Functional data analytics for wearable device and neuroscience data

This thesis uses methods from functional data analysis (FDA) to solve problems from three scientific areas of study. While the areas of application are quite distinct, the common thread of functional data analysis ties them together. The first chapter describes interactive open-source software for explaining and disseminating results of functional data analyses. Chapters two and three use curve alignment, or registration, to solve common problems in accelerometry and neuroimaging, respectively. The final chapter introduces a novel regression method for modeling functional outcomes that are trajectories over time. The first chapter of this thesis details a software package for interactively visualizing functional data analyses. The software is designed to work for a wide range of datasets and several types of analyses. This chapter describes that software and provides an overview ofFDA in different contexts. The second chapter introduces a framework for curve alignment, or registration, of exponential family functional data. The approach distinguishes itself from previous registration methods in its ability to handle dense binary observations with computational efficiency. Motivation comes from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging, in which accelerometer data provides valuable insights into the timing of sedentary behavior. The third chapter takes lessons learned about curve registration from the second chapter and use them to develop methods in an entirely new context: large multisite brain imaging studies. Scanner effects in multisite imaging studies are non-biological variability due to technical differences across sites and scanner hardware. This method identifies and removes scanner effects by registering cumulative distribution functions of image intensities values. In the final chapter the focus shifts from curve registration to regression. Described within this chapter is an entirely new nonlinear regression framework that draws from both functional data analysis and systems of ordinary equations. This model is motivated by the neurobiology of skilled movement, and was developed to capture the relationship between neural activity and arm movement in mice

Fast Generalized Functional Principal Components Analysis

We propose a new fast generalized functional principal components analysis (fast-GFPCA) algorithm for dimension reduction of non-Gaussian functional data. The method consists of: (1) binning the data within the functional domain; (2) fitting local random intercept generalized linear mixed models in every bin to obtain the initial estimates of the person-specific functional linear predictors; (3) using fast functional principal component analysis to smooth the linear predictors and obtain their eigenfunctions; and (4) estimating the global model conditional on the eigenfunctions of the linear predictors. An extensive simulation study shows that fast-GFPCA performs as well or better than existing state-of-the-art approaches, it is orders of magnitude faster than existing general purpose GFPCA methods, and scales up well with both the number of observed curves and observations per curve. Methods were motivated by and applied to a study of active/inactive physical activity profiles obtained from wearable accelerometers in the NHANES 2011-2014 study. The method can be implemented by any user familiar with mixed model software, though the R package fastGFPCA is provided for convenience

Analysing spatial point patterns in digital pathology: immune cells in high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas

Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) imaging technology facilitates the study of the tumour microenvironment in cancer patients. Due to the capabilities of this emerging bioimaging technique, it is possible to statistically analyse, for example, the co-varying location and functions of multiple different types of immune cells. Complex spatial relationships between different immune cells have been shown to correlate with patient outcomes and may reveal new pathways for targeted immunotherapy treatments. This tutorial reviews methods and procedures relating to spatial point patterns for complex data analysis. We consider tissue cells as a realisation of a spatial point process for each patient. We focus on proper functional descriptors for each observation and techniques that allow us to obtain information about inter-patient variation. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynaecological malignancy and can resist chemotherapy treatment effective in cancers. We use a dataset of high-grade serous ovarian cancer samples from 51 patients. We examine the immune cell composition (T cells, B cells, macrophages) within tumours and additional information such as cell classification (tumour or stroma) and other patient clinical characteristics. Our analyses, supported by reproducible software, apply to other digital pathology datasets

Künste des Dazwischen: Graphische Literatur und visuelle Poesie der Romania als Genres ‘en marge‘

