Miller Test Research Articles

Validation of Adult Sepsis Event and Epidemiologic Analysis of Sepsis Prevalence and Mortality Using Adult Sepsis Event's Electronic Health Records-Based Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Criteria: A Single-Center Study in South Korea.

In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention introduced the Adult Sepsis Event (ASE) definition, using electronic health records (EHRs) data for surveillance and sepsis quality improvement. However, data regarding ASE outside the United States remain limited. We therefore aimed to validate the diagnostic accuracy of the ASE and to assess the prevalence and mortality of sepsis using ASE. Retrospective cohort study. A single center in South Korea, with 2732 beds including 221 ICU beds. During the validation phase, adult patients who were hospitalized or visiting the emergency department between November 5 and November 11, 2019, were included. In the subsequent phase of epidemiologic analysis, we included adult patients who were admitted from January to December 2020. None. ASE had a sensitivity of 91.6%, a specificity of 98.3%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 57.4%, and a negative predictive value of 99.8% when compared with the Sepsis-3 definition. Of 126,998 adult patient hospitalizations in 2020, 6,872 cases were diagnosed with sepsis based on the ASE (5.4% per year), and 893 patients were identified as having sepsis according to the International Classification of Diseases , 10th Edition (ICD-10) (0.7% per year). Hospital mortality rates were 16.6% (ASE) and 23.5% (ICD-10-coded sepsis). Monthly sepsis prevalence and hospital mortality exhibited less variation when diagnosed using ASE compared with ICD-10 coding (coefficient of variation [CV] for sepsis prevalence: 0.051 vs. 0.163, Miller test p < 0.001; CV for hospital mortality: 0.087 vs. 0.261, p = 0.001). ASE demonstrated high sensitivity and a moderate PPV compared with the Sepsis-3 criteria in a Korean population. The prevalence of sepsis, as defined by ASE, was 5.4% per year and was similar to U.S. estimates. The prevalence of sepsis by ASE was eight times higher and exhibited less monthly variability compared with that based on the ICD-10 code.

Changes in Abrasion Resistance of Cast Cr-Ni Steel as a Result of the Formation of Niobium Carbides in Alloy Matrix

Cast austenitic chromium-nickel steel is commonly used for the manufacture of machine parts and components, which are exposed to the attack of corrosive media and abrasive wear during operation. The most commonly used grades include GX2CrNi18-9 and X10CrNi18-8 as well as GX2CrNiMo17-12-2 and X6CrNiMoNb17-12-2. To improve the abrasion resistance of cast chromium-nickel steel, primary niobium carbides were produced in the metallurgical process by increasing the carbon content and adding Fe-Nb. The microstructure of the obtained test castings consisted of an austenitic matrix and primary niobium carbides evenly distributed in this matrix. The measured hardness of the samples after heat treatment ranged from 215 to 240 HV and was higher by about 60 units than the hardness of the reference cast GX10CrNi18-9 steel, which had a hardness of about 180 HV. Compared to the reference cast steel, the abrasive wear resistance of the tested cast chromium-nickel steel (measured in Miller test) with contents of 4.4 and 5.4 wt% Nb increased only slightly, i.e., by 5% for the lower niobium content and 11% for the higher niobium content. Compared to ordinary cast GX10CrNi18-9 steel, the addition of 9.2 wt% Nb reduced the abrasive wear by almost 2.5 times.

Evaluation laboratory prenatal screening performance based on biological variation of risk assessment in second trimester in China

