Retention Scores Research Articles

Contextualised retrieval practice: the effect of context type and working memory capacity on word retention

ABSTRACT The present study on intentional retrieval practice compared the benefits of presenting words in either informative or uninformative sentence contexts. Participants first studied a list of English words with their translations. Then, they were all exposed to half of the words with informative sentences containing meaning clues in the Context Inference (CI) condition and half with uninformative sentences devoid of such clues in the Memory Retrieval (MR) condition as part of retrieval-based practising. Participants were required to type the L1 translation for each word presented using a mobile application. Data were collected by both form-recall and meaning-recall tests immediately afterwards and then a week later. In addition, this study focused on the relationship between working memory capacity (WMC) and word retention in these two conditions to explore the suggestion that individuals may benefit differently from retrieval practices. Although the results showed that both conditions contributed to word retention, the MR condition was significantly more effective than the CI condition for the participants’ long-term retention. Further, the results revealed an overall positive effect of WMC on word retention in both conditions, with high-WMC individuals achieving higher retention scores than low-WMC individuals. However, this effect was not modulated by the type of context condition.

S862 Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Indication on Gastric Retention and Boston Bowel Preparatory Score

S862 Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Indication on Gastric Retention and Boston Bowel Preparatory Score

The Effect of Scaffolding Teaching Strategy on the Achievement and Retention of Lower Basic 5 Special Needs Pupils in Abia State, Nigeria

The study investigated effect of Scaffolding Teaching Strategy on the Achievement and Retention of Lower Basic Five Pupils' in Special Needs Schools in Abia State, Nigeria. The study was a quasi-experimental research design. The study determined the difference in the mean achievement and retention scores of lower basic five male and female students taught Home Economics using scaffolding teaching strategy and those taught using lecture method. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. The sample consisted of 40 lower basic five pupils drawn from the population of 309 special needs pupils, using stratified simple random sampling technique. Home Economics Achievement Test (HEAT) which contained 34 multiple-choice questions and four options: three distractors and one correct answer, with stability of reliability index of 0.81 was used for data collection. The data collected from the pupils were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the three research questions that guided the study, while the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the null-hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that scaffolding teaching strategy independently had increasing effect on the pupils’ academic achievement and retention in Home Economics respectively, having recorded higher mean gain than those in control group. It also showed that scaffolding teaching strategy independently had more increasing effect on the male pupils’ academic achievements and retention in Home Economics respectively than on the female pupils.

A systematic review of medical practitioners’ retention and application of basic sciences to clinical practice

BackgroundMedical education offers the foundational base for future healthcare professionals, with basic sciences playing a pivotal role in providing essential knowledge and skills for clinical practice. However, the long-term retention and application of this knowledge in clinical practice remain a significant challenge. This systematic review synthesised global evidence from diverse studies on the short / long-term retention and clinical application of basic sciences among medical doctors.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted across six databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, CINAHL, Emcare, and Informit. The review included studies that encompassed a variety of study designs, participant groups, and educational interventions. The Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool was utilised to assess the quality of the reviewed studies.ResultsA total of 10 studies were included in the review. The findings revealed that rehearsals significantly optimise the retention of basic science knowledge among medical practitioners. Retention varied by discipline, with medical practitioners retaining more knowledge in anatomy (mean scores ranging from 45.0 to 82.9%), while microbiology had the lowest retention score (39.1%). Factors influencing retention included age, gender, and curriculum type. Educational interventions such as targeted courses, integration of basic sciences with clinical skills, generative retrieval and continuous quality improvement in the curriculum were found to enhance both knowledge retention and clinical reasoning. The concept of ‘encapsulated knowledge’ demonstrates that integrated basic science knowledge helps in synthesising clinical presentations, reducing the need for detailed recall as clinical experience increases. The reviewed studies primarily involved interns and surgeons, leaving a significant gap in research for specialties like internal medicine and primary care/ general practice.ConclusionDetailed retention of basic science knowledge may diminish over time; however, the conceptual framework remains essential for ongoing learning and clinical reasoning. This review’s findings highlight the need for specialised educational interventions to improve long-term retention. Continuous professional development and targeted educational techniques are vital for maintaining clinical competence and applying basic science knowledge effectively throughout a medical career. Further research is needed to address gaps in specialty-specific knowledge application and the impact of different instructional methods.

