Pairwise Tests Research Articles

Interpersonal self-efficacy, morale, and personality traits of public elementary school teachers vis-à-vis teaching performance

In the landscape of education, the role of elementary school teachers stands as a cornerstone in shaping the intellectual and emotional development of young minds. Amidst the myriad of factors influencing teaching effectiveness, the interplay between interpersonal self-efficacy, morale, personality traits, and teaching performance emerges as a critical area of inquiry. This study employed descriptive correlational research to determine the level of interpersonal self-efficacy, morale, and personality traits of public elementary school teachers vis-à-vis teaching performance in the Division of Ozamis City, School Year 2022-2023. Respondents of the study were the public school teachers from District 5 and 6 of Ozamis City Division with a total of 117 teacher respondents. Frequency Count, Percentage, Mean, Weighted Average Mean, Kruskal-Wallis Test, Dunn’s Pairwise Tests, and Spearman rho were the statistical tests. Study revealed that the majority of respondents were female teachers with a range of one to five teaching experience. The teachers demonstrated high levels of interpersonal self-efficacy and morale, indicating their confidence in guiding and inspiring their pupils, as well as their satisfaction with their interactions and contributions to the school and community. While no significant differences were found in self-efficacy, morale, and personality traits based on age, sex, and highest educational attainment. It is worth noting that personality traits had a significant but very low correlation with performance. These findings highlight the importance of cultivating positive teacher attributes and promoting a supportive environment to enhance teacher performance and ultimately improve the quality of education in the region.

A New Species of Biscogniauxia Associated with Pine Needle Blight on Pinus thunbergii in China

In June 2020, needle blight symptoms on Pinus thunbergii were discovered in Bazhong City, Sichuan Province, China. Fungal isolates were obtained from the pine needles of P. thunbergii. After examining morphological characteristics and conducting multi-locus (ITS, ACT, TUB2 and RPB2) phylogenetic analyses, the isolates SC1–SC5 were determined to be a new species, Biscogniauxia sinensis. Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition with a pairwise homoplasy index test was used to further verify the results of the phylogenetic analyses. The morphology and phylogenetic relationships between this new species and other related Biscogniauxia species were discussed. To our knowledge, this is also the first report of Biscogniauxia sinensis associated with pine needle blight on P. thunbergii in China. The needle damage of P. thunbergii associated with Biscogniauxia sinensis will detrimentally affect the carbon absorption and photosynthetic efficiency of P. thunbergii, further reduce the absorption of nutrients by Japanese black pine and may lead to the imbalance of pine forest conditions, which will have a negative impact on the forest ecological system.

Effect of milling procedures in CAD-CAM systems on the color changes of CAD-CAM polymethyl methacrylate resin material as interim material

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effects of new and used burs on CAD-CAM PMMA resin color changes following thermocycling.Materials and methodsTwenty disk-shaped specimens (10 × 2 mm) were made using a single brand of CAD-CAM polymethyl methacrylate resin (Polident) for the color test. Group N consisted of half of the specimens that were machined using the new tungsten carbide bur set, and Group U consisted of the specimens that were milled using the used bur set (500 machining time). A color test was performed on the specimens both before and after thermocycling. For the statistical analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn Pairwise Comparison tests were employed.ResultsThe ∆E* value of specimens (2.057) milled with the used bur was higher than those of specimens milled with the new bur (0.340), but this value is within clinically acceptable limits. After thermocycling, specimens milled with the utilized burs had the greatest L* (93.850) and b* (5.000) values. After thermocycling, statistically significant differences were discovered between Group N and Group U as well as between specimens milled with the utilized bur before and after thermocycling.ConclusionThermocycling process have an effect on the mean ∆E values of specimens milled with the used carbide bur, but these ∆E* values were not statistically significant.Clinical significanceThe color and clinical performance of CAD-CAM restorations may be affected by variations in CAD-CAM milling bur properties, particularly those related to their frequent use.

