Dificultad en Aritmética en niños con alta inteligencia: ¿efecto de la ansiedad matemática? / Dificuldade em aritmética em crianças com alta inteligência: efeito da ansiedade matemática? / Highly intelligent children with difficulty in arithmetic: an effect of math anxiety?

Ansiedade matemática (AM) é um conjunto de crenças, sintomas físicos e emocionais que algumas pessoas experimentam ao lidar com problemas matemáticos. O estudo objetivou investigar o efeito da AM no desempenho aritmético de crianças com alta inteligência. Participaram do estudo 52 crianças com desempenho inferior no subteste aritmética do TDE e classificação "acima da média" ou "intelectualmente superior" nas Matrizes de Raven. Os resultados demonstraram correlação forte entre inteligência e TDE aritmética (r = 0,82; p < 0,000); e correlações moderadas entre TDE aritmética e QAM-A (r = 0,32; p = 0,02) e QAM-B (r = 0,35; p = 0,01). A análise de regressão linear múltipla demonstrou uma predição de 8% da subescala QAM-A e de 11 % da QAM-B como preditores do desempenho aritmético. A ansiedade matemática interfere no desempenho em aritmética, mesmo em crianças com a inteligência fluída acima do esperado, sugerindo um importante efeito dos mecanismos emocionais.

Ansiedad matemática (AM) es un conjunto de creencias, síntomas físicos y emocionales que algunas personas experimentan al lidiar con problemas matemáticos. El estudio tuvo por objetivo investigar el efecto de la AM en el rendimiento aritmético de niños con alta inteligencia. Participaron del estudio 52 niños con rendimiento inferior en la subprueba aritmética del TDE y clasificación "superior de la media" o "intelectualmente superior" en las Matrices de Raven. Los resultados apuntan fuerte correlación entre inteligencia y TDE aritmética (r = 0,82; p < 0,000); y correlaciones moderadas entre TDE aritmética y QAM-A (r = 0,32; p = 0,02) y QAM-B (r = 0,35; p = 0,01). El análisis de regresión linear múltiple demostró una predicción del 8% de la subescala QAM-A y del 11 % de la QAM-B como predictores del rendimiento aritmético. La ansiedad matemática interfiere en el rendimiento en aritmética, incluso en niños con la inteligencia fluida superior al esperado, sugiriendo un importante efecto de los mecanismos emocionales.

Mathematical anxiety (MA) is a set of beliefs, physical and emotional symptoms that some people experience when dealing with mathematical problems. The study aimed to investigate the effect of MA on the arithmetic performance of children with high intelligence. Fifty-two children with lower performance on the STP arithmetic subtest and classification "above average" or "intellectually superior" in the Raven Matrices participated in the study. The results showed a strong correlation between intelligence and arithmetic EDT (r = 0.82; p < 0.000); and moderate correlations between arithmetic DET and MAQ (r = 0.32; p = 0.02) and MAQ-B (r = 0.35; p = 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed an 8% prediction of the MAQ-A subscale and 11% of the MAQ-B as predictors of arithmetic performance. Mathematical anxiety interferes with arithmetic performance, even in children with higher than expected fluid intelligence, suggesting an important effect of emotional mechanisms.

Development of language and arithmetic skills: risk and protective factors. Comparative cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: In a literate society, linguistic/arithmetic performance is highly valued. Based on defined risk factors, strategies for promotion of better performance can be developed. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the risk and protective factors relating to development of language and arithmetic. DESIGN AND SETTING: Observational comparative cross-sectional study at a public elementary school in Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil. METHODS: A total of 66 children (41% females) attending first to fifth grades participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: G1, children classified as presenting language or arithmetic deficits; G2, average performance. Language (oral and written) and arithmetic skills were assessed through standardized tests. Variables relating to social skills, home environment resources and behavioral problems were assessed through standardized scales. Data on other variables (pre, peri and postnatal complications, maternal variables and others) were collected through interviews. The logistic regression technique with LASSO was used (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Teenage pregnancy and consumption of psychoactive substances during pregnancy or complications during pregnancy were risk factors for performance regarding arithmetic and language. Higher schooling level for the mother was a protective factor in the development of arithmetic and language. Being female and having a history of otitis were risk factors for language. Altered social skills (responsibility and civility) and complaints of inattention were risk factor for arithmetic. Adequate linguistic development was a protective factor for the development of arithmetic. CONCLUSION: The risk/protective factors included variables relating to the gestational period, mother's age when pregnant, mother's schooling, social skills, behavior and development issues.

Treinar a correspondência entre diferentes formas de apresentar problemas melhora o desempenho matemático / Entrenar la correspondencia entre diferentes formas de presentar problemas mejora el rendimiento matemático / Training the Correspondence Between Different Ways of Presenting Problems Improves Mathematical Performance

Avaliações nacionais e internacionais demonstram que estudantes brasileiros do ensino fundamental têm apre-sentado dificuldades no aprendizado do comportamento de resolver problemas aritméticos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar, a partir de um delineamento de linha de base múltipla (LBM) entre participantes, o efeito da formação de classes de equivalência entre diferentes formas de apresentação de problemas envolvendo di-ferentes posições da incógnita e estruturas semânticas dos problemas escritos sobre o desempenho na resolução de problemas de adição e subtração. Participaram seis estudantes entre o quarto e o quinto ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública, sendo que cinco finalizaram o estudo. Todos apresentaram comportamen-tos de leitura e escrita suficientes para a participação na pesquisa, dificuldades na resolução de problemas aditivos e nenhum indício de ansiedade matemática ou problemas significativos em comportamentos de estudo nesta disciplina. P1, P2 e P3 foram expostos ao treino de discriminações condicionais a problemas de adição, enquanto P4 e P5 a problemas de subtração. Os testes de desempenho, que compuseram pré-testes e pós-tes-tes, envolviam problemas de adição e subtração. Após a formação das classes de equivalência, verificou-se que P1, P2 e P3 apresentaram ganhos médios de desem-penho de 22,34% (DP = 14.62), e P4 e P5 de 19,84% (DP = 11.22). Esses resultados sugerem a eficácia do procedimento. Recomenda-se que estudos futuros usem o delineamento de LBM com sondas para reduzir repetições dos testes, elaborem estratégias para ampliar engajamento dos participantes e investiguem como adaptar este procedimento para contextos aplicados