Evaluation of The Flipped Classroom Model on Students' Academic Achievement and Retention in MAN 1 Ambon

This study evaluates the impact of computer simulation and animation instructional packages in natural sciences on high school student's academic achievement and retention in a flipped classroom setting. Using a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design, 30 students used the computer simulation package, and 29 students used the computer animation package. Data were collected via academic achievement and retention tests and analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests. The results showed significant improvements in academic achievement for both groups. The average post-test score increased from 28.52 to 70.35 in the computer simulation group and from 25.74 to 64.23 in the computer animation group. The t-test indicated no significant difference in academic achievement between the two groups (t = 1.98, p = 0.79). Retention scores showed a slight decrease from post-test to retention test but remained high, with average retention scores of 68.74 for the simulation group and 61.15 for the animation group. The t-test also revealed no significant difference in retention between the groups (t = 1.12, p = 0.66). The implications of this study suggest that using educational technology, such as computer simulations and animations, in a flipped classroom setting can significantly enhance students' academic achievement and knowledge retention. It underscores the importance of integrating technology into the educational curriculum to create a more inclusive, interactive, and effective learning environment. Additionally, these findings allow educators to choose the teaching methods that best suit their instructional needs and contexts, whether in resource-limited situations or when teaching complex concepts.

Efficacy of Rezūm water vapor therapy for the treatment of catheter-dependent urinary retention: A single-center, Canadian experience.

Urinary retention secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) requiring catheterization is a prevalent and morbid condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of Rezūm as the primary treatment of catheter-dependent urinary retention. A single-center, retrospective study analyzed patients with catheter-dependent urinary retention secondary to BPH who were treated with Rezūm between April 2022 and April 2024. Standardized postoperative followup was required for inclusion. Patient demographics, medication use, volume drained at time of urinary retention, catheter-free status, complications, and postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was collected. A total of 53 patients were included. Mean age was 73.4 years (standard deviation 9.4), and the mean Charlson comorbidity index score was 3.7. The baseline mean prostate volume was 81.7 (range 33-179) mL. Patients were catheter-dependent for an average of 225 (range 30- 1821) days prior to surgical intervention. Average followup time was 10.2 months. Of the 53 patients treated, 42 (79%) patients were able to become catheter-free after treatment. Twenty-six (49%) patients failed their initial trial of void at 14 days postoperatively; 11% (n=6) of patients experienced hematuria with one admitted to hospital due to hematuria/clot retention. There were no Clavien Dindo ≥3 complications. Only retention volume ≥1 L was a significant independent predictor of treatment failure on univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Rezūm effectively treated catheter-dependent urinary retention. Given the simplicity of treatment, accessibility, and minimal anesthetic requirements, providers should consider Rezūm to minimize indwelling catheter-related morbidity for catheter-dependant patients.

Effect Of Digital Game Based Learning on Students’ Academic Achievement at Primary Level

Games have been a part of human societies throughout recorded history. They can be card games, board games, dice games, different sports, etc. This study looked into the effects of digital game-based learning (DGBL) using Digital games, which could help change the current education system and give everyone a chance to learn something useful. Students, video game designers, curriculum developers, and educators can benefit from this study's findings. This study aims to measure the effect of digital games on students' academic achievement. A quantitative approach and one group pretest-posttest design were employed. The population of this study consisted of 177 students of 5th class studying in 7 schools in all campuses of Dr. AQ khan School System during the session 2023 – 24. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select Dr. AQ khan school system H-13 Islamabad the sample for this research study consisted of 20 students of 5th-grade studying the subject of Mathematics. The validity of the tools was determined through the expert’s opinion. The study was conducted for four weeks. A pretest was administered to the experimental group at the start and then taught to the grade 5th class through digital games, and a posttest was administered at the end. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean, percentage, and paired sample t-test. Data analysis involved obtaining scores from pretest, posttest, and retention test. Which shows students performed better in post-test than pretest whereas retention scores were consistent with the post-intervention scores, suggesting a lasting effect of DGBL on learning.

