Two-step Test Research Articles

VMD-IARIMA-Based Time-Series Forecasting Model and its Application in Dissolved Gas Analysis

Time-series prediction technology plays a significant role in evaluating the health status of power transformers and forecasting inchoate operation failure. This study presents a variational mode decomposition (VMD) model with the application of autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) to develop a prediction technology for the dissolved gas analysis (DGA) time series. In addition, the two-step stationary test method regulates the nonstationary of the time series. The VMD decomposes the DGA time series into subcomponents to reduce the nonstationary, where the boost marine predators algorithm (BMPA) optimizes the parameters <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${K}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\alpha $ </tex-math></inline-formula> of the VMD to retain the useful information of the original signal. The ARIMA predicts the future result for each subcomponent, and the ARIMA parameter is optimized by the BMPA for optimal solutions of the Bayesian information criterion (BIC). The performance of the proposed approach is measured by predicting the health status of the diurnal new values of the DGA of a power transformer. The experiment result shows that the proposed model exhibits high efficacy in predicting the DGA time series and obtains the health status of the power transformer.

Be careful what you ask for: The European Court of Justice's EAW jurisprudence meets the Catalan secession crisis and the European rule of law crisis in Puig Gordi and others, C-158/21, EU:C:2023:57

Puig Gordi and others, a consequence of the Europeanization of the Catalan secession crisis, is another case in the constant evolution of the Court of Justice of the European Union's (CJEU) case law on the European Arrest Warrant (EAW). To this judicial cooperation mechanism of an automatic nature, the CJEU has gradually incorporated the evaluation of fundamental rights as an integral part of its nature. This incorporation has been needed even more in the context of the rule of law crisis. In the particular case, the CJEU guides the application of the two-step test only on the possible violation of the fundamental right to a court established by law but does not express guidelines regarding other possible violations. Problems in the drawing of the preliminary reference explains the CJEU's lack of a complete answer, which may create uncertainty for the parties involved as to how the EAW should be executed in the particular case.

Influence of machining gap on both sides of blade in vibration-assisted pulsed electrochemical machining

The blades are important parts of any aeroengine, so the processing and manufacturing technology associated with blades has always been a high priority in aeroengine manufacturing. The electrochemical machining (ECM) of blades has become increasingly popular because there is no need to consider the strength, toughness, and hardness of the processing materials. Traditional ECM suffers from low dimensional accuracy and poor surface roughness. Thus, a low-frequency vibration of cathode tool is introduced to enhance bubble removal and electrolyte renewal. Due to the deformation of blade in ECM, the machining accuracy will be greatly reduced. This paper investigates the influence of gap difference which has been caused by electrolyte pressure and tool vibration on the deformation of the blade. The research results show that the deformation of blade increases with the increase of gap difference between cathode and blade. To restrain gap difference, a two-step processing test is conducted when blades were machined. It not only improves the processing efficiency, but also ensures the machining accuracy. The experimental results show that the total profile error of the blades is about 0.05 mm and the surface roughness is less than 0.13 µm when the final gap difference is 0 mm, signifying high profile accuracy and surface quality.

Association between poor sleep quality and locomotive syndrome in middle-aged and older women: A community-based, cross-sectional study.

Poor sleep quality, such as nocturnal arousal and sleep inefficiency, is associated with frailty and sarcopenia. Herein, we evaluated the relationship between poor sleep quality and locomotive syndrome (LS), a motor organ dysfunction common among community-dwelling middle-aged and older women. Participants comprised 2246 Japanese middle-aged and older women. LS was classified into stages LS-1, LS-2, and LS-3 (from least to most severe) according to the results of the stand-up test, two-step test, and 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores were significantly higher in the LS group than that in the non-LS group (P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders identified poor sleep quality as an independent factor of LS (odds ratio 1.59 [95% confidence interval 1.30-1.93], P < .001). Similar results were observed in the sensitivity analysis in postmenopausal women. LS and trouble sleeping because of pain showed stepwise association in all LS stages. Poor sleep quality was independently associated with LS among community-dwelling middle-aged and older women. As the stage of LS progressed, the proportion of women with poor sleep quality increased significantly.

