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Little review research has been conducted to describe the interaction and inter-relationships among components of reading development facilitated through mobile assisted language learning (MALL). The language learners, mediation via mobile devices, learning context, learning material and tasks, and learning outcomes need to be carefully examined in mobile-assisted reading. Hence, 28 empirical studies on mobile-assisted reading research published between 2008 and 2018 were selected and evaluated by the Activity Theory (AT) model. The investigators explored the research design of the studies and examined how reading development through mobile-assisted reading could be interpreted from seven constituents of AT -- tool, subject, object, rules, community, division of labor, and outcome. In addition, facilitating processes conducive to reading development were analyzed. Based on the desired outcomes achieved by the facilitating processes, design-, strategy-, and learner-related guidelines for reading development in MALL were proposed. The ultimate goal of MALL for fostering self-regulated learning is also discussed. The review provides instructors and researchers with detailed sociocultural accounts and recommendations for the design and implementation of reading in MALL.

This article provides a literature review on minimally invasive mucogingival surgical techniques for the treatment of periodontal disease and intraosseous defects. It compares the effectiveness of various surgical procedures and emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment planning. The review includes 34 selected articles and discusses techniques such as Entire Papilla Preservation and the Single Flap approach. The article aims to provide evidence-based information to guide clinicians in choosing regenerative periodontal surgical techniques. [Extracted from the article]

Root surface biomodification has been used to treat gingival recession and periodontitis. For example, to improve treatment efficacy of gingival recessions (GR), chemical preparation of the exposed root surface is advocated. The principle for this procedure is to remove the smear layer from the root surfaces, which leads to exposition of surface collagen fibers and improved healing. The aim of present article is to evaluate the importance of root surface biomodification after scaling and root planing (SRP) and a comparative review of various root conditioning agents. The review was written during the search for English-language literature in the Google Scholar and PubMed databases. 104 literary sources were identified during the literature review. After excluding publications that did not meet the inclusion search criteria, the total number of included articles has become 55. The instrumented root surface is always covered by a smear layer, containing remnants of dental calculus, contaminated root cementum, bacterial endotoxin and subgingival plaque after the scaling and root planning procedure. The root conditioning agents, described in this study, were found to be effective in the removal of the smear layer, able to produce uncovering and widening the dentin tubules, and unmasking the dentin collagen matrix. Within the limits of this study, the most frequently used conditioning agents are tetracycline, EDTA, and citric acid; among them Tetracycline HCL is the most reliable agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endodontic treatment is the primary method for treating complicated caries, specifically pulpitis and periodontitis. Antiseptic irrigation solutions can minimize the number of bacteria and improve the long-term prognosis and survival rate of endodontic therapy. Polyhexanide shows promise as antiseptic irrigant for root canal treatment due to its good antimicrobial properties and substantivity. The aim of this study was to assess the viability of free gingival multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSCs) when exposed to varying concentrations of polyhexanide hydrochloride and chlorhexidine bigluconate, and to compare the resulting outcomes. Based on the analyzed data, 0.1% and 0.2% polyhexanide-based solutions were found to be less cytotoxic and resulted in lower cell viability affection compared to the 2% aqueous chlorhexidine solution commonly used in endodontics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linking country-level educational achievement with other country-level indicators has the potential to drive systemic educational changes, as these correlates may reflect characteristics relevant for policy-making decisions to improve educational effectiveness. This study establishes a nomological network of educational achievement at the country level, with clusters of country variables derived from psychological, sociological, and other country-comparative research. Country educational achievements were compiled from all cycles of the Programme for International Student Achievement (PISA), and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) for Grade 8 and Grade 4 students. These scores were found to be correlated with (a) affluence and educational investment indicators (positive); (b) intelligence (positive); (c) religious diversity (positive); (d) values pertaining to long-term orientation (positive), autonomy (positive), uncertainty avoidance (negative), and embeddedness (negative); and (e) aggregated scores of conscientiousness, openness, self-esteem, and teacher self-reports of job satisfaction and efficacy (negative). Policy implications are discussed.