Las evaluaciones nacionales e internacionales demuestran que estudiantes brasileños de la escuela primaria tienen dificultades para aprender el comportamiento de resolución de problemas aritméticos. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar, a partir de un diseño de línea base múltiple (LBM) entre los participantes, el efecto de la formación de clases de equivalencia entre diferentes formas de presentación de problemas involucrando diferentes posiciones del elemento desconocido y estructuras semánticas de problemas escritos sobre el desempeño en la resolución de problemas de suma y resta. Participaron seis estudiantes entre cuarto y quinto año de primaria de una escuela pública, y cinco completaron el estudio. Todos mostraron habilidades suficientes de lectura y escritura para participar de la investigación, dificultades para resolver problemas aditivos y ninguna evidencia de ansiedad matemática o problemas significativos de estudio en esta disciplina. P1, P2 y P3 fueron expuestos al entrenamiento de discriminación condicional a problemas de suma, mientras que P4 y P5, a problemas de resta. Las pruebas de rendimiento, que incluían pretests y postests, consistieron en problemas de suma y resta. Después de la formación de clases de equivalencia, P1, P2 y P3 presentaron ganancias promedio de desempeño de 22.34% (DE = 14.62), y P4 y P5 de 19.84% (DE = 11.22). Estos resultados sugieren la efectividad del procedimiento. Se recomienda que estudios futuros utilicen el diseño de LBM con sondeo para reducir las repeticiones de pruebas, diseñar estrategias para aumentar el interés de los participantes e investigar cómo adaptar este procedimiento a los contextos aplicados

National and international assessments demonstrate that Brazilian elementary school students have difficulties learning the behavior of solving arithmetic problems. This study aimed to investigate, using a multiple-baseline design (MBL) for participants, the effect of the formation of equivalence classes between different forms of pro- blem presentation involving different positions of the unknown element and different semantic structures of the written problems on the performance in solving addi-tion and subtraction problems. Six students in the fourth or fifth year of a public elementary school participated, and five completed the study. They all showed sufficient reading and writing behavior for participating in the re-search, difficulties in solving additive problems, and no evidence of math anxiety or significant problems in study behaviors in this discipline. P1, P2, and P3 were exposed to the conditional discrimination training to addition problems, while P4 and P5 to subtraction problems. The performance tests, which were composed of pre-tests and post-tests, involved problems of addition and subtraction. After the formation of equivalence classes, we found that P1, P2, and P3 presented average performance gains of 22.34% (SD = 14.62), and P4 and P5 of 19.84% (SD = 11.22). These results suggest the effectiveness of the pro-cedure. We recommend that future studies use the MBL design with probes to reduce test repetitions, devise strategies to increase participant engagement, and inves-tigate how to adapt this procedure to applied contexts

Respuesta autonómica cardiovascular al estrés mental inducido por la prueba de cálculo aritmético / Autonomic cardiovascular response to mental stress induced by the arithmetic computation test

Introducción: El estrés mental agudo, así como los estados de ansiedad inducidos para influenciar la reactividad psicofisiológica en jóvenes sanos, aportan cambios en los patrones nerviosos que pueden ser medidos mediante la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca. Objetivo: Determinar las diferencias en los parámetros lineales del balance autonómico cardiovascular en individuos jóvenes en estado basal y durante la prueba de cálculo aritmético. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental, sin grupo control de tipo antes y después, en el Laboratorio de Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba. Población y muestra de 10 sujetos. Se registró el trazado electrocardiográfico (5 min) durante el reposo y luego durante la prueba de cálculo aritmético. Resultados: Existieron diferencias significativas entre ambos estados en las variables frecuencia cardiaca (p = 0,005); mínima (p = 0,007); máxima (p = 0,005); intervalo RR (p = 0,005); stress index (p = 0,028); índice simpático (p = 0,005); bajas frecuencias (p = 0,005); relación LF/HF (p = 0,005); RMSSD (p = 0,007); NN50 (p = 0,008); pNN50 (p = 0,005); índice parasimpático (p = 0,005) y altas frecuencias (p = 0,005). El estrés mental provocó una disminución parasimpática y un predominio simpático uniforme en todos los sujetos participantes en el estudio. Conclusiones: Durante el estrés mental inducido por la prueba de cálculo aritmético la dinámica lineal de la respuesta autonómica cardiovascular experimenta un aumento en la actividad simpática y una disminución del tono parasimpático, traduciendo una respuesta adaptativa en la regulación de la función cardiovascular por el sistema nervioso autónomo(AU)

