Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Training and support to improve ICD coding quality: A controlled before-and-after impact evaluation.

BACKGROUND The proposed National Health Insurance policy for South Africa (SA) requires hospitals to maintain high-quality International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for patient records. While considerable strides had been made to improve ICD coding coverage by digitising the discharge process in the Western Cape Province, further intervention was required to improve data quality. The aim of this controlled before-and-after study was to evaluate the impact of a clinician training and support initiative to improve ICD coding quality. OBJECTIVE To compare ICD coding quality between two central hospitals in the Western Cape before and after the implementation of a training and support initiative for clinicians at one of the sites. METHODS The difference in differences in data quality between the intervention site and the control site was calculated. Multiple logistic regression was also used to determine the odds of data quality improvement after the intervention and to adjust for potential differences between the groups. RESULTS The intervention had a positive impact of 38.0% on ICD coding completeness over and above changes that occurred at the control site. Relative to the baseline, patient records at the intervention site had a 6.6 (95% confidence interval 3.5 - 16.2) adjusted odds ratio of having a complete set of ICD codes for an admission episode after the introduction of the training and support package. The findings on impact on ICD coding accuracy were not significant. CONCLUSION There is sufficient pragmatic evidence that a training and support package will have a considerable positive impact on ICD coding completeness in the SA setting.
ICFHR 2012 Competition on Handwritten Document Image Binarization (H-DIBCO 2012)

H-DIBCO 2012 is the International Document Image Binarization Competition which is dedicated to handwritten document images organized in conjunction with ICFHR 2012 conference. The objective of the contest is to identify current advances in handwritten document image binarization using meaningful evaluation performance measures. This paper reports on the contest details including the evaluation measures used as well as the performance of the 24 submitted methods along with a short description of each method.
Transition Dynamics in Vintage Capital Models: Explaining the Postwar Catch-Up of Germany and Japan

We consider a neoclassical interpretation of Germany and Japan's rapid postwar growth that relies on a catch-up mechanism through capital accumulation where technology is embodied in new capital goods. Using a putty-clay model of production and investment, we are able to capture many of the key empirical properties of Germany and Japan's postwar transitions, including persistently high but declining rates of labor and total-factor productivity growth, a U-shaped response of the capital-output ratio, rising rates of investment and employment, and moderate rates of return to capital.
The Immune Response to BCG Vaccination of Newborns

Abstract: The aim of this study is to identify immune correlates of protection against tuberculosis induced by the current vaccine, Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG). This knowledge should be valuable for developing and testing novel tuberculosis vaccines. Blood from 5675 10‐week‐old South African infants, routinely vaccinated with BCG at birth, was collected, processed, and stored. Subsequently, infants who have developed tuberculosis disease—“not protected by the vaccine”—and infants who have remained healthy despite exposure to adults with tuberculosis—“protected by the vaccine”—have been identified. Recall immune responses to mycobacterial antigens in whole blood samples from the infants have been elicited; the next step will be to retrieve stored blood of “unprotected” and “protected” infants and compare immunity induced by BCG in the two groups. To guide the immune analysis, various pilot studies are being conducted to characterize the vaccination‐induced host response. Preliminary results indicate that BCG does indeed induce a potent CD8 T‐cell response, with cytokine‐producing or cytotoxic potential, in infants. An induction of FoxP3 mRNA expression in some mycobacteria‐stimulated whole‐blood samples is also being found, which suggests the presence of BCG‐induced regulatory CD4 T cells. Finally, stimulation of whole blood with mycobacterial antigens has resulted in a consistent pattern of cytokine release: significant numbers of infants make either large amounts of the effector cytokine interferon‐γ, or large amounts of the regulatory cytokine interleukin‐10, but not both. Tests will, therefore, be made to determine whether CD8 or regulatory CD4 T‐cell responses, as well as “outlier” cytokine responses, are associated with vaccination‐induced protection against tuberculosis.
Calcification Characteristics of Low-Flow Low-Gradient Severe Aortic Stenosis in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Low-flow low-gradient severe aortic stenosis (LFLGAS) is associated with worse outcomes. Aortic valve calcification patterns of LFLGAS as compared to non-LFLGAS have not yet been thoroughly assessed. 137 patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with preprocedural multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and postprocedural transthoracic echocardiography were enrolled. Calcification characteristics were assessed by MDCT both for the total aortic valve and separately for each leaflet. 34 patients had LFLGAS and 103 non-LFLGAS. Total aortic valve calcification volume (p < 0.001), mass (p < 0.001), and density (p = 0.004) were lower in LFLGAS as compared to non-LFLGAS patients. At 30-day follow-up, mean transaortic pressure gradients and more than mild paravalvular regurgitation did not differ between groups. In conclusion, LFLGAS and non-LFLGAS express different calcification patterns which, however, did not impact on device success after TAVR.
Complementarity of Interpersonal Behaviors in Dyadic Interactions

