Ability Test Research Articles

Growth Inhibition of Botrytis cinerea Fungus on Strawberry (Fragaria sp.) Using Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix) Leaf Essential Oil Emulsion

Post-harvest damage is caused by biological factors such as the attack of Botrytis cinerea pathogenic fungi. causes gray mold rot disease to be a source of problems in strawberry production. This study aims to determine the potential of kaffir lime leaf essential oil emulsion as an antifungal against Botrytis cinerea. The fungus was isolated from strawberry fruit samples that showed symptoms of gray mold disease. Fungal isolation was carried out through the direct planting method and antifungal inhibitory ability test by food poisoned method with potato extract agar media. This experiment used a completely randomized design consisting of 6 treatments with 5 repetitions. The results showed that kaffir lime leaf essential oil emulsion contains secondary metabolites that can inhibit 100% of the growth of Botrytis cinerea pathogenic fungal colonies. Essential oil concentrations of 0.10%, 0.15%, and 0.20% had a significant effect on the growth of Botrytis cinerea pathogenic fungi.

Cognitive and everyday functioning after bacterial brain abscess: a prospective study of functional recovery from 8 weeks to 1 year post-treatment

ABSTRACT Objective A bacterial brain abscess may damage surrounding brain tissue by mass effect, inflammatory processes, and bacterial toxins. The aim of this study was to examine cognitive and functional outcomes at 8 weeks and 1 year following acute treatment. Methods Prospective study of 20 patients with bacterial brain abscess (aged 17–73 years; 45% females) with neuropsychological assessment at 8 weeks and 1 year post-treatment. Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) and Patient Competence Rating Scale (PCRS) were used to assess everyday functioning and administered to patients and informants. Results Cognitive impairment was found in 30% of patients at 8 weeks and 22% at 1 year. Significant improvements were seen on tests of perceptual reasoning, attention, verbal fluency, and motor abilities (p < 0.05). At 1 year, 45% had returned to full-time employment. Nevertheless, patients and their informants obtained scores within the normal range on measures of everyday functioning (PCRS and BRIEF-A) at 8 weeks and 1 year. No significant improvements on these measures emerged over time. Conclusion Residual long-term cognitive impairment and diminished work ability affected 22% and 45% of patients one year after BA. Persistent cognitive impairment emphasizes the importance of prompt acute treatment and cognitive rehabilitation.

Changes in masticatory performance and bite force after treatment with mandibular overdentures retained by four titanium-zirconium mini implants: One-year randomised clinical trial.

This prospective study is part of a randomised clinical trial and reports the changes in masticatory performance (MP) and bite force, and explores their influential factors, 1 year after the provision of mandibular overdentures retained by four titanium-zirconium mini implants. Edentulous patients received conventional complete dentures, followed by placement of four mini implants (Straumann® Mini Implant System) in the anterior mandible and converting the conventional prosthesis into a mandibular overdenture. Treatment protocols were randomised using a 2×2 factorial design combining different surgical (flapped vs. flapless) and loading (immediate vs. delayed) protocols. MP was assessed using a two-colour mixing ability test and a colorimetric analysis to measure the level of colour mixing (Variance of Hue-VoH). Maximum voluntary bite force (MBF) was measured by a digital gnathodynamometer in the posterior and anterior regions. Sex, age, surgical and loading protocols and ridge morphology were tested as independent variables. MP and MBF tests were performed at baseline (pre-treatment) and the 3-, 6- and 12-month after implant loading. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and linear mixed-effect model (LMM) regression were used for data analysis. Seventy-four participants were assessed and 73 completed the 1-year follow-up. Statistically significant improvements in functional parameters were observed in all follow-up periods compared to baseline (p < .001). The flapless protocol was associated with higher improvement in MP at the 3-month follow-up (p = .004), while less resorbed ridges were associated with better MP (p = .038) and higher MBF (p < .001). The mandibular overdenture protocol using four titanium-zirconium mini implants was effective in improving MP and MBF of edentulous patients, compared to pre-treatment values. The findings also suggest that improvements in chewing function and bite force are impacted by clinical factors since better outcomes were observed for flapless surgeries and less resorbed edentulous ridges. ClinicalTrials.Gov ID NCT04760457.