Introduction: Acute mental stress and states of anxiety induced to influence psychophysiological reactivity in healthy young people, result in changes in nervous patterns which may be measured in terms of heart rate variability. Objective: Determine the differences in linear parameters for autonomic cardiovascular balance in young individuals at baseline and during the arithmetic computation test. Methods: A non-observational quasi-experimental before-after study without a control group was conducted at the Basic Biomedical Sciences Laboratory of the University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba. The study population and sample was 10 subjects. The electrocardiographic tracing (5 min) was recorded at rest and then during the arithmetic computation test. Results: Significant differences were found between the two states as to the variables heart rate (p = 0.005), minimum (p = 0.007), maximum (p = 0.005), RR interval (p = 0.005), stress index (p = 0.028), sympathetic index (p = 0.005), low frequencies (p = 0.005), LF/HF ratio (p = 0.005), RMSSD (p = 0.007), NN50 (p = 0.008), pNN50 (p = 0.005), parasympathetic index (p = 0.005) and high frequencies (p = 0.005). Mental stress caused a parasympathetic reduction and uniform sympathetic predominance in all the subjects participating in the study. Conclusions: During the mental stress induced by the arithmetic computation test, the linear dynamic of the autonomic cardiovascular response experiences an increase in sympathetic activity and a reduction in parasympathetic tone, displaying an adaptive response in cardiovascular function regulation by the autonomous nervous system(AU)

Impact of different centroid means on the accuracy of orthometric height modelling by geometric geoid method

Background:Orthometric height, as well as geoid modelling using the geometric method, requires centroid computation. And this can be obtained using various models, as well as methods. These methods of centroid mean computation have impacts on the accuracy of the geoid model since the basis of the development of the theory of each centroid mean type is different. This paper presents the impact of different centroidmeans on the accuracy of orthometric height modelling by geometric geoid method.Methods:DGPS observation was carried out to obtain the coordinates and ellipsoidal heights of selected points. The centroid means were computed with the coordinates using three different centroid means models (arithmetic mean, root mean square and harmonic mean). The computed centroid means were entered accordingly into a Microsoft Excel program developed using the Multiquadratic surface to obtain the model orthometric heights at various centroid means. The root meanssquare error (RMSE) index was applied to obtain the accuracy of the model using the known and the model orthometric heights obtained at various centroid means.Results:The computed accuracy shows that the arithmetic mean method is the best among the three centroid means types.Conclusions:It is concluded that the arithmetic mean method should be adopted for centroid computation, as well as orthometric height modelling using the geometric method

Combining neuropsychological tests to improve the assessment of arithmetic difficulties in children with ADHD / Combinando testes neuropsicológicos para melhorar a avaliação de dificuldades aritméticas em crianças com TDAH

Abstract Objective: To compare the ways of evaluating arithmetic skills in Brazilian children with ADHD by combining three validated neuropsychological tests and determining whether they are sensitive to the methylphenidate treatment. Methods: Forty-two children (9‒12 years old) participated in the present study: 20 were children with ADHD (DSM-IV) and 22 were age-matched controls. A classification criterion was used for each test separately and one, for their combination to detect the presence of arithmetic difficulties at two time points: baseline (time 1); and when children with ADHD were taking 0.3‒0.5 mg/kg of methylphenidate (time 2). The study also assessed children's subtraction performance, combining parts of these tests. Results: Separately, the tests were only sensitive to differences between groups without medication. However, by combining the three neuropsychological tests, we observed a difference and detected a reduction in arithmetic difficulties associated with the methylphenidate treatment. The same effects were found in subtraction exercises, which require a borrowing procedure. Conclusions: The present study detected arithmetic difficulties in Brazilian children with ADHD and the effects of methylphenidate. Given this improvement in sensitivity, combining tests could be a promising alternative when working with limited samples.

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar as formas de avaliar as habilidades aritméticas em crianças brasileiras com TDAH, combinando três testes neuropsicológicos validados, e verificar se são sensíveis ao tratamento com metilfenidato. Métodos: Quarenta e duas crianças (9‒12 anos) participaram deste estudo: 20 eram crianças com TDAH (DSM-IV) e 22 eram controles pareados por idade. Usamos um critério de classificação para cada teste separadamente e outro para a combinação entre eles, visando detectar a presença de dificuldades aritméticas em dois momentos: início (tempo 1) e quando as crianças com TDAH estavam tomando 0,3‒0,5 mg/kg de metilfenidato (tempo 2). O estudo também avaliou o desempenho dessas crianças em operações de subtração, combinando partes desses testes. Resultados: Separadamente, os testes foram sensíveis apenas às diferenças entre os grupos sem medicação. Entretanto, ao combinar os três testes neuropsicológicos, foi possível observar uma diferença e detectar uma redução das dificuldades aritméticas associadas ao tratamento com metilfenidato. Os mesmos efeitos foram encontrados em exercícios de subtração que exigem o procedimento de empréstimo. Conclusões: O estudo foi capaz de detectar dificuldades aritméticas em crianças brasileiras com TDAH e os efeitos do metilfenidato. Dada essa melhora na sensibilidade, combinar testes poderia ser uma alternativa promissora ao trabalhar com amostras limitadas.

William Petty，founder of political arithmetic / 中华疾病控制杂志

@#William Petty ( 1623－1687) was a great 17th－century economist，statistician and one of the founders of the Ｒoyal Society． He put forward the concept of " political arithmetic" and used the method of " number，weight and measurement" to calculate and analyze the population and economic data of a country． His statistical methods laid the foundation for the development of statistics．

ISSR Analysis of Genetic Relationship and Population Structure of Turpinia arguta Fresh Leaves in Jiangxi Province / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore genetic relationship and population structure of Turpinia arguta in six locations of Jiangxi province by inter-simple sequence repeat （ISSR） molecular marker technique， and to provide theoretical basis for the protection and utilization of this medicinal material resource. Method:A total of 22 samples from six locations in four counties in Jiangxi province were collected， and genomic DNA was extracted by kit method. Polymerase chain reaction （PCR） amplification was performed using sixty-four universal ISSR molecular marker primers， and the products were detected with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis （PAGE）. NTsys 2.10e software was selected to calculate the genetic similarity coefficient by unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean （UPGMA） and cluster analysis. Population genetic structure was analyzed by Structure 2.1 software. Result:A total of forty-eight ISSR primers were amplified to obtain the product， the percent of polymorphic bands ranged from 45.45% to 100%. UPGMA cluster analysis showed that these plant individuals could not be clustered according to their respective executive locations. Analysis of population genetic structure showed that 22 samples of T. arguta could be divided into three populations. Conclusion:There is gene exchange among the populations of T. arguta in Jiangxi province， and it can affect the genetic structure of germplasm resources from different geographical sources.