Impact of the superimposition methods on accuracy analyses in complete-arch digital implant investigation

ObjectivesTo measure the impact of the superimposition methods on accuracy analyses in digital implant research using an ISO-recommended 3-dimensional (3D) metrology-grade inspection software. Materials and methodsA six-implant edentulous maxillary model was scanned using a desktop scanner (7Series; DentalWings; Montreal, Canada) and an intraoral scanner (TRIOS 4; 3Shape; Copenhagen, Denmark) to generate a reference and an experimental mesh, respectively. Thirty experimental standard tesselletion language (STL) files were superimposed onto the reference model's STL using the core features of six superimposition methods, creating the following groups: initial automated pre-alignment (GI), landmark-based alignment (G1), partial area-based alignment (G2), entire area-based alignment (G3), and double alignment combining landmark-based alignment with entire model area-based alignment (G4 ) or the scan bodies' surface (G5). The groups underwent various alignment variations, resulting in sixteen subgroups (n = 30). The alignment accuracy between experimental and reference meshes was quantified by using the root mean square (RMS) error as trueness and its fluctuation as precision. The Kruskal-Wallis test with a subsequent adjusted post-hoc Dunn's pairwise comparison test was used to analyze the data (α = 0.05). The reliability of the measurements was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). ResultsA total of 480 superimpositions were performed. No significant differences were found in trueness and precision among the groups (p > 0.05), except for partial area-based alignment (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed significant differences for partial area-based alignment considering only one scan body (p < 0.001). Initial automated alignment was as accurate as landmark-based, partial, or entire area-based alignments (p > 0.05). Double alignments did not improve alignment accuracy (p > 0.05). The entire area-based alignment of the scan bodies’ surface had the least effect on accuracy analyses. ConclusionsDigital oral implant investigation remains unaffected by the superimposition method when ISO-recommended 3D metrology-grade inspection software is used. At least two scan bodies are needed when considering partial area-based alignments. Clinical significanceThe superimposition method choice within the tested ISO-recommended 3D inspection software did not impact accuracy analyses in digital implant investigation.

Dental restorative materials and halitosis: a preliminary in-vitro study

Despite the widespread use of dental restorative materials, little information exists in the literature regarding their potential impact on bad breath. This in vitro study aims to fill this gap by investigating the influence of different restorative materials on the release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Thirteen diverse dental restorative materials, including composites, flowable composites, glass ionomer restorative materials, high-copper amalgam, and CAD–CAM blocks, were examined. Cellulose Sponge models were used as negative and positive control. All samples were prepared with a diameter of 5 mm and a height of 2 mm. Except for the negative control group, all samples were embedded into Allium cepa L., and the emitted H2S was measured using the Wintact W8802 hydrogen sulfide monitor. Surface roughness’s effect on emission was explored by roughening the surfaces of CAD–CAM material samples, and gas emission was measured again. The data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and DSCF pairwise comparison tests. Fiber-reinforced flowable composite (EverX Flow), amalgam (Nova 70-caps), and certain composite materials (IPS Empress Direct, Tetric Evoceram, Admira Fusion X-tra) released higher H2S concentrations compared to the negative control. The H2S release period lasted longer in the same materials mentioned above, along with G-aenial Universal Injectable. Indirectly used materials, such as GC Cerasmart, Vita Enamic, and Vita YZ HT, demonstrated significantly lower emissions compared to other direct restoratives. Importantly, the surface roughness of indirect materials did not significantly affect peak H2S concentrations or release times. The study reveals variations in H2S release among restorative materials, suggesting potential advantages of indirect restorative materials in reducing H2S-induced halitosis. This comprehensive understanding of the relationship between restorative materials and halitosis can empower both dental professionals and patients to make well-informed treatment choices. Notably, there is evidence supporting the enhanced performance of indirect restorative materials for individuals affected by halitosis.

Abstract A009: Integrative drug screening and multi-omic characterization of patient-derived bladder cancer organoids reveals novel molecular correlates of chemotherapy response

