High Aptitude Research Articles

Community Cultural Wealth and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Identities as Motivators for Black Boys to Participate in a High School Academy of Engineering

Researchers have emphasized how the high school STEM-themed career academy model benefits ethnically and racially diverse learners by promoting positive STEM identities and raising the interest of students to pursue STEM college and career pathways. The purpose of this study was to examine the reasons why Black boys participated in a high school academy of engineering. We were also interested in identifying academy features that helped promote (or inhibit) positive STEM identities among Black male students. In this qualitative study, we used data from 17 Black male high school academy of engineering students. We analyzed the interview transcripts using a constant comparative method. Using an embedded case study approach, we compared our findings to the community cultural wealth (CCW) factors and the factors that researchers have found to influence students’ STEM identities. We found that the participants brought six forms of capital with them that served as sources of motivation to participate in the program. The forms of capital that were related to the CCW framework included aspirational, familial, navigational, resistance, and social. While we did not uncover linguistic capital in our data analysis, we did find an additional source of capital that was not reflected in the CCW framework. We found that the Black boys had natural STEM talent based on the formation of STEM identities. The students had high aptitudes in STEM-related subjects, and they were engaged by participating in hands-on activities. We recommend that schools integrate STEM curricula for Black boys and provide Black men to serve as STEM role models through guest speaking opportunities, job shadowing, mentoring, internships, and other work-based learning experiences.

GC-MS and Sensory Analysis of Aqueous Extracts of Monovarietal American Hops, Produced Using the Synergy Pure™ Extraction Technique.

Aqueous extracts from four different American hops varieties (Mosaic, Chinook, Citra, and Centennial) were produced using the Synergy Pure technique, an innovative extraction distillation process developed by Synergy Flavours, a global specialist in the manufacturing of flavors, extracts and essences. This process is able to preserve and maximize the aromatic characteristics without increasing the bitterness of the final product. Therefore, the aim of this work is to identify the volatile and sensory characteristics of these extracts, with the additional aim to assess their suitability for brewing. GC-MS and sensory analyses were carried out on the four different aqueous extracts. The results highlighted the presence of 33 volatile compounds in a quantity that allowed us to identify the characteristics of the varieties under investigation in each extract. Sensory analysis was carried out using the expert sensory profiling technique. The results regarding the olfactory analysis of the extracts allowed us to define the aroma profiles of the four extracts, highlighting their strong correspondence with the characteristic of the varieties under investigation. Finally, the results showed that the aqueous extracts produced using the Synergy Pure extraction technique had a richer aroma profile, highlighting its higher aptitude in beer production.

Suitability model and optimal location of biodigesters in the state of São Paulo

Growing concern over the environment has driven a search for renewable energy sources. Unlike the energy generated from fossil fuels, the energy from biomass is renewable, reducing the impact on the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Organic waste generated by agriculture, cities and industries are great sources of biomass for energy generation through biodigesters. Before starting the energy generation process, suitable locations are needed for the installation of bioenergy plants, bearing in mind that some locations have legal, environmental, economic and social restrictions. However, for this energy generation to be competitive, the plants must be installed in locations close to the biomass sources and the destinations of the energy generated. Few studies in the literature are directed to this logistical process. This paper describes a method developed in a Geographic Information System environment to classify the territory of São Paulo state as to its aptitude for the installation of bioenergy plants. In a second step, an optimization model was developed to represent the optimal allocation of plants in high aptitude locations. The number of plants and the optimal locations were determined to minimize the distances between the raw material and the plants and from the plants to the locations of generated energy demand. Simulations with different scenarios were used to verify the performance of the proposed method.

Flexible Iron-On Sensor Embedded in Smart Sock for Gait Event Detection.

Portable and wearable electronics for biomechanical data collection have become a growing part of everyday life. As smart technology improves and integrates into our lives, some devices remain ineffective, expensive, or difficult to access. We propose a washable iron-on textile pressure sensor for biometric data acquisition. Biometric data, such as human gait, are a powerful tool for the monitoring and diagnosis of ambulance and physical activity. To demonstrate this, our washable iron-on device is embedded into a sock and compared to gold standard force plate data. Biomechanical testing showed that our embedded sensor displayed a high aptitude for gait event detection, successfully identifying over 96% of heel strike and toe-off gait events. Our device demonstrates excellent attributes for further investigations into low-cost, washable, and highly versatile iron-on textiles for specialized biometric analysis.

