Acquisition Of Systems Research Articles

Defining change: Exploring expert views about the regulatory challenges in adaptive artificial intelligence for healthcare

ObjectiveContinuously learning or adaptive artificial intelligence (AI) applications for screening, diagnostic and other clinical services are yet to be widely deployed. This is partly due to existing device regulation mechanisms that are not fit for purpose regarding the adaptive features of AI. This study aims to identify the challenges in and opportunities for the regulation of adaptive features of AI. Materials and MethodsWe performed in-depth qualitative, semi-structured interviews with a diverse group of 72 experts in high-income countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, US, and UK) who are involved in the development, acquisition, deployment and regulation of healthcare AI systems. ResultsOur findings revealed perceived challenges in the regulation of adaptive features of machine learning (ML) systems. These challenges include the complexity of AI applications as products subject to regulation; lack of accepted definitions of adaptive changes; diverse approaches to defining significant adaptive change; and lack of clarity about regulation of adaptive change. Our findings reflect potentially competing interests among different stakeholders and diversity of approaches from regulatory bodies and legislators in different jurisdictions across the globe. In addition, our findings highlight the complex regulatory implications of adaptive AI that differ from traditional medical products, drugs or devices. ConclusionThe perceived regulatory challenges raised by adaptive features of AI applications require high-level coordination within a complex regulatory ecosystem that consists of medical device regulators, professional accreditation agencies, professional medical organisations, and healthcare service providers. Regulatory approaches should complement existing safety protocols with new governance mechanisms that specifically take into account the variety of roles and responsibilities that will be required to monitor, evaluate and oversee adaptive changes.

Enabling FuSE Security Objectives by Leveraging Cyber Survivability Methods

AbstractThe importance of system security continues to grow as systems become more complex, more connected, and more vulnerable. The INCOSE Vision 2035 sets goals for systems engineering (SE) as a discipline in enabling engineering solutions for a better world: “By 2035, cybersecurity will be as foundational a perspective in systems design as system performance and safety are today” (INCOSE, 2024). A key objective of the INCOSE Future of Systems Engineering (FuSE) Security Foundations Roadmap is to recognize system security as a fundamental part of the mission, integrated into the system architecture, and not “bolted‐on” as a separate subsystem or set of features in the detailed design. To achieve this, systems engineering must address system security early in the system lifecycle, during the mission analysis and concept development phase and ensure it is addressed as a functional requirement throughout the systems engineering lifecycle. System security needs must be treated as fundamental system capability.The INCOSE FuSE Security foundations roadmap identifies six (6) objectives and eleven (11) foundational concepts necessary to achieve the FuSE vision for system security (Dove, et al., 2021). Five of the objectives and five of the foundational concepts are directly related to systems acquisition and engineering lifecycle processes. The five key foundational concepts are: Stakeholder Alignment, Security as a Capability, Security as a Functional Requirement, Loss Driven Engineering and Modeled Trustworthiness.The Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) community has extensive cyber assessment and execution processes mandated through numerous Department of Defense (DoD) and individual service policies, directives and guidebooks. This paper studies several of the cybersecurity assessment and process guidebooks, analyzing the processes and methods to identify areas where systems engineering should be responsible, and which SE activities and outputs are needed to enable the requirements of each guidebook.This paper examines six OT&E cyber security guidebooks, and the methods and processes they describe to achieve system security in relation to the five foundation concepts. In addition to their test and evaluation processes, each describes systems engineering processes, activities and outputs that could be used to form the initial foundation of a system security technical process.While the original INCOSE vision statement uses the term “cybersecurity,” the FuSE Security initiative is adopting the term “system security” to emphasize that this is a system engineering responsibility as opposed to software engineering or information technology task. As a result, the analysis of the cybersecurity guidebooks will be in the context of “system security.”

Genome reduction and horizontal gene transfer in the evolution of Endomicrobia-rise and fall of an intracellular symbiosis with termite gut flagellates.