Effects of a 14-week community health program of exercise and learning/education in older adults: A single-arm pre-post comparison study

This study was initiated in 2022 in Miyaki Town, Saga Prefecture, Japan, to determine the impact of an intervention that combined brain and physical function training and health education in older residents. Miyaki has a population of approximately 26,000, 35% of whom are considered to be aging. A 14-week program consisting of strength training, brain function training, and health lectures was conducted with 34 older residents of the community. Body composition, motor function, brain function, and various blood tests were evaluated before and after the intervention. Brain function was assessed using the Trail Making Test-A. Physical function was assessed by Open-Close Stepping, Functional Reach Test, Open-Leg Standing Time, and Two-Step Test. The intervention group showed significant improvements in brain function (p< 0.0001), physical function (p = 0.0037), body composition (p = 0.0053), and LDL-C (p = 0.017). This study provides substantial evidence that community-based combined programs can be beneficial for older adults.

Locomotion training addition to regular aerobic exercise improves walking speed and two-step test of the institutionalized older adult with Locomotive Syndrome stage 1: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Most nursing homes in Indonesia use only aerobic exercise as regular exercise for their resident. Locomotion Training is a combination of lower extremity strengthening and balance exercises. This study aims to determine the effects of the addition of locomotion training to regular aerobic exercise on Walking Speed (WS) and Two Step Test (TST) of institutionalized older adults with the locomotive syndrome (LS) stage 1. Methods: 24 older adults with locomotive syndrome stage 1 (mean age, 73.85 years) participated in the study and were randomly allocated to the Locomotion Training addition group (LTG) and control group (CG). Eight weeks of daily group-based aerobic exercise were conducted for 30 minutes for both groups. The LTG performed additional locomotion training 3 times per week, with a progressive increase of set and repetition at each activity according to the participant's tolerance. The measurement of WS and TST was collected at baseline and 3 days after the intervention was completed for each participant. Results: Twenty participants completed the study, ten from CG and ten from LTG. The results showed a significant statistical difference in WS and TST in LTG (p &lt;0.05) but no improvement in the CG (p &gt;0.05) after 8 weeks of intervention. Conclusion: In addition to regular aerobic exercise, Locomotion Training can improve WS and TST in the institutionalized older adult with locomotive syndrome stage 1.

Relationship between Locomotive Syndrome and Musculoskeletal Pain and Generalized Joint Laxity in Young Chinese Adults

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of locomotive syndrome (LS) and to examine the relationship of LS with musculoskeletal symptoms (pain, generalized joint laxity (GJL)) in young Chinese adults. Our study population (n = 157; mean age of 19.8 ± 1.2 years) comprises college student residents at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Three screening methods were used to evaluate LS: 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25), a two-step test, and a stand-up test. Musculoskeletal pain was assessed by self-report and visual analog scale (VAS), and joint body laxity was evaluated using the GJL test. The prevalence of LS was 21.7% of all participants. Musculoskeletal pain affected 77.8% of the college students with LS and was strongly associated with LS. A total of 55.0% of college students with LS had four or more site joints that were positive for GJL, and higher scores of GJL were associated with a higher prevalence rate of LS. Young Chinese college students have a relatively high prevalence of LS, and musculoskeletal pain and GJL were significantly related to LS. The present results suggest that we need early screening of musculoskeletal symptoms and LS health education in young adults to prevent the mobility limitations of LS in the future.

The Possibilities of Anti-Colonial Constitutionalism – Commentary on State of West Bengal v. Anwar Ali Sarkar and others AIR 1952 SC 75

The case of Anwar Ali Sarkar has been a founding precedent for equality jurisprudence in India and elsewhere. The case is most cited for the two-step reasonable classification test. Yet over the years, it has become increasingly clear that there are limitations to the test as a doctrinal framework to adjudicate equality. This article is a comment on Tarunabh Khaitan’s accompanying rewritten judgment on Anwar Ali Sarkar, which seeks to offer a more robust doctrine of equality grounded in the anti-colonial character of the Indian Constitution. In this piece, I locate the original judgment in its historical and socio-political context to understand the possibilities of building an anti-colonial jurisprudence of equality for and of the Indian Constitution, and to evaluate the differences between the original and rewritten judgments. I argue that the rewritten judgment offers a more robust defence of equality, in line with strands of anti-colonial ideas that shaped the framing of the Indian Constitution, as well as offering a restrained method for judicial interpretation that acknowledges historical context while centering the interpretation of law and rules.

Role of increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and vitronectin in gestational diabetes mellitus.

