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Mathematics performance predicts cognitive and affective math anxiety through mutual mediation pathways from adolescence onward with potential working memory moderations
Abstract This research investigated the pathways from math performance to the cognitive (worried thoughts) and affective (emotional tension) dimensions of math anxiety (MA) in high-school and university students. Using the PLS-SEM method, we identified a consistent dual-pathway mediation structure across both groups: Math performance is associated with affective MA via cognitive MA, and with cognitive MA via affective MA. We also explored whether working memory (WM) subsystems, based on Baddeley’s model, moderate these links and found differences between these two successive academic cohorts. In high-school students, phonological loop (verbal) WM moderated the link from math to affective MA, with this effect being evident only for those with medium-to-low capacity. In contrast, for university students, a dual-pathway moderated-mediation structure was found: the pathway to cognitive MA was contingent upon medium-to-high capacity in visuospatial sketchpad (representing image and location) WM, whereas the pathway to affective MA was contingent upon medium-to-high capacity in both phonological and visuospatial WM. However, simpler mediation models without WM interactions consistently showed superior model fit. These findings support a stable interplay between the MA components across the sampled academic stages, emphasizing the explanatory and predictive primacy of these core mediation mechanisms during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.
Association of angiotensin converting enzyme type 2 serum level and gene polymorphisms with multiple sclerosis
The triple threat of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Entamoeba infections in Nigerian children
Stress-mediated multi-fault rupture dynamics of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake sequence, Türkiye
Influence of onset time on in-hospital outcomes in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage in China
Quantum-resilient cross-trust evaluation for zero trust 5G security
Turn-on quinoline probe for selective sensing of hypochlorite in live cells
Fixed-time formation behavior control for unmanned ground vehicle-manipulators
Development, psychometric validation, and correlates of the 15-item quality of life in epilepsy scale (QOLIE-15)
Abstract Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a central outcome in epilepsy care, but existing tools are either lengthy, too brief, or lack sensitivity to epilepsy-specific concerns. This study developed and validated the 15-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy Scale (QOLIE-15) and examined sociodemographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and psychosocial determinants of HRQoL. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients with epilepsy recruited from community pharmacies and a primary healthcare center. Participants completed the QOL assessment alongside established measures of medication adherence, adverse events, cognition, anxiety, and stigma. The dataset was randomly split for exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA). Reliability, convergent, concurrent, and criterion validity were assessed. Measurement invariance was tested across gender, seizure characteristics, and seizure control. Multivariable linear regression identified independent predictors of QOLIE-15 scores. The study included 649 patients. EFA supported a stable 5-factor structure, with sampling adequacy confirmed by KMO = 0.875 and Bartlett’s test ( P < 0.001). CFA demonstrated excellent fit (CFI = 0.978, TLI = 0.972, RMSEA = 0.041, SRMR = 0.034). Internal consistency was high (α = 0.906, ω = 0.929). The QOLIE-15 correlated strongly with QOLIE-31 ( r = 0.875) and showed excellent criterion validity, with a cut-off of 44.5 yielding sensitivity of 88.8% and specificity of 82.0%. Measurement invariance was established across key subgroups. In multivariable analysis, lower QOL was independently associated with uncontrolled seizures (B = − 1.53), adverse drug effects (B = − 0.10), stigma (B = − 0.38), cognitive complaints (B = − 0.28), anxiety (B = − 0.52), and higher household crowding (B = − 0.77). The QOLIE-15 is a valid, reliable, and practical instrument capturing epilepsy-specific HRQoL. It balances brevity with multidimensionality, and its invariance and robust psychometric properties support application in clinical practice and research. Independent determinants highlight the importance of addressing seizure control, treatment tolerability, stigma, cognition, and anxiety in epilepsy care.
