Valid Reference Research Articles

KEY DETERMINANTS OF 21ST CENTURY TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS DOMAINS USING NOMINAL GROUP TECHNIQUE

In the evolving landscape of 21st century education, the key determinants of teacher effectiveness have expanded to not only pedagogical skills but encompasses technological competencies, social-emotional intelligence and the integration of cultural elements in teaching. Using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), a structured, systematic method, this study aims to determine and rank the key determinants of 21st century teacher effectiveness derived from the expert’s consensus. A total of seven experts in this field from various educational backgrounds were involved in this study. Grounded by the experts’ consensus and prominent authors' notion, the findings demonstrated four essential key determinants: pedagogical skills and instructional strategies, professional development and reflective teaching, social-emotional and interpersonal skills, and inclusivity and cultural responsiveness of teacher effectiveness in modern classroom teaching. As this study employed NGT to derive the key findings, it provides valuable insight and valid reference for future researchers, educational institution, school teachers, and policymakers to explore these suggested domains in teacher effectiveness and applied the proposed model to their teaching practices.

Chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation of the camouflage grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion)

The camouflage grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion) is an economically carnivorous fish widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific. However, no valid reference genome of E. polyphekadion severely hinders further research on biology and genomic breeding programs. Here, we presented a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of E. polyphekadion using PacBio sequencing and Hi-C technologies. The chromosome-level genome has a total length of 1.1 Gb with a contig N50 of 40.8 Mb. Approximately 99.4% of the assembly lengths were anchored to 24 pseudochromosomes. In total, 25,165 protein-coding genes were predicted, among which 24,634 genes (97.9%) were functionally annotated. The completeness of the assembly was estimated to be 99.1% using BUSCO. In summary, the first reference genome of E. polyphekadion in this study will not only provide pivotal genetic resources for further biological and evolutionary studies of groupers, but also benefit the development of genomic hybridization breeding in the artificial grouper industry.

Observed Climatology and Formation Mechanisms of Sea Fog Along the Trans‐Arctic Shipping Routes

AbstractAs Arctic sea ice rapidly melts, trans‐Arctic shipping routes are emerging with significant economic value and potentially reshaping global shipping patterns. The safety of ships navigating along these routes will be severely threatened by low visibility caused by Arctic sea fog. Here, we utilize ship and coastal site observations spanning 1979–2023 to investigate the climatological features and mechanisms of Arctic sea fog from June to September. We find that the Northern Sea Route (NSR, along the Russian coast) experiences a mean fog frequency of 20.0%, significantly higher than the 11.5% fog frequency observed along the Northwest Passage (NWP, along the Canadian coast). Fog frequency shows null correlation with sea ice but a strong negative correlation (−0.80) with surface air temperature. The lower mean surface air temperature in the NSR region enhances relative humidity and atmospheric stability, which are conducive to fog formation and maintenance. We further reveal that fog formation mechanisms differ between the NSR and NWP. Along the NSR, fog is usually advection fog, associated with upper boundary layer warming and moistening; in contrast, along the NWP, fog is typically radiation fog linked to near‐surface cooling. Our study highlights the distinct fog frequency and dominant mechanisms along the different trans‐Arctic shipping routes, thereby establishing observed reference for the model validation of simulating Arctic sea fog.

Development and Validation of a Short Food Frequency Questionnaire (SH-FFQ) in Iranian Adults: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Abstract Background: An accurate assessment of food intake is necessary to monitor nutritional status. However, differences in cultures and dietary habits between communities make it necessary to create culturally specific tools to evaluate food intake. This study aimed to develop and validate a short food frequency questionnaire (SH-FFQ) in Iranian adults. Methods: This perspective longitudinal study was conducted during four months. A total of 135 healthy adults over 18 years (both of sex) were included. The 24-hour dietary recalls (24-HDRs) (three times per month: A total of 12 numbers) were collected as reference for validation of SH-FFQ. Participants completed two SH-FFQ, once at the end of the fourth month for validity, and the second one week after the first administration for reliability assessing. Results: Reliability analysis showed that the mean difference between the two SH-FFQs was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). None of the correlation coefficients (rs) were less than 0.4. There was a substantial or perfect correlation (r > 0.6) in 85.1% and a moderate correlation (r = 0.4–0.6) in 14.9% of food items. For validity assessment, the average values of two SH-FFQ1 and SH-FFQ2 (SH-FFQ) were compared with the average values of 24-HDRs. All of the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of between SH-FFQ and 24-HDRs were equal to or greater than 0.4 (except one item). Moderate correlation (ICC = 0.4–0.6) and substantial or perfect correlation (ICC > 0.6) were observed in 38.3% and 59.6% of food items, respectively. Conclusions: The current study showed that the developed SH-FFQ is reliable and valid in Iranian adults. This developed SH-FFQ can be used in nutritional assessments.

