Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interpretable (not just posthoc-explainable) medical claims modeling for discharge placement to reduce preventable all-cause readmissions or death

This manuscript addresses the simultaneous problems of predicting all-cause inpatient readmission or death after discharge, and quantifying the impact of discharge placement in preventing these adverse events. To this end, we developed an inherently interpretable multilevel Bayesian modeling framework inspired by the piecewise linearity of ReLUactivated deep neural networks. In a survival model, we explicitly adjust for confounding in quantifying local average treatment effects for discharge placement interventions. We trained the model on a 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries from 2008 and 2011, and then tested the model on 2012 claims. Evaluated on classification accuracy for 30day all-cause unplanned readmissions (defined using official CMS methodology) or death, the model performed similarly against XGBoost, logistic regression (after feature engineering), and a Bayesian deep neural network trained on the same data. Tested on the 30-day classification task of predicting readmissions or death using left-out future data, the model achieved an AUROC of approximately 0.76 and and AUPRC of approximately 0.50 (relative to an overall positively rate in the testing data of 18%), demonstrating how one need not sacrifice interpretability for accuracy. Additionally, the model had a testing AUROC of 0.78 on the classification of 90-day all-cause unplanned readmission or death. We easily peer into our inherently interpretable model, summarizing its main findings. Additionally, we demonstrate how the blackbox posthoc explainer tool SHAP generates explanations that are not supported by the fitted model – and if taken at face value does not offer enough context to make a model actionable.
Performance of Multiple Antennas Selection in SIMO Systems with BPSK/QPSK Modulations

This paper studies the performance of single-input multiple-output (SIMO) systems under receive antenna selection (RAS) and BPSK/QPSK modulations. At the receiver, a subset of branches are selected and combined using maximal-ratio combining (MRC) to maximize the instantaneous Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). By assuming independent and identical distributed (i.i.d.) Rayleigh flat fading, a closed-form expression, with considerably high precision, is developed to approximate the average input-output mutual information, also termed as symmetric capacity, of the whole system. Later, this approximated expression is further utilized to investigate the efficient capacity and energy efficiency of the SIMO system under BPSK/QPSK modulations and RAS. Besides analytical derivations, simulations are provided to demonstrate the approximation precision, feasibility and validity of the derived results.
Effects of Hurricane Katrina-Related Levee Failures on Wetland Sediments

Abstract : The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory, Vicksburg, MS, conducted a study to determine the extent to which Katrina floodwaters in the New Orleans area may have had impacts on wildlife habitat and other biological resources in surrounding areas. These experiments were conducted as part of the Interagency Performance Evaluation Task Force (IPET), which is investigating environmental impacts originating from the failure of the hurricane protection system to perform as designed around New Orleans, Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina. This report presents data regarding the effects of pumped floodwaters on sediment chemistry and benthic invertebrate toxicity near pumping stations that discharged floodwaters into marshes near Chalmette and Violet, Louisiana. Spatial trends were observed for concentrations of chemicals in sediment. Chemical contamination of sediments was visible and appeared to have trends among sample location groups (e.g., outfall locations, wastewater treatment plant, canals, and wetlands); however, these trends were not always consistent with the bioassay results. A comparison of the sediment chemistry data from this study with two other studies reporting concentrations of chemicals in sediments within the city of New Orleans suggested that sediments and associated contaminants present within the levees were not pumped into the marsh in appreciable quantities.
Structure of sulfamidase provides insight into the molecular pathology of mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA

Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that typically manifests itself in childhood and is caused by mutations in the gene for the lysosomal enzyme sulfamidase. The first structure of this enzyme is presented, which provides insight into the molecular basis of disease-causing mutations, and the enzymatic mechanism is proposed.
Decidability of Krohn-Rhodes complexity $c = 1$ of finite semigroups and automata

When decomposing a finite semigroup into a wreath product of groups and aperiodic semigroups, complexity measures the minimal number of groups that are needed. Determining an algorithm to compute complexity has been an open problem for almost 60 years. The main result of this paper proves decidability of Krohn-Rhodes complexity $c = 1$ of finite semigroups and automata. This is achieved by showing the lower bounds in work by Henckell, Rhodes and Steinberg from 2012 is sharp using profinite methods and results of McCammond from 1991 and 2001.
Evaluation of microbial contamination in removable dental prosthesis at different time of usage