DEVELOPMENT OF INITIAL ABILITY TEST INSTRUMENT BASED ON SCIENCE GENERIC SKILLS

This study aims to develop an initial ability test instrument based on science generic skills in the form of a scholastic test and develop a final chemistry evaluation test instrument in the topic of thermochemistry as well as find out the validity of the content and construction validity of the instrument. Research and development research, with a 4D development model consisting of 4 main stages, namely: Define, Design, Develop and Disseminate, due to time constraints this research was only up to develop. The results of the content validity test by experts obtained an average percentage of material aspects, namely 87.08%, construction aspects, namely 90.41%, language aspects, 92.5% and additional rules, 96.67%, so the question instrument is suitable for use. Based on the construction validation test data, it was found that of the 20 questions on the scholastic potential test tested, there were 19 questions that were valid and considered appropriate, while 1 other item was invalid, while of the 20 questions on the chemistry test tested, there were 17 questions that were valid and considered feasible, leaving 3 questions other invalid. For further research, it is hoped that this instrument can be implemented.

Students' Ontogenic and Epistemological Obstacles on the Topic of Pyramid Volume

The concept of pyramid volume has been studied at the starting of the elementary school (SD) level and studied more deeply in junior high school (SMP). However, many students make mistakes in solving problems related to the volume of pyramids. This study aims to identify the ontogenic and epistemological obstacles of students in understanding the concept of pyramid volume. This is a qualitative research using a Didactical Design Research (DDR). Sixteen students of grade IX in Bandung who had studied the concept of pyramid volume participated in the study. Data were obtained by analyzing respondents’ ability tests and interviews to solve problems related to the volume of pyramids. Characteristics of ontogenic and epistemological obstacles were found in students’ knowledge in solving problems related to the concept of pyramid volume. The results showed that students experienced several ontogenic and epistemological obstacles which resulted in errors in problem-solving. Keywords: epistemological obstacles, pyramid volume, students’ ontogenic

Learning Using Edmodo Based On The Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) Method

This research was motivated by technological developments in the world of education, particularly the increasingly rapid e-learning as one of the media supporting learning. The STEAM approach to learning can improve critical thinking, creative and collaboration skills with good communication. This is very necessary to face the challenges of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. Therefore, this study aimed to assess student response to the learning of the immune system using Edmodo based on the STEAM approach. The study used the Pre Experiment Method with a one-group pretest post-test research design. Data was collected through observations and tests. The instruments used were observation sheets, creative thinking ability tests, validation sheets and questionnaires. This study discovered an increase in students’ creative thinking skills with pretest results of 80.00 and posttest of 97.14. The results of hypothesis testing showed that Asymp Sig. &lt; Sig. 0.05 was 0.002 &lt; 0.05, as such, H0 was rejected, and H1 was accepted, showing a significant increase between the pretest and post-test. In addition, the average value of n-gain was 0.71 in the high category. Student responses to the media and learning approaches were positive, with a percentage of 86.97% in the very good category. Keywords: learning, edmodo, STEAM

Cognitive Flexibility: Exploring Students' Critical Thinking Skills in Solving Mathematical Problems

Cognitive flexibility is an individual’s ability to think, and critical thinking skills in the 21st century are needed by students. This study aims to obtain a substantive theory (conjecture) that is associated with students’ critical thinking skills in solving mathematical problems. This type of research is qualitative with Grounded Theory (GT) systematic design procedures. Because the design of this research is GT, therefore, the data analysis was carried out in three stages, namely: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding with the help of NVivo 12 plus software. The participants involved were 30 students. The research guideline was in the form of a critical thinking ability test and semi-structured interview. In-depth interviews were conducted based on the results of the ability to think critically until the data was saturated. Data saturation occurred in the 5th interview. To test the reliability of critical thinking skills, categories and subcategories were carried out by two coders with a Cohen kappa value of 0.65, so that the coding was made reliable. The results obtained were hypothetical: if participants can think critically, then participants can solve problems, can provide arguments, can interpret algebraic derivative application functions, and can develop problem-solving strategies in critical thinking. Keywords: critical thinking skills, cognitive flexibility, solving mathematical problems

