Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure characterization of complex networks for machine learning

ANGHINONI, L. Structure characterization of complex networks for machine learning. 2023. 94 p. Tese (Doutorado em Ciências – Ciências de Computação e Matemática Computacional) – Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e de Computação, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos – SP, 2023. Over the last decade, machine learning has flourished due to significant advances in hardware capacity and model developments. Network based models have recently gained a lot of attention due to their capacity to learn not only from the physical features (similarity, distribution, etc.), but also from the connectivity pattern of the data. In the search of better models, the research has evolved to incorporate the structure of the network in the learning process. Some recent works have shown that exploiting the network structure can lead to better learning performance. This is done by capturing the more relevant connections in the training process based on the network topology. In light of this, this thesis carries out four studies to incorporate the network structure in machine learning algorithms. In the first study, the network structure is used to learn time series patterns via community detection algorithms. The second study uses a core-periphery network structure to represent data where the data within one of the classes has a very high dispersion and is hard to be classified by traditional algorithms. In other words, we introduce a network-based method to represent data pattern of the data “without pattern”. The third study aims to model an epidemic outbreak via link prediction in a network constructed from real data. We find that social isolation and wearing masks can effectively decrease the COVID-19 epidemics peak. In the final study, we propose a novel Graph Neural Network (GNN) model by combining the community structure of the underlying data graph and the feature vectors of the nodes to generate a graph embedding in a fast way. The proposed GNN can avoid the over-smoothing drawback of classic ones. These studies show that complex network approach can overcome various shortcomings of classic learning techniques.
Nanosuspension-Based Dissolvable Microneedle Arrays to Enhance Diclofenac Skin Delivery

Applying a formulation on the skin represents a patient-acceptable and therapeutically effective way to administer drugs locally and systemically. However, the stratum corneum stands as an impermeable barrier that only allows a very limited number of drugs to be distributed in the underlying tissues, limiting the feasibility of this administration route. Microneedle arrays are minimally invasive platforms that allow the delivery of drugs within/across the skin through the temporary mechanical disruption of the stratum corneum. In this work, microneedle arrays were combined with nanosuspensions, a technology for solubility enhancement of water insoluble molecules, for the skin delivery of diclofenac. Nanosuspensions were prepared using a top-down method and loaded in the tips of 500 µm or 800 µm high microneedles. The quality of the combined platform was assessed using electron microscopy and spectroscopic and calorimetry techniques, demonstrating the ability to load high amounts of the hydrophobic drug and the compatibility between excipients. Lastly, the application of nanosuspension-loaded microneedles on the skin in vitro allowed the delivery of diclofenac within and across the stratum corneum, proving the potential of this combination to enhance skin delivery of scarcely soluble drugs.
Clinical Usefulness of Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is defined as HF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) not less than 50%. HFpEF accounts for more than 50% of all HF patients, and its prevalence is increasing year to year with the aging population, with its prognosis worsening. The clinical assessment of cardiac function and prognosis in patients with HFpEF remains challenging due to the normal range of LVEF and the nonspecific symptoms and signs. In recent years, new echocardiographic techniques have been continuously developed, particularly speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), which provides a sensitive and accurate method for the comprehensive assessment of cardiac function and prognosis in patients with HFpEF. Therefore, this article reviewed the clinical utility of STE in patients with HFpEF.
An Investigation of the Pleiades Cluster Using Machine Learning

This paper presents an investigation on fundamental astrophysical properties of the Pleiades cluster (M 45) using high-precision astrometric and photometric data from the Gaia Data Release 2 (Gaia-DR2). To obtain reliable cluster members, a machine-learning (ML) method is used to compute membership probabilities for 31462 sample stars within a radius of 6.5° from the cluster center, both the astrometric and photometric data are taken into account. We obtain a total number of 1454 likely cluster members with membership probabilities larger than 0.6, including a well-known white dwarf (LB 1497) with a high membership probability of ∼0.96. We find a well-defined relationship between the parallaxes and proper motions of the cluster members, the most likely explanation for the relationship is that the depth effect of the cluster along the line of sight must be taken into consideration. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the most likely distance, proper motion, and radial velocity of the cluster are determined to be D = 136.0 ± 0.1 pc, ( 〈 μ α cos δ 〉 , 〈 μ δ 〉 ) = (+20.141 ± 0.093, −45.536 ± 0.081) mas yr−1, and 〈 V r 〉 = + 5.8 ± 0.1 km s − 1 , respectively. It is found that the likely cluster members extend outward to a limiting radius of Rlim = 310′ ± 12′ (12.3 ± 0.5 pc) from the cluster center, and the total mass of the cluster within this radius is Mtot = 721 ± 93 M⊙. We find clear evidence for the presence of spatial mass segregation in this young cluster by analyzing the photometry and spatial positions of the likely cluster members. Interestingly, we also find that four high-mass cluster members with high membership probabilities (>0.99) are being ejected from the inner region of the cluster, they may have formed via close encounters between single and binary stars.
“What was the vibe you were going for?” SAM Behaviors and Socialization During the COVID-19 Pandemic, a Qualitative Approach