A Study on Milk and Caciocavallo Cheese from Podolica Breed in Basilicata, Italy

A study was undertaken on milk and caciocavallo cheese from Podolica cattle in the Basilicata Region (Southern Italy), with a view of the possible identification of specific traits useful to protect them from imitations. More than 800 individual milk samples and 29 bulk milk samples were taken in spring–early summer from cows registered in the genealogical book of the breed; moreover, 18 samples of caciocavallo cheese were taken in the same geographical area, 9 of which had been manufactured from Podolica milk. The obtained results confirmed the high aptitude of Podolica milk to cheesemaking, even though the exceptional dry weather in the period of sampling decreased the fat content with respect to the literature data. The presence of the variant A of α-lactalbumin, a characteristic trait of Podolica milk, was ascertained in only 14% of the animals considered in the study, indicating that this feature is disappearing in the population under study. The results on caciocavallo gave useful indications, because some possible peculiar characteristics were identified, such as the lower protein to fat ratio and some aroma descriptors. More research is needed to assess if these characteristics can be used for developing a multi-functional protocol, to be extended to all Italian Podolica populations, able to discriminate the cheese from imitations. In this perspective, the application of selection strategies for increasing the frequency of the variant A of α-lactalbumin should be carefully evaluated.

Modern system of sports selection in sports aerobics

The level of results in modern sport is so high that in order to achieve them, an athlete must have certain morphological data, a unique combination of a set of physical and mental abilities that are at an extremely high level of development. Such a combination even with the most favorable construction of long-term training and the availability of all necessary conditions is very rare. Therefore, one of the central problems in the systems and training of highly qualified athletes is the problem of sports selection and sports orientation of athletes. The problem of selection in sports in the world literature is covered quite widely, significant experimental data have been accumulated on the essential aspects characterizing the selection in certain sports. However, the issues of sports selection are among the insufficiently studied and continue to be the central problem of children's and youth sports. The methodological basis of the research at this time currently along with further experimental development of various aspects of selection and sports orientation, there is a growing need for theoretical analysis and generalization of materials of numerous studies, the creation of scientifically based programs for the selection of talented athletes at all stages of long-term training. Sports selection in aerobics is the process of searching for the most gifted people capable of achieving high results in a particular sport. Sports selection should solve the problem of identifying promising people from whom you can prepare outstanding athletes. Sports selection in aerobics is not a one-time event at one or another stage of sports improvement, but an almost continuous process covering the entire long-term training of an athlete. Even very high aptitudes testify to the natural giftedness of a person, serve only as a necessary basis for great abilities in sports. Real abilities can be revealed only in the process of training and education, and this is a consequence of a complex dialectical unity – innate and acquired, biological and social. Conclusions: scientific research of the problem of selection in sports aerobics have been conducted in the world since the 90s. The research was based on the basic provisions of professional selection. Before proceeding to the analysis the problem, it is necessary to understand the terminological base, which to this day has not found a generally accepted definition, it is quite diverse. Naturally, the situation that has developed on this issue, not only complicates the development of a general theory of sports orientation and selection, but also prevents those who, for practical considerations trying to understand the basic concepts, the content of the stages and varieties of selection.

New optimization technique for group decision analysis with complex Pythagorean fuzzy sets

The striking theory of ELECTRE III approach, being a marvelous strategy to deal with pseudo criterion, prevails over the traditional variants of ELECTRE method and other decision-making approaches for veracious decision-making. The noticeable efficiency and broader space of complex Pythagorean fuzzy model make it more significant and dominant for modeling two dimensional imprecise knowledge. The remarkable contribution of this study is to present a high aptitude variant of ELECTRE method by taking the advantage of the flexible structure of complex Pythagorean fuzzy sets closely following the outranking principles of ELECTRE III method. The proposed complex Pythagorean fuzzy ELECTRE III method is accredited to employ the theory of ELECTRE III technique to excellently deal with pseudo criterion as well as the two dimensional imprecise data for authentic decision-making. The proposed methodology uses three different threshold values, including preference, indifference and veto threshold values, to check the preference relation between alternatives. The presented strategy is applied to a case study for material selection to get the befitting decision. The comparative study with Pythagorean fuzzy ELECTRE III method is also included in this article to verify its decision-making aptitude.

