Correct Scores Research Articles

Can surface topography reliably determine the Rigo classification system?

No studies have explored the reliability of the Rigo classification system using surface topography (ST), which would allow optimization without radiation exposure. This study aims to measure and compare the intra- and inter-observer reliability (Kappa values) and accuracy of the Rigo system between ST and X-ray for overall types and subtypes. X-ray and ST images of 31 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients were selected. Three investigators were blinded to assess images using the Rigo system, twice for each patient on different weeks, with 372 overall image readings. Afterwards, all investigators agreed upon the correct Rigo scores for finalized classifications. For Rigo types, the average intra-observer Kappa value was slightly better for ST (0.77, p<0.001) than X-ray (0.75, p<0.001). For Rigo subtypes, the average intra-observer Kappa value was again slightly better for ST (0.74, p<0.001) than X-ray (0.65, p<0.001). The inter-observer reliability was expectedly lower than intra-observer, with ST (0.53, p<0.001) comparable to X-ray (0.54, p<0.001) for the type. For subtype inter-observer reliability, ST (0.43, p<0.001) was slightly better than X-ray (0.36, p<0.001). For the type, the overall accuracy of the observers was slightly lower for ST (77.96%) than X-ray (79.57%). For the subtype, the accuracy of observers was slightly higher for ST (70.97%) than X-ray (65.05%). ST-based Rigo system demonstrates very good intra-rater reproducibility and moderately good inter-rater reproducibility. Surface topography is comparable to X-ray for the Rigo system, and therefore can be considered a reliable alternative in clinical application.

An analysis of knowledge, attitudes, practice and influencing factors for tuberculosis prevention and control among Hainan University students

ObjectiveTo assess the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice pertaining to tuberculosis prevention among college students in Hainan Province, China, and to identify influential factors. The findings of this study are intended to provide valuable insights for the development and implementation of effective health education programs aimed at tuberculosis prevention and control.MethodsA convenient sampling method was employed to conduct a questionnaire-based survey among college students at a university in Hainan Province using the Wenjuanxing platform from January to February 2023. The survey evaluated students’ general information and their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding tuberculosis prevention and control. The scores of correct knowledge, attitude, and practice were compared based on students’ demographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the influencing factors of students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice related to tuberculosis prevention and control.ResultsA total of 280 questionnaires were distributed, of which 265 valid responses were collected, resulting in a valid response rate of 94.6%. The study found that medical students exhibited higher levels of correct knowledge, attitude, and practice compared to non-medical students (5.92 vs. 5.17, 3.17 vs. 2.57, 3.48 vs. 2.78, respectively). Moreover, students who had received tuberculosis education had higher correct scores compared to those who had not (5.92 vs. 5.31, 3.08 vs. 2.65, 3.31 vs. 2.93, respectively). Additionally, students in higher grades demonstrated higher scores in attitude. Three variables were found to influence students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice related to tuberculosis prevention and control, accounting for 33.4% of the explanatory power (F = 11.930; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Grade, major, and whether they had received tuberculosis education included.ConclusionThe study revealed a generally poor level of awareness among college students regarding tuberculosis prevention and control knowledge and the importance of regular physical exercise. Grade, major, and whether students had received tuberculosis education were identified as influencing factors. These factors should be prioritized in university tuberculosis education programs. Moreover, the implementation of physical education in schools is crucial in promoting students’ health.

Association Between Resident In-Service Exam Scores by Postgraduate Year and Subsequent Board Qualifying Exam.