Diagnostic accuracy of TB screening tests in a prospective multinational cohort: Chest-X-ray with computer-aided detection, Xpert TB host response, and C-reactive protein.

Accessible, accurate screening tests are necessary to advance tuberculosis (TB) case finding and early detection in high-burden countries. We prospectively screened adults with ≥2 weeks of cough at primary health centers in the Philippines, Vietnam, South Africa, Uganda, and India. Participants received chest-X-ray, Cepheid Xpert TB Host Response (Xpert HR) testing, and point-of-care C-reactive protein (CRP) testing (Boditech). Chest-X-ray images were processed using CAD4TB v7, a computer-aided detection algorithm. We assessed diagnostic accuracy against a microbiologic reference standard (sputum Xpert Ultra, culture). Optimal cut-points were chosen to maximize specificity at 90% sensitivity. Two-test screening algorithms were considered, using 1) sequential negative serial screening (positive defined as positive on either test) and 2) sequential positive serial screening (positive defined as positive on both tests). Between July 2021 and August 2022, 1,392 participants with presumptive TB had valid index tests and reference standard results, and 303 (22%) had confirmed TB. In head-to-head comparisons, CAD4TB v7 showed the highest specificity at 90% sensitivity (70.3% vs. 65.1% for Xpert HR, difference 95% CI 1.6 to 8.9; 49.7% for CRP, difference 95% CI 17.0 to 24.3). Three two-test screening algorithms met WHO target product profile (TPP) minimum accuracy thresholds and had higher accuracy than any test alone. At 90% sensitivity, the specificity was 79.6% for Xpert HR-CAD4TB [sequential negative], 75.9% for CRP-CAD4TB [sequential negative], and 73.7% for Xpert HR-CAD4TB [sequential positive]. CAD4TB achieves TPP targets and outperforms Xpert HR and CRP. Combining screening tests further increased accuracy. NCT04923958.

A Students' Perceptions Group 20 About Competence Lecturer Of Experience Practice (PPL) In PAUD & RA Tunas Qurrata A'yun Garon Village, Balerejo District, Madiun Regency

Perceptions of PIAUD Group 20 Students regarding the Competence of Practice Supervisors (PPL) in PAUD and RA Tunas Qurrata 'Ayun in Garon Village, Balerejo District, Madiun Regency. The DPL's ability assessment in accompanying PPL students is expected to be a valid enough reference to determine the level of competency ability possessed by the DPL. The researcher chose this type of research as field research because research on the Perceptions of Group 20 PIAUD Students regarding the competence of PPL field supervisors is not only sufficient with theoretical studies, but requires direct research on those being researched, which is known as observation and uses a systematic approach which is called qualitative. . Based on the findings of research conducted at RA Tunas Qurrata A'yun, Garon Village, Balerejo District, Madiun Regency, it can be concluded that the pedagogical competence of DPL PPL group 20 is good, in accordance with what is stated in law number 14 of 2005 concerning Teachers and Lecturers.