Parental Rearing and Conflict Resolution among College Freshmen Students

The initial foray into college life is a significant stress test of a young adult's ability to resolve conflicts, which is a critical life skill that impacts all facets of their burgeoning independence. As they confront these challenges, the legacy of their parental rearing becomes a potent influence on their capacity to manage conflicts. Moreover, the way students handle disputes and stressors can shape their entire college experience, with ineffective conflict resolution strategies being linked to a host of adjustment difficulties. Despite the central role of conflict resolution in student development, there remains a gap in understanding the precise mechanisms through which parental rearing styles imprint these skills. Addressing this gap is not merely of academic interest but carries substantial practical implications. It is crucial to delve into the intricacies of how early family dynamics shape conflict resolution strategies in college freshmen.

Mathematical Problem Solving Through Mobile Learning Development Based on Assemblr Edu

Assemblr EDU based on mobile learning as a learning resource can be accessed anytime and anywhere. However, the utilization of these learning resources has not been optimal, so it has an impact on the quality of mathematical problem–solving abilities that need to be improved. The purpose of this research is the development of teaching materials through mobile learning based on EDU Assemblr. The method used is the development of the ADDIE model. Collecting data through observation techniques, interviews, studies from linguists, media design experts, content experts, tests, and questionnaires. The implementation phase of the trial has been carried out on students of class XI MIPA 7 State Senior High School in Bandung, Indonesia. In data analysis, the problem–solving ability test was analyzed quantitatively, and the questionnaire was analyzed qualitatively. The development of mobile learning based on Assemblr EDU received proper criteria from experts. The level of effectiveness and practicality of teaching material products is categorized as sufficient, so that it gets a good attitude from teachers and students. The development of mobile learning based on EDU assemblr as a learning resource facilitates the process of concept construction, interaction, and reflection so that there is an increase in students’ mathematical problem-solving abilities. Keywords: mathematical, problem solving, mobile learning, assemblr edu

The Effect of STEM Approach in Problem-based Learning for Increasing Students' Problem-solving Ability in the Topic of Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution is a manifestation of the interaction between living things and their environment. However, students still have low problem-solving ability (PSA) in this topic. Meanwhile, STEM approach implementation in problem-based learning (PBL-STEM) to grow students’ PSA is still rarely used. This study aims to improve students’ PSA by implementing STEM approach in PBL on the environmental pollution topic. This quasi-experimental research uses a pre- and post-test design. This study was done on a group of 64 7th grade students, who were equally divided into experimental class (PBL-STEM) and comparison class (PBL) In completing the worksheet during learning, the experimental class students were required to be more active in terms of thinking, than the comparison class students. This study uses the environmental pollution problem-solving ability test instrument, which consists of 13 essay items with a Cronbach alpha reliability of 0.785. Pre- and post-test data were analyzed using independent t-test, N-gain, and d-effect size. The results showed that students who studied through PBL with the STEM approach had significantly better PSA than students who studied through PBL. Also, students in the experimental class had a larger N-gain increase compared to the comparison class, both in total topics and subtopics of environmental pollution. Even in the subtopic of noise pollution, the PSA of the subjects in experimental class improved one level higher than the subjects in comparison class. Both classes had the same increase in succession from large to small, namely, water, soil, air, and noise pollution. The practical implementation of the research resulted in a d-effect of 0.782 medium category. Therefore, the STEM approach in PBL affects increasing students’ PSA on the topic of environmental pollution. In future research, it is recommended to add “Religious” and “Art” aspects of STEM, and be equipped with formative assessment in the whole learning process. Keywords: STEM approach, problem-based learning, problem-solving ability, environmental pollution