Prior work notes the AUA In-Service Exam (ISE) percentile ranking of chief residents correlates with the American Board of Urology Qualifying Exam (QE) performance. We present a 5-year analysis of resident performance on the ISE and subsequent QE to determine if earlier time points in training may identify those needing additional educational support. Participant ISE scores over a 5-year period from 2014 to 2018 and subsequent QE scores in 2019 were recorded. Pearson's correlation coefficient measured the association between percentage questions correct for each ISE year and QE. Youden Index calculated the optimal cut point for yearly ISE percentage correct that would predict scoring greater than the lowest quartile and decile on the QE. Median percent questions correct on ISE increased over postgraduate year (PGY) 1 (47%), PGY2 (56.5%), and PGY3 (70%) but remained stable thereafter (PGY4-PGY5) at approximately 70%. Median QE percent correct in 2019 was 66% (SD 7.6%). Correlation of percent questions correct between ISE and QE improved from 0.31 to 0.53 over training duration. The lowest decile and quartile percent correct scores on the QE were 56% and 60%, respectively. Percent correct ISE score predicting performance above the lowest decile 2019 QE score increased from 38% in PGY1 to 57% in PGY2 and leveled off after PGY3 (∼70%). Similar observations were noted with lowest quartile QE score. Scoring approximately 70% of questions correct on the ISE during PGY3 and later years was associated with a low risk of failing the QE. Such information provides benchmarks for residency programs to offer targeted educational content for at-risk candidates.

Inference of Verb Meaning Using Morphosyntactic Clues in Preschool Children with Delayed Language Development

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine whether preschool children with delayed language development use morphosyntactic clues such as particles or arguments when understanding the meaning of new verbs. Methods: The participants were 16 children aged 4 to 5 years with delayed language development and 16 children whose chronological age was matched. We analyze the characteristic of the two groups understanding the meaning of sentences containing new actions through particles tasks and argument tasks. Results: First, as a result of comparing the differences between the two groups in the particles conditions (nominative, objective), there was no significant difference in the correct response scores between the two groups in the nominative particle condition. Second, there was a significant difference in the correct response scores between the two groups in the objective particle condition. Lastly, there was no significant difference in the response ratio according to the group and argument condition. Regardless of the number of arguments, all children chose more relational action scenes than independent action scenes. Conclusion: In the particles task, children with language delay showed similar performance to typical children in the nominative case condition, but showed difficulty in the objective case condition. Children with language delay were able to infer verb meaning using particle cues, just like typical children. However, this ability was limited in the objective particle condition. In the argument task, there was no significant difference between the two groups, indicating that inferring verb meaning was not affected by the number of nouns.

Quantitative evaluation of GPT-4’s performance on US and Chinese osteoarthritis treatment guideline interpretation and orthopaedic case consultation

ObjectivesTo evaluate GPT-4’s performance in interpreting osteoarthritis (OA) treatment guidelines from the USA and China, and to assess its ability to diagnose and manage orthopaedic cases.SettingThe study was conducted using...

Cognitive Planning Improved After Cycling Exercise in Older Adults with Down Syndrome

Background/Objectives: Cognitive functions are a crucial part of daily living, especially for adults with Down syndrome (DS) who have a high likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease in adulthood. In addition, adults with DS move slower and are not meeting the standard aerobic activity guidelines each week. The aim of this study was to examine if Assisted Cycle Therapy (ACT) would improve cognitive planning as measured by the Tower of London (TOL), set switching as measured by the modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and spatial memory as measured by the Corsi Block Test in adults with DS as compared to self-paced cycling. Methods: Twenty-four participants were randomly assigned to one of two interventions over eight weeks. (1) Thirteen older adults with DS completed the ACT intervention, which is stationary cycling with the assistance of a motor to maintain a cadence at least 35% greater than voluntary cycling. (2) Eleven older adults with DS completed voluntary cycling (VC). Results: Our results showed that cognitive planning as measured by total correct score in the TOL showed improvement for both ACT and VC after 8 weeks of exercise, F(1, 22) = 6.22, p = 0.021. There were no significant differences for spatial memory or set switching. Conclusions: We concluded that cycling exercise has a positive impact on cognitive function, especially problem solving in older adults with DS. Our results are discussed with respect to upregulation of neurotrophic factors that increase functioning in the prefrontal cortex that accompanies exercise and leads to improvements in cognitive planning which is essential to many activities of daily living and quality of life for older adults with DS.