Aim: The current study evaluates and compares the percentage distribution of different microorganisms according to their strains and occurrence among the three studied groups. Method and Methodology: Sample of 30 removable dental prosthesis wearing patients was selected: wearing either complete dentures or partial dentures and without any significant medical history or on prescription medication for the past 3–6 months. Samples were obtained in three subcategories based on the duration of prostheses worn by the patient. A sterile swab made up of cotton moistened with phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was scrubbed on the dental prosthesis at the fitting surfaces and the denture-bearing area of the oral cavity. Within two hours, the collected swab sample was infused in the sterile tube containing 1 ml of 0.84% PBS solution maintained at pH 7–7.2 and sent for microbiological analysis. The samples were then inoculated into different medias. Microbial growth was checked after incubating the culture plates for 48 h at 37°C. Microorganisms were recognized and counted by calibrated colony counter. Gram's stain was used to stain the colony smear and biochemical tests such as coagulase, catalase, oxidase, sugar fermentation with acid and gas production (triple sugar iron), methyl red test, test for indole production, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) production, citrate utilization, urease test, germ tube tests were performed. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics included calculation of means and standard deviation using multivariate analysis. All values were considered statistically significant for a value of P < 0.05. Results: Streptococcus species, Coagulase-negative staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed the maximum positive culture among the secluded microorganisms in all three groups. Conclusion: A progressive increase in the microbial contamination was directly proportional to the duration of removable prosthesis usage.
Preliminary statement

Based on a theoretical review of investment models through full and partial ownership, the aim of the paper is to provide an examination of factors that inß uence to the choice of investment model in six transition countries from region provide recommendations that which investment models would be appropriate between observed countries. Using a multivariate cluster analysis on a sample of six transition countries from region, a grouping of countries was carried out according to next criteria in the period 20002014: a) economic growth, b) competitiveness and c) institutional distance. The results of analysis have shown that Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Macedonia should choose the investment model of partial ownership when investing in Croatia and Slovenia. Slovenia and Croatia should choose investment model of full ownership when investing in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia, especially in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina because they represent a growing market. Also, in mutual
Occupational noise exposure assessment using O*NET and its application to a study of hearing loss in the US general population

Objectives Although occupational noise is a well known risk factor for hearing loss, little epidemiological evidence has been reported on its association with hearing loss in the general population, in part, because of the difﬁculty in exposure assessment. This study introduced a quantitative occupational noise exposure assessment tool using the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) database and evaluated its applicability for epidemiological research using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999 e 2004. Methods The O*NET noise exposure data were assessed by questionnaires across numerous occupations, asking the frequency of exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable (with ﬁve possible responses from ‘never’ to ‘every day’). Means of the O*NET noise scores were computed to correspond to NHANES occupational categories and assigned to 3828 adults aged 20 e 69 years, who participated in the 1999 e 2004 NHANES. Pure-tone averages (PTA) of hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz were computed, and hearing loss was deﬁned as a PTA > 25 dB in either ear. Linear and logistic regression models with either continuous or quintiles of the O*NET noise scores were ﬁtted on log-transformed PTA and binary hearing loss, respectively. Results Noise scores ranged from 1.80 to 4.37 with mean 6 SE of 3.06 6 0.02. After controlling for potential confounders, the highest (vs lowest) noise score quintile had a 22.5% (95% CI 11.0% to 35.2%) increase in PTA, and there was a linear dose-dependent trend across the quintiles of noise scores (p trend < 0.0001). The adjusted OR for hearing loss comparing the highest with the lowest noise score quintiles was 2.1 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.6). Conclusion This study suggests that the O*NET noise score is a useful tool for examining occupational noise-induced health effects in the general population in the absence of actual occupational noise exposure assessment data.
Shadow Spaces for Social Learning: A Relational Understanding of Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change within Organisations

Recent UK government policy on climate change, and wider policy movement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, emphasise the building of adaptive capacity. But what are the institutional constraints that shape capacity to build adaptive organisations? The authors synthesise theory from social learning and institutional aspects of multilevel environmental governance to help unpack the patterns of individual and collective action within organisations that can enhance or restrict organisational adaptive capacity in the face of abrupt climate change. Theoretical synthesis is grounded by empirical work with a local dairy farmers group and two supporting public sector bodies that are both local actors in their own rights and which also shape the operating environment for other local actors (the Environment Agency and the Welsh Assembly and Assembly-sponsored public bodies). Providing space within and between local organisations for individuals to develop private as well as officially sanctioned social relationships is supported as a pathway to enable social learning. It is also a resource for adaptation that requires little financial investment but does call for a rethinking of the personal skills and working routines that are incentivised within organisations.
Customizing Treatment Scheduling Windows with a Time Margin Recipe: A Single-institutional Study

