Average Grade Research Articles

Plasma concentration of serum amyloid A and lipopolysaccharide binding protein in horses with laminitis resulted from hindgut acidosis

Many studies have shown a strong correlation between Hindgut Acidosis (HGA) and the occurrence of laminitis in horses; therefore, the early diagnosis of HGA is essential. In this study, we investigated changes in the plasma concentrations of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) as inflammatory markers in horses with laminitis. Sixteen healthy male Arabian horses that had cecal cannulation without visible laminitis or general symptoms were randomly divided into two groups. The horses were fed two different diets in a forage-to-concentrate ratio. Blood samples were collected on Days 1, 10, and 20. The primary objective of this study was to analyze plasma levels of LBP and SAA. Cecal specimens were obtained from each equine subject on three designated days: days 1, 10, and 20. The second objective was to assess the levels of pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the samples. Throughout the study period, horses fed a high-concentrate diet exhibited a significantly elevated average lameness grade on days 10 and 20 compared to the initial stage (P < 0.001). On day 20, a significant increase in the concentration of SAA was observed in horses fed a high-concentrate diet, in contrast to the initial stage of the study. LBP levels in the plasma were significantly elevated on days 10 and 20 in horses fed a high-concentrate diet. Based on our findings, it is recommended that the evaluation of plasma LBP concentrations is more effective than SAA for the early identification of HGA in horses fed a high-grain diet.

Implementasi Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab di MTs Mambaul Ulum Tulupari Tiris Probolinggo

This research aims to explore the implementation of Arabic language learning at MTs Mambaul Ulum Tulupari Tiris Probolinggo. The focus of this research consists of three main sub-variables, namely: lesson planning, lesson implementation, and assessment or evaluation of learning. The main objective of this research is to achieve effective learning for students so that the learning process can be optimized and the average student grades can reach the Minimum Completion Criteria. The research method used is a qualitative approach using a case study method. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and analysis of documents related to the planning, implementation, and assessment of Arabic language learning. The results of this research explain that learning at MTs Mambaul Ulum Tulupari Tiris Probolinggo involves a structured planning process with clear objectives, including goal identification, material selection, method determination, assessment planning, and continuous adjustment. Its implementation focuses on meaningful learning experiences, active interaction, and the use of diverse learning methods and resources. Meanwhile, learning evaluation encompasses a holistic approach with various assessment methods, feedback, formative and summative evaluations, as well as student involvement in the evaluation process and adjustments for continuous improvement.

Quality and readability of online information and materials on post-surgery breast seroma.

Aims/Background Seroma formation is the most common complication following breast surgery. However, there is little evidence on the readability of online patient education materials on this issue. This study aimed to assess the accessibility and readability of the relevant online information. Methods This systematic review of the literature identified 37 relevant websites for further analysis. The readability of each online article was assessed through using a range of readability formulae. Results The average Flesch-Reading Ease score for all patient education materials was 53.9 (± 21.9) and the average Flesch-Kincaid reading grade level was 7.32 (± 3.1), suggesting they were 'fairly difficult' to read and is higher than the recommended reading level. Conclusion Online patient education materials regarding post-surgery breast seroma are at a higher-than-recommended reading grade level for the public. Improvement would allow all patients, regardless of literacy level, to access such resources to aid decision-making around undergoing breast surgery.

Grade inflation effects of capacity expansion in higher education: a longitudinal study in undergraduate teacher education programs from 2003 to 2022

This study examined the change in the rate of graduates with high honors (>3.50) in teacher training programs and the factors affecting grade inflation and graduation GPAs over a 20-year period. In the study, the weighted grade point average of 173,232 student-teachers who had graduated from 32 teacher training institutions between 2003 and 2022 was analyzed using the random effects estimator, ANOVA, t test, and ANCOVA. The findings suggest that their grade point averages increased from 2.83 to 3.34 within this period. The highest-grade averages were found in 2012, when the number of teacher training institutions was expanded; as well as in 2021–2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the gender of the students, their university admission scores, the teaching field, the establishment year of the program, and the ratio of students per faculty member were found to be important determinants of graduation GPAs. Based on our results, it can be argued that the rapid growth of teacher training programs in Türkiye has caused a decrease in quality, which has triggered an increase in grade averages. One of the most important findings supporting this idea is that programs with lower university admission scores have more students graduating with honors.

