Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Event Prediction Model Considering Time and Input Error Using Electronic Medical Records in the Intensive Care Unit: Retrospective Study

Background In the era of artificial intelligence, event prediction models are abundant. However, considering the limitation of the electronic medical record–based model, including the temporally skewed prediction and the record itself, these models could be delayed or could yield errors. Objective In this study, we aim to develop multiple event prediction models in intensive care units to overcome their temporal skewness and evaluate their robustness against delayed and erroneous input. Methods A total of 21,738 patients were included in the development cohort. Three events—death, sepsis, and acute kidney injury—were predicted. To overcome the temporal skewness, we developed three models for each event, which predicted the events in advance of three prespecified timepoints. Additionally, to evaluate the robustness against input error and delays, we added simulated errors and delayed input and calculated changes in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values. Results Most of the AUROC and area under the precision-recall curve values of each model were higher than those of the conventional scores, as well as other machine learning models previously used. In the error input experiment, except for our proposed model, an increase in the noise added to the model lowered the resulting AUROC value. However, the delayed input did not show the performance decreased in this experiment. Conclusions For a prediction model that was applicable in the real world, we considered not only performance but also temporal skewness, delayed input, and input error.
miRPreM and tiRPreM: Improved methodologies for the prediction of miRNAs and tRNA-induced small non-coding RNAs for model and non-model organisms

In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) and tRNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs) have been reported extensively following different approaches of identification and analysis. Comprehensively analyzing the present approaches to overcome the existing variations, we developed a benchmarking methodology each for the identification of miRNAs and tRFs, termed as miRNA Prediction Methodology (miRPreM) and tRNA-induced small non-coding RNA Prediction Methodology (tiRPreM), respectively. We emphasized the use of respective genome of organism under study for mapping reads, sample data with at least two biological replicates, normalized read count support and novel miRNA prediction by two standard tools with multiple runs. The performance of these methodologies was evaluated by using Oryza coarctata, a wild rice species as a case study for model and non-model organisms. With organism-specific reference genome approach, 98 miRNAs and 60 tRFs were exclusively found. We observed high accuracy (13 out of 15) when tested these genome-specific miRNAs in support of analyzing the data with respective organism. Such a strong impact of miRPreM, we have predicted more than double number of miRNAs (186) as compared with the traditional approaches (79) and with tiRPreM, we have predicted all known classes of tRFs within the same small RNA data. Moreover, the methodologies presented here are in standard form in order to extend its applicability to different organisms rather than restricting to plants. Hence, miRPreM and tiRPreM can fulfill the need of a comprehensive methodology for miRNA prediction and tRF identification, respectively, for model and non-model organisms.
Truncated titin proteins in dilated cardiomyopathy

Description Truncating mutations in TTN result in both truncated titin proteins and reduced full-length titin in patient hearts. Tracking titin in dilated cardiomyopathy Truncating variants in TTN, the gene encoding the titin protein, underlie 15 to 25% of cases of nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), but whether the disease is caused by haploinsufficiency or the presence of truncated titin proteins is not yet clear. Here, using tissues from the hearts of patients with DCM and TTN-truncating variants as well as human induced pluripotent stem cells differentiated into cardiomyocytes, Fomin et al. and McAfee et al. identified both the presence of truncated titin proteins and less-abundant full-length titin protein. These findings suggest that the presence of truncated titin proteins as “poison peptides” and titin haploinsufficiency both contribute to the pathogenesis of disease and should support the investigation of targeted therapies to treat DCM caused by TTN-truncating variants. Truncating variants in TTN (TTNtvs) are the most common known cause of nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), but how TTNtvs cause disease has remained controversial. Efforts to detect truncated titin proteins in affected human DCM hearts have failed, suggesting that disease is caused by haploinsufficiency, but reduced amounts of titin protein have not yet been demonstrated. Here, we leveraged a collection of 184 explanted posttransplant DCM hearts to show, using specialized electrophoretic gels, Western blotting, allelic phasing, and unbiased proteomics, that truncated titin proteins can quantitatively be detected in human DCM hearts. The sizes of truncated proteins corresponded to that predicted by their respective TTNtvs; the truncated proteins were encoded by the TTNtv-bearing allele; and no degradation fragments from protein encoded by either allele were detectable. In parallel, full-length titin was less abundant in TTNtv+ than in TTNtv− DCM hearts. Disease severity or need for transplantation did not correlate with TTNtv location. Transcriptomic profiling revealed few differences in splicing or allelic imbalance of the TTN transcript between TTNtv+ and TTNtv− DCM hearts. Studies with isolated human adult cardiomyocytes revealed no defects in contractility in cells from TTNtv+ compared to TTNtv− DCM hearts. Together, these data demonstrate the presence of truncated titin protein in human TTNtv+ DCM, show reduced amounts of full-length titin protein in TTNtv+ DCM hearts, and support combined dominant-negative and haploinsufficiency contributions to disease.
Modelling and control of power inverters in microgrids