Introduction: Marijuana use is at historic highs amongst college-aged adults, who are more likely to engage in simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use (SAM) than other age cohorts. For college students, the COVID-19 pandemic is a unique transitory phenomenon that led to isolation, as well as changes in socialization, academic environments, and substance use. This exploratory qualitative study aims to understand SAM socialization and motivation behaviors among college students. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews (N=32) were conducted across the United States from January 2021-April 2021via Zoom. Interviews were then transcribed, then a thematic analysis was conducted in Atlas.ti. Results: The sample was primarily college juniors (mage=21). Since the pandemic, half of the participants increased SAM, whereas the other half decreased SAM. SAM was reported in different categories including primarily with friends, but, much less with partners and with roommates. More than half of the sample indicated that they used SAM alone. Motivations to engage in SAM included relaxing, socializing, offsetting stressors specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, and relieving general stress, anxiety and boredom. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted college students' substance use in interesting ways. Understanding the behaviors of SAM in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial due to the legalization of marijuana in many states. This understanding has significant implications for prevention strategies and potential policy interventions. Our study yielded findings regarding the impact of socialization on SAM. We discovered that not only does socialization affect SAM, but the specific contexts and motivations behind these behaviors also play a crucial role, which adds to our developing understanding of SAM behavior.
Nanoencapsulation of Anthocyanins from Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. Capitata f. rubra) through Coacervation of Whey Protein Isolate and Apple High Methoxyl Pectin

Encapsulation is a valuable strategy to protect and deliver anthocyanins (ACNs), phenolic compounds with outstanding antioxidant capacity but limited stability. In this study, coacervation was used to encapsulate an ACN-rich red cabbage extract (RCE). Two agri-food by-product polymers, whey protein isolate (WPI) and apple high-methoxyl pectin (HMP), were blended at pH 4.0 in a specific ratio to induce the formation of nanoparticles (NPs). The process optimisation yielded a monodispersed population (PDI < 0.200) of negatively charged (−17 mV) NPs with an average diameter of 380 nm. RCE concentration influenced size, charge, and antioxidant capacity in a dose-dependent manner. NPs were also sensitive to pH increases from 4 to 7, showing a progressive breakdown. The encapsulation efficiency was 30%, with the retention of ACNs within the polymeric matrix being influenced by their chemical structure: diacylated and/or C3-triglucoside forms were more efficiently encapsulated than monoacylated C3-diglucosides. In conclusion, we report a promising, simple, and sustainable method to produce monodispersed NPs for ACN encapsulation and delivery. Evidence of differential binding of ACNs to NPs, dependent on specific acylation/glycosylation patterns, indicates that care must be taken in the choice of the appropriate NP formulation for the encapsulation of phenolic compounds.
β3GNT9 as a prognostic biomarker in glioblastoma and its association with glioblastoma immune infiltration, migration and invasion