Graphische Literatur und visuelle Poesie können in mindestens zweifacher Hinsicht als Künste des Dazwischen verstanden werden: Zum einen kombinieren sie Bild und Text als ästhetische und semantische Ausdrucksmöglichkeiten, zum anderen reflektieren sie diese Zwischenstellung in intermedialen Verweisen und einer Affinität zu Themen zwischenräumlicher, marginal(isiert)er Erfahrung. Im mehr­dimensionalen Verhältnis von Schriftzeichen und Abbildung, von semantischer Festlegung und Öffnung, in der Überschreitung von Grenzziehungen und der Verortung zwischen unterschiedlichen semiotischen Systemen liegt ihre zugleich gattungsbildende und gattungsbrechende Spezifik. Das Dossier versammelt unter­schiedliche medienkomparatistische Forschungsperspektiven zu Ausdrucks­modi von Bild-Text-Welten in der Romania, um Merkmale und Potenziale des Dazwischen ins Zentrum zu rücken und diese zu konzeptualisieren

Tapete Numérico: uma oficina sobre juros simples

This article relates a workshop on simple interest as part of the Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência (Pibid) [Institutional Program for Teaching Initiation Scholarships]. Here we present the pedagogical experiences we had with students in the second year of high school at the EEEM XXXXX, using the Tapete de Juros (Numerical Mat) game. The game consists of a numerical mat placed on the floor as well as two blocks, acting as dice. The workshop aims to overcome the school day's monotony, give the student a leading role and strengthen the teacher-student relationship. In addition, gamification motivates and engages attention, as it proposes a change of routine and is designed to aid in the learning process. The game execution is reported in this text, as well as the rules, the models used and how they were prepared. It was possible to observe a greater engagement of the students in the lesson, since most of them managed to understand the rules and concepts of the topic being reviewed, as well as the collaboration amongst the groups. After the class, the students showed satisfaction, according to the feedback. It is worth mentioning that the application of the activity benefited not only the students, but also the organizers in their qualification process as educators.O artigo trata de um relato de uma oficina sobre juros simples no âmbito do Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência (Pibid). Nele apresentamos as experiências pedagógicas vivenciadas com os alunos do 2º ano do ensino médio, da EEEM XXXXX, com o jogo do Tapete de Juros. O jogo consiste em um tapete numérico, colocado no chão, além de dois cubos. A oficina teve por finalidade quebrar a monotonia na sala de aula, dar protagonismo ao aluno e fortalecer a relação professor-aluno. Ademais, a gamificação motiva e desperta a atenção, pois propõe uma mudança de rotina e busca facilitar o aprendizado. A execução foi relatada no presente texto, assim como, as regras do jogo, os modelos utilizados e a confecção. Foi possível perceber um engajamento maior dos estudantes na aula, tendo em vista que, em sua maioria, conseguiram compreender os conceitos da matéria relembrada, além da cooperação entre os grupos. Após a realização da dinâmica, os estudantes demonstraram satisfação, conforme os feedbacks apurados. Destaca-se que a aplicação da atividade beneficiou não só os participantes mas também os organizadores na formação como educadores.&nbsp

Microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of novel chitosan-based biomaterials for pelvic organ prolapse treatment

Pelvic organ disorders affect up to one in four women in the United States. The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is increasing with each year, particularly in the setting of prolonged life expectancy and an aging population. Current treatment approaches, including polypropylene monofilaments are associated with numerous painful and worrisome side-effects. Therefore, scientists are looking for new solutions. A promising alternative to the current treatment is tissue engineering, which can be utilized to re-create support to the vagina and pelvic organs. Tissue engineering requires the use of three-dimensional scaffolds, derived from biocompatible materials. Chitosan is a natural polymer, obtained from shellfish exoskeletons. It is known for its biodegradability, lack of cytotoxicity and non-pyrogenicity. Due to the presence of free hydroxyl and amino groups, it may undergo various modifications. In this paper, we describe a new type of chitosan-based biomaterials, which can be used as a new alternative scaffold that may provide support to prolapse organs. The chitosan scaffold was obtained under microwave radiation using multifunctional amino and organic acids. We discuss the scaffold's characteristics, with an emphasis on its chemical structure and morphology. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirmed cross-linking processes with preservation of free amino groups. Moreover, mechanical durability, the stability and swelling ability of the scaffolds in a simulated body fluid were investigated. All of the prepared scaffolds demonstrated very good antioxidant activity and biodegradability. Importantly, the biocompatibility of chitosan scaffolds was examined on human vaginal VK2/E6E7 cell line. No evidence of toxicity was documented, and the cells maintained their presence on the studied materials. These results allude to the lack of toxicity of the scaffolds, and indicate that chitosan-based scaffold should be further investigated in in vivo studies as they may be a promising alternative treatment to pelvic organ prolapse.Web of Science70349147

