Intelligence Quotient Research Articles

Flipped Classroom Mobile Learning Model and Its Application to Enhance Digital Intelligence Quotient among Secondary Students

Digital intelligence quotient (DQ) is an essential skill for becoming a digital citizen. In Thailand, the development of DQ is a key policy initiative for youth development. Using mobile applications in a flipped classroom (FC) setting enhances learning outcomes and fosters the development of critical skills. This paper proposes a mobile application integrated with a FC model to improve secondary education students’ DQ. The study utilized an experimental research design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach to compare students’ DQ, analyzed using a paired sample t-test, and assessed student satisfaction. The sample consisted of 60 lower secondary school students under Thailand’s Nakhon Pathom Secondary Education Service Area Office. The research findings are as follows: 1) The developed learning model was rated as highly appropriate; 2) The content and technical quality of the FC mobile application was rated very good; 3) Students’ DQ significantly improved after using the application, with a statistical significance level of 0.05. Among the eight sub-skills, screen time management showed the highest improvement; and 4) Student satisfaction with the learning model was at the highest level. Based on these findings, the developed model can enhance students’ DQ and is adaptable for other audiences requiring digital navigation skills, making the results relevant to broader educational objectives beyond traditional coursework.

Cognitive Endurance as Human Capital

Abstract Schooling may build human capital not only by teaching academic skills, but by expanding the capacity for cognition itself. We focus specifically on cognitive endurance: the ability to sustain effortful mental activity over a continuous stretch of time. As motivation, we document that globally and in the US, the poor exhibit cognitive fatigue more quickly than the rich across field settings; they also attend schools that offer fewer opportunities to practice thinking for continuous stretches. Using a field experiment with 1,600 Indian primary school students, we randomly increase the amount of time students spend in sustained cognitive activity during the school day—using either math problems (mimicking good schooling) or non-academic games (providing a pure test of our mechanism). Each approach markedly improves cognitive endurance: students show 22% less decline in performance over time when engaged in intellectual activities—listening comprehension, academic problems, or IQ tests. They also exhibit increased attentiveness in the classroom and score higher on psychological measures of sustained attention. Moreover, each treatment improves students’ school performance by 0.09 standard deviations. This indicates that the experience of effortful thinking itself—even when devoid of any subject content—improves general cognitive capacity. Finally, we complement these results with quasi-experimental variation indicating that an additional year of schooling improves cognitive endurance, but only in higher-quality schools. Our findings suggest that schooling disparities may further disadvantage poor children by hampering the development of a core mental capacity.

Vitamin B12 intake during pregnancy linked to child speech development and intelligence quotient.

Nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy may affect offspring development. We aim to examine the association between prenatal vitamin B12 intake and children's cognitive development. A total of 5151 mother-child pairs from the Czech part of ELSPAC study were included in the analysis. Dietary information was obtained during pregnancy using food frequency questionnaire. Parents reported on their child's speech and language development at 18months, 3, 5 and 7years. Intelligence quotient (IQ) was measured at 8years in subcohort of 854 children. Children of mothers with higher vitamin B12 intake demonstrated higher scores in language (B=0.20, 95% CI 0.06, 0.34) and talking and understanding (B=2.39, 95% CI 0.97, 3.80) in a fully adjusted model at 18months. Additionally, they were more likely to get maximum points in the intelligibility test at age 3 (OR=1.05, 95% CI 1.01, 1.09) in unadjusted model, however, not in fully adjusted model. We found a positive effect of higher vitamin B12 intake on verbal IQ (B=1.08, 95% CI 0.09, 2.08). We identified consistent associations between prenatal vitamin B12 intake and children's cognitive development. The results suggest that inadequate vitamin B12 during pregnancy may negatively affect children's cognitive development, particularly in speech and language.

A Normative Model Representing Autistic Individuals Amidst Autism Spectrum Phenotypic Heterogeneity.

