Discrepancy Scores Research Articles

Application Discrepancies in the 2023-2024 Integrated Plastic Surgery Match.

The Plastic Surgery Common Application (PSCA) was introduced in the 2020-2021 integrated plastic surgery match cycle. We investigated the accuracy of medical student-reported quantitative metrics in the PSCA. Quantifiable data from 1 year of PSCA applications were compared between matched and unmatched students. Discrepancies were identified by reviewing publicly available data and from Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) applications. A total of 330 PSCAs were analyzed and divided into two groups: matched (n = 196) and unmatched (n = 134). Of the 71 medical schools with multiple applicants, 23.9% (17/71) and 31.0% (22/71) had contradicting reports of Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism Honor Society availability. Three matched applicants, with an average numeric Step 1 score of 228, reported scores as "pass." Four applicants did not disclose a prior failing Step 1 score. More matched students had research discrepancies than unmatched students for first author (56%, 111/196; 50%, 67/132; P = 0.24) and total publications (66.8%, 131/196; 53%, 71/134; P = 0.011). The mean discrepancy number between matched and unmatched students was similar for first author (3.0 vs 3.2, P = 0.61) and total publications (4.3 vs 4.5, P = 0.61). Reasons for discrepancies included counting accepted articles (20.2%), submitted articles (7.5%), non-peer reviewed (3.1%) articles, and other endeavors (6.2%) in publication counts, with 52% of applicants having multiple reasons for discrepancies. Matched and unmatched applicants applying to plastic surgery had honor society and Step 1 score discrepancies, and inaccurate research reporting. NBME score verification and PubMed indexing may be a warranted addition to PSCA applications to guarantee application consistency.

The effect of diabetic foot exercise and foot massage on monofilament test scores (neuropathy) in patients with diabetes mellitus

The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of diabetic foot exercises and foot massage on patients with diabetes mellitus, with a particular focus on the Dumbo Raya Health Center in Gorontalo City. The study sample consisted of 30 patients with diabetes mellitus at the Dumbo Raya Health Center. Data were collected through observation and treatment and analyzed using univariate and bivariate analysis methods. The results demonstrated that the intervention of foot exercise and foot massage had a significant effect on the monofilament test score in diabetes mellitus patients at the Dumbo Raya Health Center, Gorontalo City. Both types of intervention exhibited a significance value of 0.000, which was smaller than the value of α = 0.05. Furthermore, it was observed that there was a discrepancy in monofilament test scores between the foot exercise and foot massage treatments. The results indicated that foot exercise was more effective in improving monofilament test scores compared to foot massage.

A month-long case-based bootcamp improves subjective and objective radiology knowledge for first-year radiology residents

PurposeFirst-year radiology residents enter residency with varying degrees of prior knowledge regarding radiology, which can be difficult for both trainees and physician educators looking to provide instruction. Recognizing this dilemma, we propose the adoption of a blended learning model PGY-2 radiology bootcamp at the start of training to give a structured foundation of imaging concepts. Methods20 total PGY-2 radiology residents spanning two cohorts of 10, one from 2022 and another from 2023, were included in a 4-week blended learning-style bootcamp at the beginning of their training. Effectiveness of the implementation was assessed using subjective Likert-scale surveys and an objective knowledge-based examination. ResultsSubjective confidence in basic radiology skills significantly improved for all modalities in the combined 2022-2023 results. Objective performance on the knowledge-based examination significantly improved in both cohorts, with no significant discrepancies in baseline scores between 2022 and 2023. ConclusionsWe recommend the implementation of a flipped-classroom, blended learning-style bootcamp for PGY-2 radiology residents. Our results demonstrated both subjective and objective improvement in radiology resident confidence and clinical knowledge, in addition to an early introduction to the institutional PACS.

