This paper presents an overview of the recent developments in hybrid wind-wave energy.With the focus on floating concepts,the possible configurations introduced in the literature are categorized and depicted,and the m...This paper presents an overview of the recent developments in hybrid wind-wave energy.With the focus on floating concepts,the possible configurations introduced in the literature are categorized and depicted,and the main conclusions obtained from the references are summarized.Moreover,offshore wind and wave resources are discussed in terms of complementarity and supplementarity,offering a new perspective to developing hybrid wind-wave energy systems that look for synergies not limited to maximizing power output.Then,the feasibility of the concepts under development is discussed in detail,with focus on technical feasibility,dynamic feasibility and limitations of the methods employed.The hybrid configurations that surpassed the experimental validation phase are highlighted,and the experimental results are summarized.By compiling more than 40 floating wind turbine concepts,new relations are drawn between power,wind turbine dimensions,platforms’draft and displacement,which are further related to the payload allowance of the units to accommodate wave devices and onboard power take-off systems.Bearing in mind that it is a challenge to model the exact dynamics of hybrid floating wind-wave platforms,this paper elucidates the current research gaps,limitations and future trends in the field.Lastly,based on the overview and topics discussed,several major conclusions are drawn concerning hybrid synergies,dynamics and hydrodynamics of hybrid platforms,feasibility of concepts,among other regards.展开更多
AIM:To quantify and compare longitudinal thickness changes of the ganglion cell complex(GCC)and the choroid in patients with different patterns of age-related macular degeneration(AMD)progression.METHODS:Retrospective...AIM:To quantify and compare longitudinal thickness changes of the ganglion cell complex(GCC)and the choroid in patients with different patterns of age-related macular degeneration(AMD)progression.METHODS:Retrospective cohort analysis of anonymized data from participants aged 50y or more and diagnosed with early/intermediate AMD in at least one eye(with no evidence of advanced AMD).A total of 64 participants were included from the Instituto de Retina de Lisboa(IRL)study(IPL/2022/MetAllAMD_ESTeSL)and divided into 4 groups according to the Rotterdam classification for AMD.Spectral domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)was used to assess and quantify GCC and choroid thickness at two time points(first visit vs last visit)with a minimum interval of 3y.RESULTS:In the GCC inner ring,a thinner thickness(P=0.001)was observed in the atrophic AMD group(51.3±21.4μm)compared to the early AMD(84.3±11.5μm),intermediate AMD(77.6±16.1μm)and neovascular AMD(88.9±16.3μm)groups.Choroidal thickness quantification showed a generalized reduction in the central circle(P=0.002)and inner ring(P=0.001).Slight reductions in retinal thickness were more accentuated in the inner ring in the atrophic AMD(-13%;P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The variation of the analyzed structures could be an indicator of risk of progression with neurodegenerative(GCC)or vascular(choroid)pattern in the intermediate and atrophic AMD.The quantification of both structures can provide important information about the risk of disease progression in the early and intermediate stages but also for the evolution pattern into late stages(atrophic or neovascular).展开更多
This paper presents a hydrodynamic analysis of a hybrid system consisting of a floating platform coupled with an array of oscillating bodies that move along the weather sidewall of the platform.Using the Lagrange mult...This paper presents a hydrodynamic analysis of a hybrid system consisting of a floating platform coupled with an array of oscillating bodies that move along the weather sidewall of the platform.Using the Lagrange multiplier method,the motion equation governing this type of motion characteristic is formulated,and the formula of the extracted wave power is derived.The numerical results demonstrate a significant increase in the hydrodynamic efficiency of oscillating bodies within specific frequency ranges in the presence of the floating platform.The incorporation of proper power take-off damping of the oscillating bodies results in a reduction in the heave motion of the platform,but it may lead to an increase in pitch motion.The analysis of the response behaviour of the system shows that both the heave motion and pitch motion of the platform contribute to the power extraction and relative motion between the buoys and the platform.Parametric investigations are conducted to explore the hydrodynamic interactions between the floating platform and the buoy array.Additionally,the concept of“hydrodynamic synergy”is proposed to describe the synergetic effect of different components of a multi-purpose platform,which is of considerable engineering interest.展开更多
Three-dimensional(3D)printing is an innovative manufacturingmethod with the potential to revolutionize topical and transdermal dosage forms.Nowadays,it is established that Vatbased photopolymerization(VP)3D printing t...Three-dimensional(3D)printing is an innovative manufacturingmethod with the potential to revolutionize topical and transdermal dosage forms.Nowadays,it is established that Vatbased photopolymerization(VP)3D printing technologies offer superior printing efficiency and versatility compared to other 3D printing technologies available on the market.However,there are some limitations that impair their full application in pharmaceutical contexts,such as the lack of a range of biocompatiblematerials for topical and transdermal applications.This reviewarticle explores all types of VP-based 3D printing and discusses the relevance of implementing this kind of technology.We start with a detailed description of the printing process,focusing on the commercial materials available and lab-made resins proposed by different authors.We also review recent studies in this field,which mainly focus on the fabrication of transdermal devices based on microneedle arrays.In the future,it is expected that the manufacturers of 3D printers invest in modifications to the printing apparatus to allow the simultaneous printing of different resins and/or compound types,which will open frontiers to the personalization of treatment approaches.展开更多