Background Studies have shown that the immune infiltration of tumor microenvironment is related to the prognosis of glioblastoma, which is characterized by high heterogeneity, high recurrence rate and low survival rate. To unravel the role of β1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-9 (β3GNT9) in the progression of glioblastoma, this study identifies the value of β3GNT9 as a prognostic biomarker in glioblastoma, and investigates the relationship between β3GNT9 expression and glioblastoma immune infiltration, migration and invasion Methods β3GNT9 expression in glioblastoma was analyzed using the GEPIA database. The clinical features of glioblastoma were screened out from the TCGA database. The relationship between β3GNT9 expression and clinical features was analyzed. The relationship between β3GNT9 and the prognosis of glioblastoma was evaluated through univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses, and the survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method. GSEA was employed to predict the signaling pathway of β3GNT9 in glioblastoma. The correlation between β3GNT9 and tumor immune infiltration was analyzed using the related modules of CIBERSORT and TIMER. A172, U87MG and U251 cell lines were selected to verify β3GNT9 expression in vitro. The effects of β3GNT9 on the migration and invasion of glioblastoma were investigated through cell scratch and invasion assays. Results β3GNT9 expression in glioblastoma group was significantly higher than that in normal brain tissue group (P<0.05). The overall survival rate in high β3GNT9 expression group was significantly lower than that in low β3GNT9 expression group (P<0.05). Regression analyses suggested that β3GNT9, involved primarily in glucosamine degradation and extracellular matrix receptor interaction, could be an independent prognostic factor for glioblastoma. CIBERSORT and GEPIA database analyses showed that β3GNT9 was correlated with tumor infiltrating immune cells such as T follicular helper cells, activating natural killer cells, monocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils, thus affecting the immune microenvironment of glioblastoma. Cell experiments confirmed that β3GNT9 was highly expressed in A172, U87MG and U251 cell lines (P<0.05), and promoted the migration and invasion of glioblastoma (P<0.05). Conclusion The increased expression of β3GNT9 in glioblastoma can affect the immune microenvironment of glioblastoma and promote its migration and invasion. β3GNT9 can be used as a potential independent prognostic biomarker for patients with glioblastoma.
The Analysis of Conversational Implicature in an Extensive Listening of BBC Learning English Podcast

Using qualitative content analysis, this study attempts to investigate the occurrence of conversational implicature in an extensive listening of BBC Learning English Podcast. This study was conducted to find out how conversational implicature is employed by the speakers, including the types and functions of the implicature. Following Grice’s theory of conversational implicature and cooperative principle, this study revealed that out of 200 samples taken, the implicature occurred in 104 utterances which were generated through flouting and violation with Particularized Conversational Implicature (PCI) dominating the exchange rather than Generalized Conversational Implicature (GCI). As for the function of implicature produced, the researcher utilized Searle’s theory of Speech Act which comprises Assertive, Commissive, Declarative, Directive, and Expressive. The result showed that Assertive function dominates the utterance produced, meanwhile Declarative function was absent. The findings and result of this study is expected to be able to give some instances to the learners of English to the theory of conversational implicature, so that they will learn to avoid misunderstanding during the conversation itself. It is also expected to give contribution to the field of pragmatics, since, to the researcher’s knowledge, the study of conversational implicature on the same media is still scarcely conducted.
Effect of dietary supplementation of inulin with low and high concentrate diet on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in Barbari goats

This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of inulin on growth performance, feed conversion and nutrient digestibility in Barbari goats fed high and low concentrate diet for a period of 90 days. Twenty four yearling female Barbari goats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n=6) according to average body weight (18.24±1.16 kg). Treated animals in Group 1 were fed low concentrate diet (LCD; concentrate roughage ratio 40:60) and Group 2 (LCIN) with 2% inulin supplementation (% DM basis). Similarly, Group 3 was fed high concentrate diet (HCD; concentrate roughage ratio 60:40) and Group 4 (HCIN) with 2% inulinsupplementation. Results showed that average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were higher in inulin supplemented groups than the non-supplemented group. There was no increase in mean live body weight (BW) and dry matter intake (DMI) with inulin supplementation either in LCD or HCD treatment groups.The mean body condition score (BCS) was also similar in all groups. However, faecal score (FS) was superior in inulin supplemented group observed after 30 days of feeding trial. There was significant improvement in the digestibility coefficient of crude protein and DCP intake. It was concluded that inulin supplementation either in high concentrate and low concentrate diet of growing goats resulted in improvement in growth performance, faecal score and nutrient digestibility.
Military’s public relations practice in the social media era: exploring the Chinese military’s use of WeChat and public engagement

ABSTRACT Militaries worldwide have adopted various social media platforms to influence, inform and build relationships with strategic publics. Guided by the organization–public engagement framework, this study conducted a content analysis to examine the Chinese military’s social media practices for reaching out to the public. It analyzed the content patterns, message features, targeted publics, and engagement levels on WeChat. This study discovered that the Chinese military mainly used WeChat for information dissemination, promotion, mobilization, and interacting with intended publics (e.g. its internal servicemen). It also found that WeChat articles that used the promotion strategy, emotional appeal, fear appeal, conversational tone, and vividness strategy generated higher levels of public engagement. Theoretical and practical implications were also discussed.
Evaluation of silkworm pupae meal based calf starter diet on the performance of crossbred cattle calves

