Graph convolutional networks: analysis, improvements and results

A graph can represent a complex organization of data in which dependencies exist between multiple entities or activities. Such complex structures create challenges for machine learning algorithms, particularly when combined with the high dimensionality of data in current applications. Graph convolutional networks were introduced to adopt concepts from deep convolutional networks (i.e. the convolutional operations/layers) that have shown good results. In this context, we propose two major enhancements to two of the existing graph convolutional network frameworks: (1) topological information enrichment through clustering coefficients; and (2) structural redesign of the network through the addition of dense layers. Furthermore, we propose minor enhancements using convex combinations of activation functions and hyper-parameter optimization. We present extensive results on four state-of-art benchmark datasets. We show that our approach achieves competitive results for three of the datasets and state-of-the-art results for the fourth dataset while having lower computational costs compared to competing methods.

What the World Needs Now is Jazz

The worldwide lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic initiated an economic crisis, especially in the performing arts world. With all events cancelled for many months and limited options to return to live performance in the future, the arts community had to respond quickly. The jazz model, specifically improvisational training, has been discussed frequently in the entrepreneurship literature as an important method for making decisions in uncertain situations. Furthermore, the principle of Effectual Entrepreneurship defined as engaging in a continuous cycle of ideation and experimentation towards creating solutions from available means and techniques, is usually associated with a growth mindset fostered by training in improvisational techniques. Hence, this article documents and discusses the hypothesis that directions and activities pursued by jazz musicians who train their improvisational capacities on a regular basis can provide a glimpse of the evolving new model. Data collected from a survey, published literature, and several in-depth interviews and conclusions point towards a hybrid model of new technologies and modes of interaction combined with the need to preserve human engagement. Furthermore, the fragility of the current performing arts system calls for structural redesign and new focus on local communities.

Structural Redesign of Pilot Training and the Automated Aircraft

Flight skill loss due to the overuse of automation has become an industry concern. Aircraft accidents have been attributed to pilots' inability to manage their aircraft in manual flight resulting from unexpected changes in automation and loss of situation awareness. While aviation experts have associated these accidents to diminished stick and rudder skills from the overuse of automation, the problem may be attributed to how pilots are trained in automated aircraft. The FAA has encouraged pilots to manually fly to improve skills; however, limited opportunities for manual flight exist in the current international environment, with potentially less opportunities in the future due to NextGen compliance. A critical view of pilot training identifies how airlines could train pilots in modern day aircraft to maximize safety. The benefit of computer-based training to teach operating procedures, fixed based simulators versus level D full flight simulators, redesigning training programs to improve pilots' understanding through cognitive load theory, and the power of repetition will be addressed.

REDESIGN BUILDING STRUCTURE RSGM UGM PROF. SOEDOMO USING FLAT SLAB METHOD WITH DROP PANELS

Flat slab is reinforced concrete plate construction without beam. Without using beam, the obtainable profit is to minimize concrete volume, height/floor, and structural load. Other profits are simpler and economic reinforcement, scaffolding, and formwork. In this study, structural redesign of RSGM UGM Prof. Soedomo Yogyakarta building was made by using flat slab method. The objective of this study was to find structural dimension of floor and roof plates as well as reinforcement of the RSGM UGM Prof. Soedomo Building using structural system of flat slab, dimension of structural column and drop panel as well as reinforcement of the RSGM UGM Prof. Soedomo Building using structural system of flat slab. This method was to redesign using flat slab method complying with the standard of SNI 2847-2013 and software ETABS 2017. The results of analysis and calculation of structural dimension using flat slab method showed floor plate thickness of 170 mm; roof plate thickness, 120 mm; drop panel thickness, 270 mm with drop panel width of 2000 mm in direction x and 1500 mm in direction y, as well as use of column dimension of 500 mm x 500 mm. The analysis using software ETABS 2016 showed building structure in period (T) of 1.07 seconds.Keywords: RSGM UGM Prof. Soedomo Building, Drop Panel, Flat slab.

A structural perspective of plant antimicrobial peptides

Among the numerous strategies plants have developed to fend off enemy attack, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) stand out as one of the most prominent defensive barriers that grant direct and durable resistance against a wide range of pests and pathogens. These small proteins are characterized by a compact structure and an overall positive charge. AMPs have an ancient origin and widespread occurrence in the plant kingdom but show an unusually high degree of variation in their amino acid sequences. Interestingly, there is a strikingly conserved topology among the plant AMP families, suggesting that the defensive properties of these peptides are not determined by their primary sequences but rather by their tridimensional structure. To explore and expand this idea, we here discuss the role of AMPs for plant defense from a structural perspective. We show how specific structural properties, such as length, charge, hydrophobicity, polar angle and conformation, are essential for plant AMPs to act as a chemical shield that hinders enemy attack. Knowledge on the topology of these peptides is facilitating the isolation, classification and even structural redesign of AMPs, thus allowing scientists to develop new peptides with multiple agronomical and pharmacological potential.

Structural Redesign of Pilot Training and the Automated Aircraft

Flight skill loss due to the overuse of automation has become an industry concern. Aircraft accidents have been attributed to pilots' inability to manage their aircraft in manual flight resulting from unexpected changes in automation and loss of situation awareness. While aviation experts have associated these accidents to diminished stick and rudder skills from the overuse of automation, the problem may be attributed to how pilots are trained in automated aircraft. The FAA has encouraged pilots to manually fly to improve skills; however, limited opportunities for manual flight exist in the current international environment, with potentially less opportunities in the future due to NextGen compliance. A critical view of pilot training identifies how airlines could train pilots in modern day aircraft to maximize safety. The benefit of computer-based training to teach operating procedures, fixed based simulators versus level D full flight simulators, redesigning training programs to improve pilots' understanding through cognitive load theory, and the power of repetition will be addressed.