Abstract Introduction: Predicting response to therapy for each patient’s tumor is critical to improving long-term outcomes for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Our objective is to establish ex vivo bladder cancer patient-derived organoid (PDO) models that are representative of patients’ tumors and determine potential efficacy of standard-of-care and curated experimental therapies. Methods: Tumor material was prospectively collected from consented patients with bladder cancer to generate short-term PDO models, which were screened against a panel of clinically relevant drugs in ex vivo 3D culture. Drugs were tested at the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) in human trials, so as to provide physiologic relevance. When material was sufficient, cells were additionally tested using full dose response. The number of drugs screened was dependent upon amount of tissue available, with up to 34 drugs screened at Cmax and 9 drugs screened in dose response format. Multiomic profiling was utilized to validate the PDO models, establish the molecular characteristics of each tumor, assess gene expression (GEX) patterns between paired primary tissue and PDOs, and identify potential biomarkers of drug response using Pearson correlation coefficients and Kruskal-Wallis tests with Dunn’s post-hoc pairwise comparison testing. Results: 106 tumors were collected from 97 patients, with 65 samples yielding sufficient material for complete multiomic molecular characterization and PDO screening with 6 to 32 drugs/combinations. RNA sequencing and GSEA enriched pathways across organoids were compared to other published datasets, noting high levels of correlation between our organoid models and in particular the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia urethral lines. Moreover, analysis of subtype and mutation/copy number data further indicate that our organoid dataset is representative of the full spectrum of disease. RNA sequencing and subtyping of cultured organoids compared to patient tissue indicate that organoid models are representative of patient tissue and do not undergo subtype shifts in our short-term 3D cultures. Our drug screening results highlight the large spectrum of response to chemotherapies that in fact, clinically benefit only a small proportion of patients in the neoadjuvant setting. Utilizing an integrative approach, novel correlations between ex vivo drug responses and genomic alterations, GEX, and protein expression were identified, including a multiomic signature of gemcitabine response. Conclusions: Rapid organoid development, characterization, and drug screening allows for the prediction of therapeutic response in ~10 days following sample collection. Use of this technique on tissue provided during disease work-up may further guide selection of effective therapeutic agents in patients with bladder cancer, beyond the typical unranked lists derived from genomic analyses. This work would help maximize the overall benefits of standard of care therapies and could be used to identify alternative therapeutics for patients who progress on standard therapies. Citation Format: Nathan M. Merrill, Samuel D. Kaffenberger, Liwei Bao, Nathalie Vandecan, Laura E. Goo, Athena Apfel, Xu Cheng, Zhaoping Qin, Chia-Jen Liu, Armand Bankhead, Yin Wang, Varun Kathawate, Lila Tudrick, Habib Serhan, Zackariah Farah, Chad Ellimoottil, Khaled S. Hafez, Lindsey A. Herrel, Jeffrey S. Montgomery, Todd M. Morgan, Simpa S. Salami, Alon Z. Weizer, Peter J. Ulintz, Mark L. Day, Matthew B. Soellner, Phillip L. Palmbos, Sofia D. Merajver, Aaron M. Udager. Integrative drug screening and multi-omic characterization of patient-derived bladder cancer organoids reveals novel molecular correlates of chemotherapy response [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Bladder Cancer: Transforming the Field; 2024 May 17-20; Charlotte, NC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(10_Suppl):Abstract nr A009.

Efficiency in Operations of NASDAQ Listed Technology Companies from 2011 to 2023

The performance of technology companies listed on NASDAQ significantly impacts larger economic trends. Investors need specific information to navigate market volatility and make informed decisions in an increasingly complex marketplace. Furthermore, amidst the ongoing digital revolution, legislators and regulatory agencies must comprehend the operational dynamics of technology companies to develop frameworks that support innovation while maintaining market stability. Our study assesses the impact on the overall operational efficiency of NASDAQ-listed firms from 2011 to 2023, resulting from the interdependence of critical variables such as selling, general, and administrative expenses (SGA), cost of goods and services sold (COGS), and investments in research and development (R&amp;D). Johansen’s cointegration methodology and pairwise Granger causality tests were employed to unveil long-term relationships, equilibrium adjustments, and causal relationships among the considered variables. The results provide critical insights into the strategic management of operational variables by the listed companies. The economic significance of the results obtained underscores the paramount importance of efficiently managing the cost of goods and services sold to achieve superior operating performance among these leading technology firms.

Genetic connectivity of the common octopus (Octopus insularis) along the southwestern Caribbean

AbstractOctopus insularis is a shallow‐water octopus distributed throughout the western Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. To evaluate its phylogeographic pattern, mitochondrial markers (16S rRNA and COIII) and genome‐wide nuclear markers (SNP's) were analyzed in individuals from artisanal fishing in different locations of the Colombian Caribbean coast. Mitochondrial analyzes displayed novel haplotypes (16S = H2, H3 and H4; COIII = H2–H7) and haplotypes shared with distant geographic areas (16S = H1 COIII = H1). The COIII gene did not show genetic differentiation between the analyzed localities, while the 16S gene showed significant differences between Santa Marta and Isla Fuerte. COIII's demographic analysis indicated that the species' effective population size has remained constant. Inferences were made from next‐generation genomic data with restriction site‐associated DNA (ddRAD‐seq) and 6769 polymorphic loci. The pairwise FST test indicated that there are low but significant differences between localities; however, the general molecular analysis of variance (AMOVA) and the principal coordinate analysis showed a lack of spatial structure in the populations analyzed. The Mantel test found no correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance, and the genetic structure analyses showed the presence of one genetic stock. The information obtained in this study indicates the genetic connectivity of O. insularis in the southwestern Caribbean, the absence of putative biogeographic barriers that affect its gene flow, and the crucial role played by life history strategies (planktonic paralarvae) and oceanographic factors to define the current distribution of its genetic diversity in this region.

