Significance Tests Research Articles

Sex and gender-based analysis and diversity metric reporting in acute care trials published in high-impact journals: a systematic review

ObjectiveTo characterise sex and gender-based analysis (SGBA) and diversity metric reporting, representation of female/women participants in acute care trials and temporal changes in reporting before and after publication of the...

Factor retention in ordered categorical variables: Benefits and costs of polychoric correlations in eigenvalue-based testing.

An essential step in exploratory factor analysis is to determine the optimal number of factors. The Next Eigenvalue Sufficiency Test (NEST; Achim, 2017) is a recent proposal to determine the number of factors based on significance tests of the statistical contributions of candidate factors indicated by eigenvalues of sample correlation matrices. Previous simulation studies have shown NEST to recover the optimal number of factors in simulated datasets with high accuracy. However, these studies have focused on continuous variables. The present work addresses the performance of NEST for ordinal data. It has been debated whether factor models-and thus also the optimal number of factors-for ordinal variables should be computed for Pearson correlation matrices, which are known to underestimate correlations for ordinal datasets, or for polychoric correlation matrices, which are known to be instable. The central research question is to what extent the problems associated with Pearson correlations and polychoric correlations deteriorate NEST for ordinal datasets. Implementations of NEST tailored to ordinal datasets by utilizing polychoric correlations are proposed. In a simulation, the proposed implementations were compared to the original implementation of NEST which computes Pearson correlations even for ordinal datasets. The simulation shows that substituting polychoric correlations for Pearson correlations improves the accuracy of NEST for binary variables and large sample sizes (N = 500). However, the simulation also shows that the original implementation using Pearson correlations was the most accurate implementation for Likert-type variables with four response categories when item difficulties were homogeneous.

PSIV-A-8 Effects of meal frequency on heart rate in horses

Abstract In humans, meal size has been shown to affect heart function with meal ingestion being associated with an increase in heart rate (HR) and cardiac output lasting significantly longer when larger meals are consumed. In horses, HR spikes at the sight of feed due to anticipation, but no studies have specifically evaluated the effect of meal frequency or size on HR. Heart rate has also been used as a measure both positive and negative stress. Domesticated horses are often meal fed, with small frequent meals requiring more labor than large infrequent meals. Fewer larger meals may have negative welfare implications for a grazing species. As part of a larger project investigating the effects of meal frequency on the behavior and metabolism of horses, the objective of this study was to evaluate equine HR in response to feeding frequencies commonly practiced in the field [once (1x), twice (2x), or thrice (3x) per day]. Feeding times were at 0800 (1x, 2x, and 3x), 1300 (3x), and 1800 (2x and 3x) h. The 12 adult clinically healthy horses [average ± SD; 14 ± 6 yr and 572 ± 32 kg body weight (BW)] were separated into two equal groups before completing a 14-d acclimation period to the diet during which they were fed 2x. The diet was provided at 2% BW on a dry matter (DM) basis (1.55% BW grass hay in a slow feed hay net plus 0.45% BW complementary fortified feed). During the study the same diet was fed but the meal frequency, and therefore meal size, differed between the treatments. The order of treatments, lasting 1 wk each, was decided at random for each group. On d 6 of each treatment HR was measured using individual H10 Polar HR monitors, which recorded every second from 0700 to 1900 h yielding 1,514,799 data points. During this time the aisleways housing the stalled horses were blocked off to minimize exposure to human presence other than at feeding time(s). After removing outliers, the mode was calculated for HR of each horse, which was considered to be the resting HR for that horse and ranged from 31 to 46 beats/min. The percentage of data above, below, or at the mode was calculated for each horse over the 12 h period and evaluated using Chi Square tests for statistical significance. The proportion of HR values above, below, or at the mode differed between treatments (P = 0.02). When fed 1x, 69 ± 14% of the HR readings were above the mode on average, as compared with 42 ± 18% and 44 ± 18% for 2x and 3x, respectively. These results suggest that the increase in HR was more than anticipatory and that there may be sustained stress when horses are fed at fewer frequency, such as once daily.