Analysis of Students' Mathematical Connection Ability in Solving Task of Function

This study aims to analyze the student’s mathematical connection ability in topic of function, by using a descriptive qualitative analysis. Twenty-five students of grade 10 from one of the favorite schools in Sukabumi, West Java participated in the study. Data were collected by conducting instruments mathematical connection ability test and a short interview. The result showed that students’ mathematical connections were still in the low category with an average score of 43. Recommendations for future research are suggested, especially in improving students’ ability in mathematical connection by applying learning methods that will enhance their skills. Keywords: function, mathematical connection ability, solving task

Identification of Rare Wildlife in the Field Environment Based on the Improved YOLOv5 Model

Research on wildlife monitoring methods is a crucial tool for the conservation of rare wildlife in China. However, the fact that rare wildlife monitoring images in field scenes are easily affected by complex scene information, poorly illuminated, obscured, and blurred limits their use. This often results in unstable recognition and low accuracy levels. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel wildlife identification model for rare animals in Giant Panda National Park (GPNP). We redesigned the C3 module of YOLOv5 using NAMAttention and the MemoryEfficientMish activation function to decrease the weight of field scene features. Additionally, we integrated the WIoU boundary loss function to mitigate the influence of low-quality images during training, resulting in the development of the NMW-YOLOv5 model. Our model achieved 97.3% for mAP50 and 83.3% for mAP50:95 in the LoTE-Animal dataset. When comparing the model with some classical YOLO models for the purpose of conducting comparison experiments, it surpasses the current best-performing model by 1.6% for mAP50:95, showcasing a high level of recognition accuracy. In the generalization ability test, the model has a low error rate for most rare wildlife species and is generally able to identify wildlife in the wild environment of the GPNP with greater accuracy. It has been demonstrated that NMW-YOLOv5 significantly enhances wildlife recognition accuracy in field environments by eliminating irrelevant features and extracting deep, effective features. Furthermore, it exhibits strong detection and recognition capabilities for rare wildlife in GPNP field environments. This could offer a new and effective tool for rare wildlife monitoring in GPNP.

Mathematical Connections Through Brain-Based Learning with Geogebra Assistance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became a challenge for the world of education, all exposure to the implementation of learning was carried out online, however, adjusting the learning process required the readiness of students and teachers in the field of technological literacy. The purpose of writing this paper is: to analyse the ability of mathematical connections between students who carry out GeoGebra-assisted brain-based learning and conventional learning, viewed by gender. The research method used was a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group. The sample consisted of an experimental class and a control class which were not selected randomly but were selected homogeneously. The implementation was carried out at one of the state middle schools in Bandung, Indonesia. Class VIII-C consists of 30 students as an experimental class carrying out GeoGebra-assisted brain-based learning and class VIII-F consists of 28 students as a conventional class. The instrument used is a mathematical connection ability test. Data analysis using two-way ANOVA. Research results: There is a difference in the achievement of increasing the ability of mathematical connections between students in the experimental class and the conventional class. There is no difference in the achievement of increasing the ability to relate mathematics based on gender (male, female). The brain-based learning approach with the help of GeoGebra facilitates the process of construction, interaction, reflection, and easy-to-understand material, so as to improve students’ mathematical connection abilities. Keywords: Mathematical Connections, Brain-Based Learning, Geogebra Assistance

