cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235064.v1
title: Variation in the isotopic composition of striped weakfish Cynoscion guatucupa of the Southwest Atlantic Ocean in response to dietary shifts

description: Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the isotopic composition in muscle of striped weakfish Cynoscion guatucupa from Southwest Atlantic Ocean in order to evaluate a possible variation in δ13C and δ15N in response to dietary shifts that occur as animals grow. We also explored for isotopic evidence of differences between sample locations. The results showed an agreement between isotope analysis and previous conventional studies. Differences in the isotope composition between sampling location were not observed. A positive relation exists between isotope values and total body length of the animals. The Cluster analysis defined three groups of size classes, validated by the MDS. Differences in the relative consumption of prey species in each size class were also observed performing isotope mixing models (SIAR). Variation in δ15N among size classes would be associated with the consumption of a different type of prey as animals grow. Small striped weakfish feed on small crustaceans and progressively increase their consumption of fish (anchovy, Engraulis anchoita), increasing by this way their isotope values. On the other hand, differences in δ13C values seemed to be related to age-class specific spatial distribution patterns. Therefore, large and small striped weakfish remain specialized but feeding on different prey at different trophic levels. These results contribute to the study of the diet of striped weakfish, improve the isotopic ecology models and highlight on the importance of accounting for variation in the isotopic composition in response to dietary shifts with the size of one of the most important fishery resources in the region.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235061
title: Pinna synthetic mold for otoplasty techniques application

description: Abstract Introduction The ear deformity Tanzer type V, also known as prominent ears, is the most common genetic defect of the pinna. The surgery designed for its correction is known as otoplasty. This esthetic surgery can be performed using different techniques, which requires great skill of its operator. Objective The purpose of this work is the development of a new tool for otoplasty techniques training, aimed on the possibility to minimize errors during the otoplasty. Methods Synthetic molds of the external ear from patients with Tanzer type V deformity were made, using silicone material and rayon. Results The main procedures of otoplasty could be performed in the molds made of silicone and rayon with a good esthetic result. Conclusion The elaborated molds had identical size and shape of a human ear and could be positioned in the same shape of the patient ears. Thus, the synthetic molds were presented as promising simulation tools for the training and surgical enhancement of otoplasty, especially for doctors beginners.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235061.v1
title: Pinna synthetic mold for otoplasty techniques application

description: Abstract Introduction The ear deformity Tanzer type V, also known as prominent ears, is the most common genetic defect of the pinna. The surgery designed for its correction is known as otoplasty. This esthetic surgery can be performed using different techniques, which requires great skill of its operator. Objective The purpose of this work is the development of a new tool for otoplasty techniques training, aimed on the possibility to minimize errors during the otoplasty. Methods Synthetic molds of the external ear from patients with Tanzer type V deformity were made, using silicone material and rayon. Results The main procedures of otoplasty could be performed in the molds made of silicone and rayon with a good esthetic result. Conclusion The elaborated molds had identical size and shape of a human ear and could be positioned in the same shape of the patient ears. Thus, the synthetic molds were presented as promising simulation tools for the training and surgical enhancement of otoplasty, especially for doctors beginners.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235058
title: Solid-phase extractions in flow analysis

description: ABSTRACT Coupling solid-phase extraction (SPE) to flow systems has promoted a synergistic development. Whereas SPE mechanization leads to improved precision and higher sample throughput, as well as diminishes systematic errors and contamination risks, analyte concentration and separation from the sample matrix provides a remarkable impact on detectability and selectivity in flow analysis. Historical aspects, main cornerstones, tips for system design, and recent applications are critically reviewed, in the context of analyte(s) separation/concentration, sample clean-up, and release of sorbed chemical species involving both packed (e.g. mini-columns, cartridges, and disks) or fluidized (e.g. beads and magnetic materials) particles. Novel (bio)sorbents, selective synthetic materials, and stationary phases for low-pressure chromatography are also discussed. Moreover, the feasibility of SPE for sample treatment before chromatographic separation, as well as the exploitation of direct measurements on the solid phase (optosensing) are emphasized.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235058.v1
title: Solid-phase extractions in flow analysis