Currently, there is a need for approaches to understand and manage the multidimensional autism spectrum and quantify its heterogeneity. The diagnosis is based on behaviors observed in two key dimensions, social communication and repetitive, restricted behaviors, alongside the identification of required support levels. However, it is now recognized that additional modifiers, such as language abilities, IQ, and comorbidities, are essential for a more comprehensive assessment of the complex clinical presentations and clinical trajectories in autistic individuals. Different approaches have been used to identify autism subgroups based on the genetic and clinical heterogeneity, recognizing the importance of autistic behaviors and the assessment of modifiers. While valuable, these methods are limited in their ability to evaluate a specific individual in relation to a normative reference sample of autistic individuals. A quantitative score based on axes of phenotypic variability could be useful to compare individuals, evaluate the homogeneity of subgroups, and follow trajectories of an individual or a specific group. Here we propose an approach by (i) combining measures of phenotype variability that contribute to clinical presentation and could impact different trajectories in autistic persons and (ii) using it with normative modeling to assess the clinical heterogeneity of a specific individual. Using phenotypic data available in a comprehensive reference sample, the Simons Simplex Collection (n = 2744 individuals), we performed principal component analysis (PCA) to find components of phenotypic variability. Features that contribute to clinical heterogeneity and could impact trajectories in autistic people were assessed by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Cognitive assessment was estimated by the Total Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Three PCs embedded 72% of the normative sample variance. PCA-projected dimensions supported normative modeling where a multivariate normal distribution was used to calculate percentiles. A Multidimensional General Functionality Score (MGFS) to evaluate new prospective single subjects was developed based on percentiles. Our approach proposes a basis for comparing individuals, or one individual at two or more times and evaluating homogeneity in phenotypic clinical presentation and possibly guides research sample selection for clinical trials.

Growth and Cognitive Outcome in Very Preterm Infants with Postnatal Cytomegalovirus Infection

Introduction: There are conflicting data on the association between postnatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and growth and cognitive outcome in very preterm infants. The aim of the current study was to systematically evaluate the effect of postnatal CMV infection on growth and cognitive outcome in an unselected, contemporary cohort of very preterm infants. Methods: Infants <32 gestational weeks (2011–2018) were screened for postnatal CMV infection. We compared head circumference, weight and length from birth to 3 months corrected age, mental development at 12 and 24 months corrected age (Bayley Scales of Infant (Toddler) Development II/III), and intelligence quotient at 5 years (Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-II, Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-III or Snijders-Oomen Non-verbal Intelligence Test) between infants with and without postnatal CMV infection. Results: The final study cohort consisted of 431 infants with a median gestational age of 29.9 (23.7–31.9) weeks. Of these, 20 (4.6%) infants had a postnatal CMV infection. Median ∆ z scores from birth to the corrected age of 3 months for head circumference, weight, and length did not differ between infants with and without postnatal CMV infection. Continuous and categorized parameters of cognitive development did not differ between the two groups. A subgroup analysis of infants <28 gestational weeks showed similar results. Conclusion: We did not observe a negative effect of postnatal CMV infection on growth or cognitive development of very preterm infants. These findings should be taken into account when discussing the use of raw mother’s milk in the feeding of preterm infants.

Non-verbal skills in auditory word processing: implications for typical and dyslexic readers

ABSTRACT Dyslexia presents with poor phonological skills and atypical neural responses to text and speech stimuli, while non-verbal intelligence remains unaffected. However, the impact of non-verbal intelligence on language-evoked neural responses in dyslexia is underexplored. This study examines non-verbal intelligence’s effects on neural responses to auditory words in typical and dyslexic readers. Participants completed IQ tests, reading and phonological assessments, and underwent magnetoencephalography recordings while listening to words. Event-related brain field responses at different stages of auditory word processing (100, 200, and 400 ms) were analysed in relation to non-verbal IQ scores. Higher non-verbal IQ in typical readers yielded earlier right hemisphere perceptual responses (100 ms). Dyslexic readers showed no IQ-related latency effects but those with lower non-verbal IQ displayed amplified left hemisphere response amplitudes at 100 ms. These findings confirm the link between non-verbal cognitive abilities and early auditory word processing in adults, highlighting distinct effects in dyslexia and controls.