Sustaining Retentive Memory of Mathematics Concepts in Adolescents Utilising Game-Based Learning: A Case of Repeated Measures

Effective mathematics education is pivotal for students’ academic achievements and future career prospects. However, traditional teaching methods are often inadequate for helping students retain mathematical concepts, emphasizing the necessity for innovative approaches such as game-based learning. This research aimed to assess the efficacy of game-based learning in bolstering the retention of trigonometry concepts among senior secondary school students. Employing a mixed between and within measures ANOVA design, the study randomly assigned 60 students (aged 15-16 years, 31 males and 29 females) to either an experimental group (n=28) receiving game-based learning or a control group (n=32) receiving traditional instruction. Data, collected through the study’s tool (Mathematics Achievement Test [MAT]) at the pre-test, post-test, and retention test stages, underwent repeated measures ANOVA analysis. Results indicated significant effects of Group [F(1, 58) = 44.081, p<.001, ?²p=.432], Time [F(1.783, 103.4) = 16.561, p<.001, ?²p=.222], and Group by Time interaction [F(1.783, 103.4) = 18.125, p<.001, ?²p=.238]. The experimental group exhibited notably higher retention scores (Time 3 mean = 74.82) than the control group (Time 3 mean = 44.38). Importantly, gender, age, and location did not significantly moderate the effectiveness of the game-based approach. In conclusion, game-based learning effectively enhances and sustains students’ retention of trigonometry concepts, irrespective of demographic variables. This study furnishes empirical validation for integrating game-based learning into mathematics education, underscoring its potential to fortify conceptual retention, and offering actionable insights for educators and policymakers alike.

Prognostic association of circulating relaxin-2 in acute heart failure

BackgroundDespite the increasing interest in the study of the endogenous relaxin system in heart failure (HF), its role as a prognostic marker in acute HF remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association of relaxin-2 circulating levels with 6 months' mortality in acute HF. MethodsWe evaluated relaxin-2 serum levels at admission in a cohort of patients with acute HF (n = 202) using an enzyme immunoassay. The ability of relaxin-2 to predict all-cause death (primary outcome) and HF-specific death (secondary outcome) at 6 months was assessed using Cox-regression analysis. ResultsThe median age was 79 (70–85) years old, 44% of the patients were male, and 43% had preserved ejection fraction (≥50%). Median serum relaxin-2 level was 25 pg/mL. Patients with higher relaxin-2 levels had more peripheral oedemas, higher sodium retention score, higher pulmonary artery pressures, higher prevalence of right ventricle dysfunction and lower inferior vena cava collapse at inspiration. Conversely, there was no association with left chambers parameters or with B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Higher relaxin-2 concentrations were associated with a higher risk of all-cause death [HR 1.15; 95%CI 1.01,1.30; P = 0.030] and HF-specific death [HR 1.21; 95% CI 1.03–1.42; P = 0.018], after adjustment for classical prognostic factors such as age, sex and BNP. ConclusionsIn our acute HF population, relaxin-2 circulating levels were associated with clinical and echocardiographic markers of systemic congestion and with 6-months' mortality, independently of BNP. These results lay the groundwork for future investigations on the potential of relaxin-2 as an auxiliary biomarker in HF.

Development of non-nixtamalized, gluten-free, antioxidant-rich nachos from pigmented Chakhao poireiton rice

Nachos is a popular snack. Risks associated with the traditional process of corn nixtamalization prompts for an alternative process and antioxidant-rich raw materials for developing novel nacho chips. Chakhao poireiton (CP) is a pigmented black variety of rice (Oryza sativa, L.) with established strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, steaming and roasting pretreated CP rice was used to develop nacho chips focusing on consumer preference of the product type. Initial sensorial rankings were obtained by Fuzzy analysis. Parameter ranking established mouthfeel as the principal quality parameter followed by taste, texture and appearance. Based on this, process optimization was carried out using appropriate design of Response Surface Methodology. The optimized pretreatment conditions were found to be 30 min of steaming at 100 °C and 13.12 min of roasting at 180 °C. The resultant nachos showed optimum hardness (951.77 g) and fracturability (1476.23 g), while retaining maximum bioactive potential in terms of total phenolic content (82.84 μg GAE/g), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl reducing (25.19 %) and ferric ion reducing (2.57 μM/ml) antioxidant potentials. Comparative analysis of the optimized nacho chips with control samples gave better scores of instrumental texture, color, bioactivity retention and overall sensory acceptability.