description: ABSTRACT Coupling solid-phase extraction (SPE) to flow systems has promoted a synergistic development. Whereas SPE mechanization leads to improved precision and higher sample throughput, as well as diminishes systematic errors and contamination risks, analyte concentration and separation from the sample matrix provides a remarkable impact on detectability and selectivity in flow analysis. Historical aspects, main cornerstones, tips for system design, and recent applications are critically reviewed, in the context of analyte(s) separation/concentration, sample clean-up, and release of sorbed chemical species involving both packed (e.g. mini-columns, cartridges, and disks) or fluidized (e.g. beads and magnetic materials) particles. Novel (bio)sorbents, selective synthetic materials, and stationary phases for low-pressure chromatography are also discussed. Moreover, the feasibility of SPE for sample treatment before chromatographic separation, as well as the exploitation of direct measurements on the solid phase (optosensing) are emphasized.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235049
title: Epoetin alfa resistance in hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: a longitudinal study

description: Anemia is an inevitable complication of hemodialysis, and the primary cause is erythropoietin deficiency. After diagnosis, treatment begins with an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). However, some patients remain anemic even after receiving this medication. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with resistance to recombinant human erythropoietin therapy with epoetin alfa (αEPO). We performed a prospective, longitudinal study of hemodialysis patients receiving treatment with αEPO at our reference hospital from July 2015 to June 2016. Clinical data was collected, and the response to αEPO treatment was evaluated using the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI). The ERI was defined as the weekly weight-adjusted αEPO dose (U/kg per week)/hemoglobin level (g/dL). A longitudinal linear regression model was fitted with random effects to verify the relationships between clinical and laboratory data and ERI. We enrolled 99 patients (average age, 45.7 (±17.6) years; male, 51.5%; 86.8% with hypertension). The ERI showed a significant positive association with serum ferritin and C-reactive protein, percentage interdialytic weight gain, and continuous usage of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) hypertension medication. The ERI was negatively associated with serum iron and albumin, age, urea reduction ratio, and body mass index. Our findings indicate that resistance to αEPO was related to a low serum iron reserve, an inflammatory state, poor nutritional status, and continuous usage of ARBs.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235043
title: Functionalization of P3HT with Various Mono- and Multidentate Anchor Groups

description: Due to its favorable optoelectronic properties and the accessibility via Grignard metathesis (GRIM) polymerization, poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is one of the most applied conjugated polymers. The ‘living' nature of GRIM polymerization enables the modification of the polymer and the installation of desired properties. In the present study, two versatile approaches for the synthesis of anchor group-modified P3HT have been developed, which enable the functionalization of various inorganic nanoparticles. Depending on the polymerization conditions, mono- and bifunctional ethynyl-terminated P3HT or solely monofunctionalized aldehyde-terminated P3HT was synthesized. Afterwards, the quantitative introduction of amine, mono- and multidentate disulfide and catechol anchor groups was performed by copper-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition or via imine formation reactions. The influence of the polymeric ligand structure on the functionalization of nanoparticles was then investigated for CdSe@ZnS quantum dots and TiO2 nanorods by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235049.v1
title: Epoetin alfa resistance in hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: a longitudinal study

description: Anemia is an inevitable complication of hemodialysis, and the primary cause is erythropoietin deficiency. After diagnosis, treatment begins with an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). However, some patients remain anemic even after receiving this medication. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with resistance to recombinant human erythropoietin therapy with epoetin alfa (αEPO). We performed a prospective, longitudinal study of hemodialysis patients receiving treatment with αEPO at our reference hospital from July 2015 to June 2016. Clinical data was collected, and the response to αEPO treatment was evaluated using the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI). The ERI was defined as the weekly weight-adjusted αEPO dose (U/kg per week)/hemoglobin level (g/dL). A longitudinal linear regression model was fitted with random effects to verify the relationships between clinical and laboratory data and ERI. We enrolled 99 patients (average age, 45.7 (±17.6) years; male, 51.5%; 86.8% with hypertension). The ERI showed a significant positive association with serum ferritin and C-reactive protein, percentage interdialytic weight gain, and continuous usage of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) hypertension medication. The ERI was negatively associated with serum iron and albumin, age, urea reduction ratio, and body mass index. Our findings indicate that resistance to αEPO was related to a low serum iron reserve, an inflammatory state, poor nutritional status, and continuous usage of ARBs.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235037
title: Microstrip Hybrid Coupler with a Wide Stop-Band Using Symmetric Structure for Wireless Applications