Abstract Objectives This study intends to evaluate prenatal screening risk assessment performance based on biological variation to help clinical laboratories realize their own screening performance and set the appropriate performance specifications for prenatal screening risk assessment in China. Methods Fifteen samples with detailed clinical information were distributed to participants and the prenatal screening Down syndrome risk assessment of each sample were submitted. Three levels of performance specification (optimum, desirable, minimum) derived from biological variation were used to evaluate laboratory prenatal screening risk assessment performance. Results A total of 797 laboratories participated in the survey project. There are 216 laboratories using serological double-marker test and 581 laboratories using serological triple-marker test. For each screening protocol, more than 92.00% laboratories meet minimum performance specifications, more than 84.00% laboratories meet desirable performance specifications, and only about 62.50%laboratories meet optimum performance specifications. The Feltz and Miller test indicated that there were no significant statistical differences in the RCV for double-marker screening in 5 platforms and triple-marker screening in 6 platforms. Conclusions The risk assessment of prenatal screening in the second trimester in China can be improved further. It is appropriate to choose desirable performance specifications for external quality assurance organizations to evaluate the risk assessment performance.

Dry sliding, slurry abrasion and cavitation erosion of composite layers reinforced by TiC fabricated in situ in cast steel and gray cast iron

To improve the wear resistance of low-carbon steel and gray cast iron, TiC/Fe-type composite layers were fabricated using reactive casting coatings. The in situ synthesis reaction of titanium carbide (TiC) was initiated by the high temperature of the liquid alloy (SHS – self-propagating high-temperature synthesis). The structure, microstructure, hardness, and wear properties of the composite layers were investigated. Wear examinations were carried out in various environments: dry sliding, slurry abrasion, and cavitation erosion in slurry. An observation of the microstructure revealed the presence of TiC particles that were well-bonded with both types of matrices. The mechanical properties showed an almost three-fold increase in the hardness within the area of the composite layer as compared to the base alloy (1000HV1). These results were reflected in a slurry abrasion test that indicated less than half of the weight loss as compared to the monolithic matrix of the composite castings. The cavitation erosion wear mechanism of the composite layers was examined for the first time taking the surface of the sample into consideration (after polishing and as cast – casting skin). The polished surfaces were characterized by higher resistance to cavitation erosion than the as-cast samples. On the other hand, the casting skin acted beneficially as an extra coating that prevented the castings’ cores from cavitation erosion damage. • Composite layers were fabricated in situ in cast steel and cast iron. • Hardness within area of composite zones reached more than 850 HV1. • Composite layers were testes by ball on disc method, Miller test and cavity erosion. • Composite layers were tested in as – cast state and after polishing process.

Changes in Microstructure and Abrasion Resistance during Miller Test of Hadfield High-Manganese Cast Steel after the Formation of Vanadium Carbides in Alloy Matrix.

Hadfield cast steel is characterized by high wear resistance, but this is only when it is subjected to the effect of dynamic loads. During unloaded abrasion, e.g., sand abrasion, its wear resistance is very low and comparable to the wear of carbon cast steel. To increase the wear resistance of this alloy for operation under the conditions of low pressure or low stress, primary vanadium carbides were produced by the metallurgical process to obtain a two-phase structure after alloy solidification. Compared to samples made of Hadfield cast steel, the primary, very hard carbides, evenly distributed in an austenitic or austenitic-martensitic matrix, increase (at least three times) the wear resistance of samples tested in an abrasive mixture of silicon carbide and water. The changes in microstructure and hardness obtained in alloys after heat treatment (quenching at 1000–1150 °C in water and tempering at 600 °C) are presented. The bulk hardness of the matrix ranged from 370 HV to 660 HV. After heat treatment, the secondary, dispersed vanadium carbides, precipitated in the alloy matrix.

Changes in Abrasive Wear Resistance During Miller Test of Cr-Ni Cast Steel with Ti Carbides Formed in the Alloy Matrix

Changes in Abrasive Wear Resistance During Miller Test of Cr-Ni Cast Steel with Ti Carbides Formed in the Alloy Matrix

Changes in Abrasive Wear Resistance during Miller Test of High-Manganese Cast Steel with Niobium Carbides Formed in the Alloy Matrix

