VTeX: Solutions for Science Publishing

Computer science students are required to master data structures and algorithms, yet learning these topics often presents significant cognitive challenges. This study investigates whether a bundled package of adaptive personalization is associated with learning outcomes, perceived workload, and usability, using an existing educational visualization tool called VZOU (Visualization Zone of Understanding). The enhanced adaptive version of VZOU incorporates personalized learning paths structured around a visible learning progression map, enabling learners to monitor their progress, identify gaps, and take ownership of their learning path. Basic gamification features, Bloom-aligned progressive sequencing, and topic-specific formative quizzes are designed to support self-regulated learning through immediate feedback and motivational reinforcement. In a between-subjects study (N = 55), we compared control, non-adaptive, and adaptive groups. The adaptive group scored significantly higher on the post-test than the non-adaptive and control groups (mean 89.3 vs. 73.3 and 71.0 out of 100, respectively), and showed numerically but not statistically higher usability scores (SUS). Perceived mental workload showed a mixed pattern: the overall six-subscale NASA-TLX composite did not differ significantly by condition, though Mental Demand specifically was significantly higher in the adaptive group than in the control group, and a workload composite excluding self-rated success also differed significantly across conditions. The bundled adaptive VZOU package, combining a diagnostic-driven graph, gated progression, formative quizzes, and gamification, was associated with higher post-test performance, while raising certain aspects of perceived workload. As these components were not manipulated independently, the estimate reflects the package as a whole, not any single element.

This study aimed to determine selected reproductive parameters, including estrus synchronization response, pregnancy rate and prolificacy in Bulgarian local goats subjected to estrus synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) with frozen semen during the breeding season. The investigation was carried out with 101 lactating Bulgarian local goats during the breeding season. Estrus synchronization (ES) was performed using of intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate for 14 days, followed by an intramuscular injection of 500 IU PMSG (pregnant mare serum gonadotropin) on the day of sponge removal. The response to the synchronization was assessed on changes in the vaginal appearance. A single artificial insemination with frozen semen was conducted 48–52 hours after sponge removal. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on day 35 after AI. Based on ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis and kidding data, pregnancy rate (PR) and prolificacy were recorded.

Brooches, belt buckles and other metal objects with a specific design are considered characteristic of Cherniakhov culture. In contrast with well-known typologies, the metal composition of these objects has rarely been investigated. Forty-four artefacts from the settlement and cemetery at Voitenki (east Ukraine) were chosen for metal analysis. The fibulae selected, for example, consist of crossbow tendril brooches, crossbow brooches with a closed catch-plate, brooches with a high catch-plate, and other types. A total of 38 finds were made of non-ferrous metal; for six objects, silver was presumed. The precise metal composition was determined by PIXE (particle-induced X-ray emission) analysis. Based on this method, copper, bronze and brass could be determined as material for the brooches and buckles. The bronze objects were divided into forged bronze and cast bronze; furthermore, mixed material was detected. But these groups and subgroups of metal do not coincide with archaeological types. Crossbow tendril brooches were first of all made of copper, although some consist of bronze or brass. Cast bronze was used for manufacturing some cast types of brooches. The producer probably intentionally selected this material to cast. But on the other hand, it seems that the producer used the material that was available, for example, cast bronze for forged brooches. For silver finds, the PIXE analysis detected a high content of this metal. A comparison of the results with analyses of Roman silver denarii led us to the hypothesis that such Roman coins were used as ‘raw material’ for anufacturing these silver items.