Designing optimal agrosilvopastoral landscape by the potential for conservation use in Brazil

Land classification offers decision-makers a baseline to act assertively, improving the relationship between production and the conservation of natural resources. This work characterises the potential of land use concerning agrosilvopastoral use, soil conservation, and water production through a proof of concept to support landscape planning at the State level. The indexes range from low (1) to high (5) aptitude for agrosilvopastoral or conservation use in Google Earth Engine. We crossed land use classification from MapBiomas, Collection 5 (2019) with the PCU map to obtain areas suitable for agrosilvopastoral use (PCU≥3) or conservation use and the percentual of used land considering administrative, watershed, and municipality divisions. The balance observed between administrative regions regarding the potential for conservation use does not repeat when analysing watershed districts or municipalities, reinforcing that hydric management committees and cities must plan territorial use. Livestock has the highest percentage of land use in low PCU areas, followed by silviculture and agriculture, indicating the priority to include conservation use in the sustainable agriculture agenda. In Brazil, Minas Gerais State provides ecosystem services related to water supply beyond the state borders. Payment for environmental services is an alternative to increasing agrosilvopastoral activities' environmental performance. Well-designing the landscape use may promote productivity and reduce pressure under new areas for crop production.

An investigation of unsuccessful performance and subsequent retake behavior in principles of economics

AbstractUsing student transcript data from eight institutions over 23‐years, we investigate enrollments in principles of microeconomics to determine characteristics of successful and unsuccessful students. We follow unsuccessful students to identify determinants of retake decisions and success (or lack thereof) for repeaters. Higher aptitude and more senior students are more likely to succeed in microeconomic principles. Experience with macroeconomics principles, financial accounting, and calculus also increases the likelihood of success. Traditionally challenged groups (females and underrepresented minorities) are more likely to be unsuccessful. Unsuccessful students who complete the course (earning less than a C‐) differ from withdrawers. Academically stronger females and URM students are more likely to withdraw than unsuccessfully persist compared to their white, male counterparts. Students with backgrounds in economics or financial accounting are less likely to withdraw. Withdrawers on the first attempt are more likely to retake the course than unsuccessful completers. Academically stronger females are more likely to retake but academically stronger URM students are less likely to do so. Many of the determinants of success, unsuccessful completion, and withdrawal from the first attempt remain significant predictors of outcomes for repeaters. We conclude with policy suggestions.

Synthesis of Novel Triphenylamine-Based Organic Dyes with Dual Anchors for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

A new series of metal-free organic dyes (SM1-5) with dual anchors are synthesized for application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Here, a simple triphenylamine (TPA) moiety serves as the electron donor, while di-cyanoacrylamide and di-thiazolidine-5-one units serve as the electron acceptors and anchoring groups. To understand the effect of dye structure on the photovoltaic characteristics of DSSCs, the photophysical and electrochemical properties, as well as molecular geometries calculated from density functional theory (DFT), are used for dyes SM1-5. The extinction coefficients of the organic dyes SM1-5 are high (5.36–9.54 104 M−1 cm−1), indicating a high aptitude for light harvesting. The photovoltaic studies indicated that using dye SM4 as a sensitizer showed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.09% (JSC = 14.13 mA cm−2, VOC = 0.624 V, FF = 68.89%). Interestingly, SM4 showed the highest values of VOC among all dyes, including N-719, due to its maximum dye coverage on the TiO2 surface, enhancing charge recombination resistance in the sensitized cell. The good agreement between the theoretically and experimentally obtained data indicates that the energy functional and basis set employed in this study can be successfully utilized to predict new photosensitizers' absorption spectra with great precision before synthesis. Also, these results show that bi-anchoring molecules have a lot of potentials to improve the overall performance of dye-sensitized solar cells.

Urban, periurban and horticultural landscapes – Conflict and sustainable planning in La Plata district, Argentina

Globally, urban areas are expanding onto high-quality agricultural soils and natural environments reducing the area available for food production. The Horticultural Belt of La Plata is one of the main horticultural areas in South America. It is a productive territory that lacks clear spatial planning, resulting in serious socio-environmental problems. Our main objectives were to quantify areas with different land-use aptitude across the region, and to identify areas of potential land-use conflict, detecting those areas that should be prioritized in the development of landscape planning policies. We implement the analytical hierarchy process multicriteria analysis method and a weighted linear combination procedure of factors standardization. We observed a strong influence of urbanization in determining land use in those areas where high/very high aptitude for urbanization and for horticulture overlap. Competition for land use between open field horticulture and greenhouses was observed too. Our research reveals the market influence and the current trend towards intensification of land use that usually prevails in planning strategies. We identified elements that could take part of a multifunctional network of green spaces, made them spatially explicit, and defined a core area for the protection of horticultural production. Finally, we propose recommendations for territorial planning aimed at improving the conditions for the development of more sustainable productive landscapes, a problem that predominates across the world.