Intravenous Administration of Anti-CD47 Antibody Augments Hematoma Clearance, Mitigates Acute Neuropathology, and Improves Cognitive Function in a Rat Model of Penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced intracerebral hematoma is a major driver of secondary injury pathology such as neuroinflammation, cerebral edema, neurotoxicity, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction, which contribute to neuronal loss, motor deficits, and cognitive impairment. Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) is an antiphagocytic cell surface protein inhibiting hematoma clearance. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of blockade of CD47 via intravenous (i.v.) administration of anti-CD47 antibodies following penetrating ballistic-like brain injury (PBBI) with significant traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (tICH). The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of the anti-CD47 antibody elicited that antibody concentration decayed over 7 days post-administration. Blood tests and necropsy analysis indicated no severe adverse events following treatment. Cerebral hemoglobin levels were significantly increased after injury, however, anti-CD47 antibody administration at 0.1 mg/kg resulted in a significant reduction in cerebral hemoglobin levels at 72 h post-administration, indicating augmentation of hematoma clearance. Immunohistochemistry assessment of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) demonstrated a significant reduction of GFAP levels in the lesion core and peri-lesional area. Based on these analyses, the optimal dose was identified as 0.1 mg/kg. Lesion volume showed a reduction following treatment. Rotarod testing revealed significant motor deficits in all injured groups but no significant therapeutic benefits. Spatial learning performance revealed significant deficits in all injured groups, which were significantly improved by the last testing day. Anti-CD47 antibody treated rats showed significantly improved attention deficits, but not retention scores. These results provide preliminary evidence that blockade of CD47 using i.v. administration of anti-CD47 antibodies may serve as a potential therapeutic for TBI with ICH.

Deciphering the role of fruit maturity, calcium and freezing on the nutritional and textural attributes of crisps from red guava

SummaryGuava (Psidiumguajava L.), being highly nutritious possesses commercial importance in the tropical and subtropical region of the world. The climacteric guava, however, records highest postharvest loss and needs to be processed for higher shelf life and utility. This study entails evaluation of fruit maturity stage and prior freezing for development of calcium enriched guava crisps through atmospheric frying. The sliced fruits (of three maturity stages) were subjected to vacuum impregnation to infuse maltodextrin, salt, ascorbic acid and calcium lactate. Fracturability and crispness was significantly affected by fruit maturity, freezing pre‐treatment and calcium impregnation. Freezing pre‐treatment enhanced the texture, decreased toughness and gave superior crisps with crunchy mouthfeel. While browning increased due to freezing pre‐treatment, calcium impregnation led to decreased browning. More than 15‐fold increase in the calcium content of crisps was realised upon 1% calcium lactate impregnation. The average ascorbic acid and lycopene retention in the crisps was 36.18 and 37.58%, respectively. Mature guava showed highest lycopene retention (43.07%) in crisps. Based on MANOVA analysis, all the main effects, two factor interaction and three factor interaction were statistically significant at 1% level. The first three PCs could explain 73.64% variation in data. The highest ascorbic acid retention, crispiness and sensory scores were recorded for crisps from ripe stage of guava fruits given freezing and calcium infusion pre‐treatments. Thus, ripe guava fruits could be converted to shelf stable and attractive crisps, which would provide essential nutrients and potential health benefits, ensuring off‐season availability of perishable guava in the form of crisps.

