Testing Variable Research Articles

Patients With Lateral and Anterolateral Cam Morphology Have Greater Deformities Versus Typical Anterolateral Deformity Alone but No Differences in Postoperative Outcomes: A Propensity-Matched Analysis at Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up

To compare pre- and postoperative findings between patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome with lateral impingement versus those without lateral impingement METHODS: Patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome between 2012 and 2017 with minimum 5-year follow-up were included. Alpha angle (AA) was measured on preoperative anteroposterior (AP) and 90° Dunn radiographs. Patients with AA >60° on Dunn view but not AP view (no lateral impingement) were propensity matched by sex, age, and body mass index in a 1:3 ratio to patients with AA >60° on both views (lateral impingement). Demographic characteristics, radiographic and intraoperative findings, reoperation rates, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared between groups. Categorical variables were compared using the Fisher exact testing and continuous variable using 2-tailed Student t tests. Sixty patients with lateral impingement (65.0% female, age:35.3 ± 13.0 years) were matched to 180 patients without lateral impingement (65.0% female, age: 34.7 ± 12.5 years, P ≥ .279). Patients with lateral impingement had larger preoperative AAs on both Dunn (71.0° ± 8.8° vs 67.6° ± 6.1°, P=.001) and AP radiographs (79.0° ± 12.1° vs 48.2° ± 6.5°, P < .001). However, there were no differences in postoperative AAs on either view (Dunn: 39.0° ± 6.1° vs 40.5° ± 5.3°, AP: 45.8° ± 9.0° vs 44.9° ± 7.0°, P ≥ .074). Labral tears began more superiorly in patients with lateral impingement (12:00 ± 0:49 vs 12:17 ± 0:41, P= .030), and they demonstrated greater rates of acetabular and femoral cartilage damage (P= .030 for both); however, there were no differences in PROs or reoperation rates between the groups at 5-year follow-up. Although cam deformities located laterally and anterolaterally are larger than those located anterolaterally alone, both can be resected adequately, resulting in similar postoperative radiographic measurements, PROs, and survivorship. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Fair value accounting and the cost of corporate bonds: the role of auditor expertise

Purpose This study aims to examine the association between fair value accounting and the cost of corporate bonds, proxied by bond yield spread. In addition, this study explores the moderating role of auditor industry expertise at both the national and the city levels. Design/methodology/approach This study first examines the effect of the use of fair value on yield spread by estimating firm-level regression model, where fair value is the testing variable and yield spread is the dependent variable. To test the differential impact of the three levels of fair value inputs, this paper divides the fair value measures based on the three-level hierarchy, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, and replace them as the test variables in the regression model. Findings This study finds that the application of fair value accounting is generally associated with a higher bond yield spread, primarily driven by Level 3 estimates. The results also show that national-level auditor industry expertise is associated with lower bond yield spreads for Level 1 and Level 3 fair value inputs, whereas the impact of city-level auditor industry expertise on bondholders is mainly on Level 3 fair value inputs. Research limitations/implications The paper innovates by exploring the impact of fair value accounting in a setting that extends beyond financial institutions, the traditional area of focus. Moreover, most prior research considers private debt, whereas this study examines public bonds, for which investors are more likely to rely on financial reporting for their information about a firm. Finally, the study differentiates between city- and national-level industry expertise in examining the role of auditors. Practical implications This research has several practical implications. First, firms seeking to raise debt capital should consider involving auditors, with either industry expertise or fair value expertise, due to the roles that auditors play in safeguarding the reliability of fair value measures, particularly for Level 3 measurements. Second, from standard-setting and regulatory perspectives, the study’s findings that fair value accounting is associated with higher bond yield spread cast further doubt on the net benefits of applying a full fair value accounting regime. Third, PCAOB may consider enhancing guidance to auditors on Level 2 fair value inputs, to further enhance audit quality. Finally, creditors can be more cautious in interpretating accounting information based on fair value while viewing the employment of auditor experts as a positive signal. Originality/value First, the paper extends research on the role of accounting information in public debt contracting. Second, this study adds to the auditing literature about the impact of industry expertise. Finally, and more generally, this study adds to the ongoing controversy on the application of fair value accounting.