Bacterial endosymbionts of eukaryotic hosts typically experience massive genome reduction, but the underlying evolutionary processes are often obscured by the lack of free-living relatives. Endomicrobia, a family-level lineage of host-associated bacteria in the phylum Elusimicrobiota that comprises both free-living representatives and endosymbionts of termite gut flagellates, are an excellent model to study evolution of intracellular symbionts. We reconstructed 67 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Endomicrobiaceae among more than 1,700 MAGs from the gut microbiota of a wide range of termites. Phylogenomic analysis confirmed a sister position of representatives from termites and ruminants, and allowed to propose eight new genera in the radiation of Endomicrobiaceae. Comparative genome analysis documented progressive genome erosion in the new genus Endomicrobiellum, which comprises all flagellate endosymbionts characterized to date. Massive gene losses were accompanied by the acquisition of new functions by horizontal gene transfer, which led to a shift from a glucose-based energy metabolism to one based on sugar phosphates. The breakdown of glycolysis and many anabolic pathways for amino acids and cofactors in several subgroups was compensated by the independent acquisition of new uptake systems, including an ATP/ADP antiporter, from other gut microbiota. The putative donors are mostly flagellate endosymbionts from other bacterial phyla, including several, hitherto unknown lineages of uncultured Alphaproteobacteria, documenting the importance of horizontal gene transfer in the convergent evolution of these intracellular symbioses. The loss of almost all biosynthetic capacities in some lineages of Endomicrobiellum suggests that their originally mutualistic relationship with flagellates is on its decline.IMPORTANCEUnicellular eukaryotes are frequently colonized by bacterial and archaeal symbionts. A prominent example are the cellulolytic gut flagellates of termites, which harbor diverse but host-specific bacterial symbionts that occur exclusively in termite guts. One of these lineages, the so-called Endomicrobia, comprises both free-living and endosymbiotic representatives, which offers the unique opportunity to study the evolutionary processes underpinning the transition from a free-living to an intracellular lifestyle. Our results revealed a progressive gene loss in energy metabolism and biosynthetic pathways, compensated by the acquisition of new functions via horizontal gene transfer from other gut bacteria, and suggest the eventual breakdown of an initially mutualistic symbiosis. Evidence for convergent evolution of unrelated endosymbionts reflects adaptations to the intracellular environment of termite gut flagellates.

A comparison of two land nodal seismic recording systems

The increasing popularity of land nodal seismic acquisition systems has led to numerous systems being introduced. When planning the acquisition of a survey different acquisition systems may be offered and it is therefore important to be able to compare their performance in terms of the quality of the data recorded. In this paper I compared two nodal seismic systems using measurements made both in the laboratory and in the field and found that they were broadly comparable apart from a constant 1.2 ms timing difference resulting from the section of the GPS pulse used to control their timing. Given the consistencies in electronic performance, it is likely that the small differences in their overall performance that were found were related to the impact of their physical shape on their ability to couple with the ground. I anticipate that the methodology developed here could be applied to comparisons of other systems in the future.

A study of early childhood English language development as an impact of English cartoons

In this sophisticated era, technological advances have contributed to the phenomenon of bilingualism. Easy access to various content on the internet and social media has a new impact on the language acquisition of an individual, including children. Children are active users who access digital content, including English cartoons. Research conducted by Trota et al. (2022) and Alghonaim (2019) shows a significant effect of English cartoons on children's English language acquisition. Departing from this, the researcher conducted further research on similar influences on children who had mastered two languages before being exposed to English cartoons. Data was collected through direct observation and interviews with parents of participants. The research was conducted in Sarabau village, Plered sub-district, Cirebon district, with children aged 5 to 6 years as the object of research. The data was then carefully analyzed using a qualitative descriptive method. The results showed an influence on the acquisition of sound systems, vocabulary, and sentence formation in English. In line with this, researchers also found factors such as the intensity of screen time and the role and involvement of parents in the process of English language acquisition through English cartoons.