Association analyses of apolipoprotein E genotypes and cognitive performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease

BackgroundCognitive impairment is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the effect of APOEε4 on cognitive function of PD patients remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to understand whether and how carrying APOEε4 affects cognitive performance in patients with early-stage and advanced PD.MethodsA total of 119 Chinese early-stage PD patients were recruited. Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Hamilton anxiety scale, Hamilton depression scale, non-motor symptoms scale, Mini-mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Fazekas scale were evaluated. APOE genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reactions and direct sequencing. Demographic and clinical information of 521 early-stage and 262 advanced PD patients were obtained from Parkinson’s Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI).ResultsNo significant difference in cognitive performance was found between ApoEε4 carriers and non-carriers in early-stage PD patients from our cohort and PPMI. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Amyloid Beta 42 (Aβ42) level was significantly lower in ApoEε4 carrier than non-carriers in early-stage PD patients from PPMI. In advanced PD patients from PPMI, the BJLOT, HVLT retention and SDMT scores seem to be lower in ApoEε4 carriers without reach the statistical significance.ConclusionsAPOEε4 carriage does not affect the cognitive performance of early-stage PD patients. However, it may promote the decline of CSF Aβ42 level and the associated amyloidopathy, which is likely to further contribute to the cognitive dysfunction of PD patients in the advanced stage.

Virtual Reality Simulation for the Acquisition and Retention of Electrocardiogram Interpretation Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial Among Undergraduate Medical Students.

Introduction The electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most important tools in diagnosing cardiac abnormalities, particularly arrhythmias and myocardial infarction. It is one of the certifiable competencies for final-year medical undergraduate students. We determined virtual reality's effectiveness in acquiring and retaining ECG interpretation skills among medical students compared to traditional teaching. Methods One hundred and forty students were randomized into two groups. Seventy-one students (immersion group) were trained using virtual reality simulation to acquire and retain interpretation skills of normal and abnormal ECG. Sixty-nine students(traditional group) were trained in the classroom using chalk and board. The primary outcome of change in acquiring knowledge of the interpretation of ECG was determined by comparing pre and post-test scores. The secondary outcome of retention of knowledge was determined by comparing pre-test and second post-test scores conducted after eight weeks of intervention. The p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results Out of 140 students, 50 (35.7%) were males and 90 (64.3%) were female. The mean age of the students was 22.1 (SD1.1), with 69.3% of them between the ages of 21 and 22 years.Mean pre-test scores for the interpretation of normal ECG among immersion and traditional groups were 9.8(SD8.4) and 8.3(SD7.5), respectively, and post-test scores for the acquisition of knowledge were 24.3(SD5.5) and 24.8(SD6.3), respectively. The post-test scores for retention skills were 25.3(SD5.6) and 20.7 (SD6.9) respectively (p<0.001).The mean pre-test scores for the interpretation of abnormal ECG of both groups were 7.0(SD6) and 8.3 (SD6.6), respectively. Mean post-test scores for acquiring knowledge to interpret abnormal ECG were 23.5(SD6.2) and 17.7 (SD9), respectively(p<0.001), and mean post-test scores for retention of interpretation skillsof abnormal ECG were 19.2 (SD - 6.9) and 13.3 (SD10.2) respectively (p=0.001). The pairwise comparison of the immersion group indicates that all the combinations that changed in score from the pre to post-intervention time points, from pre-to-retention time, and from the post-to-retention time were significant (p<0.001). Conclusion Virtual reality teaching had a better impact on acquiring and retaining the skill for interpreting normal and abnormal electrocardiograms.

Impact of 3D virtual reality on teaching and learning human anatomy among undergraduate students

Objective: To assess how impact 3D-VR is in improving the retention of human anatomy knowledge among undergraduate students compared to traditional methods. Methodology: This convergence mixed method study was carried out in anatomy department of HBS Medical and Dental College, Islamabad, from February to December 2023. The study was evaluated learning outcomes, specifically knowledge retention score in short-term and long-term, in undergraduate students by 3D-VR vs traditional models. Additionally, it sought to capture experience of students and perspectives by 3D-VR teaching and learning method. Results: The post-test score (indicative of short-term knowledge retention) by 3D-VR in both groups of male and female was significant high than traditional method (p ? 0.001). 3D-VR also achieved significant high follow-up score (indicative of long-term knowledge retention) in both groups compared to traditional method. While the knowledge score in all tests of 3D-VR and traditional method for females was high than males. Post-test score (indicative of short-term knowledge retention) and follow-up score (indicative of long-term knowledge retention) in 3D-VR method of females was significant high than males (p ? 0.001). Conclusion: 3D-VR is effective method for knowledge retention in short-term and long-term in undergraduate students. Undergraduate students demonstrated 3D-VR as a learning method that offers substantial advantages for studying human anatomy versus traditional method.