description: Abstract In this paper, a wide stop-band microstrip coupler is presented. The proposed structure consists of coupled lines and step impedance cells, which are integrated to operate at 2.82 GHz for wireless applications. This coupler is formed by a symmetric structure so that the locations of the output ports relative to input are quite similar. Accordingly, the magnitudes (also phases) of S21 and S31 overlap each other so that input signal can be selected through the output ports equally. There are little differences between the magnitudes and phases of S21 and S31 so that 0.97° phase shift is obtained. In comparison with previous works, the performance of the introduced coupler is improved. To get a better isolation, return loss and harmonic attenuation the frequency response is optimized without significant increase in circuit size. Moreover, the first, second and third harmonics of S21 and S31 are well attenuated as well as a wide stop-band is obtained up to 15.1 GHz. The realized coupler is fabricated and measured. There is a good agreement between simulated and measured results, which confirms the design process.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235037.v1
title: Microstrip Hybrid Coupler with a Wide Stop-Band Using Symmetric Structure for Wireless Applications

description: Abstract In this paper, a wide stop-band microstrip coupler is presented. The proposed structure consists of coupled lines and step impedance cells, which are integrated to operate at 2.82 GHz for wireless applications. This coupler is formed by a symmetric structure so that the locations of the output ports relative to input are quite similar. Accordingly, the magnitudes (also phases) of S21 and S31 overlap each other so that input signal can be selected through the output ports equally. There are little differences between the magnitudes and phases of S21 and S31 so that 0.97° phase shift is obtained. In comparison with previous works, the performance of the introduced coupler is improved. To get a better isolation, return loss and harmonic attenuation the frequency response is optimized without significant increase in circuit size. Moreover, the first, second and third harmonics of S21 and S31 are well attenuated as well as a wide stop-band is obtained up to 15.1 GHz. The realized coupler is fabricated and measured. There is a good agreement between simulated and measured results, which confirms the design process.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235034
title: Laboratory studies to evaluate the performance of landfill cover layers for the reduction of gases emissions and infiltrations

description: ABSTRACT Landfill cover layers are built to prevent the release of gases into the atmosphere and the inflow of liquids into the landfill, minimizing impacts on the environment. This study evaluated, through the testing of soil columns in the laboratory, the performance of two cover layers, comprehending the behavior of the soils as a function of methane emissions and liquid flows in its interior. Two configurations were used in the soil layer: Column 1, conventional layer with compacted soil of 0.60 m thickness and 80% degree of compaction; and Column 2, oxidative layer with 0.30 m thickness of soil and 80% degree of compaction, stuck by a layer of 0.30 m of mixed soil with composted product in the volume ratio of 1:1 with 76% degree of compaction. After the confection of the columns (0.60 m in height and 0.15 m in diameter), methane gas was injected into the inferior part of the columns with a concentration of 100% at a flow rate of 0.5 L/h (8.3 mL/min or 486 g/m2.day) to evaluate the emission reduction. Subsequently, a rain of 40 mm was simulated - being 30 mm in one day and 10 mm three days after the first simulation -, and both the methane emissions and the infiltration of water in the columns were evaluated. The obtained results indicate that the two column configurations of landfill cover layers presented satisfactory results, reducing the volume of liquids into the landfill and minimizing the methane emissions into the atmosphere. It is observed that Column 2 (0.30 m of soil + 0.30 m of soil + composted product) was more efficient in the reduction of emissions, as well as in the retention capacity of water in relation to Column 1 (0.60 m of soil), suggesting that oxidative layers can become a technological alternative for regions where there is scarcity of clay soils.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235034.v1
title: Laboratory studies to evaluate the performance of landfill cover layers for the reduction of gases emissions and infiltrations

description: ABSTRACT Landfill cover layers are built to prevent the release of gases into the atmosphere and the inflow of liquids into the landfill, minimizing impacts on the environment. This study evaluated, through the testing of soil columns in the laboratory, the performance of two cover layers, comprehending the behavior of the soils as a function of methane emissions and liquid flows in its interior. Two configurations were used in the soil layer: Column 1, conventional layer with compacted soil of 0.60 m thickness and 80% degree of compaction; and Column 2, oxidative layer with 0.30 m thickness of soil and 80% degree of compaction, stuck by a layer of 0.30 m of mixed soil with composted product in the volume ratio of 1:1 with 76% degree of compaction. After the confection of the columns (0.60 m in height and 0.15 m in diameter), methane gas was injected into the inferior part of the columns with a concentration of 100% at a flow rate of 0.5 L/h (8.3 mL/min or 486 g/m2.day) to evaluate the emission reduction. Subsequently, a rain of 40 mm was simulated - being 30 mm in one day and 10 mm three days after the first simulation -, and both the methane emissions and the infiltration of water in the columns were evaluated. The obtained results indicate that the two column configurations of landfill cover layers presented satisfactory results, reducing the volume of liquids into the landfill and minimizing the methane emissions into the atmosphere. It is observed that Column 2 (0.30 m of soil + 0.30 m of soil + composted product) was more efficient in the reduction of emissions, as well as in the retention capacity of water in relation to Column 1 (0.60 m of soil), suggesting that oxidative layers can become a technological alternative for regions where there is scarcity of clay soils.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235025
title: Attitude and Achievement in Mathematics, Self-Beliefs and Family: a path-analysis