Relação entre memória de trabalho e habilidade matemática em crianças entre 8 e 9 anos / Working memory and mathematical ability in children aged 8 to 9 years old

Memória de trabalho, também chamada de memória operacional, refere-se à memória que utiliza de seus componentes - alça fonológica, esboço visuoespacial, buffer episódico e executivo central - para manutenção temporária de informações para execução de processos mentais. Investigou-se a relação entre esses componentes da memória e a aritmética, por meio de testes realizados em crianças de 8 e 9 anos da mesma série e instituição escolar. Os resultados indicaram correlação positiva entre os testes de aritmética e as tarefas que avaliavam o esboço visuoespacial e na habilidade de manipulação da informação (dígitos inversos), levando a concluir a importância das funções executivas para o desempenho em matemática.

Working memory refers to the memory that uses its components - phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, episodic buffer and central executive - for temporary maintenance of information for performing mental processes. We investigated the relation between its components and arithmetic abilities through tests conducted on children aged 8 and 9 years in the same grade and school institution. The results showed positive correlation between tests of arithmetic and tasks that assessed visuospatial sketchpad and the manipulation of information (indirect digit span), leading to the conclusion the importance of executive functions for mathematical performance.

Neuropsychological and educational profile of children with dyscalculia and dyslexia: a comparative study / Perfil neuropsicológico e escolar de crianças com discalculia e dislexia: estudo comparativo / Perfil neuropsicológico y educativo de los niños con discalculia y dislexia: estudio comparativo

This paper aims to compare the neuropsychological and educational profiles of Brazilian children with dyscalculia (n = 8), dyslexia (n = 13) and without learning disabilities (n = 12). The neuropsychological profile was composed of: (a) intelligence - assessed by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III); (b) attention - WISC-III Coding and Symbol Search subtests; (c) executive functions - Digit Span (backward order) and WISC-III Arithmetic subtests, Pseudoword Repetition Test for Brazilian Children, Stroop Test and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test; (d) memory - WISC-III Digit Span subtest (forward order) and Rey Complex Figures. The educational profile was composed of reading, writing and mathematics, assessed by the Academic Performance Test and the Arithmetic Test. It was found that the groups with dyscalculia and dyslexia did not differentiate in any of the neuropsychological abilities, only in the reading and writing abilities. Neuropsychological variables that could explain these results were discussed. (AU)

Objetivou-se comparar os perfis neuropsicológico e escolar de crianças brasileiras com discalculia (n = 8), dislexia (n = 13) e sem dificuldades escolares (n = 12). O perfil neuropsicológico foi composto por: (a) inteligência: avaliada pela Escala de Inteligência Wechsler para Crianças (WISC-III); (b) atenção: subtestes Códigos e Procurar Símbolos da WISC-III; (c) funções executivas: subtestes Dígitos (ordem inversa) e Aritmética da WISC-III, Teste de Repetição de Pseudopalavras para Crianças Brasileiras, Teste de Stroop e Teste Wisconsin de Classificação de Cartas; (d) memória: subteste Dígitos (ordem direta) da WISC-III e Figuras Complexas de Rey. O perfil escolar foi composto por leitura, escrita e matemática, avaliado pelo Teste de Desempenho Escolar e pela Prova de Aritmética. Verificou-se que os grupos com discalculia e com dislexia não se diferenciaram em nenhuma das habilidades neuropsicológicas, somente nas habilidades escolares de leitura e escrita. Variáveis neuropsicológicas que pudessem explicar esses desempenhos intergrupos foram discutidas. (AU)

El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar los perfiles neuropsicológicos y escolares de niños brasileños con Discalculia (n = 8), Dislexia (n = 13) y niños sin dificultades escolares (n = 12). El perfil neuropsicológico fue compuesto por: (a) inteligencia: evaluada por Escala de Inteligencia Wechsler para Niños (WISC-III); (b) atención: subtests Códigos y Búsqueda de Símbolos de la WISC-III; (c) funciones ejecutivas: subtests Dígitos (orden inverso) y Aritmética de la WISC-III, Test de Repetición de Pseudopalabras para Niños Brasileños, Test de Stroop y Test Wisconsin de Clasificación de Cartas; (d) memoria: subtest Dígitos (orden directo) de la WISC-III y Figuras Complejas de Rey. El perfil escolar fue compuesto por lectura, escritura y matemática, evaluado por el Test de Desempeño Escolar y por la Prueba de Aritmética. Se verificó que los grupos con Discalculia y con Dislexia no se diferenciaron en ninguna de las habilidades neuropsicológicas, sólo en las habilidades escolares de lectura y escritura. Fueron discutidas variables neuropsicológicas que pueden explicar esos desempeños intergrupales. (AU)

Prediction of arithmetic competence: role of cognitive abilities, socioeconomic variables and the perception of the teacher in Early Childhood Education / Predição da competência aritmética: papel das habilidades cognitivas, variáveis socioeconômicas e percepção do professor na Educação infantil / Predicción de la competencia aritmética: papel de las habilidades cognitivas, variables socioeconómicas y percepción del profesor en la Educación infantil

The study investigated, in a longitudinal cohort, predictive models of arithmetic competence (AC) in the 1st year from language and executive functions assessed at preschool age. A total of 71 children were evaluated in oral language skills, preliminary writing abilities and executive functions. In the 1st year, the children were also evaluated in AC. Parents provided information on the socioeconomic level and teachers indicated children with difficulties. Language, oral (phonological awareness and vocabulary) and preliminary writing (knowledge of letters, reading and writing of words) abilities, together with indications of difficulty by the teacher in the ECE, were able to explain a mean of 62% of the variability in AC in the 1st year. The findings reveal predictive variables for the performance in arithmetic in the initial stage of Elementary Education, which can assist in early identification and the design of preventive intervention models.