Fluorine fluid experimental determination of the refractive index, spectral and thermal variation, and transparency quantification of the MezzoCielo telescope

The MezzoCielo (or "half of the sky") is a telescope that aims to revolutionize the way astronomical observations are carried out: once operational, it will be able to continuously patrol the whole sky due to its extremely large field of view estimated to be around 104 square degrees, showing, at the same time, the spatial resolution required for scientific purposes. It is a monocentric optical device designed on the concept of an optical sphere; the latter requires the filling of its inner volume with special fluid in order to be actually convergent with a reasonable focal ratio (for spherical aberration reduction). This fluid must exhibit two main properties, namely, a low refractive index and an extremely high transparency in the visible range. In addition, many other characteristics are also required: thermal and chemical stability over time, no toxicity or flammability, and compatibility with glass and metals are some examples. On the basis of these considerations, two fluorine liquids have been selected: the fluids commercially known as FC-72, perfluorohexane with n d = 1.251 at T = 25°C, and Novec7200, ethoxy-nonafluorobutane with n d = 1.282 at T = 25°C. In this work, the experimental evaluation of their optical properties (refractive index and transparency) in the visible range and in the thermal interval [-10,+25]°C has been carried out in order to verify the data supplied by the manufacturer and to fully characterize their optical behaviour both spectrally and thermally. All the employed techniques have been firstly applied to commercial pure water, for which extensive literature could be used as reference for the procedures validation.

A quarter wave infrasonic noise generator

The far-field prediction of infrasonic noise, e.g. from large emitters such as wind turbines, requires precise measurement of the sources. A method to determine the source power based on near-field holography techniques are currently under development in our group. However, tuning the method requires a calibrated infrasound source. In this work, we present the concept of a traceable loudspeaker driven infrasound source using the quarter wave resonator principle in a pipe. The power emitted by the source is measured in situ based on the two-port theory. The infrasonic frequencies can be tuned by adjusting the length of the resonator pipe. Results of the free-field measurements at multiple points at varying distances away from the source are presented. The results suggest that the infrasonic source can be used as a calibrated reference for method development and validation.

B-133 Uric acid: A description of the values found in adult patients treated during 2022 in a High Complexity Hospital

Abstract Background An association between uric acid and kidney disease, glucose intolerance, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease has been recognized. It is the obligation of the Clinical Laboratory to have valid reference intervals (RI) for this marker. Each particular population has genetics and a diet that represents it, which cannot be extrapolated in many cases. The difficulty and high cost of using direct methods for its establishment drive us to use the existing data in our electronic archive retrospectively. Objective: to describe the range of uric acid values in adult outpatients treated at the Posadas Hospital during the year 2022. Evaluate the influence of gender and age range on the observed values. Methods A retrospective observational approach was carried out from the System database Laboratory Informatics (SIL), Roche Infinity, from the year 2022. The data corresponding to all adult outpatient patients treated in the service were processed. Analytical System: Roche Cobas 6000, Uricase-Oxidase method. Exclusion criteria: oncology patients, kidney patients, diabetics, hyperglycemic patients, obstetric patients, hormonal patients, treated in wards and referred patients. Outliers excluded by Tukey method. The statistical treatment was carried out with the SPSS 17.0 program. Results We worked with 91922 data groups. Hence 12331 of uric acid. After meeting the exclusion criteria: 3899, of which 2289 (3.96 ± 1.05 mg/dl) correspond to women < 50 years , 747 (4.36 ± 1.15 mg/dl at ≥ 50 years and 863 (5.59 ± 1.33 mg/dl) men, all with normal distributions. Applying ANOVA and Student's test it was possible to verify in addition to the described significant difference between sexes, a difference between the 2 age groups of women (p<0.01) which is not equal to that of men in women ≥ 50 years of age. Conclusions A more extensive study is necessary to define own reference ranges that enable the early alarm guidelines, especially in the group of women < 50 years of age. This will allow an adequate evaluation of risk and evolution of patients. The application of Indirect Methods will make it possible to exclude values corresponding to underlying pathologies not registered in the SIL.

Application of artificial neural network for description of the Earth remote sensing data to identify natural habitats used by European elk, Alces alces (Linnaeus, 1758), in autumn-winter period 2023