The Role Foreign Direct Invesment, Financial Development and Institutions Quality of Economic Growth Empirical Evidence From WANA Countries

Research Aims: The study investigates the impact of foreign direct investment, financial development, and institution quality on economic growth in nations located in western Asia and North Africa Methodology: This study methodology employs a panel data regression model using a fixed effect model (FEM) strategy. The study data is collected using the information that was available between the years 2000 and 2022. The WANA nations include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates. Research Findings: The findings indicated that foreign direct investment (FDI), financial development (FD), and intellectual quotient (IQ) had an impact on economic growth. Specifically, foreign direct investment (FDI) has a beneficial and statistically substantial impact on economic development, but the quality of institutions has an adverse and statistically substantial impact on economic growth. However, financial development does not affect economic growth. Originality: The grand theory used in this research Economic Growth, Foreign Direct Investment, Institutions Quality, Financial Development, and Export and population growth variables are controlled. variables in this study by testing three variables consisting of independent variables, dependent variables and control variables. Research limitation and implication: The findings in this study suggest that policies implemented by governments, public institutions and academics aimed at increasing FDI, FD, and institutional quality can help improve economic growth in WANA countries.

Renal tubular acidosis, osteopetrosis, and cerebral calcification – The triad of carbonic anhydrase II deficiency

A 43-year-old Omani lady was admitted with acute-onset mild weakness of all four limbs. She had a history of developmental delay and multiple fractures in the past. She had dysmorphic facies (prominent forehead, micrognathia, and misaligned teeth), low intelligence quotient (48), and grade 4/5 power in all 4 limbs. Biochemical parameters showed renal tubular acidosis (RTA). She also had osteopetrosis and cerebral calcification on evaluation. Carbonic anhydrase II deficiency (CAII deficiency) was diagnosed based on the presence of osteopetrosis, RTA, and cerebral calcification. She was managed with intravenous potassium chloride and was discharged on oral potassium chloride with sodium bicarbonate supplementation. The case highlights the importance of considering CAII deficiency in patients presenting with RTA with other features such as osteopetrosis and cerebral calcification.

Contribution of childhood lead exposure to psychopathology in the US population over the past 75 years.

More than half of the current US population was exposed to adverse lead levels in childhood as a result of lead's past use in gasoline. The total contribution of childhood lead exposures to US-population mental health and personality has yet to be evaluated. We combined serial, cross-sectional blood-lead level (BLL) data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) with historic leaded-gasoline data to estimate US childhood BLLs from 1940 to 2015 and calculate population mental-health symptom elevations from known lead-psychopathology associations. We utilized five outcomes: (1) General Psychopathology "points",reflecting an individual's liability to overall mental disorder, scaled to match IQ scores (M = 100, SD = 15); (2) Symptoms of Internalizing disorders (anxiety and depression) and Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), both z-scored (M = 0, SD = 1); and (3) Differences in the personality traits of Neuroticism and Conscientiousness (M = 0, SD = 1). Assuming that published lead-psychopathology associations are causal and not purely correlational: We estimate that by 2015, the US population had gained 602-million General Psychopathology factor points because of exposure arising from leaded gasoline, reflecting a 0.13-standard-deviation increase in overall liability to mental illness in the population and an estimated 151 million excess mental disorders attributable to lead exposure. Investigation of specific disorder-domain symptoms identified a 0.64-standard-deviation increase in population-level Internalizing symptoms and a 0.42-standard-deviation increase in AD/HD symptoms. Population-level Neuroticism increased by 0.14 standard deviations and Conscientiousness decreased by 0.20 standard deviations. Lead-associated mental health and personality differences were most pronounced for cohorts born from 1966 through 1986 (Generation X). A significant burden of mental illness symptomatology and disadvantageous personality differences can be attributed to US children's exposure to lead over the past 75 years. Lead's potential contribution to psychiatry, medicine, and children's health may be larger than previously assumed.