High-manganese Hadfield cast steel is commonly used for machine components operating under dynamic load conditions. The high fracture toughness and abrasive wear resistance of this steel are the result of an austenitic structure, which—while being ductile—at the same time tends to surface harden under the effect of cold work. Absence of dynamic loads (e.g., in the case of sand abrasion) causes rapid and premature wear of parts. To improve the abrasive wear resistance of high-manganese cast steel for operation under the conditions free from dynamic loads, primary niobium carbides are produced in this cast steel during the melting process to obtain in castings, after melt solidification, the microstructure consisting of an austenitic matrix and primary niobium carbides uniformly distributed in this matrix. The measured hardness of the tested samples as cast and after solution heat treatment is 260–290 HV and is about 30–60 HV higher than the hardness of common Hadfield cast steel, which is 230 HV. Compared to common Hadfield cast steel, the abrasive wear resistance of the tested high-manganese cast steel measured in the Miller test is at least three times higher at the niobium content of 3.5 wt%. Increasing the niobium content to 4.5 wt%. in the tested samples increases this wear resistance even more.

High particle variability across siliconized and oil-free syringes and needles from the same lots

Previous studies have reported silicone oil (SO) applied to needles and syringes in the vitreous of patients after intravitreal injections. We evaluated four syringes (SR 1-mL insulin, Saldanha-Rodrigues; BD 1-mL Tuberculin Slip Tip, Becton–Dickinson; BD Ultra-Fine 0.3 mL, HSW Norm-Ject Tuberculin, Henke Sass Wolf) and 10 needles (BD PrecisionGlide 27- and 30-gauge (G); BD Eclipse and JBP Nanoneedle 27-, 30-, 33- and 34-G; TSK Invisible Needle and 27 and 30-G Steriject Control Hub). The protein-free buffer samples injected into the syringes and needles under study were collected in an Eppendorf tube and taken to Flow imaging microscopy, that characterized the concentration and morphology of the microsized particles. The number of particles was analyzed. The coefficients of variation (CV) were the primary outcome. The Feltz and Miller test compared the CVs. The significance level was 5%. Numerous particles and high CVs were associated with both devices, needles and syringes; the comparisons among them did not reach significance. The BD Ultrafine 0.3 mL syringe (149.7%) had the highest CV and the SO-free HSW Norm-Ject (66.4%) syringe the lowest, and the TSK Invisible needle (149.5%) had the highest and the BD Precision Glide 30G needle (35.9%) needle the lowest. In conclusion, particle release, including those with SO morphology, varied greatly among instruments, even from the same lots, which is relevant considering that fewer particles are injected into some eyes compared with others.

Improved drift-flux correlation to enhance the prediction of void fraction in nuclear reactor fuel bundles at low flow and elevated pressure conditions

ABSTRACTThe EPRI (1991) and the Clark et al. (2014) drift-flux correlations implemented in RELAP5/MOD3 code were benchmarked against the low-pressure void fraction data collected by Clark et al. (2014) at Purdue University and the high-pressure data collected by Anklam and Miller (1982) at ORNL. The Clark et al. correlation (2014) was found to perform best at low pressures of Clark et al. tests (2014), but the accuracy was deteriorated at higher pressures of Anklam and Miller tests (1982). To account for this effect, a pressure scaling factor has been added to the distribution parameter correlation to reduce the distribution parameter peaking at high pressures. This factor is dependent on the density ratio and it eliminates the distribution parameter enhancement effect for pressures over 0.5 MPa. It was confirmed that the new correlation with the correction improved the void fraction prediction performance at a higher pressure of Anklam and Miller tests (1982). The new correlation provides a transition between the Clark et al. correlation (2014) at low pressures and the correlation of Ozaki et al. (2013) and Ozaki and Hibiki (2015) at high pressures, which is excellent both in physical characteristics and scalability of two-phase flow in rod bundles.