Seismic performance of precast wide beam-column connections with asymmetrical anchorage reinforcement details

This study aims to investigate the seismic performances of precast concrete (PC) wide beam-column connections under reversed cyclic loading, in which the precast beam width is 1.5 times larger than that of column. Experimental program consists of a monolithic reinforced concrete (RC) specimen and two PC specimens with unique connection details. To avoid reinforcement congestions and also to secure emulative connecting performances, the PC specimens were integrated by asymmetrically placed connecting bars anchored into the column panel zone, and their anchorage end details were chosen as a key testing variable. Detailed numerical models were developed to identify the failure mechanisms and key influencing factors of the cyclic responses of PC wide beam-column connections. It appeared that the precast wide beam-column connections with asymmetrical anchorage details can also provide the so-called emulative seismic performance as a monolithic connection. Significant effects of bond-slip behaviors of the anchorage connecting reinforcements in the joint and axial compression level of the column on the seismic performance of PC wide beam-column connections were also identified by the nonlinear numerical simulations.

Impaired SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Antibody Response in Chronic Medical Conditions: A Real-World Analysis

Impaired SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Antibody Response in Chronic Medical Conditions: A Real-World Analysis

PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS, UKURAN PERUSAHAAN, LEVERAGE, DAN PENGUNGKAPAN CSR TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN (STUDI EMPIRIS PERUSAHAAN MANUFAKTUR YANG TERDAFTAR DI BEI TAHUN 2015-2019)

The Company has short-term and long-term. In the short term the company aims to maximize current profits, while in the long term it aims to increase the value of the company itself. This research aimed to examine and analyze the effect of profitability, company size, leverage, and CSR disclosure to the value of manufacturing companies listed on the IDX in 2015-2019. While, the sampling collection technique used purposive sampling with 10 samples which fulfilled the criteria. The data analysis technique used multiple regression linear with SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions). In this research, the testing variable of profitability used Return On Asset (ROA), company size used total assets, leverage used Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), CSR used Corporate Social Disclousure Index (CSDI), and the value of the company used Tobins’Q. The research result concluded that: (1) profitability effect the value of the company, (2) company size did not effect the value of the company, (3) leverage did not effect the value of the company, (4) CSR disclosure effect the value of the company.&#x0D; Keywords: Profitability, Company Size, Leverage, CSR Disclosure, and the value of the company.

Kajian Komoditas Ekspor Unggulan pada Sektor Industri Pengolahan Jawa Timur dalam Menghadapi RCEP

This research aims to analyze the best leading commodities from the processing industry sector to face the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade agreement. The 15 leading commodities come from each sub-sector of the processing industry which is the leading variable in RCEP member trading, making it a testing variable. Variable samples are from 2015-2020. Variable analysis using data from BPS East Java, and tested using Two Way ANOVA test. The results showed a significant difference from the export index of each leading commodity as a whole as well as specific, while showing the best leading commodities in terms of international market demand RCEP countries. Research shows that the highest advantage is found in the commodity sub-sector of mineral processing (2.74), while the lowest advantage in commodities sub-sector of the textile processing industry (0.09).

An artificial intelligence model for ballistic performance of thin plates

This work presents the influence of ballistic testing variables on residual velocity of projectile and absorbed energy of aluminum 1100-H12 using design of experiments (DOE) and artificial neural network (ANN) approach. Simulations have been carried out with three process variables: Projectile nose shape, impact velocity and target thickness. Taguchi’s technique has been employed for experimental investigation. Trials were planned using an L 18 (61x33) orthogonal array with 18 combinations of testing variables was selected to assess the influence of various factors. Optimum testing variable combination was achieved by using analysis of signal to noise (S/N) ratio. Simulations were performed using Ansys Autodyn 3 D code. Simulated and experimental results were compared with each other and found well. The predictions of the ANN model, simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental data taken from literature.

Effect of Solar-Cloud-Satellite Geometry on Land Surface Shortwave Radiation Derived from Remotely Sensed Data

Clouds and their associated shadows are major obstacles to most land surface remote sensing applications. Meanwhile, solar-cloud-satellite geometry (SCSG) makes the effect of clouds and shadows on derived land surface biophysical parameters more complicated. However, in most existing studies, the SCSG effect has been frequently neglected although it is pointed out by many works that SCSG effect is a noticeable problem, especially in the field of land surface radiation budget. Taking shortwave downward radiation (SWDR) as a testing variable, this study quantified the SCSG effect on the derived SWDR, and proposed an operational scheme to correct the big effect. The results demonstrate that the proposed correcting scheme is very effective and works very well. It is revealed that a significant under- or overestimation is detected in retrieved SWDR if the SCSG effect is ignored. Typically, the induced error in SWDR can reach up to 80%. The scheme and findings of this study are expected to be inspirational for the land surface remote sensing community, wherein solar-cloud-satellite geometry is an unavoidable issue.

