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Bayesian spatial process models for activation patterns in transcranial magnetic stimulation mapping
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2023-07-07) Egbon, Osafu Augustine; Louzada Neto, Francisco; https://lattes.cnpq.br/0994050156415890; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7815-9554; https://lattes.cnpq.br/2219433204226509; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5890-7954
In recent years, Spatial statistical models have been gaining rapid attention for solving problems in biological systems due to the improvement in spatial data collection. It has proven extremely important in unveiling spatial patterns and predicting biological processes. This project developed novel parametric and nonparametric Bayesian spatial statistical models to analyze data generated by the muscular responses elicited by Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) pulses induced on the motor cortex of a patient. The goal is to unveil new insights into patients' response patterns important for achieving successful TMS therapy sessions. The first contribution of this project is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing Bayesian spatial models that could be considered for analyzing TMS datasets. The second contribution is the development of a user-friendly interface for performing Bayesian spatial modeling for analyzing TMS datasets based on state-of-the-art methods. The interface was documented in an R package, which is publicly available. The third contribution proposed novel spatial statistical models for integrating geostatistical datasets in the form of prior elicitation in a Bayesian analysis. The models were validated using simulation studies, and findings show that naively integrating geostatistical TMS datasets without ensuring the consistency of the data is detrimental to the desired inferences. The final contribution proposed a Bayesian nonparametric spatial model that leads to a non-stationary and non-Gaussian spatial process for the joint modeling of geostatistical TMS datasets. The method used a mixture of Dependent Dirichlet processes to share information across sub-spatial models. Two simulation studies were used to validate the model performance, and the result showed superior performance compared with independent and exchangeable models. The main finding of this work is that the primary motor cortex within the motor cortex region of the brain is responsible for the largest activation in the movement of the right first dorsal interosseous muscle. The finding also showed that the corticospinal excitability decreases with multiple TMS pulses on the motor cortex; however, it begins to regain its excitability strength after several stimulations. The findings from this project could guide TMS practitioners to improve patients' treatment experiences.
Uma proposta de sequência de jogos de química para estudantes com transtorno do espectro autista
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2023-07-07) Godoy, Tatiane Bianquini de; Veraszto, Estéfano Vizconde; https://lattes.cnpq.br/6253673132956358; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4029-4803; https://lattes.cnpq.br/0231153421288675; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2847-3910
Games in chemistry teaching are important tools that can contribute to the teaching-learning processes due to their ability to stimulate the development of cognitive and creative aspects and also to enable the construction of knowledge in a more pleasurable way. The ludic can make teaching more meaningful both for students who are the target of special education (such as those with autism spectrum disorder, known by the acronym TEA), and for any other, helping in the teaching-learning process. Games provide a more pleasant and interesting way of learning, since playing is an essential activity for the development of the individual, as the lack of motivation combined with the difficulty that some disciplines bring, end up labeling the subject as chemistry and that is the main cause of students' disinterest. Thus, this exploratory research lists important points for the development of games in chemistry teaching for students with ASD. Based on information constituted by a bibliographical survey and systematized by Content Analysis techniques, this work observed two points: the need to discuss the role of games as a teaching and learning methodology and the lack of games in teaching chemistry for education. especially in observation for autism. Based on the constituted information, the result was the development of a sequence of five games for the 1st year of high school entitled: " Bingo of Periodic Table (bingo game), "Find the Electronic Distribution" (memory game), “Ionic-Covalent Chemical Bonds” (board game) and, finally, “Pig of Acids and Bases” (card game). The games were submitted for evaluation by specialists in the area of exact sciences and special education. With the analysis, it was possible to notice that in all the games there were doubts about its application for the target audience, which are the autistic people, showing that it may be necessary for the games to be performed in pairs and that they have the mediation of the teacher. Its development demands a more in-depth study, as the autistic public needs specific tools, not to mention that each degree of the spectrum has a different conception. The development of games for this audience, however challenging it may be, is necessary. From this, a deeper study of the degrees of autism is necessary, culminating, thus, in the creation of specific criteria for each degree in the elaboration of the games.
Estudo fisiológico de Chlorella sorokiniana e Chlorolobion lunulatum sob diferentes condições de cultivos em escala laboratorial e ampliada (200 L)
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2023-07-07) Faria, Leonardo de; Lombardi, Ana Teresa; https://lattes.cnpq.br/6737850858443813; https://lattes.cnpq.br/8941444661144477
The cultivation of microalgae is growing worldwide and has gained relevance in recent years. On a larger scale, such cultivation is costly and, to make it feasible, finding effective strategies to increase biomolecules and biomass in the production system can be a solution. The microalgae chosen for this study were Chlorella sorokiniana and Chlorolobion lunulatum, two Chlorophyta species that support semi-controlled environmental conditions. This study was divided into 3 chapters, starting with laboratory experiments, and ending with culture scale expansion to 200 L. On Chapter one we focused on a low-cost nutrient medium for biomass production. Chapter 2 reports on a biochemical manipulation procedure to increase biomolecules in the biomass through exposure of the Chlorophyta to NaCl and, chapter 3 focused on 200 L cultures of C. lunulatum in a green house, under semi-controlled conditions. For the 200 L culture, the mixotrophic metabolism was considered to overcome some limitations in biomass production. Finally, with the results of the 200 L cultures, a techno-economic study was developed. As the low-cost nutrient medium, a modified hydroponic solution was tested to replace the BG11 synthetic medium. These results showed that despite having reduced costs, the hydroponic solution did not support greater cell density and did not lead to the accumulation of biomolecules compared to the control. The biochemical manipulation with NaCl, concentrations that would not negatively affect the growth rate, but only stimulate the accumulation of biomolecules (2 g L-1 NaCl) were sought. These results showed that C. sorokiniana produced 5 times more total carotenoids (0.59 mg L-1) than C. lunulatum, but C. lunulatum ~2 times more lipids (~30% of dry biomass). However, there was no influence of NaCl on lipid production. Finally, in the 200 L cultivation, which was carried out only with C. lunulatum, the treatment with sodium acetate as a source of organic carbon resulted in a 32% increase in the production of dry biomass (2.7 g L-1) compared to the control. Although the addition of sodium acetate increased the operating cost by 4.8% and reduced the biomass production cost of by 21% the production system, the amount of biomass produced would still need to be greater for a favorable production cost. This research highlights the potential of the microalgae C. lunulatum for biotechnological applications and the importance of optimizing cultivation conditions to increase the production of biomass and specific biomolecules.