Level Of Ability Research Articles

Polycarbinol-siloxane surfactants: synthesis, characterization, fire suppression evaluation and foaming-defoaming properties

Abstract A series of polycarbinol-siloxane surfactants with variations of two to six hydroxyl groups in the head structure and tri- and tetrasiloxane tail structures is synthesized, characterized and tested for foaming ability and fire suppression. The synthesis is practical, involving two steps, and produces products in high yield with good purity. The trisiloxane surfactants with 5 or 6 hydroxyl groups have sufficient water solubility, critical micelle concentrations, and display foaming ability levels to be effective in fire suppression testing. The tetrasiloxane surfactant with six hydroxyl groups was less soluble by a factor of 10 and did not exhibit sufficient foaming for effective fire suppression.

OPTIMAL REDISTRIBUTION AND EDUCATION SIGNALING

AbstractWe develop a theory of optimal income and education taxation under asymmetric information between firms and workers. Our results show that a max–min optimal tax code can achieve predistribution by pooling wages across ability levels, conditional on income. We identify conditions under which the optimal solution leads to pooling or separating equilibria, highlighting bidirectional incentive constraints. Implementation requires nonlinear income taxes coupled with education subsidies or mandates. Predistribution is only feasible when income taxes are complemented by policies that restrict signaling opportunities. Our framework provides new insights into reducing wage inequality through optimal tax policy and labor market information management.

Development and validation of an instrument for assessing secondary students’ transdisciplinary STEM practices

BackgroundGiven that limited well-developed instruments are available to assess students’ transdisciplinary STEM practices (T-STEMP), this study aims to develop and validate an instrument for examining secondary students’ T-STEMP competence. According to the T-STEMP assessment framework proposed in our previous study, we developed items and validated the items using Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM) and item response theory (IRT).ResultsFirst, the structure of T-STEMP has been justified, that the four design phases are related to a common third-order factor: knowledge-based reasoning and each design phase is composed of three key design challenges. The goodness of fit indices indicated that a two-parameter logistic (2PL) graded response model could fit the data well. The discrimination parameters indicated that most of the items for different grades performed well in distinguishing between students with various ability levels. The Cronbach’s alpha also indicated that the instrument had good reliability in terms of internal consistency.ConclusionsThe model of one third-order factor with four second-order factors and 12 first-order factors was justified as the fitted model representing the structure of the T-STEMP instrument. It means that the four design phases are related to knowledge-based reasoning and each design phase is composed of three key design challenges. The IRT findings show that Taiwanese students may have basic T-STEMP competence, but the breadth and depth of their responses to the key design challenges need to be advanced. Implications for further studies and suggestions for STEM teaching are also provided.

Integration of item response theory in the development of PhET-based graphing lines worksheets for optimizing student algebra competence

This study develops and evaluates a graphing line worksheet based on PhET Interactive Simulation integrated with Item Response Theory (IRT) methods to enhance student algebra competence. Involving 120 students, the worksheet comprises 12 items measuring four key indicators: understanding the geometric significance of line slopes, constructing line equations, graphing from line equations, and predicting the effects of variable changes. The 2-Parameter Logistic (2PL) model of IRT was employed to analyze item difficulty and student ability in logit form. The results indicate that the worksheet is effective in improving student algebra competence, with Items 1 and 11 demonstrating a good balance between difficulty and discrimination. Item 2 requires further review because of its high difficulty, whereas Item 12 is considered too easy. Heatmap analysis and Item Characteristic Curves (ICC) revealed variations in student response patterns, confirming the test's ability to evaluate diverse levels of student ability. The integration of interactive simulation and IRT has proven to be an effective strategy in instructional design, supporting adaptive and personalized learning.

The Effect of Aetoxylon sympetalum Essential Oil Treatment on Focus Endurance Level of First-Year Medical Students

First-year medical students tend to experience stress, which can affect how they maintain focus on their work. One alternative treatment that can be done is through relaxation techniques using aromatherapy in the form of essential oils. Crocodile agarwood (Aetoxylon sympetalum) is one of the plants that can provide anxiolytic and antidepressant effects that can be associated with these problems. This study aims to determine the effect of giving Aetoxylon sympetalum essential oil on the level of ability to maintain the focus of first-year students of the medical faculty. This quasi-experiment research method with a nonequivalent control group design was conducted on 34 samples which were divided into control and treatment groups with the same number to see the effect of essential oil on both groups. The research data were analyzed using Spearman's rho test and showed a significance value of 0.004 and a correlation coefficient value of 0.661, meaning that a significant correlation was obtained, the level of correlation between variables was strong and unidirectional. So it can be concluded that the more often inhaling Aetoxylon sympetalum essential oil, the ability to maintain focus will increase.