Multiagent Control of Airplane Wing Stability with “Feathers” under the Flexural Torsional Flutter

This paper proposes a novel method for the unbounded oscillation prevention of an aircraft wing under the flexural torsional flutter, an innovative multiagent attitude to control an aircraft wing with a surface consisting of managed rotating “feathers” (agents). Theoretical evaluation of the method demonstrates its high aptitude to avoid an aircraft wing’s flexural-torsional vibrations via expansion of the model’s ability to dampen the wing oscillations. It potentially allows increasing an aircraft’s speed without misgiving of the flutter. A new way to control an aircraft wing based on the Speed-Gradient methodology is suggested to increase the maximal possible flight speed without a flutter occurrence. Provided experiments demonstrate the theoretical advantage of the multiagent approach to the “feathers” rotation control.

Factors influencing high school students’ decision in applying to Medical School

Background: Many factors influence high school students’ future profession choices, which differ by culture and other variables such as the students’ background, social differences, and financial status, all of which culminate in a student pursuing their higher education in a single field. As a result, the factors that influenced that choice must be addressed in order to achieve better outcomes for both the educational programs and the health system. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh city among high school students. Sociodemographic characteristics, preferred study specialties, GPA, and performances were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The age of the students was between 16-19 years old. Most selected specialties were medicine, followed by engineering, information technology and Nursing, however, Pharmacy was in the least selected specialty. Findings showed that the top perceived barrier was the high aptitude score required for entry into medicine (23.3%); another group of the students (23.1%) indicated that the English Language competency test/skills were the second obstacle. Offering health care and motivation were the most important factor for the majority of students. The majority had remarkably agreed or strongly agreed to the humanitarian context about studying medicine (90.4%). Conclusion: A higher percentage of high school students choose to attend medical school, with the primary obstacles to admission being the high aptitude score required for admission, followed by English language competency examinations. Finally, there is a considerable disparity between genders when it comes to medical school preferences and reasons. Keywords: Medicine, medical student, Saudi Arabia, healthcare, medical schools

Assessment of Low Global Warming Potential Refrigerants for Drop-In Replacement by Connecting their Molecular Features to Their Performance.

The use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as an alternative for refrigeration units has grown over the past decades as a replacement to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), banned by the Montreal’s Protocol because of their effect on the depletion of the ozone layer. However, HFCs are known to be greenhouse gases with considerable global warming potential (GWP), thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol has promoted an active area of research toward the development of low GWP refrigerants to replace the ones in current use, and it is expected to significantly contribute to the Paris Agreement by avoiding nearly half a degree Celsius of temperature increase by the end of this century. We present here a molecular-based evaluation tool aiming at finding optimal refrigerants with the requirements imposed by current environmental legislations in order to mitigate their impact on climate change. The proposed approach relies on the robust polar soft-SAFT equation of state to predict thermodynamic properties required for their technical evaluation at conditions relevant for cooling applications. Additionally, the thermodynamic model integrated with technical criteria enable the search for compatibility of currently used third generation compounds with more eco-friendly refrigerants as drop-in replacements. The criteria include volumetric cooling capacity, coefficient of performance, and other physicochemical properties with direct impact on the technical performance of the cooling cycle. As such, R1123, R1224yd(Z), R1234ze(E), and R1225ye(Z) demonstrate high aptitude toward replacing R134a, R32, R152a, and R245fa with minimal retrofitting to the existing system. The current modeling platform for the rapid screening of emerging refrigerants offers a guide for future efforts on the design of alternative working fluids.

