Reading Capacity Research Articles

Synthesis and Characterization of a Sustained Nitric Oxide-Releasing Orthodontic Elastomeric Chain for Antimicrobial Action.

The acidic byproducts of bacteria in plaque around orthodontic brackets contribute to white spot lesion (WSL) formation. Nitric oxide (NO) has antibacterial properties, hindering biofilm formation and inhibiting the growth of oral microbes. Materials that mimic NO release could prevent oral bacteria-related pathologies. This study aims to integrate S-nitroso-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a promising NO donor, into orthodontic elastomeric ligatures, apply an additional polymer coating, and evaluate the NO-release kinetics and antimicrobial activity against Streptococus mutans. SNAP was added to clear elastomeric chains (8 loops, 23 mm long) at three concentrations (50, 75, 100 mg/mL, and a control). Chains were then coated, via electrospinning, with additional polymer (Elastollan®) to aid in extending the NO release. NO flux was measured daily for 30 days. Samples with 75 mg/mL SNAP + Elastollan® were tested against S. mutans for inhibition of biofilm formation on and around the chain. SNAP was successfully integrated into ligatures at each concentration. Only the 75 mg/mL SNAP chains maintained their elasticity. After polymer coating, samples exhibited a significant burst of NO on the first day, exceeding the machine's reading capacity, which gradually decreased over 29 days. Ligatures also inhibited S. mutans growth and biofilm formation. Future research will assess their mechanical properties and cytotoxicity. This study presents a novel strategy to address white spot lesion (WSL) formation and bacterial-related pathologies by utilizing nitric oxide-releasing materials. Manufactured chains with antimicrobial properties provide a promising solution for orthodontic challenges, showing significant potential for academic-industrial collaboration and commercial viability.

“Esa zona indeterminada donde se cruzan la ficción y la verdad": Ficciones, realidades y la lectura como agentes críticos en El camino de Ida de Ricardo Piglia

This article analyses Ricardo Piglia's last novel, El camino de Ida (2013), which is influenced by the emphatic concept of fiction and the epistemological potential of literature, postulated by its author. The article discusses how the author aims to develop through his crime fiction a capacity for critical reading allowing us to recognise and read the state and economic fictions that, according to Piglia, fill reality. It will be shown how Piglia deliberately plays with fictional and factual elements at various levels of the complex narrative to provoke a critical and even suspicious attitude and to incite a reflection on reading. Thus, the novel anticipates on a meta-level central aspects of the recent debate between "critique and postcritique".

The Development of Student Reading Skills in Arabic for Reading Islamic Classical Books Using the Arabic Learning Model at Indonesian Islamic Boarding Schools

Arabic literacy skills are essential for Muslim learners to comprehend religious texts; however, when trying to improve these skills, students face numerous obstacles which require immediate attention. This study aims to develop and evaluate an Arabic learning model designed to enhance the capability of students in Indonesian boarding schools to read religious books. The research follows a three-stage approach: introductory study, model development, and model validation. The study takes place in Al-Jawami and Al-Falah boarding schools in West Java Province, Indonesia. These schools were selected due to the emphasis they place on the Arabic reading skills needed for comprehending religious scriptures. The findings demonstrate that the Arabic learning model utilized in this study effectively enhances the reading capacity of students. As a result, other boarding schools can also adopt this learning model to improve the Arabic literacy skills of their students.

A FOTOGRAFIA COMO FONTE DE PESQUISA PARA A HISTÓRIA E MEMÓRIA DE UM MUNICÍPIO TOCANTINENSE

Pesquisa sobre fotografia com o foco em um município do estado do Tocantins é um meio de tentar contar um pouco a história dessa cidade, uma vez que são poucas informações ou arquivos que revelam parte dessa história. Esta pesquisa tem como principal objetivo identificar, através de registros fotográficos, a história e a memória da cidade de Tocantinópolis - TO. De abordagem qualitativa e de natureza básica, os instrumentos de coletas de dados utilizados foram as fontes visuais (fotografias) a respeito de Tocantinópolis - TO, além da pesquisa bibliográfica. Dentre alguns resultados encontrados, as imagens analisadas revelaram parte da história e da memória dessa cidade. As informações geradas nas análises nos auxiliaram a identificar elementos visuais presentes nas fotografias que permitissem ampliar a capacidade de leitura e interpretação, o que foi fundamental para compreender as histórias, as memórias e o contexto que acompanham (ou acompanharam) essas imagens registradas nesta pesquisa.