Side-scan sonar(SSS)is now a prevalent instrument for large-scale seafloor topography measurements,deployable on an autonomous underwater vehicle(AUV)to execute fully automated underwater acoustic scanning imaging alo...Side-scan sonar(SSS)is now a prevalent instrument for large-scale seafloor topography measurements,deployable on an autonomous underwater vehicle(AUV)to execute fully automated underwater acoustic scanning imaging along a predetermined trajectory.However,SSS images often suffer from speckle noise caused by mutual interference between echoes,and limited AUV computational resources further hinder noise suppression.Existing approaches for SSS image processing and speckle noise reduction rely heavily on complex network structures and fail to combine the benefits of deep learning and domain knowledge.To address the problem,Rep DNet,a novel and effective despeckling convolutional neural network is proposed.Rep DNet introduces two re-parameterized blocks:the Pixel Smoothing Block(PSB)and Edge Enhancement Block(EEB),preserving edge information while attenuating speckle noise.During training,PSB and EEB manifest as double-layered multi-branch structures,integrating first-order and secondorder derivatives and smoothing functions.During inference,the branches are re-parameterized into a 3×3 convolution,enabling efficient inference without sacrificing accuracy.Rep DNet comprises three computational operations:3×3 convolution,element-wise summation and Rectified Linear Unit activation.Evaluations on benchmark datasets,a real SSS dataset and Data collected at Lake Mulan aestablish Rep DNet as a well-balanced network,meeting the AUV computational constraints in terms of performance and latency.展开更多
Appropriate interaction between pantograph and catenary is imperative for smooth operation of electric trains.Changing heights of overhead lines to accommodate level crossings,overbridges,and tunnels pose significant ...Appropriate interaction between pantograph and catenary is imperative for smooth operation of electric trains.Changing heights of overhead lines to accommodate level crossings,overbridges,and tunnels pose significant challenges in maintaining consistent current collection performance as the pantograph aerodynamic profile,and thus aerodynamic load changes significantly with operational height.This research aims to analyse the global flow characteristics and aerodynamic forces acting on individual components of an HSX pantograph operating in different configurations and orientations,such that the results can be combined with multibody simulations to obtain accurate dynamic insight into contact forces.Specifically,computational fluid dynamics simulations are used to investigate the pantograph component loads in a representative setting,such as that of the recessed cavity on a Class 800 train.From an aerodynamic perspective,this study indicates that the total drag force acting on non-fixed components of the pantograph is larger for the knuckle-leading orientation rather than the knuckle-trailing,although the difference between the two is found to reduce with increasing pantograph extension.Combining the aerodynamic loads acting on individual components with multibody tools allows for realistic dynamic insight into the pantograph behaviour.The results obtained show how considering aerodynamic forces enhance the realism of the models,leading to behaviour of the pantograph-catenary contact forces closely matching that seen in experimental tests.展开更多
This study presents an optimisation-based approach for determining controller gains in ship path-following under varying sea states,wave,and wind directions.The dynamic Line of Sight approach is used to regulate the r...This study presents an optimisation-based approach for determining controller gains in ship path-following under varying sea states,wave,and wind directions.The dynamic Line of Sight approach is used to regulate the rudder angle and guide the Esso Osaka ship along the desired path.Gains are optimised using a genetic algorithm and a comprehensive cost function.The analysis covers a range of wave attack directions and sea states to evaluate the controller performance.Results demonstrate effective convergence to the desired path,although a steady-state error persists.Heading and rudder angle performance analyses show successful convergence and dynamic adjustments of the rudder angle to compensate for deviations.The findings underscore the influence of wave and wind conditions on ship performance and highlight the need for precise gain tuning.This research contributes insights into optimising and evaluating path-following controllers for ship navigation.展开更多
This study investigates the static and dynamic return and volatility spillovers between non-fungible tokens(NFTs)and conventional currencies using the time-varying parameter vector autoregressions approach.We reveal t...This study investigates the static and dynamic return and volatility spillovers between non-fungible tokens(NFTs)and conventional currencies using the time-varying parameter vector autoregressions approach.We reveal that the total connectedness between these markets is weak,implying that investors may increase the diversification benefits of their multicurrency portfolios by adding NFTs.We also find that NFTs are net transmitters of both return and volatility spillovers;however,in the case of return spillovers,the influence of NFTs on conventional currencies is more pronounced than that of volatility shock transmissions.The dynamic exercise reveals that the returns and volatility spillovers vary over time,largely increasing during the onset of the Covid-19 crisis,which deeply affected the relationship between NFTs and the conventional currencies markets.Our findings are useful for currency traders and NFT investors seeking to build effective cross-currency and cross-asset hedge strategies during systemic crises.展开更多
Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid compositi...Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).展开更多
This paper provides an overview of the global wave resource for energy exploration.The most popular metrics and estimators for wave energy resource characterization have been compiled and classified by levels of energ...This paper provides an overview of the global wave resource for energy exploration.The most popular metrics and estimators for wave energy resource characterization have been compiled and classified by levels of energy exploration.A review of existing prospective wave energy resource assessments worldwide is also given,and those studies have been collated and classified by continent.Finally,information about forty existing open sea wave energy test sites worldwide and their characteristics is depicted and displayed on a newly created global map.It has been found that wave power density is still the most consensual metric used for wave energy resource assessment purposes among researchers.Nonetheless,to accomplish a comprehensive wave resource assessment for exploitation,the computation of other metrics at the practicable,technical,and socio-economic levels has also been performed at both spatial and temporal domains.Overall,regions in latitudes between 40°and 60°of both hemispheres are those where the highest wave power density is concentrated.Some areas where the most significant wave power density occurs are in offshore regions of southern Australia,New Zealand,South Africa,Chile,the British Isles,Iceland,and Greenland.However,Europe has been the continent where most research efforts have been done targeting wave energy characterisation for exploitation.展开更多
