Efficient Learning and Evaluation of Complex Concepts in Inductive Logic Programming

Inductive Logic Programming (ILP) is a subfield of Machine Learning with foundations in logic programming. In ILP, logic programming, a subset of first-order logic, is used as a uniform representation language for the problem specification and induced theories. ILP has been successfully applied to many real-world problems, especially in the biological domain (e.g. drug design, protein structure prediction), where relational information is of particular importance. The expressiveness of logic programs grants flexibility in specifying the learning task and understandability to the induced theories. However, this flexibility comes at a high computational cost, constraining the applicability of ILP systems. Constructing and evaluating complex concepts remain two of the main issues that prevent ILP systems from tackling many learning problems. These learning problems are interesting both from a research perspective, as they raise the standards for ILP systems, and from an application perspective, where these target concepts naturally occur in many real-world applications. Such complex concepts cannot be constructed or evaluated by parallelizing existing top-down ILP systems or improving the underlying Prolog engine. Novel search strategies and cover algorithms are needed. The main focus of this thesis is on how to efficiently construct and evaluate complex hypotheses in an ILP setting. In order to construct such hypotheses we investigate two approaches. The first, the Top Directed Hypothesis Derivation framework, implemented in the ILP system TopLog, involves the use of a top theory to constrain the hypothesis space. In the second approach we revisit the bottom-up search strategy of Golem, lifting its restriction on determinate clauses which had rendered Golem inapplicable to many key areas. These developments led to the bottom-up ILP system ProGolem. A challenge that arises with a bottom-up approach is the coverage computation of long, non-determinate, clauses. Prolog’s SLD-resolution is no longer adequate. We developed a new, Prolog-based, theta-subsumption engine which is significantly more efficient than SLD-resolution in computing the coverage of such complex clauses. We provide evidence that ProGolem achieves the goal of learning complex concepts by presenting a protein-hexose binding prediction application. The theory ProGolem induced has a statistically significant better predictive accuracy than that of other learners. More importantly, the biological insights ProGolem’s theory provided were judged by domain experts to be relevant and, in some cases, novel

Optimization method for sequential determination of Cu and Fe in airborne particulate matter collected on glass fiber filters by slurry sampling FAAS

Short ReportA slurry sampling flame atomic absorption spectrometric method for sequential determination of Cu and Fe in airborne particulate matter (APM) collected on glass fiber filters is proposed. The method optimization was carried out using a dry powdered sample (filter + APM) mass of 50 mg, dispersed in 0.5 mol L-1 nitric acid solution and under ultrasonic bath for 10 min. The limits of detection (n = 10) were 4 and 14 µg g-1 for Cu and Fe on the filter, respectively. The repeatability expressed as the relative standard deviation was better than 7 and 8% (n = 3) for Cu and Fe, respectively. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by analysis of the fly ash certified reference material (BCR 176R). The results obtained for six samples of APM using the proposed method showed no significant differences with those obtained after microwave-assisted acid extraction and determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The analytical method proved to be simple, fast and reliable._________________________________________________________________________________________ RESUMO: Um método para determinação sequencial de Cu e Fe em material particulado atmosférico (APM) coletado em filtro de fibra de vidro por amostragem em suspensão e espectrometria de absorção atômica com chama é proposto. A otimização do método foi realizada utilizando-se uma massa de amostra seca em pó (filtro + APM) de 50 mg, dispersa em solução de ácido nítrico 0,5 mol L-1 e tratada por 10 min em banho ultrassônico. Os limites de detecção (n = 10) foram 4 e 14 µg g-1 para Cu e Fe no filtro, respectivamente. A repetitividade expressa como desvio padrão relativo foi melhor do que 7 e 8% (n = 3) para Cu e Fe, respectivamente. A exatidão do método foi confirmada analisando-se material de referência certificado de cinzas atmosféricas (BCR 176R). Os resultados obtidos para seis amostras de APM utilizando o método proposto não apresentaram diferenças significativas em comparação com os valores obtidos usando o método de extração ácida e determinação por espectrometria de massas com plasma indutivamente acoplado. O método analítico mostrou-se simples, rápido e confiável

