Abstract: Background. It is well-established that stress is likely to contribute to attrition in nursing students. Attrition from nursing programmes and retention of nurses in the profession are international concerns and steps are currently being taken in the United Kingdom to tackle these issues. Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively the determinants of, and relationships among, stress, burnout and attrition in nursing students. Method. A longitudinal design involving a complete cohort of nursing students was employed, using a battery of instruments to measure personality, intelligence, psychological morbidity, stress, coping and burnout. Data were gathered on entry, at12 and 24 months, and at the end of the nursing programme. Findings. Students experienced increasing levels of stress and use of negative coping mechanisms as the programme progressed and psychological morbidity increased. Positive aspects of personality were more likely to lead to aspects of burnout, and personality was a more important indicator of attrition than cognitive ability. Conclusions. Stress, burnout and attrition may not be directly linked. Personality factors at course entry contributed significantly to the prediction of burnout and programme completion, but the relationships were not strong enough to be practically useful.

Abstract: This review focuses on the scope and significance of community college student attrition. It examines the theoretical models that explain and attempt to predict student attrition. It also suggests ...

Abstract: Non-carious tooth tissue loss due to abrasion, attrition, abfraction and erosion has become a significant problem, occurring in up to 80 percent of children and in up to 43 percent of adults. Dental erosion is now recognised as an important cause of tooth tissue loss in both children and adults. It is caused by the presence of intrinsic or extrinsic acid of non-bacterial origin in the mouth. Intrinsic sources of acid include vomiting, regurgitation, gastro-oesophageal reflux or rumination. Extrinsic sources of acid are most commonly dietary acids. Medications, a patient's lifestyle choices and environment can also increase the risk of dental erosion. In this article we identify the prevalence of dental erosion and its main causative factors, and in Part II we will discuss the management of dental erosion.

Abstract: Non-carious destruction of teeth has been observed in archaeological material from various parts of the world and clearly pre-dates the first appearance of dental caries. Attrition, abrasion and erosion are also described in the classic text of Pindborg on the pathology of the dental hard tissues. Whilst the dental profession, at least in affluent parts of the world, was engaged in diagnosing, treating and later preventing dental caries these other causes of tooth destruction were largely ignored.

Abstract: As competition intensifies, retaining customers becomes one of the most serious challenges facing customer service providers. Customer attrition prediction models hold great promise as powerful tools for enhancing customer retention. Several statistical methods have been applied to develop models predicting customer attrition. Yet little research is done on the relative performance of models developed by different methods. The lack of knowledge about the performance of various prediction models is more pronounced due to the nonlinear nature of the combined causes of attrition (such as switching to another provider or canceling a service). The development of data mining techniques has made the comparison of prediction power of different models more efficient and easier. In this article we demonstrate how to use data mining techniques and software to fit and compare different customer attrition prediction models, using data from a major telecom service provider.

Abstract: Background: Management of tooth wear from grinding presents a significant clinical challenge. Acrylic nightguards are often used to protect the teeth, but many patients still grind with these appliances. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of three lubricants in reducing enamel wear by using an electro-mechanical machine under controlled conditions, with a view to undertaking a subsequent longitudinal clinical study. Methods: Sectioned tooth specimens were worn against each other under different loads and with the addition of three different lubricants: calcium fluoride (CaF) powder, olive-oil, and a combination of calcium fluoride with olive-oil in the form of a slurry. Wear rates of enamel only were quantified by weighing the specimens, and resin replicas of the worn tooth surfaces were made for examination under a scanning electron microscope. Results: All three lubricants reduced the amount of enamel wear significantly compared with wearing specimens without adding lubricants. Wear rate was influenced by the type of lubricant and the load applied. Wear rates were significantly less for oliveoil and the olive-oil/CaF slurry compared with CaF alone. The microwear detail differed between the three lubricants. Conclusions: This study has shown that enamel wear can be reduced using dry or wet lubricants between opposing teeth that are worn under controlled conditions. Further research is required to clarify their possible clinical applications.