Power electronic converter systems play an important role in the interconnection of renewable energy sources in microgrids and utility grid. The interface between energy sources and microgrids is usually implemented by digitally controlled power inverters. This thesis provides a discrete modelling and design method for the digitally controlled inverters in microgrids. The fundamentals and background of digital control of power inverters are introduced. The small-signal models for digital pulse-width-modulations (PWMs) with delay effects are derived. Based on the models, the controllers can be designed using several methods according to the block diagrams. The simulation software and experimental environment for the digitally controlled inverters are described. For inverters operating in parallel, a linear voltage control scheme with duty-ratio feedforward is proposed. The control parameters are chosen according to the stable operating condition derived in z-domain. The closed-loop transfer function and output impedance for both the classical controller and the proposed controller are derived theoretically. A comparison reveals the advantages of the proposed control scheme: a unity closed-loop gain, no phase shift, good current sharing and low total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output voltage. The theoretical results are verified by the experimental setup of a system with two digitally controlled inverters connected in parallel. For digitally controlled grid-connected inverters with LCL filters, new small-signal z-domain models are deduced. The proposed methods model the inverters including different delay effects under most possible circumstances, which allows a direct design for controllers in z-domain. The stability boundaries obtained from the root loci of the classic models and the proposed models are compared to the simulation results, showing that the proposed z-domain models are more accurate in predicting instabilities. Experimental results are presented, showing the proposed models are also capable of predicting the values of control variables at the true sampling instants. The phase-shifted modulated multisampled multilevel inverter is studied. The filter current ripple frequency of the multilevel inverters is increased by the phase-shifted PWM. The small-signal z-domain model is derived. Compared to the bipolar switched inverter, the multisampled multilevel inverter is characterized by the capability of achieving higher feedback control gains, which improves the control performance. An experimental prototype based on a 10 kHz switching frequency, 80 kHz sampling frequency five-level single-phase H bridge inverter is tested to demonstrate the validity of the analysis.
Constructing frugal sales system for small enterprises

In the current study, the authors report on the application of the design science methodology to construct, utilize, and evaluate a frugal information system that uses mobile devices and cloud computing resources for documenting daily sales transactions of very small enterprises (VSEs). Small enterprises play significant roles in the socioeconomic landscape of a community by providing employment opportunities and contributing to the gross domestic product. However, VSEs have very little access to innovative information technologies that could help them manage their challenges that are restricting their effective growth, sustainability, and participation in a knowledge economy. The results of a field-evaluation experiment, involving 22 VSE entrepreneurs using a newly constructed system, MobiSales, disclosed that user behavior, which demonstrates confidence, excitement, enthusiasm, energy, and trust varied when employing a mobile electronic device for social interactions, as compared to using it for business transactions.
Eddy-current losses in the solid back-iron of permanent magnet machines with concentrated fractional pitch windings

The objective of this paper is to calculate the eddy-current losses in the solid back-iron of permanent-magnet (PM) machines with concentrated fractional-pitch stator windings. PM machines with fractional-pitch stator windings are increasingly used a lot because of their cost-effectiveness. The paper derives a model for these eddy-current losses. Although the correlation between the model and the measurements is not perfect, some important conclusions can be drawn. In machines with full-pitch distributed windings, the eddy-current losses in the back-iron are negligible, while in machines with fractional-pitch windings, these losses are too high to be acceptable.
Microwave differential circuit design using mixed-mode S-parameters

Why Use Differential or Balanced Signal Processing? Mixed-Mode Scattering Parameter Theory. Balanced Transmission Line Basics. Balanced Small Signal Amplifier Analysis. Mixed-Mode Applied to Three-Port Hybrid Splitters and Combiners. Mixed-Mode Applied to Four-Terminal Components. Mixed-Mode Analysis Extended to Time Domain.
Arterial and Mixed Venous Kinetics of Desflurane and Sevoflurane, Administered Simultaneously, at Three Different Global Ventilation to Perfusion Ratios in Piglets with Normal Lungs