Considering the recommended indications for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication therapy and the broad spectrum of available diagnostic methods,a reliable diagnosis is mandatory both before and after eradication t...Considering the recommended indications for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication therapy and the broad spectrum of available diagnostic methods,a reliable diagnosis is mandatory both before and after eradication therapy.Only highly accurate tests should be used in clinical practice,and the sensitivity and specificity of an adequate test should exceed 90%.The choice of tests should take into account clinical circumstances,the likelihood ratio of positive and negative tests,the cost-effectiveness of the testing strategy and the availability of the tests.This review concerns some of the most recent developments in diagnostic methods of H.pylori infection,namely the contribution of novel endoscopic evaluation methodologies for the diagnosis of H.pylori infection,such as magnifying endoscopy techniques and chromoendoscopy.In addition,the diagnostic contribution of histology and the urea breath test was explored recently in specific clinical settings and patient groups.Recent studies recommend enhancing the number of biopsy fragments for the rapid urease test.Bacterial culture from the gastric biopsy is the gold standard technique,and is recommended for antibiotic susceptibility test.Serology is used for initial screening and the stool antigen test is particularly used when the urea breath test is not available,while molecular methods have gained attention mostly for detecting antibiotic resistance.展开更多
Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide.Due to population ageing,the incidence of AD is increasing.AD patients develop cognitive decline and dementia,features for which ...Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide.Due to population ageing,the incidence of AD is increasing.AD patients develop cognitive decline and dementia,features for which is known,requiring permanent care.This poses a major socio-economic burden on healthcare systems as AD patients’relatives and healthcare workers are forced to cope with rising numbers of affected people.Despite recent advances,AD pathological mechanisms are not fully understood.Nevertheless,it is clear that the amyloid beta(Aβ)peptide,which forms amyloid plaques in AD patients’brains,plays a key role.Type 2 diabetes,the most common form of diabetes,affects hundreds of million people globally.Islet amyloid polypeptide(IAPP)is a hormone coproduced and secreted with insulin in pancreatic β-cells,with a key role in diabetes,as it helps regulate glucose levels and control adiposity and satiation.Similarly to Aβ,IAPP is very amyloidogenic,generating intracellular amyloid deposits that causeβ-cell dysfunction and death.It is now clear that IAPP can also have a pathological role in AD,decreasing cognitive function.IAPP harms the blood-brain barrier,directly interacts and co-deposits with Aβ,promoting diabetes-associated dementia.IAPP can cause a metabolic dysfunction in the brain,leading to other diabetes-related forms of AD.Thus,here we discuss IAPP association with diabetes,Aβand dementia,in the context of what we designate a“diabetes brain phenotype”AD hypothesis.Such approach helps to set a conceptual framework for future IAPP-based drugs against AD.展开更多
Floods are one of nature's most destructive disasters because of the immense damage to land,buildings,and human fatalities.It is difficult to forecast the areas that are vulnerable to flash flooding due to the dyn...Floods are one of nature's most destructive disasters because of the immense damage to land,buildings,and human fatalities.It is difficult to forecast the areas that are vulnerable to flash flooding due to the dynamic and complex nature of the flash floods.Therefore,earlier identification of flash flood susceptible sites can be performed using advanced machine learning models for managing flood disasters.In this study,we applied and assessed two new hybrid ensemble models,namely Dagging and Random Subspace(RS)coupled with Artificial Neural Network(ANN),Random Forest(RF),and Support Vector Machine(SVM)which are the other three state-of-the-art machine learning models for modelling flood susceptibility maps at the Teesta River basin,the northern region of Bangladesh.The application of these models includes twelve flood influencing factors with 413 current and former flooding points,which were transferred in a GIS environment.The information gain ratio,the multicollinearity diagnostics tests were employed to determine the association between the occurrences and flood influential factors.For the validation and the comparison of these models,for the ability to predict the statistical appraisal measures such as Freidman,Wilcoxon signed-rank,and t-paired tests and Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve(ROC)were employed.The value of the Area Under the Curve(AUC)of ROC was above 0.80 for all models.For flood susceptibility modelling,the Dagging model performs superior,followed by RF,the ANN,the SVM,and the RS,then the several benchmark models.The approach and solution-oriented outcomes outlined in this paper will assist state and local authorities as well as policy makers in reducing flood-related threats and will also assist in the implementation of effective mitigation strategies to mitigate future damage.展开更多
In this study,a model is developed to simulate the dynamics of an internal combustion engine,and it is calibrated and validated against reliable experimental data,making it a tool that can effectively be adopted to co...In this study,a model is developed to simulate the dynamics of an internal combustion engine,and it is calibrated and validated against reliable experimental data,making it a tool that can effectively be adopted to conduct emission predictions.In this work,the Ricardo WAVE software is applied to the simulation of a particular marine diesel engine,a four-stroke engine used in the maritime field.Results from the bench tests are used for the calibration of the model.Finally,the calibration of the model and its validation with full-scale data measured at sea are presented.The prediction includes not only the classic engine operating parameters for a comparison with surveys but also an estimate of nitrogen oxide emissions,which are compared with similar results obtained with emission factors.The calibration of the model made it possible to obtain an overlap between the simulation results and real data with an average error of approximately 7%on power,torque,and consumption.The model provides encouraging results,suggesting further applications,such as in the study on transient conditions,coupling of the engine model with the ship model for a complete simulation of the operating conditions,and optimization studies on consumption and emissions.The availability of the emission data during the sea trial and validated simulation results are the strengths and novelties of this work.展开更多
This paper summarizes the development of hydro-projects in China,blended with an international perspective.It expounds major technical progress toward ensuring the safe construction of high dams and river harnessing,a...This paper summarizes the development of hydro-projects in China,blended with an international perspective.It expounds major technical progress toward ensuring the safe construction of high dams and river harnessing,and covers the theorization of uneven non-equilibrium sediment transport,inter-basin water diversion,giant hydro-generator units,pumped storage power stations,underground caverns,ecological protection,and so on.展开更多