Testing the endogeneity of a spatial weight matrix in the weak-tied spatial dynamic panel data model

Weak ties in large-scale networks facilitate the diffusion of information and resources, generating spillover effects. While geographic proximity may generate straightforward networks, a non predetermined spillover framework better accommodates socioeconomic interactions. In such cases, it is important to test the endogeneity of a spatial weight matrix before full estimation to ensure valid and efficient model selection. I propose a robust score test to assess this endogeneity in the weak-tied spatial dynamic panel data model, emphasizing its asymptotic optimality and computational efficiency. First, I correct score function biases to address the incidental parameters problem. Second, I adjust the score functions to enhance robustness against local parametric misspecifications. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate favorable finite sample properties. In my application, I illustrate how this test helps model selection for the Solow-Swan growth model, considering spillovers from geographic and knowledge proximities. The estimation results reveal endogenous spillover effects with weakly positive impacts on real income per worker, while savings show positive internal effects but negative spillover effects, possibly due to competition for investment. Notably, the labor growth rate positively influences knowledge accumulation and innovation, leading to beneficial effects on real income per worker through both internal and spillover channels.

Obesity management in primary care: Are we adequately preparing the next generation of Canadian family physicians?

BackgroundObesity is a chronic disease that affects a large proportion of the population. We examined the preparation of Canadian medical learners for obesity management through three cross-sectional studies exploring the: 1) knowledge of evidence-based obesity management among medical students; 2) perspectives of family medicine residents on the adequacy of obesity management training in their residency programs; and 3) intentions of family medicine residents regarding obesity management when they enter practice. MethodsAn online survey instrument was developed for each study. For Study 1, the survey was developed by HP, VE and JA; the questions mapped onto the ten domains outlined in the 2020 Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Obesity in Adults. For Study 2, the survey was developed by HP and TMcC; the questions aligned with competencies in the management of other chronic diseases. For Study 3, the survey was developed by MR, HP and MV; the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation (COM-B) model was used as a framework for the questions. All three surveys met the criterion for face validity and the survey for Study 3 met criteria for content and criterion validity. ResultsStudy 1 enrolled 26 first-year and 22 fourth-year students. Total correct scores were below 50 % for both groups, and patient-centeredness scores differed significantly between the groups. Study 2 enrolled 494 family medicine residents; less than 25 % thought there was sufficient time devoted to training in obesity management during residency and approximately 75 % experienced inconsistent messaging about obesity management from their preceptors. Study 3 enrolled 150 family medicine residents. Few participants believed that they had been well trained or had a clear plan for managing obesity, but most believed that obesity management will form part of their practice and that they will have the time and resources for obesity management. ConclusionCurrent medical education does not reflect the requisite knowledge for contemporary obesity management. Further, family medicine residents identified gaps in mentorship of contemporary principles of obesity management. These findings support the revision of the medical curriculum in Canada to better reflect the science of obesity and its management.

Perceptual Response Training for Reduction of Injury Risk Among High School Girls' Soccer Players.

Background/Objectives: Neural processes involved in visual detection, decision-making, and motor plan execution are believed to play a key role in the avoidance of sport-related injuries, but very little evidence exists to guide the development of training activities for the optimization of brain function. Immersive virtual reality provides a means to precisely measure the amount of time that elapses from visual stimulus presentation to the initiation of a motor response (i.e., perceptual latency) or its completion (i.e., response time). Methods: The median value of a metric quantifying both the speed and accuracy (i.e., the rate correct per second of response time) of 50 high school female soccer players was used to assign those who exhibited suboptimal performance to a training program. Training sessions required less than 5 min and the number of sessions completed over a 7-week period ranged from 3 to 13 (median = 5). Results: Among 42 players available for follow-up assessment at 8 weeks after the first practice session (training n = 19; comparison n = 23), the results of regression-discontinuity analyses demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) for metrics representing fast/accurate movement initiation (i.e., the rate correct score for perceptual latency, p = 0.016) and across-trial consistency (i.e., perceptual latency variability, p = 0.027). From the first practice session to the end of the soccer season, 12 injuries were sustained by 10 players (four concussions and eight musculoskeletal injuries). A time-to-event analysis demonstrated strong associations with perceptual latency variability ≥ 0.143 (Hazard Ratio = 15.43, p = 0.011) and a lifetime history of at least one concussion (Hazard Ratio = 8.84, p = 0.008). Conclusions: The strong association of movement initiation consistency with the avoidance of concussion or musculoskeletal injury suggests that the training program may have a highly beneficial far-transfer effect.