O estudo investigou, em um recorte longitudinal, modelos preditivos da competência aritmética (CA) no 1º ano a partir de habilidades de linguagem e funções executivas avaliadas em idade pré-escolar. Participaram 71 crianças que foram avaliadas em habilidades de linguagem oral, habilidades preliminares de escrita e funções executivas. No 1º ano, as crianças foram também avaliadas em CA. Pais proveram informações sobre nível socioeconômico e professores indicaram crianças com dificuldades no curso da EI. Habilidades de linguagem, oral (consciência fonológica e vocabulário) e preliminares de escrita (conhecimento de letras, leitura e escrita de palavras), juntamente com indicação de dificuldade pelo professor na EI, foram capazes de explicar média de 62% da variabilidade em CA no 1º ano. Os achados revelam variáveis preditoras do desempenho em aritmética em etapa inicial do Ensino Fundamental e estendem seu impacto para a identificação precoce e delineamento de modelos preventivos de intervenção.

El estudio investigó, en un recorte longitudinal, modelos predictivos de la competencia aritmética (CA) en el primer año a partir de habilidades de lenguaje y funciones ejecutivas evaluadas en edad preescolar. Participaron 71 niños que fueron evaluados en habilidades de lengua oral, habilidades preliminares de escritura y funciones ejecutivas. En el primer año, los niños también se evaluaron en CA. Los padres proporcionaron información sobre NSE y los profesores indicaron a los niños con dificultades en el curso de la EI. Las habilidades de lenguaje, oral (conciencia fonológica y vocabulario) y preliminares de escritura (conocimiento de letras, lectura y escritura de palabras), junto con indicación de dificultad por el profesor en la EI, fueron capaces de explicar media del 62% de la variabilidad en CA en 1er año. Los hallazgos revelan variables predictoras del desempeño en aritmética en etapa inicial de la Enseñanza Fundamental y expiden su impacto para la identificación precoz y delineamiento de modelos preventivos de intervención.

Resolución de Problemas aritméticos en niños y niñas: incidencia de la habilidad matemática y la comprensión de texto / Arithmetic problem solving in children: the incidence of mathematical skills and text comprehension

La resolución de problemas aritméticos es una actividad cognitiva compleja, de particular dificultad para niños y niñas, que implica poder identificar los componentes relevantes, las relaciones entre ellos y poder llevar a cabo los cómputos necesarios. Distintos estudios han buscado las variables predictoras de esta capacidad, centrándose en uno de dos aspectos: la competencia matemática del niño/a o su comprensión de texto. El propósito del presente trabajo consistió en estudiar si la incidencia de uno u otro sobre la resolución de problemas en niños y niñas de 4 y 5 años se modifica por la inclusión simultánea de ambos en un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. A su vez, existe amplia evidencia que sugiere que habilidades de dominio general, como la memoria de trabajo, influyen significativamente sobre la capacidad matemática y de comprensión de texto de los sujetos. Por este motivo, se estudió, adicionalmente, la presencia de un efecto indirecto de la memoria de trabajo verbal y visoespacial y del conocimiento previo sobre la resolución de problemas aritméticos, mediado por las otras dos habilidades. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que, a esta edad, solo la habilidad matemática tiene un efecto directo significativo sobre la resolución de problemas, y la memoria de trabajo, tanto visual como verbal, un efecto indirecto. Asimismo, se observó que ambos componentes de la memoria de trabajo se vinculan con la capacidad matemática, pero sólo la verbal con la comprensión de texto. Por otro lado, el conocimiento previo sólo parece vincularse con la comprensión

The resolution of arithmetic word problems is a complex cognitive activity which requires the subject to identify the relevant elements, the relationships between them and to be able to carry out the necessary computations. Different studies have searched for predictive variables of this capacity, focusing on one of two aspects: the child's mathematical competence or his or her text comprehension. The purpose of the present work was to study if the incidence of one or the other on the resolution of arithmetic problems in children of 4 and 5 years of age is modified by the simultaneous inclusion of both in a structural equation model (SEM). Additionally, there is ample evidence to suggest that general domain abilities, such as working memory, significantly influence the subject's mathematical and comprehension capacity. That is why we also studied the presence of an indirect effect of verbal and visuospatial working memory, as well as the child's previous knowledge, on the resolution of arithmetic problems, mediated by the other two skills. The results suggest that, at this age, only mathematical ability has a significant direct effect on the resolution of problems, and that working memory, both visual and verbal, have an indirect effect over it. Likewise, both components of working memory are linked with mathematical ability, but only verbal working memory with text comprehension. On the other hand, prior knowledge seems to be associated with text comprehension

Autocontrol y desempeño escolar en lengua y matemática / Self-control and school achievement in language and mathematics

Se ha destacado que uno de los aspectos más relevantes para el desempeño académico (DA) de los niños es el AC (autocontrol), definido como la capacidad para modular la cognición, la emoción y el comportamiento. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las relaciones entre el AC en el dominio escolar e interpersonal informado por el/la niño/a, sus familiares y docentes; las calificaciones escolares en matemática y prácticas del lenguaje y el desempeño en tareas estandarizadas de comprensión lectora y cálculo aritmético, en 69 niños/as de entre 8 y 12 años de edad. Sólo se encontraron asociaciones entre el AC escolar reportado por el/la docente y el desempeño en la prueba estandarizada de cálculo aritmético. El AC se asoció a las calificaciones académicas en prácticas del lenguaje sólo en 5° grado. Se discuten posibles explicaciones de los resultados y direcciones futuras