The aim of this study was to analyze the second-trimester levels of vitronectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in gestational diabetes mellitus. This study was conducted between September 2020 and December 2020 at the University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Research and Training Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. A total of 30 pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and 60 healthy controls between 24 and 27/6 weeks of gestation were included. The inclusion criteria were as follows: being between 18 and 45 years old and 24-27/6 gestational weeks, having singleton pregnancy, diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus by using a two-step challenge test. The exclusion criteria of this study were as follows: chronic inflammatory or infectious disease, fasting blood glucose>126 mg/dL, intolerance to glucose tolerance testing, abnormal liver or kidney function tests, as well as pregnancy with pre-gestational diabetes history of adverse perinatal outcomes. Serum vitronectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Vitronectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels were higher in the gestational diabetes mellitus group compared with controls [91.85 (23.08) vs. 80.10 (39.18) ng/mL, for vitronectin and 6.50 (1.05) vs. 4.35(1.0) ng/mL, for plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (for both p<0.001)]. vitronectin >84.7 ng/mL was found to predict gestational diabetes mellitus with a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 63.3%. Moreover, vitronectin had a significant positive correlation with fasting blood glucose (r=0.476, p<0.001), postprandial blood glucose (r=0.489, p<0.001), HbA1c (r=0.713, p<0.001), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (r=0.586, p<0.001). This study revealed that second-trimester vitronectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 are increased in gestational diabetes mellitus and vitronectin could be a candidate for the prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus.

The Empirical Study of Interest Rate Pass-Through in Cambodia: An Error Correction Model

ABSTRACT The error correction model was used to explore the influence of domestic and international interest rates, proxied by the 6-Month and 1-Year SIBOR, on the borrowing interest rate of bank. The primary goal of this study was to determine the pass through from the predicted borrowing rate to the lending rate. The empirical findings of this study confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship between the borrowing rate and its explanatory variables, as evidenced by the two-step co-integration test. Domestic and foreign interest rates have a substantial long-run influence on the borrowing rate. Short-term borrowing rate changes were also impacted by changes in market interest rates and SIBOR rates. The predicted borrowing rate from co-integration equation had a positive significant impact on the lending rate claimed that there had a pass through from foreign to domestic lending rate. Keywords: ECM, Interest rate pass through, Borrowing rate, Market Rate, SIBOR.

Physical Function of Japanese Preadolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Children's exercise habits have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the physical function and physical activity of preadolescent children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study compared time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), grip strength, single-leg standing time, and two-step tests of healthy children aged 10 to 12 years, enrolled from January 2018 to January 2020 (pre-COVID-19 group, n = 177) and from January 2021 to September 2022 (during-COVID-19 group, n = 69). The during-COVID-19 group had weaker grip strength (median: 14.4 vs. 15.8 kg; p = 0.012), worse performance on the two-step test (mean: 1.56 vs. 1.60; p = 0.013), and less MVPA (median: 4 vs. 7 h per week; p = 0.004). Logistic regression showed that the during-COVID-19 group was significantly related to weaker grip strength (odds ratio: 0.904, 95% CI: 0.829-0.986; p = 0.022) and worse performance in the two-step test (odds ratio: 0.976, 95% CI: 0.955-0.997; p = 0.028). The COVID-19 pandemic decreased exercise opportunities for preadolescent children, which may have had a negative impact on muscle strength and balance. It is essential to increase the amount of MVPA among preadolescent children.

Association between locomotive syndrome and fall risk in the elderly individuals in Japan: The Yakumo study

BackgroundPatients with locomotive syndrome (LS) are poor ambulatory status and a high risk of requiring nursing care. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between LS and fall risk among community-dwelling elderly individuals. MethodsThe subjects were Japanese elderly individuals aged 65 and over who participated in Yakumo study 2019 (N = 189). We defined the fall risk index 5 items version (FRI-5) ≥6 points as the fall risk group. LS was evaluated by stand-up test, two-step test, and 25-Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25). We divided the subjects into two groups according to the presence or absence of fall risk, and investigated factors associated with fall risk. ResultsThe fall risk group (30 patients, 15.9%) had higher GLSF-25 (P = 0.001). The results of logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and knee osteoarthritis revealed that GLFS-25 (OR: 1.052; 95%CI: 1.009–1.097) was independent factor associated with fall risk. In the ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off value of the GLFS-25 to predict fall risk was 12, which is equivalent to LS stage 1 (AUC 0.688; 95% CI: 0.588–0.787; sensitivity: 0.467, specificity: 0.836). ConclusionsGLFS-25 was associated with fall risk among community-dwelling elderly individuals aged 65 and over.

Exercise oxygen desaturation is a predictor of cardiopulmonary complications after lung resection

BackgroundTo investigate whether oxygen desaturation during low technology tests was associated with complications after lung resection.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1097 candidates for pulmonary resection; seven metabolic equivalents...

