3D-Printed Teeth with Multicolored Layers as a Tool for Evaluating Cavity Preparation by Dental Students

Accurate assessment of dental student performance during preclinical operative mannequin courses is an essential milestone within the educational process. Training on novel, multicolored 3D-printed teeth resulted in higher performances of the students in comparison to training on standard, monochromatic plastic teeth. However, low reliability of students’ grading using standard, monochromatic plastic teeth was reported. The aim of this study was to verify whether the use of 3D multicolored teeth can (1) provide better inter- and intra-examiner reliability, and (2) assess the effect of instructors’ experience on their reliability. The novel tooth analogs consisted of digitally planned and 3D-printed plastic teeth containing green, yellow, and red stratifications according to increasing depths of preparation. Thirty-seven dental students performed three Class I preparations on the 3D-printed teeth, and these underwent blind evaluation by two examiners of varied experience at two timepoints. The data were compared with preparations done on conventional (monochromatic) plastic teeth. Results indicated excellent inter-examiner reliability on 3D-printed teeth (0.768 < ICC < 0.929), but only moderate reliability with conventional plastic teeth (0.314 < ICC < 0.672). The examiner having more experience was found to show higher intra-examiner reliability (ICC = 0.716 and 0.612 using 3D-printed teeth and conventional teeth, respectively) than the less experienced examiner (ICC = 0.481 and 0.095 using 3D-printed teeth and conventional teeth, respectively). The novel, multicolored 3D-printed teeth can provide more objective evaluation of cavity preparation compared with conventional plastic teeth.

Is regression gain or instantaneous gain the most reliable and reproducible gain value when performing video head impulse testing of the lateral semicircular canals?

BACKGROUND: Several different video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) systems exist. The function of each individual semicircular canal (SCC) may be determined by performing this test. All vHIT systems provide information about the function of the vestibular ocular reflex by means of two modalities: SACCADES and GAIN. However, different gain calculation methods exist. OBJECTIVE: Primary endpoint: • Is instantaneous gain or regression gain the most reproducible and reliable gain value when performing vHIT with testing of the lateral SCCs? Secondary endpoints: • Comparison of each of the instantaneous gain values at 40, 60, and 80ms with the regression gain. • Examination of any intra- and inter examiner variability. • Mean instantaneous gain values, and at different velocities, compared with regression gain values of the lateral SCCs. METHODS: 60 subjects between 18–65 years were included. All patients filled out the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire and underwent four separate vHIT tests, two by an experienced neurotologist and two by an inexperienced examiner. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: 240 datasets were obtained, displaying both regression and instantaneous gain values. Regression gain was more reproducible than instantaneous gain. The experienced examiner provided the most reproducible results. When comparing instantaneous gain, we found the gain at 40 ms to be the least reproducible. There was no significant difference between 60 ms and 80 ms.For both examiners no significant intra examiner variability was found.

Inter-device measurement variability of vital data parameters for keratorefractive and cataract refractive surgery

Introduction: The measurements of corneal white-to-white (WTW) diameter and pupil size are critical for decision making in refractive surgery. Currently, automatic measurement of keratometry, corneal WTW, and pupil size are implemented in several ocular devices. The purpose of this study was to examine the agreement between two commonly used devices, an autorefractor and an optical biometer, for these parameters. Methods: Measurements were performed with both a Lenstar LS-900 and Nidek ARK-1 by an experienced examiner in random order. The devices were placed in close proximity within the same dimly lit room. Results: The measurements of 65 right eyes were analyzed. The results of the flat, steep, and mean keratometric reading were not significantly different ( p = 0.96, p = 0.90, p = 0.93, respectively). Corneal WTW distances showed only moderate agreement between devices and were found to be significantly different ( r = 0.8071; p < 0.01). Pupil diameters showed poor agreement between devices and were significantly different ( r = 0.4890; p < 0.01). Agreement between implantable contact lens sizing, based on the measurements obtained by the two devices, was achieved for 19 of the 51 eyes (37.3%). Conclusion: We found a significant difference in WTW and pupil size measurements between ARK-1 and Lenstar. Results for both of the devices cannot be considered interchangeable for these data parameters.

Concentrate Questions and Answers Company Law

The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for tackling exam questions and coursework. Each book includes: typical questions; suggested answers with commentary; illustrative diagrams; guidance on how to develop your answer; key debates; suggestions for further reading; and advice on exams and coursework. Concentrate Q&A Company Law offers expert advice on what to expect from your company law exam and coursework, how best to prepare, and guidance on what examiners are really looking for. Written by an experienced examiner, it provides: reminders of points to consider; indications of key debates for each topic; exam-length suggested answers; clear commentary with each answer; diagram answer plans; cautionary points; tips to make your answer stand out from the crowd; and annotated further reading suggestions at the end of every chapter. The book should help you to: identify typical company law exam questions; structure and write a first-class answer; avoid common mistakes; show the examiner what you know; develop and demonstrate your understanding; identify connections between topics; and find relevant and helpful further reading. As well as separate chapters on exam skills and preparing coursework, it covers: companies and corporate personality; the corporate constitution; shares and shareholders; directors’ duties; company management and governance; minority shareholder remedies; corporate liability (contracts, torts, and crimes); share capital; loan capital; and corporate insolvency. The book is suitable for undergraduate students taking a module in company law on the LLB and GDL, and undergraduate students studying aspects of company law on other degreecourses.