Long-term clinical comparison of a resin-based composite and resin modified glass ionomer in the treatment of cervical caries lesions.

This 72-month study compared the clinical effectiveness of a resin-based composite (RBC) (Spectrum TPH3, Dentsply Sirona) with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) (Riva Light Cure, SDI) in restoring cervical caries lesions (CCLs). Thirty-three patients, each with at least two CCLs, were enrolled. After caries removal, the dimensions of the cavities were recorded. In a split-mouth study design, a total of 110 restorations were randomly placed. Fifty-five restorations were placed with RBC using an etch-and-rinse adhesive system (Prime&Bond NT, Dentsply Sirona), while the remaining 55 were restored with RMGIC. The restorations were assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 60, and 72months according to modified USPHS criteria. Statistical analysis included Pearson Chi-square, Friedman tests, Kaplan Meier, and Logistic Regression analysis (p < 0.05). After 72months, 47 restorations in 19 patients were evaluated (55% follow-up rate). Seventy-five percent of the RBC (n = 26) and 74% (n = 21) of the RMGIC restorations were fully retained. There were no significant differences between materials regarding retention and marginal adaptation (p > 0.05). Cavity dimensions, caries activity, and retention exhibited no correlation (p > 0.05). The increase in marginal staining in both groups over time was significant (p < 0.001). RMGIC restorations exhibited higher discoloration than RBC restorations (p = 0.014). At 72months, three secondary caries lesions were detected in both restoration groups: two RMGIC and one RBC. There were no reports of sensitivity. After 72months, both RBC and RMGIC restorations were clinically successful, with similar retention and marginal adaptation scores. However, it is noteworthy that RMGIC restorations tend to discoloration over time compared to RBC. The trial is registered in the database of "Clinical Trials". The registration number is NCT0372-2758, October 29, 2018.

The Impact of Integration of E-Learning in Science: Applying Technology in Biology Classes as a Model.

Background The most common teaching method in science is the lecture-based approach. E-learning is one of the advanced teaching methodologies that have gained attention in recent decades. It was hypothesized that the intervention of e-learning improved students' scores and satisfaction in biology classes. The purpose of this study was to determine if e-learning combined with traditional learning methods of lectures would improve unified students' scores and satisfaction in biology classes. Methodology The study design was a quasi-experimental approach. This study was conducted at the College of Science and Health Professions Jeddah, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah,Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study subjects comprised first-year female students (pre-professional program) in two different classes. The total number of participants was 150 (75 students in each group). The systematic random sampling technique was used. Randomly, one class (experimental group) received e-learning in addition to traditional lectures, and the other group (control group) received traditional lecture. The "Biology for Health Sciences" course was selected for this purpose. Scientific pre-test and post-tests were performed, and a satisfaction questionnaire was filled in for both groups. Results We found that e-learning and traditional lecture improved students' scores (P<0.01). Learning progress in the e-learning group was significantly more than that in the control group (P<0.05). Lecture has been shown to increase learning gains by 33%, and the integration of e-learning increased learning gains by 62%. Analysis of questionnaire results showed improved student satisfaction with the course in the study group. Conclusion The integration of e-learning approach significantly improved the retention and students' scores and satisfactions. E-learning could be applied more in pre-professional year science courses. According to these advantages, the quality of science education can be improved with this approach.