The objective of this work is to analyze the fatigue reliability of complex welded structures composed of multiple web-frame joints, accounting for correlation effects. A three-dimensional finite element model using t...The objective of this work is to analyze the fatigue reliability of complex welded structures composed of multiple web-frame joints, accounting for correlation effects. A three-dimensional finite element model using the 20-node solid elements is generated. A linear elastic finite element analysis was performed, hotspot stresses in a web-frame joint were analyzed and fatigue damage was quantified employing the S-N approach. The statistical descriptors of the fatigue life of a non-correlated web-frame joint containing several critical hotspots were estimated. The fatigue reliability of a web-frame joint wasmodeled as a series system of correlated components using the Ditlevsen bounds. The fatigue reliability of the entire welded structure with multiple web-frame joints, modeled as a parallel system of non-correlated web-frame joints was also calculated.展开更多
Immobilization devices may be a valuable aid to ensure the improved effectiveness of radiotherapy treatments where constraining the movements of specific anatomical segments is crucial. This need is also present in ot...Immobilization devices may be a valuable aid to ensure the improved effectiveness of radiotherapy treatments where constraining the movements of specific anatomical segments is crucial. This need is also present in other situations, specifically when the superposition of various medical images is required for fine identification and characterization of some pathologies. Because of their structural characteristics, existing head immobilization systems may be claustrophobic and very uncomfortable for patients, during both the modeling and usage stages. Because of this, it is important to minimize all the discomforts related to the mask to alleviate patients’ distress and to simultaneously guarantee and maximize the restraint effectiveness of the mask. In the present work, various head immobilization mask models are proposed based on geometrical information extracted from computerized tomography images and from 3D laser scanning point clouds. These models also consider the corresponding connection to a radiotherapy table, as this connection is easily altered to accommodate various manufacturers’ solutions. A set of materials used in the radiotherapy field is considered to allow the assessment of the stiffness and strength of the masks when submitted to typical loadings.展开更多
The present work investigates the compressive axial ultimate strength of fillet-welded steel-plated ship structures subjected to uniaxial compression,in which the residual stresses in the welded plates are calculated ...The present work investigates the compressive axial ultimate strength of fillet-welded steel-plated ship structures subjected to uniaxial compression,in which the residual stresses in the welded plates are calculated by a thermo-elasto-plastic finite element analysis that is used to fit an idealized model of residual stress distribution.The numerical results of ultimate strength based on the simplified model of residual stress show good agreement with those of various methods including the International Association of Classification Societies(IACS)Common Structural Rules(CSR),leading to the conclusion that the simplified model can be effectively used to represent the distribution of residual stresses in steel-plated structures in a wide range of engineering applications.It is concluded that the widths of the tension zones in the welded plates have a quasi-linear behavior with respect to the plate slenderness.The effect of residual stress on the axial strength of the stiffened plate is analyzed and discussed.展开更多
The primary objective of the present literature review is to provide a constructive and systematical discussion based on the relevant development,unsolved issues,gaps,and misconceptions in the literature regarding the...The primary objective of the present literature review is to provide a constructive and systematical discussion based on the relevant development,unsolved issues,gaps,and misconceptions in the literature regarding the fields of study that are building blocks of artificial intelligence-aided life extension assessment for offshore wind turbine support structures.The present review aims to set up the needed guidelines to develop a multi-disciplinary framework for life extension management and certification of the support structures for offshore wind turbines using artificial intelligence.The main focus of the literature review centres around the intelligent risk-based life extension management of offshore wind turbine support structures.In this regard,big data analytics,advanced signal processing techniques,supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods are discussed within the structural health monitoring and condition-based maintenance planning,the development of digital twins.Furthermore,the present review discusses the critical failure mechanisms affecting the structural condition,such as high-cycle fatigue,low-cycle fatigue,fracture,ultimate strength,and corrosion,considering deterministic and probabilistic approaches.展开更多
Acute gastric mucosal injury is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract and the search for new therapeutics is ongoing. The aim of this study is to update and expand the information related to the most widely ...Acute gastric mucosal injury is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract and the search for new therapeutics is ongoing. The aim of this study is to update and expand the information related to the most widely used rat models of acute gastric ulcer, the ethanol‐induced ulcer and the indomethacin‐induced ulcer. These two models are compared in terms of macroscopic and microscopic features. Experimentally, ethanol was given orally in a single dose and indomethacin was subcutaneously injected into male Wistar rats. After ulcerative challenges, the stomachs were removed and visually inspected. Anti‐ulcerative drugs were used to validate the models. Histological analysis of the stomachs determined the microscopic score. The methodology used for model evaluation applied to macroscopic and microscopic gastric lesions. With these methods it was possible to induce lesions in the gastric mucosa. Microscopic evaluation permitted assessment of the inflammatory and apoptotic impact in the mucosa not observable by macroscopic evaluation. Groups of animals were treated with two standard drugs: sulcralfate suspension or lansoprazole solution. Both drugs reduced macroscopic and microscopic lesions, particularly the hemorrhagic ones. Both models induced acute gastric mucosal injury and no single evaluation method can address all the aspects of the pathology of gastric lesions. As a complement to macroscopic evaluation, microscopy appears to be a relevant tool to selectively identify specific aspects of the development of mucosal injury, quantify the extent of lesions, and contribute to an appropriate interpretation of results. The score systems established here offer a reliable method for testing antiulcer drugs.展开更多
基金supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology(Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia-FCT)it contributes to the Strategic Research Plan of the Centre for Marine Technology and Ocean Engineering(Grant No.UIDB/UIDP/00134/2020)funded the first author for his PhD Scholarship(Grant No.SFRH/BD/145602/2019).