Concurrent Validity of LLAMA_F: Measure of Language Analytic Ability as a Predictor of Morphosyntax Knowledge

Foreign language aptitude is defined as one’s potential to learn a second language. A language learner with higher aptitude is predicted to learn more, faster, and reach a higher level of proficiency. If this is the case, one way to validate the construct of aptitude and its measure is to conduct a validation study in which measures of aptitude is correlated with a learning outcome. This study aimed to conduct a concurrent validity of LLAMA_F, a foreign language aptitude test using grammaticality judgement test (GJT) as its concurrent criterion. This was done through dis-attenuated correlation, using reliability values obtained using classic test theory (CTT) and item analysis. The results show barely adequate reliability for LLAMA_F, high reliability values for GJT and a weak linear relationship between the two constructs. The findings of this study demonstrated that LLAMA_F might suffer from a lack of strong internal consistency. While the 200-item GJT was shown to be reliable, a few of its subcomponents were less than adequate. A further in-depth item analysis of GJT is needed in order to pare down the test and make it shorter for easier application and data collection. Finally, a nonlinear relationship between aptitude and measures of achievement is suggested for future research on language aptitude.

The effect of attending schools with higher ability peers on memory and language abilities in later‐life

AbstractBackgroundPeers influence adolescent behavior, educational, and health outcomes. Evaluating the influence of school‐mates’ cognitive aptitude on later‐life cognition is important for understanding the role of school segregation and tracking in establishing inequality. Yet, few studies have the data to study this. We used a national high‐school based study followed up 58 years later to examine if attending schools with more skilled peers predicts individual later‐life cognition.MethodIn 1960, about 5% of US high schools participated in Project Talent (n=377,000), where students reported demographics and completed aptitude tests. Some of these students were enrolled in 2018/2019 (mean age=74.6) in the Project Talent Aging Study (PTAS). For each PTAS participant, we calculated peer cognitive aptitude as the average of cognitive aptitudes of all other students who were in the same high school. The outcome, later‐life cognition, was operationalized as z‐score composites for language (semantic and phonemic fluency) and memory (CERAD learning list and delayed recall). For each outcome we estimated multilevel linear models to account for school clustering. All models were adjusted for age, sex/gender, parental education; secondary models were also adjusted for the participant’s own adolescent cognitive aptitude. To examine heterogeneity of the association, we evaluated interactions of peer ability with sex/gender, and the participant’s own adolescent cognitive aptitude.ResultParticipants were predominantly non‐Hispanic White (80.4%) and women (52.6%). Attending schools with peers who averaged 1 standard deviation higher on cognitive aptitude predicted better later‐life cognition prior to adjustment for own aptitude (language: β=0.162, 95% CI: 0.120, 0.205; memory: β=0.084, 95% CI: 0.041, 0.126), but not after adjustment. However, for women (β=0.045, 95% CI: ‐0.012, 0.101) and those with below mean adolescent cognitive aptitude (β=0.091; 95% CI: 0.016, 0.166), attending schools with higher ability peers predicted better later‐life language scores even after own ability was considered. There was no moderation of these relationships by race/ethnicity.ConclusionPeople with below average cognitive aptitude in adolescence had better language function 58 years later if they attended high schools with high aptitude peers. Future work will examine the plausible life‐course mechanisms to address why certain groups benefit more from schooling contextual factors.

Mechanistic Studies of Antibiotic Adjuvants Reducing Kidney's Bacterial Loads upon Systemic Monotherapy.

We describe the design and attributes of a linear pentapeptide-like derivative (C14(ω5)OOc10O) screened for its ability to elicit bactericidal competences of plasma constituents against Gram-negative bacteria (GNB). In simpler culture media, the lipopeptide revealed high aptitudes to sensitize resilient GNB to hydrophobic and/or efflux-substrate antibiotics, whereas in their absence, C14(ω5)OOc10O only briefly delayed bacterial proliferation. Instead, at low micromolar concentrations, the lipopeptide has rapidly lowered bacterial proton and ATP levels, although significantly less than upon treatment with its bactericidal analog. Mechanistic studies support a two-step scenario providing a plausible explanation for the lipopeptide’s biological outcomes against GNB: initially, C14(ω5)OOc10O permeabilizes the outer membrane similarly to polymyxin B, albeit in a manner not necessitating as much LPS-binding affinity. Subsequently, C14(ω5)OOc10O would interact with the inner membrane gently yet intensively enough to restrain membrane-protein functions such as drug efflux and/or ATP generation, while averting the harsher inner membrane perturbations that mediate the fatal outcome associated with bactericidal peers. Preliminary in vivo studies where skin wound infections were introduced in mice, revealed a significant efficacy in affecting bacterial viability upon topical treatment with creams containing C14(ω5)OOc10O, whereas synergistic combination therapies were able to secure the pathogen’s eradication. Further, capitalizing on the finding that C14(ω5)OOc10O plasma-potentiating concentrations were attainable in mice blood at sub-maximal tolerated doses, we used a urinary tract infection model to acquire evidence for the lipopeptide’s systemic capacity to reduce the kidney’s bacterial loads. Collectively, the data establish the role of C14(ω5)OOc10O as a compelling antibacterial potentiator and suggest its drug-like potential.

