The relationship of reading abilities with the underlying cognitive skills of math: A dimensional approach

none3siMath and reading are related, and math problems are often accompanied by problems in reading. In the present study, we used a dimensional approach and we aimed to assess the relationship of reading and math with the cognitive skills assumed to underlie the development of math. The sample included 97 children from 4th and 5th grades of a primary school. Children were administered measures of reading and math, non-verbal IQ, and various underlying cognitive abilities of math (counting, number sense, and number system knowledge). We also included measures of phonological awareness and working memory (WM). Two approaches were undertaken to elucidate the relations of the cognitive skills with math and reading. In the first approach, we examined the unique contributions of math and reading ability, as well as their interaction, to each cognitive ability. In the second approach, the cognitive abilities were taken to predict math and reading. Results from the first set of analyses showed specific effects of math on number sense and number system knowledge, whereas counting was affected by both math and reading. No math-by-reading interactions were observed. In contrast, for phonological awareness, an interaction of math and reading was found. Lower performing children on both math and reading performed disproportionately lower. Results with respect to the second approach confirmed the specific relation of counting, number sense, and number system knowledge to math and the relation of counting to reading but added that each math-related marker contributed independently to math. Following this approach, no unique effects of phonological awareness on math and reading were found. In all, the results show that math is specifically related to counting, number sense, and number system knowledge. The results also highlight what each approach can contribute to an understanding of the relations of the various cognitive correlates with reading and math.openBernabini, Luca; Bonifacci, Paola; de Jong, Peter F.Bernabini, Luca; Bonifacci, Paola; de Jong, Peter F

Regional gravity anomaly map and crustal model of the Central-Southern Apennines (Italy)

The deep structures of the Central–Southern Apennines are analysed on the basis of the regional component of gravity anomalies, obtained applying a stripping technique. This procedure allows the accurate removal of the gravimetric effect of the three-dimensional shallow (within the first 10 km) geological bodies from the observed Bouguer anomaly. The resulting anomaly map differs quite significantly from the Bouguer anomaly map, providing new constraints on the nature of the deeper part of the crust and on the upper mantle. The stripping reveals that the regional gravity lows are shifted westward in comparison with Bouguer anomaly lows. Moreover, the gravimetric pattern indicates a lack of cylindrism for the deep structures of the Apennine Chain, which in the study area can be roughly divided into three main segments. The observed differences between the gravity anomalies pattern of the Central Apennines and that of the Southern Apennines are marked. The integration of gravimetric results with other geophysical data suggests that: (i) a ramp-dominated style for the buried Apulia (Adria) units and part of the underlying basement is compatible with gravimetric data and (ii) most of the regional gravity anomalies in the Central Apennines seem to originate within the lower crust

Teachers, not parents, are able to predict time processing skills in preschoolers

Time processing difficulties are associated with developmental disorders. Questionnaires for assessing children's sense of time are available from primary school, but we lack valid proxy-report tools for younger children, who are not able to complete self-reports. This study aimed to assess the criterion validity of a questionnaire investigating preschoolers\u2019 sense of time from the points of view of their parents and teachers. One hundred seventy preschoolers were included in the sample. Their parents and teachers completed the Sense of Time Questionnaire, and the children were administered time reproduction and time discrimination tasks, both concurrently and 7 months later. The assessment of preschoolers\u2019 sense of time reported by teachers, but not by parents, predicted the children's time processing skills both concurrently and longitudinally. The teacher version of the Sense of Time Questionnaire constitutes a valid instrument for assessing and predicting preschoolers\u2019 time processing skills and can be used for clinical and research purposes. Statement of contribution: What is already known on this subject? Time processing difficulties are associated with developmental disorders such as ADHD and dyscalculia. Early assessment of time processing skills is important for clinical (e.g., screening) and research purposes. We do not have valid questionnaires for assessing sense of time in young children. What the present study adds? The sense of time ability reported by teachers predicts preschoolers\u2019 time processing skills. The sense of time ability reported by parents does not predicts preschoolers\u2019 time processing skills. The Sense of Time Questionnaire is a valid instrument for investigating time processing skills of 4\u20136 aged children