文摘This paper presents an overview of the recent developments in hybrid wind-wave energy.With the focus on floating concepts,the possible configurations introduced in the literature are categorized and depicted,and the main conclusions obtained from the references are summarized.Moreover,offshore wind and wave resources are discussed in terms of complementarity and supplementarity,offering a new perspective to developing hybrid wind-wave energy systems that look for synergies not limited to maximizing power output.Then,the feasibility of the concepts under development is discussed in detail,with focus on technical feasibility,dynamic feasibility and limitations of the methods employed.The hybrid configurations that surpassed the experimental validation phase are highlighted,and the experimental results are summarized.By compiling more than 40 floating wind turbine concepts,new relations are drawn between power,wind turbine dimensions,platforms’draft and displacement,which are further related to the payload allowance of the units to accommodate wave devices and onboard power take-off systems.Bearing in mind that it is a challenge to model the exact dynamics of hybrid floating wind-wave platforms,this paper elucidates the current research gaps,limitations and future trends in the field.Lastly,based on the overview and topics discussed,several major conclusions are drawn concerning hybrid synergies,dynamics and hydrodynamics of hybrid platforms,feasibility of concepts,among other regards.
基金Supported by FCT/MCTES UIDB/05608/2020(https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDB/05608/2020)UIDP/05608/2020(https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDP/05608/2020)+1 种基金IDI&CA grant IPL/2022/MetAllAMD_ESTeSL by H&TRC-Health&Technology Research Center,ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde,Instituto Politécnico de Lisboaby Retina Institute of Lisbon(IRL).
文摘AIM:To quantify and compare longitudinal thickness changes of the ganglion cell complex(GCC)and the choroid in patients with different patterns of age-related macular degeneration(AMD)progression.METHODS:Retrospective cohort analysis of anonymized data from participants aged 50y or more and diagnosed with early/intermediate AMD in at least one eye(with no evidence of advanced AMD).A total of 64 participants were included from the Instituto de Retina de Lisboa(IRL)study(IPL/2022/MetAllAMD_ESTeSL)and divided into 4 groups according to the Rotterdam classification for AMD.Spectral domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)was used to assess and quantify GCC and choroid thickness at two time points(first visit vs last visit)with a minimum interval of 3y.RESULTS:In the GCC inner ring,a thinner thickness(P=0.001)was observed in the atrophic AMD group(51.3±21.4μm)compared to the early AMD(84.3±11.5μm),intermediate AMD(77.6±16.1μm)and neovascular AMD(88.9±16.3μm)groups.Choroidal thickness quantification showed a generalized reduction in the central circle(P=0.002)and inner ring(P=0.001).Slight reductions in retinal thickness were more accentuated in the inner ring in the atrophic AMD(-13%;P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The variation of the analyzed structures could be an indicator of risk of progression with neurodegenerative(GCC)or vascular(choroid)pattern in the intermediate and atrophic AMD.The quantification of both structures can provide important information about the risk of disease progression in the early and intermediate stages but also for the evolution pattern into late stages(atrophic or neovascular).
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Project of China(Grant No.2023YFC3106904)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52001086)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China(Grant No.3072023JC0101)Additionally,this work contributes to the Strategic Research Plan of the Centre for Marine Technology and Ocean Engineering(CENTEC),which is financed by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology(Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia-FCT)under contract UIDB/UIDP/00134/2020.
文摘This paper presents a hydrodynamic analysis of a hybrid system consisting of a floating platform coupled with an array of oscillating bodies that move along the weather sidewall of the platform.Using the Lagrange multiplier method,the motion equation governing this type of motion characteristic is formulated,and the formula of the extracted wave power is derived.The numerical results demonstrate a significant increase in the hydrodynamic efficiency of oscillating bodies within specific frequency ranges in the presence of the floating platform.The incorporation of proper power take-off damping of the oscillating bodies results in a reduction in the heave motion of the platform,but it may lead to an increase in pitch motion.The analysis of the response behaviour of the system shows that both the heave motion and pitch motion of the platform contribute to the power extraction and relative motion between the buoys and the platform.Parametric investigations are conducted to explore the hydrodynamic interactions between the floating platform and the buoy array.Additionally,the concept of“hydrodynamic synergy”is proposed to describe the synergetic effect of different components of a multi-purpose platform,which is of considerable engineering interest.
基金funded by the Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia,Portugal[UIDB/04138/2020 and UIDP/04138/2020 to iMed.ULisboa,CEECINST/00145/2018 to J Marto,fellowship 2020.10138BD to A.Graca and UI/BD/153624/2022 to S.Bom].