SCAPS Simulation for Perovskite Solar Cell

Perovskite solar cells are keeping a very high interest in the solar energy world, with an efficiency in constant rise each year. In this study, we designed a tin-based (Hole Transport Material) HTM perovskite solar cell with the novel architecture Au/CH3NH3SnI3/TiO2/ZnO: Al. A simulation has been carried-out by using the SCAPS-1D solar cell capacitance simulator, which is well adapted to study the solar cell behavior. Through the software tool, we have studied the absorber’s layer thickness effect and the model operating temperature by plugging many varied parameters. The encouraging results of: 20.08% conversion efficiency, 32.76mA/cm² short-circuit current density (Jsc), 0.827 V open circuit voltage (Voc), and a fill factor (FF) of 74.06%, are predicted with the obtained optimal parameters. The results indicate the high aptitude of lead free & HTM perovskite to achieve high efficiency and become a good alternative for the traditional solar cells in the future.

Personalized Computer Support of Performance Rates and Education Process in High School: Case Study of Engineering Students

To date, the existing principles of a unified approach to schooling do not meet the requirements of a fundamental socio-economic transition characterized by personalization and customization of products and services that concern all areas, including education. The paradigm of education systems is being restructured in many countries towards a new approach of personalized learning that is adapted to students' needs, allows them to choose individual educational trajectories, and respects unique skills and qualities. The study aimed to determine the impact of personalization on the academic performance of engineering students in physics. The experiment on personalized student support was conducted during the academic year 2018-2019 at I.T. Trubilin Kuban State Agrarian University. The sample covered 78 students. The starting point of the research was the assessment of students' skills in mathematics, as the study of physics is based on mathematical analysis and interpretation. Test in physics and the criterion of alpha Kronbach (test reliability is determined with a coefficient of 0.87) were used as a toolkit for research. Besides, the statistical tools and covariance analysis of data processing were employed. The research was supported by the SPSS Statistics software package. According to the results obtained, higher post-test scores were recorded for students in the experimental group. The personalized learning has been found to have a significant impact on the academic performance of students. Those with low and medium ability in mathematics demonstrated higher growth in academic achievement than students with recorded high aptitude scores. A correlation between learning methods and mathematical skills to achieve high academic performance has been established. The influence of personalization in the learning process was determined to be moderately high (determinacy coefficient of 72.6%). The study is relevant for the development of constructive approaches that could help teachers improve their approach to learning and students improve academic achievements. The results may be of interest to researchers of educational technology, educators, and university administration management.

Exploring which test-taker characteristics predict young L2 learners’ performance on listening and reading comprehension tests

Test-taker characteristics (TTCs), or individual difference variables, are known to be a systematic source of variance in language test performance. Although previous research has documented the impact of a range of TTCs on second language (L2) learners’ test performance, few of these studies have involved young learners. Given that young L2 learners undergo rapid maturational changes in their cognitive abilities, are susceptible to affective factors in unique ways, and have little autonomy with respect to the context of L2 acquisition, the relationship between their personal attributes and their test performance merit separate research attention. To fill this gap, we investigated the extent to which sixth-grade, Korean-L1, EFL learners’ ( n = 107) TTCs predicted their performance on tests of L2 listening and reading comprehension. The TTCs under investigation included three cognitive characteristics (aptitude, phonological working memory, L1 competence), one affective factor (motivation), and two demographic variables (socioeconomic status and gender). Results showed that aptitude and phonological working memory significantly predicted participants’ performance on both L2 listening and reading comprehension tests, whereas motivation predicted performance on the L2 listening comprehension test only. These findings suggest that higher aptitude, phonological working memory, and motivation contribute positively to young learners’ L2 outcomes.