Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Filter Size in Graph Convolutional Networks

Recently, many researchers have been focusing on the definition of neural networks for graphs. The basic component for many of these approaches remains the graph convolution idea proposed almost a decade ago. In this paper, we extend this basic component, following an intuition derived from the well-known convolutional filters over multi-dimensional tensors. In particular, we derive a simple, efficient and effective way to introduce a hyper-parameter on graph convolutions that influences the filter size, i.e., its receptive field over the considered graph. We show with experimental results on real-world graph datasets that the proposed graph convolutional filter improves the predictive performance of Deep Graph Convolutional Networks.
Citrate-based materials fuel human stem cells by metabonegenic regulation

Significance Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to bone-forming cells is central to bone regeneration, the extent of which is largely regulated by microenvironment factors. Here, we find that citrate as a metabolic factor that is abundant in bone can be consumed by MSCs to fuel osteogenesis by regulating metabolic pathways. We explored the mechanism of citrate benefit and designed a biomimetic citrate-based material that could provide a citrate- and phosphoserine-rich environment during degradation based on the previously unexplored concerted action between the two bioactive factors in accelerating bone regeneration. Together, these studies open up avenues for the study of stem cell biology and design of bone biomaterials to treat critically sized defects and bone disorders of metabolic origin. A comprehensive understanding of the key microenvironmental signals regulating bone regeneration is pivotal for the effective design of bioinspired orthopedic materials. Here, we identified citrate as an osteopromotive factor and revealed its metabonegenic role in mediating citrate metabolism and its downstream effects on the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Our studies show that extracellular citrate uptake through solute carrier family 13, member 5 (SLC13a5) supports osteogenic differentiation via regulation of energy-producing metabolic pathways, leading to elevated cell energy status that fuels the high metabolic demands of hMSC osteodifferentiation. We next identified citrate and phosphoserine (PSer) as a synergistic pair in polymeric design, exhibiting concerted action not only in metabonegenic potential for orthopedic regeneration but also in facile reactivity in a fluorescent system for materials tracking and imaging. We designed a citrate/phosphoserine-based photoluminescent biodegradable polymer (BPLP-PSer), which was fabricated into BPLP-PSer/hydroxyapatite composite microparticulate scaffolds that demonstrated significant improvements in bone regeneration and tissue response in rat femoral-condyle and cranial-defect models. We believe that the present study may inspire the development of new generations of biomimetic biomaterials that better recapitulate the metabolic microenvironments of stem cells to meet the dynamic needs of cellular growth, differentiation, and maturation for use in tissue engineering.
An Ultra High Bandwidth Automotive Rapid Prototype System

For developers of automotive control, prototyping and initial tests are a hassle. Commercial solutions are available but the price and especially the price/performance ratio opens the field for more cost effective solutions. Automotive rapid prototype systems seen so far are mainly processor based systems with standard interrupt driven measurement and actuation. Control systems based on high time resolution measurements of for example cylinder pressure are difficult to implement using these systems, neither is it possible to implement controller loops with an extremely high bandwidth in combination with expensive algorithms. Measurement and actuation within the same engine cycle, In Cycle Control (ICC) are not possible. The proposed system is based on a mixed system consisting of one standard x86 processor which is configured through Simulink and a reconfigurable application specific integrated circuit (an FPGA) configured either by relevant FPGA design tools or by Simulink. This layout of the rapid prototype system enables the designer to implement either ICC with very high bandwidth (only limited by the capacity of the injection system) or betweencycle control with medium bandwidth. The aim of this paper is to describe one possible configuration of such a system and to discuss the possible performance outcome of the final system. (Less)
Cytological evaluation of inflammation of the uterus and influence of endometritis on selected reproductive parameters in dairy cows

Abstract There were two aims of this study. One was to evaluate the postpartum state of the reproductive system in cows based on ultrasonography, bacterial culture, and cytological examination of the uterus. The other was to determine whether postpartum endometritis affects the subsequent state of the endometrium, and, in consequence, selected reproductive parameters in cows. The study was conducted on 60 cows: the experimental group of 30 cows with endometritis, and 30 cows free of uterine inflammation (control). The percentage of leukocytes in both groups was similar only on day 5 of postpartum. In all subsequent tests (26, 40, 61 d postpartum), the percentage of leukocytes in the experimental group was statistically significantly higher than in the control (P < 0.001), both in samples collected with a brush and in lavage samples. Involution of the uterus in the experimental group was also slower (P < 0.001). The analysed reproductive parameters were markedly less favourable in the experimental group than in the control. The study showed that postpartum inflammation of the uterus can persist for a long time in the form of endometritis, causing substantial deterioration of reproductive parameters in cows. The authors suggest that cytological evaluation of the uterus, preferably using a brush, should be performed as soon as possible after parturition, even before day 21, up to which time puerperal metritis may still persist. Evaluation of the inflammatory process based on the number of leukocytes and the quality of endometrial cells is important.
PENGARUH PELATIHAN TERHADAP PROFESIONALISME GURU SEKOLAH DASAR DI TULUNGAGUNG