An Appraisal of the Usage of Punctuation Marks by 400-Level English Students in Selected Nigerian Universities

This article analyses 400-level English students’ use of punctuation marks in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (ABU) and Federal University Gusau (FUG) during the 2023/2024 academic session. The students were given an in-class test to assess their level of knowledge on punctuation. The research questionnaire contained 15 short responses and an essay writing question. The subjects were seated in a class, and each student provided independent responses to validate the data. Fifty students’ scripts were randomly selected from each institution. The test scripts serve as the data for the study. The researchers used a quantitative method to analyse the questions. The study adopts a model proposed by Gass &amp; Selinker (2008), which has six important steps: collecting data, identifying errors, classifying errors, quantifying errors, analysing sources of errors, and remediating errors. The research found that ABU English students’ knowledge of punctuation marks is higher, with ellipsis and dash having 100% correct scores and the semicolon being the least in the ranking scale with 38% correct scores. Federal University Gusau students’ knowledge of the full stop is higher, with 96% correct scores, and the colon is the least with 16%. The study also established that the errors resulting from the misuse of punctuation marks are mostly due to carelessness, which accounts for the misrepresentation of the English students. The article recommends that lecturers handling writing in the universities should ensure that English candidates, being potential teachers, adhere strictly to punctuation rules for more effective communication.

Evaluation of High School Students' Knowledge and Awareness of Medical Information, Specifically on ENT Diseases

Introduction: Every stage of education is valuable, but high school is the most critical period for career choice before university. This is because the university life, which is the basis for career selection, begins after high school. The aim of this study is to evaluate the medical knowledge and awareness of high school students, focusing on ENT (ear, nose, and throat) diseases, across different grades and fields. Material and Methods: A survey form consisting of two sections was used as the data collection tool in the research. The first section contains a demographic information form, and the second section consists of 7 multiple-choice questions. An independent sample t-test was used to compare the averages of correct answers and total scores according to gender, grades, and fields. The ANOVA test was used to compare results based on age groups. Results: Of the 54 students who participated in the study, 28 (51.9%) were female, and 26 (48.1%) were male. Of the participating students, 30 were from the Science-Technology (ST) department, and 24 were from the Anatolian High School (AL) department. After excluding 2 students who had previously participated in ENT disease-related training (both from the ST group), the percentage of students who answered the general ENT questions incorrectly was 6/24 (25.0%) in the AL group and 1/28 (3.6%) in the ST group. The number of students who requested additional health-related topics in the biology curriculum was 19/24 (79.2%) in the AL group and 27/28 (96.4%) in the ST group. Conclusion: It was found that due to the science (biology) intensity of their education, the ST group had higher health knowledge specifically related to ENT diseases compared to the AL group, and the difference between the two groups was significant (p &lt; 0.001). Despite the higher level of correct responses and knowledge in the ST group, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in their demand for more biology lessons (p &lt; 0.001). Discussion: Providing more biology lessons in high school would be beneficial both for career choices and for improving health literacy.

A - 48 A Preliminary Comparison of Performance on the D-KEFS Advanced Trail Making Test across ADHD, ASD, and Math LD Clinical Groups

Abstract Objective Exploratory analyses on executive function performance between clinical groups was conducted using the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Advanced (D-KEFS Advanced) Trail Making Test (TMT). Our goal was to see if TMT could detect differences in the cognitive profiles of examinees diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and math learning disorder (MLD) clinical groups. Method Participants ages of 8 and 16, diagnosed with ADHD (N = 56), ASD (N = 27), or MLD (N = 25) completed the D-KEFS Advanced TMT. DSM5 diagnostic criteria were used for diagnosis. Additionally, participants with comorbid diagnoses across the three groups were excluded from the clinical samples. Mean Correct (with errors) Connection Time for the five conditions was captured for each clinical group, as well as error rates. Results Multiple differences were found, but only two reached significances at the p &amp;lt; 0.01 level. Unpaired t-test results revealed a statistically significant difference between ADHD (M = 9.34, SD = 3.16) and ASD (M = 7.00, SD = 3.16) groups in Mean Correct (with errors) Connection Time scores for TMT Number Sequencing, t(81) = 3.16, p = 0.002, 95% CI [0.87, 3.81]. Additionally, Mean Correct (with errors) Connection Time scores for TMT Switching-Distraction condition between ADHD (M = 8.41, SD = 2.51) and ASD (M = 6.48, SD = 3.04) groups was statistically significant, t(81) = 3.06, p = 0.003, 95% CI [0.67–3.19]. Conclusion Overall, these preliminary findings suggest good clinical utility; however, further research is needed to determine if performance differences can aid in the evaluation of patterns of cognitive difficulties between groups.