Digital reading of undergraduate students in Vietnamese universities: a focus group study

PurposeThe development of digital technology and digital resources have influenced one’s reading habits. This paper aimed to study undergraduate students' reading in digital sphere at universities in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachA focus group study with 31 undergraduate students of six groups at six public universities was conducted to get their perspectives on reading preference, strategies, effectiveness and psychological factors influencing reading ability.FindingsThe results confirmed that bachelor students' reading preference for document formats depended on their reading purposes. They used different reading strategies for digital and traditional reading, for instance, keyword searching, taking note, skimming, scanning, need-based reading, selective reading, comparison, evaluation and criticism. Students had faster reading speed for digital texts; however, they had better concentration and memorization in printed documents. When students have motivation, good attitudes and emotion, they could be motivated to read more.Originality/valueThese findings were useful in enhancing the understanding of digital reading competence and help stakeholders find out solutions to improve reading capacity of Vietnamese students in digital space.

Ferroelectric tunnel junctions: current status and future prospect as a universal memory

The semiconductor industry is actively looking for an all-encompassing memory solution that incorporates the advantageous aspects of current technology. This features non-volatility, like that of Flash memory, high scalability, like that of both Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and Flash, quick operation, like that of Static RAM (SRAM), and durability, like that of both DRAM and SRAM. Ferroelectric thin films, which have electrically switchable bi-stable polarization, are one prospective technology that has the potential to revolutionize memory storage. However, due to difficulties with scalability and dependable industrial manufacturing, Ferro-Electric (FE) memory technology has not been able to effectively compete with DRAM and Flash. Research in this area has accelerated after the recent discovery of resistive switching in ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs). For FTJs to be successful, it is important to overcome some obstacles, such as preserving bi-stability in ferroelectric thin films over the critical thickness. Additionally, the existence of interfacial layers, sometimes known as a “dead layer”, between the electrode and the film can affect its characteristics. The article gives an overview of semiconductor memories with an emphasis on emerging technologies having the potential for future applications. It then goes into detail on the benefits of FTJ and its non-destructive reading capacity. The article also discusses the potential uses for FTJs in resistive switching while acknowledging their drawbacks and constraints.

Design of machine learning-based water quality prediction system with recursive feature elimination cross-validation

Lack of clean water has become a problem in the world, and it is estimated that by 2025 there will be 2.8 billion people who will experience a shortage of clean water. The high demand for clean water and the limited water sources with proper potency is one of the main reasons for the need for a device capable of measuring the potability level of water that is flexible to carry and does not require high costs in the manufacturing process. In this paper, the design of machine learning-based potability devices with recursive feature elimination with cross-validation (RFECV) is carried out as a guide in making the design of a water potability detection system, and the results obtained from RFECV with the Random Forest (RF) algorithm have a higher accuracy value. 15.71% better than the RF model, 6.85% better than the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model, and 8.57% better than the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model trained without RFECV. The water potability prediction system's design selection is based on feature elimination results in the RFECV process. It is based on a literature review on device selection. The proposed water potability detection system consists of ESP32 as the primary computing device, electrochemical spectroscopy-based Al/PET sensor to detect sulfate values with a sensitivity of 0.874 Ω/ppm, PH4502C as a pH measuring instrument with an accuracy of up to 98.10%, WD-35802-49 electrode. as a device for measuring hardness in water with a measurement range of 0.4 – 40,000 ppm, a total dissolved solids sensor to determine the solids content in water with an accuracy of up to 97.80%, as well as a carbon-based sensor for measuring chloramines with a reading capacity of 186 nA/ppm.