American board of orthodontics- discrepancy index (ABO-DI) as prognostic factor for the duration of orthodontic treatment: A cross-sectional retrospective study

To evaluate American Board of Orthodontics-Discrepancy Index (ABO-DI) as a prognostic factor in predicting the duration of orthodontic treatment.This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted on the pre-treatment and post-treatment records of 151 consecutively de-bonded cases, who were treated between January 2016 and September 2013 with comprehensive orthodontic therapy. The ABO-DI was used to assess the pretreatment severity of malocclusion. The sample was divided into three groups based upon the discrepancy score calculated from pretreatment study model and lateral cephalogram; Group-1 (DI score <16; n= 65), Group-2 (DI score 16-25; n= 49) and Group-3 (DI score> 25; n=37). The duration of orthodontic treatment was calculated as total treatment time (in months) from the date of placement of initial brackets and archwires to the date when orthodontic appliances were removed. Spearman’s correlation test and One way ANOVA analysis followed by Post-Hoc tests for multiple comparisons were used to assess the association between the ABO-DI scores and duration of orthodontic treatment.The mean duration of treatment for Group-1, Group-2 and Group-3 was found to be 25.83±8.42, 28.16±10.55 and 28.84±9.61 months respectively, but there was no statistically significant relationship between the severity of malocclusion on the duration of comprehensive orthodontic treatment (P>0.05). An insignificant correlation (P=0.102, r= -0.134) between different groups of severity of DI scores and treatment duration was revealed with Spearman test.The duration of orthodontic treatment increased with increase in severity of malocclusion, however, it is not a reliable tool for predicting the treatment duration.

A discrepancy in discrepancy scores? Comparing the Borich and Ranked Discrepancy Models for determining professional development needs

The Borich (1980) model has been widely used to determine professional development (PD) needs of school-based agricultural education (SBAE) teachers over the past 40-plus years. However, recent criticism, primarily focused on a purported statistical issue, has led to development of the Ranked Discrepancy Model [RDM (Narine & Harder, 2021)] as a potential alternative. This article provides perspective on the statistical issue in question and compares the results of using the Borich model and the RDM to assess precision agriculture (PA) PD needs of Arkansas SBAE teachers (N = 44). Our quantitative results indicated the two models produced different PD priorities, especially among the highest rated priorities. The mean weighted discrepancy scores [MWDSs (Borich model)] and the ranked discrepancy scores [RDSs (RDM)] had a shared variance of 54.8%; the PD priority rankings established by the two methods had a shared variance of 47.6%. Additionally, the number of tied priorities with the RDM complicated identifying priority PD workshop topics. We recommend further research and dialogue before wholesale abandonment of the Borich model for the RDM as a method of determining PD needs.

Best practices in the application of the Ranked Discrepancy Model

In this brief article, we discuss the rationale for the Ranked Discrepancy Model (RDM) and best practices. An overview of the history of the RDM and its appropriate usages is offered to create clarity for researchers. We then provide an explanation of the role of tied ranks in determining ranked discrepancy scores (RDS), guidance on the interpretation of RDS for planning, and recommendations for comparing the RDM with the Borich model. A summary of prior research comparing the RDM to the Borich model is included. We conclude by encouraging researchers to use needs assessment models appropriate for the problem, population, and context.

The influence in clinical results of lower limb length discrepancy following distal femoral osteotomy

BackgroundDistal femoral osteotomy (DFO) improves valgus limb alignment. However, it might affect lower limb length discrepancy (LLD) and influence functional scores. This study aims to evaluate functional scores and radiographic parameters associated with LLD after DFO. HypothesisIt was hypothesized that the presence of LLD after DFO affects functional scores and associated with femoral length. Patients and methodsA total of 50 patients who underwent DFO, including 24 closed wedge (CW) DFO and 26 open wedge (OW) DFO, were included. Patients were divided into three groups according to the presence of LLD after DFO: LLD-Absent group, LLD-CW group and LLD-OW group. Patient demographics, functional scores (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)), and radiographic parameters were evaluated and compared between the three groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the radiographic parameter associated with the presence of post-operative LLD. ResultsThere were no significant differences between the three groups in demographic data, correction angles, complications including hinge fractures, time to osteotomy union, and functional scores. However, the return to sports (RTS) was significantly different between three groups. By further analysis between CWDFO and OWDFO, RTS in CWDFO was faster than those in OWDFO. There were significant differences in post-operative mLDFA and Δ femur length. Additionally, post-operative mLDFA was significantly associated with the presence of LLD (Odds ratio 0.11, 95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.49, p = 0.03). ConclusionFunctional scores and postoperative outcomes following DFO are not affected by the presence of LLD. RTS is independent of LLD, but rather dependent on the surgical procedure and RTS in CWDFO was faster than those in OWDFO. Postoperative mLDFA is the radiographic parameter associated with the presence of LLD. These findings are clinically relevant and should be accounted for in preoperative planning of DFO. Level of evidence IIIRetrospective with comparative study