The paper presents the results of using neural networks of pixel-by-pixel image classification to decipher multichannel space images obtained by the Landsat 8 satellite. Natural habitats were identified based on differences in phytocenotic characteristics of land areas. The level of use of areas by elk was determined by the occurrence of elk presence indicators, which were the density of winter excrement piles (in spring) and the abundance of winged forms of the monoxenous ectoparasite of elk, Lipoptena cervi (Linnaeus, 1758), as measured by the number of individuals attacking the census taker (in the summer-autumn period). The material that forms the basis for deciphering was obtained by the route census method in different areas of the Leningrad Province. High values of the measured parameters were recorded in reforestation areas, in wet pine and birch forests, in aspen forests, on the edges of raised bogs and in overgrown fields – typical elk winter feeding habitats. Based on the data on the maximum values of the measured parameters, a positive correlation was established for the first time between the abundance of winged forms of L. cervi and the physiological activity of the host (the density of the piles of “winter” excrement). The paper also provides a valid reference to the material of schematic maps developed for a part of the territory of the Leningrad Province and Saint Petersburg. The scheme of the use of areas by elk is compiled on the basis of the relative index calculated from the measured parameters of the survey. Field observation areas and territories close to them were most reliably identified (90–95% accuracy). For areas not covered by field observations, the paper provides comments on the main inaccuracies of the schemes and the reasons for the identified discrepancies, based on an analysis of literary sources devoted to similar research topics. The results of the study indicate that the frequency of attacks of winged forms of L. cervi can be used as an additional criterion for assessing the stationary preferences of elk in the winter period using information on the period of active flight, and the decoding method mentioned in the paper can be used in limited areas of specific territories, including reserves, areas of hunting farms and district forestries.

Automated Feedback on Student Attempts to Produce a Set of Dimensionless Power Products from a Set of Physical Quantities that Describe a Physical Problem

Formative feedback is important in learning. Automating the provision of specific, objective, constructive feedback to large cohorts requires complex algorithms that most teachers do not have time to develop, suggesting that a community effort is needed to create a library of specialised algorithms. We present an exemplar algorithm for a class of tasks in ‘dimensional analysis’ relating to the Buckingham Pi theorem. The challenge arises because there are infinitely many valid and invalid answers, but any valid answer is sufficient to complete a task. We present an algorithm that, given one valid reference answer, can evaluate any response to a task. The algorithm uses a vector-space formulation of the Pi theorem. Deployment across seven tasks for 380 students provided feedback 3,090 times, including stating why a response is invalid. The most common reason was that a student-proposed set was not dimensionless, but other educationally relevant reasons were also identified.

Measurement of blood pressure in rats: Invasive or noninvasive methods?

Experiments should always be based on control values. This assumption fully applies to cardiovascular parameters, such as heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP), which are highly sensitive to various external and internal stimuli and can already be significantly altered when an experiment begins. Therefore, it is necessary to determine which values are defined as a starting point (i.e., control and baseline) or compare them with valid reference values if the goal is to evaluate the changes after experimental intervention. A generally accepted principle is a reciprocal relationship between BP and HR, in which one parameter affects the other and vice versa. BP can be measured using two methods-noninvasively (tail-cuff) and invasively (telemetry, direct measurements of BP after introducing the sensor directly into the artery), and HR directly or by extrapolation from BP recordings. This study does not aim to evaluate the results of individual studies, but to review whether there are differences in control (baseline) BP values in normotensive and hypertensive male rats using invasive versus noninvasive methods, and to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between BP and HR in invivo experiments with male rats.

Gender-specific factors influencing the glenoid version and reference values for it

BackgroundGlenoid version is an important factor in the evaluation of shoulder stability and shoulder pathologies. However, there are neither established reference values nor known factors that influence the glenoid version, even though valid reference values are needed for diagnostic and orthopaedic surgery like corrective osteotomy and total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty (TSA/RSA). The aim of our population-based study was to identify factors influencing the glenoid version and to establish reference values from a large-scale population cohort.ResultsOur study explored the glenoid versions in a large sample representing the general adult population. We investigated 3004 participants in the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). Glenoid version was measured for both shoulders via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Associations with the glenoid version were calculated for sex, age, body height, body weight and BMI. The reference values for glenoid version in the central European population range between −9° and 7.5°, while multiple factors are associated with the glenoid version.ConclusionTo achieve a reliable interpretation prior to orthopaedic surgery, sex- and age-adjusted reference values are proposed.