A smart system for student performance assessment (SPA)

The proposed smart system for Student Performance Assessment (SPA) is a system that evaluates students' knowledge and skill attainment in a specific course by measuring their achievements of the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs). The instructor defines the aspects, weights, and rating scale used by SPA to analyze each course. The system calculates the average of students' marks in each learning outcome and compares them with the CLO targets and scores to determine the effectiveness of the teaching and learning methods used. The system uses facts and rules extracted from the course syllabus and Bloom's Taxonomy to build its knowledge base. This paper presents the development of the SPA inference engine, which is used to find CLO targets based on the course level. The inference engine uses efficient procedures and a prediction process to determine the correct target and score, providing a reliable and understandable methodology for reasoning about the information in the knowledge base and formulating conclusions. SPA is a highly responsive and intelligent system that can be a valuable tool for measuring students' achievements. Its characteristics include high performance, reliability, and intelligibility, and its combination of cognitive systems and cognitive theory has led to remarkable progress in measuring student performance. Limitations include dependency on accurate course content and initial setup time, potential bias in CLO weight assignments, challenges in integrating SPA with existing institutional databases, the need for continuous updates to the knowledge base to reflect curriculum changes, and potential resistance from educators to adopt new technologies. Future improvements could involve adaptive learning integrations, enhanced user interfaces, and broader applicability across diverse educational settings.

Evaluation of the Nutritional Knowledge in Relation to Secondary Prevention Among Doctors and Nurses in the Northern of Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Morocco is a country that has been experiencing an epidemiological and health transition characterized by a change in lifestyle and an increase in mortality for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The objective of this study is to evaluate the nutritional knowledge in relation to secondary prevention of doctors and nurses working in the hospitaland primary healthcare centersin Morocco.Specific knowledge about nutrition for diabetes, for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, for functional colopathy, for iron deficiency anemia, for vitamin B12 deficiency, for overweight and for hyperuricemia or gout attack were evaluated. Cross-sectional exploratory study carried out between June and December 2022, using a self-administered questionnaire developed on the basis of similar studies and the several standardized nutrition guides. A random cluster survey included 238 nurses and 131 doctors working in health centers and 234 nurses and 54 doctors working in hospitals. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS version 21.0 software, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the Mann Whitney test, and Spearmen's correlation. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the most significant sociodemographic variables. Among the seven nutritional content areas assessed in this study, we found that among doctors, the nutrition axis for high blood pressure and high cholesterol had the median correct response score of (0.57 interquartile range (IQR) (0.28, 0.71)). The same for nurse, but with the lower scores ((0.28 IQR (0, 0.43)) , (0.28 IQR (0.07, 0.42)) respectively). Our results do not reveal any statistically significant association of the median of total score of answers of both health professionals (nurses or of doctors) with their gender (p=0.383). However, they were significantly associated with basic training (p<0.001), continuous training (p=0.002), receiving information on nutrition (p=0.018), and their age (p=0.016). In conclusion, this study highlighted the major gaps in the nutritional knowledge of doctors and nurses regarding secondary prevention of NCDs. However, they should undergo continuing nutrition education programs to ensure safe and sound nutritional advice not only to patients but also to the public.Furthermore, policymakers should devote systematic efforts to nutrition education during basic training in medical and nursing schools, which will provide doctors and nurses with adequate training.

Horse Owners' Knowledge of Fundamental Care and their Perceptions on the Implementation of a Mandatory Certificate of Knowledge.