Exploring the Unconscious Dynamics of the Balint Group Process

AbstractThis preliminary study should be regarded as a pilot piece of research designed specifically to explore some of the unconscious dynamics that operate within the Balint Group process. A brief history is offered by introduction, which aims to set this research in the wider context of the influences that shaped Michael Balint's thinking, particularly the view that the primary obstacles in therapeutic work derive from the analyst's own resistances. The study itself attempts to highlight the presence or absence of ‘domains of implicit relational knowing’ between Balint Group participants, within which ‘moments of meeting’ may take place, leading to a change in the thinking/feeling of the Presenter about their case. It is suggested that such domains emerge through unconscious interactions and that the Group Matrix contains and fosters such activity. The rationale for the use of a 7‐point scale of participants' subjective evaluations of feeling attuned/connected or mis‐attuned/unconnected towards the Group, the Presenter and the Conductor is drawn from Attachment/Neuroscience research. The data gathered from two groups, each engaging in two presentations, reveal patterns of identical scores suggesting the presence of ‘domains’, and marked discrepancy scores suggesting their absence. Sufficient ‘domains’ accompanied a change in thinking/feeling for the Presenter, while few ‘domains’ and marked discrepancy scores did not do so. These observations are tentatively discussed with reference to the early origins of unconscious communications.

Developing a clinician-friendly rubric for assessing history-taking skills in medical undergraduates speaking English as a foreign language.

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a globally recognized test for healthcare professionals who speak English as a foreign language (EFL). Although its speaking sub-test criteria are publicly accessible, practical application demands specialized assessor training. The aim of the study was to create a physician-friendly rubric for assessing the English history-taking skills of EFL medical undergraduates inspired by the OET speaking sub-test. Informed by the OET criteria, a rubric was tailor-made to assess the English history-taking skills of EFL medical undergraduates studying in Japan. Using this rubric, 14 physicians assessed the English history-taking skills of 134 sixth-year medical undergraduates. We used exploratory factor analysis to ascertain its construct validity, evaluated the instrument's reliability through Cronbach's α and inter-rater reliability with chi-squared tests, and conducted a multiple regression analysis, ensuring adherence to key regression assumptions. Three key factors were found: linguistic-clinical distinction, communication dynamics, and medical comprehension. The rubric's internal consistency was verified, achieving a Cronbach's α of 0.799. Discrepancies in assessor scores highlighted the need for calibration. Four criteria emerged as vital in assessing the students' performance. The tailored rubric effectively assesses the English history-taking skills of EFL medical undergraduates.

Enhancing Subjective Well-Being in Taiwanese University Students Through an Eight-Week Mindfulness-Based Program: A Pilot Study.

While mindfulness has demonstrated extensive benefits across diverse populations, research on its integration as a formal course and its effects on subjective well-being (SWB), particularly among Taiwanese university students, remains limited. This pilot study examined changes in SWB among 85 Taiwanese university students (61 males, 24 females) following an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Life (MBCT-L) course. Participants included 38 lower-grade (pre-internship) and 47 senior (post-internship) students. SWB was measured using the 29-item Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), rated on a 6-point Likert scale, and administered before and after the intervention. Results revealed a significant increase in students' overall SWB scores from 3.69 to 3.92 post-intervention. Although females initially exhibited higher baseline SWB compared to males, no significant sex differences were observed after the course. Score discrepancies between pre- and post-test stages varied across sex and internship status, indicating differential impacts of the MBCT-L course on distinct demographic groups. Additionally, this study validated the reliability of the short version of the OHQ (8 items) for use in similar research contexts. By conducting a formal MBCT-L course for Taiwanese university students, this study provides valuable empirical evidence, contributing to the cross-cultural understanding of mindfulness-based interventions and their effects on SWB.

Inservice needs of selected Arkansas agriculture teachers related to precision agriculture

The purpose of this study was to determine selected Arkansas school-based agricultural education (SBAE) teachers’ perceptions of the importance, ability to teach, inservice needs, and barriers relative to incorporating precision agriculture (PA) into their programs. A non-probability sample (n = 44) of teachers participating in an introductory PA workshop completed the survey. Teachers rated each of the PA competencies as being above average or high importance but rated their ability to teach each competency as being none or below average. When competencies were grouped into seven PA topics, teachers had inservice needs for each topic with mean weighted discrepancy scores (MWDSs) ranging from 8.16 (guidance and autosteering systems) to 11.81 (geographic information systems). Years teaching experience, row-crop experience, and experience with PA had negligible to substantial negative correlations with inservice needs in each PA topic. A majority of teachers rated the lack of equipment (86.3%), curriculum materials (84.1%), personal knowledge (81.9%), and inservice opportunities (63.7%) as being either moderate or serious barriers to incorporating PA into their programs. These results indicated a perceived need for inservice education in PA, provided insight into priority topics, and identified potential barriers to incorporating PA into the curriculum.