An Empirical Investigation of GDP, Industrialization, Population, Renewable Energy and CO2 Emission in Bangladesh: Bridging EKC-STIRPAT Models

This research paper explores the presence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in Bangladesh, delving into the intricate relationships among GDP, industrialization, renewable energy utilization, and CO2 emissions. Utilizing the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) model, our investigation spans the 1992 to 2021 timeframe, offering a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between these crucial factors in the context of Bangladesh's environmental sustainability. In this study, the F-bound test is utilized to establish the cointegration relationship among variables. And the short-run and long-run elasticity of explanatory variables is investigated by employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. This research also employed a pairwise granger causality test to explore the direction of causality between them. Empirical results prove the existence of a cointegration relationship among CO2 emission, GDP per capita, a quadratic form of GDP per capita, renewable energy, industrialization, and population. The findings provide strong support for the presence of the EKC in the case of Bangladesh. Besides that, significant inverse relationship was also obtained between CO2 emission and renewable energy consumption. Additionally, the study found the detrimental long-term effects of industrialization on the environment. The EKC hypothesis argues that Bangladesh can accomplish sustainable economic development. To attain the goal country should adopt appropriate government policies and ensure their implication. This study strongly advocates using sustainable energy sources and implementing regulations on pollutant industries.

Can large language models pass official high-grade exams of the European Society of Neuroradiology courses? A direct comparison between OpenAI chatGPT 3.5, OpenAI GPT4 and Google Bard.

We compared different LLMs, notably chatGPT, GPT4, and Google Bard and we tested whether their performance differs in subspeciality domains, in executing examinations from four different courses of the European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR) notably anatomy/embryology, neuro-oncology, head and neck and pediatrics. Written exams of ESNR were used as input data, related to anatomy/embryology (30 questions), neuro-oncology (50 questions), head and neck (50 questions), and pediatrics (50 questions). All exams together, and each exam separately were introduced to the three LLMs: chatGPT 3.5, GPT4, and Google Bard. Statistical analyses included a group-wise Friedman test followed by a pair-wise Wilcoxon test with multiple comparison corrections. Overall, there was a significant difference between the 3 LLMs (p < 0.0001), with GPT4 having the highest accuracy (70%), followed by chatGPT 3.5 (54%) and Google Bard (36%). The pair-wise comparison showed significant differences between chatGPT vs GPT 4 (p < 0.0001), chatGPT vs Bard (p < 0. 0023), and GPT4 vs Bard (p < 0.0001). Analyses per subspecialty showed the highest difference between the best LLM (GPT4, 70%) versus the worst LLM (Google Bard, 24%) in the head and neck exam, while the difference was least pronounced in neuro-oncology (GPT4, 62% vs Google Bard, 48%). We observed significant differences in the performance of the three different LLMs in the running of official exams organized by ESNR. Overall GPT 4 performed best, and Google Bard performed worst. This difference varied depending on subspeciality and was most pronounced in head and neck subspeciality.

Ibrutinib combined with immunochemotherapy with or without autologous stem-cell transplantation versus immunochemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation in previously untreated patients with mantle cell lymphoma (TRIANGLE): a three-arm, randomised, open-label, phase 3 superiority trial of the European Mantle Cell Lymphoma Network