The underlying neuropsychological and neural correlates of the impaired Chinese reading skills in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Impaired basic academic skills (e.g., word recognition) are common in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The underlying neuropsychological and neural correlates of impaired Chinese reading skills in children with ADHD have not been substantially explored. Three hundred and two children with ADHD (all medication-naïve) and 105 healthy controls underwent the Chinese language skill assessment, and 175 also underwent fMRI scans (84 ADHD and 91 controls). Between-group and mediation analyses were applied to explore the interrelationships of the diagnosis of ADHD, cognitive dysfunction, and impaired reading skills. Five ADHD-related brain functional networks, including the default mode network (DMN) and the dorsal attention network (DAN), were built using predefined regions of interest. Voxel-based group-wise comparisons were performed. The ADHD group performed worse than the control group in word-level reading ability tests, with lower scores in Chinese character recognition (CR) and word chains (WS) (all P < 0.05). With full-scale IQ and sustained attention in the mediation model, the direct effect of ADHD status on the CR score became insignificant (P = 0.066). The underlying neural correlates for the orthographic knowledge (OT) and CR differed between the ADHD and the control group. The ADHD group tended to recruit more DMN regions to maintain their reading performance, while the control group seemed to utilize more DAN regions. Children with ADHD generally presented impaired word-level reading skills, which might be caused by impaired sustained attention and lower IQ. According to the brain functional results, we infer that ADHD children might utilize a different strategy to maintain their orthographic knowledge and character recognition performance.

Study on the thermal characteristics and heat-insulation ability of gel-stabilized foam used for preventing the spontaneous combustion of coal

Gel-stabilized foam serves a critical role in preventing spontaneous combustion of coal by impeding heat transfer from the coal-fire area to adjacent safe areas. To elucidate the thermal characteristics of gel-stabilized foam, the microstructure and heat-transfer characteristics were investigated. The results revealed that gel-stabilized foam was an accumulation system of many stable and closed bubbles, and there was a layer of gel structure on the bubble surface. This gel layer endows the bubbles with exceptional heat-insulation capability by effectively encapsulating air. To further analyze the relationship of heat-transfer characteristics and foam structure parameters, a theoretical thermal-conductivity model was established to revel the thermal characteristics of gel-stabilized foam. Moreover, the experimental tests were conducted to verify the accuracy of theoretical model, and found that the fitting errors were around 8 %, affirming the model's suitability for gel-stabilized foam. Notably, the theoretical model demonstrated that foam's thermal-conductivity was only monotonically related to foam expansion ratios in theory. In addition, the heat-insulation experiments indicated that the heat-transfer rate of foam depended not only on the thermal-conductivity but also on the foam's stability, both of which were affected by the expansion ratio. Hence, the effective heat-insulation time (EHT) was proposed to assess gel-stabilized foam's heat-insulation characteristics. The heat-insulation ability tests results showed that EHT values initially increased and then decreased with rising foam expansion ratios, primarily influenced by the volume of air encapsulated within the foam. Particularly noteworthy were the test results indicating that gel-stabilized foam with an expansion ratio of 10 times and a stacking thickness of at least 15 cm exhibited excellent heat-insulation capability against heat transfer from the spontaneous combustion zones. The research may provide a theoretical foundation and offer guidance for the prospective utilization of gel-stabilized foam in coal mines.

Repeated sprint training in hypoxia induces specific skeletal muscle adaptations through S100A protein signaling.

Athletes increasingly engage in repeated sprint training consisting in repeated short all-out efforts interspersed by short recoveries. When performed in hypoxia (RSH), it may lead to greater training effects than in normoxia (RSN); however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed at elucidating the effects of RSH on skeletal muscle metabolic adaptations as compared to RSN. Sixteen healthy young men performed nine repeated sprint training sessions in either normoxia (FIO2 = 0.209, RSN, n = 7) or normobaric hypoxia (FIO2 = 0.136, RSH, n = 9). Before and after the training period, exercise performance was assessed by using repeated sprint ability (RSA) and Wingate tests. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were performed to investigate muscle metabolic adaptations using proteomics combined with western blot analysis. Similar improvements were observed in RSA and Wingate tests in both RSN and RSH groups. At the muscle level, RSN and RSH reduced oxidative phosphorylation protein content but triggered an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis proteins. Proteomics showed an increase in several S100A family proteins in the RSH group, among which S100A13 most strongly. We confirmed a significant increase in S100A13 protein by western blot in RSH, which was associated with increased Akt phosphorylation and its downstream targets regulating protein synthesis. Altogether our data indicate that RSH may activate an S100A/Akt pathway to trigger specific adaptations as compared to RSN.