Cross-sectional Assessment of Body Image Perception, Image Satisfaction, Body Image Discrepancy and Dietary Habits in Medical Students of Ujjain

Background: Being judgmental about self-body image and satisfaction or dissatisfaction with one’s own body is a natural phenomenon. If perceived incorrectly can lead to dissatisfaction and negative social, emotional, psychological and physical consequences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was planned and the data was collected with the help of a semi-structured proforma. Body image perception, image satisfaction, and associated dietary modification were inquired about, and Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Image Discrepancy Score (BIDS) were calculated. The body image perception of participants was collected with the help of the Figure Rating Scale (FRS). Results: χ2 test, kappa statistics, Mann–Whitney test, multinominal regression, and Z-standardization were applied. Few 10% of participants perceived themselves as underweight, 48% as normal weight and 42% as overweight or obese. About 48%, 19%, and 33% of participants were satisfied, neutral and dissatisfied respectively by their perceived body image, and 43% of the participants had modified their diet. A statistically significant association was found between body image perception, image satisfaction, body image discrepancy and gender. Conclusion: There was a huge disagreement between perceived and actual body image. Overestimation and underestimation of body image were common in males and females respectively. Misperception of body image might lead to unnecessary dietary modifications resulting in malnutrition and somatoform disorders.

ScholarGPT's performance in oral and maxillofacial surgery

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of Scholar GPT in answering technical questions in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery and to conduct a comparative analysis with the results of a previous study that assessed the performance of ChatGPT. Materials and MethodsScholar GPT was accessed via ChatGPT (www.chatgpt.com) on March 20, 2024. A total of 60 technical questions (15 each on impacted teeth, dental implants, temporomandibular joint disorders, and orthognathic surgery) from our previous study were used. Scholar GPT's responses were evaluated using a modified Global Quality Scale (GQS). The questions were randomized before scoring using an online randomizer (www.randomizer.org). A single researcher performed the evaluations at three different times, three weeks apart, with each evaluation preceded by a new randomization. In cases of score discrepancies, a fourth evaluation was conducted to determine the final score. ResultsScholar GPT performed well across all technical questions, with an average GQS score of 4.48 (SD=0.93). Comparatively, ChatGPT's average GQS score in previous study was 3.1 (SD=1.492). The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test indicated a statistically significant higher average score for Scholar GPT compared to ChatGPT (Mean Difference = 2.00, SE = 0.163, p < 0.001). The Kruskal-Wallis Test showed no statistically significant differences among the topic groups (χ² = 0.799, df = 3, p = 0.850, ε² = 0.0135). ConclusionScholar GPT demonstrated a generally high performance in technical questions within oral and maxillofacial surgery and produced more consistent and higher-quality responses compared to ChatGPT. The findings suggest that GPT models based on academic databases can provide more accurate and reliable information. Additionally, developing a specialized GPT model for oral and maxillofacial surgery could ensure higher quality and consistency in artificial intelligence-generated information.

뇌손상 환자의 자기인식 평가로서 Korean version of the Patient Competency Rating Scale (K-PCRS)의 타당도 및 신뢰도 연구

Purpose: The study aim was to validate the Korean version of the Patient Competency Rating Scale (K-PCRS) for accurately assessing self-awareness in patients with brain injuries. Methods: After completing the final translation through verification, data were collected from 62 patients with brain injuries, 60 relatives, and 62 occupational therapists in the experimental group, as well as 60 participants and 60 family members in the control group. The translated K-PCRS and Korean-Beck Depression Inventory (K-BDI) were evaluated to verify validity and reliability. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis supported the four-factor model of the K-PCRS, showing a good fit. A discriminant validity analysis revealed significant differences between the experimental and control groups (p &lt; 0.05). Internal reliability was strong, with Cronbach's α values of 0.947 for patients, 0.946 for relatives, and 0.958 for therapists. The correlation analysis showed a coefficient of 0.4 between the patient-therapist discrepancy score and K-BDI. Conclusion: This study confirmed that the K-PCRS is a valid and reliable tool for objectively assessing self-awareness in patients with brain injuries, suggesting its potential for broader clinical applications.