Autonomy in decision-making and freshmen’s performance at university: evidence from Italy

ABSTRACT Does autonomy in choosing university programs impact on freshmen’s academic performance? We exploit a unique dataset derived from a cohort of freshmen enrolled at the University of Messina in Italy. Our results show that students with higher levels of autonomy achieve on average higher academic grades, even after accounting for a comprehensive range of socio-demographic and personality factors. Our findings have significant policy implications for improving the higher education system and its connection to the modern labor market. Addressing student performance and reducing drop-out rates requires targeted programs that begin during the school years. These programs may enhance individual autonomy and self-confidence. By aligning prospective students’ attitudes with their chosen courses, we can improve both the quality and quantity of graduates. Furthermore, students who possess autonomy and self-confidence are likely to excel in the labor market, as their chosen educational path enables them to fully utilize their potential, ultimately enhancing their job productivity.

Classifying and quantifying changes in papilloedema using machine learning

BackgroundMachine learning (ML) can differentiate papilloedema from normal optic discs using fundus photos. Currently, papilloedema severity is assessed using the descriptive, ordinal Frisén scale. We hypothesise that ML can quantify...

The Relationship Between Academic Motivation and Self-Efficacy in Undergraduate Students: Kosovo Case

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy and academic motivation in Kosovo undergraduate students. It also examined whether the relationship between academic motivation and self-efficacy was significantly mediated by the effect of educational achievement. It also took into account the role of the socio-economic status in this relationship. Theoretical Framework: The rationale of this study was framed within the theoretical framework of self-determination that focuses on the controlled behavior in academic performance and within the theoretical framework of self-efficacy which is based on belief in one's ability to complete specified tasks or goals. Methods: This study used a quantitative methodology by adopting standardized measures including a 27-item survey of academic motivation and a 10-item instrument of self-efficacy. The construct of academic achievement was measured by a self-reported average grade of students and a socio-economic status questionnaire was designed for this purpose of this study. Data collection was carried out online through the online Qualtrics platform. Results and Conclusions: The results showed that there was a statistical significant effect of self-efficacy to both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Results revealed that there was no significant correlation between academic achievement and self-efficacy or academic motivation and no significant correlation between the socio-economic status scores and all the variables. Implications of research: The findings of this study have practical implications for university administrators and researchers focused in students’ retention in universities and their academic achievements. It demonstrates that how well students are academically motivated to achieve their academic goal very well depends on their perceived self-efficacy. Originality/value: The study included a range of 85 undergraduate students from the department of psychology and the department of English language. The novelty of this study is that it examined Albanian speaking undergraduates, which is a highly underrepresented population in this area of study.

Pemeringkatan Calon Penerima Beasiswa SD Negeri 3 Wadas, Kendal Menggunakan Metode AHP-Copras

The main obstacle in the selection process for scholarship recipients at SD Negeri 3 Wadas is that selection is only based on one or two criteria without considering other relevant factors, such as family economic conditions, academic achievement and student age, which can lead to uneven and uneven distribution of scholarships. right on target. This research aims to develop a ranking model for prospective scholarship recipients at SD Negeri 3 Wadas using the criteria of family income, number of family members, age of students, average grades, and income per person. The final results of the ranking show that prospective scholarship recipients with a small income per person, small family income, large family size will make prospective scholarship recipients the best choice, this is because the criteria for income per person and family income have the highest weight. On the other hand, scholarship recipients with a large income per person, a large family income and a small family size will be the lowest choice in the ranking list

Grading policy, email nudges, and grade outcomes

We estimate how much the average grade of students enrolled in introductory macroeconomics changes when the professor sends a reminder email. We utilize observational data to implement a difference-in-differences strategy and identify the plausibly causal effect of email nudges on the student’s grade. The professor’s reminder email boosts low-performing student grades by 22–28 points per 50 points.

Geology and in-situ S-Pb isotopes of the Luoboshan carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposit in Yunnan Province, SW China