PENGEMBANGAN PERANGKAT MULTI SENSOR UNTUK PRECISION FARMING MONITORING MEDIA TANAM

The development of a multi-sensor device and the implementation of a data transmission system to a database for predicting plant suitability parameters are the focus of this paper. This technology enables accurate and continuous data collection for agricultural condition monitoring. The study utilizes a DHT22 sensor for air temperature and humidity, a pH sensor for soil pH, a soil moisture sensor for soil moisture, a rain gauge sensor for rainfall, and a raindrop sensor for rain detection. The data from these sensors are managed by an ESP32 microcontroller and transmitted to a Firebase database. The multi-sensor device was functionally tested and compared with valid reference sensor readings. The results show that all the multi-sensor devices and the recording system in the Firebase database functioned well. The average measurement error for the DHT22 temperature sensor was 1.15°C, with 2.9% for humidity, 0.72% for the pH sensor, and the soil moisture sensor showed 100% accuracy. This system can be applied as a parameter for predicting the suitability of plant types with soil and environmental conditions.

RNA-seq validation: software for selection of reference and variable candidate genes for RT-qPCR

BackgroundReal-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is one of the most widely used gene expression analyses for validating RNA-seq data. This technique requires reference genes that are stable and highly expressed, at least across the different biological conditions present in the transcriptome. Reference and variable candidate gene selection is often neglected, leading to misinterpretation of the results.ResultsWe developed a software named “Gene Selector for Validation” (GSV), which identifies the best reference and variable candidate genes for validation within a quantitative transcriptome. This tool also filters the candidate genes concerning the RT-qPCR assay detection limit. GSV was compared with other software using synthetic datasets and performed better, removing stable low-expression genes from the reference candidate list and creating the variable-expression validation list. GSV software was used on a real case, an Aedes aegypti transcriptome. The top GSV reference candidate genes were selected for RT-qPCR analysis, confirming that eiF1A and eiF3j were the most stable genes tested. The tool also confirmed that traditional mosquito reference genes were less stable in the analyzed samples, highlighting the possibility of inappropriate choices. A meta-transcriptome dataset with more than ninety thousand genes was also processed successfully.ConclusionThe GSV tool is a time and cost-effective tool that can be used to select reference and validation candidate genes from the biological conditions present in transcriptomic data.

Sex- and age-specific reference intervals of 16 steroid metabolites quantified simultaneously by LC-MS/MS in sera from 2458 healthy subjects aged 0 to 77 years

BackgroundReference intervals covering the whole life span for all the metabolites in the steroid hormone biosynthesis quantified by sensitive and robust analytical methods are sparse or not existing. ObjectiveTo develop a state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of multiple steroid metabolites and to establish detailed sex- and age-specific reference intervals for 16 steroid metabolites. Materials and methodAn isotope diluted LC-MS/MS method was developed for simultaneous quantitation of 16 steroid hormones. Serum samples from cross-sectional cohorts of healthy infants, children, adolescents, and adults aged 0.17 months to 77 years (n = 2458) were analysed. ResultsWith this novel, specific, and sensitive LC-MS/MS method, it was possible to quantify progesterone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, cortisol, and cortisone in ≥90 % of the samples, while estrone sulfate, aldosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone were quantified in 77 %, 75 % and 60 % of the samples, respectively. 21-deoxycortisol was only detectable in 2.5 % of samples from healthy subjects. Sex- and age-dependent fluctuations observed in minipuberty, puberty and adulthood including the menopausal transition were modelled. This enabled us to establish valid reference intervals from birth to late adult life for both males and females. ConclusionDetailed sex- and age-specific reference intervals of multiple, simultaneously quantified steroid metabolites by a novel and specific LC-MS/MS method provides a valuable tool for clinical practice and for future research.

Genome-wide identification and integrated analysis of the FAR1/FHY3 gene family and genes expression analysis under methyl jasmonate treatment in Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) is an important and valuable medicinal plant species used in traditional Chinese medicine, and its metabolite ginsenoside is the primary active ingredient. The FAR1/FHY3 gene family members play critical roles in plant growth and development as well as participate in a variety of physiological processes, including plant development and signaling of hormones. Studies have indicated that methyl jasmonate treatment of ginseng adventitious roots resulted in a significant increase in the content of protopanaxadiol ginsenosides. Therefore, it is highly significant to screen the FAR1/FHY3 gene family members in ginseng and preliminarily investigate their expression patterns in response to methyl jasmonic acid signaling. In this study, we screened and identified the FAR1/FHY3 family genes in the ginseng transcriptome databases. And then, we analyzed their gene structure and phylogeny, chromosomal localization and expression patterns, and promoter cis-acting elements, and made GO functional annotations on the members of this family. After that, we treated the ginseng adventitious roots with 200 mM methyl jasmonate and investigated the trend of the expression of four genes containing the largest number of methyl jasmonate cis-acting elements at different treatment times. All four genes were able to respond to methyl jasmonate, the most significant change was in the PgFAR40 gene. This study provides data support for subsequent studies of this family member in ginseng and provides experimental reference for subsequent validation of the function of this family member under methyl jasmonic acid signaling.