The PocketPerio application significantly increases the accuracy of diagnosing periodontal conditions in didactic and chairside settings

The study aimed to determine the accuracy of diagnosing periodontal conditions using the developed web-based PocketPerio application and evaluate the user’s perspective on the use of PocketPerio. First, 22 third-year dental students (DS3) diagnosed ten cases without PocketPerio (control) and with PocketPerio (test) during a mock examination. Then, 105 DS3, 13 fourth-year dental students (DS4), and 32 senior second-year International Standing Program students (ISP2) used PocketPerio chairside. Statistical analysis was performed using a non-parametric paired two-tailed test of significance with the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. The null hypothesis that PocketPerio did not increase the accuracy of periodontal diagnoses was rejected at α < 0.01. Periodontal diagnoses made using PocketPerio correlated with those made by periodontics faculty (“gold standard") in all cases. During the mock examination, PocketPerio significantly increased the accuracy of periodontal diagnoses compared to the control (52.73 vs. 13.18%, respectively). Chairside, PocketPerio significantly increased the accuracy of primary (100 vs. 40.0%) and secondary (100 vs. 14.25%) periodontal diagnoses compared to the respective controls. Students regardless of their training year felt more confident in diagnosing periodontal conditions using PocketPerio than their current tools, provided positive feedback on its features, and suggested avenues for its further development.

Potency of the Combination of Chitosan and Hydroxyapatite on Angiogenesis and Fibroblast Cell Proliferation in Direct Pulp Capping of Rattus norvegicus.

The aim of this research was to analyze expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), blood vessels, and fibroblast cell proliferation in direct pulp capping treatment of Rattus norvegicus using a combination of chitosan and hydroxyapatite paste. The samples were male R. norvegicus strains of Wistar rats, weighing 200 to 250 g and aged between 8 and 16 weeks. The occlusal surface of the molars of R. norvegicus was prepared with class I cavity and then perforated with the tip of an explorer. Sixty male R. Norvegicus rats were divided into the following: control group (KA) in which the cavity was filled with glass ionomer cement; control group (KB), in which the cavity was filled with Ca(OH)2; PA group, in which the cavity was filled with chitosan (CH); PB group, in which the cavity was filled with hydroxyapatite (HA); and PC group, in which the cavity was filled with chitosan and hydroxyapatite (CH-HA). Each group was divided into 3-, 7-, and 14-day observation groups. The mandibular bone of the molar was cut and histopathological examination was performed to analyze the blood vessels and fibroblast cell proliferation. Immunohistochemistry examination was done to examine the expression of VEGF. The data variation was analyzed with One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test and continued with multiple comparison Least Significant (LSD) test to determine the different pairs of group. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant increase in the expression of VEGF, blood vessels, and fibroblast cell proliferations (p ≤ 0.05;), especially in the PC group compared to the other four groups. The least significant test (LSD) test showed significant differences between the groups on the expression of VEGF, blood vessels, and fibroblast cell proliferations. The combination of chitosan and hydroxyapatite could promote healing of direct pulp capping treatment by increasing the expression of VEGF, blood vessel, and fibroblast cell proliferation.

Abstract PO1-11-07: Do factors other than type of surgery performed for breast cancer affect quality of life and sexual functioning in breast cancer survivors? An observational study from Northern India