The Luoboshan Pb-Zn deposit (0.2 Mt Pb + Zn metal reserves, @ 0.94 % Pb and 5.33 % Zn) is located in the Lanping-Simao Basin in the southern part of the Sanjiang Tethys metallogenic domain in Yunnan Province, SW China. The deposit comprises three ore bodies hosted in the lower Permian bioclastic and micritic limestone. Ore body I is stratiform (mineralization is small in scale and ores have been mined out), with average grades of 0.02–1.44 % Pb and 1.5–14.88 % Zn. Ore bodies II and III are lens-like, the average grades of them are 0.10–5.07 % Pb and 1.68–12.39 % Zn, and 0.10–1.71 % Pb and 1.14–11.79 % Zn, respectively. Two hydrothermal stages were identified in the Luoboshan deposit: Pyrite-I-sphalerite-galena-calcite (stage I) and Pyrite-II-calcite (stage II). The in-situ δ34S values of pyrite and sphalerite reveals a medium range of −8.80 ‰ to +10.1 ‰. Furthermore, Py-I and sphalerite exhibit low δ34S values from −8.80 ‰ to −3.04 ‰, but Py-II displays high δ34S values (+2.37 ‰ to +10.0 ‰). These results suggest distinct formation mechanism for reduced sulfur during different stages of Pb-Zn mineralization. A reasonable explanation is that a transition from bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) in the early stage to thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) in the late stage as the likely mechanism for the formation of reduced sulfur. In addition, the in-situ Pb isotopes exhibit a narrow range (206Pb/204Pb = 18.660–18.672, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.665–15.677 and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.940–38.980), indicating that the metals originated from either a single source or a uniform mixture of different sources. Comparison of geological charateristics and isotopic geochemical data (S and Pb) indicates that the basin sedimentary strata (wall rocks) is the only and most probable source. Hence, we propose that the formation of the Luoboshan deposit involved biogenic in-situ acid generation of marine sulfates, which subsequently mixed with Pb-and-Zn-rich hydrothermal fluids, initiating TSR and resulting in Pb-Zn mineralization.

MDB-02. RECURRNET SPINAL DESMOID FIBROMATOSIS IN A CHILD WITH APC GERMLINE MUTATION-RELATED MEDULLOBLASTOMA

Abstract BACKGROUND Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal-dominant dominant Familial Cancer Syndrome FCs Caused by Germline inactivation of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene, results in up-regulation of the WNT signaling pathway which increases the risk of colorectal cancer CRC, colon polyposis and extracolonic tumors like gastric and duodenal carcinomas WNT-activated Medulloblastoma MBL and Desmoid fibromatosis (DF) DF are locally aggressive soft tissue tumors with high local recurrence rates after Surgical excision role of adjuvant chemotherapy or Radiotherapy is still unclear. METHODS A 6-year-old boy product of non-consanguineous marriage with positive family HX brain tumor Diagnosed with Non-Metastatic Average Risk MBL WHO grade IV classic histology, he had craniotomy and Gross tumor resection followed by craniospinal irradiation at 23.4 Gy, plus a boost to posterior fossa/tumor bed up to 54 Gy, followed by 8 maintenance chemotherapy cycles as HIT-MED protocol Cisplatin/VCR/CCNU total. 3 years post end of therapy the pateint was in complete remission from MBL when routing MRI surveillance showed a new left paravertebral muscle lesion within the irradiation field from T1 to T4 levels which progressed gradually over a short follow-up time he had surgical resection of the tumor with Pathological diagnosis of Desmoid fibromatosis. after six months he had a second recurrence of the spinal tumor that needed a second surgical resection. Result: positive Genetic testing for Germline pathogenic mutation of APC gene exons 7 to 16 confirmed the diagnosis of autosomal familial adenomatous polyposis type 1(FAP1). Up to date, he is stable on endoscopic and MRI surveillance with radiological evidence of slow progression of the paraspinal tumor CONCLUSION Medulloblastomas associated with APC germline mutation have favorable outcomes that may need de-escalating therapeutic protocol with reduced intensity craniospinal irradiation aiming to reduce the incidence of secondary tumors after adjuvant treatment for MBL

How Assessment Choice Affects Student Perception and Performance

Abstract. This action research project examined the effect of student assessment choice on grades and course evaluations, the two assessment options being a reading quiz or a two-minute video recording of themselves recalling what they could about the text (a “recall”). In the baseline condition (year 1), students were encouraged to complete recall videos about reading assignments for a type of extra credit in addition to required multiple-choice reading quizzes. In the experimental year (year 2), students were instead allowed to replace reading quizzes with recalls. The data included student submissions, grades, and course evaluations. Students completed more recall assignments when the recall replaced the quiz requirement than during the baseline year when recalls could not replace quizzes. In addition, the instances of students completing both the quiz and recall (for extra credit) increased in the experimental year. Average course grades did not change from the baseline year to the experimental year, but students with higher course grades were significantly more likely to have completed recalls. Student evaluations of the instructor were significantly higher for “responses to diverse learning styles” in the experimental year compared to the baseline condition. The study shows that letting students choose the assessment type they prefer can lead to increased student engagement and improve their perception of the instructor’s responsiveness to learning styles, without causing grade inflation.

Optimising the placement of additional drill holes to enhanced mineral resource classification: a case study on a porphyry copper deposit

ABSTRACT In this study, we compared outcomes of optimising the placement of five additional drill holes using three geostatistical cost functions (AKV, WAKV, and CV) and the Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm (PSO). WAKV identified locations with higher average copper grades compared to AKV. Conversely, CV suggested sites with high kriging variance and copper grade variation. Initial holes, alongside those determined by each cost function, were used to classify mineral resources. Findings underscored the effectiveness of optimising drill hole placement based on cost functions in reducing uncertainty and improving mineral resource classification.