Decarbonization, Opportunities and Dilemma for Developing Countries

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the dilemma of third world countries in the decarbonization policy drive by drawing a comparison of power generated by third world countries and quantity of CO2 emissions against that of first world nations to ascertain third world nations' CO2 emissions.
 Materials and Methods: This is achieved by conducting an extensive literature review, conducting questionnaires, and conversing with industry experts aimed at identifying and comparing sources of power generation and consumption by third-world countries and developed countries. Analysis of collected data is conducted by statistical methods to arrive at conclusive deductions regarding the implications and opportunities available for decarbonization. 
 Findings: The study revealed that fossil fuel still constitutes about 64% of energy generation and over 80% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by human activity (around 35 billion tonnes a year) comes from burning fossil fuel. This paper proposes unique practical solutions that would ensure a smooth transition during decarbonization like unbundling the national grid and power infrastructure to create smaller and more efficient microgrids (energy efficiency), improving the energy efficiency of existing power infrastructure, proper short, midterm and long-term Government policies on energy, investments in renewable technologies like solar, wind and Nuclear, acquisition of energy storage systems, transparency to curb corruption), and more investment in homegrown technological drive.
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Conclusively, policymakers are encouraged to take necessary steps to ensure that decarbonization can be achieved without significant challenges on infrastructural growth and development.

The Polish Air Force in transition: lessons from the F-16 programme

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to analyse the process of equipping the Polish Air Force with the F-16 aircraft. The Polish F-16 programme serves as an essential source of knowledge for avoiding errors that may occur when introducing new weapon systems in Poland, or other post-communist countries that are still reliant on Soviet-designed military technologies. Due to various external and internal factors, not all elements of the F-16 programme are suitable for replication in the acquisition of new weapon systems; however, some solutions have been applied in Poland’s F-35 and WISŁA air defence programmes. The authors examined selected aspects of the F-16 programme, including its historical background, legal and organisational framework, personnel training, infrastructure, logistics, and the economic implications of the offset agreement.

Cultural evolutionary pragmatics: Investigating the codevelopment and coevolution of language and social cognition.

Language and social cognition come together in communication, but their relation has been intensely contested. Here, I argue that these two distinctively human abilities are connected in a positive feedback loop, whereby the development of one cognitive skill boosts the development of the other. More specifically, I hypothesize that language and social cognition codevelop in ontogeny and coevolve in diachrony through the acquisition, mature use, and cultural evolution of reference systems (e.g., demonstratives: "this" vs. "that"; articles: "a" vs. "the"; pronouns: "I" vs. "you"). I propose to study the connection between reference systems and communicative social cognition across three parallel timescales-language acquisition, language use, and language change, as a new research program for cultural evolutionary pragmatics. Within that framework, I discuss the coevolution of language and communicative social cognition as cognitive gadgets, and introduce a new methodological approach to study how universals and cross-linguistic differences in reference systems may result in different developmental pathways to human social cognition. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

РОБОТ-ПОМОЩНИК ДЛЯ УДАЛЕНИЯ НАВОЗА В ФЕРМЕРСКИХ ХОЗЯЙСТВАХ

The robots’ use for manure cleaning on dairy cattle farms has several advantages. First of all, it allows to reduce physical stress on employees and work conditions improving. Robots can monotonous heavy tasks, such as manure collection, without the constant human involvement need performing. In addition, manure cleaning robots can be designed for optimal farm available space use making, as well as the environment negative impact minimizing. The cleaning robots’ technical equipment for dairy farms manure removal includes various sensors, cameras, navigation systems and other innovative solutions that allow them tasks with high accuracy and autonomy effectively to perform. However, it must be borne in mind that the robots introduction of on farms requires significant investments in development, acquisition and maintenance of such systems. Therefore, for this project successful implementation, it is necessary the economic feasibility and practical benefits’ assess of manure cleaning robots’ introduction to analyzing. Such robots will be similar to each other, that will their cost reduce, and their price directly affect the product’s profitability. Based on the analyzed information, the manure cleaning robots’ main technical characteristics with their advantages and disadvantages are revealed: the speed of robots is in the range between 6,2 and 10 m/min, productivity - is from 300 till 350 m2/h. The greatest interest for domestic production by manure cleaning robots using a scraper paired with a rotary-stator vacuum mechanism is represented. The data obtained as a study result can be used in manure cleaning robots new samples design, as well as by farmers when choosing a particular model on their farm purchasing.