Financial performance and capital structure – an econometric approach for Romanian e-commerce companies during the COVID-19 pandemic

The study investigates the inverse relationship between financial performance and capital structure for the Romanian B2C e-commerce companies, based on a representative sample of 437 companies active in the period 2005–2020. Statistical analyzes show the evolution of financial performance and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on it, depending on the company category. All company categories had better financial performance in 2020 compared to 2019, based on sample results. The study reveals valid reference values for the financial ratios of Romanian electronic commerce, being a model to be applied in any industry. The analysis of the causality of the financial variables and their correlations, on the sub-periods 2005–2008 and 2009–2020, both at the company category level and at the sample level, are the basis of the GMM approach. The econometric models Difference GMM and System GMM explain the relationship between financial performance and capital structure leading to interesting conclusions. As e-commerce has a sustainable development, the findings and conclusions of the study provide guidance for economic policies at the sectoral level. Financial performance in relation to strategic debt management depends on the company category. Stimulating the development of those categories of companies that ensure the efficient performance framework can be the key to a sustainable development of the national economy. The study is useful for managers, investors, financial analysts, decision makers, in financial education as well as for the banking system.

G2NPAN: GAN-guided nuance perceptual attention network for multimodal medical fusion image quality assessment.

Multimodal medical fusion images (MMFI) are formed by fusing medical images of two or more modalities with the aim of displaying as much valuable information as possible in a single image. However, due to the different strategies of various fusion algorithms, the quality of the generated fused images is uneven. Thus, an effective blind image quality assessment (BIQA) method is urgently required. The challenge of MMFI quality assessment is to enable the network to perceive the nuances between fused images of different qualities, and the key point for the success of BIQA is the availability of valid reference information. To this end, this work proposes a generative adversarial network (GAN) -guided nuance perceptual attention network (G2NPAN) to implement BIQA for MMFI. Specifically, we achieve the blind evaluation style via the design of a GAN and develop a Unique Feature Warehouse module to learn the effective features of fused images from the pixel level. The redesigned loss function guides the network to perceive the image quality. In the end, the class activation mapping supervised quality assessment network is employed to obtain the MMFI quality score. Extensive experiments and validation have been conducted in a database of medical fusion images, and the proposed method is superior to the state-of-the-art BIQA method.

Studying eruption patterns of mandibular third molars for forensic age assessment: Introducing current reference data from a population of black South Africans

IntroductionEvaluation of the eruption of mandibular third molars in orthopantomograms (OPGs) is a method of forensic age assessment. The objective of our study was to provide valid reference data for this trait within a population of black South Africans. The study was guided by the criteria for reference studies in age assessment.Materials and methodsA study population from Pretoria, South Africa comprising 670 OPGs obtained from 338 black females and 332 black males aged between 15.00 and 25.97 years was analysed. All OPGs were performed for medical indication during the period from 2011 to 2022 and were retrospectively evaluated. From the 670 OPGs, a total of 1021 mandibular third molars were evaluated. The assessment of mandibular third molars was conducted using the staging scale presented by Olze et al. in 2012. Two experienced dentists evaluated the OPGs independently of each other. If the two examiners diverged in their assessments, a consensus stage was assigned.ResultsAs expected, the mean, median and minimal age increased with higher stages for both teeth and both sexes. The minimum age recorded for stage D, indicating complete tooth eruption, was 15.79 years in females and 16.62 years in males.ConclusionAs it is the case for previous reference studies in other countries, placing exclusive reliance on the evaluation of mandibular third molar eruption is inadequate for ascertaining the age of majority among Black South Africans. Future studies need to examine if our results are transferable to other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.