Family Size across the Life Course and Cognitive Decline in Older Mexican Adults.

A growing body of research has identified associations between family size and cognition in older adults. These studies largely focus on older adults' own fertility history instead of sibship size, defined as one's number of siblings. Sibship size may impact cognitive development during early childhood, creating differences that may persist into late-life. Using a gendered life course framework, this study evaluates how family size across the life course (both sibship size and number of children) relates with cognitive aging among older Mexican adults. Data comes from the 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 waves of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (n=14,872 adults age 50+). We use latent growth curve models to evaluate how family size (sibship size and fertility history) relates with levels of latent general cognitive ability and nine-year cognitive decline and variation across gender. Small sibship size related to higher levels of cognitive ability among men, but not women. This benefit was somewhat reduced when educational attainment was accounted for. Regarding fertility history, we observed an inverse U-shaped relationship with level of cognitive ability, regardless of gender, that remained significant even after accounting for sibship size and other confounders. Neither family size measure predicted the rate of cognitive decline. This research broadens our understanding of family size and cognition associations in the context of Mexico's changing demographics that challenge the reliance on family support in late-life and highlights potential gender differences.

РЕАЛІЗАЦІЯ ФІТНЕС-ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ У ТРЕНУВАЛЬНОМУ ПРОЦЕСІ БАР’ЄРИСТІВ-ЮНАКІВ

The relevance of the research topic. Over the past two decades, interest in the organization and construction of the training process of hurdlers of different ages and different skill levels has increased significantly, which due to the growth of results abroad. This determines the study of the features of of the content of the training process of hurdlers at the stage of preliminary basic preparation. A number of authors substantiated the ways of improvement of the educational and training process of track and field athletes, studied the rhythmic and temporal structure of the running. The most effective modern means of training athletes are fitness technologies, as indicated by recent scientific publications. Varieties of fitness are a universal training tool that can be modified and adapted to the needs of any athlete in any training period. The purpose of the research is to substantiate the ways of realization of fitness technologies in the training process of young men hurdlers. Materials and methods of the research. The study was conducted on the basis of the Children and Youth Sports School No. 1 in Vinnytsia. The study involved boys aged 13-14 years old who specialize in 110-meter hurdles. Results. During the analysis of sources of literature it was established that the structure of an annual cycle of preparation of hurdlers can change as the level of physical abilities, physical fitness of an athlete is unstable. The content and structure of training loads change in relation to periods and stages of the annual cycle. In the training of athletes of different levels, different sports the following types of fitness are mainly used: strength training, stretching, functional training, callanetics, step aerobics. Conclusions. The absence of the use of modern training means in training of hurdlers is revealed, that leads to the decrease of indicators of physical fitness of athletes. The prospect of the further researches consists in the study of indicators of fitness of juniors who are engaged in barrier running.

Design of an efficient Malware Prediction Model using Auto Encoded & Attention-based Recurrent Graph Relationship Analysis

The threat of modern malware in the world of cyber security has grown and how the need for proper detection and analysis techniques has grown with it. All these conventional approaches are insufficient methods if used to detect new or emerging strains of malware. For this need, the present research develops a novel Malware Prediction Model using Auto Encoders and Attention Mechanisms to advance Malware Pattern Analysis. This new approach goes beyond the conventional wisdom because it decodes complex patterns of malware into identifiable Malware Classes utilizing the unique Recurrent Graph Relationship Analysis. Recurrent Networks perform the complex task of Feature Analysis and simultaneously. Classical approaches mainly conceive pattern matching where signatures are taken and used to look in the system hence cannot detect polymorphic or metamorphic types of viruses. Additionally, these systems have high levels of false positives and poor ability to learn from new types of threats. On the other hand, the coupling of Auto Encoders with Attention Mechanisms in the model under consideration allows the model to gain better insights of malware behavior. Such an integration not only improves the identification of multiform patterns but also changes the approach to growing threats more effectively. The use of this model was benchmarked against two databases: The Malware Memory Analysis and The Kharon Malware Database Samples. Strikingly, the proposed model provided 8.3% more precision, 8.5% more accuracy, 5.9% higher recall, 6.5% better AUC, higher specificity by 9.4%, while slight reduction in delay by 2.9% to other methods.