Thresholds of impaired cerebral hemodynamics that predict short-term cognitive decline in asymptomatic carotid stenosis

Subjects with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) may be at risk of cognitive impairment due to cerebral hypoperfusion. In this study, we aimed to detect a threshold of cerebral hemodynamics which is able to identify subjects at risk of cognitive deterioration. In subjects with ACS, cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVR) was assessed with the breath-holding index (BHI) transcranial Doppler-based method. Cognitive deterioration was defined as a decrease in the MMSE score by ≥2 points after one year. In order to define the threshold of impaired BHI, a ROC curve analysis was performed adopting the binary difference of MMSE score as the outcome and continuous BHI as the testing variable. A total of 548 subjects completed the follow-up. Cognitive deterioration was observed in 119 patients (21.7%). The BHI value ipsilateral to the stenosis was the strongest predictor of cognitive deterioration among the variables tested. The best cut-point to discriminate between normal and abnormal BHI resulted ≤0.89. The post-test probability of cognitive deterioration for an abnormal BHI was 44%, while a normal BHI showed a post-test probability of 9% for the same outcome. The present investigation provides a threshold of reduced CVR that can be useful to identify subjects with ACS at risk of cognitive deterioration.

A Novel “Single-Path” vs. “Few-Path” Test Based on Higher Order Statistics to Possibly Start-Up Coherent Combining

This paper focuses on an innovative hypothesis test for discrimination of wireless mobile channels based on higher order statistics to possibly start-up coherent combining. We have devised a new testing procedure, namely the Rakeness test, that statistically measures how much the series under investigation (amplitude samples of matched filter receiver's output) fits Rice vs. non-Rice models. This is equivalent to discriminate between the cases of a channel with one single dominant path (strong propagation), or with few dominant paths (weak propagation). Then, mathematical expressions for the bias and variance of the new testing variable are derived, by a 3-D reduced Taylor’s expansion up to the second order. The achieved results, obtained throughout theory and simulations, evidence the robustness of this innovative test. Our test can hence be used as a preliminary signal processing method to decide if simpler choices (i.e. matched filters) or cumbersome coherent combining strategies (i.e. Rake receivers) can be effectively implemented at the receiver’s side.

Detecting Model Misspecification in Inflated Beta Regressions

Beta regression models are useful for modeling data that assume values in the standard unit interval (0, 1), such as rates and proportions. These models, however, cannot be used when the data contain observations that equal zero or one (the limits of the unit interval). Ospina and Ferrari (2012) developed the class of inflated beta regressions to handle situations in which the data contain positive mass at zero and/or one. The model is quite general and contains three submodels: for the mean, for the precision, and for the probability that the variate equals zero or one (α). In this article, we propose a misspecification test for inflated beta regressions with fixed and variable dispersion. In particular, we propose two variants of the test. In the first variant, we only add testing variables to the mean submodel. The second variant follows from adding testing variables to all submodels. We perform extensive Monte Carlo simulations in order to assess the finite-sample properties of the tests (size and power), and also to gain insight on which variables should be used as testing variable and on which asymptotic testing procedure delivers the most reliable inferences. We consider a number of different misspecifications, namely: neglected nonlinearities, omitted independent variables, incorrect link functions, neglected spatial correlation, and neglected variable dispersion. Finally, an empirical illustration is presented and discussed.

Detecting Approaching Sources in Infrastructure-Less Vehicular Communications by a Simple Signal Processing Method

This work presents a new low-cost test to detect approaching sources, for possible application to inter-vehicular communications. We focus on infrastructure-less vehicular communications, where GPS and other distance vector-based networks are not employed. In fact, here we only need a cheap radio transmitter/receiver. In the proposed testing procedure, the only signs of the difference between the envelope samples of the received signal are used. The testing variable is obtained under the constant false alarm rate criterion, according to the binomial statistical distribution. The performance of the test in terms of probability of detection is evaluated versus SNR, speed, and distance between transmitter and receiver. We have evidenced the effectiveness of our solution, being independent of both the motion and propagation models. 