BIKAS: Bio-Inspired Knowledge Acquisition and Simulacrum—A Knowledge Database to Support Multifunctional Design Concept Generation

Abstract A detailed acquisition, analysis, and representation of biological systems exhibiting different functions is required to develop unique bio-inspired multifunctional conceptual designs and methods. This paper presents BIKAS: Bio-inspired Knowledge Acquisition and Simulacrum, a knowledge database of biological systems exhibiting various functionalities, developed based on case-based bio-inspired examples from literature. The knowledge database represents the biological features, their characteristics, and the function exhibited by the biological feature as a combination of its integrated structure and structural strategy. Furthermore, this knowledge database is utilized by the Expandable Domain Integrated Design (xDID) model that works on classifying, mapping, and representing biological features into their respective geometric designations called Domains. The combination of features from the Domains results in the generation of multifunctional conceptual designs. In addition, Meta-level design factors are proposed to aid designers in filtering the biological features and their respective functions having a similar structural strategy, thus aiding designers in rapidly selecting and emulating biological functions.

The potential of multiapartment rooftop PV systems as citizen’ energy communities in Latvia

Electricity generation from photovoltaic (PV) in Latvia is currently below the necessary capacity required to contribute to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. However, photovoltaic offer households and companies the opportunity to align their electricity consumption with environmental goals while supporting the European Green Deal objectives. In recent years, there was a growing interest in the installation of photovoltaic microgenerators in Latvia. By June 2023, the total number of households microgenerators connected to the grid has reached 15,000, boasting a collective production capacity exceeding 120 MW. This significant increase is in stark contrast to the situation 5 years ago when Latvia had a mere 3 MW of photovoltaic capacity. Several factors contributed to this growth, including a surge in electricity prices, at times surging more than tenfold, and the implementation of renewable energy (RE) use support measures to facilitate the acquisition of RE systems. Furthermore, 2023 witnessed numerous amendments to Latvia’s energy policy documents and the introduction of the concept of citizen energy communities (CEC), indicating a growing emphasis on harnessing solar energy potential in the country. However, it remains crucial to base these endeavors on accurate, economically viable information regarding solar technologies, their costs and their anticipated long-term outcomes. This manuscript aims to provide an overview of the grid-connected potential of rooftop photovoltaic systems within a Latvian urban setting. Through extensive research, a model has been developed, employing a thoroughly tested simulation program for evaluating the generation capacity of photovoltaic systems. This model considers real electricity consumption data, the existing infrastructure and economic factors. The findings affirm the technical and economic viability of urban rooftop photovoltaic systems within the Latvian context. It has been established that the implementation of such citizen energy communities energy systems holds significant potential. These systems have the potential to be a promising solution for future electricity generation, addressing some of the demands while relieving strain on external power grids. However, the full potential can only be realized with improved infrastructure, and the system’s profitability is heavily contingent on market dynamics and political conditions. This study may also be applicable to other photovoltaic systems facing similar climate conditions.

Toward automated instructor pilots in legacy Air Force systems: Physiology-based flight difficulty classification via machine learning

The United States Air Force (USAF) is struggling to train enough pilots to meet operational requirements. Technology has advanced rapidly over the last 70 years but USAF pilot training has not. Modern operational requirements demand a change and, for this reason, USAF senior leadership has advocated for innovation. The automation of instructor and evaluator pilots in select bottlenecks (e.g., simulators) is one such measure. However, to implement this vision, numerous technical issues must be mitigated. Accurate classification of flight difficulty is a foundational problem underpinning many of these technical issues, which requires either the acquisition of new systems or the development of new procedures. Therefore, given this need and the costly nature of purchasing new equipment, physiological-based classification of flight difficulty is our focus herein. Leveraging multimodal data from a designed experiment of pilots landing a simulated aircraft, we develop a high-quality machine learning pipeline for classifying flight difficulty, called the Multi-Modal Functional-based Decision Support System (MMF-DSS). MMF-DSS distills a tabular set of features from our multimodal and functional data through the use of functional principal component analysis, summary statistics, and BorutaSHAP. In this manner, information is derived from the time-series data via the generation of hundreds of features, of which a small subset having the most predictive capability is discerned. Four full factorial designs are used to perform hyperparameter tuning on a set of classifiers. In so doing, a superlative technique is identified. Impacts on executive decision making are examined as well as associated policymaking implications. Alternative classifiers are considered for use within our pipeline that trade predictive accuracy for cost efficiency, and recommendations for choosing among these alternatives is provided.