Environmental DNA surveillance of biocontamination in a drinking water treatment plant

A clean and adequate supply of drinking water is essential to life and good health. However, despite the risk of biologically derived contamination of drinking water, monitoring of invertebrate outbreaks has relied primarily on naked-eye inspections that are prone to errors. In this study, we applied environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding as a biomonitoring tool at seven different stages of drinking water treatment, from prefiltration to release from household faucets. While the composition of invertebrate eDNA communities reflected the communities of the source water in earlier stages of the treatment, several predominant invertebrate taxa (e.g., rotifer) were shown to be introduced during purification, but most were eliminated in later treatment stages. In addition, the limit of detection/quantification of PCR assay and read capacity of high-throughput sequencing was assessed with further microcosm experiments to estimate the applicability eDNA metabarcoding to the biocontamination surveillance in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). Here we propose a novel eDNA-based approach for sensitive and efficient surveillance of invertebrate outbreaks in DWTPs.

Idoya Puig and Karl McLaughlin, eds. Spanish Golden Age Texts in the Twenty-First Century: Teaching the Old Through the New; Alba Carmona. Las reescrituras fílmicas de la comedia nueva: Un siglo en la gran pantalla

Idoya Puig and Karl McLaughlin, eds. <i>Spanish Golden Age Texts in the Twenty-First Century: Teaching the Old Through the New</i>; Alba Carmona. <i>Las reescrituras fílmicas de la comedia nueva: Un siglo en la gran pantalla</i>

KWL (Know, Want To Know, Learned) Method As An Effort To Increasing The Reading Capacity Of Students With Learning Difficulties

Children who have learning difficulties really need to be considered, so that they can realize their dreams in the future. One of the initial steps in achieving this goal is that children must be able to read, because reading is a bridge so that children can get to know what they want to know. By finding out (know) what the child likes, the teacher can re-develop how to teach the child to read. Arouse children's curiosity by telling hero characters related to the problems they are facing. This study aims to accelerate students in learning, especially for students who cannot read. Research uses a literature method with a descriptive approach to reveal something as it is. Based on research conducted by children's experts in Indonesia, the interest in reading is still far from average. So that the culture of reading is still not very applied in Indonesia. Through this study, the researcher discussed how important it is for students to use the KWL method in learning so that teachers do not have difficulty in teaching reading students, especially low-grade elementary school students. This KWL method has three stages, namely the pre-reading, reading and post-reading stages. So that students can easily understand the lessons explained by the teacher in class. In addition to being easy to understand, the KWL method also makes students remember learning easily because the reading methods used are made interesting so that students' learning motivation increases.

A systematic review of reading tests.

Adequate near and intermediate visual capacity is important in performing everyday tasks, especially after the introduction of smartphones and computers in our professional and recreational activities. Primary objective of this study was to review all available reading tests both conventional and digital and explore their integrated characteristics. A systematic review of the recent literature regarding reading charts was performed based on the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Springer databases between February and March 2021. Data from 11 descriptive and 24 comparative studies were included in the present systematic review. Clinical settings are still dominated by conventional printed reading charts; however, the most prevalent of them (i.e., Jaeger type charts) are not validated. Reliable reading capacity assessment is done only by those that comply with the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) recommendations. Digital reading tests are gaining popularity both in clinical and research settings and are differentiated in standard computer-based applications that require installation either in a computer or a tablet (e.g., Advanced VISION Test and web-based ones e.g., Democritus Digital Acuity Reading Test requires no installation). It is evident that validated digital tests will prevail in future clinical or research settings and it is upon ophthalmologists to select the one most compatible with their examination routine.

Fiction Reading and Empathy Capacity of Selected Filipino Adolescents and Young Adults

This study aimed to discover if adolescents’ and young adults’ empathy capacity is higher when they engage more in fiction reading. A total of 301 students, aged 16-22, completed a self-administered questionnaire. More than half (56%) of the respondents consider reading as a hobby with books as the preferred reading material. Around 38% have moderate fiction reading scores and around 77% have high empathy capacity scores. Findings showed that the older the respondent is, the less likely they would read fiction and the lower their empathy level. Females are more likely to read fiction and are more empathic than males. Also, results revealed that the more the individual reads fiction, the more empathic they can become. Home and school interventions can be created to increase opportunities and desire for reading fiction and enhancing empathy capacity.