Background: Previous studies have established the role of various tissue compartments in the kinetics of inhaled anesthetic uptake and elimination. The role of normal lungs in inhaled anesthetic kinetics is less understood. In juvenile pigs with normal lungs, the authors measured desflurane and sevoflurane washin and washout kinetics at three different ratios of alveolar minute ventilation to cardiac output value. The main hypothesis was that the ventilation/perfusion ratio (VA/Q) of normal lungs influences the kinetics of inhaled anesthetics. Methods: Seven healthy pigs were anesthetized with intravenous anesthetics and mechanically ventilated. Each animal was studied under three different VA/Q conditions: normal, low, and high. For each VA/Q condition, desflurane and sevoflurane were administered at a constant, subanesthetic inspired partial pressure (0.15 volume% for sevoflurane and 0.5 volume% for desflurane) for 45 min. Pulmonary arterial and systemic arterial blood samples were collected at eight time points during uptake, and then at these same times during elimination, for measurement of desflurane and sevoflurane partial pressures. The authors also assessed the effect of VA/Q on paired differences in arterial and mixed venous partial pressures. Results: For desflurane washin, the scaled arterial partial pressure differences between 5 and 0 min were 0.70 ± 0.10, 0.93 ± 0.08, and 0.82 ± 0.07 for the low, normal, and high VA/Q conditions (means, 95% CI). Equivalent measurements for sevoflurane were 0.55 ± 0.06, 0.77 ± 0.04, and 0.75 ± 0.08. For desflurane washout, the scaled arterial partial pressure differences between 0 and 5 min were 0.76 ± 0.04, 0.88 ± 0.02, and 0.92 ± 0.01 for the low, normal, and high VA/Q conditions. Equivalent measurements for sevoflurane were 0.79 ± 0.05, 0.85 ± 0.03, and 0.90 ± 0.03. Conclusions: Kinetics of inhaled anesthetic washin and washout are substantially altered by changes in the global VA/Q ratio for normal lungs. The washin and washout kinetics of simultaneously administered desflurane and sevoflurane were assessed in seven piglets by measuring Pmv and Part during uptake and elimination under normal, low, and high ventilation/perfusion ratio (VA/Q) conditions. Faster arterial kinetics for desflurane were generally maintained for both washin and washout under all VA/Q conditions. The low VA/Q condition decreased the differences in scaled Part between 0 and 5 min; the high VA/Q condition increased these differences from the low VA/Q value to a value approaching or exceeding the value for normal VA/Q. Mixed venous kinetics were slower than arterial kinetics for washin and washout and were less influenced by VA/Q.
Application of Auralisation and Soundscape Methodologies to Environmental Noise

The thesis investigates how auralisation and qualitative research methodologies developed in the field of soundscape research, may be applied to the issue of environmental noise in urban areas. The project brings together research and assessment methodologies from traditionally distinct areas in acoustics, and attempts to develop a multidisciplinary approach to solving noise related urban design problems. Within this process, the author also explores the theory that part of a sustainable solution to noise annoyance lies in challenging negative attitudes to noise, particularly in urban environments, where attempts to reduce sound pressure levels are either not feasible or inappropriate. To demonstrate the application of the approach, a case-study is presented involving the auralisation and subjective evaluation of a real-world soundscape before and after the insertion of a sonic crystal noise barrier. The results of the case-study suggest that, with minimal adaptation, certain soundscape assessment methodologies are compatible with virtual acoustic environments. This leads to the conclusion that, using the virtual assessment methodology, one is able to predict with reasonable accuracy the impact of various physical types of noise intervention on the perceived sound quality in urban environments prior to their construction. The author also argues that a greater awareness and appreciation for the multiplicity of sound in urban environments might, in conjunction with sustainable noise control strategies, over more long-term benefits to society than over-speculation concerning the adverse effects of noise.
Real-time processing of image sources using binary space partitioning

The current state of the art of virtual reality allows a user to interact with computer-generated visual worlds and provides a high level of realism. The immersion can be increased significantly by simulating in addition the corresponding room acoustics. A correct acoustical impression is reached by the reproduction of binaural signals and at present already satisfies high demand, but for interactive systems it is mostly limited to sources located in the free field, that is, the filters used for computation are applicable for anechoic environments only. Current real-time-capable room acoustical simulations for virtual environments are mostly based on the principles of geometrical acoustics. However, these approaches do not provide an exact reproduction of a room's sound properties under real-time conditions because of high computation demands, and they are therefore limited to the simulation of just plausible sound fields. Hence faster algorithms are required to further enhance the room acoustical simulation. A modification of the commonly known image source method is presented, which reduces the computation demands of this highly time-expensive approach remarkably. Binary space partitioning trees are used for a fast determination of audible image sources, and an efficient data structure with respect to the real-time auralization process is introduced. Thus a faster determination of the binaural room impulse response is obtained, which is essential for a real-time-capable auralization process. In addition, geometrical relations are used more efficiently to prevent the generation of redundant image sources and to increase the performance of this algorithm. Furthermore, experiments have been carried out to show the current hardware limitations for this modified image source method.
Platform Independent Code Obfuscation