Abstract: Background: Easily applied, age-specific standards are useful in assisting clinicians to decide whether the extent of tooth wear observed in a given patient at a specific age is acceptable or whether intervention is indicated. Method: A simple method of scoring tooth wear and previously established mathematical relationships between tooth wear scores and age, provide the basis of a method for predicting tooth wear scores. In its most specific form, the method can be used to predict tooth wear scores for individual patients at subsequent ages. Alternatively, tables or graphs can be consulted to provide a less precise prediction of tooth wear that can assist clinicians to decide whether the amount of wear reflects high, moderate or low rates of wear at the specified age. Conclusion: In cases where there is no reason to believe that aetiological factors have changed significantly over time, data obtained from the methods described can assist clinicians to plan appropriate management for patients presenting with unacceptable levels of tooth wear.

Abstract: This paper examines the possibility of reducing attrition bias in panel data using targeted refreshment sampling and matched imputation. The targeted refreshment sampling approach consists of collecting new data from the original sampling population from individuals who would never usually respond to surveys. Using propensity score matching and imputation in conjunction with refreshment sampling it is suggested that the dropouts from a panel can effectively be 'replaced'. The procedure allows us to identify underlying joint distributions in the data. The method is illustrated using data from the Youth Cohort Surveys in the UK which suffer 45% attrition in the second wave. A comparison of the results of this method with other techniques for attrition modeling suggest that the technique could be an effective way to overcome a substantial part of the bias associated with attrition.

Abstract: REDUCING STUDENT ATTRITION: INQUIRY INTO WHY STUDENTS LEAVE COLLEGE BEFORE COMPLETING THEIR DEGREES MAY 2003 DAWN MARIE ELLINWOOD, B.S., NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY M.P.A., NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY M.Ed., NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Ed.D., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST Directed by: Professor Robert L. Sinclair This study aimed to determine the reasons why undergraduate students left a selected small, four-year, liberal arts college before finishing their degrees. This study compared the reasons for leaving college given by the withdrawing students to those perceptions of the students' academic advisors and six selected administrators. The issue in question is were these student withdrawals actually necessary or due to inadequacies in the systems on campus servicing the student. The research data, comprised of the responses of 143 withdrawing students, their academic advisors and selected administrators to specific questionnaires, formed the data for analysis to answer three interrelated Vll research questions: What are the timing patterns of when students tend to leave college before completing their degrees? What are the major reasons why students leave college before completing their degrees? What are some recommendations that may aid institutions of higher education in their efforts to improve student retention? The major findings based on the collected data were summarized and presented according to the three research questions that guided this study. The major findings related to the lack of connection, both academic and social, between some withdrawing students and their academic advisors and the six selected administrators. Theoretical recommendations were formulated from the collected data that will aid in the retention efforts on campuses across the country. The recommendations are as follows: Foster an environment that aids in the development of the student7 s connection with the college; Monitor the progress of each matriculating student on campus; Develop a college specific plan for determining why students are leaving before completing their degrees. Practically speaking, these recommendations will look differently for each college campus. For example, how an institution fosters an environment

Abstract: As the United States faces a critical teacher shortage, it is important to examine all factors that may contribute to the revolving door of teacher attrition. This study explored the climate of elementary schools to determine if there was a correlation between teacher attrition and school organizational climate. Three basic research questions were addressed: 1) Is there a relationship between school organizational climate and teacher attrition? 2) Is a change in campus leadership related to school organizational climate? 3) Is there a relationship between a change in campus leadership and teacher attrition? Thirty-seven elementary schools were examined in terms of their individual teacher attrition rates and their climate survey scores. The data utilized in this study came from one school district's climate survey and teacher attrition rates for the 2000-2001 school year. The findings of this study indicate that factors of organizational climate may predict teacher attrition rates. Specifically, instructiona support may be related to teacher attrition. Major components of instructional support include principal behaviors, respect for teaching and learning, and communication with administrators. Teacher attrition was not related to principal experience. Also, principal experience was not related to factors of school organizational climate.