Cognitive impairment in the schizophrenia spectrum: exploring the relationships of the g-factor with sociodemography, psychopathology, neurodevelopment, and genetics

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment constitutes a prevailing issue in the schizophrenia spectrum, severely impacting patients' functional outcomes. A global cognitive score, sensitive to the stages of the spectrum, would benefit the exploration of potential factors involved in the cognitive decline. Methods First, we performed principal component analysis on cognitive scores from 768 individuals across the schizophrenia spectrum, including first-degree relatives of patients, individuals at ultra-high risk, who had a first-episode psychosis, and chronic schizophrenia patients, alongside 124 healthy controls. The analysis provided 10 g-factors as global cognitive scores, validated through correlations with intelligence quotient and assessed for their sensitivity to the stages on the spectrum using analyses of variance. Second, using the g-factors, we explored potential mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in the schizophrenia spectrum using correlations with sociodemographic, clinical, and developmental data, and linear regressions with genotypic data, pooled through meta-analyses. Results The g-factors were highly correlated with intelligence quotient and with each other, confirming their validity. They presented significant differences between subgroups along the schizophrenia spectrum. They were positively correlated with educational attainment and the polygenic risk score (PRS) for cognitive performance, and negatively correlated with general psychopathology of schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental load, and the PRS for schizophrenia. Conclusions The g-factors appeared as valid estimators of global cognition, enabling discerning cognitive states within the schizophrenia spectrum. Educational attainment and genetics related to cognitive performance may have a positive influence on cognitive functioning, while general psychopathology of schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental load, and genetic liability to schizophrenia may have an adverse impact.

Enhancing Pedagogy and Biblical Exegesis with Emotional Intelligence

In the past few decades, emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a competitor with ordinary intelligence (Intelligence Quotient (IQ)). The contrast is simple: IQ studies what you know; contrastively, EI studies how you relate to people. Many recent studies suggest that IQ accounts for only about 20% of success in life, with the remaining 80% being made up by other factors, emotional intelligence included. The article defines EI using a transdisciplinary approach and describes the components of EI using six rules of business email etiquette and the 7-item checklist used in the moral-legal code of Jewish law governing laws of communication. The overlap and commonality from these disparate disciplines enhances our confidence in the approach's operationality. We apply our findings to the disparate disciplines of biblical exegesis and pedagogy. Besides the traditional emphasis on tone, inclusiveness, and lack of omission and unconscious biases, the article provides some largely unexplored EI uses as a means of inferring exegesis and teaching. Consistent with the goals of this conference, we urge readers and listeners to research and apply these methods in their daily settings.

Distortion of body image perception in the Prader-Willi syndrome: Relationship with the perceptual reasoning index

IntroductionSelf-perception of body image has been scarcely evaluated in people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), who, in addition to intellectual disability, are often obese. Therefore, we explored whether people with PWS can accurately identify their true image and how this self-perception is impacted by their neuropsychological profile. MethodologyThis observational study included patients with PWS with regular attendance to transdisciplinary treatment at a center specialized in the management of rare diseases. All patients were evaluated with the Stunkard scale (including silhouettes ranging from extremely skinny to extremely obese) and the WISC-IV and WAIS-III questionnaires, specifically the perceptual reasoning index (PRI). ResultsAmong the 21 participants, 62% misperceived their body image, most underestimating their body dimensions (actual BMI 28.0±8.3kg/m2 vs self-perceived BMI 23.2±4.7kg/m2, p=0.03). While BMI differences between accurate and inaccurate body image perception were nonsignificant (accurate 26.6±8.8kg/m2 vs inaccurate 28.9±8.1kg/m2, p=0.56), individuals with accurate perception showed both higher PRI scores (accurate 67.6±8.2 vs inaccurate 60.2±7.2, p=0.043) and, to a lesser extent, intelligence quotients (IQ) (accurate 60.0±4.9 vs inaccurate 55.0±7.5, p=0.079). ConclusionIn this study, we identified distortion of body image perception as a very common finding among PWS patients, in most cases as underestimation, and influenced by the neuropsychological profile.

