Schrödinger: Journal of Physics Education

How Epistemic Beliefs Shape Physics Self-Efficacy among Pre-service Science Teachers: The Mediating Role of Self-Regulative Behavior

2026-05-01T01:29:36+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study aimed to investigate whether self-regulative behavior mediates the relationship between epistemic beliefs and physics self-efficacy among pre-service science teachers.

Methodology: This study employed a correlational research design wherein a survey was conducted with 261 randomly selected Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science students in a Philippine higher education institution. Analysis was conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS macro version 4.2 in SPSS, applying bootstrapping procedures to test indirect effects.

Main Findings: Results revealed that self-regulative behavior partially mediates the relationship between epistemic beliefs and physics self-efficacy. The direct effect of epistemic beliefs on physics self-efficacy decreased but remained significant (B = 0.177, Boot SE = 0.079, 95% Boot CI [0.027, 0.335]), representing 48% of the total effect. The indirect effect through self-regulative behavior was also significant (B = 0.191, Boot SE = 0.040, 95% Boot CI [0.117, 0.273]), accounting for 52% of the total effect.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study highlights self-regulative behavior as a mediator in physics self-efficacy, offering new insight into how epistemic beliefs translate into confidence. It informs teacher education by emphasizing the integration of epistemological sophistication and regulation strategies to enhance pre-service teachers’ learning and teaching preparedness.

A Century of the Schrödinger Equation Foundations, Structure and Applications

2026-05-01T01:29:33+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study aims to provide a comprehensive pedagogical review of the Schrödinger equation by integrating its physical derivations, mathematical structure, and applications to support advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students in understanding quantum mechanics coherently.

Methodology: Literature review, pedagogical synthesis, canonical model analysis, Hilbert-space formalism, self-adjoint operator framework, spectral theory approach, quantum mechanics textbooks and journal sources, mathematical physics methods, conceptual analysis, and visualization of wave packets and quantum phenomena were used as tools and methods in this study.

Main Findings: The study shows that multiple derivations of the Schrödinger equation converge to a unified structure based on linear, unitary evolution with a self-adjoint Hamiltonian. Key quantum phenomena such as superposition, tunnelling, and quantization emerge consistently from canonical models, while mathematical conditions ensure physical consistency and probability conservation.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study uniquely integrates physical derivations, rigorous mathematical structure, and pedagogical organization into a single coherent framework. It bridges conceptual gaps between theory and application, offering a unified reference that enhances understanding of quantum mechanics and supports both self-study and instructional practices.

Assessing the Impact of ASSURE-Based Instruction on Students’ Cognitive Ability: A Quasi-Experimental Approach

2026-05-01T01:29:31+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study aims to analyze the effect of the ASSURE instructional model on students’ cognitive abilities in learning light wave concepts at the senior high school level, focusing on improving cognitive performance across Bloom’s Taxonomy levels (C1–C4).

Methodology: This study employed a quasi-experimental method with a nonequivalent control group design. Data were collected using multiple-choice cognitive tests, documentation, and observation. The instrument was validated using Product Moment correlation and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Levene’s Test, and independent samples t-test.

Main Findings: The results showed that the experimental group achieved higher posttest scores than the control group. The independent samples t-test indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05). The effect size analysis yielded a large effect (d = 1.34), indicating a strong impact of the ASSURE model on students’ cognitive abilities.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study provides a specific analysis of the ASSURE model’s effectiveness across cognitive levels (C1–C4) in learning light wave concepts. It also integrates learner characteristic analysis into instructional design, offering a more structured and comprehensive approach to enhancing students’ cognitive development in physics education.

Combined Ultrasonic and Thermal Treatment: Effects on Microbial Reduction and Protein Stability in Fresh Milk

2026-05-01T01:29:27+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study aims to evaluate the effect of ultrasonic treatment combined with temperature variation on the inhibition of Escherichia coli and the preservation of protein content in fresh cow’s milk under controlled experimental conditions.

Methodology: Experimental design; ultrasonic generator (60 kHz, 70 W); water bath temperature control (30°C, 40°C, 50°C); incubator shaker; laminar air flow; Total Plate Count (TPC) method; Kjeldahl method; colony counter; Nutrient Agar (NA) and Nutrient Broth (NB); two-way ANOVA; descriptive statistics; statistical software (SPSS).

Main Findings: Ultrasonic treatment combined with temperature significantly reduced Escherichia coli counts, with the highest reduction (95.9%) achieved at 50°C for 30 minutes. Bacterial counts decreased progressively with increasing temperature and exposure time. Protein content remained relatively stable, ranging from 2.02% to 2.20%, indicating minimal degradation under treatment conditions.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study presents an integrated and statistically validated approach to simultaneously analyze microbial inactivation and protein stability using combined ultrasonic and thermal treatments. It demonstrates a synergistic interaction between acoustic cavitation and moderate temperature, offering a novel framework linking physical wave principles with biological systems in food processing.

Ultrasound Therapy: Modulation of Abdominal Fat and Triglyceride Levels in Rats

2026-05-01T01:29:35+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasonic wave exposure with different intensity levels on abdominal circumference and blood triglyceride levels in white rats (Rattus norvegicus) as an experimental model for non-invasive fat reduction therapy.

Methodology: This study used an experimental in vivo pretest–posttest control group design involving 12 male Wistar rats. Ultrasonic therapy was administered using a 1 MHz ultrasound therapy device with three intensity modes for 4 minutes daily over 6 days. Abdominal circumference was measured using a measuring tape, while triglyceride levels were analyzed using a portable strip-based digital analyzer.

Main Findings: The results showed that ultrasonic wave intensity influenced abdominal circumference and blood triglyceride levels in white rats. Mode 2 intensity produced the greatest reduction in abdominal circumference by 6.50%, while Mode 3 most effectively suppressed the increase in triglyceride levels, with only a 0.02% increase. In contrast, the control group showed significant increases in both abdominal circumference and triglyceride levels.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study provides a novel contribution by systematically comparing different ultrasonic intensity modes on both abdominal circumference and blood triglyceride levels simultaneously. The findings identify optimal intensity parameters for non-invasive lipid regulation therapy and expand current knowledge regarding the biophysical application of ultrasound technology in obesity and triglyceride management.