cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7512920.v1
title: Related quality of life questionnaire specific to dysthyroid ophthalmopathy evaluated in a population of patients with Graves’ disease

description: ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to measure quality of life (QOL) impairment in individuals currently suffering from Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) and to determine the correlation of GO-specific QOL scores with disease severity and activity. Subjects and methods Seventy three GO-specific QOL surveys were prospectively analysed and compared with GO status. The GO-specific QOL survey was translated into Spanish and applied to Argentine patients with Graves’ disease (GD). Results were compared with presence or absence of GO, Clinical Activity Score (CAS), severity score, age, gender and thyroid function. Results Fifty-six patients answered the survey and underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation, 15 did not have GO and were considered to be a control group. Appearance QOL score for patients with GO (53 ± 31.4) was lower than the control group (88.3 ± 17) (p &lt; 0,000), no difference was observed in functional QOL score. There was a negative correlation between GO severity and both functional (r = -0.575; p &lt; 0.000) and appearance QOL (r = -0.577; p &lt; 0.000). Functional QOL differed between patients with active GO vs control group (p = 0.043). Patients with active and inactive GO had lower appearance QOL scores than control group (p &lt; 0.000, p &lt; 0.001 respectively). Conclusions GO has significant impact on the life of these Argentine patients. QOL was worse in GO patients than in control group, functional QOL was mostly affected by the activity and appearance QOL was mainly altered by the effects of the disease. Patients with more severe GO had lower scores on both QOL scales.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.9927407
title: Optimal pressure management in water distribution networks through district metered area creation based on machine learning

description: ABSTRACT Integrated management of water supply systems with efficient use of natural resources requires optimization of operational performances. Dividing the water supply networks into small units, so-called district metered areas (DMAs), is a strategy that allows the development of specific operational rules, responsible for improving the network performance. In this context, clustering methods congregate neighboring nodes in groups according to similar features, such as elevation or distance to the water source. Taking into account hydraulic, operational and mathematical criteria to determine the configuration of DMAs, this work presents the k-means model and a hybrid model, that combines a self-organizing map (SOM) with the k-means algorithm, as clustering methods, comparing four mathematical criteria to determine the number of DMAs, namely Silhouette, GAP, Calinski-Harabasz and Davies Bouldin. The influence of three clustering topological criteria is evaluated: the water demand, node elevation and pipe length, in order to determine the optimal number of clusters. Furthermore, to identify the best DMA configuration, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method was applied to determine the number, cost, pressure setting of Pressure Reducing Valves and location of DMA entrances.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.9927407.v1
title: Optimal pressure management in water distribution networks through district metered area creation based on machine learning

description: ABSTRACT Integrated management of water supply systems with efficient use of natural resources requires optimization of operational performances. Dividing the water supply networks into small units, so-called district metered areas (DMAs), is a strategy that allows the development of specific operational rules, responsible for improving the network performance. In this context, clustering methods congregate neighboring nodes in groups according to similar features, such as elevation or distance to the water source. Taking into account hydraulic, operational and mathematical criteria to determine the configuration of DMAs, this work presents the k-means model and a hybrid model, that combines a self-organizing map (SOM) with the k-means algorithm, as clustering methods, comparing four mathematical criteria to determine the number of DMAs, namely Silhouette, GAP, Calinski-Harabasz and Davies Bouldin. The influence of three clustering topological criteria is evaluated: the water demand, node elevation and pipe length, in order to determine the optimal number of clusters. Furthermore, to identify the best DMA configuration, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method was applied to determine the number, cost, pressure setting of Pressure Reducing Valves and location of DMA entrances.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7508114
title: Rehabitar la Montaña: strategies and processes for sustainable communities in the mountainous periphery of Medellín

description: Abstract Thousands of poor, marginal communities’ residents die due to landslide events every year. The quick urbanization of mountainous areas, combined with an increased frequency of landslide events induced by heavy rains due to climate change, is leading to increased deaths year after year, and the problem will only get worse. Landscape Architects, trained to analyze and intervene in situations with complex natural and social territorial dynamics, are in position to make positive contributions to mitigating risks in such situations. A collaborative effort between a team of landscape architects from Germany and Urbanists in Medellín Colombia is carrying out a four-phased research and implementation proposal to anticipate and mitigate risk in low-income settlements on Medellín's urban periphery. They propose five pilot projects to test risk mitigation strategies through monitoring and early warning systems, drainage improvements, urban agriculture, slope forestation, and developing sites with the supplied services.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7514570
title: Circulating levels of irisin is elevated in hypothyroidism, a case-control study