Periodontitis and gingivitis are complex infectious diseases, which led to damage of the tooth supporting apparatus. In general, various periodontal diseases represent a vast problem in modern dentistry with a prevalence of 20-80% in the world population. Knowledge of the inflammatory periodontal disease's frequency with violation of the integrity of the dentition directly helps the practicing dentist to decide on the diagnostic tactics of patients and helps to develop skills for the prevention of periodontitis and patient motivation. The purpose of this article is to determine the prevalence of periodontitis in the population according to the data of modern literature sources. The study of publications was produced in the electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed during a systematic review of the literature. Included articles contain information about prevalence of inflammatory periodontal diseases, relationship between general health conditions and periodontitis. The publication date criterion was selected from 2017 to 2023. 178 articles were viewed during the review. After analyzing the literature for inclusion criteria, the total number of publications has become 50. Based on the analyzed data, it can be concluded that inflammatory periodontal diseases are a fairly common pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this review is to determine the marginal bone loss minimization by using the platform switching effect technique for implant-supported crown restoration. Publications in the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect were examined during a systematic literature review. Articles containing data related to the effect of platform switching on the alveolar marginal bone structure while usage of implant-supported crown restorations were included. 51 articles were reviewed during data collection. After analysis of the publications according to the exclusion criteria, the number of included studies had become 34. Considering the studied materials, it can be said that dental prosthetics on implants with the effect of "platform switching" create favorable conditions. There is a minimum amount of bone loss due to the bone tissue remodeling after implantation, as well as after prosthetics, by distancing the foci of microorganism contamination from the marginal bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The final goal of periodontal treatment is to achieve functional and anatomical tissue regeneration. Numerous techniques have illustrated favorable effects on anatomical and functional periodontal regeneration, but long-term results are highly variable. In addition, techniques for closure of class I-II recessions have results up to 100% with high predictability, in contrast to Miller class III-IV recessions, according to the literature. This systematic review aims to define the different techniques for closure of Miller class III-IV recessions and to identify their characteristics in different clinical situations. A study of publications in the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar and eLIBRARY was performed through a literature review. Articles concerning various techniques for closure of class III-IV recessions were included. A total of 100 articles were reviewed during the revision process. After analyzing the literature according to the inclusion criteria, the final number of articles had become 46. The features of the various techniques as well as long-term surgical outcomes were reviewed. Many techniques should be further investigated, due to insufficient clinical data and a few number of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-curing composite restorative materials are widely used by dentists of various specialties in the esthetic restoration because of their optimal mechanical properties and predictable desired aesthetics. However, their use requires special attention to the safety of the components used. In recent decades, polymer composites have been developed with the objective of reducing cytotoxicity and shrinkage during polymerization and improving aesthetics. The biocompatibility of all polymeric materials is an issue that requires special focus on the chemical composition of biopolymers, which consist of an organic resin matrix and ceramic reinforcing filler particles bonded with a silane. The special priority in biocompatibility studies has focused mainly on the organic resin polymer matrix. And among the components of composite resins, the polymer matrix is the only unstable one, mainly because of the unbound monomers that can be released and remain as free monomers during the polymerization step. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of preheating composite restorative materials on composite conversion and their cytotoxic properties. The use of composite restorative materials preheating in dental practice allows dentists to reduce the cytotoxicity of composite materials and improve their degree of conversion, since there is a direct relationship between increasing the conversion of the material and reducing its cytotoxicity. Preheating has a positive effect on composite, resulting in reducing their cytotoxic properties and optimizing the biocompatibility of the polymer matrix with hard tissues. The conversion of the material is improved, since there is a direct correlation between the increase in the conversion of the material and the reduction of its cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upper airway morphology and respiration pattern have been assigned an important role in the development of the craniofacial region. Several studies advocate cone-beam computed tomography to evaluate the upper airway. Although this method has been widely used, there are no clear algorithms and protocols to comprehensively assess the state of the respiratory tract. The present study aims to describe of a previously developed algorithm for upper airway assessment in children and to identify its significance and effectiveness. Forty CBCTs of pediatric patients with mouth and nasal breathing were used to perform a 3D evaluation of the upper airway using the developed algorithm. The study group included 20 pediatric patients who suffered from symptoms and signs of nasal obstruction, and the control group included 20 patients who were normal nasal breathers. Group differences were statistically evaluated by independent samples t-test at p < 0.05 levels. Mouth breathers demonstrated considerable narrowing of both nasopharynx and oropharynx areas, increased adenoids and tonsils sizes, a higher A/N ratio. The prevalence of 2 and 3 degree of adenoid hypertrophy was significantly more frequent in the mouth breathers' group (45% and 20%) than nose breathers (25% and 5%). The 3 degree of adenoid hypertrophy was significantly more frequent in the mouth breathers' group (45%) than nose breathers group (25%) (P=05). In conclusion, a CBCT-based 3D analysis gives a better picture of the anatomical characteristics of the upper airways and therefore can lead to an improvement of the diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tooth restoration involves the use of various types of materials. In modern reality, light-curing composite materials are used for this purpose. Also, polymer cements of various types of polymerization are used to fix indirect structures in highly aesthetic areas. All dental composites are polymerized according to the free radical type. The formation of free radicals and curing occur as a result of a thermal, chemical, or photochemical reaction. Polymerization of composites never occurs at 100%; upon contact with air, the surface of the material interacts with oxygen, which leads to the termination (inhibition) of the polymerization reaction. To prevent the formation of an oxy-geninhibited layer (OIL) on the surface of the composite, chemically inert, oxygen-impermeable protective glycerol gels are used. To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of glycerol in preventing the oxygen-inhibited layer formation and to determine the relationship between the group of the composite and its qualitative composition during the formation of an oxygen-inhibited layer during polymerization. This study was carried out using an Infralum FT-801 IR Fourier spectrometer in KBr tablets. 135 samples of 12 various composite materials were studied; each was subjected to IR spectrometry, cured in glycerol or without glycerol. 15 specimens of Enamel plus UE composite material underwent pre-polymerization heat in a special oven (Micerium; Avegno, Italy) to 55°C before one heating cycle. The obtained results allowed us to conclude that the type of composite material does not significantly affect the process of oxygen inhibited layer formation. Regardless of the composite material group, under aerobic conditions, an incomplete conversion occurs, and an oxygen inhibited layer is formed. Anaerobic conditions do the conversion completely, which leads to the absence of oil, which was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates. While habitat loss poses the greatest threat to amphibians, a spreading fungal disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Longcore, Pessier & D.K. Nichols 1999 (Bd) is seriously affecting an increasing number of species. Although Bd is widely prevalent, there are identifiable heterogeneities in the pathogen's distribution that are linked to environmental parameters. Our objective was to identify conditions that affect the geographic distribution of this pathogen using species distribution models (SDMs) with a special focus on Eastern Europe. SDMs can help identify hotspots for future outbreaks of Bd but perhaps more importantly identify locations that may be environmental refuges ("coldspots") from infection. In general, climate is considered a major factor driving amphibian disease dynamics, but temperature in particular has received increased attention. Here, 42 environmental raster layers containing data on climate, soil, and human impact were used. The mean annual temperature range (or 'continentality') was found to have the strongest constraint on the geographic distribution of this pathogen. The modeling allowed to distinguish presumable locations that may be environmental refuges from infection and set up a framework to guide future search (sampling) of chytridiomycosis in Eastern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:chronic apical periodontitis is a common pathology in dentistry, especially in endodontics. It is necessary to systematize data concerning commonly used irrigation solutions. The development of new protocols for endodontic treatment is a very promising direction. The use of a polyhexanide-based antiseptic can positively affect the results of endodontic treatment. Methods: the review was carried out involving