Letter by Guazzi et al Regarding Article, “Comprehensive Use of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Identifies Adults With Congenital Heart Disease at Increased Mortality Risk in the Medium Term”

To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Inuzuka et al1 recently published as a fundamental literature contribution on cardiopulmonary exercise testing prognostic application in the follow-up of adults with congenital heart disease. The novelty of the study, along with the wide number of patients investigated, is quite impressive. It is even more impressive that peak Vo2, the endurance cardiopulmonary exercise testing variable, came up as a prognosticator more powerful than abnormalities in ventilation that reflect the efficiency of …

The effects of environment and cyclic fatigue on the mechanical properties of an indirect composite

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the flexure strength (σ) and fracture toughness (KIC) of three indirect dental composites (dentin, body, and incisal) with respect to loading (static and cyclic), testing environments (air and water) and ageing (0 (controls) and 6 months in air and water). MethodsThe specimens were 3mm×3mm×25mm bars with the fracture toughness specimens having a 0.75mm notch machined in the midspan. Static testing utilized 15 bars and cyclic testing 25 bars for each testing variable. All bars were tested using three-point loading and the cyclic testing was for 1000 cycles using a staircase approach. ResultsFor flexure strength and fracture toughness, all specimen groups showed a decrease in mean values when exposed to cyclic loading as compared to the static loading mean and when exposed to ageing compared to the control specimens. ANOVA analysis demonstrated that dentin specimens had higher flexure strength and fracture toughness means than incisal and body specimens and that control and water specimens had higher flexure strength and fracture toughness means than aged and air specimens. ConclusionsDegradation of these materials, as a result of cyclic loading and ageing in an aqueous environment, appears to be influenced by more than just the processing of the composite.

The Effect of the Horticultural Activities Program on Loneliness and Life Satisfaction of the Disabled Female

Purpose: The research was done to investigate the effect of a horticultural activities program on loneliness and life satisfaction of women who have a disability. Methods: Participants were 50 disabled women from a welfare center of G district of G city. Data were collected from August 18 to October 20, 2010. The program was provided for 8 weeks. The tool for life satisfaction was Choi’s scale (1986) and loneliness was measured with the UCLA Loneliness Scale developed by Russell and translated by Kim & Kim (1989). Data were analyzed using frequency, t-test, and paired t-test with SPSS/WIN 16.0. Results: As a result of the horticultural activities program, the first hypothesis was supported by significantly decreasing of loneliness in the experimental group than in the control one (t=-3.27, p =.002). The second hypothesis was verified by testing variable which was life satisfaction (t=3.39, p =.001). Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that this kind of program is effective in decreasing loneliness of women with a disability and in improving their life satisfaction. Horticultural activities programs can be unique interventions leading to a satisfactory life for disabled women.

Experimental Study on the Axial Behavior of Ylrc Composite Columns

A new type of composite column consisting of y-shape steel sheets and L-shape steel angles with concrete being poured into the external surface of steel has recently been developed and used in real construction projects. This yLRC (Reinforced Concrete with y-shape steel sheets and L-shape steel angles) composite column aims at alleviating the restrictions founded in composite members, being applied in construction practice with more pliability. The yLRC composite column is expected to provide good sectional capacity due to the composite action of steel and concrete and reduce the construction times considerably because of the elimination of form-work and rebar placing work. Experimental tests on the axial behavior of yLRC composite columns were conducted as a basic study on the practical use. A total of six test specimens were prepared with testing variable of the width-thickness ratio of the Lshape steel angle. To investigate the axial behavior, the specimens were tested under concentric axial loading, and the peak load and failure mode were analyzed based on the test results.