Adding ibrutinib to standard immunochemotherapy might improve outcomes and challenge autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in younger (aged 65 years or younger) mantle cell lymphoma patients. This trial aimed to investigate whether the addition of ibrutinib results in a superior clinical outcome compared with the pre-trial immunochemotherapy standard with ASCT or an ibrutinib-containing treatment without ASCT. We also investigated whether standard treatment with ASCT is superior to a treatment adding ibrutinib but without ASCT. The open-label, randomised, three-arm, parallel-group, superiority TRIANGLE trial was performed in 165 secondary or tertiary clinical centres in 13 European countries and Israel. Patients with previously untreated, stage II-IV mantle cell lymphoma, aged 18-65 years and suitable for ASCT were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to control group A or experimental groups A+I or I, stratified by study group and mantle cell lymphoma international prognostic index risk groups. Treatment in group A consisted of six alternating cycles of R-CHOP (intravenous rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 0 or 1, intravenous cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 on day 1, intravenous doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 on day 1, intravenous vincristine 1·4 mg/m2 on day 1, and oral prednisone 100 mg on days 1-5) and R-DHAP (or R-DHAOx, intravenous rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 0 or 1, intravenous or oral dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1-4, intravenous cytarabine 2 × 2 g/m2 for 3 h every 12 h on day 2, and intravenous cisplatin 100 mg/m2 over 24 h on day 1 or alternatively intravenous oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1) followed by ASCT. In group A+I, ibrutinib (560 mg orally each day) was added on days 1-19 of R-CHOP cycles and as fixed-duration maintenance (560 mg orally each day for 2 years) after ASCT. In group I, ibrutinib was given the same way as in group A+I, but ASCT was omitted. Three pairwise one-sided log-rank tests for the primary outcome of failure-free survival were statistically monitored. The primary analysis was done by intention-to-treat. Adverse events were evaluated by treatment period among patients who started the respective treatment. This ongoing trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02858258. Between July 29, 2016 and Dec 28, 2020, 870 patients (662 men, 208 women) were randomly assigned to group A (n=288), group A+I (n=292), and group I (n=290). After 31 months median follow-up, group A+I was superior to group A with 3-year failure-free survival of 88% (95% CI 84-92) versus 72% (67-79; hazard ratio 0·52 [one-sided 98·3% CI 0-0·86]; one-sided p=0·0008). Superiority of group A over group I was not shown with 3-year failure-free survival 72% (67-79) versus 86% (82-91; hazard ratio 1·77 [one-sided 98·3% CI 0-3·76]; one-sided p=0·9979). The comparison of group A+I versus group I is ongoing. There were no relevant differences in grade 3-5 adverse events during induction or ASCT between patients treated with R-CHOP/R-DHAP or ibrutinib combined with R-CHOP/R-DHAP. During maintenance or follow-up, substantially more grade 3-5 haematological adverse events and infections were reported after ASCT plus ibrutinib (group A+I; haematological: 114 [50%] of 231 patients; infections: 58 [25%] of 231; fatal infections: two [1%] of 231) compared with ibrutinib only (group I; haematological: 74 [28%] of 269; infections: 52 [19%] of 269; fatal infections: two [1%] of 269) or after ASCT (group A; haematological: 51 [21%] of 238; infections: 32 [13%] of 238; fatal infections: three [1%] of 238). Adding ibrutinib to first-line treatment resulted in superior efficacy in younger mantle cell lymphoma patients with increased toxicity when given after ASCT. Adding ibrutinib during induction and as maintenance should be part of first-line treatment of younger mantle cell lymphoma patients. Whether ASCT adds to an ibrutinib-containing regimen is not yet determined. Janssen and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Spiral time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography for intracranial vascular imaging: performance compared to conventional Cartesian angiogram.

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) usually raise the risk of potential malignancies with cumulative radiation doses. Current time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) (dubbed as cTOF), which is based on Cartesian sampling mode, may show limited diagnostic conspicuity at sinuous or branching regions. It is also prone to relatively high false positive diagnoses and undesirable display of distal intracranial vessels. This study aimed to use spiral TOF-MRA (sTOF) as a noninvasive alternative to explore possible improvement, such that the application of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can be extended to facilitate clinical examination or cerebrovascular disease diagnosis and follow-up studies. Initially, 37 patients with symptoms of dizziness or transient ischemic attack were consecutively recruited for suspected intracranial vascular disease examination from Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University between July 2020 and April 2021 in this cross-sectional prospective study. After excluding 1 patient with severe scanning artifacts, 1 patient whose scanning scope did not meet the requirement, and 1 patient with confounding tumor lesions, a total of 34 participants were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each participant underwent intracranial vascular imaging with both sTOF and cTOF sequences on a 3.0 T MR scanner with a conventional head-neck coil of 16 channels. Contrast CTA or DSA was also performed for 15 patients showing pathology. Qualitative comparisons in terms of image quality and diagnostic efficacy ratings, quantitative comparisons in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), vessel length, and sharpness were evaluated. Pair-wise Wilcoxon test was performed to evaluate the imaging quality derived from cTOF and sTOF acquisitions and weighted Cohen's Kappa was conducted to assess the rating consistency between different physicians. Compared to cTOF, sTOF showed better performance with fewer artifacts. It can effectively alleviate false positives of normal vessels being misdiagnosed as aneurysm or stenosis. Improved conspicuity was observed in cerebral distal regions with more clearly identifiable vasculature at finer scales. Quantitative comparisons in selected regions revealed significant improvement of sTOF in SNR (P<0.01 or P<0.001), CNR (P<0.001), vessel length (P<0.001), and sharpness (P<0.001) as compared to cTOF. Besides, sTOF can depict details of M1 and M2 segments of middle cerebral artery (MCA) at metallic implant region, showing its resistance to magnetic susceptibility. The sTOF shows higher imaging quality and lesion detectability with reduced artifacts and false positives, representing a potentially feasible surrogate in intracranial vascular imaging for future clinic routines.