State Medical Marijuana Laws and the Prevalence of Opioids Detected Among Fatally Injured Drivers

Objectives. To assess the association between medical marijuana laws (MMLs) and the odds of a positive opioid test, an indicator for prior use. Methods. We analyzed 1999–2013 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data from 18 states that tested for alcohol and other drugs in at least 80% of drivers who died within 1 hour of crashing (n = 68 394). Within-state and between-state comparisons assessed opioid positivity among drivers crashing in states with an operational MML (i.e., allowances for home cultivation or active dispensaries) versus drivers crashing in states before a future MML was operational. Results. State-specific estimates indicated a reduction in opioid positivity for most states after implementation of an operational MML, although none of these estimates were significant. When we combined states, we observed no significant overall association (odds ratio [OR] = 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61, 1.03). However, age-stratified analyses indicated a significant reduction in opioid positivity for drivers aged 21 to 40 years (OR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.37, 0.67; interaction P < .001). Conclusions. Operational MMLs are associated with reductions in opioid positivity among 21- to 40-year-old fatally injured drivers and may reduce opioid use and overdose

BINGO MATEMÁTICO COM EQUAÇÕES POLINOMIAIS DE PRIMEIRO GRAU

This is an experience report in the area of ​​algebra of a Subproject of the Institutional Teaching Initiation Scholarship Program – Pibid Matemática UFES. We developed a Mathematical Bingo Workshop to explore the mathematical concepts of first-degree polynomial equations. The workshop took place in four first-year high school/technical school classes in a a state school the city of Vitória/ES. We aimed to identify, in a playful way, the participants' difficulties regarding the content worked in previous years and solve these difficulties. Carrying out this experience made us understand the need to develop interactive classes as a way of learning content, as students become more interested in learning. Most students were surprised to play bingo with mathematics and highly praised the workshop, reporting that they were able to understand the content better.Trata-se de um relato de experiência na área de álgebra de um Subprojeto do Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência – Pibid Matemática UFES. Desenvolvemos uma Oficina de Bingo Matemático para explorar os conceitos de equação polinomial de primeiro grau. A oficina foi realizada em quatro turmas de primeiro ano de ensino médio/técnico da rede pública estadual na cidade de Vitória/ES, para que pudéssemos identificar, de forma lúdica, as dificuldades dos participantes quanto ao conteúdo trabalhado em anos anteriores e sanar essas dificuldades. A realização dessa experiência nos fez entender a necessidade de se desenvolver aulas interativas como forma de aprendizagem dos conteúdos, pois os alunos ficam mais interessados em aprender. A maioria dos alunos ficou surpresa em jogar um bingo com matemática e elogiaram bastante a oficina, relatando que conseguiram entender melhor o conteúdo

Motivação e performances matemáticas digitais: análise da escala de motivação em aprender

A literatura acadêmica apresenta diversas propostas para elevar a motivação dos alunos: uso de materiais concretos, jogos, tecnologias digitais, entre outros. Na maioria das vezes, a atividade é considerada motivadora baseando-se apenas na fala do aluno. Mas para que seja possível comprovar a efetividades dessas iniciativas é necessário mensurá-las. Essa pesquisa debruça-se sobre a motivação para aprender à luz da Psicologia Cognitiva e analisa se as Performances Matemáticas Digitais (PMD) contribuem para a motivação dos alunos em aprender Matemática. Utilizou-se a Escala de Motivação para Aprender, adaptada a um cenário de PMD e concluiu-se que, com um pequeno ajuste, a escala é válida para medir a motivação para aprender com o uso de PMD. Além disso, verificou-se que 70% dos alunos concordam que a PMD os motiva a aprender Matemática