文摘Three-dimensional(3D)printing is an innovative manufacturingmethod with the potential to revolutionize topical and transdermal dosage forms.Nowadays,it is established that Vatbased photopolymerization(VP)3D printing technologies offer superior printing efficiency and versatility compared to other 3D printing technologies available on the market.However,there are some limitations that impair their full application in pharmaceutical contexts,such as the lack of a range of biocompatiblematerials for topical and transdermal applications.This reviewarticle explores all types of VP-based 3D printing and discusses the relevance of implementing this kind of technology.We start with a detailed description of the printing process,focusing on the commercial materials available and lab-made resins proposed by different authors.We also review recent studies in this field,which mainly focus on the fabrication of transdermal devices based on microneedle arrays.In the future,it is expected that the manufacturers of 3D printers invest in modifications to the printing apparatus to allow the simultaneous printing of different resins and/or compound types,which will open frontiers to the personalization of treatment approaches.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2023YFC3010803)the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52272424)+1 种基金the Key R&D Program of Hubei Province of China(Grant No.2023BCB123)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.WUT:2023IVB079)。
文摘Side-scan sonar(SSS)is now a prevalent instrument for large-scale seafloor topography measurements,deployable on an autonomous underwater vehicle(AUV)to execute fully automated underwater acoustic scanning imaging along a predetermined trajectory.However,SSS images often suffer from speckle noise caused by mutual interference between echoes,and limited AUV computational resources further hinder noise suppression.Existing approaches for SSS image processing and speckle noise reduction rely heavily on complex network structures and fail to combine the benefits of deep learning and domain knowledge.To address the problem,Rep DNet,a novel and effective despeckling convolutional neural network is proposed.Rep DNet introduces two re-parameterized blocks:the Pixel Smoothing Block(PSB)and Edge Enhancement Block(EEB),preserving edge information while attenuating speckle noise.During training,PSB and EEB manifest as double-layered multi-branch structures,integrating first-order and secondorder derivatives and smoothing functions.During inference,the branches are re-parameterized into a 3×3 convolution,enabling efficient inference without sacrificing accuracy.Rep DNet comprises three computational operations:3×3 convolution,element-wise summation and Rectified Linear Unit activation.Evaluations on benchmark datasets,a real SSS dataset and Data collected at Lake Mulan aestablish Rep DNet as a well-balanced network,meeting the AUV computational constraints in terms of performance and latency.
基金support of RSSB to this work via the project RSSB/COF-UOH-49 is greatly appreciated.The authors also acknowledge the support by FCT,through IDMEC,under LAETA,project UIDB/50022/2020.
文摘Appropriate interaction between pantograph and catenary is imperative for smooth operation of electric trains.Changing heights of overhead lines to accommodate level crossings,overbridges,and tunnels pose significant challenges in maintaining consistent current collection performance as the pantograph aerodynamic profile,and thus aerodynamic load changes significantly with operational height.This research aims to analyse the global flow characteristics and aerodynamic forces acting on individual components of an HSX pantograph operating in different configurations and orientations,such that the results can be combined with multibody simulations to obtain accurate dynamic insight into contact forces.Specifically,computational fluid dynamics simulations are used to investigate the pantograph component loads in a representative setting,such as that of the recessed cavity on a Class 800 train.From an aerodynamic perspective,this study indicates that the total drag force acting on non-fixed components of the pantograph is larger for the knuckle-leading orientation rather than the knuckle-trailing,although the difference between the two is found to reduce with increasing pantograph extension.Combining the aerodynamic loads acting on individual components with multibody tools allows for realistic dynamic insight into the pantograph behaviour.The results obtained show how considering aerodynamic forces enhance the realism of the models,leading to behaviour of the pantograph-catenary contact forces closely matching that seen in experimental tests.
基金financially supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology(Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia-FCT)the Strategic Research Plan of the Centre for Marine Technology and Ocean Engineering(Grant No.UIDB/UIDP/00134/2020)funded the first author for his doctoral fellowship(Grant No.2023.03496.BD).
文摘This study presents an optimisation-based approach for determining controller gains in ship path-following under varying sea states,wave,and wind directions.The dynamic Line of Sight approach is used to regulate the rudder angle and guide the Esso Osaka ship along the desired path.Gains are optimised using a genetic algorithm and a comprehensive cost function.The analysis covers a range of wave attack directions and sea states to evaluate the controller performance.Results demonstrate effective convergence to the desired path,although a steady-state error persists.Heading and rudder angle performance analyses show successful convergence and dynamic adjustments of the rudder angle to compensate for deviations.The findings underscore the influence of wave and wind conditions on ship performance and highlight the need for precise gain tuning.This research contributes insights into optimising and evaluating path-following controllers for ship navigation.
基金supported by FCT,I.P,the Portuguese national funding agency for science,research and technology under the Project UIDB/04521/2020.
文摘This study investigates the static and dynamic return and volatility spillovers between non-fungible tokens(NFTs)and conventional currencies using the time-varying parameter vector autoregressions approach.We reveal that the total connectedness between these markets is weak,implying that investors may increase the diversification benefits of their multicurrency portfolios by adding NFTs.We also find that NFTs are net transmitters of both return and volatility spillovers;however,in the case of return spillovers,the influence of NFTs on conventional currencies is more pronounced than that of volatility shock transmissions.The dynamic exercise reveals that the returns and volatility spillovers vary over time,largely increasing during the onset of the Covid-19 crisis,which deeply affected the relationship between NFTs and the conventional currencies markets.Our findings are useful for currency traders and NFT investors seeking to build effective cross-currency and cross-asset hedge strategies during systemic crises.
基金supported by PTDC-01778/2022-NeuroDev3D,iNOVA4Health(UIDB/04462/2020 and UIDP/04462/2020)LS4FUTURE(LA/P/0087/2020)。
文摘Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).
文摘This paper provides an overview of the global wave resource for energy exploration.The most popular metrics and estimators for wave energy resource characterization have been compiled and classified by levels of energy exploration.A review of existing prospective wave energy resource assessments worldwide is also given,and those studies have been collated and classified by continent.Finally,information about forty existing open sea wave energy test sites worldwide and their characteristics is depicted and displayed on a newly created global map.It has been found that wave power density is still the most consensual metric used for wave energy resource assessment purposes among researchers.Nonetheless,to accomplish a comprehensive wave resource assessment for exploitation,the computation of other metrics at the practicable,technical,and socio-economic levels has also been performed at both spatial and temporal domains.Overall,regions in latitudes between 40°and 60°of both hemispheres are those where the highest wave power density is concentrated.Some areas where the most significant wave power density occurs are in offshore regions of southern Australia,New Zealand,South Africa,Chile,the British Isles,Iceland,and Greenland.However,Europe has been the continent where most research efforts have been done targeting wave energy characterisation for exploitation.