Preservice teachers' judgments of students’ expectations of success and task values: Close relations with their personal task motivation

Little is known about the mechanisms underlying preservice teachers' judgments of students' task motivation, which is relevant to instructional planning. In this study, 64 preservice teachers rated their personal expectations of success and task values, and they judged average ninth grade students' expectations of success and task values associated with four modeling and four intramathematical problems. Preservice teachers judged students' task values lower than their personal task values. In the ranking of problems, the correlation between personal and judged task motivation was strongly positive, indicating that preservice teachers’ personal task motivation is a powerful determinant of their diagnostic judgments.

The Effect of Dorman's Strategy on Technological Enlightenment Among Third-Stage Intermediate Students

The aim of the research is to identify the effect of Dorman’s strategy on technological enlightenment among third-year intermediate students. For the purpose of verifying the aim of the research, the researcher has developed the following null hypothesis: There is no statistically significant difference at the level (0.05) between the average grades of the experimental group students who study according to Dorman's strategy and the average grades of the control group students who study according to the usual method according to technological enlightenment. In addition, a technological enlightenment scale was prepared, which consisted of (36) items. The researcher has confirmed its apparent reliability by presenting it to the arbitrators, and then the scale has been experimented on two exploratory samples for the purpose of extracting Psychometrics characteristics. The research experiment has been applied to the first semester of the academic year (2023-2024). After the end of the experiment, the technological enlightenment scale has been applied. Then the students’ answers have been corrected and treated statistically using the second test (t-test). The two samples have been independent, and the following results reached: A statistically significant difference at the level of (0.05) between the experimental and control groups in the scale of technological enlightenment in favor of the experimental group.

The Effect of Landa's Model on the Acquisition of Biological Concepts Among Fifth-Grade Students – Scientific Branch in Biology

The goal of the current research is to identify the effect of Landa’s model on the acquisition of biological concepts in biology for the fifth scientific grade students. For the purpose of verifying the aim of the research, the researcher has developed the following null hypothesis: There is no statistically significant difference at the level (0.05) between the average grades of the students in the experimental group who study according to the Landa model and the average grades of the students in the control group who study according to the normal method according to acquire biological concepts, in addition to that, a test for acquiring biological concepts has been prepared, which consists of (45) items. The researcher has confirmed its apparent reliability by presenting it to the arbitrators. Then he has tried the test on two exploratory samples for the purpose of extracting the psychometric properties. The research experiment has been applied in the first semester for the academic year (2023- 2024), and after the end of the experiment, a test for acquiring biological concepts has been conducted, after which the students’ answers have been corrected and processed statistically. The results have showed that the students of the experimental group who studied according to Landa's model outperformed the students of the control group who studied according to the usual method in the acquisition test of biological concepts.

Evaluation of Soil Quality of Pingliang City Based on Fuzzy Mathematics and Cluster Analysis

Pingliang City has a complex topography and diverse soil types. To realize the improvement of soil according to local conditions and the reasonable and sustainable use of soil resources, an evaluation of soil quality in Pingliang City was carried out, based on the soil distribution situation in Pingliang City, adopting a method combining fuzzy mathematics and cluster analysis of the main evaluation factors, such as soil organic matter, topsoil depth, soil erosion intensity, soil moisture regime, effective soil thickness, soil texture, soil profile structure, soil nutrient status and topographical parts, to carry out a comprehensive evaluation. A comprehensive evaluation of soil quality was conducted in seven counties under the jurisdiction of Pingliang City, and the evaluation results were compared and analyzed against the national standard, “Cultivated land quality grade”, to provide a basis for the selection of scientific soil improvement methods. The results of the arable land quality grades indicate that the quality of farmland in Pingliang City is divided into three to ten grades, and the average quality grade of farmland is 6.83, which is in the middle–lower level, and the overall grade distribution shows the characteristics of low in the middle and high in the east and west. The results of fuzzy mathematics combined with cluster analysis indicated the following trends in soil quality for the 12 soil genera: Chuan black gunny soil &gt; yellow moist soil &gt; sandy soil &gt; silt soil &gt; mulching helilu soil&gt; loessal soil&gt; loamy soil &gt; slope loessal soil &gt; arenosol &gt; tillage leaching gray cinnamon soil &gt; calcareous gray cinnamon soil &gt; red clay soil. The results of the combination of fuzzy mathematics and clustering were significantly correlated with the results of the evaluation of the soil quality of arable land; the correlation coefficient was 0.884. This indicates that the method can accurately and objectively review the advantages and disadvantages of arable land soil and can be effectively applied to the evaluation of the soil quality of agricultural soils in other regions. It is a complement to the existing evaluation of the soil quality of arable land and at the same time provides a reference for the improvement of soil quality in agricultural regions.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE TECHNIQUE OF THROWING WITH THE STANDING LEG LEFT FROM THE BACK