Association between Sedentary Time and Falls among Middle-Aged Women in Japan.

There are many reports on the risk of falls in older adults but none regarding the risk among middle-aged people. We aimed to determine fall risk factors among middle-aged women. The participants comprised 1421 women aged 40 to 64 years; anthropometric and other measurements were obtained, and lifestyle factors were examined using a self-administered questionnaire. The participants were categorized into two groups (No-fall and Fall/Almost-fall) based on their questionnaire responses. The No-fall and Fall/Almost-fall groups comprised 1114 and 307 participants, respectively. Body mass index, abdominal circumference measurements, and prevalence of dyslipidemia were significantly higher in the Fall/Almost-fall group. Additionally, those in the Fall/Almost-fall group had a shorter two-step test, experienced difficulty performing the 40 cm single-leg sit-to-stand test, and had higher 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) scores than those in the No-fall group. The results of the adjusted logistic regression analysis indicated that physical activity, higher GLFS-25 scores, and sedentary time of more than seven hours were all risk factors for falling or almost falling. Longer sedentary time is a new risk factor for falls among middle-aged women. It is necessary for people to be concerned with their sedentary behavior, such as by reducing or interrupting continuous sedentary time.

Abstract 14129: The Association of Sarcopenic Obesity and Increased Arterial Stiffness

Introduction: Both sarcopenia and obesity have been regarded as risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, inconsistent results of the association between sarcopenic obesity (SO) and risk of CVD have been reported. Also, no studies evaluated the association of SO and arterial stiffness, a marker of CVD. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association of SO and arterial stiffness. Hypothesis: We hypothesized SO is associated with increased arterial stiffness. Methods: Japanese Subjects above 50 years old who underwent annual health-checkup were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Subjects with history of CVD and dementia were excluded. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Obesity was defined as visceral fat over 100 cm2 evaluated by abdominal computed tomography. We evaluated sarcopenia by screening locomotive syndrome assessed by the questionnaires (GLFS-25) and physical performance tests consisted of those for a two-step test and a stand-up test according to the guidance of the Japanese Orthopedic Association. We defined SO as a combination of obesity and sarcopenia. The associations of SO, obesity, sarcopenia and baPWV were assessed by multivariable linear regression analysis adjusted for conventional CVD risk factors. Results: We categorized total 137 subjects (mean age: 59±6 years) into four groups; subjects with SO (N=28), only sarcopenia (N=37), only obesity (N=2), and none of them (N=43). BaPWV in subjects with SO was highest compared to other three groups (Figure, p=0.048). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that SO, sarcopenia, obesity, were gradually associated with increased arterial stiffness independent of CVD risk factors including lipid and glucose metabolism. (β=48±20, p=0.01). Conclusion: SO was associated with increased arterial stiffness independent of conventional CVD risk factors. Further research on SO and CVD is warranted.

Is the two-step test set out in LM and L and P English Supreme Court’s best option in post-Brexit Britain for EAW requests made by States with structural deficiencies?

This article briefly introduces the European arrest warrant (‘EAW’) system, analysing the context in which it develops and how this procedure interacts with both the intricate post-Brexit universe and the current instability of the Polish judiciary. Paragraph 2 assesses the relevant case law of the European Court of Justice (‘CJEU’) in cases of EAW requested by States with generalised deficiencies and asserts that the legal approach developed in LM and L and P proves correct in the abstract. Though it argues that the safeguarding mechanisms set out in the EAW Framework Decision can be paralysed by instruments that are ontologically political in nature, it thus proposes a new legal approach that consists of a three-step test which would effectively guarantee the protection of fundamental rights. The article concludes by arguing that if English Courts were to follow this new approach, departing from LM and L and P, they would effectively implement the protection of fundamental rights in EAW procedures.

Investigation of dense fine speckled pattern and anti-dense fine speckled 70 antibody by a single step assay

The indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) method is the gold standard for identifying anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs). It is recommended that ANA, including the dense fine speckled (DFS) pattern, should be verified with a highly specific confirmatory test after a sensitive screening test. Although methods such as ELISA and LIA are often used to confirm the presence of anti-DFS70 antibodies, new IIF methods have been developed in recent years to prevent the difficulties in the recognition of the DFS pattern and to carry out the confirmatory test in a single step. In this study, we evaluated CytoBead (Generic Assays, Germany) test, which contained both HEp-2 cell substrate and beads coated with DFS70 antigen in one well, in comparison to the routine two-step test strategy. Five hundred forty-one samples were studied by conventional IIF assay, LIA, and CytoBead assay; 264 samples were studied by ELISA. The Bead component of the CytoBead test was found to be reliable as a confirmational test when compared with ELISA and LIA (total agreement values were 85.6% and 87.6%, respectively). The CytoBead ANA DFS70 might be a promising test in the future, allowing both screening and confirmation in a single step, saving time and being easier than two-step testing.