the search for English language research and meta-analyses in the Google Scholar and PubMed databases. Results: the number of literary sources that were identified during the literature review is 180. After excluding publications that did not match the search criteria, the total number of articles included in the systematic review was determined to be 68. Conclusions: polyhexanide is a promising solution for infected root canal irrigation. The antibacterial activity of this substance is suitable for the elimination of pathogens responsible for the appearance of apical periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of ultra-short (US) implants is a conservative, and more affordable method for rehabilitation of edentulous zones in severely atrophic jaws. US implants eliminate the necessity of augmentation procedures. With that in mind, a systematic review was established to assess the applications of US implants, and their reliability as an alternative of conventional implants. In this systematic review, an electronic search for English literature was carried out on the 22nd of July 2022 and ended on the 27th of July 2022, in the databases of PubMed, Google scholar, Scopus, and ResearchGate, for studies in which US implants were used. A total of 151 articles were identified by keywords. Ultimately, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 fulltext articles were included and analyzed in our systematic review. Chief question in this article was: When is the use of ultra-short implants more favourable, and how viable are they? Twenty-eight studies comprising 1221 implants were selected for the systematic review. US implants were mainly used in atrophic alveolar ridges, to avoid bone augmentation procedures. US implants showed a survival rate of 97.1% among all authors. US implants showed a mean periimplant bone loss of 0.38 mm over a mean period of 42 months. Placement of US implants in oneor two-stage technique had no influence on any variables. The placement of US dental implants has presented a viable option in the rehabilitation of patients with atrophic alveolar ridge, with the aim of avoiding bone augmentation procedures. However, the long-term effectiveness of US dental implants remains to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) are one of the most recent and relevant advancements in the field of dentistry, including in orthodontics. These systems have enabled clinicians to increase the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning, to improve patient care along with reducing treatment planning time. The present study aims to explore possible applications of the artificial intelligence (AI) to examine the upper airway and to assess the reliability of the automatic evaluation of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Thirty CBCTs, with the field of view 15*15, were uploaded to the Diagnocat (LLC Diagnocat, Moscow, Russia) account, and the radiologic orthodontic report of each was generated as the basis of automatic evaluation. The same CBCTs were manually evaluated by independent evaluator. 3D color visualization of upper airway, total and minimum volume, UPW, LPW, PASmin and A/N ratio were assessed. The data were collected to allow statistical analysis with Microsoft Excel software. A total of 60 reports were created for 30 CBCTs. Reliability the correspondence between the two methods was 93.3%. A positive correlation between the minimum sagittal linear dimension (MSLD) on 2-dimensional reconstructed lateral cephalograms and minimum cross-sectional area (MCSA) on the CBCTs and a negative correlation between A/N ratio and total area airway were established. The AI system can be helpful as an initial evaluation of upper airway screening CBCTs, giving appropriate credibility reports and suggesting additional diagnostic methods for more accurate evaluation if needed. The AI technology can also help improve the accuracy of diagnoses for orthodontic treatment, therefore, helping orthodontists work more efficiently. However, the AI has shortcomings in assessing adenoid hypertrophy (AH). In conclusion, the fields of artificial intelligence in orthodontic diagnostics can be useful for upper airway screening and also have great priorities. Research in the field of upper airway diagnostics using artificial intelligence requires further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was the need to update the chlorhexidine adhesive protocol in the treatment of devital teeth in the presence of TIMP1 and TIMP2 in fragments of removed teeth previously endodontically treated and removed according to indications using PCR. The study was conducted on 38 human molars removed according to indications, which were divided into 2 groups: 1 group of the studied samples - 22 removed devital molars and 2 group - the control group - these are 16 third molars removed according to orthodontic indications. The removed teeth of each group were fragmented using a diamond-coated disk and air-water cooling. According to the results it was found that MMP 2 and MMP 9 are contained not only in vital, but also in devital teeth. The use of a chlorhexidine adhesive Protocol is relevant in both clinical cases but depending on the type of MMP and the state of the pulp the concentration of chlorhexidine is selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used quantitative PCR to detect Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) in 