Dividend Policy and Value of Quoted Firms in Nigeria: A Test of Miller and Modigliani Irrelevant Hypothesis

This study tested Miller and Modigliani dividend policy irrelevant hypothesis in Nigeria. The objective was to examine the validity of the irrelevant hypothesis. Tobins Q measure of market value was modeled as the function of dividend payout ratio, retention ratio, dividend per share and dividend yield. 20 firms were selected on the basis of availability of information necessary for conducting the study and the readiness of annual financial reports for the period of 10 years from 2008-2017. Cross sectional data was sourced from financial statement and annual reports of the firms. Based on the analysis of fixed and random effect results, random effect was used. The study revealed that 75 percent variation on the market value can be predicted by variation on independent variables in the regression model. The beta coefficient of the variables found that all the independent variables have positive and significant relationship with market value of the selected quoted firms. The study concludes that dividend policy is relevant as oppose to the irrelevant hypothesis of Miller and Modigliani. Its therefore recommend that managers should manage their dividend policies effectively since it is relevant and has significant effect on market value and optimal dividend policy which implies policy of trade-off between dividend payout and retain earnings should be well managed and investors should have adequate knowledge of dividend policy of quoted firms that will correspond with their investment objectives of avoid conflict in dividend policy.

Capital Structure and the Value of Quoted Firms in Nigeria: A Test of Miller and Modigliani Irrelevant Hypothesis

This study tested an insignificant hypothesis of the capital structure of Miller and Modiglian in Nigeria. The aim was to investigate the validity of the irrelevant hypothesis. The Tobins Q market value measure was modeled as a function of debt-to-equity ratio, long-term debt to equity ratio, and retained earnings ratio. Twenty companies were selected on the basis of the information needed to conduct the survey and the availability of annual financial reports for the ten-year period 2008-2017. Cross-sectional data were obtained from the annual accounts and annual reports of the companies. Random effects were used in the analysis of fixed and random effects. The study showed that 77% volatility in market value can be predicted by the variation of independent variables in the regression model. The beta coefficient of the variables found that the debt-to-equity ratio, the long-term debt-to-equity ratio, the capital-to-earnings ratio is positively and significantly related to the market value of the selected listed companies. The study concludes that capital structure is relevant, unlike Miller's and Modiglian's irrelevant hypothesis. Therefore, it is recommended that managers ensure an adequate combination of capital and debt.

Accurate tests for the equality of coefficients of variation

ABSTRACTA frequently encountered statistical problem is to determine if the variability among k populations is heterogeneous. If the populations are measured using different scales, comparing variances may not be appropriate. In this case, comparing coefficient of variation (CV) can be used because CV is unitless. In this paper, a non-parametric test is introduced to test whether the CVs from k populations are different. With the assumption that the populations are independent normally distributed, the Miller test, Feltz and Miller test, saddlepoint-based test, log likelihood ratio test and the proposed simulated Bartlett-corrected log likelihood ratio test are derived. Simulation results show the extreme accuracy of the simulated Bartlett-corrected log likelihood ratio test if the model is correctly specified. If the model is mis-specified and the sample size is small, the proposed test still gives good results. However, with a mis-specified model and large sample size, the non-parametric test is recommended.

A Test of Miller and Modigliani Dividend Policy Irrelevance Theory in Nigerian Stock Market

This study empirically tests for the validity of Miller and Modigliani’s dividend irrelevance proposition in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Secondary data were obtained from the Nigerian Stock Exchange fact book and firms’ annual audited financial statements for fifteen years (2001-2015). Mediation Analyses, was used to measure the direct and indirect effects of dividend on stock price. Correction of the anomalous use of current dividend and current earnings by the use of naive expectation of dividend and earnings revealed that the direct effect of expected dividend on share price is significant but the indirect effect of expected dividend on share price through earnings is not significant. The implication of these results is that expected dividend has its unique (direct) effect on share price beyond the effect on share price which it shares with expected earnings (indirect effect). This conclusion suggests that dividend policy is relevant in valuation of shares in NSE. It was therefore recommended that company management should treat dividend as an active corporate finance decision-making variable and should employ dividend in information signalling to capital market investors.