It has been highlighted that one of the most relevant aspects related to children's performance in school is self-control, defined as the ability to modulate cognition, emotion and behavior. In this article we analyzed the relationships between self-control in the interpersonal and schoolwork domain reported by the child, their parents and teachers and academic achievement in terms of report card grades in mathematics and language and performance in standardized tasks of reading comprehension and arithmetic calculation, in 69 children between 8 and 12 years of age. We found associations between the self-control in schoolwork domain reported by the teacher and performance in the standardized arithmetic calculation task. Self-control was associated with report card grades in language learning. Possible explanations for this pattern of results and future directions are discussed

Comparison of Total Daily Doses of 16 Active Components in Three Dosage Forms of Fuzi Lizhongwan / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To compare the total daily doses of 16 active components in big honeyed pills, concentrated pills and tablets of Fuzi Lizhongwan. Method:Three dosage forms of Fuzi Lizhongwan were prepared according to the process described in the literature. RRLC-QqQ-MS was employed to analyze the contents of 16 active ingredients with mobile phase of 0.1%formic acid aqueous solution-0.1%formic acid acetonitrile solution for gradient elution,the separation was performed on a Accucore RP-MS column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 2.6 μm) with a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min-1 and the column temperature at 30℃, the mass spectrometry condition was electrospray ion source, positive and negative ion switching mode for detection, multi-reaction monitoring mode(MRM) for scanning. The contents of 16 active ingredients were calculated, and the normalization arithmetic method was used for comparing the total daily doses of these active ingredients in three dosage forms of Fuzi Lizhongwan. Result:Processed products of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata were used as raw powder in preparation process of the three dosage forms, so there was no significant difference in the contents of six alkaloids in the three dosage forms, while the contents of other 10 active ingredients from Zingiberis Rhizoma, Codonopsis Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle were significantly higher in big honeyed pills than those in concentrated pills or tablets(PConclusion:The total daily doses of 16 active ingredients in the three dosage forms of Fuzi Lizhongwan are significantly different caused by preparation process, prescription and dosage.

Resolution of Arithmetic Problems, Processing Speed and Working Memory in Children / Resolução de Problemas Aritméticos, Velocidade de Processamento e Memória de Trabalho em Crianças / Resolución de Problemas Aritméticos, Velocidad de Procesamiento y Memoria de Trabajo en Niños Resumen

Abstract This study sought to characterize the performance of children in an arithmetic word problem test regarding choice of strategy, type of operation and age. It also analyzed possible links between the resolution of addition and subtraction problems, processing speed and working memory. Four tests were administered with 233 children of 4, 5 and 6 years of age from Buenos Aires, Argentina: (a) an arithmetic word problem test, (b) the Corsi block tapping test, (c) a digit span test, and (d) a reaction time task. Results showed a significant increase in precision when solving arithmetic word problems between ages 4 and 6. While 4-year-old children relied mainly on visual aids to solve the problems, 5 and 6-year-olds incorporated finger counting and mental calculation as efficient strategies. Arithmetic scores were associated with both verbal and visuospatial working memory scores. While only the visuospatial component predicted accuracy in the children that depended on visual aids or finger counting, both components of working memory predicted the performance of the children that primarily used mental calculation.

Resumo A presente pesquisa procurou estudar o desempenho das crianças na resolução de problemas aritméticos ao analisar à estratégia, o tipo de operação e a idade. Também se analisou possíveis relações entre a resolução de adições e subtrações, a velocidade de processamento e a memória de trabalho. Quatro testes foram administrados a 233 crianças de 4, 5 e 6 anos: (a) Um de problema aritmético, (b) A tarefa de blocos de Corsi, (c) A retenção de dígitos, (d) Uma tarefa de tempo de reação. Os resultados mostraram um aumento significativo na precisão para resolver problemas de aritmética entre 4 e 6 anos. Aos 4 anos a estratégia mais eficaz foi o uso dos recursos visuais, e aos 5 e 6 anos foram mais eficazes a contagem com os dedos e o cálculo mental. As pontuações nos problemas aritméticos associaram-se com a capacidade de memória de trabalho verbal e viso-espacial. No caso das crianças que usaram recursos visuais ou a contagem com os dedos para resolver operações, o componente da memória de trabalho que significativamente previu o seu desempenho foi o viso-espacial. Enquanto as crianças que fizeram uso do cálculo mental, os dois componentes da memória de trabalho previram o seu desempenho.

Resumen El presente estudio buscó caracterizar el desempeño de niños en problemas aritméticos teniendo en cuenta la estrategia utilizada, el tipo de operación y la edad. Se analizó, además, los posibles vínculos entre la resolución de operaciones, la velocidad de procesamiento y la memoria de trabajo. Se administraron cuatro pruebas a 233 niños de 4, 5 y 6 años de edad de Buenos Aires, Argentina: (a) problemas aritméticos, (b) bloques de Corsi, (c) span de dígitos, (d) tiempos de reacción. Se observó un aumento en la precisión en problemas aritméticos entre los 4 y los 6 años. Los niños de 4 años recurrieron principalmente a ayudas visuales, mientras que los niños de 5 y 6 años utilizaron mayormente el conteo de dedos y el cálculo mental. Los puntajes en problemas aritméticos se asociaron con los obtenidos para los componentes verbal y viso-espacial de la memoria de trabajo. En el caso de los niños que dependían de ayudas visuales o conteo con dedos para resolver las operaciones el componente que predijo de forma significativa su rendimiento fue el viso-espacial, mientras que ambos componentes de la memoria de trabajo predijeron el rendimiento de aquellos niños que utilizaban principalmente el cálculo mental.