Agnostic Battery Management System Capacity Estimation for Electric Vehicles

Battery degradation is a main concern for electric vehicle (EV) users, and a reliable capacity estimation is of major importance. Every EV battery management system (BMS) provides a variety of information, including measured current and voltage, and estimated capacity of the battery. However, these estimations are not transparent and are manufacturer-specific, although measurement accuracy is unknown. This article uses extensive measurements from six diverse EVs to compare and assess capacity estimation with three different methods: (1) reading capacity estimation from the BMS through the central area network (CAN)-bus, (2) using an empirical capacity estimation (ECE) method with external current measurements, and (3) using the same method with measurements coming from the BMS. We show that the use of BMS current measurements provides consistent capacity estimation (a difference of approximately 1%) and can circumvent the need for costly experimental equipment and DC chargers. This data can simplify the ECE method only by using an on-board diagnostics port (OBDII) reader and an AC charger, as the car measures the current directly at the battery terminals.

Differences in brain functional networks for audiovisual integration during reading between children and adults.

Building robust letter-to-sound correspondences is a prerequisite for developing reading capacity. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the development of audiovisual integration for reading are largely unknown. This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging in a lexical decision task to investigate functional brain networks that support audiovisual integration during reading in developing child readers (10-12 years old) and skilled adult readers (20-28 years old). The results revealed enhanced connectivity in a prefrontal-superior temporal network (including the right medial frontal gyrus, right superior frontal gyrus, and left superior temporal gyrus) in adults relative to children, reflecting the development of attentional modulation of audiovisual integration involved in reading processing. Furthermore, the connectivity strength of this brain network was correlated with reading accuracy. Collectively, this study, for the first time, elucidates the differences in brain networks of audiovisual integration for reading between children and adults, promoting the understanding of the neurodevelopment of multisensory integration in high-level human cognition.

ONLINE READING MATERIALS TO IMPROVE READING CAPACITY OF THE STUDENTS OF NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF BATTAMBANG OF CAMBODIA

The Covid-19 pandemic in the world keeps increasing until now. This is the reason that the researcher chose one research related to how the students of the National University of Battambang of Cambodia perceive online reading materials to improve their reading capacity. Mix method was conducted in this research. There were 50 participants joining this research. In quantitative analysis, the participants were asked to answer 63 items of the survey questionnaires with 4 answer options, namely strongly agree, agree, disagree, and strongly disagree. In addition, 21 interview questions were used to conduct qualitative data which were responded by 10 selected interviewees. The results displayed that students had a positive perception of using online reading material. However, they met some problems like facing bad internet connection, having inappropriate electronic devices, experiencing screen light problems, being not able to buy suitable electronic devices to support online reading material, being not good at using suitable terms for searching topics, did not know suitable reading strategies, coming with eyes problem, and concerning about privacy and security. This study pushed students to gain precious knowledge through using online reading material especially, upgrading their reading capacity and achieving their learning goals.

Incorporating reading strategies for EFL undergraduate learners in Saudi Arabia: A think-aloud study.

In language learning, reading is a skill that enables interaction with a text inwhatever field of knowledge thelearner is pursuing. Readers tend to use strategies such as comprehension, interpretation and conception of decoding written language and texts to enhance their reading capacity. This research explores the reading strategies applied by Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners and compares the reading abilities of male and female EFL students. The study interviewed three EFL students about the reading strategies they applied while reading passages and texts. Then an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) reading test was handed over to 26 randomly selected students. The study found that the reading strategies used by the students interviewed involved skimming, scanning, guessing the meaning from context, identifying the mean idea, and summarizing the body of the text in question. Moreover, the study revealed that both male and female students scored low in the IELTS tests that the researchers conducted. The average mean score they reached was 7.15 out of 20. However, even in the low scoring ratio, female students (M=7.69) outperformed male students (M= 6.62) and the difference between them remained significant, P=.000. The study recommends that the language instructors help EFL learners in developing their reading strategies and applying them every time they read any text.

Incorporating reading strategies for EFL undergraduate learners in Saudi Arabia: A think-aloud study.

In language learning, reading is a skill that enables interaction with a text inwhatever field of knowledge thelearner is pursuing. Readers tend to use strategies such as comprehension, interpretation and conception of decoding written language and texts to enhance their reading capacity. This research explores the reading strategies applied by Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners and compares the reading abilities of male and female EFL students. The study interviewed three EFL students about the reading strategies they applied while reading passages and texts. Then an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) reading test was handed over to 26 randomly selected students. The study found that the reading strategies used by the students interviewed involved skimming, scanning, guessing the meaning from context, identifying the mean idea, and summarizing the body of the text in question. Moreover, the study revealed that both male and female students scored low in the IELTS tests that the researchers conducted. The average mean score they reached was 7.15 out of 20. However, even in the low scoring ratio, female students (M=7.69) outperformed male students (M= 6.62) and the difference between them remained significant, P=.000. The study recommends that the language instructors help EFL learners in developing their reading strategies and applying them every time they read any text.