Evaluation of surface roughness and color change of bovine enamel after immersion in dye solution

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of dye solution on enamel color change after bleaching protocols and the effectiveness in maintaining the color of these agents.Material and Methods: The buccal surfaces of sixty-five bovine incisors were cleaned and polished, and the enamel specimens were divided into thirteen groups: G1 to G6: treated with 6% hydrogen peroxide using different surface agents; G7 to G12: treated with 15% hydrogen peroxide using different surface agents; G13: control. After 24 hours, the groups treated were immersed in black tea solution; the control group was stored in artificial saliva. The color was evaluated prior to bleaching, 24 hours later and after immersion in the dye solution; the roughness was measured immediately after bleaching, 24 hours later and 7 days after immersion in the dye solution. The data was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Miller test for roughness analysis, and the Duncan test for color change analysis. It was used 5% significant level with p&lt;0.05.Results: The data found in the evaluation of surface roughness after bleaching indicated a reduction of roughness in all the groups. The surface agent Bifluoride, when applied, showed an increase in roughness after its application and it decreases after immersion in dye solution; the surface agent Desensibilize and the XP Bond adhesive showed greater color alteration after immersion in dye solution.Conclusions: All the groups studied, under different whitening technique, were effective in promoting whitening.

Effects of Rare Earth Metal Addition on Wear Resistance of Chromium-Molybdenum Cast Steel

Abstract This paper discusses changes in the microstructure and abrasive wear resistance of G17CrMo5-5 cast steel modified with rare earth metals (REM). The changes were assessed using scanning microscopy. The wear response was determined in the Miller test to ASTM G75. Abrasion tests were supplemented with the surface profile measurements of non-modified and modified cast steel using a Talysurf CCI optical profilometer. It was demonstrated that the modification substantially affected the microstructure of the alloy, leading to grain size reduction and changed morphology of non-metallic inclusions. The observed changes in the microstructure resulted in a three times higher impact strength (from 33 to 99 kJ/cm2) and more than two times higher resistance to cracking (from 116 to 250 MPa). The following surface parameters were computed: Sa: Arithmetic mean deviation of the surface, Sq: Root-mean-square deviation of the surface, Sp: Maximum height of the peak Sv: Maximum depth of the valley, Sz: Ten Point Average, Ssk: Asymmetry of the surface, Sku: Kurtosis of the surface. The findings also indicated that the addition of rare earth metals had a positive effect on the abrasion behaviour of G17CrMo5-5 cast steel.

Antisperm antibodies as a factor of male infertility. Relevance, modern methods of diagnosis and treatment

According to WHO statistics 40 % of childless marriage is due to factors of male infertility. One of them is the presence of antisperm antibodies in the male organism, which may be in blood serum, on the surface of spermatozoids and seminal plasma. Aim. Оn the grounds of specialized literature analysis, to show the relevance of this problem in Reproductive Medicine, to descript Basic methods of Modern treatment and diagnosis of this pathology in the body of infertile males. The most common methods of antisperm antibodies identifying are: MAR-test sample Shuvarskiy–Sims–Hyuner, Kurtsrok–Miller test, the method of latex agglutination, solid-phase immunoenzymatic blood test. Indications for antisperm antibodies determining are: modified indices, deviations in post-coital test, a negative test of sperm and cervical mucus interaction in vitro, unexplained infertility in the married couples, failure or low indices during IVF ( in vitro fertilization) and of course, the exclusion of other causes of infertility. When antisperm antibodies are detected, the strategy of treatment may be destined to reduction of their titer for further pregnancy. Such types of therapy can be used: contraceptive (long-term use contraception barrier to reduce antisperm antibodies titer in women), plasmapheresis, artificial insemination with pretreated from antisperm antibodies husband's sperm, methods of assisted reproductive technologies. Conclusoins. The formation of antisperm antibodies leads to infertility of immunological genesis (in 20 % of couples with unexplained infertility). To confirm their presence in the male body it is necessary to perform the MAR-test, Shuvarsky test, other tests and, of course, the exclusion of other causes of infertility. Men of reproductive age with an immunological factor of infertility provides for a comprehensive treatment, including elimination of all possible causative and contributing factors of infertility (infection of the male reproductive system, varicocele etc.), decreased production and removal of spermatozoa-associated antisperm antibodies and assisted reproductive technologies – intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.

