Search Results (19)

Cognitive tests measure psychological constructs that predict the development of academic skills. Research on cognitive–reading achievement relations has primarily been completed with single-test batteries and samples, resulting in inconsistencies across studies. The current study developed a consensus model of cognitive–reading achievement relations using meta-structural equation modeling (meta-SEM) through a cross-sectional analysis of subtest correlations from English-language norm-referenced tests. The full dataset used for this study included 49,959 correlations across 599 distinct correlation matrices. These included correlations among 1112 subtests extracted from 137 different cognitive and achievement test batteries. The meta-SEM approach allowed for increased sampling of cognitive and academic reading skills measured by various test batteries to better inform the validity of construct relations. The findings were generally consistent with previous research, suggesting that cognitive abilities are important predictors of reading skills and generalize across different test batteries and samples. The findings are also consistent with integrated cognitive–reading models and have implications for assessment and intervention frameworks. Full article

Historical cross-sectional approaches examining cognitive aging consistently reveal a pattern of steady decline on nonverbal problem-solving, speeded tasks, and maintenance on verbal tasks. However, as measures developed and broadened the factor structure to align with Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) theory, and age ranges were extended from 75 to 90 years, a more nuanced approach to cognitive aging emerged. The present study, using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition (WAIS-5), examined the cognitive aging process through a cross-sectional approach. WAIS-5 normative sample data (aligned with the 2022 U.S. census) were obtained from the test publisher. The sample included adult participants aged 20–24 through 85–90 (n = 1660), which were mapped into 11 age groups. Using post-stratification weighting to control for educational attainment, cognitive decline was observed throughout aging; verbal skills were maintained longer than other abilities, while processing speed declined steadily and rapidly from young adulthood to old age. Working memory was vulnerable to the aging process but demonstrated slower patterns of decline than the other vulnerable abilities. Fluid reasoning and visual spatial skills (although aligning with separate CHC broad abilities theoretically) were strikingly similar in their pattern of decline across a person’s lifespan. Results are highly consistent with the large body of cross-sectional research conducted during the previous generation by Salthouse and his colleagues, as well as other teams of researchers. Full article

Several studies have indicated that parental education predicts children’s intelligence. In contrast, fewer studies have simultaneously analyzed the role of parental intelligence, education, and personality in shaping their children’s giftedness. This study investigated the effects of parental education, cognitive abilities (based on CHC theory), and personality traits (based on the Five-Factor Model) on the expression of gifted children’s cognitive abilities. Sixty-five gifted children (IQ ≥ 120) aged 6 to 14 years (M = 9.91 years; SD = 2.24 years) were assessed using the WISC-IV, while parents (65 mothers, M = 44.00 years; SD = 4.20 years, and 61 fathers, M = 45.70 years; SD = 5.40 years) completed the WAIS-IV and the Big-Five Inventory. The results indicated that maternal education was a key predictor of children’s Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) in bivariate analyses, though its effect was not robust in multivariate models. Children’s Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) was associated with maternal conscientiousness, and fathers’ short-term memory (Gsm) emerged as the primary predictor of children’s Working Memory Index (WMI). Maternal processing speed (Gs) was the strongest predictor of children’s Processing Speed Index (PSI) across both bivariate and multivariate analyses. While personality traits, such as maternal conscientiousness, played a role in facilitating visual-spatial reasoning, their effects were weaker compared to cognitive and educational factors. The findings obtained, which are only partly consistent with data in the literature, highlight the domain-specific influence of parental characteristics on children’s giftedness and underscore the need for further research into the interplay of genetic, cognitive, and environmental factors. Full article

Since the proposal of the brainstem axis theory, increasing research attention has been paid to the interactions between bacterial amyloids produced by intestinal flora and the amyloid β−protein (Aβ) related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and it has been considered as the possible cause of AD. Therefore, phenol−soluble modulin (PSM) α3, the most virulent protein secreted by Staphylococcus aureus, has attracted much attention. In this work, the effect of PSMα3 with a unique cross−α fibril architecture on the aggregation of pathogenic Aβ₄₀ of AD was studied by extensive biophysical characterizations. The results proposed that the PSMα3 monomer inhibited the aggregation of Aβ₄₀ in a concentration−dependent manner and changed the aggregation pathway to form granular aggregates. However, PSMα3 oligomers promoted the generation of the β−sheet structure, thus shortening the lag phase of Aβ₄₀ aggregation. Moreover, the higher the cross−α content of PSMα3, the stronger the effect of the promotion, indicating that the cross−α structure of PSMα3 plays a crucial role in the aggregation of Aβ₄₀. Further molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have shown that the Met1−Gly20 region in the PSMα3 monomer can be combined with the Asp1−Ala2 and His13−Val36 regions in the Aβ₄₀ monomer by hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, which prevents the conformational conversion of Aβ₄₀ from the α−helix to β−sheet structure. By contrast, PSMα3 oligomers mainly combined with the central hydrophobic core (CHC) and the C−terminal region of the Aβ₄₀ monomer by weak H−bonding and hydrophobic interactions, which could not inhibit the transition to the β−sheet structure in the aggregation pathway. Thus, the research has unraveled molecular interactions between Aβ₄₀ and PSMα3 of different structures and provided a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between bacterial amyloids and AD−related pathogenic Aβ. Full article