The aims of this study were to first determine the extent of owners' fundamental knowledge of equine care, second, gain their opinions on the implementation of a mandatory certificate of knowledge and third, to investigate the association of certification on horse owner knowledge. An online survey comprising 23 questions (18 closed, 5 open) was distributed worldwide via snowball sampling, and completed by 1847 horse owners who were all ≥18 years old from 17 different countries. Almost all (96%, n = 1781) completed surveys were usable. Just over half (52%) of participants held a current equine knowledge certification, and 59% believed a mandatory certificate of knowledge should be necessary to buy, own, or sell a horse. Horse owners with an equine certificate of knowledge were more likely to be in favor of a mandatory certificate (Pearson's Chi-squared = 50.79, df = 1, p < 0.0001). The mean correctly answered knowledge questions was 68%, indicating that approximately 1/3 of horse owners lacked fundamental horse care knowledge. Further examination indicated that participating horse owners showed the least understanding in the behavioral interactions domain (ANOVA F(4, 24) = 4.98, p < 0.01), specifically in relation to pain recognition and learning theory terminology. Arguably, this deficit in knowledge and likely correct application increases the risk of owners using misinformed or inappropriate techniques to manage horse behavior and training, predisposing the horse to experiencing a sub-optimal quality of life. Overall no significant difference was found between the total correct scores of horse owners with or without a certificate (ANOVA F(1, 56) = 0.78, p > 0.05); however, a series of Chi-squared tests revealed that for the more complex questions, horse owners with a certificate scored better than those without (all p < 0.05). Further work is needed to develop an evidence-based assessment framework if mandatory certification of horse owners is to become an effective tool for improving horse welfare and quality of life.

Team-Based Learning as a Feasible, Acceptable, and Effective Educational Method for Internal Medicine Trainees - A Multi-phase Intervention and Cohort Comparison.

Team-based learning (TBL) is an active learning strategy gaining traction in medical education. However, studies demonstrating successful incorporation into Graduate Medical Education (GME) curricula are limited. To assess the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of Infectious Disease (ID) TBL sessions within an Internal Medicine (IM) residency curriculum as part of a traditional 60-minute conference. We conducted a prospective cohort study of TBL implementation assessing acceptability and feasibility (Phase 1), and efficacy (Phase 2). Phase 1 included 101 IM residents and eight TBL naïve faculty. Phase 2 included aggregate cohort IM In-Training Exam (ITE) data before (2008-2013) and after (2014-2019) TBL implementation. Eight TBL sessions were delivered once or twice weekly during 60-minute noon conferences. We assessed feasibility by measuring individual Readiness Assurance Test (iRAT) completion rates and inclusion of TBL elements in each session; acceptability through attendance, perceived effectiveness rating and attitudes about TBL; efficacy by comparing ITE data for the overall ID content and specific TBL associated learning objectives. Seventy-five of 93 (80%) residents attended at least one session. All TBL elements were successfully incorporated each session. Of those surveyed, 86% rated the TBL sessions as facilitating their learning "very (4)" or "extremely (5)" well on a 5-point Likert scale (p<0.001). ITE mean percent correct scores of total ID content as well as TBL associated learning objective performance were both significantly higher for the post-TBL cohort among PGY-2 (76.2 vs 62.3; 76.2 vs 62.6) and PGY-3 (73 vs 64.5; 76.2 vs 64.5) IM residents (p<0.05; p<0.001 respectively). Implementing a complete TBL pedagogy within the traditional noontime conference hour in GME is feasible, acceptable to residents and faculty, and associated with improved learning efficacy demonstrated through improved ITE scores.

Ultra-wideband microwave precisely and accurately predicts sheepmeat hot carcase GR tissue depth

A portable ultra-wideband microwave system (MiS) coupled with an antipodal slot Vivaldi patch antenna (VPA) was used as an objective measurement technology to predict sheep meat carcase GR tissue depth, tested against AUS-MEAT national accreditation standards. Experiment one developed the MiS GR tissue depth prediction equation using lamb carcasses (n = 832) from two slaughter groups. To create the prediction equations, a two layered machine learning stacking ensemble technique was used. The performance of this equation was tested within the dataset using a k-fold cross validation (k = 5), which demonstrated excellent precision and accuracy with an average R2 of 0.91, RMSEP 2.11, bias 0.39 and slope 0.03. Experiment two tested the prediction equation against the AUS-MEAT GR tissue depth accreditation framework which stipulates predictions from a device must assign the correct fat score, with a tolerance of ±2 mm of the score boundary, and 90% accuracy. For a device to be accredited three measurements captured within the same device, as well as measurements across three different devices, must meet the AUS-MEAT error thresholds. Three MiS devices scanned lamb carcases (n = 312) across three slaughter days. All three MiS devices met the AUS-MEAT accreditation thresholds, accurately predicting GR tissue depth 96.1–98.4% of the time. Between the different devices, the measurement accuracy was 99.4–100%, and within the same device, the measurement accuracy was 99.7–100%. Based on these results MiS achieved AUS-MEAT device accreditation as an objective technology to predict GR tissue depth.