Effects of Adding WB-EMS to the Warm-Up on Football Players Power Performance Tests: a Crossover Study

Background: Football is an intermittent effort sport that demands high intensity power performance. To enhance this performance before training and competition, a short and intense warm-up is convenient. However, there is a gap between the performance reached in the warm-up and the performance needed during competition. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze if adding WB-EMS to the warm-up increases or not football players performance. Methods: Twelve semiprofessional football players randomly performed 2 FIFA11+ protocol warm-up sessions, one wearing a WB-EMS suit and one without it. Player´s body temperature, blood lactate, and jumping and sprint abilities were measured. Results: Thermography showed that skin temperature (Tsk) significantly decreased after both protocols, and only left popliteal Tsk was significantly lower after WB-EMS warm-up protocol compared to NO WB-EMS warm-up (p &lt; 0.05). Lactate was greater after No WB-EMS but not after WB-EMS warm-up. Sprint performance in 20 meters was significantly faster after WB-EMS compared to NO WB-EMS. No significant differences were found between trials in the rest of sprint and jumping abilities tests. Conclusions: Adding WB-EMS to the warm-up does not seem to increase body temperature, only left popliteal Tsk, and to improve acute sprint performance in semi-professional football players.

Development of Wordless Comic Media For Learning Speaking Class V Primary School Students

This research aims to develop wordless comic media as a speaking learning tool for fifth grade elementary school students. The development method used is Research and Development (R&amp;D) with stages including preliminary study, planning, development, testing, evaluation and revision. Evaluation is carried out through observation, interviews, and speaking ability tests before and after using comic media. Revisions are carried out based on evaluation results to improve and improve the quality of comic media. The research results show that the use of wordless comic media can increase students' interest in learning to speak. Students demonstrate increased ability to convey ideas, understand context, and communicate effectively. This comic media also helps students who have difficulty understanding written texts. In conclusion, the development of wordless comic media can be an effective alternative in teaching speaking in fifth grade elementary school. Support from the teacher is needed in implementing this media so that it can provide maximum benefits for the student learning process.

Development of Audio Visual Media for Learning Writing Poetry and Poetry for Class X High School Students

This research aims to develop learning media in the form of audio visuals that are effective in improving the ability to write poetry and rhymes in class X high school students. The research method used is the ADDIE model development method (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). The evaluation instruments used include writing ability tests, observations, and questionnaires. The results of this research show that the learning media is suitable for use in learning based on qualitative assessments by the validation team. Apart from that, the product being developed can also make learning easier for students in accordance with student responses that have been carried out in small group trials and field (class) trials. It is hoped that the research results can contribute to the development of innovative and technology-oriented learning methods, and can increase students' interest and ability in writing poetry and rhymes.

Constructing The Bridge of Understanding: The Role of Habit of Mind, Resilience, and Mathematical Self-Confidence in Solving HOTS Problems

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This study aims to analyze the influence of Habit of Mind, Mathematical Resilience, and Self-Confidence on the ability of fifth-grade students at SDN Gugus Gajah Mungkur, Gajah Mungkur District, Semarang City, to solve HOTS mathematics problems. Employing a quantitative approach with a correlational design, the research sample consists of 110 students, selected through proportional random sampling from a population of 136 students across five elementary schools within the Gajah Mungkur cluster. The research instruments include a mathematical reasoning ability test and a questionnaire to measure the independent variables. Data collection techniques involve tests and questionnaires, while data analysis employs descriptive analysis using Microsoft Excel 2016 and inferential analysis using statistical software such as SPSS. This includes conducting correlation tests, and regression tests, after verifying analysis requirements like normality, linearity, homoscedasticity, and autocorrelation. The results reveal a positive and significant relationship between Habit of Mind, Mathematical Resilience, and Self-Confidence, and the students' ability to solve HOTS Mathematics problems. Thus, this study highlights the importance of developing these three psychological aspects to enhance high-level mathematical problem-solving skills. Consequently, Habit of Mind, Mathematical Resilience, and Self-Confidence significantly contribute to improving students' abilities in solving HOTS Mathematics problems.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;