Discrepancy Scores Research Articles

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% CI 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 evidenceⅢ; Retrospective with comparative study

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.

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.

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.

Turfgrass Management Professional Development Needs Assessment of Extension Agents

Turfgrass management includes many different components and without proper management turfgrass aesthetics will diminish. In addition, mismanagement of turfgrass systems could lead to negative environmental impacts. This situation creates the need for Extension agents to deliver turfgrass management educational and outreach programs to the various stakeholders and the general public. However, Extension agents require professional development in terms of turfgrass management. A needs assessment of [State] Extension agents was conducted at the University of Florida to determine the professional development needs relating to turfgrass management. Through this needs assessment, there were 51 individual competencies identified that were categorized into nine distinct competency domains. In general, the highest priority relative to professional development needs were related to the pest management (i.e., disease, insect, weeds, and nematodes) competency domains. Extension specialists can use the information from this needs assessment to adjust current and tailor new turfgrass management professional development programs to address the identified needs with the highest priority [i.e., greatest mean weighted discrepancy score (MWDS)]. Professional development programs could include creating new or adjusting educational materials and resources for the needs identified, in-service trainings for Extension agents to provide additional education, series of academies to provide baseline knowledge to Extension agents, and an online database to provide information and guidance. In addition, the results and needs identified from this needs assessment can be used as a basis for obtaining educational funding.

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.

The effects of life review-based collage book making on psychosocial functioning and discrepancy between patients' and hospital staff's perception of daily functioning in long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychosocial effects of life review-based collage book making on long-term inpatients with schizophrenia, and to verify the effectiveness of this program in reducing the discrepancy between self-perception and others' evaluation of patients' day-to-day functioning. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention or control group. The intervention group participated in an individual program of life review-based collage book making. At three evaluation points (pre-and post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up) the patients rated their subjective difficulties, and the staff rated the objective severity of the patient's day-to-day functioning, using the Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale Japanese version (SCoRS-J). The Profile of Mood Status-Brief Form (POMS), Recovery Assessment Scale, and Life Skills Profile were used to assess psychosocial functioning, and the changes in scores on the scales were compared between the two groups. In addition, for those with large discrepancy between patient and staff rating scores on the SCoRS-J at baseline, the change in the discrepancy scores were compared between the two groups. As a result, there was a significant group main effect and interaction between the two groups in the changes in the Confusion subscale scores of the POMS, indicating an alleviation of confusion in this program. In addition, for those with large discrepancy scores on the SCoRS-J, there was a significant group main effect and interaction between the two groups in discrepancy scores, indicating that this program can contribute to the reduction of discrepancies in the perceptions, and to the collaborative approach to treatment.

Siamese Graph Convolutional Network quantifies increasing structure-function discrepancy over the cognitive decline continuum

Background and Objective:Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD) is well known to induce alterations in both structural and functional brain connectivity. However, reported changes in connectivity are mostly limited to global/local network features, which have poor specificity for diagnostic purposes. Following recent advances in machine learning, deep neural networks, particularly Graph Neural Network (GNN) based approaches, have found applications in brain research as well. The majority of existing applications of GNNs employ a single network (uni-modal or structure/function unified), despite the widely accepted view that there is a nontrivial interdependence between the brain’s structural connectivity and the neural activity patterns, which is hypothesized to be disrupted in ADD. This disruption is quantified as a discrepancy score by the proposed “structure-function discrepancy learning network” (sfDLN) and its distribution is studied over the spectrum of clinical cognitive decline. The measured discrepancy score is utilized as a diagnostic biomarker and is compared with state-of-the-art diagnostic classifiers. Methods:sfDLN is a GNN with a siamese architecture built on the hypothesis that the mismatch between structural and functional connectivity patterns increases over the cognitive decline spectrum, starting from subjective cognitive impairment (SCI), passing through a mid-stage mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and ending up with ADD. The structural brain connectome (sNET) built using diffusion MRI-based tractography and the novel, sparse (lean) functional brain connectome (ℓNET) built using fMRI are input to sfDLN. The siamese sfDLN is trained to extract connectome representations and a discrepancy (dissimilarity) score that complies with the proposed hypothesis and is blindly tested on an MCI group. Results:The sfDLN generated structure-function discrepancy scores show high disparity between ADD and SCI subjects. Leave-one-out experiments of SCI-ADD classification over a cohort of 42 subjects reach 88% accuracy, surpassing state-of-the-art GNN-based classifiers in the literature. Furthermore, a blind assessment over a cohort of 46 MCI subjects confirmed that it captures the intermediary character of the MCI group. GNNExplainer module employed to investigate the anatomical determinants of the observed discrepancy confirms that sfDLN attends to cortical regions neurologically relevant to ADD. Conclusion:In support of our hypothesis, the harmony between the structural and functional organization of the brain degrades with increasing cognitive decline. This discrepancy, shown to be rooted in brain regions neurologically relevant to ADD, can be quantified by sfDLN and outperforms state-of-the-art GNN-based ADD classification methods when used as a biomarker.