A - 132 Perceptions of Functional Competency in Persons with Subjective Memory Complaints, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Early Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type

Abstract Objective This study evaluated whether persons with Subject Memory Complaints (SMC) perceive their overall functional abilities differently than persons with known memory impairments. We predicted SMC persons would describe themselves as less functionally competent compared to persons with objective memory impairments while relatives would perceive them as more functionally competent than what they report. Method As a part of an ongoing study evaluating cognitive and motor correlates of SMC, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and early Alzheimer’s disease (ad), 10 persons with SMC, 14 with MCI, and 11 with early ad completed the Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS). A family member or significant other completed the Patient Competency Rating Scale-Relative Form. Subjects were matched on age, education, and sex. Results Self-reported competency varied across groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05), with the SMC group reporting less competency than the MCI group but at a level of competency similar to the ad group. Relatives’ ratings were also significantly different across groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). SMC persons were considered by relatives as more functionally competent than the MCI and ad groups. Discrepancy scores between the PCRS and PCRS-R differed across groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). SMC persons underestimated their functional abilities while persons with MCI and ad overestimated their abilities. Conclusion The findings support the predictions and are compatible with reports in the literature. The PCRS and PCRS-R provide clinically relevant information regarding both a person’s functional abilities in everyday life (according to a relative) while also detecting potential disturbances in self-awareness. SMC patients appear to overstate their functional limitations in many domains in addition to memory.

B - 96 Relationships between Self-Reported Cognitive Dysfunction, Functional Activities, and Intraindividual Cognitive Variability in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (Pwms)

Abstract Objective To examine the relationships between intraindividual cognitive variability (IIV) and self-reported cognitive and functional difficulties in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). We hypothesized higher perceived cognitive and functional difficulties would be associated with higher IIV. Method Participants (n = 35) were pwMS from a prospective memory intervention study. During the baseline evaluation, participants completed an objective neuropsychological test battery and a self-report measure of cognitive functioning (Perceived Deficits Questionnaire; PDQ Total). Participants were asked if they had problems in eight different functional areas due to their memory, with the number of endorsed problems summed. Two measures of IIV, an intraindividual standard deviation (ISD) score and maximum discrepancy score (MDS), were created from 11 indices. The relationship between the IIV and PDQ were assessed with individual linear regressions, controlling for demographics and disease-related characteristics, while Spearman correlations examined the associations with the number of reported functional memory problems. Results The PDQ was not significantly associated with either the ISD (b = −0.03, 95% CI: −0.15, 0.10, p = 0.672) or MDS (b = −0.01, 95% CI: −0.51, 0.32, p = 0.645). The overall number of functional memory problems was correlated with both the PDQ (ρ = 0.40, p = 0.018) and ISD (ρ = −0.35, p = 0.039), but not MSD (ρ = −0.22, p = 0.201). Conclusion(s) Perceived cognitive dysfunction was not associated with IIV. However, self-reported functional problems with memory were associated with perceived cognition, as well as one metric of IIV. ISD may better reflect moment to moment fluctuations that lead to difficulties with daily functioning, as opposed to MDS which may reflect underlying variation (e.g., base rates of impairment) in cognitive performance.

Structural MRI Correlates of Anosognosia in Huntington's Disease.

Anosognosia, or unawareness of symptoms, is common in Huntington's disease (HD), but the neuroanatomical basis of this is unknown. To identify neuroanatomical correlates of HD anosognosia using structural MRI data. We leveraged a pre-processed dataset of 570 HD participants across the well-characterized PREDICT-HD and TRACK-HD cohort studies. Anosognosia index was operationalized as the score discrepancies between HD participants and their caregivers on the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe). Univariate correlation analyses identified volumes of globus pallidus, putamen, caudate, basal forebrain, substantia nigra, angular gyrus, and cingulate cortex as significant correlates of anosognosia after correction for multiple comparisons. A multivariable model constructed with stepwise regression that included volumetric data showed globus pallidus volume alone explained more variance in anosognosia severity than motor impairment or CAP score alone. Anosognosia appears to be related to degeneration affecting both cortical and subcortical areas. Globus pallidus neurodegeneration in particular appears to be a key process of importance.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of a highly lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with a height of 160 cm or less versus a height of 170 cm or more

