investigated as a photocatalyst for removal of TC from the water. The results indicated that the MIL-100(Fe)@Fe₃O₄/CA degrade TC up to 85%, which is much higher than MIL-100(Fe)@Fe₃O₄ (c.a. 42%), due to its high surface area 389?m²?g^?1, smaller pore size and pore volume 2.4?nm and 0.319?m³?g^?1, high separation of electron and hole, and lower band gap of 1.76?eV. The coupling of CA with MIL-100(Fe)@Fe₃O₄ considerably accelerate the transfer of photo-generated charge carriers and enhanced 1.6 times the performance of MIL-100(Fe)@Fe₃O₄. Furthermore, the stability and recyclability were enhanced due to the addition of Fe₃O₄, facilitating the environmentally friendly water purification processes.