description: Objective Our objective in this study was to determine the relationship between irisin hormone, which has a similar effect with thyroid hormones on adipose tissue and the metabolism, and the thyroid functions and the obesity secondary to thyroid disease. Subjects and methods Seventy-four patients were included in the study, of the patients, 37 were newly diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis related hypothyroidism but not started on a treatment yet, and the remaining 37 were healthy volunteers without a known disease. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (fT4), anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid peroxidase were measured and thyroid ultrasonography was performed in both groups. Serum irisin levels were measured using the commercially available ELISA kit. The hypothyroidism group had higher levels of irisin compared to the control group (2.77 ng/mL vs. 2.15 ng/mL respectively; p = 0.017). Results The hypothyroidism group had higher median levels of irisin in the obese patients than those in the control group (3.10 ng/mL vs. 2.10 ng/mL respectively; p = 0.013). Irisin level was negatively correlated with age in the whole population and patients with hypothyroidism (r = -0.255, p = 0.028; r = -0.346, p = 0.036 respectively). Irisin level was positively correlated with TSH (r = 0.247, p = 0.034) but negatively correlated with the fT4 (r = -0.316, p = 0.006) in the whole population. Obesity, fT4 and irisin levels were identified to be independent predictors in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first in literature to identify that obesity, irisin level and fT4 level are independent risk factors for hypothyroidism.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7514570.v1
title: Circulating levels of irisin is elevated in hypothyroidism, a case-control study

description: Objective Our objective in this study was to determine the relationship between irisin hormone, which has a similar effect with thyroid hormones on adipose tissue and the metabolism, and the thyroid functions and the obesity secondary to thyroid disease. Subjects and methods Seventy-four patients were included in the study, of the patients, 37 were newly diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis related hypothyroidism but not started on a treatment yet, and the remaining 37 were healthy volunteers without a known disease. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (fT4), anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid peroxidase were measured and thyroid ultrasonography was performed in both groups. Serum irisin levels were measured using the commercially available ELISA kit. The hypothyroidism group had higher levels of irisin compared to the control group (2.77 ng/mL vs. 2.15 ng/mL respectively; p = 0.017). Results The hypothyroidism group had higher median levels of irisin in the obese patients than those in the control group (3.10 ng/mL vs. 2.10 ng/mL respectively; p = 0.013). Irisin level was negatively correlated with age in the whole population and patients with hypothyroidism (r = -0.255, p = 0.028; r = -0.346, p = 0.036 respectively). Irisin level was positively correlated with TSH (r = 0.247, p = 0.034) but negatively correlated with the fT4 (r = -0.316, p = 0.006) in the whole population. Obesity, fT4 and irisin levels were identified to be independent predictors in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first in literature to identify that obesity, irisin level and fT4 level are independent risk factors for hypothyroidism.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7508114.v1
title: Rehabitar la Montaña: strategies and processes for sustainable communities in the mountainous periphery of Medellín

description: Abstract Thousands of poor, marginal communities’ residents die due to landslide events every year. The quick urbanization of mountainous areas, combined with an increased frequency of landslide events induced by heavy rains due to climate change, is leading to increased deaths year after year, and the problem will only get worse. Landscape Architects, trained to analyze and intervene in situations with complex natural and social territorial dynamics, are in position to make positive contributions to mitigating risks in such situations. A collaborative effort between a team of landscape architects from Germany and Urbanists in Medellín Colombia is carrying out a four-phased research and implementation proposal to anticipate and mitigate risk in low-income settlements on Medellín's urban periphery. They propose five pilot projects to test risk mitigation strategies through monitoring and early warning systems, drainage improvements, urban agriculture, slope forestation, and developing sites with the supplied services.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7511222
title: COMPARISON OF EFFICIENCY OF STAINING WITH ZIEHL-NEELSEN MODIFIED AND SAFRANIN MODIFIED IN DETECTION OF Cryptosporidium spp. (EUCOCCIDIORIDA, CRYPTOSPORIDIIDAE) FROM FECAL SAMPLES OF CALVES FROM 0 AND 3 MONTHS

description: Abstract Bovine cryptosporidiosis is caused by four differents species: Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium bovis, Cryptosporidium andersoni and Cryptosporidium ryanae. The species Cryptosporidium parvum (Order: Eucoccidiorida, Family: Cryptosporidiidae) is considered of high zoonotic potential and it can infect humans through the elimination of oocysts by both cattle and by humans. The objective of this research was to detect oocysts of the genus Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal contents of calves (75 males and 77 females). We collected 152 stool samples from animals aged between 0 day and 3 months. The material was subjected to modified Ziehl-Neelsen and modified Safranin techniques, the slides were observed in its entire length by optical microscopy to verify the presence of oocysts of this parasitic infections. The results showed 17.1% (26/152) positivity in the samples examined, and the statistical analysis showed no difference between sex and the staining techniques used in this study. We concluded the infection by Cryptosporidium spp. is present in the evaluated properties, but more studies are needed, so that the risk of infection is measured properly and prophylactic measures are implemented.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7511222.v1
title: COMPARISON OF EFFICIENCY OF STAINING WITH ZIEHL-NEELSEN MODIFIED AND SAFRANIN MODIFIED IN DETECTION OF Cryptosporidium spp. (EUCOCCIDIORIDA, CRYPTOSPORIDIIDAE) FROM FECAL SAMPLES OF CALVES FROM 0 AND 3 MONTHS