Cognitive learning about forests: the key role of environmental attitude

ABSTRACT For young people, schools are platforms for learning and strengthening competencies about nature preservation; despite being faced with the same learning opportunities, learning outcomes are very heterogeneous. We were interested in environmental knowledge gains and retention after participation in a student-centred learning programme, and in environmental attitudes’ role in knowledge acquisition. 261 students participated in a 90-minute programme about the forest ecosystem and related sustainability topics. Our 8-station in-classroom module relied on a collaborative, hands-on, and autonomy-supportive learning approach. We measured knowledge three times: before the programme (pre-test), right after programme completion (post-test), and six weeks after programme completion to test long-term performance (retention test), using the Rasch model. Knowledge scores increased in the post-test and decreased in the retention test but remained significantly above pre-test scores. Environmental attitude had a considerable effect on knowledge scores of each test time, though effects on pre- and retention scores were larger. This indicates that students with positive attitudes knew more before the programme and retained more knowledge over time. Interestingly, the retention scores of those with the most positive attitudes exceeded their post-programme scores, which suggests further immersion into the topic, rendering attitude a probable and promising lever for long-term knowledge acquisition.

Effect of Gender on Office Technology and Management (OTM) Students’ Academic Achievement and Retention in Record Management in Polytechnics in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study determined the effect of gender on office technology and management (OTM) students’ academic achievement and retention in record management in polytechnics in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was quasi-experimental research which specifically used the pretest, posttest nonequivalent control group design. The population of the study was 6,213 Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) offering OTM in Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State and the sample size was 347 OTM students. The instrument for data collection was Record Management Achievement Test (RMAT) extracted from second year OND AND HND past questions from 2019-2023. RMAT was administered to OTM students in both experimental and control groups. Test-retest method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument and data were analyzed with Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient which yielded 0.86. Mean was used to answer the research questions while analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses. The SPSS version 21.0 was used for analysis. Findings revealed that male performed better than their female counterparts in record management and also there is no statistically significant difference on the pretest and posttest mean retention scores of male and female office technology and management students’ in record management. Based on the results and discussions of the findings of the study, the researchers are pertinent that students’ academic achievements in record management are not influenced by gender. It was therefore recommended among others, that record management teachers should endeavor to give female and male students equal opportunities in the classroom.

Long-term bladder outcomes using a prescriber pattern scoring system for posterior urethral valves

Urinary drainage for posterior urethral valves can be achieved with valve ablation (VA) or diversion by vesicostomy (VES) or cutaneous ureterostomy (CU). The effect of these interventions on long-term bladder function remains debated, and voiding symptomatology after VES or CU reversal has been poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and scope of physician treatment patterns as a surrogate for retention or incontinence symptomatology among PUV patients undergoing primary VA or diversion by VES/CU and determine rates of progression to augmentation. This is a single-institution retrospective cohort study. Retention Scores (R) were calculated 1 point for: retention behavior (double/timed void), alpha-blocker, intermittent catheterization, or overnight indwelling catheter. Incontinence Scores (I) were calculated 1 point for: incontinence behavior (double/timed void), oral medication, or botulinum toxin. Patients with R score above 3 or I score above 2 were deemed to have severe retention or incontinence symptomatology respectively. End stage bladder (ESB) was defined as need for bladder augmentation. We identified 76 patients between 5 and 40 years old with median follow-up of 14.6 [5.0-40.4) years. There was no difference in the rates of severe retention or incontinence treatment pattern scoring between VA versus VES/CU (Figure). Rates of achieving R(1) status are similar between VA and VES/CU groups, though age of reaching R(1) was younger for those with VES/CU (4.8 years) compared to VA (6.6 years). There was no significant difference in rate of ESB by intervention category VA (9.4%) versus VES/CU (17.4%; p=0.323). Treatment of retention symptomatology was more common than treatment of incontinence symptomatology regardless of primary management, VA or VES/CU. This study also indicates that VES/CU patients were just as responsive as VA patients to conservative treatments (behavioral changes, pharmacotherapy) for any type of bladder symptomatology as the progression to treatment of severe symptomatology and ESB were similar between cohorts. In this cohort, bladder outcomes were not associated with type of urinary diversion (VA or VES/CU). Long term bladder outcomes for valve patients demonstrated similar treatment patterns and progression to end-stage bladder regardless of diversion status. Patients went on to ESB approximately 4.4 years after diagnosis at similar rates between groups.