Can I pickle Doc? Return to Pickleball and other Racket Sports after Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Participation in pickleball and other racket sports is growing, particularly among older adults who may also be candidates for joint arthroplasty (JA). Currently, there is limited data on performance, safety, and return to racket sports after JA. An online survey was sent to 7,200 patients who had undergone at least one primary JA at a single academic center over the past 10 years (five surgeons). The survey asked patients about their prior and current racket sports participation, including ability level, expectations, limitations, and reoperations. Demographics, patient-reported outcomes, and reoperations were also captured through chart review. Chi-square, analysis of variance, and t-tests were used to compare demographics and outcomes. Of the 1,284 respondents, the average follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 0.5 to 10). In total, 61.7% had never played a racket sport, 25.3% had not played a racket sport in the two years before surgery (remote), and 13.0% had played a racket sport in the two years before surgery (recent). Of the recent players, 71.9% returned to play after surgery, compared to 30.2% of remote players. The majority of players returned to play at a similar skill level, duration, and frequency, with the majority returning to play by six months postoperatively. Higher physical function outcomes were reported by recent players who returned to play after JA. Rates of reoperation were not significantly different between patients who did and did not return to play. The majority of recent racket sports players were able to return to play after JA at their same skill level by six months postoperatively with higher physical function outcome scores and without an increase in reoperation rate. Future studies are needed to determine the long-term consequences of racket sports participation after JA.

EGEFACE: A new face memory test with static and dynamic images

Face memory is a crucial cognitive ability necessary for maintaining a healthy social life. Recent studies reveal large individual differences in face recognition ability. Face memory tests are used to evaluate this ability. The main purpose of this study was to develop a new face memory test (EGEFACE) addressing the limitations of existing tests using both static and dynamic stimuli to increase ecological validity; employing face recognition algorithms to adjust test difficulty; measuring face memory accuracy independently of response bias by including both target-absent and target-present trials and using ROC analysis; and developing a test to measure both ends of the face recognition ability spectrum. After building a new database of static and dynamic faces, we created three difficulty levels using a face recognition algorithm. We collected data from 703 participants in two steps and examined the internal consistency, split-half reliability, and item–total score correlations. The reliability analysis confirmed that both target-absent and target-present trials of EGEFACE were reliable. High EGEFACE performers scored near super recognizer levels on CFMT+, while low performers showed limited overlap with prosopagnosic-level performance on CFMT+, suggesting EGEFACE’s sensitivity across different levels of face recognition ability. Overall, results indicated a moderate positive correlation between EGEFACE and CFMT+, showing that both tests assess similar cognitive skills, while a low to moderate correlation with KFMT suggests that EGEFACE measures cognitive ability that is related to yet distinct from face perception. The results suggest that EGEFACE shows promise as an ecologically valid and effective alternative tool for assessing individual differences in face memory.

Management Classroom Learning In The School EBF Cristal

This research realized in EBF Cristal with his principal objective to know about the model of classroom management that used by school leader and teacher in the school. Throught this research, the researchers can find and write that the school leader and teachers demonstrated classroom management based on the existence of National curriculum in Timor-Leste: central methode for student, utilized two (2) languages Portuques and Tetun with the simple words to fasilitated student to understand about content that they teach for. Classroom management encompasses a variety of skills and techniques that teachers can use to create a high-performing learning environment. At its core, it aims to ensure classes run smoothly, disruptive behavior from students is kept to minimum and teaching materials and activities promote learning. The ultimate goal is to ensure that both the students and the teacher get the most out of the classroom experience. Good classroom management should aim to: Create an organised and functional environment for the teacher and students, Establish opportunities for academic learning and personal growth, Reduce bad classroom behaviour and other disruptions, Be time-efficient and ensure learning time is always prioritized, Make sure students are focused, motivated, and productive and Promote an inclusive environment that caters for all ability levels.

How Students Use Cognitive Structures to Process Information in the Algebraic Reasoning?

Cognitive processes are procedures for using existing knowledge to combine it with new knowledge and make decisions based on that knowledge. This study aims to identify the cognitive structure of students during information processing based on the level of algebraic reasoning ability. This type of research is qualitative with exploratory methods. The data collection technique used began by providing a valid and reliable test instrument for algebraic reasoning abilities for six mathematics education student programs at the Islamic University of Sultan Agung Indonesia. Subjects were selected based on the level of upper, middle, and lower algebraic reasoning abilities. The results showed that (1) students with the highest level of algebraic reasoning ability meet the logical structure of Logical Reasoning which shows that students at the upper level can find patterns and can generalize; (2) Students at the intermediate level understand the cognitive structure of Symbolic Representations, where students can make connections between knowledge and experience and look for patterns and relationships but have difficulty making rules and generalizations; (3) students at lower levels understand the cognitive structure of Comparative Thinking, where students are only able to make connections between prior knowledge and experience.