An important assumption of interpersonal theory is that during social interactions the behavior of one person tends to invite com-plementary behavior from the other person. Past research examining complementarity has usually used either confederates or fictitious interaction partners in their designs and has produced inconsistent results. The current study used observational ratings of behaviors of 158 participants as they interacted with partners across three different dyadic social situations. Randomization tests of hypothesized order relations found that the behaviors exhibited during these interactions tended to occur in a circular pattern predicted by the interpersonal circumplex. These tests also indicated support for Leary's (1957) orientation of the control and affiliation dimensions of the interpersonal circumplex and Carson's (1969) notion that dominant behavior induces submissive responses and friendly behavior encourages friendly responses.
Accuracy of a proposed implant impression technique using abutments and metal framework

PURPOSE This study compared the accuracy of an abutment-framework (A-F) taken with open tray impression technique combining cementon crown abutments, a metal framework and resin cement to closed tray and resin-splinted open tray impression techniques for the 3-implant definitive casts. The effect of angulation on the accuracy of these 3 techniques was also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three definitive casts, each with 3 linearly positioned implant analogs at relative angulations 0, 30, and 40 degrees, were fabricated with passively fitted corresponding reference frameworks. Ten impressions were made and poured, using each of the 3 techniques on each of the 3 definitive casts. To record the vertical gap between reference frameworks and analogs in duplicate casts, a light microscope with image processing was used. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test. RESULTS The open tray techniques showed significantly smaller vertical gaps compare to closed tray technique (P < .05). The closed tray and the resin-splinted open tray technique showed significantly different vertical gaps according to the angulation of implant (P < .05), but the A-F impression technique did not (P > .05). CONCLUSION The accuracy of the A-F impression technique was superior to that of conventional techniques, and was not affected by the angulation of the implants.
Efflux of Cellular Cholesterol and Phospholipid to Apolipoprotein A-I Mutants*

Human plasma apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and recombinant full-length proapoA-I (apoA-I-(−6-243)) as well as four truncated forms of proapoA-I were used as acceptors to study cholesterol and phospholipid efflux from HepG2 cells. Efflux of both cholesterol and phospholipid to the lipid-free plasma apoA-I was twice that of apoA-I-(−6-243). When apoA-I was incorporated into reconstituted high density lipoprotein, cholesterol efflux increased, phospholipid efflux decreased and the difference between plasma apoA-I and apoA-I-(−6-243) disappeared. Truncation of recombinant apoA-I to residues 222 (apoA-I-(−6-222)) and 210 (apoA-I-(−6-210)) resulted in a 70-95% decrease in their ability to promote the efflux of both intracellular and plasma membrane cholesterol. Further truncation to residues 150 (apoA-I-(−6-150)) and 135 (apoA-I-(−6-135)) fully restored the ability of apoA-I to promote cholesterol efflux. Phospholipid efflux closely paralleled the efflux of cholesterol. Interaction of 125I-labeled apoA-I with the cells was similar for apoA-I-(−6-243), apoA-I-(−6-222), and apoA-I-(−6-210), but slightly higher for apoA-I-(−6-150) and apoA-I-(−6-135). When complexed with phospholipid, all forms except apoA-I-(−6-210) formed discoidal reconstituted high density lipoprotein particles. When the same amounts of free or lipid-associated apoA-I were compared, association of apoA-I with phospholipid increased cholesterol efflux and decreased phospholipid efflux, and the difference in the ability of different mutants to promote cholesterol and phospholipid efflux disappeared. We conclude that the capacity of lipid-free apoA-I to promote cholesterol efflux is related to its ability to mobilize cellular phospholipid, which apparently involves a region around residues 222-243. A second lipid-binding region is exposed when the carboxyl-terminal half of apoA-I is absent.
Tactile Sensing From Laser-Ablated Metallized PET Films

This paper reports the design, fabrication, and implementation of a novel sensor patch developed from commercial polyethylene terephthalate films metallized with aluminum on one side. The aluminum was ablated with laser to form interdigitated electrodes to make sensor prototypes. The interdigitated electrodes were patterned on the substrate with a laser cutter. Characterization of the prototypes was done to determine their operating frequency followed by experimentation. The prototypes have been used as a tactile sensor showing promising results for using these patches in applications with contact pressures considerably lesser than normal human contact pressure.
Human-Robot Teaming using Shared Mental Models

Robots are increasingly introduced to work in concert with people in high-intensity domains, such as manufacturing, space exploration and hazardous environments. Tasks in these domains are often well-defined, but involve complex coordination under constraints and are performed under time pressure. Although numerous studies on human teamwork and coordination in these settings, very little prior work exists on applying these models to human-robot interaction. In this paper we propose a methodology for applying prior art in Shared Mental Models (SMMs) to promote effective human-robot teaming. SMMs are measurable models developed among team members prior to task execution and are strongly correlated to team performance.
Spanish version of Bus Drivers' Job Demands Scale (BDJD-24).