Relationship between autism spectrum disorder and peripapillary intraretinal layer thickness: a pediatric retrospective cross-sectional study.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often presents with atypical visual processing, prompting investigation into its connection with retinal features. This study aimed to (I) compare intraretinal layer thickness in the peripapillary region between ASD and neurotypical (NT) groups, (II) assess associations between intraretinal layer thickness and clinical parameters (social functioning and cognitive levels) in ASD subjects, and (III) evaluate the potential of intraretinal layer thickness as a biomarker for ASD. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from the Children's Mental Health Research Center at The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and the Department of Ophthalmology at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China, between December 2019 and August 2023. Intraretinal layer thickness in peripapillary region was quantified using optic coherence tomography images with automated layer segmentation performed by OCTExplorer software on 47 individuals with ASD (aged 7-13 years) and age- and sex-matched NT controls. Inter-group comparisons were conducted using unpaired t-tests, Welch's t-tests, or Mann-Whitney U tests as appropriate. Correlations with social functioning (measured by Social Responsiveness Scale scores) and cognitive levels [measured by total intelligence quotient (IQ) scores] were examined using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Stepwise regression analysis was conducted to assess predictive power. Significant inter-group differences (P<0.05) were observed in ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer (INL) thickness across global and specific quadrant regions. Participants had a mean age of 9.57±1.83 years in the ASD group and 9.89±1.70 years in the age-matched NT group. While no correlation was found between retinal sublayer thickness and social functioning on ASD subjects (all P>0.05), there was a notable correlation between INL thickness in the infero-nasal quadrant and cognitive level (r=0.381, P=0.014). Stepwise regression analysis identified global INL thickness as a significant predictor of total IQ scores (β=3.986, P=0.034), with an R2 of 0.110 and a root mean square error of 21.900. This study highlights significant differences in retinal features between ASD and NT groups, with implications for understanding ASD pathogenesis and complexity. The findings suggest that easily observable retinal features hold promise as biomarkers for ASD, warranting further investigation.

Elementary school enrollment after ACTH therapy for patients with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome.

Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) often has a severe neurodevelopmental prognosis. However, few studies have examined the aspect of elementary school enrollment. This study evaluated elementary school enrollment after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy in patients with IESS. We retrospectively evaluated the elementary school enrollment of patients with IESS who were administered ACTH at the Saitama Children's Medical Center between January 1993 and August 2024. We evaluated elementary school enrollment, seizure outcomes, motor development, and intellectual development at the time of school enrollment in the ACTH responder and nonresponder groups. Response was defined as complete remission of epileptic spasms and no other seizure occurrence from ACTH administration initiation until the age of 6 years. In total, 116 patients (62 male) were included in this study. The median age at IESS onset was 5 (range, 0-24) months. Twenty-seven patients (23.3 %) maintained complete remission of epileptic spasms from ACTH initiation to elementary school enrollment. The responder group had a significantly higher rate of regular class attendance (48.1 %) and exhibited normal intelligence or developmental quotient (33.3 %) compared with the nonresponder group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). Patients with an unknown etiology were more likely to attend regular classes (37.5 %). The median age of the last hospital visit was 13 (6.0-24.4) years. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome was diagnosed in 5.2 % (6/116) of patients at the last visit. Our findings can help pediatricians predict elementary school enrollment and neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients with IESS receiving ACTH therapy.

Paternal, Maternal, and Familial Factors as Predictors of Sturge–Weber Syndrome Neurological Outcome

Objectives: To identify potential risk factors influencing Sturge–Weber Syndrome (SWS) and neurological outcomes in individuals with SWS and port-wine birthmarks from paternal, maternal, and familial factors. Methods: This study follows a retrospective cross-sectional design. Clinical visits took place at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, a tertiary care center. Participants were individuals with SWS or port-wine birthmarks. Results: Higher paternal age at conception was associated with a range of cognitive dysfunctions in offspring with SWS brain involvement. Indeed, paternal age was associated with low intelligence quotient (n = 25, P = .004), strokes or stroke-like episodes (n = 34, P = .030), gross and/or fine motor delay (n = 34, P = .036), delays in ability to perform activities of daily living (n = 30, P = .012), and delayed learning compared to peers (n = 31, P = .027). Furthermore, paternal age was correlated with worse cognitive outcomes, as measured by cognitive Neuroscore (r s = 0.575, P &lt; .001, n = 32). When maternal thyroid disease and hypertension were present during pregnancy, offspring were more likely to experience low intelligence quotient (n = 30, P = .041) and regression of any abilities (n = 37, P = .045), respectively. Logistic regression confirmed the association between paternal age and severe cognitive Neuroscore (β = .580, P = .033, odds ratio: 1.79, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–3.04), even when controlling for the effects of seizures and strokes or stroke-like episodes. Conclusions: Prenatal factors were associated with neurological symptoms in subjects with SWS. Older paternal age, in particular, may predict worse neurocognitive outcomes. Further research is needed in larger cohorts to determine the value of the identified prenatal factors as prognostic tools. Likewise, animal models may be used to determine the impact of prenatal factors on the severity of outcome.