Influence of base designs on the manufacturing accuracy of vat-polymerized diagnostic casts using two different technologies

Statement of problemDiagnostic casts can incorporate different base designs and be manufactured using different vat-polymerization technologies. However, the influence of the interrelation between the base design and the 3D printing technology on the casts' final accuracy remains unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the influence of different base designs of 3D printed casts on the accuracy of 2 vat-polymerization technologies. Material and methodsA digital maxillary cast was obtained and used to generate 3 different base designs: solid (S group), honeycombed (HC group), and hollow (H group). The HC and H groups were subdivided based on the wall thickness of the cast design, resulting in 2 subgroups with thicknesses of 1 mm (HC1 and H1) and 2 mm (HC2 and H2) (N=100, n=10). Eleven reference cubes were added to each specimen for subsequent measurements. Specimens were manufactured by using 2 vat-polymerization 3D printers: Nextdent 5100 (ND group) and Sonic Mini 4K (SM4K group) and a resin material suitable for both 3D printers (Nextdent Model 2.0). A coordinate measuring machine quantified the linear and 3-dimensional discrepancies between the digital cast and each reference specimen. Trueness was defined as the average absolute dimensional discrepancy between the virtual cast and the specimens produced through additive manufacturing (AM), while precision was delineated as the standard deviation in dimensional discrepancies between the digital cast and the AM specimens. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U pairwise comparison tests (α=.05). ResultsFor the NextDent group the trueness ranged from 21.83 µm to 28.35 µm, and the precision ranged from 17.82 µm to 37.70 µm. For the Phrozen group, the trueness ranged from 45.15 µm to 64.51 µm, and the precision ranged from 33.51 µm to 48.92 µm. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences on the x-, y-, and z-axes and in the 3D discrepancy (all P<.001). On the x-axis, the Mann-Whitney U test showed significant differences for the Phrozen group between the H-2 and H-1 groups (P=.001), H-2 and S groups (P<.001), and HC-2 and S groups (P=.012). On the y-axis, significant differences were found in the Phrozen group between the H-2 and H-1 groups (P=.001), the H-2 and S, H-1 and HC-1, and HC-1 and S groups (P<.001), the H-1 and HC-2 groups (P=.007), and the HC-2 and S groups (P=.009). The NextDent group exhibited significant differences, particularly among the HC-1 and H-2 groups (P=.004), H-1 (P=.020), and HC-2 (P=.001) groups; and on the z-axis significant differences were found in the Phrozen group between the H-2 and H-1 and S groups and the HC-2 group and H-1 and S groups (both P<.001). In the NextDent group, significant differences were found between the H-2 and HC-2 (P=.047) and HC-1 (P=.028) groups. For the 3D discrepancy analysis, significant differences were found in the Phrozen group between the H-2 and H-1 and S groups (P<.001), the H-1 and HC-2 groups (P=.001), the S and HC-1 and HC-2 groups (P<.001), and the H-1 and HC-1 groups (P=.002). In the NextDent group, significant differences were observed between the H-2 and HC-1 groups (P=.012). ConclusionsThe accuracy of digital casts depends on the manufacturing trinomial and base design of the casts. The honeycomb and hollow based designs provided the highest accuracy in the NextDent and Phrozen groups respectively for the material polymer tested. All specimens fell in the clinically acceptable range.

Reprint of: Out-of-sample tests for conditional quantile coverage: An application to Growth-at-Risk

This paper proposes tests for out-of-sample comparisons of interval forecasts based on parametric conditional quantile models. The tests rank the distance between actual and nominal conditional coverage with respect to the set of conditioning variables from all models, for a given loss function. We propose a pairwise test to compare two models for a single predictive interval. The set-up is then extended to a comparison across multiple models and/or intervals. The limiting distribution varies depending on whether models are strictly non-nested or overlapping. In the latter case, degeneracy may occur. We establish the asymptotic validity of wild bootstrap based critical values across all cases. An empirical application to Growth-at-Risk (GaR) uncovers situations in which a richer set of financial indicators are found to outperform a commonly-used benchmark model when predicting downside risk to economic activity.