Abstract INTRODUCTION There is an increasing focus of the treating clinicians on issues related to quality of life and sexual functioning in breast cancer survivors. This is even more important in developing countries like India as the incidence of breast cancer in young in also significant here. However, despite this, there is little data from India on the factors affecting quality of life and sexual functioning on breast cancer survivors. Hence, we decided to perform this study. METHODS Patients who had undergone surgery for breast cancer within the last 2-5 years were included. Patients having significant psychiatric illness were excluded and so were patients who developed metastasis or local recurrence during the follow up. Questions on demographics, clinical history, standard of living index, quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) and sexual function (CSFQ questionnaire) were asked. Data was analyzed using SPSS v22. Normality of continuous data was tested by Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests. As a test of significance, chi square was used for qualitative data and t-test, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis were used (as applicable) for quantitative data. Bonferroni adjustment was made wherever significance was found, if more than 1 group were involved. Multiple linear regression was carried out for quantitative dependent variables where significant risk factors were found. Independent variables with significant collinearity were excluded from linear regression. RESULTS A total of 120 patients were enrolled. In QOL scores, both physical health (B = -13.76, p = 0.007) and emotional problems (B = -10.65, p = 0.035) were affected adversely by endocrine therapy. Patients who had received radiotherapy had worse emotional well-being scores (B = -14.61, p = &amp;lt; 0.001). Patients who received chemotherapy or were married had significantly better social functioning score (B = 15.27, p = 0.020, B = 17.38, p = 0.041 respectively), whereas it was worse in patients who received trastuzumab (B = -18.32, p = 0.024). Pain scores were higher in premenopausal patients (B = 11.95, p = 0.021) and lower in patients having co-morbidities (B = -10.95, p = 0.039). None of the factors affected physical functioning, energy/fatigue, general health or health change scores. In sexual functioning scores, pleasure score (B = 1.27, p = 0.011) frequency scores (B = 1.97, p = 0.012), orgasm score (B = 3.43, p = 0.019) and total score (B = 12.30, p = 0.006) were higher in married women. Pleasure score was found to be lower in patients with co-morbidities (B = -0.82, p = 0.003). None of the factors affected desire or arousal. CONCLUSION Even though sexual functioning depended a lot on having a long-term partner, most of the factors affecting quality of life scores were treatment related. Actively addressing these concerns may help in improving quality of life and in turn, may improve compliance to treatment and follow-up. Citation Format: SIDDHANT KHARE, Devesh Dhamor, R N NAGA SANTOSH IRRINKI, Bijaya Padhi. Do factors other than type of surgery performed for breast cancer affect quality of life and sexual functioning in breast cancer survivors? An observational study from Northern India [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-11-07.

The prognostic value of the Merkel cell polyomavirus serum antibody test: A dual institutional observational study.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cancer with often poor outcomes. Limited biomarkers exist for predicting clinical outcomes. The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) serum antibody test (AMERK) has shown potential for indicating better recurrence-free survival in a single-institution study. The study aimed to evaluate the link between initial AMERK serostatus and survival. Secondary objectives included examining the relationship between initial AMERK titer levels and tumor burden. A retrospective cohort study across two institutions analyzed patients tested with AMERK within 90 days of MCC diagnosis. Regression models assessed the association of survival outcomes with serostatus, considering various factors. The relationship between AMERK titer and tumor burden indicators was evaluated using ANOVA. Significance testing was exploratory, without a fixed significance level. Of 261 MCC patients tested, 49.4% were initially seropositive (titer ≥75). Multivariable analysis showed that seropositivity improved recurrence, event-free, overall, and MCC-specific survival rates. Strong associations were found between initial AMERK titer and clinical, tumor, and nodal stages, tumor size, and disease extent. Notably, improved survival with seropositivity was observed only in patients with localized disease at initial presentation. Circulating antibodies to MCPyV oncoproteins, as indicated by the AMERK test, are linked with better survival in MCC patients with localized disease at presentation. This could enhance patient risk profiling and treatment personalization. The study's retrospective nature and exploratory analysis are key limitations. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a potentially aggressive skin cancer, and tools to predict patient outcomes are limited. A blood test called anti-Merkel cell panel (AMERK), which checks for specific antibodies related to this cancer, might give us some clues. In this study, we looked at 261 MCC patients who took the AMERK test within 90 days of diagnosis. We found that patients with an initial positive AMERK result tended to have better outcomes, especially if their cancer was in the early stages. However, it is important to note that this study has limitations, including using retrospective data and exploratory analyses.

Use one system for all results to avoid contradiction: Advice for using significance tests, equivalence tests, and Bayes factors.