Optimization of the Arc Spraying Process Parameters of the Fe–Base Mn-Si-Cr-Mo-Ni Coatings for the Best Wear Performance

In this paper, the use of Fe–base Mn-Si-Cr-Mo-Ni and Fe–base Mn-Si-Cr wires for thermal arc spraying is presented. For this purpose the mechanical and physical properties of coatings were evaluated. The quality of the coating’s was dependent on the selected equipment, spray materials, technological parameters of the spray and spray technology. The aim was to qualify and optimize the parameters for spray coating to get the best coatings properties with good tribological properties. All coatings were deposited on mild steel S235JR substrates. Two experimental cored wires of unique chemical composition – STEIN-MESYFIL 932 V and STEIN-MESYFIL 954 V – were used for thermal arc spraying. The wires of 1.6 mm diameter were used for the surfacing material. Hardness, porosity and oxide measurements were used to verify the spray parameters and analyze the coatings. Rubber wheel test, which is based on the standard ASTM G65, was used. Dry-sand, rubber-wheel procedure according ASTM G65 was used to investigate low stress abrasion, whereas for high stress abrasion investigations a rubber wheel was used. This experiment was carried out by changing the speed of disc friction, travel distance and measuring the mass loss of surface friction. Miller Test according to ASTM G75-95 Standard was carried out in experiment with friction. The samples were immersed in water with corundum and polished with 22 N load, for 8 hours. Furthermore a correlation was performed between the spraying current and voltage parameter. The coatings’ cross sections were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscopy. The influence of the composite components of the coatings’ microstructure, such as porosity, microhardness, oxide inclusions, on the tribological properties of thermal sprayed coatings is discussed in this paper. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.22.1.7339

Short Sales Constraints and IPO Pricing

It is well established that initial public offerings (IPOs) tend to experience positive first-day returns followed by underperformance, especially around the expiration of lockup agreements. Miller’s (1977) theory offers a unified explanation based on divergence of investor opinions about fundamental value combined with short-sales constraints. Our paper provides a test of Miller’s explanation by analyzing detailed data from the securities lending market. While prior research is inconclusive with respect to the importance of Miller’s theory in the IPO setting, our paper finds evidence that the combination of heterogeneous investor opinions with short-sales constraints is key to explaining aftermarket IPO pricing.

A simulation study of the Bennett test and Miller test for coefficients of variation

ABSTRACTIn the article, properties of the Bennett test and Miller test are analyzed. Assuming that the sample size is the same for each sample and considering the null hypothesis that the coefficients of variation for k populations are equal against the hypothesis that k − 1 coefficients of variation are the same but differ from the coefficient of variation for the kth population, the empirical significance level and the power of the test are studied. Moreover, the dependence of the test statistic and the power of the test on the ratio of coefficients of variation are considered. The analyses are performed on simulated data.

Textual production of children without learning difficulties

To characterize the writing skills of students, to compare the performance of students in public and private schools, and to identify enhancements in the course of the school year. Three texts (narrative, game rules description, and a note or letter) written by 160 students from public and private schools were analyzed based on a specific protocol. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. To compare the overall performance by the protocol between school grades, the Kruskal-Wallis and Miller tests were used, and to compare results as to schools (private and public), Mann-Whitney test was used. Median values of aesthetic aspects, coherence, clarity, and concision for game rules description among public school students remained one point below the top score. Students from private schools achieved the highest score at medians. When comparing schools, private institutions had students with better performances, with significant difference. As to grades, statistical difference was found between the fourth and sixth grades of public schools and between the fourth and fifth grades of private schools. Most of the private school children showed consolidation of skills assessed in the different grades. However, public school children had this consolidation only at the sixth grade. Students from private schools had better performances compared to those from public schools. There is tendency to evolution from the fourth to sixth grades in public schools. However, the overall performance is similar in all grades in private schools.