description: Abstract The present descriptive study intended to evaluate the influence of: (1) attitudes and expectancies of parents towards children's academic performance, both in general and specifically in mathematics; and (2) the role of personal resources, such as control beliefs and self-concept; on students’ performance and attitudes towards mathematics. The sample comprised 94 students from 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades, along with their parents, from a private school in Campinas (São Paulo, Brazil). Data were obtained through surveillance in classrooms, questionnaires, and scales, and were subjected to univariate, multivariate, and structural equation models (path-analysis). The results indicated that attitudes towards mathematics became more negative as students advanced in school years. Likewise, younger students achieved better performance. Girls had a generally more positive attitude towards mathematics, but worse self-perception about their achievements, even when achieving superior performance in comparison to boys. Statistically significant interactions with positive correlations were found between parents’ attitudes and expectancies towards their children's academic performance and these children's self-beliefs and attitudes towards mathematics. Students’ personal resources seem to act as moderating variables, since self-concept and control beliefs appear to have strong effects not only on attitude towards mathematics, but also on academic performance in this subject. This work also emphasizes the importance of the educational institution in the construction of positive attitudes throughout the school years, by promoting positive personal experiences related to mathematics, in addition to working collectively with families to increase students’ own sense of competence and self-confidence.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235025.v1
title: Attitude and Achievement in Mathematics, Self-Beliefs and Family: a path-analysis

description: Abstract The present descriptive study intended to evaluate the influence of: (1) attitudes and expectancies of parents towards children's academic performance, both in general and specifically in mathematics; and (2) the role of personal resources, such as control beliefs and self-concept; on students’ performance and attitudes towards mathematics. The sample comprised 94 students from 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades, along with their parents, from a private school in Campinas (São Paulo, Brazil). Data were obtained through surveillance in classrooms, questionnaires, and scales, and were subjected to univariate, multivariate, and structural equation models (path-analysis). The results indicated that attitudes towards mathematics became more negative as students advanced in school years. Likewise, younger students achieved better performance. Girls had a generally more positive attitude towards mathematics, but worse self-perception about their achievements, even when achieving superior performance in comparison to boys. Statistically significant interactions with positive correlations were found between parents’ attitudes and expectancies towards their children's academic performance and these children's self-beliefs and attitudes towards mathematics. Students’ personal resources seem to act as moderating variables, since self-concept and control beliefs appear to have strong effects not only on attitude towards mathematics, but also on academic performance in this subject. This work also emphasizes the importance of the educational institution in the construction of positive attitudes throughout the school years, by promoting positive personal experiences related to mathematics, in addition to working collectively with families to increase students’ own sense of competence and self-confidence.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235022
title: BARRIERS TO GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

description: Abstract This study identified the barriers to Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) and analyzed their degree of influence from the perspective of a first-tier supplier in the Brazilian automotive industry. The literature indicates a total of 43 barriers, of which 13 were validated in the following areas: support and involvement (five), operational performance (three), economic performance (two), environmental performance (two), and knowledge and information (one). The validation was based on the perception of technical and academic specialists familiar with environmental and supply chain management in various sectors. The hierarchy of the barriers by priority was obtained using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, with decision makers representing an industry in the automotive sector. The study showed that cost implications are the most influential barrier to GSCM from the perspective of a first-tier supplier in the sector.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6235022.v1
title: BARRIERS TO GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

description: Abstract This study identified the barriers to Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) and analyzed their degree of influence from the perspective of a first-tier supplier in the Brazilian automotive industry. The literature indicates a total of 43 barriers, of which 13 were validated in the following areas: support and involvement (five), operational performance (three), economic performance (two), environmental performance (two), and knowledge and information (one). The validation was based on the perception of technical and academic specialists familiar with environmental and supply chain management in various sectors. The hierarchy of the barriers by priority was obtained using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, with decision makers representing an industry in the automotive sector. The study showed that cost implications are the most influential barrier to GSCM from the perspective of a first-tier supplier in the sector.