Abstrak Untuk mewujudkan tujuan Pendidikan Nasional, diperlukan guru profesional yang menguasai kompetensi pedagogik, kepribadian, sosial, dan profesional. Untuk dapat menguasai empat kompetensi tersebut, guru perlu aktif mengikuti pelatihan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah pelatihan berpengaruh terhadap profesionalisme guru Sekolah Dasar di daerah Kabupaten Tulungagung, dan seberapa pelatihan tersebut terhadap profesionalisme guru Sekolah Dasar di daerah Kabupaten Tulungagung. Jenis penelitian ini yaitu penelitian kuantitatif. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengumpulan data yaitu metode kuesioner dan dokumentasi. Metode kuesioner digunakan untuk mengambil data profesionalisme guru. Metode dokumentasi digunakan untuk mengambil data pelatihan. Pengujian instrumen yaitu dengan uji validitas dan reliabilitas yang dilakukan sebelum pengujian hipotesis. Uji prasyarat analisis yaitu uji normalitas. Analisis data yang digunakan yaitu regresi linier sederhana dan Â uji t. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Keywords : Pelatihan, Profesionalisme guru
Sapiens Chain: A Blockchain-based Cybersecurity Framework

Recently, cybersecurity becomes more and more important due to the rapid development of Internet. However, existing methods are in reality highly sensitive to attacks and are far more vulnerable than expected, as they are lack of trustable measures. In this paper, to address the aforementioned problems, we propose a blockchain-based cybersecurity framework, termed as Sapiens Chain, which can protect the privacy of the anonymous users and ensure that the transactions are immutable by providing decentralized and trustable services. Integrating semantic analysis, symbolic execution, and routing learning methods into intelligent auditing, this framework can achieve good accuracy for detecting hidden vulnerabilities. In addition, a revenue incentive mechanism, which aims to donate participants, is built. The practical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Genetic Variants of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Metabolic Indices in Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma and stressor related disorder that may develop after exposure to an event that involved the actual or possible threat of death, violence or serious injury. Its molecular underpinning is still not clear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulates neuronal processes such as the response to stress, but also weight control, energy and glucose homeostasis. Plasma BDNF levels and a functional BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism were reported to be associated with PTSD, as well as with increased body mass index (BMI) and dyslipidaemia in healthy subjects and patients with cardio-metabolic diseases, but these results are controversial. The other frequently studied BDNF polymorphism, C270T (rs56164415), has been associated with the development of different neuropsychiatric symptoms/disorders. As far as we are aware, there are no data on the association of BDNF Val66Met and C270T polymorphisms with metabolic indices in PTSD. Due to high rates of obesity and dyslipidaemia in PTSD, the aim of this study was to elucidate the association of BDNF Val66Met and C270T polymorphisms with BMI and lipid levels in veterans with PTSD. We hypothesized that BDNF variants contribute to susceptibility to metabolic disturbances in PTSD. The study included 333 Caucasian males with combat related PTSD, diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria. Genotyping of the BDNF Val66Met and C270T polymorphisms was performed using the real-time PCR method. Results were analyzed using hierarchical multiple linear regression and the Mann–Whitney test, with p-value corrected to 0.005. The results showed that BDNF Val66Met and BDNF C270T polymorphisms were not significantly associated with BMI, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol or triglycerides. Although the BDNF C270T polymorphism was nominally associated only with HDL-cholesterol in veterans with PTSD, this significance disappeared after controlling for the effect of age. Namely, slightly higher plasma HDL values in T allele carriers, compared to CC homozygotes, were associated with differences in age. Our results, controlled for the critical covariates, revealed that BDNF Val66Met and C270T were not significantly associated with metabolic indices in veterans with PTSD and that these genetic variants do not contribute to susceptibility to metabolic disturbances in PTSD.
Midlife Work-Related Stress is Associated with Late-Life Gray Matter Volume Atrophy