N-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Mothers and Infants for Childhood Psychomotor and Cognitive Development: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption in maternal and infants has been positively associated with cognitive and visual development. Tails even meta-analysis showed mixed results. To evaluate the effects of maternal and infant n-3 PUFA supplementation on childhood psychomotor and cognitive development, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and clinicaltrials.gov were searched. Randomized controlled trials were included to evaluate the effect on child cognitive and psychomotor outcomes of n-3 PUFA supplementation in mothers or infants (age ≤ 2 years). Findings were pooled with mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Heterogeneity was explored using I2 and subgroup analyses, stratified for maternal (pregnancy and/or lactation) and infant (preterm infant and term infant). We identified 47 articles, with 14 trials on mothers and 33 on infants. Pooled results showed that infants' mental development index (MDI) increased with n-3 PUFA supplementation (MD = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.32-4.51, I2 = 65.1%). Subgroup analysis of MDI also demonstrated a benefit in preterm infants (MD = 4.16, 95% CI: 1.40-6.93, I2 = 49.5%) and term infants (MD = 2.28, 95% CI: 0.27-4.29, I2 = 70.1%). No significant association was found in subgroup analyses of supplementation to mothers during pregnancy or lactation period. Supplementation did not increase the psychomotor development index (PDI) in the mother or infant group. Language composite score increased for infants whose mothers accepted supplementation in pregnancy or breastfeeding (MD = 8.57, 95% CI: 5.09-12.04, I2 = 70.2%). The cognitive composite score did not improve in any subgroup. Intelligence Quotient (IQ) increased in the infants' group with n-3 PUFA supplementation (MD = 2.54, 95% CI: 0.45-4.63, I2 = 66.0%). Furthermore, IQ in term infants also improved (MD = 2.91, 95% CI: 0.24-5.57, I2 = 69.2%). The funnel plot and Egger's test confirmed no publication bias in any endpoints. Supplementation with n-3 PUFA during pregnancy or breastfeeding in mothers has increased language abilities. Furthermore, direct supplementation in term infants can improve intelligence in later childhood. However, insufficient evidence supports the claim that supplementation improves cognitive abilities.

Enhancing digital intelligence among Thai seniors: developing and validating the digital intelligence quotient scale

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop and validate a digital intelligence quotient (DIQ) scale specifically designed to assess cognitive and socio-emotional competencies among the elderly population in Thailand. The study aims to enhance the understanding of digital intelligence within this demographic and provide a practical tool for researchers and practitioners in the fields of gerontology and digital literacy.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a multi-phase approach, beginning with the formulation of 34 questions based on established DIQ concepts and theories. These questions underwent exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for initial validation, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and assessments of convergent validity. The final DIQ scale was tested with a sample of 400 elderly participants in Thailand, ensuring both content and construct validity.FindingsThe EFA identified eight dimensions of DIQ: digital identity, digital use, digital safety, digital security, digital emotional intelligence, digital communication, digital literacy and digital rights. The CFA confirmed the consistency of these dimensions with empirical data, resulting in a reliable and valid instrument for assessing digital intelligence among the elderly. The study highlights the importance of these competencies in navigating the digital landscape and addressing the unique challenges faced by older adults.Originality/valueThis study provides a novel and comprehensive instrument for assessing digital intelligence among the elderly, contributing to the theoretical understanding of digital competencies in this demographic. The DIQ scale offers valuable insights for designing tailored interventions and digital literacy programs, promoting digital resilience and knowledge among older adults. This research addresses a critical gap in the literature and has practical implications for enhancing digital inclusion and safety for the elderly.