Code obfuscation is a technique used to make soft- ware more diﬃcult to read and reverse engineer. Itis used in the industry to protect proprietary algo- rithms and to protect the software from unintendeduse. The current state of the art solutions in the in- dustry depend on speciﬁc platform targets. In thisreport we look at code obfuscation from a platformindependent point of view. The result is a survey ofcode obfuscation methods that can be used togetherto perform platform independent code obfuscation.We also analyze some of these methods in more de- tail and provide insights regarding their potency (dif-ﬁculty to deobfuscate manually), resilience (diﬃcultyto deobfuscate automatically), stealth (diﬃculty todistinguish from normal code) and ease of integra- tion (how easily the method can be integrated andused in a toolchain).
Design and characterisation of millimetre wave planar Gunn diodes and integrated circuits

Heterojunction planar Gunn devices were first demonstrated by Khalid et al in 2007. This new design of Gunn device, or transferred electron device, was based on the well-established material system of GaAs as the oscillation media. The design did not only breakthrough the frequency record of GaAs for conventional Gunn devices, but also has several advantages over conventional Gunn devices, such as the possibility of making multiple oscillators on a single chip and compatibility with monolithic integrated circuits. However, these devices faced the challenge of producing high enough RF power for practical applications and circuit technology for integration. This thesis describes systematic work on the design and characterisations of planar Gunn diodes and the associated millimetre-wave circuits for RF signal power enhancement. Focus has been put on improving the design of planar Gunn diodes and developing high performance integrated millimetre-wave circuits for combining multiple Gunn diodes. Improvement of device design has been proved to be one of the key methods to increase the signal power. By introducing additional δ-doping layers, electron concentration in the channel increases and better Gunn domain formation is achieved, therefore higher RF power and frequency are produced. Combining multiple channels in the vertical direction within devices is another effective way to increase the output signal power as well as DC-to-RF conversion efficiency. In addition, an alternative material system, i.e. In0.23Ga0. 77As, has also been studied for this purpose. Planar passive components, such as resonators, couplers, low pass filters (LPFs), and power combiners with high performance over 100 GHz have been developed. These components can be smoothly integrated with planar Gunn diodes for compact planar Gunn oscillators, and therefore contribute to RF power enhancement. In addition, several new measurement techniques for characterising oscillators and passive devices have also been developed during this work and will be included in this thesis.
Guidelines for Dewatering/Densifying Confined Dredged Material.

Abstract : Primary emphasis of Task 5A research was oriented toward dewatering fine-grained dredged material resulting from maintenance operations and placed in confined disposal areas. Based on results of research, as synthesized herein, it was determined that: (a) Use of progressive surface trenching concepts to remove disposal area ponded surface water and precipitation and enhance evaporative dewatering of fine-grained dredged material is the most cost-effective dewatering alternative. (b) When existing constraints make it impossible to implement a surface trenching dewatering program, a surface trenching program alone will not produce dewatering at necessary rates, or it is desired to obtain maximum possible dewatering effects, various concepts of either gravity- or vacuum-assisted under-drainage may be applied. (c) Implementation of any program of fine-grained dredged material dewatering and densification will be conducted most effectively as part of an overall confined disposal area management plan. The main technical unknown in application of concepts synthesized in the report is the exact rate at which dewatering will occur. State-of-the-art prediction methods given and referenced in the report are satisfactory for feasibility determinations, and, in many instances, use in final design.
Prioritization of highway maintenance functions using multi-attribute decision making with fuzzy pairwise comparison

"As is the case for most of the Departments of Transportation in the U.S., the Texas Department of Transportation has been experiencing fluctuations of budget for maintaining and preserving its highway infrastructure over the recent years. If the maintenance budget shortfall lasts for an extended period of time, the condition of the highway network would be harmed directly or indirectly since some maintenance work would be deferred or canceled. Thus, in order to control and minimize the risk caused by maintenance budget reductions, it is important for highway agencies to adjust their maintenance and rehabilitation policies to accommodate budget fluctuations. This thesis presents a methodological framework that helps highway agencies quantify the risks to highway networks, and revise the highway routine maintenance work plans to minimize the impact of budget fluctuations. The proposed methodology aims to assist highway agencies in prioritizing and selecting maintenance functions according to the risk of not performing a specific maintenance activity. Also, this methodology considers the subjective nature of decision makers' assessments, allowing different levels of confidence and different attitudes toward risk to be captured as the uncertainty and imprecision involved in the decision making process. In the case study, the proposed methodology is tested with a set of data obtained from the Texas Department of Transportation. The result is compared with the outcome obtained from the crisp Analytical Hierarchy Process using the same set of data. The outcomes from the two methodologies are very close, validating the effectiveness of prioritizing highway maintenance functions using Multi-Attribute Analysis with Fuzzy Pairwise Comparison. "