Background: Work-related stress has been associated with an increased dementia risk. However, less is known about the mechanisms that underlie these associations. Objective: The goal is to examine associations between midlife work-related stress and late-life structural brain alterations. Methods: The Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE) study participants were randomly selected from independent population-based surveys (mean age 50) in Finland. MRI measurements included gray matter (GM) volume, white matter lesions (WML) and medial temporal atrophy (MTA) (1st re-examination, n = 102); and GM volume, hippocampal volume, WML volume, cortical thickness, and MTA (2nd re-examination, n = 64). Work-related stress comprised a score from two questions administered in midlife. Results: Higher levels of midlife work-related stress were associated with lower GM volume (β= –0.077, p = 0.033) at the first re-examination, even after adjusting for several confounders. No significant associations were found with MTA, WML, or MRI measurements at the second re-examination. Conclusion: Previously shown associations of midlife work-related stress with dementia risk may be at least partly explained by associations with lower GM volume in late-life. The lack of associations at the second re-examination may indicate a critical time window for the effects of midlife work-related stress, and/or selective survival/participation.
Adrenalectomy in Prone Position

Introduction and objectives: Laparoscopic or retroperitoneoscopic approaches are the options of choice for removing benign adrenal tumor masses. The aim of this paper is to assess the results of our initial experience with retroperitoneoscopicadrenalectomy in prone position. Materials and methods: Between 2005 and 2013 there were 63 cases of benign adrenal tumor masses that received endoscopic treatment in our center. 18 of them underwent a laparoscopic and 45 a retroperitoneoscopicadrenalectomy. For 33 of these patients the surgery was performed in a flank position and for the other 12 in a prone position (7 on the right and 5 on the left). After the general anesthesia in the supine position, the patients were flipped in a prone position. 3 trocars were inserted (middle 12 mm at the tip of the 12 rib, median 10 mm next to the para-spinal muscle, lateral 5 mm close to the tip of the 11 rib). The retroperitoneum was inflated with CO2 at 14-20 mmHg. First the upper pole of the kidney was dissected, then the adrenal gland was separated from the kidney and the vena cava (or aorta) with a harmonic scalpel. The dissection was finalized, and the organ was removed in an endocatch bag. Different from the original „Walz” technique, we used the middle (12 mm) trocar for the camera during dissection, and switched to the median (10 mm) trocar only to remove the tumor. Results: This approach was easy and fast. No immediate or late complications were encountered, with no significant blood loss and no cardiovascular problems. Mean operation time was of 75 minutes, even if this is our initial experience with the technique. Only 3 trochars were always required. Mean tumor size was 4.3 cm (3-6 cm). The larger tumors were removed by morcellation in the endocatch bag through the middle 12 mm trochar, without extending the initial incision. Histology revealed nonsecretory cortical adenomas in all cases. Conclusions: Retroperitoneoscopicadrenalectomy in a prone position is the best approach for benign adrenal tumors because it provides the easiest access to the adrenal gland, avoiding intraabdominal adhesions and other organs. Requiring only 3 trocars and a short learning curve, it also is the simplest and fastest method. And it allows higher inflation pressures without the risk of a decrease in venous return, and can be safely performed, even in obese patients or bilateral tumors.
Controlling a Rehabilitation Robot with Brain-Machine Interface: An approach based on Independent Component Analysis and Multiple Kernel Learning

Patients suffering from severe motor disabilities usually require assistance from other people when doing rehabilitation exercises, which causes the rehabilitation process to be time-consuming and inconvenient. Therefore, we propose an automatic feature extraction method for a brain-machine interface that allows patients to control a robot using their own brain waves. A brain–machine interface (BMI) based on the P300 event-related potential (ERP), called Brain Controlled Rehabilitation System (BCRS), was developed to detect the intentions of patients. Using the BCRS, patients can communicate with the robot through their brain waves. However, deciding how to obtain an automatically extracted, useful EEG signal is a difficult and important problem for BMI research. In this paper, Independent Component Analysis – Multiple Kernel Learning (ICA-MKL) is used to directly extract a useful signal and build the classification mode for BCRS. The results reveal that this method is useful for automatically extracting the P300 signal and the accuracy is better than MKL. In additional, the same method can be extended into any motor imaginary area and the accuracy of ICA-MKL for brain imaginary data is also good to removing eye-blink artifacts and the accuracy performance is also good.
Social cognitive determinants of exercise behavior in the context of behavior modeling: a mixed method approach