BACKGROUND Karasek and Theorell's Job Demands-Control Model argues that adverse health-related outcomes, both psychological and physiological, arise from a combination of high job demand and a low level of job control. The objective was to adapt Meijman and Kompier's Bus Drivers' Job Demands Scale (BDJD-24), which enables us to assess the job demands of bus drivers, to Spanish. METHOD The final version of the Spanish adaptation was applied to a sample made up of 287 bus drivers living in Spain (80.1% men and 19.9% women), whose average age was 40.44 (SD= 11.78). RESULTS The results yielded a three-factor structure for the scale used: Time Pressure, Safety, and Passengers. These findings confirm that the Spanish version replicates the factor structure of the original English scale. The reliability of the three subscales was acceptable, ranging from . 75 to . 84. Furthermore, the subscales were also related to different external correlates and to other scales and showed good convergent and criterion validity. CONCLUSIONS The present instrument can be used to evaluate job demands of bus drivers, as its psychometrics are substantially sound.
The Effect of Pressure on the Plume Divergence in the Hall Thruster

The plume divergence in the Hall thruster due to the plasma pressure is analyzed by deriving and solving envelope equations. The evolution of the electron temperature and the radial expansion of the plasma beam are calculated self-consistently. The rate of decrease of the electron temperature due to the plasma radial expansion is affected by heat conduction along the plasma propagation. For the annular plasma jet exiting the Hall thruster, approximated as a slab, it is found that if the coefficient of the heat conductivity is large, the cooling of the electrons of the expanding plasma beam is small, and consequently, the plume divergence is larger. For the plasma beam approximated as cylindrical beyond the point at which it crosses the thruster axis, we show that a large amount of heat conduction does not slow the electron cooling. The plume divergence due to the plasma pressure is therefore smaller. The electron temperature is also affected by the intensity of the magnetic field beyond the cathode. A radial magnetic field at the thruster exhaust inhibits a large cross-field heat flux. On one hand, the smaller heat conductivity of the magnetized plasma results in a cooling of the electrons as they cross the magnetic field. On the other hand, however, the reduced mobility of the magnetized electrons results in an ambipolar electric field that tends to heat the electrons. We show that there is an optimal intensity of the magnetic field, at which the temperature of the electrons that cross the magnetic field is minimal and at which, therefore, the plume divergence is minimal.
Do liquidity and idiosyncratic risk matter? Evidence from the European mutual fund market

This paper examines the interaction of idiosyncratic risk, liquidity and return across time in determining fund performance, as well as across investment style portfolios of European mutual funds. This study utilizes a unique data set including returns for equity mutual funds registered in six European countries. Overall, using monthly data, we find that both liquidity and idiosyncratic risk are relevant in determining mutual fund returns. Our results are robust across different model specifications. We show that model specifications up to six factors are useful as these risk factors capture different aspects in the cross-section of mutual funds returns. The evidence regarding mutual funds subgroups is strongly in favor of the significance of liquidity, and idiosyncratic risk to a lesser extent, as risk factors. Even if liquidity and idiosyncratic risk are considered at the same time, one factor is not significantly decreasing the importance of the other factor.
Information Extraction of Texts in the Biomedical Domain

Automatic detection of relevant terms in medical reports is useful for educational purposes and for clinical research. Natural language processing techniques can be applied in order to identify them. The main goal of this research is to develop a method to identify whether medical reports of imaging studies (usually called radiology reports) written in Spanish are important (in the sense that they have non-negated pathological findings) or not. We also try to identify which finding is present and if possible its relationship with anatomical entities.
Whispering Gallery Modes in Standard Optical Fibres for Fibre Profiling Measurements and Sensing of Unlabelled Chemical Species

Whispering gallery mode resonances in liquid droplets and microspheres have attracted considerable attention due to their potential uses in a range of sensing and technological applications. We describe a whispering gallery mode sensor in which standard optical fibre is used as the whispering gallery mode resonator. The sensor is characterised in terms of the response of the whispering gallery mode spectrum to changes in resonator size, refractive index of the surrounding medium, and temperature, and its measurement capabilities are demonstrated through application to high-precision fibre geometry profiling and the detection of unlabelled biochemical species. The prototype sensor is capable of detecting unlabelled biomolecular species in attomole quantities.
Cumulative risk as a moderator of the association between intimate partner violence and maternal parenting behaviors with infants