文摘Considering the recommended indications for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication therapy and the broad spectrum of available diagnostic methods,a reliable diagnosis is mandatory both before and after eradication therapy.Only highly accurate tests should be used in clinical practice,and the sensitivity and specificity of an adequate test should exceed 90%.The choice of tests should take into account clinical circumstances,the likelihood ratio of positive and negative tests,the cost-effectiveness of the testing strategy and the availability of the tests.This review concerns some of the most recent developments in diagnostic methods of H.pylori infection,namely the contribution of novel endoscopic evaluation methodologies for the diagnosis of H.pylori infection,such as magnifying endoscopy techniques and chromoendoscopy.In addition,the diagnostic contribution of histology and the urea breath test was explored recently in specific clinical settings and patient groups.Recent studies recommend enhancing the number of biopsy fragments for the rapid urease test.Bacterial culture from the gastric biopsy is the gold standard technique,and is recommended for antibiotic susceptibility test.Serology is used for initial screening and the stool antigen test is particularly used when the urea breath test is not available,while molecular methods have gained attention mostly for detecting antibiotic resistance.
基金supported by iNOVA4Health-UID/Multi/04462/2019,a program financially supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/Ministério da Educação e Ciência,through national funds and co-funded by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement,Funding from INTERFACE Programme,through the Innovation,Technology and Circular Economy Fund(FITEC),FCT via PTDC/BIA-MOL/31104/2017 and UID/Multi/04462/2019-SubProj iNOVA4Health C44(to RM),PD/BD/135504/2018(to AFR)Sociedade Portuguesa de Diabetologia for the Nuno Castelo-Branco Prize-2016(to RM),and ICM acknowledges FCT-MCTES Program“Concurso de Estímulo ao Emprego Científico”(CEECIND/01670/2017).
文摘Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide.Due to population ageing,the incidence of AD is increasing.AD patients develop cognitive decline and dementia,features for which is known,requiring permanent care.This poses a major socio-economic burden on healthcare systems as AD patients’relatives and healthcare workers are forced to cope with rising numbers of affected people.Despite recent advances,AD pathological mechanisms are not fully understood.Nevertheless,it is clear that the amyloid beta(Aβ)peptide,which forms amyloid plaques in AD patients’brains,plays a key role.Type 2 diabetes,the most common form of diabetes,affects hundreds of million people globally.Islet amyloid polypeptide(IAPP)is a hormone coproduced and secreted with insulin in pancreatic β-cells,with a key role in diabetes,as it helps regulate glucose levels and control adiposity and satiation.Similarly to Aβ,IAPP is very amyloidogenic,generating intracellular amyloid deposits that causeβ-cell dysfunction and death.It is now clear that IAPP can also have a pathological role in AD,decreasing cognitive function.IAPP harms the blood-brain barrier,directly interacts and co-deposits with Aβ,promoting diabetes-associated dementia.IAPP can cause a metabolic dysfunction in the brain,leading to other diabetes-related forms of AD.Thus,here we discuss IAPP association with diabetes,Aβand dementia,in the context of what we designate a“diabetes brain phenotype”AD hypothesis.Such approach helps to set a conceptual framework for future IAPP-based drugs against AD.
基金supported by a PhD scholarship granted by Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia,I.P.(FCT),Portugal,under the PhD Programme FLUVIO–River Restoration and Management,grant number:PD/BD/114558/2016。
文摘Floods are one of nature's most destructive disasters because of the immense damage to land,buildings,and human fatalities.It is difficult to forecast the areas that are vulnerable to flash flooding due to the dynamic and complex nature of the flash floods.Therefore,earlier identification of flash flood susceptible sites can be performed using advanced machine learning models for managing flood disasters.In this study,we applied and assessed two new hybrid ensemble models,namely Dagging and Random Subspace(RS)coupled with Artificial Neural Network(ANN),Random Forest(RF),and Support Vector Machine(SVM)which are the other three state-of-the-art machine learning models for modelling flood susceptibility maps at the Teesta River basin,the northern region of Bangladesh.The application of these models includes twelve flood influencing factors with 413 current and former flooding points,which were transferred in a GIS environment.The information gain ratio,the multicollinearity diagnostics tests were employed to determine the association between the occurrences and flood influential factors.For the validation and the comparison of these models,for the ability to predict the statistical appraisal measures such as Freidman,Wilcoxon signed-rank,and t-paired tests and Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve(ROC)were employed.The value of the Area Under the Curve(AUC)of ROC was above 0.80 for all models.For flood susceptibility modelling,the Dagging model performs superior,followed by RF,the ANN,the SVM,and the RS,then the several benchmark models.The approach and solution-oriented outcomes outlined in this paper will assist state and local authorities as well as policy makers in reducing flood-related threats and will also assist in the implementation of effective mitigation strategies to mitigate future damage.
基金Open access funding provided by Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II within the CRUI-CARE Agreement.
文摘In this study,a model is developed to simulate the dynamics of an internal combustion engine,and it is calibrated and validated against reliable experimental data,making it a tool that can effectively be adopted to conduct emission predictions.In this work,the Ricardo WAVE software is applied to the simulation of a particular marine diesel engine,a four-stroke engine used in the maritime field.Results from the bench tests are used for the calibration of the model.Finally,the calibration of the model and its validation with full-scale data measured at sea are presented.The prediction includes not only the classic engine operating parameters for a comparison with surveys but also an estimate of nitrogen oxide emissions,which are compared with similar results obtained with emission factors.The calibration of the model made it possible to obtain an overlap between the simulation results and real data with an average error of approximately 7%on power,torque,and consumption.The model provides encouraging results,suggesting further applications,such as in the study on transient conditions,coupling of the engine model with the ship model for a complete simulation of the operating conditions,and optimization studies on consumption and emissions.The availability of the emission data during the sea trial and validated simulation results are the strengths and novelties of this work.