A nonsignificant result against an H0 of no effect does not distinguish evidence for no effect from no evidence at all one way or the other. Thus, a researcher engaged primarily in significance testing may decide to follow up just the nonsignificant results with a test from another system of inference, such as equivalence tests (more generally, inference by intervals) or Bayes factors. However, selectively using two systems of inference in this way, can lead to inferential inconsistency because different tests are based on different principles, and therefore a researcher can be tempted to select the way each system is used to get the results the researcher wants for just the tests that system is applied to. For a related set of tests, one system of inference should be consistently used. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Impacts of Sustainable Land Management Intervention on the Soil Condition and Landscape Greenness: Evidence from Jimma Arjo District, Southwestern Ethiopia

Soil degradation has been a major environmental and agricultural challenge in Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular. Recently, several governmental and nongovernmental organizations have made efforts to reduce the problem and improve the productivity of land through sustainable land management (SLM) practices. The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of sustainable land management practices on soil condition and landscape greenness in the Jimma Arjo District, Southwestern Ethiopia. The impact of SLM practices on soil condition was examined by collecting twenty-eight (28) composite and core (28) soil samples from treated (14) and nontreated (14) lands. Landsat satellite images of 2012 and 2022 were used to detect changes in landscape greenness using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). ArcGIS® 10.3, ERDAS® 2014, and Microsoft Excel software packages were used for analysis. The significance test was performed using a one-way ANOVA. The result showed a significant difference in soil physiochemical properties (soil texture, soil pH, soil organic carbon, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and available phosphorous and calcium) between treated and nontreated lands (P&lt;0.01). However, the landscape greenness result shows that the lowest NDVI value in the SLM-treated kebele during 2012 was −0.15 but increased to 0.09 in 2022. Similarly, the highest value was found to be 0.41 in 2012 and the value rose to 0.53 in 2022. It is concluded that sustainable land management practices implemented in the area have resulted in an important positive effect on improving the soil condition and landscape greenness. Hence, strengthening and scaling up SLM practices and continuous maintenance are advisable for better results in land productivity and livelihood improvement.

Evaluating the Efficiency of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae in Converting Mackerel Head Waste into Valuable Resources

The seafood processing industry generates significant waste, including mackerel heads (MH), constituting 20–32% of total waste. This study explored the potential of utilizing MH as a feed source for black soldier fly larvae (BSF larvae). BSF larvae are known for their ability to efficiently convert organic materials into nutrient-rich biomass. Five concentrations of MH (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% in chicken feed) were fed to BSF larvae for eight days. After harvesting, their growth, MH conversion efficiency, nutritional content, and heavy metals reduction potential were measured. BSF larvae showed optimal growth when fed with a feed containing 20% MH, resulting in a 14.36-fold increase in weight compared to the control group, as determined by the Fisher’s Least Significant Difference Test. BSF larvae maintained a survival rate of 99.33%. With the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 2.09 at 20% MH, feed efficiency was improved by up to 65.15%, and feed reduction up to 73.53%. MH enhanced lipid and protein content in BSF larvae. Furthermore, BSF larvae in this study showed higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as other amino acids which are required for breeding animals. The current study highlights the potential of MH as a feed source for BSF larvae, improving nutritional biomass. It also suggests BSF larvae as an eco-friendly option for handling seafood processing waste and as an alternative feed source for animals.

Likelihood Ratio Test and the Evidential Approach for 2 × 2 Tables

Categorical data analysis of 2 × 2 contingency tables is extremely common, not least because they provide risk difference, risk ratio, odds ratio, and log odds statistics in medical research. A χ2 test analysis is most often used, although some researchers use likelihood ratio test (LRT) analysis. Does it matter which test is used? A review of the literature, examination of the theoretical foundations, and analyses of simulations and empirical data are used by this paper to argue that only the LRT should be used when we are interested in testing whether the binomial proportions are equal. This so-called test of independence is by far the most popular, meaning the χ2 test is widely misused. By contrast, the χ2 test should be reserved for where the data appear to match too closely a particular hypothesis (e.g., the null hypothesis), where the variance is of interest, and is less than expected. Low variance can be of interest in various scenarios, particularly in investigations of data integrity. Finally, it is argued that the evidential approach provides a consistent and coherent method that avoids the difficulties posed by significance testing. The approach facilitates the calculation of appropriate log likelihood ratios to suit our research aims, whether this is to test the proportions or to test the variance. The conclusions from this paper apply to larger contingency tables, including multi-way tables.

