Self-control is a complex and multifaceted construct that can be regarded as an individual trait that follows its own developmental trajectory. In the presented study we used NAS-50 for the assessment of self-control in adolescents and young adults. Since the questionnaire has not been used before in underage participants we tested its reliability in adolescent and adult samples. We also investigated possible age and gender differences in self-control abilities as well as relations between NAS-50 and behavioral measures of cognitive control and impulsivity. Although the sample was quite small, the reliability of the questionnaire was similar to the results achieved by its authors. According to the predictions in the literature we did not find relations between NAS-50 and behavioral measures of cognitive control and impulsivity. We also did not observe significant age differences in the assessment of self-control abilities. The theoretical relevance of our results is discussed.

The influence of physicochemical parameters of halloysite-carbon composites on the adsorption of skin disinfectants was investigated. The dispersive surface free energy and acid-base properties of halloysite-carbon composites were determined using inverse gas chromatography. The free adsorption energy was higher for all halloysite-carbon composites compared to the unmodified halloysite, which acted as a less electron-donating adsorbent. In contrast, the composite obtained using halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and ground microcrystalline cellulose as the carbon precursor exhibited the highest free adsorption energy and the Kb/Ka ratio. These results suggest that the free adsorption energy can be an additional factor influencing the adsorption process. We demonstrated that the composite with the highest free adsorption energy is effective for removing triclosan, chloroxylenol and chlorophene from water. The acid-base properties of halloysite-carbon composites enhance the adsorption of these compounds due to their acidic character. The composite with the highest Kb/Ka ratio removes adsorbates from aqueous solutions with the greatest efficiency. Parameters such as free dispersion energy, electron-donating, or electron-accepting properties of the adsorbent help explain why these composites exhibit high adsorption capabilities.