Genomic insights into the phage-defense systems of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia clinical isolates

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a rapidly evolving multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen that can cause serious infections in immunocompromised patients. Although phage therapy is one of promising strategies for dealing with MDR bacteria, the main challenges of phage therapeutics include accumulation of phage resistant mutations and acquisition of the phage defense systems. To systematically evaluate the impact of (pro)phages in shaping genetic and evolutionary diversity of S. maltophilia, we collected 166 S. maltophilia isolates from three hospitals in southern China to analyze its pangenome, virulence factors, prophage regions, and anit-viral immune systems. Pangenome analysis indicated that there are 1328 saturated core genes and 26961 unsaturated accessory genes in the pangenome, suggesting existence of highly variable parts of S. maltophilia genome. The presence of genes in relation to T3SS and T6SS mechanisms suggests the great potential to secrete toxins by the S. maltophilia population, which is contrary to the conventional notion of low-virulence of S. maltophilia. Additionally, we characterized the pan-immune system maps of these clinical isolates against phage infections and revealed the co-harboring of CBASS and anti-CBASS in some strains, suggesting a never-ending arms race and the co-evolutionary dynamic between bacteria and phages. Furthermore, our study predicted 310 prophage regions in S. maltophilia with high genetic diversity. Six viral defense systems were found to be located at specific position of the S. maltophilia prophage genomes, indicating potential evolution of certain site/region similar to bacterial ‘defense islands’ in prophage. Our study provides novel insights into the S. maltophilia pangenome in relation to phage-defense mechanisms, which extends our understanding of bacterial-phage interactions and might guide the application of phage therapy in combating S. maltophilia infections.

Trade-offs and synergies of plant traits co-drive efficient nitrogen use in intercropping systems

ContextNitrogen (N) enrichment increases aboveground net primary productivity, but causes a loss of plant diversity and a decline in ecosystem stability. Diverse systems that enhance the N-use efficiency help achieve sustainable development goals. Functional traits have been used to predict ecosystem functions in diverse systems. However, few studies considered both the effect of functional traits and evaluated the relationship between traits and N acquisition in intercropping. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between functional traits resulting from interspecific interactions and determine relationships between functional traits and N acquisition of intercropping systems. MethodsBased on a four-year N-manipulation field experiment, we measured 10 functional traits related to light interception and nutrient-use efficiency in different systems (maize (Zea mays L.), peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill.) monocultures, and maize/peanut and maize/soybean intercrops) at the pre-tasseling stage of maize, calculated the crude protein yield and aboveground N content at harvest time. ResultsThe maize grain N concentration was increased by N application, and it increased by intercropping in legumes. Both maize/soybean and maize/peanut intercropping systems increased crude protein productivity. Synergies among plant functional traits of maize allowed maize to establish its dominance, which resulted in greater N acquisition and crude protein yield of intercrops. Trade-offs among plant functional traits (between root traits and shoot traits of legumes) show strategies of legumes in response to interspecific competition. The specific leaf area of the legume was a key trait and affected interspecific interactions. This N-use advantage of intercropping was directly influenced by the aboveground functional traits of the system (community-weighted mean values of functional traits), but indirectly affected by belowground functional traits of the system. Conclusions and significanceOur study highlights greater N uptake of the intercropping system and suggests that intercropping can be used to increase the quality of crop products via enhancing crude protein production. The synergy and trade-offs in plant functional traits together enhance efficient N use in the intercropping systems. These findings help to better understand the underlying mechanisms that determine efficient resource use in diverse cropping systems and have implications for the sustainable management of food-production systems.