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the palatability, growth and economics of the silkworm pupae meal (SWPM) feeding, replacing fish meal (FM) in cattle calves. Crossbred cattle calves (15) around one-month of age were selected for the study and were divided into three equal groups (n=5) viz., T0 (100% FM), T1 (75% FM: 25% SWPM) and T2 (50% FM: 50% SWPM). To estimate the growth parameters fortnightly, a growth trial of 90 days was conducted, and a digestibility trial of 7 days was conducted at the end of experiment. The results revealed non-significant differences between the experimental groups in DMI, OMI, periodical body weight, body weight gain, average daily gain (ADG) (g/d), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed conversion efficiency (FCE) (%), digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP). Significant differences were observed in digestibility coefficients of crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) between the groups. The digestible nutrients intake revealed significant difference only in CPI (g/d) with higher values in T0 followed by T1 and T2, but non-significant differences were observed in DDMI, DCPI and TDNI. The economics of feeding showed a decrease in the feed cost and feeding cost per kg body weight gain with increased inclusion of SWPM. Thus, it is concluded that costly FM can be replaced upto 50% level by SWPM without anyadverse effect on feed intake, growth and nutrient utilization of crossbred cattle calves.
The changing landscape of relationships and sexuality education in Aotearoa New Zealand secondary schools

This literature review seeks to offer understanding about how relationships and sexuality education (RSE) has evolved in the 21st century in Aotearoa New Zealand secondary schools. The perceived demand for schools to address significant social issues, such as how youth navigate the world of relationships and sexualities, can be a challenge for the education sector. A traditional-narrative review was conducted to investigate how the experiences of RSE have changed from 1999 to 2022 to understand if RSE is evolving adequately for young people. Thirteen empirical studies were analysed that explored experiences of RSE programmes, which were discussed alongside relevant literature. Findings in the literature highlight gaps in policy and practice, with suggestions for further work that could keep RSE heading in a direction that empowers youth.
Muscular Adaptations to Concurrent Resistance Training and High-Intensity Interval Training in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

This pilot study aimed to compare the effects of eight weeks of concurrent resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. RT alone on muscle performance, mass and quality in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Twelve T2DM adults were randomly allocated to the RT + HIIT (n = 5) or RT (n = 7) group. Before and after training, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), muscle strength and power were evaluated by calorimetry, dynamometry and one-repetition maximum (1RM) test. Quadriceps muscle volume was determined by MRI, and muscle quality was estimated. After RT, VO2max (+12%), knee muscle power (+20%), quadriceps muscle volume (+5.9%) and quality (leg extension, +65.4%; leg step-up, +223%) and 1RM at leg extension (+66.4%), leg step-up (+267%), lat pulldown (+60.9%) and chest press (+61.2%) significantly increased. The RT + HIIT group improved on VO2max (+27%), muscle volume (+6%), muscle power (+9%) and 1RM at lat pulldown (+47%). No other differences were detected. Among groups, changes in muscle quality at leg step-up and leg extension and VO2max were significantly different. The combination of RT and HIIT effectively improves muscle function and size and increases cardiorespiratory fitness in adults with T2DM. However, HIIT combined with RT may interfere with the development of muscle quality.
ОПТИЧНІ, ОПТОЕЛЕКТРОННІ І РАДІАЦІЙНІ СЕНСОРИ OPTICAL AND OPTOELECTRONIC AND RADIATION SENSORS

It is developed the optimized version of relativistic operator perturbation theory approach to calculation of the Stark resonances energies characteristics (energies and widths) for the multielectron atomic systems in an electromagnetic field. A new approach allows to perform an accurate, consistent treatment of a strong field DC(AC) Stark effect and includes the physically reasonable distorted-waves approximation in the frame of the formally exact relativistic quantummechanical procedure. As illustration, some test data for the Stark resonances energies and widths Г. О. Кузнецова, А. В. Глушков, М. Ю. Гурська, А. А. Буяджи, В. Б. Терновський Sensor Electronics and Мicrosystem Technologies 2018 – T. 15, No 4 50 51 in the heavy multielectron atoms (caesium, francium) are presented and compared with results of calculations within the alternative consistent sophisticated methods etc.
Corneal biomechanical properties : Measurement, modification and simulation

In this dissertation advanced imaging technologies in combination with sophisticated analytical tools were applied to address the measurement of the corneal biomechanical properties. Several techniques were developed to determine the corneal stiffness in vitro and to study the corneal behavior as a function of different factors (such as hydration, geometry, intraocular pressure, corneal stiffness). Experimental data were used to build numerical models, which were able to reproduce the observed biomechanical response of the cornea. Numerical models also were applied to retrieve biomechanical parameters from in vivo deformation measurements and to study the outcome with implantation of intra-stromal ring segments.