文摘This paper summarizes the development of hydro-projects in China,blended with an international perspective.It expounds major technical progress toward ensuring the safe construction of high dams and river harnessing,and covers the theorization of uneven non-equilibrium sediment transport,inter-basin water diversion,giant hydro-generator units,pumped storage power stations,underground caverns,ecological protection,and so on.
文摘The objective of this work is to analyze the fatigue reliability of complex welded structures composed of multiple web-frame joints, accounting for correlation effects. A three-dimensional finite element model using the 20-node solid elements is generated. A linear elastic finite element analysis was performed, hotspot stresses in a web-frame joint were analyzed and fatigue damage was quantified employing the S-N approach. The statistical descriptors of the fatigue life of a non-correlated web-frame joint containing several critical hotspots were estimated. The fatigue reliability of a web-frame joint wasmodeled as a series system of correlated components using the Ditlevsen bounds. The fatigue reliability of the entire welded structure with multiple web-frame joints, modeled as a parallel system of non-correlated web-frame joints was also calculated.
基金supported by the Project IPL/2016/Soft Imob/ISEL and Project LAETA—UID/EMS/50022/2019
文摘Immobilization devices may be a valuable aid to ensure the improved effectiveness of radiotherapy treatments where constraining the movements of specific anatomical segments is crucial. This need is also present in other situations, specifically when the superposition of various medical images is required for fine identification and characterization of some pathologies. Because of their structural characteristics, existing head immobilization systems may be claustrophobic and very uncomfortable for patients, during both the modeling and usage stages. Because of this, it is important to minimize all the discomforts related to the mask to alleviate patients’ distress and to simultaneously guarantee and maximize the restraint effectiveness of the mask. In the present work, various head immobilization mask models are proposed based on geometrical information extracted from computerized tomography images and from 3D laser scanning point clouds. These models also consider the corresponding connection to a radiotherapy table, as this connection is easily altered to accommodate various manufacturers’ solutions. A set of materials used in the radiotherapy field is considered to allow the assessment of the stiffness and strength of the masks when submitted to typical loadings.
基金the Strategic Research Plan of the Centre for Marine Technology and Ocean Engineering,which is financed by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology(Fundacao para a Ciência e Tecnologia-FCT)funded by a PhD scholarship from ABS,the American Bureau of Shipping
文摘The present work investigates the compressive axial ultimate strength of fillet-welded steel-plated ship structures subjected to uniaxial compression,in which the residual stresses in the welded plates are calculated by a thermo-elasto-plastic finite element analysis that is used to fit an idealized model of residual stress distribution.The numerical results of ultimate strength based on the simplified model of residual stress show good agreement with those of various methods including the International Association of Classification Societies(IACS)Common Structural Rules(CSR),leading to the conclusion that the simplified model can be effectively used to represent the distribution of residual stresses in steel-plated structures in a wide range of engineering applications.It is concluded that the widths of the tension zones in the welded plates have a quasi-linear behavior with respect to the plate slenderness.The effect of residual stress on the axial strength of the stiffened plate is analyzed and discussed.
文摘The primary objective of the present literature review is to provide a constructive and systematical discussion based on the relevant development,unsolved issues,gaps,and misconceptions in the literature regarding the fields of study that are building blocks of artificial intelligence-aided life extension assessment for offshore wind turbine support structures.The present review aims to set up the needed guidelines to develop a multi-disciplinary framework for life extension management and certification of the support structures for offshore wind turbines using artificial intelligence.The main focus of the literature review centres around the intelligent risk-based life extension management of offshore wind turbine support structures.In this regard,big data analytics,advanced signal processing techniques,supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods are discussed within the structural health monitoring and condition-based maintenance planning,the development of digital twins.Furthermore,the present review discusses the critical failure mechanisms affecting the structural condition,such as high-cycle fatigue,low-cycle fatigue,fracture,ultimate strength,and corrosion,considering deterministic and probabilistic approaches.
基金Agencia de Inovacao, Grant/Award Number: XILOGASTRO/AdI/2003Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia, Grant/Award Number: UID/DTP/04138/2013+1 种基金FAIR, Grant/Award Number: FAIR-PI97 3811JABA Recordati
文摘Acute gastric mucosal injury is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract and the search for new therapeutics is ongoing. The aim of this study is to update and expand the information related to the most widely used rat models of acute gastric ulcer, the ethanol‐induced ulcer and the indomethacin‐induced ulcer. These two models are compared in terms of macroscopic and microscopic features. Experimentally, ethanol was given orally in a single dose and indomethacin was subcutaneously injected into male Wistar rats. After ulcerative challenges, the stomachs were removed and visually inspected. Anti‐ulcerative drugs were used to validate the models. Histological analysis of the stomachs determined the microscopic score. The methodology used for model evaluation applied to macroscopic and microscopic gastric lesions. With these methods it was possible to induce lesions in the gastric mucosa. Microscopic evaluation permitted assessment of the inflammatory and apoptotic impact in the mucosa not observable by macroscopic evaluation. Groups of animals were treated with two standard drugs: sulcralfate suspension or lansoprazole solution. Both drugs reduced macroscopic and microscopic lesions, particularly the hemorrhagic ones. Both models induced acute gastric mucosal injury and no single evaluation method can address all the aspects of the pathology of gastric lesions. As a complement to macroscopic evaluation, microscopy appears to be a relevant tool to selectively identify specific aspects of the development of mucosal injury, quantify the extent of lesions, and contribute to an appropriate interpretation of results. The score systems established here offer a reliable method for testing antiulcer drugs.