The influence of cross-speaker code-switching and language ability on inhibitory control in bilingual children

Abstract Prior work has yielded mixed findings regarding the relationship between language control and domain-general inhibitory control. Here, we tested the possibility that omnibus language ability would moderate the relationship between language control and inhibitory control in bilingual children. We tested 43 Spanish-English bilingual children (ages 4–5.92 years; 25 females). Children engaged in play-based interactions with their parent, and rates of cross-speaker switches (using a language different from one used by parent) indexed language control. Inhibitory control was measured via a non-verbal flanker task. Analyses revealed that higher frequency of cross-speaker code-switches was associated with better inhibitory control only for children with higher levels of language ability. For children with lower language skills, there was no association between switches and inhibitory control. These findings align with the literature linking cognitive control and language control in bilinguals and extend it to indicate that the strength of the language system constrains this link.

Analisis Kajian Sintaksis pada Buku Bahasa Indonesia Jenjang SD Kelas Bawah Terbitan Kemdikbudristek

Syntax material has been introduced when we enter elementary school, in Indonesian language lessons, especially at the lower grade elementary school level, they have learned grammar based on their level of understanding and ability. This is seen in their textbooks that have been analyzed. The purpose of this study is to describe Indonesian language materials related to syntax in lower grade elementary school textbooks. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative approach, with data collection technique in the form of simak catat. The data source in this research is a lower grade elementary school textbook published by Kemendikbudristek. The results showed that in grade 1 students began to recognize material about words and sentences, in grade 2 students had material about sentence functions, active and passive sentences. Then in grade 3 there is material on prohibition sentences, suggestion sentences and question words.

Penerapan Pendekatan TaRL Berbantuan Media Kahoot pada Materi Teks Anekdot di SMA Kota Semarang

The purpose of this study is to explore the application of the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach supported by Kahoot media on anecdotal text material in Semarang city high schools, especially at SMA Negeri 5 Semarang. Students have differences in abilities, both in terms of level of understanding, learning style, and background. The TaRL approach considers these differences and ensures that learning matches each learner's ability level. The use of learning media is also an important element in the application of this approach. One of them is the use of Kahoot media. The use of Kahoot can also assist teachers in taking diagnostic assessments. This research method uses qualitative with a type of qualitative descriptive research. The sample in this study was one class in class X-10 with a total of 36 learners from the entire population selected using the Purposive Sampling technique. The data collection technique used by researchers in this study is the learning results of students obtained from interviews and observation techniques by observers. Data analysis techniques use descriptive qualitative. The validity used in this research is triangulation of sources. The results of data analysis and discussion can be concluded that the application of the TaRL approach assisted by Kahoot media on anecdotal text material shows significant potential in learning effectiveness.

The impact mechanism of teaching strategies on student reading achievement in PISA 2018

ABSTRACT Effective teaching strategies are essential for teaching effectively and are crucial to improving classroom teaching efficiency. This study explores the relationship between teacher teaching strategies and high-school students’ reading performance. The results show that (1) Teaching strategies have significant heterogeneous effects on students’ reading achievement. Specifically, adaptive instruction and stimulation of reading engagement instruction can significantly enhance students’ reading performance, while teacher-directed and teacher-feedback teaching has significant adverse effects. (2) Regarding the degree of impact, stimulation of reading engagement instruction strategies has a greater effect on improving reading achievement. (3) The quantile regression model results indicate that teaching strategies have heterogeneous effects on the reading performance of students with different abilities. (4) The mediating effect found that reading enjoyment mediates between teaching strategies and reading achievement. Therefore, schools should create favourable conditions to ensure the effective implementation of different teaching strategies by teachers. Meanwhile, teachers should pay attention to the existing knowledge and experience of students at different ability levels, focus on optimizing and improving adaptive teaching strategies and stimulation of reading engagement instruction strategies, and pay attention to the two-way feedback between teachers and students in the classroom teaching to enhance the effectiveness of classroom education.

The contribution of general intelligence to cognitive performance across the lifespan: A differentiation analysis of the wechsler tests.