Concentrate Questions and Answers Family Law

The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for tackling exam and assignment questions. Each book includes key debates, typical questions, diagram answer plans, suggested answers, author commentary, and tips to gain extra marks. Concentrate Q&A Family Law offers expert advice on what to expect from your family law exam, how best to prepare, and guidance on what examiners are really looking for. Written by an experienced examiner, it provides: clear commentary with each question and answer; diagram answer plans; tips to make your answer really stand out from the crowd; and further reading suggestions at the end of every chapter. The book should help you to: identify typical family law exam questions; structure a good answer; avoid common mistakes; show the examiner what you know; make your answer stand out; and find relevant further reading. After an introduction on exam skills for success in family law, chapters cover: marriage, civil partnerships, and cohabitation; void, voidable. and non-existent marriages; divorce and judicial separation; domestic violence; family property; financial relief and child support; parenthood and parental responsibility; children's rights and private law; international relocation and abduction; public law and adoption; mixed topic questions and skills for success in coursework assessments.

Concentrate Questions and Answers Company Law

The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for tackling exam questions and coursework. Each book includes: typical questions; suggested answers with commentary; illustrative diagrams; guidance on how to develop your answer; key debates; suggestions for further reading; and advice on exams and coursework. Concentrate Q&A Company Law offers expert advice on what to expect from your company law exam and coursework, how best to prepare, and guidance on what examiners are really looking for. Written by an experienced examiner, it provides: reminders of points to consider; indications of key debates for each topic; exam-length suggested answers; clear commentary with each answer; diagram answer plans; cautionary points; tips to make your answer stand out from the crowd; and annotated further reading suggestions at the end of every chapter. The book should help you to: identify typical company law exam questions; structure and write a first-class answer; avoid common mistakes; show the examiner what you know; develop and demonstrate your understanding; identify connections between topics; and find relevant and helpful further reading. As well as separate chapters on exam skills and preparing coursework, it covers: companies and corporate personality; the corporate constitution; shares and shareholders; directors’ duties; company management and governance; minority shareholder remedies; corporate liability (contracts, torts, and crimes); share capital; loan capital; and corporate insolvency. The book is suitable for undergraduate students taking a module in company law on the LLB and GDL, and undergraduate students studying aspects of company law on other degree courses.

Concentrate Questions and Answers Company Law

The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for tackling exam questions and coursework. Each book includes typical questions; suggested answers with commentary; illustrative diagrams; guidance on how to develop your answer; key debates; suggestions for further reading; and advice on exams and coursework. Concentrate Q&A Company Law offers expert advice on what to expect from your company law exam and coursework, how best to prepare, and guidance on what examiners are really looking for. Written by an experienced examiner, it provides: reminders of points to consider; indications of key debates for each topic; exam-length suggested answers; clear commentary with each answer; diagram answer plans; cautionary points; tips to make your answer stand out from the crowd; and annotated further reading suggestions at the end of every chapter. The book should help you to: identify typical company law exam questions; structure and write a first-class answer; avoid common mistakes; show the examiner what you know; develop and demonstrate your understanding; identify connections between topics; and find relevant and helpful further reading. As well as separate chapters on exam skills, and preparing coursework, it covers: companies and corporate personality; the corporate constitution; shares and shareholders; directors’ duties; company management and governance; minority shareholder remedies; corporate liability (contracts, torts, and crimes); share capital; loan capital; corporate insolvency; and mixed topic questions. The book is suitable for undergraduate students taking a module in company law on the LLB and GDL, and undergraduate students studying aspects of company law on other degree courses.

The Detection of Infant Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials (CAEPs) Using Statistical and Visual Detection Techniques

Background: With the advent of newborn hearing screening programs, the need to verify the fit of hearing aids in young infants has increased. The recording of cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) for this purpose is quite feasible, but rapid developmental changes that affect response morphology and the presence of electrophysiological noise can make subjective response detection challenging. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an automated statistic versus experienced examiners in detecting the presence of infant CAEPs when stimuli were present and reporting the absence of CAEPs when no stimuli were present. Research Design: A repeated-measures design was used where infant-generated CAEPs were interpreted by examiners and an automated statistic. Study Sample: There were nine male and five female infants (mean age, 12 mo; SD, 3.4) who completed behavioral and electrophysiological testing using speech-based stimuli. Data Collection and Analysis: In total, 87 infant CAEPs were recorded to three sensation levels, 10, 20 and 30 dB relative to the behavioral thresholds and to nonstimulus trials. Three examiners were presented with these responses: (1) “in series,” where waveforms were presented in order of decreasing stimulus presentation levels, and (2) “nonseries,” where waveforms were randomized completely and presented as independent waveforms. The examiners were given no information about the stimulus levels and were asked to determine whether responses to auditory stimulation could be observed and their degree of certainty in making their decision. Data from the CAEP responses were also converted to multiple dependent variables and analyzed using Hotelling's T2. Results from both methods of response detection were analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA (analysis of variance) and parameters of signal detection theory known as d-prime (d′) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Results showed that as the stimulus level increased, the sensitivity index, d′, increased for both methods of response detection, but neither reached the maximum possible d′ value with a sensation level of 30 dB. The examiners with the greatest experience and Hotelling's T2 were equally sensitive in differentiating the CAEP from noise. Conclusions: Hotelling's T2 appears to detect CAEPs from normal hearing infants at a rate equal to that of an experienced examiner. A clinical instrument that applies Hotelling's T2 on-line, so that the likelihood of response detection can be assessed objectively, should be of particular benefit to the novice or less experienced examiner.