Research has shown that persuasive technologies aimed at behavior change will be more effective if behavioral determinants are targeted. However, research on the determinants of bodyweight exercise performance in the context of behavior modeling in fitness apps is scarce. To bridge this gap, we conducted an empirical study among 659 participants resident in North America using social cognitive theory as a framework to uncover the determinants of the performance of bodyweight exercise behavior. To contextualize our study, we modeled, in a hypothetical context, two popular bodyweight exercise behaviors – push ups and squats – featured in most fitness apps on the market using a virtual coach (aka behavior model). Our social cognitive model shows that users’ perceived self-efficacy (βT = 0.23, p < 0.001) and perceived social support (βT = 0.23, p < 0.001) are the strongest determinants of bodyweight exercise behavior, followed by outcome expectation (βT = 0.11, p < 0.05). However, users’ perceived self-regulation (βT = –0.07, p = n.s.) turns out to be a non-determinant of bodyweight exercise behavior. Comparatively, our model shows that perceived self-efficacy has a stronger direct effect on exercise behavior for men (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) than for women (β = 0.10, p = n.s.). In contrast, perceived social support has a stronger direct effect on exercise behavior for women (β = 0.15, p < 0.05) than for men (β = −0.01, p = n.s.). Based on these findings and qualitative analysis of participants’ comments, we provide a set of guidelines for the design of persuasive technologies for promoting regular exercise behavior.
Detection of Bright and Dark Lesions from Color Fundus Images Using Delta-Rank Transform

Accurate detection of bright and dark lesions plays a very important role in diagnosis of various retinal related pathologies. This paper presents a method for detection of exudates and microaneurysms (MAs) from the retinal images by leveraging the property of high spatial frequencies of local pixel intensity. In contribution, we proposed a method that use delta local rank transform with positive and negative delta values to detect both exudates and MAs respectively. The exudate candidates are obtained after retinal anatomic structure removal by masking optic disc (OD) and blood vessels. Finally, selecting the bright and dark candidates by filtering out noise and postprocessing techniques. To demonstrate our proposed method, we carried out an experiments to detect lesion on two publicly available datasets namely, E-Ophtha and Diaretdbl. The result proves that the proposed method is comparable with the other state-of-the-art methods.
BP: DECREE: A Platform for Repeatable and Reproducible Security Experiments

Reproducibility is one of the core tenets of science. Researchers must be able to independently verify scientific theories and research results; practitioners need to able to trust test results and assessments. Reproducibility is hard because computing environments can exhibit non-deterministic and even diverging behaviors due to differing hardware and software configurations. Software running on one platform might behave differently when executed on another. One might think that constraining configurations using virtualization is the answer, but even machine instructions can be sources of non-determinism. The challenges, trade-offs, lessons learned and our solutions (e.g., use a restricted instruction set) in creating DECREE, a repeatable and reproducible computing environment are detailed in this paper.
Neural network validation: an illustration from the monitoring of multi-phase flows

One of the key factors limiting the use of neural networks in many industrial applications has been the difficulty of demonstrating that a trained network will continue to generate reliable outputs once it is in routine use. An important potential source of errors arises from novel input data, that is input data which differs significantly from the data used to train the network. In this paper, the authors investigate the relation between the degree of novelty of input data and the corresponding reliability of the outputs from the network. They describe a quantitative procedure for assessing novelty, and demonstrate its performance using an application involving the monitoring of oil flow in multiphase pipelines.
Bringing a Blurry Frame Alive at High Frame-Rate With an Event Camera

Event-based cameras can measure intensity changes (called ‘events’) with microsecond accuracy under high-speed motion and challenging lighting conditions. With the active pixel sensor (APS), the event camera allows simultaneous output of the intensity frames. However, the output images are captured at a relatively low frame-rate and often suffer from motion blur. A blurry image can be regarded as the integral of a sequence of latent images, while the events indicate the changes between the latent images. Therefore, we are able to model the blur-generation process by associating event data to a latent image. In this paper, we propose a simple and effective approach, the Event-based Double Integral (EDI) model, to reconstruct a high frame-rate, sharp video from a single blurry frame and its event data. The video generation is based on solving a simple non-convex optimization problem in a single scalar variable. Experimental results on both synthetic and real images demonstrate the superiority of our EDI model and optimization method in comparison to the state-of-the-art.
Temperature Dependence of Bandpass Filters Built of Silica-Based Post-Wall Waveguide for Millimeter-Wave Applications

Temperature dependence is shown of fifth-order Chebyshev bandpass filters (BPFs) built of silica-based post-wall waveguide for millimeter-wave applications. The measured frequency drift of the three BPFs with the center frequencies of 59 GHz, 73 GHz and 84 GHz were 10.12 ppm/°C, 9.56 ppm/°C and 11.91 ppm/°C over the temperature range of 30°C to 90°C, respectively. It is confirmed that the stability of the silica-based BPFs is superior to commercial-waveguide BPFs.