Comparison of Single-Task versus Dual-Task for Listening Effort

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Depending on the kind of task and/or material, listeners sometimes need to pay attention to understand communication. The present study aimed to estimate a listener’s amount of effort needed to understand communication by using recognition score and response time as a function of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and to confirm his/ her task dependency for listening effort. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight young adults with normal hearing participated in the study. As stimuli, Korean Speech Perception in Noise test without a question tag and three consecutive digits were used for sentence recognition (or single-task) and arithmetic (or dual-task), respectively. Both tasks were measured in quiet and under four SNR (i.e., 0, -4, -8, -12 dB) conditions. Their outcomes were analyzed and compared in terms of percent correct and response time. RESULTS: Sentence recognition scores and arithmetic scores decreased as the level of noise increased. Response time for sentence recognition decreased as noise increased, whereas the response time for arithmetic increased as noise increased. In addition, there was a negative correlation between error percent and response time in the sentence recognition. Conversely, a positive correlation between error percent and response time appeared in the arithmetic test. CONCLUSIONS: Listening effort showed a different pattern based on the kind of task, single vs. dual, while the dual-task required greater effort from the listener.

Utilização de jogos adaptados para avaliação de habilidades matemáticas e monetárias / Utilización de juegos adaptados para evaluación de habilidades matemáticas y monetarias / The use of adapted games for assessment of mathematics and monetary skills

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos de jogos adaptados sobre a avaliação do desempenho de pré-escolares no aprendizado de habilidades matemáticas e monetárias. Participaram oito crianças da Educação Infantil, distribuídas em dois Grupos Experimentais. Para ambos os grupos, por meio de dominós adaptados, foram ensinadas e testadas relações entre numerais impressos (A), conjuntos de pontos (B), operações de adição (C), valores impressos (D) e figuras de cédulas e moedas (E). Inicialmente foram ensinadas as relações AB/BA e AC/CA e testadas as relações BC/CB. Posteriormente foram ensinadas as relações DC/CD, testadas as relações AD/DA e DB/BD. Finalmente ensinou-se a relação DE/ED, testando-se em seguida as relações EB/BE, EC/CE e AE/EA. Avaliações de nomeação dos estímulos e de resolução de operações de adição foram realizadas em Pré-teste, Sondas e em Pós-teste. Para o Grupo 1 as avaliações de nomeação de estímulos foram conduzidas por meio da apresentação de cartões e para o Grupo 2 foram utilizados jogos adaptados. Observou-se, para ambos os grupos, melhores resultados na resolução de operações de adição. Os resultados das avaliações sugerem que o uso de jogos adaptados pode contribuir para menor variabilidade nas avaliações de nomeação de estímulos.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos del uso de juegos de dominó adaptados sobre la evaluación del desempeño de preescolares en el aprendizaje de habilidades matemáticas y monetarias. Participaron ocho niños de la Educación Infantil, distribuidos en dos Grupos Experimentales. Para ambos los grupos, por medio de dominó adaptados, fueron enseñadas y testadas relaciones entre numeral impreso (A), conjunto de puntos (B), operación de suma (C), valor impreso (D) y imágenes de billetes y monedas. Inicialmente fueran enseñadas las relaciones AB/BA y AC/CA, testándose las relaciones BC/CB. Posteriormente fueran enseñadas las relaciones DC/CD, testándose las relaciones AD/DA y DB/BD. Finalmente fueran enseñadas las relaciones DE/ED, testándose las relaciones EB/BE, EC/CE y AE/EA. Evaluaciones de nombramiento de estímulos y de resolución de operaciones de suma fueron realizadas en prueba previa, sondeos y en post-prueba. Para el Grupo 1 las evaluaciones de nombramiento de estímulos fueron conducidas por medio de la presentación de tarjetas y para el Grupo 2 fueron utilizados juegos adaptados. Se observó, para ambos los grupos, mejores resultados en la resolución de operación de suma. Los resultados de las evaluaciones sugieren que el uso de juegos adaptados puede contribuir para resultados con menor variabilidad en las evaluaciones de nombramiento.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of adapted games over preschool child performance in arithmetic and monetary abilities. The subjects were eight children of Childhood Education, distributed in two Experimental Groups. For both groups, using adapted dominos, the following relations were taught and tested: printed numerals (A), dot sets (B), addition operations (C), printed values (D), pictures of banknotes/coins (E). First, relations AB/BA and AC/CA were taught, testing BC/CB relation. Later, relation DC/CD was taught and relations AD/DA and DB/BD were tested. Finally, relation DE/ED was taught and relations EB/BE, EC/CE and AE/EA were tested. Evaluations of stimulus naming were conducted in Pretest, Probe and Posttest stages. For Group one, the evaluations of stimuli naming were conducted via card display, and for Group two were used adapted games. Evaluation results suggest that the use of adapted games may contribute to lower tests variability in stimuli naming.

Perfil de niños con déficits en la cognición numérica / Profile of Children with Deficits in Numerical Cognition

Resumen La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo caracterizar el perfil neurocognitivo de niños en relación con las habilidades cuantitativas, intelectuales, de memoria operativa y sus aspectos emocionales. La muestra fue de 42 niños de edad escolar de 8 a 10 años, divididos en dos grupos: con dificultades en aritmética (CDA = 21) y sin dificultades en aritmética (SDA = 21), que fueron evaluados a través de pruebas cognitivas y escalas de comportamiento, que analizaron variables como: rendimiento escolar, razonamiento abstracto, memoria operativa, cognición numérica, ansiedad y estrés. El perfil de los niños CDA se caracterizó por dificultades en el rendimiento escolar de forma general. Se encontraron síntomas de estrés compatibles con fases de alerta y resistencia, baja capacidad de memoria operativa y de cognición numérica, específicamente de procesamiento numérico y cálculo.