Reliability of a face scanner in measuring the vertical dimension of occlusion

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the reliability of a face scanner in measuring the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO). MethodsFully dentate volunteers (n = 20; mean-age = 30.0 ± 10.7 years) were recruited. Clinical facial measurements were obtained using a digital caliper and a face scanner (Obiscanner, Fifthingenium, Italy). The scans were imported into a mesh-processing software, and the distances were measured digitally. Measurements were obtained for each participant with the jaws positioned in maximal intercuspation (MI) and with increased vertical distances of 2, 4, and 6 mm. Vertical and horizontal measures were obtained using facial anatomical landmarks: Glabella (GL), Pronasale (PrN), Subnasale (SbN), inferior border of the right and left Alare, Labiale superius (Ls), right and left Cheilion (Ch), Soft Pogonion (SPg), right and left Tragus of the ear (Tr), for all selected vertical positions. Data analysis included intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), pairwise comparison tests, Bland-Altman plots, and Passing-Bablok regression. Results120 VDO measurements (clinical=60, digital=60) were recorded by two independent evaluators. Mean differences between digital and clinical measurements ranged from 0.054 ± 0.14 mm to 0.203 ± 0.13 mm. All parameters were strongly correlated (r > 0.93; p < 0.001). ICC estimates revealed excellent reliability, and the measuring procedure yielded the same results on repeated trials irrespective of the raters and measurement methods. Bland-Altman plots revealed a difference, between digital and clinical measurements, of 1.7 % for the vertical measurements. Regression analysis revealed no significant proportional difference between the two methods, so both can be used interchangeably. ConclusionsThe findings of this study demonstrate that VDO can be measured accurately from face scans using 3D mesh-processing software and that even small changes in the VDO could be detected using the digital methods. Clinical SignificanceFindings provide evidence about the reliability of a digital method for jaw relation registrations and may be applied towards incorporating this method into clinical workflows for computer-aided-design/ computer-assisted-manufacturing (CAD-CAM) dentures.

Exploring the perception of small and medium food enterprises in Lincolnshire, UK on the use of front‐of‐pack nutrition labels by consumers

SummaryThe food and drink industry is the UK's largest manufacturing sector, and small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in the UK's food system. This study investigates food‐providing SMEs' knowledge of nutrition labels and perceptions of the use of front‐of‐pack nutrition labels in making informed and healthy food choices by consumers. The SMEs were based in Lincolnshire, UK, and comprised food manufacturers (75%), food retailers (14%) and food service providers (11%) (n = 35). A 25‐item questionnaire was developed and validated to collect responses. The questionnaire link was disseminated by email and completed online. Comparisons were made between competing answers using Cochran's Q tests, each with post‐hoc pairwise McNemar test comparisons. Confidence intervals were computed using ordinal regressions. More than half of the SMEs' products (58%) had UK traffic light (TL) colour‐coded schemes and % Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs). The SMEs stated that the TL label was the best format that provided ‘at‐a‐glance’ information, and this was significantly higher than %GDA and interpretative text (Ps &lt; 0.003). Nearly 49% of the SMEs were unaware of the front‐of‐pack labels being not mandatory in the United Kingdom. Many (86%) acknowledged that the nutrition information on food products was helpful or very helpful for consumers in making purchasing decisions. The SMEs seemed to place the costs of implementing FOP labels on food products above their helpfulness in making healthier food decisions by consumers. This research is one of the first to investigate the perceptions of SMEs on how consumers utilise nutrition labels when making healthier food choices in the United Kingdom. Government subsidies on the costs incurred by incorporating TL labelling on the products are necessary in order to have front of pack (FOP) labels mandatory in the United Kingdom. Greater food industry involvement in academic and policy‐related research is essential to creating a healthier and more sustainable food environment.

Does gentrification precede and follow greening? Evidence about the green gentrification cycle in Los Angeles and Chicago

The health benefits of green space have led to calls for equitable access to parks. When new green spaces are built in low-income communities, however, gentrification often ensues. The “green gentrification” literature has paid little attention to gentrification that might occur before greening. In this paper, we explore whether and under which circumstances gentrification might precede and follow greening, a process known as the “green gentrification cycle.” Focusing on Los Angeles and Chicago, we build hedonic models focused on single-family homes sold in 2010–2021 and run post-hoc pairwise comparison tests to assess price changes over time for homes within a half-mile of new parks (treatment) and farther (control). When considering all new parks, we find that gentrification is associated with subsequent greening and, to some extent, that greening is associated with ensuing gentrification in Los Angeles. In Chicago, gentrification is associated with subsequent greening, but new parks are not associated with ensuing gentrification. Models distinguishing larger regional from smaller non-regional parks show evidence of gentrification before and after non-regional parks were built in Los Angeles, but not for regional parks. In Los Angeles, we identify stronger evidence of gentrification preceding greening farther from downtown than closer to downtown, and signals of gentrification after greening near downtown but not farther away. Models focusing on new parks built near transit stations show inconclusive results. Despite methodological limitations (e.g., examining a single measure of gentrification and different park types together), our findings shed light on the complex spatiotemporal relationships between greening and gentrification.