1. Model‐Based Acquisition (MBAcq): Uniting Government and Industry around a Common Standard

AbstractThe Digital Engineering Strategy released in June 2018 outlined the DoD's strategic goals which “promote the use of digital artifacts as a technical means of communication across a diverse set of stakeholders.” Ultimately, by involving a variety of perspectives in the design decisions, one can increase quality and speed without increasing risks. “In addition to build, test, field and sustainment of defense systems, emphasis was placed on the acquisition and procurement of systems and the importance of digital engineering. This was further reinforced in the Feb 2022 release of the Engineering of Defense Systems Guidebook which contains Digital Engineering sections in each chapter. The norm for Systems Engineering has become Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in which models are used at all phases of development. To complete the digital thread from concept to disposal, models will be required for the acquisition phase. This paper will describe Model‐Based Acquisition (MBAcq), and how it can be used to increase clarity for compliance and understanding in Systems and Software Acquisition.” (Hause, Hart, 2022) MBAcq can supplant the use of document‐based specification but only if we come together as an industry to develop and agree upon some standardization. A word of caution, model‐based approaches will only be successful if they are grounded in sound systems engineering practices. The thought process to create the models are as equally important as the resulting models themselves. This paper will discuss the work being done by the OMG MBAcq User Group, which is a broad industry body with participation from INCOSE, Armed Services, OUSD, DoD CIO, NDIA, DAU, FFRDCs and many industry suppliers, such as Boeing, Northrup Grumman, and Lockheed Martin, working together to successfully create both the standardization and guidance to successfully deploy MBAcq to the larger community. Parts of this paper were first published by the authors in (Hause, Hart, 202)

Motion analysis systems in research and for practicing orthopedists

Complex biomechanical motion analysis can provide relevant information for avariety of orthopedic problems. When purchasing motion analysis systems, in addition to the classical measurement quality criteria (validity, reliability, objectivity), spatial and temporal conditions, as well as the requirements for the qualification of the measuring personnel should be considered. In complex movement analysis, systems are used to determine kinematics, kinetics and muscle activity (electromyography). This article gives an overview of methods of complex biomechanical motion analysis for use in orthopaedic research or for individual patient care. In addition to the use for pure movement analysis, the use of movement analysis methods in the field of biofeedback training is discussed. For the specific acquisition of motion analysis systems, it is recommended to contact professional societies (e.g., the German Society for Biomechanics),universities with existing motion analysis facilities or distributors in the field of biomechanics.

Accuracy and Confidence of Strategic Intelligence in Cases of Inadequate Information: Implications for Acquisition of Collection Systems

In the early stages of acquisition of strategic intelligence collection systems, we may distinguish between developing new capabilities or adding additional capacity. To inform this decision, we suggest the use of a routine analytic product: long time series of reported accuracy and confidence. We test this by simulating notional collection and reporting in situations of inadequate capability and capacity. Inadequate capability, particularly where possible alternatives are not acknowledged, is the most striking case with consistently high confidence and low accuracy. Inadequate capacity is more recognizable, with well-calibrated but widely varying confidence and low accuracy. The adequate collection is identified with well-calibrated, slightly varying confidence and high accuracy. Capability and capacity may be able to be traded with similar performance.

Self-healing deep-blue afterglow hydrogel

Achieving self-healing afterglow materials especially with deep-blue emissions is attractive and important but rarely reported owing to its difficulty in the acquisition of deep-blue afterglow systems in aqueous solution via populating and stabilizing the high-lying triplet excited state simultaneously. Here, a simple and environmental strategy was reported to realize deep-blue afterglow phenomenon with long lifetime of 1256 ms, high quantum efficiency of 39.23% and good stability in aqueous environment for a long time (>150 day) through encapsulating 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid (4-CPB) into the pores of zeolite Y (ZY) using solvent-free milling method. Experimental and theoretical results clear that the achievement of deep-blue afterglow emission in the aqueous environment is due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the host and guest leading to an increase in the degree of electron delocalization and the collapse of the zeolite pores caused by grinding leading to a decrease in micropores number, which protects the luminescent groups. Benefiting from these excellent properties of luminescent materials, self-healing deep-blue afterglow hydrogel were prepared through doping them into poly (2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) to demonstrate the application of LEDs. These results provide important foundation for the development of high-efficient deep-blue afterglow materials with remarkable applications.

