A Novel Evaluation of Income Class Boundaries Using Inflection Points of Probability Density Functions: A Case Study of Brazil.

Categorizing a population into different income classes is important for creating effective policies and analyzing markets. Our study develops a statistical method based on a nationwide survey of income distribution. We use these data to create a cumulative distribution function with a metalogistic distribution and its probability density function.

Descriptive analysis of the cases published in the Align® Global Gallery.

Introduction: Social media enhanced access to information, making it easier to share dental treatments.

Objective: This study aimed to conduct a descriptive analysis of the clinical cases published on the Align® Global Gallery platform.

Material And Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 1,582 cases was conducted, data extracted referred to the following basic information: case number; patient's age; reported gender; Invisalign® package modality; treatment time; aligner exchange protocol; total number of aligners per arch; type of retainers, and inclusion of initial and final panoramic and cephalometric radiographs.

Malocclusion or laterorhinia: Which one impacts aesthetic facial perception the most?

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the perception of facial attractiveness when nose and teeth, together or isolated, present different degrees of disharmony. The secondary objective was to compare the perception of laypersons with that of dentists.

Materials And Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 112 individuals (58 laypersons and 54 dentists) that evaluated 6 manipulated images of the face of the same model, scoring their attractiveness using 10 cm Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), with least and most attractive at the left and right anchors, respectively.

Pain perception and expectation related to interradicular mini-implants insertion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to compare the expectation and perception of pain reported by patients before and after the installation of interradicular mini-implants.

Materials And Methods: Electronic search was performed in six databases. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomized controlled clinical trials (nRCTs); studies using mini-implants in the interradicular region; assessment of pain intensity by visual analogue or numerical scale.

Interplay of self, epiphany, and positive actions in shaping individual careers.

In this work, we model an individual social career by a finite-size trajectory along a hexagonal lattice moving only forward. At each bifurcation, the individual makes a free-will choice to follow one or the other branch within an uncertain outcome. Considering that those choices are determined by an individual self built from endogenous characteristics, we assume they are random following a binomial distribution.

Patient perception of orthodontists with different stereotypes: development, psychometric properties, and application of an assessment instrument.

Introduction: This research aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire that considers social judgments and, through its application, assesses whether the presence of piercings, tattoos, beards, and loose hair visible in the face and neck region reflect on the patient perception regarding characteristics of the orthodontist's professional scope.

Methods: The developed questionnaire had its psychometric properties evaluated and was applied to 220 young people and adults, aged 18-70 years, who responded according to their perception of 12 manipulated images of orthodontists with different stereotypes, considering the following items: hygiene, care, punctuality, experience and knowledge in orthodontics.

Results: The developed questionnaire showed high acceptability, confirmed reliability and validity of the construct, and satisfactory internal consistency.