Field experiments for characterization of GPR antenna and pulse propagation

Productive interpretations of ground penetrating radar surveys require an accurate understanding of electromagnetic wave radiation, propagation, and scattering in geological materials as well as accurate knowledge of the reflection characteristics of various target anomalies embedded in such materials. GPR responses and survey profiles are often interpreted on the basis of theoretical estimates and numerical simulation models of electromagnetic wave propagation in simplified representations of ground materials and by using idealized target contrasts and geometries. Alternatively, field experiments performed under controlled test conditions can also be effective in demostrating GPR system performance capabilities and in providing quantitative measurements in realistic geologic formations. Experimental research at the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and at the Italian National Research Council were initiated to develop a basic understanding of the radiation and scattering characteristics of VHF pulse-mode GPR signals in earth materials and in air with emphasis on antenna ground coupling and target backscatter responses. The results of the experimental measurements conducted in air provided baseline information on the GPR system and target reflections under lossless propagation conditions. Target response measurements at various burial depths provided a systematic data base from which target responses, propagation parameters of the medium, and relevant data processing techniques were evaluated to gain useful insights into their interpretations. Other more advanced experimental tests are planned for the futur

Nanoparticles effects on growth and differentiation in cell culture of Daucus carota

Nanoparticles (NPs) effects on developmental processes like cell growth, de-differentiation, and embryogenesis were analyzed using the in vitro model system of Daucus carota L. somatic embryogenesis. Fe3O4 NPs, 6 nm diameter, were dispensed at doses ranging from 2.01 to 33.5 mg/l to carrot in vitro cultures at different times, along the stages of cell growth and embryogenic differentiation. Moreover, the mitotic index of cell cultures under treatments has been cytologically determined. The results demonstrated that Fe3O4 NPs exposure from 2.01 to 6.70 mg/l slightly affected growth, mitotic index, and de-differentiation. At the dose of 20.10 mg/l cell growth and relative mitotic index dropped dramatically, and stopped completely at 33.5 mg/l. Moreover, these higher doses, entirely blocked embryo formation when treatments were done along somatic embryogenesis induction. Therefore, this model system seems well suited to check NPs impact on developmental processes

Field Experiment for Characterization of GPR Antenna and Pulse Propagation

Productive interpretations of ground penetrating radar surveys require an accurate understanding of electromagnetic wave radiation, propagation, and scattering in geological materials as well as accurate knowledge of the reflection characteristics of various target anomalies embedded in such materials. GPR responses and survey profiles are often interpreted on the basis of theoretical estimates and numerical simulation models of electromagnetic wave propagation in simplified representations of ground materials and by using idealized target contrasts and geometries. Alternatively, field experiments performed under controlled test conditions can also be effective in demostrating GPR system performance capabilities and in providing quantitative measurements in realistic geologic formations. Experimental research at the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and at the Italian National Research Council were initiated to develop a basic understanding of the radiation and scattering characteristics of VHF pulse-mode GPR signals in earth materials and in air with emphasis on antenna ground coupling and target backscatter responses. The results of the experimental measurements conducted in air provided baseline information on the GPR system and target reflections under lossless propagation conditions. Target response measurements at various burial depths provided a systematic data base from which target responses, propagation parameters of the medium, and relevant data processing techniques were evaluated to gain useful insights into their interpretations. Other more advanced experimental tests are planned for the future

Regional gravity anomaly map and crustal model of the central-southern Apennines (Italy)

The deep structures of the Central-Southern Apennines are analysed on the basis of the regional componenet of gravity anomalies, obtained aaplying stripping technique. This procedure allows the accurate removal of the gravimetric effect of the three-dimensional shallow geological bodies from the observed Bouguer anoamly