From significance testing to estimation and Open Science: How esci can help.

We argue that researchers should test less, estimate more, and adopt Open Science practices. We outline some of the flaws of null hypothesis significance testing and take three approaches to demonstrating the unreliability of the p value. We explain some advantages of estimation and meta-analysis ("the new statistics"), especially as contributions to Open Science practices, which aim to increase the openness, integrity, and replicability of research. We then describe esci (estimation statistics with confidence intervals): a set of online simulations and an R package for estimation that integrates into jamovi and JASP. This software provides (a) online activities to sharpen understanding of statistical concepts (e.g., "The Dance of the Means"); (b) effects sizes and confidence intervals for a range of study designs, largely by using techniques recently developed by Bonett; (c) publication-ready visualisations that make uncertainty salient; and (d) the option to conduct strong, fair hypothesis evaluation through specification of an interval null. Although developed specifically to support undergraduate learning through the 2nd edition of our textbook, esci should prove a valuable tool for graduate students and researchers interested in adopting the estimation approach. Further information is at ( https://thenewstatistics.com).

Deep Learning Reconstruction for DWIs by EPI and FASE Sequences for Head and Neck Tumors

Background: Diffusion-weighted images (DWI) obtained by echo-planar imaging (EPI) are frequently degraded by susceptibility artifacts. It has been suggested that DWI obtained by fast advanced spin-echo (FASE) or reconstructed with deep learning reconstruction (DLR) could be useful for image quality improvements. The purpose of this investigation using in vitro and in vivo studies was to determine the influence of sequence difference and of DLR for DWI on image quality, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) evaluation, and differentiation of malignant from benign head and neck tumors. Methods: For the in vitro study, a DWI phantom was scanned by FASE and EPI sequences and reconstructed with and without DLR. Each ADC within the phantom for each DWI was then assessed and correlated for each measured ADC and standard value by Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. For the in vivo study, DWIs obtained by EPI and FASE sequences were also obtained for head and neck tumor patients. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and ADC were then determined based on ROI measurements, while SNR of tumors and ADC were compared between all DWI data sets by means of Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference test. Results: For the in vitro study, all correlations between measured ADC and standard reference were significant and excellent (0.92 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.99, p &lt; 0.0001). For the in vivo study, the SNR of FASE with DLR was significantly higher than that of FASE without DLR (p = 0.02), while ADC values for benign and malignant tumors showed significant differences between each sequence with and without DLR (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: In comparison with EPI sequence, FASE sequence and DLR can improve image quality and distortion of DWIs without significantly influencing ADC measurements or differentiation capability of malignant from benign head and neck tumors.

The Relationship Of Creativity With Student Learning Outcomes In Pastry And Bakery Subjects At Smk Negeri 6 Padang

This research was motivated by students' low curiosity in the material being taught, resulting in low creativity and no new innovations produced by students. This occurs due to students' lack of confidence in their abilities, because they are afraid to take risks when practicing pastry and bakery. From the problems above, many students fail in pastry and bakery subjects which will have an impact on learning outcomes. The aim of this research is to describe: 1) student creativity in Pastry and Bakery subjects, 2) student learning outcomes in Pastry and bakery subjects, 3) the relationship between creativity and student learning outcomes in Pastry and bakery subjects at SMK Negeri 6 Padang . This type of research is quantitative with a correlational approach. The population in this study was class XII culinary students at SMK Negeri 6 Padang for the 2023/2024 academic year, totaling 96 people. The sample consisted of 96 people taken using a saturated sampling technique. The saturated sampling technique is that all members of the population are used as research samples. The primary data collection technique uses a questionnaire and is measured using a Likert scale. Then for secondary data using learning outcomes in the form of grades in pastry and bakery subjects. Analysis requirements test was carried out using normality tests and linearity tests, then hypothesis testing using Pearson product moment correlation analysis, and correlation significance testing with the T test using SPSS Version 21.00. The research results show that: 1) the creativity of class XII students at SMK Negeri 6 Padang is in the medium category (53.1%), 2) the learning outcomes in pastry and bakery subjects for class 4%), 3) based on hypothesis testing, there is a positive and significant relationship between creativity and student learning outcomes in the Pastry and Bakery Products subject with a significant value of 0.001.                                                                                   Keyword: Creativity, pastry and bakery learning outcomes, pastry and bakery subjects.