135 samples of Pelophylax esculentus complex water frogs from 41 Latvian populations. We detected Bd in 18 populations of water frogs. None of the samples was positive for Bsal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium hypochlorite is the most popular irrigant due to its proteolytic properties, but it affects not only the necrotized remnants of pulp tissue, the lubricated layer and microbial biofilm, but also the collagen fibers of the organic dentin matrix. This adversely affects the strength of dentin and increases the risks of complications of endodontic treatment with chewing load. Determining the effect of sodium hypochlorite and the temperature regime of its irrigation on the structural components of dentin will help to balance the risks and benefits of using this irrigant in endodontic practice. The aim of this review article is to systematic assessment of scientific data on the effect of sodium hypochlorite and the temperature regime of its irrigation on the hard tissues of the tooth, in particular on the mechanical properties of dentin. Electronic search of articles was carried out using search engines and databases Google Scholar, Pub Med. The articles are included, the content of which concerns the topics of practical application of sodium hypochlorite solution, as well as the influence of the temperature of this solution on the properties of hard tooth tissues. The publication date criterion has been selected since July 2011 69 articles were reviewed during the review process. After analyzing the literature according to the inclusion criteria, the total number was 14 publications. Prolonged exposure to the irritant, irreversible changes in dentin occur due to the dissolution of collagen, which leads to irreversible changes in the physical and mechanical properties of dentin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyze the literature on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This literature review includes articles from 2003 to 2018 describing clinical studies or clinical cases of TMJ diseases in SLE. Publications not related to the study topic and those that did not have enough data were excluded from the survey. The investigation initially involved 35 articles, four of which were selected. The articles included studies on the pediatric and adult populations. In all the studies, except for one, a clinical examination was carried out, and in three of the studies additional radiographic methods were used. The information also included an overview of drug therapy. At present, there is limited information on the TMJ disorders in systemic lupus erythematosus and further research is required to properly diagnose the disease in dental appointments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BioDATA is an international project on developing skills in biodiversity data management and data publishing. Between 2018 and 2021, undergraduate and postgraduate students from Armenia, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Ukraine, have an opportunity to take part in the intensive courses to become certified professionals in biodiversity data management. They will gain practical skills and obtain appropriate knowledge on: international data standards (Darwin Core); data cleaning software, data publishing software such as the Integrated Publishing Toolkit (IPT), and preparation of data papers. Working with databases, creating datasets, managing data for statistical analyses and publishing research papers are essential for the everyday tasks of a modern biologist. At the same time, these skills are rarely taught in higher education. Most of the contemporary professionals in biodiversity have to gain these skills independently, through colleagues, or through supervision. In addition, all the participants familiarize themselves with one of the important international research data infrastructures such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The project is coordinated by the University of Oslo (Norway) and supported by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The project is funded by the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (DIKU). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The aim of the study is to evaluate the difference in MB2 prevalence with different slice thicknesses in maxillary first molars. Materials and Methods. Two hundred nonfilled MB2 canals in maxillary first molars of 156 people (75 females and 81 males) aged from 20 to 73 years old were evaluated with CBCT with different slice thicknesses: 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 3 mm, and 10 mm. A general analysis was performed out, as well as in the age groups and on gender groups. Results. Visualization with 0.5 mm and 1 mm slice thicknesses was 100% and generally equal, in both the male and the female group. General MB2 visualization with 3 mm slice thickness was 42% and 29% for the male group and 27% for the female group. No canals were visualized with 10 mm slice thickness. The study did not demonstrate a statistical difference in the MB2 prevalence between gender and age groups with the 3 mm slice thickness. Conclusion. The most valuable way to evaluate the root canal system in first maxillary molars with CBCT is using 1 mm slice thickness for both genders and every age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Damage to the esophagus during radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation can result in fatal atrioesophageal fistula. Our aim is to describe the relationship of the left atrium (LA) and esophagus with a focus on contact of the posterior wall (PW) of the LA and the esophagus. Methods. From 9/2011 to 8/2012, CT of the heart was performed in 56 patients undergoing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using CT GE Lightspeed VCT 64 by nongated standard protocol. Positions of the esophagus to the LA, width of the esophagus and contact with the PW of the LA were determined. Results. The most frequent position of the esophagus was behind the left side of the LA. The average width of the esophagus was 16.0 ± 4.1 mm, and the average distance between the PW and esophagus was 4.8 ± 1.6 mm. On average, 50 ± 4.11 mm of the PW was in close contact with the esophagus. The average length of the fat pad between the esophagus and LA was 9.1 ± 5.5 mm in the upper part of the LA and 15.8 ± 7.3 mm at the bottom. Significantly longer contact occurred behind the right part of the LA. Conclusions. The most common esophageal position is behind the left side of the LA. The esophagus is located in close contact by approximately 2/3 of the length and 1/4 of the width of the PW of the LA. The esophagus is more adjacent to the upper part of PW of the LA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) of the heart is an imaging technique that displays the left atrium and adjacent structures during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. The aim is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of 3DRA for imaging the right and left ventricles of patients undergoing catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias. Methods. From 8/2010 to 6/2015, 35 patients underwent 3DRA of the right (20 patients) or left ventricle (15 patients) with a Philips Allura FD 10 X-ray system using a direct protocol. The success rate of the 3D model, as well as the procedure times and complications of 3DRA, was evaluated, and the 3DRA model was compared with ventricular computer tomography (CT). Results. The overall 3D model success rate was 91.4%. The 3D models were graded as excellent for 65.7% of patients and as useful for 25.7% of patients. The imaging success rate was slightly higher for the right ventricle than for the left ventricle (95%, 86.7%, respectively). The times required to perform 3DRA of the right and left ventricle were 12.5 +/- 2.1 min and 14.7 +/- 2.8 min, respectively. There were no significant differences between 3DRA and ventricular CT. Conclusion. Ventricular 3DRA allows the easy and safe creation of 3D models of the cardiac ventricles. The success rate is comparable to the success rate of the 3DRA for imaging the left atrium. There was no difference in imaging quality between the two ventricles. 3DRA models of the ventricles are comparable with CT models of the ventricles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Catheter ablation of complex atrial arrhythmias guided by 3D models of a left atrium (LA) derived from CT/MRI or 3D rotational angiography of the heart (3DRA) is currently a common practice. Our aim is to compare radiation dose, consumption of a contrast agent and cost of these methods. Methods. From 10/2012 to 10/2015, either 3DRA (157 patients using the X-ray system Philips Allura FD 10) or computer tomography (CT) (157 patients using 64-slice CT GE Lightspeed VCT) of the LA was performed in patients undergoing complex atrial arrhythmias ablation. All procedures were monitored for average effective radiation dose, dose of the contrast agent and analysis of a financial expenditures. Results. The average effective radiation dose for 3DRA was 2.11±0.392 mSv compared to 10.52±2.093 mSv for CT. The contrast agent consumption was 22.2 mg and 48.2 mg of iodine for 3DRA and CT, respectively. Total price per procedure is 123€ for 3DRA and 161€ for CT. Conclusion. Consumption of the contrast agent and radiation burden for LA 3DRA is significantly lower in comparison to most currently used CT scan methods. Cost of both methods is comparable, however, 3DRA is slightly less expensive than CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linking country-level educational achievement with other countrylevel indicators has the potential to drive systemic educational changes, as these correlates may reflect characteristics relevant for policy-making decisions to improve educational effectiveness. This study establishes a nomological network of educational achievement at the country level, with clusters of country variables derived from psychological, sociological, and other countrycomparative research. Country educational achievements were compiled from all cycles of the Programme for International Student Achievement (PISA), and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) for Grade 8 and Grade 4 students. These scores were found to be correlated with (a) affluence and educational investment indicators (positive); (b) intelligence (positive); (c) religious diversity (positive); (d) values pertaining to long-term orientation (positive), autonomy (positive), uncertainty avoidance (negative), and embeddedness (negative); and (e) aggregated scores of conscientiousness, openness, selfesteem, and teacher self-reports of job satisfaction and efficacy (negative). Policy implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]