Effect of a dietary iron education programme on iron status and intelligence quotient score among schoolchildren in Phatthalung province, southern Thailand

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a dietary iron education programme (DIEP) on children’s iron status and intelligence quotient (IQ) score. Methods: This pre-test post-test quasi-experimental study with followup utilised the Health Belief Model (HBM). Participants were children who had iron deficiency (ID) (serum ferritin &lt;30 µg/L), with anaemia (haemoglobin 80.0 – 114.0 g/L) or without, and their caregivers. The DIEP incorporated group talks, presentations, game-based learning, and cooking. Knowledge of ID and dietary iron, caregivers’ perceptions of preventing anaemia and ID in their children, and children’s dietary intake, iron status, and IQ score (based on 60-question items adjusted for age) were determined. Statistical tests (one-way MANOVA, Friedman’s two-way ANOVA by ranks, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Monte Carlo exact test) determined differences between pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Results: A total of 32 child-caregiver dyads completed the study; 6.3% (n=2) of children met the Thai dietary reference intake for iron at pre-test versus 28.1% (n=9) at post-test (p=0.039) and 31.3% (n=10) at follow-up (p=0.021). Almost half of the children (n=15) who had ID at pre-test were iron replete at post-test and half (n=16) were iron replete at follow-up (p&lt;0.001). Median IQ scores improved from pre-test to posttest (109.0 vs. 116.0; p=0.010) and were similar at post-test and follow-up (116.0 vs. 117.0; p=0.952). Conclusion: Iron status and IQ score improved following the implementation of DIEP. We recommend that this programme serves as a model for similar interventions in other schools.

Family experiences with supplemental social security income and legal guardianship for autistic adults: A mixed-methods study

BackgroundFamily interactions with the Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) program and the decision to pursue legal guardianship are poorly understood in services research for autistic adults. MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods study and incorporated quantitative survey data from 122 autistic adults in an existing longitudinal cohort with qualitative interviews with 12 autistic adults and/or legal guardians. We explored sociodemographic, developmental, and behavioral features associated with the likelihood of having SSI and a legal guardian at 25 years old. Spoken interviews were transcribed verbatim, and interviews were analyzed using a rapid qualitative analytic approach. ResultsThere were quantitative differences in whether families were able to obtain SSI and guardianship based on intelligence quotient (IQ) scores, adaptive behavior, and autistic characteristics, but not by race, ethnicity, or maternal education. Qualitative data analysis revealed six themes that highlighted the challenges associated with obtaining and maintaining SSI, along with the complex, nuanced decisions associated with legal guardianship. Families noted many challenges in navigating these procedures and some potential benefits for each unique circumstance. ConclusionsThese findings offer new perspectives on experiences associated with pursuing SSI benefits and legal guardianship for autistic adults, including similarities and key differences in these procedures. Findings also provide suggestions for future research to improve coordination and supports for families throughout adulthood.

Community Water Fluoridation a Cost–Benefit–Risk Consideration

ABSTRACTFor over 70 years, the addition of fluoride to public water as community water fluoridation (CWF or fluoridation) with intent to prevent dental caries continues to be controversial, and risks are seldom included in monetary evaluations. Published operational costs and benefits of fluoridation are used, whereas published and clinical experience treating dental fluorosis are utilized to estimate treatment costs of patient‐perceived dental fluorosis and lost wages from lower IQ (intelligence quotient). Published estimated caries averted, less operational costs at $8 PPPY (per person per year) were used, compensation for functional and cosmetic dental fluorosis $126 PPPY, and lower earnings from presumed harm of developmental neurotoxicity estimated at $438 PPPY. Net loss from CWF is estimated at $556 PPPY, although some individuals will have significantly more or less loss. Previous economic evaluations of fluoridation have estimated caries averted and costs of operations; however, few evaluations include the costs of treating harm. Fluoridation is not cost‐effective if the cost of harm is included. Alternatives for the prevention of dental caries should be promoted, and the cessation of fluoridation is indicated.