Purpose: Rising cancer incidences, complex treatment techniques, and workflows have all impacted the radiotherapy scheduling process. Intelligent appointment scheduling is needed to help radiotherapy users adapt to new practices. Materials and Methods: We utilized van Herk's safety margin formula to determine the radiotherapy department's treatment scheduling window (TSW). In addition, we examined the influence of in-room imaging on linac occupancy time (LOT). Varian Aria™ software version 15.1 was used to collect retrospective data on LOT, treatment site, intent, techniques, special protocol, and in-room imaging. Results: Treatment scheduling windows varied across treatment sites. The mean TSW using van Herk's formalism was 31.5 min, significantly longer than the current TSW of 15 min (P = 0.036), with the pelvic site having the longest (43.8 min) and the brain site having the shortest (12 min). 28% of patients exceeded the in-practice TSW of 15 min. 46.2% of patients had multiple images per fraction, with the proportion being highest in pelvic patients (33%). Patients treated with palliative intent, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, special protocols (bladder protocol and gating), and multiple in-room images per fraction had significantly higher LOT. High treatment time uncertainty was observed in the pelvic and thorax sites, indicating the impact of in-room imaging frequency and on-couch treatment decisions on overall treatment time and indicating that current treatment practices should be reviewed and modified if necessary. Conclusions: The time margin recipe can customize the treatment scheduling window and improve treatment practices. This formalism can help manage the radiotherapy department's workload and reduce patient wait times.
Microwave ablation: results in ex vivo and in vivo porcine livers with 2450-MHz cooled-shaft antenna.

BACKGROUND Imaging-guided thermal ablation using different energy sources continues to gain favor as a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of primary and metastatic hepatic malignant tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of microwave ablation with 2450-MHz internally cooled-shaft antenna in ex vivo and in vivo porcine livers. METHODS All studies were animal care and ethics committee approved. Microwave ablation was performed using a noncooled or cooled-shaft antenna in 23 ex vivo (92 ablations) and eight in vivo (36 ablations) porcine livers. Diameters of the coagulation zone were observed on gross specimens. The coagulation diameters achieved in different microwave ablation parameter groups were compared. Curve estimation analysis was performed to characterize the relationship between applied power and treatment duration and coagulation diameter (including short-axis and long-axis diameter). RESULTS Coagulation zones were elliptical and an arrowed-shaped carbonization zone around the shaft was observed in all groups. But the antenna track was also coagulated in the noncooled-shaft antenna groups. In ex vivo livers, the short-axis diameter correlated with the power output in a quadratic curve fashion (R(2) = 0.95) by fixing ablation duration to 10 minutes, and correlated with the ablation duration in a logarithmic curve fashion (R(2) = 0.98) by fixing power output to 80 W. The short-axis reached a relative plateau within 25 minutes. In in vivo livers, short-axis diameter correlated with the coagulation duration in a sigmoidal curve fashion (60 W group R(2) = 0.76, 80 W group R(2) = 0.87), with a relative plateau achieved within 10 minutes for power settings of 60 W and 80 W. CONCLUSIONS The internally cooled microwave antenna may be advantageous to minimize collateral damage. The short-axis diameter enlargement has a plateau by fixing power output.
Simulations and experiments regarding rolling objects

Factors influencing the sound of a ball rolling over a plate were investigated both experimentally and numerically. For the numerical simulations an existing, and well verified model for single impacts between a ball and a plate was adapted. To this model various aspects were added, such as surface roughness, and an interpolation algorithm, which distributes the force of a propagating ball over the discrete spatial grid of the plate. In the first series of simulations, the mechanical interaction between ball and plate is replaced by a constant moving force. The results show various aspects of importance for rolling sounds: Doppler effect, dispersion and reflections at the edges, among other things. In a second series, a nonlinear dissipative interaction between ball and plate has been modelled. Simulated sounds are convincing, provided that the internal damping of the plate is conveniently taken into account. Another aspect of the rolling process is the loss of contact between ball and plate. In an experimental setup the conditions in which the ball loses contact with the plate and repeating impacts occur are studied. Using a plate with a sinusoidal profiled surface we could establish three types of contact between ball and plate. These were identified using a high speed camera. For low speed, the contact is continuous. For a somewhat higher speed the ball loses contact in the vicinity of each top of the surface profile, thus generating a periodic impact sound. For even higher speed, the bouncing becomes hardly predictable.
Manatee Occurrence in the Northern Gulf of Mexico, West of Florida

