Gender-Math Stereotype, Biased Self-Assessment, and Aspiration in STEM Careers: The Gender Gap among Early Adolescents in China

This article explores the paradox between the closing gender gap in math performance and the persistent gender gap in STEM aspiration using data from the Chinese Education Panel Survey (CEPS). Extending the stereotype threat literature, this article includes measures of gender-math stereotypes from students, parents, and peers, and offers an analysis to address the limitations of previous studies. Findings indicate that gender-math stereotypes are associated with a gender gap in students’ self-assessment in math-learning competency, even after controlling for math performance; this self-assessment is further associated with students’ aspiration in science and engineering careers. Moreover, the effect of math self-assessment on science and engineering aspiration is stronger among girls than boys. However, even after controlling for math self-assessment and gender-math stereotype, boys are still more likely to aspire to careers in science and engineering than girls. This article discusses policy implications of the findings

Voltammetric Study of Interaction of Copper and Model Fungal Secreted Ligands

In lieu of Abstract, excerpt from Conclusion of Voltammetric Study of Interaction of Copper and Model Fungal Secreted Ligands: In summary, the cyclic voltammetry study shows evidence that the chelatormediated Fenton reaction is favored in the wood cell wall, where it may promote the degradation process. Also, reaction mechanisms between Cu(II), 2,3-DHBA and H202 have been proposed which provide at least partial explanations for the H202 cycle, and the mechanism for non-enzymatic, chelator-mediated Fenton reactions in brown rot wood decay processes. Future research in this area should explore cyclic voltarnrnetry analyses of Cu(I1) and ligands secreted by fungi, such as 2,5-DMHQ or 2,5-DMBQ in the absence or presence of H202 under a range of acidic conditions. Cyclic voltammetry experiments should also be conducted with Fe(III), oxalic acid and ligands secreted by fungi, to gain insight into the mechanism and kinetics of the relevant redox reactions in wood decay processes

Synthesis, Characterization and Properties of Nanostructured Materials by Template-Directed Method

Nanowires and nanotubes with single component such as gold and nickel were fabricated by electrochemical deposition method directed by the Anodic Alumina Membrane (AAO) as a template. A so called polymer-free method has been investigated to make striped nanowires with superlattice structure. Various methods have been used to characterize these nanomaterials, including SEM, FESEM TEM, STM and Optical Microscope. The aggregation of the nanowires and their alignment under the magnetic force were observed under the optical microscope