Effectiveness of large language models in automated evaluation of argumentative essays: finetuning vs. zero-shot prompting

To address the long-standing challenge facing traditional automated writing evaluation (AWE) systems in assessing higher-order thinking, this study built an AWE system for scoring argumentative essays by finetuning the GPT-3.5 Large Language Model. The system’s effectiveness was compared with that of the non-finetuned GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 base models via zero-shot prompting, which involves applying the model to perform tasks without any prior specific training or examples on those tasks. The dataset used was the TOEFL Public Writing Dataset provided by Education Testing Service (ETS), containing 480 argumentative essays with ground truth scores under two essay prompts. Three finetuned models were generated: two finetuned exclusively on either prompt and one on both. All finetuned and base models were used to score the remaining essays after finetuning and their scoring effectiveness was compared with ground truth scores, i.e., benchmark scores assigned by ETS-trained human raters. The impact of the variety of finetuning prompts and the robustness of finetuned models were also explored. Results showed a 100% consistency of all models in two scoring sessions. More importantly, the finetuned models significantly outperformed the base models in accuracy and reliability. The best-performing model, finetuned on prompt 1, showed an RMSE of 0.57, a percentage agreement (score discrepancy ≤ 0.5) of 84.72% and a QWK of 0.78. Further, the model finetuned on both prompts did not exhibit enhanced performance, and the two models finetuned on one prompt remained robust when scoring essays from the alternative prompt. These results suggest (1) task-specific finetuning for AWE is beneficial; (2) finetuning does not require a large variety of essay prompts; and (3) fine-tuned models are robust to unseen essays.

Assessing the Use of Radiographs Alone to Determine Air Force Dental Readiness Classification.

The Air Force Dental Service is responsible for ensuring that airmen are dentally ready to support military operations worldwide by delivering top-tier dental care. As the military healthcare landscape undergoes significant changes, the Air Force Dental Service has explored innovative approaches to dental care delivery. One consideration involves the potential use of radiographs as the primary tool for assessing service members' dental conditions, specifically focusing on identifying nondeployable conditions and periodontal health. Providers who previously participated as examiners in the 2018 Air Force Recruit Oral Health Study were recruited to re-evaluate randomly selected de-identified records, this time making assessments exclusively based on radiographs. Their evaluations included Dental Readiness Classification (DRC) determinations, total caries counts, and Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) index scores, providers also rated their confidence in these conclusions using a 5-point Likert scale. The study then computed sensitivity and specificity to assess the diagnostic performance of providers using radiographs only compared to the original study results that use the gold standard of radiographs with a clinical examination. Providers exceled at ruling out most DRC 3 conditions, with specificities surpassing 70%. Positively identifying those with DRC 3, particularly radiographically identifying periodontal conditions posed challenges with computed sensitivity rates as low as 8%. Discrepancies in PSR scores also accentuated limitations in relying solely on radiographs, where provider's radiographically determined PSR scores that matched less than one third of the time. In general, providers had low to very low confidence in their assessments. The study strongly cautions against relying solely on radiographs for determining the dental health of U.S. Air Force personnel. While providers effectively ruled out the absence of certain conditions, the challenge of positively identifying DRC 3 conditions poses significant risks to oral health if such a workflow was utilized. Particularly, the high probability of false negatives would be detrimental to the operational readiness of military personnel. Therefore, results support the continued use of radiographic and clinical examinations for comprehensive dental exams.