Abstract The aim of the work was to determine the connection between morphological characteristics and the effectiveness of the throwing technique by kicking the legs from behind from the program of Special Physical Education (SPE). The sample of respondents consisted of 84 students (male), first year of the Faculty of Security Sciences from Banja Luka. The variable sample was composed of 17 tests for the evaluation of morphological characteristics, which were the independent variables and the dependent variable OSOTOG, which was the average grade of the performance of the kicking technique from the SPE program. The regression analysis did not establish a statistically significant connection between the efficiency of performing the throwing technique by striking the landing leg from behind and the selected set of predictor variables for the assessment of morphological characteristics. Only the elbow diameter variable (ADIJLA) gave a statistically significant contribution to the explanation of the criteria variable OSOTOG. Based on the value of the Beta coefficients, we can see that the variables: body weight (ATETJ) and leg length (ADUZNO) have significant positive partial correlations with the criterion variable, while negative correlations were achieved by the variables: elbow diameter (ADIJLA), body height (AVISTJ) and length hands (ADUZRU). The obtained results could be used in terms of improving the quality of the performance of certain program contents of the SPE, when choosing the appropriate technique within the motor program when solving certain problem situations from the SPE program. Keywords: students, interconnection, morphological characteristics, throwing by kicking out the leg from behind

Optimalisasi Hasil Belajar Peserta Didik Dengan Memanfaatkan Lingkungan Sekolah Sebagai Sumber Belajar IPA

The learning process can use the surrounding environment as a learning resource with a view to optimizing student learning outcomes on ecosystem materials. This research is classroom action research (CAR) which is made in 2 cycles where each cycle consists of 4 stages, namely planning, action, observation and reflection. The materials used are class VII-B students with a total of 26 students. The results showed that from cycle I to cycle II, student learning outcomes increased. The percentage of passing learning outcomes in the first cycle is 65% and the average grade is 67, while in the second cycle it is 88% and the average grade is 87. learning increased by 20 points. Utilizing the environment as a learning medium can make teaching and learning activities more memorable, because students are faced with real situations. The lessons learned by students will be more concrete, more precise, and their authenticity will be accountable so that it can be concluded that learning by using the environment as a learning resource can improve student learning outcomes.

Design and practice of blended teaching of internal medicine nursing based on O-AMAS effective teaching model

BackgroundSelf-directed learning (SDL) ability is the basis for cultivating nursing students’ ability to find and solve problems, lifelong learning, and providing high-quality nursing talents for healthcare. The O-AMAS (Objective, Activation, Multi-learning, Assessment, Summary) model adheres to the teaching philosophy of student-centered, result-oriented, combines the advantages of online and offline teaching, enriching teaching resources and learning channels, diversifying teaching and evaluation methods, and emphasizing integrating and applying knowledge conducive to improving students’ SDL ability and achieving teaching objectives. This study explored the course design, practical, and application effects under the O-AMAS effective teaching model in internal medicine nursing to provide a basis and reference for combining effective teaching models with blended teaching in future nursing courses.MethodsThis study is a self-controlled before-after trial. The participants were 76 nursing undergraduates from Hunan Normal University. This study utilizes the O-AMAS effective teaching model to design internal medicine nursing courses and implement blended online and offline teaching. Main links: The overall course design and application are student-centered, after clarifying macro and micro multi-dimensional learning objectives, with online and offline blended teaching environments activated students’ learning behavior and diversified teachers’ teaching activities, then based on instant and dynamic provide effective feedback; finally, students take the initiate to make a brief and potent summary under the teacher guidance. After the course, a unified assessment of the learning effect of nursing students was conducted, including the evaluation of the SDL ability of nursing students, a final comprehensive evaluation grade, and a teaching satisfaction survey.ResultsThe nursing students’ SDL ability scores are higher than before teaching, and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The final average comprehensive evaluation grade of nursing students was 78.38 ± 7.12. More than 96% of the students are satisfied with this course.ConclusionApplying for internal medicine nursing blended teaching integrated with the O-AMAS effective teaching model is conducive to improving nursing students’ SDL ability, academic grades, and teaching satisfaction.