Predicting preoperative muscle invasion status for bladder cancer using computed tomography-based radiomics nomogram

ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of the established computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics nomogram combined with radiomics and clinical features for predicting muscle invasion status in bladder cancer (BCa).MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using data from patients who underwent CT urography at our institution between May 2018 and April 2023 with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder confirmed by postoperative histology. There were 196 patients enrolled in all, and each was randomized at random to either the training cohort (n = 137) or the test cohort (n = 59). Eight hundred fifty-one radiomics features in all were retrieved. For feature selection, the significance test and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) approaches were utilized. Subsequently, the radiomics score (Radscore) was obtained by applying linear weighting based on the selected features. The clinical and radiomics model, as well as radiomics-clinical nomogram were all established using logistic regression. Three models were evaluated using analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve. An area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as well as specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were included in the analysis. Radiomics-clinical nomogram’s performance was assessed based on discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.ResultsAfter obtaining 851 radiomics features, 12 features were ultimately selected. Histopathological grading and tortuous blood vessels were included in the clinical model. The Radscore and clinical histopathology grading were among the final predictors in the unique nomogram. The three models had an AUC of 0.811 (95% CI, 0.742–0.880), 0.845 (95% CI, 0.781–0.908), and 0.896 (95% CI, 0.846–0.947) in the training cohort and in the test cohort they were 0.808 (95% CI, 0.703–0.913), 0.847 (95% CI, 0.739–0.954), and 0.887 (95% CI, 0.803–0.971). According to the DeLong test, the radiomics-clinical nomogram’s AUC in the training cohort substantially differed from that of the clinical model (AUC: 0.896 versus 0.845, p = 0.015) and the radiomics model (AUC: 0.896 versus 0.811, p = 0.002). The Delong test in the test cohort revealed no significant difference among the three models.ConclusionsCT-based radiomics-clinical nomogram can be a useful tool for quantitatively predicting the status of muscle invasion in BCa.

Parental Rearing and Conflict Resolution among College Freshmen Students

The initial foray into college life is a significant stress test of a young adult's ability to resolve conflicts, which is a critical life skill that impacts all facets of their burgeoning independence. As they confront these challenges, the legacy of their parental rearing becomes a potent influence on their capacity to manage conflicts. Moreover, the way students handle disputes and stressors can shape their entire college experience, with ineffective conflict resolution strategies being linked to a host of adjustment difficulties. Despite the central role of conflict resolution in student development, there remains a gap in understanding the precise mechanisms through which parental rearing styles imprint these skills. Addressing this gap is not merely of academic interest but carries substantial practical implications. It is crucial to delve into the intricacies of how early family dynamics shape conflict resolution strategies in college freshmen.

Lost in Statistics

The present paper investigates one aspect of questionable research practices relating to Arabic L1 learners of foreign languages, namely the use of statistics. The objective of the paper is to argue that reproducible research requires adopting wise practices in linguistics and that the excessive focus on quantification does not seem to serve this purpose. Statistical significance tests in quantitative research are routinely used in linguistic inquiry as well as language teaching and learning studies with a view to supporting the relevant explanatory insights in linguistics. In this article, I will expose the misuse of statistics by doctoral students in English departments of Morocco working on Arabic L1 learners&amp;rsquo; data, by highlighting some practices that are at odds with international good practices in academic research in linguistics. I will take stock of the current questionable practices in this regard to dispel some of the misunderstanding about the use of statistics which is now gaining grounds lest this becomes an orthodoxy. I will argue that research on Arabic L1 learners&amp;rsquo; data should be focused more on exploration and discovery, as well as the validation of epistemological insights than on mere descriptive quantification geared to hypothesis verification. These areas of focus constitute the crux of academic research in linguistics, but they seem to be lost in statistics in doctoral students&amp;rsquo; theses. Recommendations and solutions are provided for enhancing transparency and improving reproducibility of doctoral research outcomes to advance theory building and the delivery of new research lines in linguistics as well as to avoid the risk of research waste, in line with the requirements of open science.

