Liquid – liquid phase separation morphologies in ultra-white beetle scales and a synthetic equivalent

Cyphochilus beetle scales are amongst the brightest structural whites in nature, being highly opacifying whilst extremely thin. However, the formation mechanism for the voided intra- scale structure is unknown. Here we report 3D x-ray nanotomography data for the voided chitin networks of intact white scales of Cyphochilus and Lepidiota stigma. Chitin-filling frac- tions are found to be 31 ± 2% for Cyphochilus and 34 ± 1% for Lepidiota stigma, indicating previous measurements overestimated their density. Optical simulations using finite- difference time domain for the chitin morphologies and simulated Cahn-Hilliard spinodal structures show excellent agreement. Reflectance curves spanning filling fraction of 5-95% for simulated spinodal structures, pinpoint optimal whiteness for 25% chitin filling. We make a simulacrum from a polymer undergoing a strong solvent quench, resulting in highly reflective ( 94%) white films. In-situ X-ray scattering confirms the nanostructure is formed through spinodal decomposition phase separation. We conclude that the ultra-white beetle scale nanostructure is made via liquid–liquid phase separation

Physical education, school sport and looked-after-children: Health, wellbeing and educational engagement

In recent years, there has been unprecedented awareness within policy and research of the disadvantageous trajectories that looked-after children and young people (LACYP) often face; particularly in relation to their education, health and wellbeing (Sebba et al., 2015; Mannay et al., 2017). Despite the perceived capacity of sport, physical activity and physical education to contribute to young people’s positive development (e.g. Bailey et al., 2009; Holt, 2016), relatively few studies have considered the place of such activities in the lives of LACYP or the impact that being looked-after can have on individuals’ engagements with them. Presenting findings from a small-scale, qualitative study of LACYP in England, this paper explores the ways in which physical education and school sport (PESS) might be contextualised against broader life circumstances and experiences of care. Placing the personalised accounts of a group of LACYP alongside those of physical education (PE) teachers and local authority professionals, the paper examines varied perspectives and experiences of PESS and its relevance to LACYP. In particular, it highlights the extent to which the vulnerabilities of LACYP status may impact young peoples’ perceptions of health, wellbeing and educational engagement in this field. The paper concludes by suggesting that whilst PESS may be seen to present a number of social, emotional and health benefits for LACYP, when located against a backdrop of broader life-course vulnerability, such benefits may be de-prioritised by those concerned

Summary statistics for history knowledge (NAEP) and decision-making competence (DMC) scores at pre- and post-test.

<p>Summary statistics for history knowledge (NAEP) and decision-making competence (DMC) scores at pre- and post-test.</p

Flight lines and monitoring sites during the eradication campaign on the island of Unguja.

<p>The location of the 55 fixed monitoring sites is presented (red points).</p

Entomological, epidemiological, and socioeconomic indicators of the eradication campaign on the island of Unguja.

<p>Graph (A) presents the rate of induced sterility (4-week moving average). Graph (B) shows the density of tsetse flies sampled with the sticky panels in fixed monitoring sites. The trap catches (+0.001) of indigenous female (dotted red line) and male (solid blue line) <i>G. austeni</i> are presented on a logarithmic scale. Graph (C) presents the decrease in trypanosome prevalence as a result of tsetse eradication. Graph (D) presents the percentage of farmers owning cattle and improved cattle breeds, and graph (E) presents the increase in milk production per cattle head (in liters) and in the percentage of farms producing milk.</p

Comparison of conveyor (MCRM) and vibrator (MSRM1) release machines for <i>Anastrepha ludens</i> in Mexico.

<p>Rate of positive traps (left) and recapture rates (right) are presented for different release densities. A trap is considered positive when at least one fly is captured during a week.</p

Plan of the version of Mubarqui Smart Release Machine (MSRM1) used to release fruit flies.

<p>Plan of the version of Mubarqui Smart Release Machine (MSRM1) used to release fruit flies.</p

Plan of the version of Mubarqui Smart Release Machine (MSRM2) used to release tsetse flies.

<p>Plan of the version of Mubarqui Smart Release Machine (MSRM2) used to release tsetse flies.</p

Parameterization of release rates of <i>Glossina palpalis gambiensis</i> with the vibrator release machine (MSRM2).

<p>The graph presents the linear correlation between the natural logarithm of the number released by second and the power of the vibrator (as a percentage of the maximal electrical power). Vertical bares present the standard errors (three repeats of 1 minute per value). This test was achieved within the tsetse eradication program in Senegal (<a href="http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/211898/icode/" target="_blank">http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/211898/icode/</a>).</p

Comparison of conveyor (MCRM) and vibrator (MSRM1) release machines for <i>Ceratitis capitata</i> in Mexico.

<p>Rate of positive traps (left) and recapture rates (right) are presented for different release densities. A trap is considered positive when at least one fly is captured during a week.</p