University students’ information literacy skills and impact of training in Bangladesh

This article examines university students’ perceived skill levels in utilizing internet resources and library tools, as well as accomplishing specific information-skills tasks, and assesses the impact of information literacy training in Bangladesh. The study involved two phases: first, a survey was administered to a sample of 257 students and, second, an experiment was conducted with 28 students to examine the effectiveness of training. The survey results show that the students perceived their skills with internet resources and library tools to be at a high level, with significant differences found in skill levels based on gender and age. Additionally, the students reported a high level of perceived skills in completing information tasks, with no significant differences found across the demographic variables. In the experimental study, the participants exhibited low task performance on a set of 22 task questions prior to training, achieving an overall correct score of 28.4%. However, a significant improvement in correct scores (57.1%) was observed after participating in the skills training.

Forward versus backward recall: Modality testing

Objectives One of the most frequently applied paradigms in the clinical and experimental fields for assessing working memory is the simple span task, composed of forward and backward recall conditions. However, the utility of the simple span measures and their relation to working memory modalities has yet to be elucidated. The current study aimed to address which of the span measures is more sensitive to the differentiation between forward and backward recall in the tactile, verbal, and visuo-spatial modalities, and to test if working memory modalities differ in the disparity between the two conditions. Methods 134 healthy young adults performed the Tactual, Digit, and Visuo-spatial Span tasks, producing Total Correct scores and Longest Sequence score measures. Results There was an interaction effect for condition and modality type, showing better performance for the forward compared to the backward recall in both measures. However, the effect size of the Longest Sequence score was significantly higher than the Total Correct score in all tasks. Furthermore, the Visuo-spatial Span exhibited a larger difference between forward and backward recall compared to the Digit and Tactual Span, whereas no difference was found between the latter two. Conclusions Forward and backward recall are distinguished in all three modalities, and the Longest Sequence score is more sensitive to differentiate between storage and manipulation components of working memory than the Total Correct score. Additionally, the cognitive demand imposed by manipulation compared to storage is the greatest in the visuo-spatial modality.

An examination of nursing students’ performance in and Satisfaction with a Patient Safety E-Learning Module

BackgroundThe knowledge nursing students acquire during their undergraduate degree influences the quality of patient care they provide for many years to come. However, previous studies indicate that students may have a limited understanding of core patient safety concepts. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to (i) examine nursing students’ performance in an interactive patient safety e-learning module titled ‘One shift, four patients … a day in the life of a new graduate nurse’; and (ii) explore students’ level of satisfaction with the module using the Satisfaction with the Patient Safety E-Learning Module scale. DesignA cross-sectional design was used with students’ knowledge and levels of satisfaction examined using descriptive statistics. Setting and participantsIn total, 1038 third-year undergraduate nursing students from 22 Australian universities attempted the module. ResultsThe mean correct score was 74%, but there were significant differences in knowledge levels evident across the four activities that comprised the module. Participants achieved the highest mean score in Activity 2 (Predicting, monitoring, and responding to adverse events [79%]) and the lowest in Activity 3 (Clinical reasoning [66%]). The mean score for Activity 1 (Infection control and medication safety) was 74%, and for Activity 4 (Cultural competence), the score was 77%.The level of student satisfaction with the module was high with responses to each survey item exceeding 4.0 out of 5.0. The Cronbach’s alpha for the satisfaction scale was 0.99, and the Content Validity Index was >0.9. ConclusionsUniversities are responsible for preparing nursing students to become safe clinicians. The results from this study indicate that participants’ overall level of knowledge of key patient safety concepts was adequate. However, as knowledge is the foundation for safe practice, these results suggest that further attention to imbedding patient safety in nursing curricula is required.