Scale or effectiveness? The nonlinear impact of talent agglomeration on high-quality economic development in China

Talent agglomeration serves as a vital pathway for achieving high-quality economic development. This paper, based on provincial panel data from China spanning 2011–2020, first analyses the impact of talent agglomeration on high-quality economic development from two dimensions: the talent agglomeration scale and effectiveness. Second, with innovation activity as a threshold variable, this paper explores the nonlinear impact of the talent agglomeration scale and effectiveness on economic efficiency improvement and economic structure optimization. This study finds that (1) the main driving force for high-quality economic development within the sample period comes from the talent agglomeration scale, while the promoting role of talent agglomeration effectiveness has not yet passed significant tests. (2) Under different levels of innovation activity, the talent agglomeration scale has a diminishing marginal utility impact on economic efficiency improvement and economic structure optimization; talent agglomeration effectiveness also has different nonlinear effects on economic efficiency improvement and economic structure optimization.

An Analysis of Relation Among Three Levels of Ala–Tragus Line and Natural Occlusal Plane in Young Dentulous Subjects – A Cross-sectional Photographic Study

ABSTRACT Occlusal plane determination plays an evident role in successful rehabilitation of completely edentulous patients. The most commonly used method is by using Camper’s plane. But the posterior reference point of Camper’s plane is debatable according to available literature. The aim of this study was to determine the most reliable posterior reference point for Camper’s plane. A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which 60 dentulous subjects with age ranging from 18 to 25 years were selected according to the inclusion criteria. The Fox plane was inserted and lateral photographs were taken. A screen protractor was used to measure the angle between the occlusal plane and three ala–tragus lines. All three ala–tragus lines had the inferior border of ala of the nose as the anterior point of reference and for posterior reference, they used superior, middle, or inferior point of the tragus. The ala–tragus line using the inferior point of the tragus had the least mean angle with the occlusal plane. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test obtained a P-value of &lt; 0.0001, and therefore, a statistically significant difference was present among all three lines. Also, post hoc Tukey’s honestly significant difference test for intergroup comparison of difference in angle among three different lines with the occlusal plane showed a significant P-value on comparing all three groups between each other. The ala–tragus line formed using the inferior point of the tragus was most parallel to the occlusal plane in dentate patients. Therefore, the inferior point of the tragus should be used for Camper’s plane.

A sensitivity indicator screening and intelligent classification method for the diagnosis of T2D-CHD

BackgroundThe prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) and its significant role in increasing Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) risk highlights the urgent need for effective CHD screening within this population. Despite current advancements in T2D management, the complexity of cardiovascular complications persists. Our study aims to develop a comprehensive CHD screening model for T2D patients, employing multimodal data to improve early detection and management, addressing a critical gap in clinical practice.MethodsWe analyzed data from 699 patients, including 471 with CHD (221 of these also had T2D) and a control group of 228 without CHD. Employing strict diagnostic criteria, we conducted significance testing and multivariate analysis to identify key indicators for T2D-CHD diagnosis. This led to the creation of a neural network model using 21 indicators and a logistic regression model based on an 8-indicator subset. External validation was performed with an independent dataset from an additional 212 patients to confirm the models’ generalizability.ResultsThe neural network model achieved an accuracy of 90.7%, recall of 90.78%, precision of 90.83%, and an F-1 score of 0.908. The logistic regression model demonstrated an accuracy of 90.13%, recall of 90.1%, precision of 90.22%, and an F-1 score of 0.9016. External validation reinforced the models’ reliability and effectiveness in broader clinical settings.ConclusionOur AI-driven diagnostic models significantly enhance early CHD detection and management in T2D patients, offering a novel, efficient approach to addressing the complex interplay between these conditions. By leveraging advanced analytics and comprehensive patient data, we present a scalable solution for improving clinical outcomes in this high-risk population, potentially setting a new standard in personalized care and preventative medicine.