Two Na(I) coordination polymers, namely, {Na(BA)₂(μ-H₂O)₂}_n{adp}_n (1) and {[Na₂(μ-BA)(μ-fum)(μ-H₂O)₄](BA)}_n (2) (where, BA = boric acid, adp = adipic acid, fum = fumarate),were prepared and characterized using elemental analysis, TGA, FT-IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Various unconventional supramolecular interactions, i.e., CH∙∙∙HC and parallel CO∙∙∙CO interactions, stabilize the layered assembly of compound 1. Interesting dual enclathration of BA molecules within the supramolecular host cavities formed by O-H∙∙∙O and C-H∙∙∙C interactions stabilizes the crystal structure of compound 2. The H-bonding interactions in 1 and 2 were further studied theoretically using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and the noncovalent interaction plot (NCI Plot) computational tools. The energy of the H-bonds was estimated using the potential energy density at the bond critical points. Theoretical calculations confirmed the presence of O-H∙∙∙O H-bonding interactions in both compounds, forming structure-guiding $R_2^2\left(8\right)$ synthons relevant for the stability of the compounds. Full article

Amphotericin B (AmB) is an antibiotic with a wide spectrum of action and low multidrug resistance, although it exhibits self-aggregation, low specificity, and solubility in aqueous media. An alternative for its oral administration is its encapsulation in polymers modified with bioconjugates. The aim of the present computational research is to determine the affinity between AmB and six bioconjugates to define which one could be more suitable. The CAM-B3LYP-D3/6-31+G(d,p) method was used for all computational calculations. The dimerization enthalpy of the most stable and abundant systems at pH = 7 allows obtaining this affinity order: AmB_1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphorylethanolamine (DSPE) > AmB_γ-cyclodextrin > AmB_DSPEc > AmB_retinol > AmB_cholesterol > AmB_dodecanol, where DSPEc is a DSPE analog. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules, the non-covalent interactions index, and natural bond orbital analysis revealed the highest abundance of noncovalent interactions for AmB-DSPE (51), about twice the number of interactions of the other dimers. Depending on the interactions’ strength and abundance of the AmB-DSPE dimer, these are classified as strong: O-H---O (2), N-H---O (3) and weak: C-H---O (25), H---H (18), C-H---C (3). Although the C-H---O hydrogen bond is weak, the number of interactions involved in all dimers cannot be underestimated. Thus, non-covalent interactions drive the stabilization of copolymers, and from our analysis, the most promising candidates for encapsulating are DSPE and γ-cyclodextrin. Full article

The contribution of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to economic prosperity and expansion is widely acknowledged worldwide. However, the empirical evidence in the literature on enhancing sustainable performance in manufacturing industries, specifically SMEs in developing countries living under constant unstable economic and political environments such as Palestine, is still insufficient. Referring to the theory of Triple Bottom Line (TBL), Contingency Theory (CT), Natural Resource Based View (NRBV) and the relevant literature on sustainable performance in business firms, this study aims to explore the effect of competent human capital (CHC), strategic flexibility (SF) and turbulent environment (TE) on the sustainable performance (SP) of SMEs industries in the context of Palestine. Based on 380 random samples in manufacturing SME industries in the country, 245 useful questionnaires were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling for analysis by the Smart PLS 4.0 software. The findings indicate that several enablers could improve the performance of SMEs in Palestinian industries in terms of sustainability. One of these aspects is adopting a supportive governmental policy to strengthen the sustainability concept in the industrial sector and encouraging industries to move toward circularity and greening their operations. Nevertheless, SMEs need to implement proper managerial tools at the firm’s level that enhance sustainable performance, including investment in competent human capital, developing flexible strategies and proper analysis of the surrounding turbulent environment, since all of these will positively impact and improve the sustainable performance of those SMEs. The contribution of this study to the literature develops current knowledge of sustainable performance in SMEs in manufacturing industries, specifically in countries that suffer from political and economic turbulence, by providing a conceptual framework focusing on managerial and business aspects that contributes to achieving desired sustainable performance. Consequently, the study’s findings also show how CHC, SF and TE are essential managerial tools for organizations and SMEs operating in an extremely competitive and turbulent market. Full article