Reports of West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) in the US Gulf of Mexico west of Florida have increased during the last decade. We reviewed all available manatee sighting, capture, and carcass records (n = 377) from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas since the early 1900s; only 40 of these were previously published. Manatees were reported most often in estuarine habitats, usually either near a freshwater source or natural or indus- trial warm-water springs/runoffs during winter months. The recent increase in manatee records may be due to a combination of increased public awareness and dispersal of manatees, most likely seasonal migrants from Florida. We caution that the presence of artificial warm-water sources outside of the manatee's traditional range may attract an increasing number of manatees and could increase the incidence of cold-related mortality in this region.
Development and Application of an ELISA for the Detection of Porcine Deltacoronavirus IgG Antibodies

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), also known as porcine coronavirus HKU15, was first detected in North America in early 2014 and associated with enteric disease in pigs, resulting in an urgent need to further investigate the ecology of this virus. While assays detecting nucleic acids were implemented quickly, assays to detect anti-PDCoV antibodies have not been available. In this study, an indirect anti-PDCoV IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the putative S1 portion of the spike protein was developed and utilized to determine the prevalence of anti-PDCoV IgG in U.S. pigs. The diagnostic sensitivity of the PDCoV ELISA was 91% with a diagnostic specificity of 95%. A total of 968 serum samples were tested including samples with confirmed infection with PDCoV, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus or porcine respiratory coronavirus. There was no cross-reactivity with any of the other coronaviruses. Among 355 arbitrarily selected serum samples collected in 2014 and originating from 51 farms across 18 U.S. states, anti-PDCoV IgG antibodies were detected in 8.7% of the samples and in 25.5% of the farms whereas anti-PEDV IgG was detected in 22.8% of the samples and in 54.9% of the farms. In addition, anti-PDCoV IgG antibodies were detected in archived samples collected in 2010, perhaps indicating an earlier undetected introduction into the U.S. pig population. Overall, the obtained data suggest that PDCoV seroprevalence in U.S. pigs is lower compared to PEDV and PDCoV may have been introduced to the U.S. prior to PEDV.
Two motor neuron synergies, invariant across ankle joint angles, activate the triceps surae during plantarflexion 2

41 Recent studies have suggested that the central nervous system generates movements by controlling 42 groups of motor neurons (synergies) that do not always align with muscle anatomy. In this study, 43 we determined whether these synergies are robust across tasks with different mechanical 44 constraints. We identified motor neuron synergies using principal component analysis (PCA) and 45 cross-correlations between smoothed discharge rates of motor neurons. In Part 1, we used 46 simulations to validate these methods. The results suggested that PCA can accurately identity the 47 number of common inputs and classify motor neurons according to the synaptic weights of the 48 common inputs they receive. Moreover, the results confirmed that cross-correlation can separate 49 pairs of motor neurons that receive common inputs from those that do not receive common inputs. 50 In Part 2, sixteen individuals performed plantarflexion at three ankle angles while recording high- 51 density surface electromyography from the gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) and medialis (GM) and 52 the soleus (SOL) muscles. We identified and tracked the same motor units across angles. PCA 53 revealed two motor neuron synergies, primarily grouping motor neurons innervating GL-SOL and 54 GM-SOL. These motor neuron synergies were relatively stable with 74.0% of motor neurons 55 classified in the same synergy across angles. Cross-correlation demonstrated that only 13.9% of 56 pairs of motor neurons maintained a non-significant level of correlation across angles, confirming 57 the large presence of common inputs. Overall, these results highlighted the modularity of 58 movement control at the motor neuron level, which may ensure a sensible reduction of 59 computational resources for movement control.
Interactive whiteboards: do teachers really use them interactively?

The aim of this quantitative study is to examine high school teachers’ use of specific features of interactive whiteboards (IWBs). During the 2012–2013 academic school year, 535 teachers in pilot schools from 10 provinces under the FATIH Project (Movement of Enhancing Opportunities and Improving Technology) participated. Data were collected through a three-factor usage level scale developed by the researchers and analyzed through descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. No significant difference was found between the use of the interactive features of an IWB and sex, education level, or subject area. However, a significant difference was found between the use of interactive features and professional experience, city, computer ownership, in-field IWB training, previous IWB experience, usage duration, frequency of use, and the case of suggesting the use of IWBs to other teachers.