Determining the Preferred Percent-Predicted Equation for Peak Oxygen Consumption in Patients With Heart Failure

Peak oxygen consumption (Vo(2)) is routinely assessed in patients with heart failure undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the prognostic ability of several established peak Vo(2) prediction equations in a large heart failure cohort. One thousand one hundred sixty-five subjects (70% males; age, 57.0+/-13.8 years; ischemic etiology, 43%) diagnosed with heart failure underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Percent-predicted peak Vo(2) was calculated according to normative values proposed by Wasserman and Hansen (equation), Jones et al (equation), the Cooper Clinic (below low fitness threshold), a Veteran's Administration male referral data set (4 equations), and the St James Take Heart Project for women (equation). The prognostic significance of percent-predicted Vo(2) values derived from the 2 latter, sex-specific equations were assessed collectively. There were 179 major cardiac events (117 deaths, 44 heart transplantations, and 18 left ventricular assist device implantations) during the 2-year tracking period (annual event rate, 10%). Measured peak Vo(2) and all percent-predicted peak Vo(2) calculations were significant univariate predictors of adverse events (chi(2)> or =31.9, P<0.001) and added prognostic value to ventilatory efficiency (VE/Vco(2) slope), the strongest cardiopulmonary exercise testing predictor of adverse events (chi(2)=150.7, P<0.001), in a multivariate regression. The Wasserman/Hansen prediction equation provided optimal prognostic information. Actual peak Vo(2) and the percent-predicted models included in this analysis all were significant predictors of adverse events. It seems that the percent-predicted peak Vo(2) value derived from the Wasserman/Hansen equations may outperform other expressions of this cardiopulmonary exercise testing variable.

Discontinuity-capturing finite element computation of unsteady flow with adaptive unstructured mesh

A discontinuity-capturing scheme of finite element method (FEM) is proposed. The unstructured-grid technique combined with a new type of adaptive mesh approach is developed for both compressible and incompressible unsteady flows, which exhibits the capability of capturing the shock waves and/or thin shear layers accurately in an unsteady viscous flow at high Reynolds number. In particular, a new testing variable, i.e., the disturbed kinetic energyE, is suggested and used in the adaptive mesh computation, which is universally applicable to the capturing of both shock waves and shear layers in the inviscid flow and viscous flow at high Reynolds number. Based on several calculated examples, this approach has been proved to be effective and efficient for the calculations of compressible and incompressible flows.

A "rayleigh-ness" test for DS/SS code acquisition

Testing for statistical distribution has received increasing attention in signal processing for communications. Noncoherent receivers, based on correlation magnitude, are employed when the actual carrier phase of the received samples is unknown. This paper presents a new test, based on high-order statistics, to decide whether a real positive white series is a realization of a Rayleigh-distributed random process. Such a "Rayleigh-ness" test is based on a testing variable that measures the "Ricianity" of the series under investigation. That is, it estimates the possible presence of the mean of the complex Gaussian model generating both Rayleigh and Rice distributions. The asymptotic testing statistics have been derived as explicit functions of the higher order moments of the noise-plus-interference distribution. The performance of the Rayleigh-ness test has been analyzed in comparison with a conventional power detector. The devised test has application to noncoherent initial synchronization of the chip offset (code acquisition) in a symbol-length spreading sequence of direct-sequence code-division multiple-access systems. In such a case, the noise-plus-interference variance under the out-of-sync condition is much larger than the effective variance in the in-sync case. The obtained results evidence the robustness of the Rayleighness test, avoiding the severe performance degradation in the presence of large Gaussian and non-Gaussian noise, as well as multiuser interference in a downlink scenario.

Homogeneity of 20th century European daily temperature and precipitation series

AbstractDaily European station series (1901–99) of surface air temperature and precipitation from the European Climate Assessment dataset are statistically tested with respect to homogeneity. A two‐step approach is followed. First, four homogeneity tests are applied to evaluate the daily series. The testing variables used are (1) the annual mean of the diurnal temperature range, (2) the annual mean of the absolute day‐to‐day differences of the diurnal temperature range and (3) the wet day count (threshold 1 mm). Second, the results of the different tests are condensed into three classes: ‘useful’, ‘doubtful’ and ‘suspect’. A qualitative interpretation of this classification is given, as well as recommendations for the use of these labelled series in trend analysis and variability analysis of weather extremes. In the period 1901–99, 94% of the temperature series and 25% of the precipitation series are labelled ‘doubtful’ or ‘suspect’. In the sub‐period 1946–99, 61% of the temperature series and 13% of the precipitation series are assigned to these classes. The seemingly favourable scores for precipitation can be attributed to the high standard deviation of the testing variable, and hence the inherent restricted possibilities for detecting inhomogeneities. About 65% of the statistically detected inhomogeneities in the temperature series labelled ‘doubtful’ or ‘suspect’ in the period 1946–99 can be attributed to observational changes that are documented in the metadata. For precipitation this percentage is 90%. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society