Comparação entre 2 Métodos de Fixação de Marcapasso Provisório Transvenoso

Introdução: A necessidade de marca-passo provisório (MPP) transita por diversos cenários. Alguns pacientes necessitam do dispositivo para completar um tratamento de infecção, recuperar o ritmo após infarto do miocárdio ou enquanto aguardam liberação do dispositivo definitivo pela operadora de saúde. Independentemente da técnica de passagem do MPP, a boa fixação do eletrodo é fundamental, evitando-se deslocamentos e necessidade de reposicionamento, entre outras complicações. Objetivo: Comparar duas formas de fixação de MPP, uma sob fixação direta na pele e outra mantendo-se o introdutor venoso conectado à proteção plástica por todo caboeletrodo do marca-passo. Métodos: Randomizaram-se 40 pacientes, 20 em cada grupo. Registraram-se dados referentes ao tempo do procedimento, posição do cabo-eletrodo, limiares de comando, sensibilidade e complicações. Consideraram-se como desfecho primário a necessidade de reposicionamento ou troca do MPP transvenoso e secundário qualquer complicação sem a necessidade de reposicioná-lo. Resultados: Não houve diferenças significativas na duração total do procedimento entre os grupos na posição inicial do eletrodo e na via de acesso utilizada. O grupo com a proteção plástica apresentou desfecho primário maior (60%) em relação ao grupo de fixação direta (20%; p = 0,0098). Não houve diferenças em relação ao desfecho secundário (p = 1,0). O grupo com proteção plástica também apresentou mais complicações totais em relação ao outro grupo (p = 0,0262). Conclusão: A fixação direta do cabo-eletrodo do marca-passo se mostrou mais segura em relação à fixação com proteção plástica, reduzindo complicações como deslocamentos do cabo-eletrodo que necessitem de reposicionamento ou troca desse, sem aumento no tempo do procedimento

Nasal polyposis : more than a chronic inflammatory disorder : a disease of mechanical dysfunction : the São Paulo position

Introduction The importance of our study lies in the fact that we have demonstrated the occurrence of mechanical dysfunction within polypoid tissues, which promotes the development of polyps in the nasal cavity. Objective To change the paradigm of nasal polyposis (NP). In this new conception, the chronic nasal inflammatory process that occurs in response to allergies, to pollution, to changes in the epithelial barrier, or to other factors is merely the trigger of the development of the disease in individuals with a genetic predisposition to an abnormal tissue remodeling process, which leads to a derangement of the mechanical properties of the nasal mucosa and, consequently, allows it to grow unchecked. Data Synthesis We propose a fundamentally new approach to intervening in the pathological process of NP, addressing biomechanical properties, fluid dynamics, and the concept of surface tension. Conclusion The incorporation of biomechanical knowledge into our understanding of NP provides a new perspective to help elucidate the physiology and the pathology of nasal polyps, and new avenues for the treatment and cure of NP

Gravity localization in a string-cigar braneworld

We proposed a six dimensional string-like braneworld built from a warped product between a 3-brane and the Hamilton cigar soliton space, the string-cigar braneworld. This transverse manifold is a well-known steady solution of the Ricci flow equation that describes the evolution of a manifold. The resulting bulk is an interior and exterior metric for a thick string. This is a physical and feasible scenario since the source satisfies the dominant energy condition. It is possible to realize the geometric flow as a result of variations of the matter content of the brane, actually, as its tensions. Furthermore, the Ricci flow defines a family of string-like branes and we studied the effects that the evolution of the transverse space has on the geometric and physical quantities. The geometric flow makes the cosmological constant and the relationship between the Planck masses evolves. The gravitational massless mode remains trapped to the brane and the width of the mode depends on the evolution parameter. For the Kaluza-Klein modes, the asymptotic spectrum of mass is the same as for the thin string-like brane and the analogue Schroedinger potential also changes according to the flow.Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures. We include new discussion about gravitational perturbation analysis and some new references. Results unchanged. Version to appear in Classical and Quantum Gravit