Feasibility and applicability of locomotive syndrome risk test in elderly patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty.

The concept of locomotive syndrome (LS) and its evaluation method, the LS risk test, have been applied in an integrated manner to capture the decline in mobility resulting from musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the elderly with knee osteoarthritis, a common disorder found in LS. A total of 111 patients were registered prior to TKA and postoperatively followed up for 1 year. Three components of the LS risk test (the two-step test, stand-up test, and geriatric locomotive function scale-25) were assessed pre- and postoperatively. After surgery, all three components of the test showed significant improvements from the baseline. The ratio of stage 3 LS patients (progressed stage of decrease in mobility) reduced from 82.3% to 33.9% postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the degree of change in the scores between the younger (60-74 years) and older (≥75 years) age groups. We found that TKA has a major impact in preventing the progression of LS in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The LS risk test is a feasible tool for longitudinal evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal diseases of varying severity and with multiple symptoms.

Prevalence and Seasonality of Clostridiodes difficile over 12Years at a Tertiary Hospital in Brazil.

Clostridioides difficile is the main pathogen responsible for antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults. Besides its challenging diagnosis, C. difficile infection (CDI) causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Commercially, there are assays with different targets and performances in sensitivity and specificity. The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the prevalence and seasonal variability of CDI rates at a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil over 12years and (2) determine the impact of using a two-step algorithm test in the laboratory diagnosis. Between January 2007 and May 2019, fecal samples from 2275 patients were analyzed in a cross-sectional study. Four commercial tests were adopted for the diagnosis of CDI, the immunochromatographic test for toxin A from 2007 to 2010; the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method for toxins A and B from 2011 to March 2017; and the rapid enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for GDH and toxins A and B, associated with a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the toxin B gene from June 2017 to 2019. The annual prevalence was 8.7% from 2007 to March 2017, increasing between June 2017 and 2019 to 14.7% when the C. diff Quik Chek Complete + GeneXpert C. difficile (two-step algorithm) test was adopted. The number of samples (691) and percentage of CDI cases (10.5%) were higher in winter, but the difference has no statistical significance (P > 0.05). An accurate diagnosis and adequate knowledge of the local seasonality of CDI allow the effective implementation of prevention and control strategies for nosocomial CDI, in addition to effective treatment for patients.

Bone mineral density, limb muscle mass, muscle strength, and exercise capacity are reduced in female patients with distal radius fractures when the unaffected side grip strength is less than 18 kg

BackgroundPrevention of domino effects after distal radius fractures is important for improving life expectancy. Fragility fractures secondary to falls are associated with decreased bone mineral density, muscle strength, and exercise capacity. Grip strength is one of the simplest and most useful tests to comprehensively judge muscle strength. The purpose of this study was to examine whether grip strength is associated with bone mineral density, limb muscle mass, muscle strength, and exercise capacity, by comparing patient backgrounds based on the presence or absence of grip weakness in female patients with distal radius fractures. MethodsThis study included women with distal radius fractures who visited our orthopedics outpatient department between April 2015 and April 2020. Bone mineral density, limb muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass index, muscle strength (grip strength on unaffected side and quadriceps muscle strength), the Timed Up and Go test, and the Two-Step test were evaluated six to eight weeks after injury. Patients were divided into two groups according to the cutoff value of grip strength (18–21 kg), and 90 age-adjusted and matched participants were compared and examined. ResultsAt the cutoff value of 18 kg, a significant decrease in lumbar spine and total proximal femur bone mineral density (p < 0.05, p < 0.05), limb muscle mass and skeletal muscle mass index (p < 0.01, p < 0.05), quadriceps femoris muscle strength (p < 0.01), the Timed Up and Go test (p < 0.05), and the Two-Step test (p < 0.01), was observed in the grip-weakness group compared to that in the no-grip-weakness group. ConclusionsIn women with distal radius fracture and grip strength <18 kg on the unaffected side, bone mineral density, limb muscle mass, quadriceps femoris strength, and exercise capacity may be reduced. These results suggest reduced grip strength may be an indicator for further testing to prevent domino effects.