Writing and Reading Skills in Children with Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes: Systematic Review

AbstractIn this study, we present the results from a systematic literature review that aimed to gather information about the writing and reading capacities of children with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes. This research comprises studies published between 2005 and 2016 in PubMed, Science Direct, and PsycInfo that included the keywords “benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes”/ “rolandic epilepsy” with “written language”/ “reading” / “writing” / “literacy”/ “learning disabilities.” The study selection criteria were: (i) conducted with children with this epileptic syndrome aged between 5:11 and 16; (ii) involving children with active epilepsy or in remission; (iii) assessing written language or learning skills involving reading and writing; and (iv) published in journals with scientific refereeing. From the articles that met all the criteria defined, we compiled and synthesized the information about written language abilities. Reading problems appear to have higher incidence in this population, mostly with regard to the speed and reading accuracy and the ability to comprehend a written text. Fewer limitations were found in writing skills, but some studies showed difficulties in words writing, punctuation/ accentuation, and spontaneous writing coherence and cohesion. We also found disparities in the results regarding the relationship between writing skills and the clinical variables associated with epilepsy. Despite the heterogeneity of this population, it was possible to synthesize and define more precisely the written language variations presented. However, more concrete information is needed about written language disorders in this population, to present valid data to support clinical and pedagogical practices.

Al-Ta'āzur bayna Taʿlīm Mahārat al-Qirā'ah ladá Ṭullāb Madrasah Bayt al-Hudá al-Ibtidā'īyah wa-Taʿlīm Qirā'ah wa-Kitābah al-Qur'ān al-Karīm

One of Baitul Huda Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (elementary school) missions was to instill the habit of Qur'an reading. Thus, daily Qur'an reading activities were implemented in the school. Students who have not been able to read the Qur'an or are older than 12 years old must join the Qur'an reading - writing (BTQ) activity which uses Yanbua method. The purpose of this research is to characterize fifth-grade students' Arabic reading abilities acquired in conjunction with BTQ activities at Baitul Huda elementary school. It was expected that students who followed Yanbua method would improve their Arabic reading abilities, especially reading aloud skill. This research shows that Baitul Huda elementary school employed online and face-to-face Arabic learning methods since the COVID-19 epidemic. In addition, while the fifth graders have an excellent Arabic reading capacity, a few students read Arabic texts with a bit of stutter. Finally, the results of reading skills tests that correlate with BTQ learning indicated that 89.2 percent of students passed and 10.8 percent did not meet the minimal score, indicating that the proportion of BTQ learning positively affects students' Arabic reading ability.

A Mixed Method Study on Improving Reading Speed and Reading Comprehension Levels of Gifted Students

Gifted students have a reading capacity above their level. The aim of this study is to improve the reading speed and reading comprehension levels of gifted students through training in speed reading techniques. In the study, in which a total of 100 participants from the 4th, 5th and 6th grades attending the Science and Art Center took part, 28 hours of training in speed reading techniques were given to the students. The study was carried out according to a nested mixed methods design, which is one of the mixed research methods. While the quantitative data of the study were collected according to the pretest-posttest model without a control group, the qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with the students in the study. At the beginning of the study, the students’ initial reading speeds were taken through a narrative and an informative text, and then these students were given 28 hours of speed reading techniques training. At the end of the studies, the students' post-reading speeds were taken and the difference between the pre-tests and the post-tests was compared using the SPSS 21 program. At the same time, semi-structured interviews were conducted with each student who took part in the study during the 28-hour training period, according to the planning made. In the studies carried out, it was concluded that the education in speed reading techniques increased the reading speed and reading comprehension levels of the gifted students, that the students developed a positive attitude towards reading and made an important step in gaining reading habits, and that the studies carried out would be beneficial in terms of increasing the academic success of the students.