Energy Estimation of Cosmic Rays with the Engineering Radio Array of the Pierre Auger Observatory

The Auger Engineering Radio Array (AERA) is part of the Pierre Auger Observatory and is used to detect the radio emission of cosmic-ray air showers. These observations are compared to the data of the surface detector stations of the Observatory, which provide well-calibrated information on the cosmic-ray energies and arrival directions. The response of the radio stations in the 30 to 80 MHz regime has been thoroughly calibrated to enable the reconstruction of the incoming electric field. For the latter, the energy deposit per area is determined from the radio pulses at each observer position and is interpolated using a two-dimensional function that takes into account signal asymmetries due to interference between the geomagnetic and charge-excess emission components. The spatial integral over the signal distribution gives a direct measurement of the energy transferred from the primary cosmic ray into radio emission in the AERA frequency range. We measure 15.8 MeV of radiation energy for a 1 EeV air shower arriving perpendicularly to the geomagnetic field. This radiation energy -- corrected for geometrical effects -- is used as a cosmic-ray energy estimator. Performing an absolute energy calibration against the surface-detector information, we observe that this radio-energy estimator scales quadratically with the cosmic-ray energy as expected for coherent emission. We find an energy resolution of the radio reconstruction of 22% for the data set and 17% for a high-quality subset containing only events with at least five radio stations with signal.Comment: Replaced with published version. Added journal reference and DO

Desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor na infância e eventos obstétricos

Objective: Investigate and analyze the relationship between obstetric events and neuropsychomotor development in children aged 0 to 12 years. The research aims to contribute to understanding the impacts of these events on child development, providing insights that can guide obstetric practices, early interventions, and strategies for promoting health in childhood.Introduction: Contextualization and relevance of the study, addressing the importance of understanding the influence of obstetric events on neuropsychomotor child development. The need to explore this relationship is emphasized to inform obstetric practices and intervention strategies that promote healthy development in childhood. Methodology: Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Scielo, and Latindex databases using terms related to neuropsychomotor development and obstetric events. The DeCS terms used included "Neurology," "Growth and Development," "Child Development," "Obstetric Delivery," "Child Psychiatry," and "Adverse Birth Outcomes," combined with boolean operators AND and OR. Conclusion: The conclusion highlights the relationship between obstetric events and neuropsychomotor development. Understanding risk factors guides prevention and personalized interventions, addressing neonatal vulnerability. Evaluation and diagnosis are vital for adapted support, and therapeutic interventions drive progress. Emphasis on prevention, family support, research, and advocacy is crucial for inclusive environments and healthy development.Objetivo: Investigar e analisar a relação entre eventos obstétricos e o desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor em crianças de 0 a 12 anos. A pesquisa visa contribuir para a compreensão dos impactos desses eventos no desenvolvimento infantil, fornecendo insights que possam orientar práticas obstétricas, intervenções precoces e estratégias de promoção da saúde na infância. Introdução: Contextualização e relevância do estudo, abordando a importância de compreender a influência dos eventos obstétricos no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor infantil. Destaca-se a necessidade de explorar essa relação para informar práticas obstétricas e estratégias de intervenção que promovam um desenvolvimento saudável na infância. Metodologia: Foram conduzidas buscas nas bases de dados PubMed, Scielo e Latindex usando termos relacionados ao desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor e eventos obstétricos. Os DeCs utilizados incluíram "Neurologia", "Crescimento e Desenvolvimento", "Desenvolvimento Infantil", "Parto Obstétrico", "Psiquiatria Infantil" e "Desfechos Adversos do Nascimento", combinados por operadores booleanos AND e OR. Conclusão: A conclusão destaca a relação entre eventos obstétricos e desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. Entender fatores de risco guia prevenção e intervenções personalizadas, atendendo à vulnerabilidade neonatal. Avaliação e diagnóstico são vitais para suporte adaptado, e intervenções terapêuticas impulsionam o progresso. A ênfase em prevenção, suporte familiar, pesquisa e advocacia é crucial para ambientes inclusivos e o desenvolvimento saudável