Diabetes-related hypoglycemia, contributing risk factors, glucagon prescriptions in two community hospitals

IntroductionHypoglycemia has long been recognized as a dangerous adverse effect of the treatment of diabetes mellitus with insulin or insulin secretagogues. ObjectiveOur study was aimed to identify the number of diabetic patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with hypoglycemia, contributing risk factors for hypoglycemia (including antidiabetic medication regimens), the number of episodes of hypoglycemia requiring medical attention, and how many patients were prescribed glucagon at discharge. Study designOur study is a retrospective analysis across two hospitals from October 2019 to March 2022, including the population of adult persons with diabetes mellitus, above 18 years of age, presenting to the emergency department with hypoglycemia. ResultsOf the women were 2 African Americans, 25 Caucasians, 17 Hispanics, and 39 from other ethnicities. Of the men were 8 African Americans, 32 Caucasians, 27 Hispanics, and 44 from other ethnicities. The mean age of males was 66.2 years, and females was 72.9 years. 131 patients had no prior visits for hypoglycemia. Of the 194 patients, 54 were discharged from the ED, and 140 were admitted to the hospital. The most common risk factors associated with hypoglycemia requiring medical attention were age > 65, having more than one comorbidity, decreased oral intake, and poor socioeconomic status. Regarding recurrent presentations with hypoglycemia, there was a significant association with insulin use (p-value = 0.0007), with a higher-than-expected number of insulin users having a previous visit for hypoglycemia. Only 16.7 % of non-insulin-using patients had prior visits, compared to 40.6 % of insulin users. Pairwise Chi-square testing did not reveal a significant association between any other medication class and prior visits for hypoglycemia, nor was there an association between risk factors and prior visits. To obtain optimal glycemic control, early identification of hypoglycemia risk factors, self-monitoring of blood glucose, and proper selection of anti-diabetic regimens are important to prevent long-term complications. ConclusionUnfortunately, the three elements that would prevent subsequent severe hypoglycemic events (i.e., education, adjustment of medication, and glucagon prescription) are underutilized. Hypoglycemia is more common in the elderly population which remains an unmodifiable risk factor. Identifying patients with persistent poor oral intake is extremely important as they may be prone to hypoglycemic episodes on their current anti-diabetic regimen and will need medication adjustments accordingly. Our future research focuses on whether giving glucagon prescriptions to patients with diabetes mellitus at discharge prevents recurrent ED visits for hypoglycemia.

Modelling Renewable Energy Consumption and Economic Growth in Uganda

This study models renewable energy consumption and economic growth, with evidence from Uganda (1982-2018). The hypothesis that explains causality between renewable energy consumption and economic growth follows the growth, conservation, feedback and neutral. The study uses vector error correction model (VECM) and structural vector auto regression (VAR), within a multivariate data framework. The Pairwise Granger test was specifically used to establish the direction of causality between variables of study. The Johansen co-integration test was carried out to ascertain if there exists a long run relationship between renewable, domestic investment, foreign direct investment and real GDP. The results support the neutral hypothesis between renewable energy consumption and economic growth. The conclusion therefore is a unidirectional relationship running from of renewable energy consumption to economic growth.This paper provides insights into how renewable energy consumption drives economic growth and sustainable development.

Return and Volatility Spillover in Equity and Commodity Market: Some Indian Evidence

This study empirically investigates the return and volatility spillover among equity markets, Agro and non-Agro commodity markets. The study has used daily return data of BSE SENSEX as equity index, MCX iCOMEDEX, including Gold, Silver, and Crude oil, as non-agro indices, and NCDEX (AGRIDEX) as agro commodity indices to analyze volatility transmission between assets and markets using Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) and Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (EGARCH) model. The study has used dummy variables in the variance equation to identify the structural breaks during the COVID 19 pandemic. Further, Vector Auto Regression (VAR) pair-wise Granger causality test has been used to understand returns’ causality. The study has found a bidirectional and unidirectional causal relationship between variables. The study indicates that NCDEX could influence all the variables except MCX Gold. In structural breaks with deterministic dummy variables during COVID-19, we have found mixed evidence of asymmetric impact on conditional volatility. The study also indicates a positive and significant asymmetric volatility effect in the case of MCX Gold and MCX Silver during the COVID-19 period. The study has specified that SENSEX dominates the inflow of information to all commodity markets. Also, the findings signpost that information flows from NCDEX to MCX Gold, MCX Silver, and MCX Crude Oil. JEL Codes: C32, E30, E44, F41, G15, Q43