BackgroundTo evaluates the impact of patient height (less than 160 cm and greater than 170 cm) on outcomes of lateralized reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). MethodThis retrospective case–control study of 31 lateralized rTSA patients, with follow-ups ranging from 12 to 28 months, was divided into 2 groups: 14 short-stature (≤160 cm) and 17 taller (≥170 cm) patients. Preoperative planning utilized e-ORTHO templating software (FH Orthopaedics, Mulhouse, France), ensuring uniform lateralization shoulder angle and distalization shoulder angles across groups. Primary outcomes included range of motion (ROM), while secondary outcomes comprised Constant Score (absolute/ponderate), subjective shoulder value (SSV), and visual analog scale (VAS). Discrepancies in scores between groups were evaluated for clinical relevance against minimal clinically important difference benchmarks. Incidences of scapular notching were also recorded. ResultsAll the clinical parameters analyzed were improved postoperatively in both groups (P < .05). No significant difference was observed in postoperative ROM, ponderate Constant, and VAS between groups (P > .05) except for forward elevation which was higher in the taller group (142.9 ± 27.6 compared to 163.5 ± 11.1 P = .018). For SSV, the taller group had higher postoperative SSV (P = .037). However, the difference was less than the minimal clinically important difference for SSV (−5.97 [95% confidence interval: −10.17 to 1.76], P = .01) and thus was considered not clinically significant. No scapular notching was detected in either group. ConclusionWhen planned positioning angles are respected (lateralization shoulder angle, distalization shoulder angle), the benefits of highly lateralized rTSA are consistent regardless of patient stature. Both groups had comparable results across ROM, ponderate Constant, and VAS except for forward elevation which was higher in the taller group.

Awareness of Social Functioning in People with Dementia and Its Association with Dementia Severity: Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

People with dementia commonly have impaired social functioning and may not recognize this. This lack of awareness may result in worse outcomes for the person and their family carers. We aimed to characterize awareness of social functioning in dementia and describe its association with dementia severity. Multi-center cross-sectional study of people aged >65 years with dementia and family informants recruited from Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. We used the Social Functioning in Dementia (SF-DEM) scale, assessing "spending time with other people" (domain 1), "communicating with other people" (domain 2), and "sensitivity to other people" (domain 3), and calculated lack of awareness into social functioning as the discrepancy between patient and informant ratings. 108 participants with dementia (50.9% women), mean age = 78.9 years, and mean MMSE score = 22.7. Patient and informant domain 1 ratings did not differ, but patient-rating was higher than carers for domain 2 (11.2 versus 10.1; p = 0.003) and domain 3 (9.7 versus 8.1; p < 0.001). Sixty people with dementia overestimated their overall social functioning, 30 underestimated, and 18 gave ratings congruent with their informant. Performance on the MMSE and its sub-domains was not associated with SF-DEM discrepancy score. We found that awareness of social functioning in dementia was a multidimensional concept, which varies according to subdomains of social functioning. Clinicians should help family members understand and adapt by explaining their relative with dementia's lack of awareness about aspects of their social functioning.

Discrepancy in efficiency scores due to sampling error in data envelopment analysis methodology: evidence from the banking sector

Background Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology is considered the most suitable approach for relative performance efficiency calculation for banks as it is believed to be superior to traditional ratio-based analysis and other conventional performance evaluations. This study provides statistical evidence on the sampling error that can creep into performance evaluation studies using the DEA methodology. Inferences are drawn based on samples, and various preventive measures must be taken to eliminate or avoid sampling errors and misleading results. This study demonstrates the possibility of sampling error in DEA with the secondary data available in financial statements and reports from a sample set of banks. Methods The samples included 15 public sectors and five leading private sector banks in India based on their market share, and the data for calculating efficiencies were retrieved from the published audited reports. The sample data was collected from 2014 to 2017 because the banking sector in India witnessed a series of mergers of public sector banks post-2017, and the data after that would be skewed and not comparable due to the demonetization policy implementation and merger process-related consolidation implemented by the Government of India. The efficiency measures thus computed are further analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests. Results We found statistically significant discrepancies in the efficiency score calculations using DEA approach when specific outlier values. Evidence is provided on statistically significant differences in the efficiencies due to the inclusion and exclusion of particular samples in the DEA. Conclusion The study offers a novel contribution along with statistical evidence on the possible sampling error that can creep into the performance evaluation of organizations while applying the DEA methodology.