Human cognitive abilities exhibit positive interrelationships that can be represented by a latent general intelligence factor (g). Differentiation hypotheses propose that there are systematic interindividual differences in the strength of g, specifically along the dimensions of ability level (ability differentiation) and age (age differentiation). Despite the potential implications for cognitive theory and assessment, the available evidence on the matter is inconclusive. We present comprehensive analyses of differentiation effects across the lifespan, drawing on the meta-analytic integration of nonlinear factor analyses with German standardization samples (N = 4,129) of the most widely used intelligence tests worldwide (i.e., the Wechsler tests). Results support ability differentiation at all ages, with particularly large effect sizes in young adults, and suggest a complex pattern of age differentiation and dedifferentiation across the lifespan. These findings challenge the uniformity of g, highlighting the need to account for differentiation effects in cognitive theories and assessment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

English Linguistic Capital and Career Trajectory: Impact of Medium of Instruction on the Professional Life of Indians

ABSTRACT Medium of instruction remains an extensively explored area particularly in Asia and Africa, with studies focusing on the various aspects of English medium instruction. The qualitative study delves into the impact of the medium of instruction on the career of Indians, specifically higher education, employment opportunities, and professional experiences. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with forty regional and English medium participants from different career phases—from university students, novice workers, seasoned and retired professionals, to homemakers taking a break in their careers. Thematic analysis reveals that in addition to the difficulties in their careers that came with low English proficiency, the regional language students admitted to low self-esteem that, in some cases, diminished once they attained a certain level of English ability. The findings provide insights into a largely overlooked aspect of the medium of instruction and will potentially inform policy decisions, curriculum development and support systems aimed at bridging the gap between regional and English medium education.

Postgraduate medical education in obstetrics and gynecology in Switzerland in comparison to Germany and Austria: the results of an international survey.

There is frequent academic exchange between Switzerland, Germany and Austria, facilitated by the common language. Additionally, the postgraduate training curricula in obstetrics and gynecology show some similarities. We aimed to compare self-perceived level of ability, availability of simulation training and teaching and feedback culture among residents in obstetrics and gynecology in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. The focus was on Switzerland to gain a better understanding of strengths and room for improvement. With a cross-sectional design, a web-based survey with 30 questions was distributed to obstetrics and gynecology residents in the three countries in August and September 2020. The primary outcome was the self-perception of skills in between-country comparisons of mid-training trainees, i.e., omitting trainees in their first year as well as very advanced trainees and specialists. The secondary outcomes were reported teaching, simulation training and feedback culture. German and Austrian responses were calculated together and compared with the Swiss replies. A total of 422 participants took part in the survey, 27.5% (n = 116) of whom were from Switzerland, corresponding to a questionnaire response rate of approximately 19%. 48% of Swiss trainees were in training years 2-5. 57% of Swiss participants felt confident in obstetric procedures and 69% in gynecological procedures, compared to 52% and 68% of non-Swiss participants (p = 0.005 and p = 0.176, respectively). Swiss participants felt significantly more confident in performing gynecological than obstetric procedures (p = 0.015). A total of 63% of the Swiss participants had obstetric simulation training, and 28% had gynecological simulation training compared to 37% and 17% in Germany and Austria, respectively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007). 56% of Swiss participants reported "sufficient structured teaching", 43% reported a "good teaching culture", 47% of Swiss participants stated that they received regular feedback. The majority of trainees in Switzerland feel confident in a range of procedures and interventions. Simulation training is relatively widespread, although in particular surgical simulation training should be expanded. Clinical teaching and feedback culture should be strengthened. "Teach the teacher" courses should be encouraged to promote a sustainable feedback culture.

Exploring the Effects of Gracilaria lemaneiformis Polysaccharides on the Fecal Microbiota and Fecal Metabolites of Fattening Pigs Based on 16S rDNA and Metabolome Sequencing.

Sixty Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) castrated male finishing pigs were randomly divided into negative control (NC) and gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharides (GLP) groups to study the effects of GLP on the fecal microbiota and fecal metabolites of fattening pigs. The NC group was fed a basic diet, and the GLP group was fed a basic diet supplemented with 0.1% GLP. The diversity of the species and the fecal metabolites were analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolome sequencing, respectively. The serum immune and antioxidant indices were analyzed using the ELISA assay. The abundances of hazardous bacteria such as Proteobacteria at the phylum level and Shigella at the genus level were extremely significantly decreased (p < 0.01) and those of beneficial bacteria such as Firmicutes at the phylum level (p < 0.01), Clostridium at the genus level (p < 0.01), and Lactobacillus at the genus level (p < 0.05) were significantly increased in the GLP group compared with the NC group. A total of 41 differentially expressed metabolites were identified. The expression of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant active substances, such as methyl cinnamate, protopanaxatriol, and isovanillic acid, was elevated in the GLP group. The ELISA assay showed increased GSH-Px activity (p < 0.01), T-AOC (p < 0.01), IgG (p < 0.01), IgA (p < 0.05), and IgM (p < 0.05) in the GLP group. These results indicate that dietary GLP supplementation can improve the antioxidant ability, anti-inflammatory ability, and immune level of fattening pigs by regulating fecal flora and metabolites and could be used as a functional feed additive.