The primary objective of this study was to broaden psychological and scientific understanding of the lasting effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on maternal parenting behaviors in families with infants. This study used longitudinal data to examine these associations. Much is to be gained from exploring the association between IPV and maternal parenting behaviors in families with infants because IPV is known to negatively impact a wide range of parenting capacities, as well as the social-emotional adjustment of young children. This study also examined an accumulation of social-contextual risk factors as a moderator between the chronicity and severity of IPV experiences and observed maternal parenting behaviors with infants. Very few studies have examined this particular model, and almost no research has examined these associations in homes with infants as compared to homes with older children. This study was also unique in that it used a variety of methodologies to assess the previously mentioned variables. Maternal report was used to assess IPV over four time periods, an observed mother-infant interaction task was used to measure maternal parenting behaviors when infants were 1 year old, and maternal self-report was used to assess numerous social-contextual risk factors over the transition to parenthood. Findings did not support a direct association between IPV experiences and maternal parenting behaviors. Instead, results indicated a direct effect between cumulative risk and maternal positive and negative parenting behaviors, providing empirical support for the cumulative risk model. Surprisingly, cumulative risk did not moderate the association between IPV experiences and maternal parenting behaviors. Implications for these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Non-linear and chaotic dynamo regimes

Abstract An update is given on the current status of solar and stellar dynamos. At present, it is still unclear why stellar cycle frequencies increase with rotation frequency in such a way that their ratio increases with stellar activity. The small-scale dynamo is expected to operate in spite of a small value of the magnetic Prandtl number in stars. Whether or not the global magnetic activity in stars is a shallow or deeply rooted phenomenon is another open question. Progress in demonstrating the presence and importance of magnetic helicity fluxes in dynamos is briefly reviewed, and finally the role of nonlocality is emphasized in modeling stellar dynamos using the mean-field approach. On the other hand, direct numerical simulations have now come to the point where the models show solar-like equatorward migration that can be compared with observations and that need to be understood theoretically.
Using Hierarchical Change Mining to Manage Network Security Policy Evolution

Managing the security of complex cloud and networked computing environments requires crafting security policy--ranging from natural-language text to highly-structured configuration rules, sometimes multi-layered--specifying correct system behavior in an adversarial environment. Since environments change and evolve, managing security requires managing evolution of policies, which adds another layer, the change log. However, evolution increases complexity, and the more complex a policy, the harder it is to manage and update, and the more prone it is to be incorrect. This paper proposes hierarchical change mining, drawing upon the tools of software engineering and data mining, to help practitioners introduce fewer errors when they update policy. We discuss our approach and initial findings based on two longitudinal real-world datasets: low-level router configurations from Dartmouth College and high-level Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificate policies from the International Grid Trust Federation (IGTF).
Game Playing and Television Viewing: The Influence of Visual Media on the Acquisition of Behavioural Norms in Children and Adolescents

T his study will explore the influence of media on the acquisition of behavioural norms in children and adolescents. The forms of media discussed in this article are television and video games, which are grouped under the term "visual media". These visual media can have both negative, or antisocial, and positive, or prosocial, influences on a child’s behavioural norms. Mechanisms explaining these influences are discussed, using the findings of critical and contemporary research. The behavioural norms as mentioned in the article are derived from the ideal image of the child in Western society, and include altruism, tolerance and respect. A highly emphasized antisocial norm in this article is the portrayal of aggressive or violent behaviour. The article concludes with a discussion section, in which implications for future research are explored.
An efficient characterization of a family of hyper-bent functions with multiple trace terms

Abstract. The connection between exponential sums and algebraic varieties has been known for at least six decades. Recently, Lisoněk exploited it to reformulate the Charpin–Gong characterization of a large class of hyper-bent functions in terms of numbers of points on hyperelliptic curves. As a consequence, he obtained a polynomial time and space algorithm for certain subclasses of functions in the Charpin–Gong family. In this paper, we settle a more general framework, together with detailed proofs, for such an approach and show that it applies naturally to a distinct family of functions proposed by Mesnager. Doing so, a polynomial time and space test for the hyper-bentness of functions in this family is obtained as well. Nonetheless, a straightforward application of such results does not provide a satisfactory criterion for explicit generation of functions in the Mesnager family. To address this issue, we show how to obtain a more efficient test leading to a substantial practical gain. We finally elaborate on an open problem about hyperelliptic curves related to a family of Boolean functions studied by Charpin and Gong.