Young Adults’ New Cognitive Formations and the Feeling of Becoming an Adult

IntroductionIn adolescence, the person transitions from the reality of childhood, where he is mostly dependent on his parents, to the reality of adult life, which necessitates the acquisition of adult role systems, established autonomy, and ability to accept responsibility. The most important feeling during that time is that of maturation into adulthood.Objectives This study was designed to investigate the impact of new cognitive formations on the maturation of young adults’ self-consciousness from the perspective of a subjective evaluation of the experience of becoming an adult, particularly its cognitive component.Methods The study was based on Akimova’s Adult Practical Thinking Scale (Akimova et al., 2008), Zack’s Theoretical Thinking Scale (Zack, 2010), Personal Differential Test (Bazhin & Etkind, 1983), Szustrowa’s Egocentric Associations Scale with content analysis applied (Szustrowa, 1976), The Feeling of Becoming an Adult Expression Scale (Andriushchenko et al., 2014) and included 64 participants aged 18-22 years. The approbation group had 12 participants and the core group had 52 participants.ResultsThe IBM SPSS 22 statistical rank correlation analysis provides support for: negative moderate correlation between (1) the reflective type of theoretical thinking and personal egocentrism (rs=-.31; p=.024), (2) adult practical thinking level and awareness of a new position in adolescents-adults relations self-consciousness component (rs=-.28, p=.048); positive moderate correlation between (1) social intelligence and the feeling of becoming an adult expression degree (rs=.39; p=.004), (2) orientation to autonomous educational and intellectual activity (self-consciousness component) and subjective attitude towards oneself and other people (rs=.29, p=.04), orientation to autonomous educational/intellectual activity and Egocentrism Index (rs=.37, p=.007).Conclusions According to the study’s findings, there is a strong correlation between young adults’ cognitive traits (such as content-related reflection for formal operational thinking and social intelligence), their expression of the feeling of becoming an adult, and some aspects of self-consciousness. It indicates that the feelings of becoming an adult manifest themselves as an orientation to autonomous educational and intellectual activity and new forms of cooperation with adults that develop step by step through time, but not as a process of individualization based on egocentric attitudes.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Rentabilidade do uso da irrigação no consórcio palma-sorgo para agricultores em ambiente semiárido

ABSTRACT Irrigation plays a fundamental role in advancing agricultural frontiers and increasing crop productivity, especially in semi-arid environments, because they exhibit high spatiotemporal rainfall variation. This practice is suggested even for adapted crops, such as forage cactus (Opuntia sp.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and single or intercropping systems. In this study, aimed to evaluate the profitability of using irrigation in a single and intercropping forage cactus-sorghum system in a semi-arid region. The experimental design was in randomized blocks in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement: five drip irrigation depths (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the reference evapotranspiration - ET0) and three cropping systems (single forage cactus, single sorghum, and intercropping forage cactus-sorghum), with four replicates. The 0% ET0 treatment corresponded to rainfed conditions at a depth of 355 mm. A cycle of forage cactus and two sorghum cultivars (plant and regrowth) was conducted between November 2014 and November 2015. It was verified that the highest costs for implantation of the crop systems in irrigated conditions are due to the acquisition of irrigation and input systems, representing 85.3% of the effective operational cost. The single sorghum and forage cactus-sorghum systems provided the highest fresh matter productivity (62,013.05 and 60,075.36 kg ha-1, respectively). Based on economic indicators, the adoption of irrigation depths (25, 50, 75, and 100% ET0) promoted profits for the systems (single and intercropping) from the second year of implementation.