Carroll’s treatise on the structure of human cognitive abilities is a milestone in psychometric intelligence research. Thirty years later, Carroll’s work continues to influence research on intelligence theories and the development and interpretation of intelligence tests. A historical review of the relations between the 3S and CHC theories necessitates the recommendation that the theories of Cattell, Horn, and Carroll be reframed as a family of obliquely correlated CHC theories—not a single CHC theory. Next, a previously unpublished Carroll exploratory factor analysis of 46 cognitive and achievement tests is presented. A complimentary bifactor analysis is presented that reinforces Carroll’s conclusion that his 3S model more accurately represents the structure of human intelligence than two prominent alternative models. Finally, a Carroll-recommended higher-stratum psychometric network analysis (PNA) of CHC cognitive, reading, and math variables is presented. The PNA results demonstrate how PNA can complement factor analysis and serve as a framework for identifying and empirically evaluating cognitive–achievement causal relations and mechanisms (e.g., developmental cascade and investment theories), with an eye toward improved cognitive–achievement intervention research. It is believed that Carroll, given his long-standing interest in school learning, would welcome the integration of theory-driven factor and PNA research. Full article

For over a century, the structure of intelligence has been dominated by factor analytic methods that presume tests are indicators of latent entities (e.g., general intelligence or g). Recently, psychometric network methods and theories (e.g., process overlap theory; dynamic mutualism) have provided alternatives to g-centric factor models. However, few studies have investigated contemporary cognitive measures using network methods. We apply a Gaussian graphical network model to the age 9–19 standardization sample of the Woodcock–Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability—Fourth Edition. Results support the primary broad abilities from the Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) theory and suggest that the working memory–attentional control complex may be central to understanding a CHC network model of intelligence. Supplementary multidimensional scaling analyses indicate the existence of possible higher-order dimensions (PPIK; triadic theory; System I-II cognitive processing) as well as separate learning and retrieval aspects of long-term memory. Overall, the network approach offers a viable alternative to factor models with a g-centric bias (i.e., bifactor models) that have led to erroneous conclusions regarding the utility of broad CHC scores in test interpretation beyond the full-scale IQ, g. Full article

This study aims to investigate the core cognitive factors that affect reading and math performance of children of the grades 1–6 in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, as well as the differences between children with dyslexia and mathematical disabilities (MD). Therefore, this study mainly evaluated the Cattell Horn Carroll (CHC) cognitive factors for 427 Chinese children and explored the core cognitive factors that affect Chinese children’s reading and math performance. Students with dyslexia (n = 34), students with mathematics learning disabilities (n = 34), and 34 normal children were randomly selected as the control group. In order to explore the differences in cognitive development, we analyzed the differences among the three groups (Dyslexia, mathematical learning disabilities (MD), and normal children). The results revealed the following: (1) almost all cognitive ability factors in this study are significantly related to students’ reading and mathematical achievements. (2) the core cognitive factors for predicting Chinese dyslexia students are crystallized intelligence, auditory processing and working memory. Executive function, spatial relationship and working memory are the core cognitive factors to predict Chinese children’s mathematical achievements. (3) in addition, there are differences in cognitive deficits between disabled Chinese children in reading and math, among which those with reading deficits have extensive auditory processing deficits; while children with mathematic deficits have worse executive function. Recommendations were made based on these findings. Full article

We decided to develop a short-form of the CHC-SUN/YHC-SUN, a questionnaire aiming at assessing health care satisfaction of children and adolescents with chronic health conditions. Data analysis was based on samples from three different studies. Item selection involved statistical analysis and expert consensus. For independent validation purposes, we calculated descriptive statistics on single-item and composite-scale levels and applied classic test theory, confirmatory factor analyses, and correlation analysis to investigate the psychometric properties of the final short-form by different types of reliability and validity. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha) reached values of a = 0.89 (self-report) and a = 0.92 (parents report), split-half reliability values reached 0.85 (self-report) and 0.91 (parents report). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated no sufficient fit for the single factor solution, whereas the solution with three factors and one higher order factor indicated the best overall fit amongst three competing models. Validity of the short-form measure can be assumed, e.g., as indicated by its association with a single-item measure on general health care satisfaction. The short-form measures of the CHC-SUN for parents (CHC-SUN-SF) and the YHC-SUN self-report version for adolescents (YHC-SUN-SF) feature excellent psychometric performances, provide economical assessments, and are easy-to-administer questionnaires. They should be used whenever brief measures are needed for economic reasons. Full article