Abstract: This study sought to develop a profile of rape cases within a Constabulary in the South West of England, and identity factors associated with attrition. All cases of rape or attempted rape of afemale or male over the age of 16from 1996 to 2000 were identified. Quantitative and qualitative data on 379 cases was collected using the CIS and questionnaires sent to the relevant Chief Investigating Officer. The profile of attrition differed in several respects from previous research. Analysis of the extensive written comments provided by the officers afforded insight into the police perspective on rape. The findings are discussed with reference to future research and practice. The attrition of rape cases within the criminal justice system has been of concern to academics and practitioners across a range of disciplines for at least the last 20 years. Crime statistics reveal an increase in the number of reported rapes (Adler 1991), yet Home Office research has shown that the number of convictions secured in rape cases has fallen from 24 per cent in 1985 in England and Wales to just under 9 per cent in 1997 (Home Office Research Study 196). Thus, despite radical reform within the adminis tration of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in respect of rape and sexual assault cases, attrition remains a serious problem (Gregory and Lees 1996; Temkin 1997). Attrition refers to the process whereby cases drop out of the criminal justice system at one of a number of potential points of exit from that system. Such points of exit could be located within the police service, Crown Prosecution Service or in court. Although all crimes have some attrition due to a number of factors (such as the victim not wishing to press charges or insufficient evidence), the rate of attrition for cases of rape is above that of other crimes. In a study conducted by Roberts (1996) the attrition rate for sexual assault offences was compared with those of 15 other offences and found to be the

Abstract: : Manning the force, one of our most important personnel functions, should not be overlooked when preparing or discussing our National Security Strategy. Without a properly manned force, other essential items within that strategy may not come to fruition. Just as manning the force is important, so is manning it with the right mix, the right grades and right skills. The increasing pressure and demands on soldiers have contributed to an already increasing problem in the military, that of attrition. If this problem continues, the future will look suspect in the force mix we put together for the next Peacekeeping Force or Task Force or mission that falls within our National Security Plan. Attrition must be reviewed to determine where we are and where we need to go so an effective strategy of policy changes or adjustments can be developed, as needed. It is shortsighted to look at attrition as a problem we can fix with money or even well-being programs without looking at the major links in the cycle from recruiting, accession, training, and leader responsibilities. Only when we analyze the integral roles and responsibilities of all the players in this cycle will we be able to determine where potential contributors lie to further reduce attrition, and therefore, support the strategic future of our nation.

Abstract: AN ANAL YSIS OF THE IMPACT OF LEARNING ENVIRONMENT F ACTORS ON RETENTION AND ATTRITION IN ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES Darryl Haskel Wilson, Ed.D. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003 Chairperson: Dr. Hal K. Pettegrew This dissertation identified and analyzed the impact of learning environment factors on the retention and attrition of members of adult Sunday School classes in Kentucky Baptist Convention churches. The study was delimited to spiritual, physical, and social learning environment factors internal to adult classes meeting at church on Sunday led by the same teacher for the previous twelve months. The research questions focused on the strength and relationships of these factors and demographic data gathered. Precedent literature was investigated next. First, since adults in Sunday School study the Bible, an understanding of the impact of God and theological assumptions was presented. Then, adult leaming assumptions, learning environment factors, and retention and attrition (assimilation) issues were applied to the context of adult Sunday School classes. Because limited literature was available addressing these issues in the church, resources from a diversity of fields were utilized, analyzed, and applied to this setting. The methodological design of the research involved creating and validating a research instrument, contacting and training church leaders, surveying classes on Sunday morning, and mailing instruments to no/low attenders. The random proportionally stratified sample included teachers and members of adult classes in nineteen KBC churches of the Long Run Baptist Association (Louisville area). The two instruments (teacher and member) contained seventy-two statements utilizing a Likert response scale along with twenty-two and sixteen demographic variables, respectively. Chronbach alpha reliability testing of the 762 instruments produced a score of. 880 1. In the analysis of findings, means, modes, medians, standard deviations, rankings, cross tabulations, percentages, and ANOV A data were provided to help answer the six research questions. The statements were combined into twenty-four triangulated learning environment factors in response to precedent literature. The strength of spiritual, physical, and social factors were examined along with the impact of retention (high/average attenders) and attrition (low/no attenders) and various demographic variables. Tables and figures helped to display findings in helpful ways. Conclusions drawn from the research findings were that spiritual and social learning environment factors did impact retention and attrition of the adult Sunday School classes in the sample. The impact of friends upon high/average attenders was evident, as was the impact of the teacher upon low/no attenders. Even though physical factors did not impact retention and attrition, several findings need application in the local church such as flexibility and physical arrangement. Several suggestions for further research were presented, including replication and utilization of the instrumentation and methodology in other locations and other denominations. Focusing on part of the learning environment factors could also produce helpful results.