Evolution of mesoscale force chains at the structural steel-coal rock interface and macro-scale mechanical response characteristics
Spatiotemporal patterns and typological differences in the development-protection nexus of resource-based cities in China
Sustainable dye removal from industrial wastewater using marine algae-derived biosorbents and MOF-based hybrid composites
Abstract This study presents a comparative investigation of marine algal biomasses (fresh and dried) and a zirconium-based metal–organic framework (UiO-66-NH₂) for the removal of reactive dyes from industrial wastewater. Three widely used textile dyes Reactive Yellow 2 (RY2), Reactive Red 195 (RR195), and Reactive Blue 19 (RB19) were selected as model pollutants. Adsorption experiments were conducted under unified experimental conditions to evaluate the effects of initial dye concentration, solution pH, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. Control experiments at acidic pH confirmed that dye removal occurred predominantly via adsorption rather than precipitation. Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium behaviour were analysed using kinetic models and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The results demonstrated that dried algal biomass exhibited significantly higher removal efficiencies compared to fresh biomass, reaching up to 96% dye removal, due to enhanced surface area and availability of active functional groups. UiO-66-NH₂ showed high adsorption capacity and stability, particularly under acidic conditions, owing to strong electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and π–π stacking. Comparative analysis highlights the advantages and limitations of low-cost marine algal biosorbents relative to advance MOF materials. Overall, the findings provide valuable insight into sustainable, efficient, and scalable strategies for the treatment of dye-contaminated industrial wastewater.
Exerting effort for non-instrumental information under risk
Optimization and experimental analysis of a cleaning device for super rice with high impurity rates based on airflow field enhancement
Abstract The harvesting process of super rice is associated with certain challenges involving the effectiveness of the harvesting equipment. To adapt the cleaning device to this process and keep pace with the performance improvements made to the separation device, the cleaning device must handle high impurity contents in the ejected material after initial separation. This paper proposes a structural improvement to the conventional wind-sieve cleaning device by incorporating streamlined arc plates with pneumatic characteristics onto the cleaning vibrating sieve, providing a dynamic airflow guidance structure to enhance the airflow distribution inside the cleaning chamber. First, indicators for evaluating the quality of the airflow field were established. Through the measurement and calculation of the airflow field, a multiobjective optimization orthogonal experiment was conducted on the working parameters affecting the airflow field. The parameter combination for the optimal performance of the cleaning device was determined to be as follows: a fan speed of 1250 r/min, first and second guide plate angles of 37° and 30°, respectively, and a fish-scale sieve opening of 24 mm. Field tests conducted to supplement the multiobjective orthogonal experiment helped confirm the reliability of the evaluation indicators for the airflow field. Based on an analysis of the airflow field, improvements were proposed for the conventional cleaning device, with aerodynamic arc plates designed to be installed on the cleaning vibrating sieve. With these structural modifications in place, more field tests were performed to verify the cleaning effect. The proposed airflow guidance structure was found to be effective in improving the cleaning efficiency, as evidenced by the reduction in the impurity rate from 4.78% to 1.78% and the loss rate from 2.46% to 0.78%. The establishment of evaluation indicators for the airflow field, structural improvements made to the wind-sieve cleaning device, and the significant reduction in the impurity and loss rates associated with rice cleaning provide practical guidance for the design of cutting and longitudinal-flow combine harvesters.
Sociocultural determinants of attitudes toward oocyte donation among infertility patients in Western Iran
Abstract Attitudes toward oocyte donation in Iran are deeply shaped by sociocultural forces, including concepts of lineage, stigma, privacy, and gendered expectations. Evidence from western Iran remains limited. This study examined attitudes toward oocyte donation and their sociocultural determinants among infertility patients. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 171 infertile men and women attending a public infertility center in western Iran. Data were collected using a validated 52-item multidimensional attitude questionnaire distributed as a self-administered paper survey in a clinical setting. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess associations between sociodemographic characteristics and attitude domains. Participants demonstrated generally positive attitudes toward oocyte donation (mean = 177.21 ± 26.15). However, clear sociocultural patterns emerged, with strong endorsement of donor–recipient anonymity, secrecy from others, and non-disclosure to the future child, reflecting concerns related to lineage and social judgment. Higher male educational level was significantly associated with stronger support for anonymity, while female education showed a modest association with disclosure-related attitudes. Attitudes toward oocyte donation in western Iran are shaped primarily by sociocultural expectations surrounding privacy, secrecy, and lineage rather than clinical characteristics. These findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive counseling and education strategies in donor-assisted reproduction programs.