Abstract This study aimed to characterize the neurocognitive profile of children regarding quantitative, intellectual, and mnemonic skills; and their emotional state. The sample consisted of 42 school children 8-10 years old, divided into two groups: those with difficulties in arithmetic (CDA = 21) and without difficulties in arithmetic (SDA = 21). The children were evaluated through cognitive tests and behaviour scales, which analysed variables such as scholar achievement, abstract reasoning, working memory, numerical cognition, anxiety and stress. The profile of CDA children was characterized by global difficulties in schooling achievement. Also they had stress symptoms compatible with alert and resistance phases, low capacity in working memory and numerical cognition, specifically for numerical processing and calculation.

Cálculo mental en niños y su relación con habilidades cognitivas / Mental arithmetic in children and its relation to cognitive abilities

Resumen: Este trabajo buscó analizar si las variables memoria de trabajo (MT) verbal, MT visoespacial, velocidad de procesamiento y habilidad verbal pueden predecir la habilidad de los niños para el cálculo mental durante la realización de problemas aritméticos simples. Se administraron los subtests Vocabulario y Span de Dígitos del WISC-III; el subtest Casita de Animales del WPPSI-R y una prueba de problemas aritméticos (ad hoc) a 70 niños de 6 años. Un análisis de regresión lineal con el método stepwise mostró que solo la MT visoespacial predijo la variabilidad en las puntuaciones de cálculo mental (t=4.72; p<0.001; β=0.50). Los resultados son contrarios a estudios realizados en adultos y niños mayores en los cuales el mayor peso recae sobre la MT verbal. Es posible que a medida que los niños crecen la automatización de ciertos procesos de conteo y el almacenamiento de hechos aritméticos en la memoria de largo plazo produzca que dependan en mayor medida de la MT verbal para la resolución de este tipo de cálculos.

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze whether verbal working memory (WM), visual-spatial WM, processing speed, and verbal ability predicted children's ability to perform mental arithmetic. Five tests were administered to 70 6-years-old children: the Vocabulary and Digits Span subtests from the WISC-III Intelligence Scale, the Animal Pegs subtest from WPPSI-R, and an arithmetic test (ad hoc). A linear regression analysis showed that only visual-spatial WM predicted the variability in children's scores in the arithmetic test (t=4.72; P<.001; β=.50). These findings contradict studies carried out in adults and older children where verbal WM seemed to play a greater role in the subject's ability to conduct calculations without external aids. It is possible that as they grow older, the automation of certain counting processes, as well as the storage and recovery of arithmetic knowledge from long-term memory will cause them to rely primarily on verbal WM resources.

Relação entre atenção e desempenho em leitura, escrita e aritmética em crianças / Relationship between attention and performance in reading, writing and arithmetic in children / Relación entre atención y desempeño en lectura, escritura y aritmética en niños

Este estudo buscou verificar se há relação entre atenção (seletiva e sustentada visual) e o desempenho escolar (leitura, escrita e aritmética). Foram avaliados 258 estudantes do 1º a 9º ano do ensino fundamental de escolas brasileiras públicas e privadas, com idade média de 10,33 anos (DP=2,52). Os estudantes foram avaliados pelo Teste de Cancelamento do Sinos ­ Versão Infantil (TCS) e pelo Teste de Desempenho Escolar ­ Segunda Edição (TDE-II). Os escores dos testes foram correlacionados pelo coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, considerando o nível de significância de p≤0,05. Houve correlações significativas positivas de intensidade fraca entre os escores totais do TCS e TDE-II e correlação negativas significativas de intensidade fraca entre os escores de erros e omissões do TCS e escores totais do TDE-II. Foi possível observar relação entre os construtos estudados, porém sugere-se que investigações futuras utilizem diferentes métodos para avaliar outras habilidades relacionadas ao desempenho escolar e processos atencionais. (AU)

This study sought to verify the relationship between attention (selective and sustained visual) and school performance (reading, writing and arithmetic). We evaluated 258 students from the 1st to the 9th year of elementary school in Brazilian public and private schools, with a mean age of 10.33 years (SD=2.52). The students were evaluated by the Bells Test ­ children's version (BT) and by the School Performance Test - second edition (SPT-II). Test scores were correlated by the Pearson correlation coefficient, considering the level of significance of p<0.05. There were significant positive correlations of weak intensity between BT and SPT-II total scores and significant negative correlation of weak intensity between BT errors and omission scores and total SPT-II scores. An observable relationship between the constructs studied exists; however, it is suggested that future investigations use different methods to evaluate other skills related to school performance and attentional processes. (AU)

Este estudio trata de determinar si existe relación entre atención (selectiva y sostenida visual) y desempeño escolar (lectura, escritura y aritmética). Fueron evaluados 258 estudiantes del 1 al 9 año de Enseñanza Primaria de escuelas públicas y privadas de Brasil, con edad media de 10,33 años (DP=2,52). Los estudiantes fueron evaluados utilizando el Test de Cancelamento do Sinos-Versão Infantil (TCS) Test de Cancelamiento de las Campanas Versión Infantil y por el Test de Desempeño Escolar ­ Segunda Edición (TDE-II). Las puntuaciones de los tests fueron correlacionados por el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson, considerando el nivel de significación de p<0,05. Hubo correlaciones positivas significativas de baja intensidad entre los puntajes totales del TCS y TDE-II y correlaciones negativas significativas de baja intensidad entre los puntajes de errores y omisiones del TCS y puntajes totales de TDE-II. Fue posible observar relación entre los constructos estudiados, sin embargo se sugiere que investigaciones futuras utilizen diferentes métodos para evaluar otras habilidades relacionadas con el desempeño escolar y los procesos de atención. (AU)