description: Abstract Bovine cryptosporidiosis is caused by four differents species: Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium bovis, Cryptosporidium andersoni and Cryptosporidium ryanae. The species Cryptosporidium parvum (Order: Eucoccidiorida, Family: Cryptosporidiidae) is considered of high zoonotic potential and it can infect humans through the elimination of oocysts by both cattle and by humans. The objective of this research was to detect oocysts of the genus Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal contents of calves (75 males and 77 females). We collected 152 stool samples from animals aged between 0 day and 3 months. The material was subjected to modified Ziehl-Neelsen and modified Safranin techniques, the slides were observed in its entire length by optical microscopy to verify the presence of oocysts of this parasitic infections. The results showed 17.1% (26/152) positivity in the samples examined, and the statistical analysis showed no difference between sex and the staining techniques used in this study. We concluded the infection by Cryptosporidium spp. is present in the evaluated properties, but more studies are needed, so that the risk of infection is measured properly and prophylactic measures are implemented.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7515929
title: PET and the multitracer concept in the study of neurodegenerative diseases

description: ABSTRACT The complexity of the pathological reactions of the brain to an aggression caused by an internal or external noxa represents a challenge for molecular imaging. Positron emission tomography (PET) can indicate in vivo,anatomopathological changes involved in the development of different clinical symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. PET and the multitracer concept can provide information from different systems in the brain tissue building an image of the whole disease. We present here the combination of 18F-flourodeoxyglucose (FDG) and N-[11C-methyl]-L-deuterodeprenyl (DED), FDG and N-[11C-methyl] 2-(4'-methylaminophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzothiazole (PIB), PIB and L-[11C]-3'4-Dihydrophenylalanine (DOPA) and finally PIB and [15O]H2O.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7515929.v1
title: PET and the multitracer concept in the study of neurodegenerative diseases

description: ABSTRACT The complexity of the pathological reactions of the brain to an aggression caused by an internal or external noxa represents a challenge for molecular imaging. Positron emission tomography (PET) can indicate in vivo,anatomopathological changes involved in the development of different clinical symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. PET and the multitracer concept can provide information from different systems in the brain tissue building an image of the whole disease. We present here the combination of 18F-flourodeoxyglucose (FDG) and N-[11C-methyl]-L-deuterodeprenyl (DED), FDG and N-[11C-methyl] 2-(4'-methylaminophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzothiazole (PIB), PIB and L-[11C]-3'4-Dihydrophenylalanine (DOPA) and finally PIB and [15O]H2O.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7186970
title: A fuzzy logic-based expert system for substrate selection for soil construction in land reclamation

description: Abstract The mining industry can be one of the most impacting human activities. In the southern region of Santa Catarina (Brazil), open pit coal mining has left an extensive environmental impact. Since there was no topsoil in the abandoned open pit sites, it is necessary to provide a substrate for vegetation growth. However, the selection of the best substrate between multiple options is difficult. Thus, a fuzzy logic-based model is proposed. The proposed model was compared to reference models and to experts’ knowledge. Statistical analysis and validation were carried out with a correlation coefficient, a Kappa coefficient, along with the Accuracy, Precision, Sensibility Specificity, F-Score and Mathews correlation coefficients. The data set used to assess the proposed model presented a wide range of data, but for values such as aluminum saturation, higher values were common. The fuzzy logic-based expert system presented better results when assessing the behavior of the defuzzified output values with the crisp input values. The fuzzy model also followed the trend of the reference models (with R2 between 0.3639 and 0.5250). The comparison to the experts’ opinion demonstrated that agreement comes easily with extreme values (such as not suitable and suitable). However, using a Winner-Takes-All approach, the proposed fuzzy model had high scores for suitable soils for land reclamation’s soil construction. The proposed model can be used to define the best substrate for land reclamation. Some improvements, such as different parameters and increases in the number of interviews rounds, should be also tested.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7509959
title: Analysis of the use of a robot to improve social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder

description: Abstract Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorder is a set of developmental disorders that imply in poor social skills, lack of interest in activities and interaction with people. Treatments rely on teaching social skills and in such therapies robotics may offer aid. This work is a pilot study, which aims to show the development and usage of a ludic mobile robot for stimulating social skills in ASD children. Methods A mobile robot with a special costume and a monitor to display multimedia contents was designed to interact with ASD children. A mediator controls the robot’s movements in a room prepared for interactive sessions. Sessions are recorded to assess the following social skills: eye gazing, touching the robot and imitating the mediator. The interaction is evaluated using the Goal Attainment Scale and Likert scale. Ten children were evaluated (50% with ASD), using as inclusion criteria children with age 7-8, without use of medication, and without tendency to aggression or stereotyped movements. Results It was observed that the ASD group touched the robot about twice more in average than the control group (CG). They also looked away and imitated the mediator in a quite similar way as the CG, and showed extra social skills (verbal and non-verbal communication). These results are considered an advance in terms of improvement of social skills in ASD children. Conclusions Our studies indicate that the robot stimulated social skills in 4/5 of the ASD children, which shows that its concepts are useful to improve socialization and quality of life.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7509959.v1
title: Analysis of the use of a robot to improve social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder

description: Abstract Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorder is a set of developmental disorders that imply in poor social skills, lack of interest in activities and interaction with people. Treatments rely on teaching social skills and in such therapies robotics may offer aid. This work is a pilot study, which aims to show the development and usage of a ludic mobile robot for stimulating social skills in ASD children. Methods A mobile robot with a special costume and a monitor to display multimedia contents was designed to interact with ASD children. A mediator controls the robot’s movements in a room prepared for interactive sessions. Sessions are recorded to assess the following social skills: eye gazing, touching the robot and imitating the mediator. The interaction is evaluated using the Goal Attainment Scale and Likert scale. Ten children were evaluated (50% with ASD), using as inclusion criteria children with age 7-8, without use of medication, and without tendency to aggression or stereotyped movements. Results It was observed that the ASD group touched the robot about twice more in average than the control group (CG). They also looked away and imitated the mediator in a quite similar way as the CG, and showed extra social skills (verbal and non-verbal communication). These results are considered an advance in terms of improvement of social skills in ASD children. Conclusions Our studies indicate that the robot stimulated social skills in 4/5 of the ASD children, which shows that its concepts are useful to improve socialization and quality of life.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7514039
title: Methionine + cystine levels for piglets from 6 to 16 kg kept under different degrees of immune system activation

description: SUMMARY This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary methionine + cystine levels on performance, carcass characteristics and immune response of weanling pigs. It was used 360 piglets, 180 males and 180 females, weaned at 20.3 days of age and initial weight of 5.43 ± 1.17kg. Was used the experimental design of randomized blocks in a 5x2 factorial design, with five levels of total methionine + cystine (0.70; 0.77; 0.85; 0.93 e 1.01%) and two forms of immune system activation (vaccinated and unvaccinated), with four replications and nine animals per experimental unit. There was no interaction between the methionine + cystine levels and the degree of activation of the immune system of animals for all parameters evaluated. The immune system activation decreased by 7% feed intake and 5% in daily weight gain of the animals. Methionine and cystine levels linearly improved feed conversion and daily protein deposition on the carcass as the level of sulfur amino acids in the diets increased. Pigs from six to 16 kg, independent of immune system activation, require 0.90% of total methionine + cystine, which corresponds to a daily intake of methionine + cystine 4.44 g/day and a ratio of 58% methionine + cystine: lysine.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7186970.v1
title: A fuzzy logic-based expert system for substrate selection for soil construction in land reclamation

description: Abstract The mining industry can be one of the most impacting human activities. In the southern region of Santa Catarina (Brazil), open pit coal mining has left an extensive environmental impact. Since there was no topsoil in the abandoned open pit sites, it is necessary to provide a substrate for vegetation growth. However, the selection of the best substrate between multiple options is difficult. Thus, a fuzzy logic-based model is proposed. The proposed model was compared to reference models and to experts’ knowledge. Statistical analysis and validation were carried out with a correlation coefficient, a Kappa coefficient, along with the Accuracy, Precision, Sensibility Specificity, F-Score and Mathews correlation coefficients. The data set used to assess the proposed model presented a wide range of data, but for values such as aluminum saturation, higher values were common. The fuzzy logic-based expert system presented better results when assessing the behavior of the defuzzified output values with the crisp input values. The fuzzy model also followed the trend of the reference models (with R2 between 0.3639 and 0.5250). The comparison to the experts’ opinion demonstrated that agreement comes easily with extreme values (such as not suitable and suitable). However, using a Winner-Takes-All approach, the proposed fuzzy model had high scores for suitable soils for land reclamation’s soil construction. The proposed model can be used to define the best substrate for land reclamation. Some improvements, such as different parameters and increases in the number of interviews rounds, should be also tested.