U. S. Supreme Court justices and other federal judges are, effectively, appointed for life, with no built-in check on their cognitive functioning as they approach old age. There is about a century of research on aging and intelligence that shows the vulnerability of processing speed, fluid reasoning, visual-spatial processing, and working memory to normal aging for men and women at all levels of education; even the maintained ability of crystallized knowledge declines in old age. The vulnerable abilities impact a person’s decision-making and problem solving; crystallized knowledge, by contrast, measures a person’s general knowledge. The aging-IQ data provide a rationale for assessing the key cognitive abilities of anyone who is appointed to the federal judiciary. Theories of multiple cognitive abilities and processes, most notably the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model, provide a well-researched blueprint for interpreting the plethora of findings from studies of IQ and aging. Sophisticated technical advances in test construction, especially in item-response theory and computerized-adaptive testing, allow for the development of reliable and valid theory-based tests of cognitive functioning. Such assessments promise to be a potentially useful tool for evaluating federal judges to assess the impact of aging on their ability to perform at a level their positions deserve, perhaps to measure their competency to serve the public intelligently. It is proposed that public funding be made available to appoint a panel of experts to develop and validate an array of computerized cognitive tests to identify those justices who are at risk of cognitive impairment. Full article

The Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJ IV COG) is a comprehensive assessment battery designed to assess broad and narrow cognitive abilities, as defined by the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory of intelligence. Previous studies examined the invariance of the WJ assessments across sex and age groups using factor analytic methods. Psychometric network modeling is an alternative methodology that can address both direct and indirect relationships among the observed variables. In this study, we employed psychometric network modeling to examine the invariance of the WJ IV COG across sex and age groups. Using a normative sample (n = 4212 participants) representative of the United States population, we tested the extent to which the factorial structure of the WJ IV COG aligned with CHC theory for the school-aged sample. Next, we used psychometric network modeling as a data-driven method to investigate whether the network structure of the WJ IV COG remains similar across different sex and age (age 6 to 19, inclusively) groups. Our results showed that the WJ IV COG maintained the same network structure across all age and sex groups, although the network structure at younger ages indicated weaker relationships among some subtests. Overall, the results provide construct validity evidence for the WJ IV COG, based on both theoretical and data-driven methods. Full article

Drawing upon multidimensional theories of intelligence, the current paper evaluates if the Geneva Emotional Competence Test (GECo) fits within a higher-order intelligence space and if emotional intelligence (EI) branches predict distinct criteria related to adjustment and motivation. Using a combination of classical and S-1 bifactor models, we find that (a) a first-order oblique and bifactor model provide excellent and comparably fitting representation of an EI structure with self-regulatory skills operating independent of general ability, (b) residualized EI abilities uniquely predict criteria over general cognitive ability as referenced by fluid intelligence, and (c) emotion recognition and regulation incrementally predict grade point average (GPA) and affective engagement in opposing directions, after controlling for fluid general ability and the Big Five personality traits. Results are qualified by psychometric analyses suggesting only emotion regulation has enough determinacy and reliable variance beyond a general ability factor to be treated as a manifest score in analyses and interpretation. Findings call for renewed, albeit tempered, research on EI as a multidimensional intelligence and highlight the need for refined assessment of emotional perception, understanding, and management to allow focused analyses of different EI abilities. Full article

The Community Health Club (CHC) model is a community-based health promotion program that utilizes water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) education as the first stage of a longitudinal development process. Although the CHC model has been implemented in fourteen countries over 20 years, this is the first review of the literature describing the model’s outcomes and impact. We conducted a review of the literature that provided quantitative or qualitative evidence of CHC interventions focused on WASH in low- and middle-income countries. We identified 25 articles that met our inclusion criteria. We found six major outcomes: WASH behaviors and knowledge, social capital, collective action, health, and cost or cost-effectiveness. The most consistent evidence was associated with WASH behaviors and knowledge, with significant effects on defecation practices, hand washing behaviors, and WASH knowledge. We also found qualitative evidence of impact on social capital and collective action. CHCs catalyze favorable changes in WASH behaviors and knowledge, yielding outcomes commensurate with other WASH promotion strategies. This review provides insights into the model’s theory of change, helping identify areas for further investigation. The CHC model’s holistic focus and emphasis on individual and collective change offer promising potential to address multiple health and development determinants. Full article