Determination of utilization in a dental insurance plan

Thesis (M.Sc.D.)--Boston University. Henry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry, 1990 (Public Health Dentistry)Bibliography: leaves 39-40.The objective of this study was to determine and compare the dental care utilization of 37,000 New England employees, insured by Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and Metropolitan Life insurance companies under dual option, preferred Provider ( Closed) Plan and Open Plan. This investigation was carried out by a random selection of 5,000 records of insurees. Comprehensive statistical analysis was performed to evaluate dental services provided through both dental insurance plans. Dental services were broken down by the ADA Procedure Code classification and service mix statistically examined in relation to Plan type ( Open, Closed), claim administrator (Empire, MetLife) and eligibility type (Employee, Spouse and Dependent). This sample comprised of members (employees), their spouse and dependents who, overall, formed a group of 2064 (41.3%) males and 2936 (58.7%) females. Of the total 5000 dental claims filed 1929 (38.6%) were through the Open Plan and 3071 (61.4%) through the Closed Plan. Specifically, for each dental procedure claims were counted with either Plan type

Soil salinity-sodicity and land use suitability in the Fordwah Eastern Sadiqia (South) irrigated area

Soil salinity / Sodic soils / Soil classification / Soil surveys / Soil analysis / Groundwater development / Water table / Water quality / Land use / Irrigation canals / Farmer participation / Surface drainage / Subsurface drainage / Soil reclamation / Waterlogging / Pakistan / Fordwah Eastern Sadiqia / Bahawalnagar District

Web-based learning environment based on students’ needs

Traditional learning needs to be improved since it does not involve active learning among students. Therefore, in the twenty-first century, the development of internet technology in the learning environment has become the main needs of each student. One of the learning environments to meet the needs of the teaching and learning process is a web-based learning environment. This study aims to identify the characteristics of a webbased learning environment that supports students’ learning needs. The study involved 542 students from fifteen faculties in a public higher education institution in Malaysia. A quantitative method was used to collect the data via a questionnaire survey by randomly. The findings indicate that the characteristics of a web-based learning environment that support students’ needs in the process of learning are online discussion forum, lecture notes, assignments, portfolio, and chat. In conclusion, the students overwhelmingly agreed that online discussion forum is the highest requirement because the tool can provide a space for students and teachers to share knowledge and experiences related to teaching and learning

Morphological study of rugae palatinae in Sudanese Nubians

Background: The aim of this study was to identify and compare the various morphological characteristics of rugae palatinae in males and females of adult Sudanese Nubians and to assess the existence of side asymmetry. Furthermore, the possibility of assigning sex utilising dimensions, shapes, and orientations was explored using logistic regression. Materials and methods: In all, 100 maxillary casts were equally distributed between the sexes. All subjects belonged to a similar age group, ranging from 18 to 23 years of age, and were examined for rugae palatinae dimensions, shapes, and orientations for the purpose of assessing sexual dimorphism and side symmetry. Results: The most dominant were the primary rugae, and the most prevalent shapes were the wavy, curved, and straight in both sexes. The dominant direction of rugae was the forward-directed. Furthermore, while there was no sexual dimorphism in rugae orientation, primary rugae and converging unified rugae exhibited significant differences between the sexes. Significant asymmetry was observed in females’ primary and wavy shaped rugae, a diverging unified shaped was found in males, and forward- and backward-directed rugae were found in both sexes. Conclusions: This study provided reference data regarding the rugae palatinae morphology among Sudanese population. A predictive value of 60% was obtained when assigning sex using dimensions and orientations, and a predictive value of 65% was determined when using only shapes. Accordingly, using the rugae palatinae to accurately estimate sex among Sudanese Nubians is not recommended unless it is the only means available.