Experimental analysis of a t-stub component subjected to impact loading

After the accidents occurred during the first decade of this millennium, such as the World Trade Center (2001), London (2005) and Madrid (2004), special attention was given to the study of robust structures subjected to different accidental loads. The World Trade Center attack highlighted troublesome weakness in connections, which exhibited poor performance caused by brittle failure. Structural details played a very significant behavioural role when the structure is subjected to impulsive loads [1]. Concerning the behaviour of steel joint, the literature presents several studies on steel connections under both static and cyclic loads [2, 3]; many results of these studies have contributed for improving the current standards, such as the Eurocode 3, part 1-8 [4]. However, only scarce information exists concerning the behaviour of these joints directly loaded by higher loading rates [5]. This paper is devoted to the report of an experimental programme on steel joints under impact loading, in particular to the assessment of T-stub response under tension. The T-stub is used to evaluate the behaviour of the tensile components that are responsible for the deformability of the joint, such as the end plate in bending. Firstly, the paper describes the features of an experimental system developed at the University of Coimbra, to apply high rates of loading; then, it presents the experimental campaign and the corresponding results. The test apparatus is defined by a rigid reaction frame fixed to a reaction slab and connected to a rigid “flying beam” (HEM 340, S355J2); the impact force is applied in this beam through a pneumatic driven cylinder ( = 125 mm). This “flying beam” consists in a second class lever pivot located at the opposite end of the cylinder location, and the tested specimen is subjected to the dynamic force at the middle of this beam. The pneumatic cylinder was designed to work with a maximum operating pressure of 30 MPa. During the impact tests, force, displacements, accelerations and strains are measured. Because this type of tests occurs in a very short time intervals (hundredths of a second), specific equipment with large sample rate are used. The experimental programme includes two impact tests on welded T-stubs: i) test T-10-D120-160 - rapidly applied loading of 120 Bar [12 MPa], followed by 160 Bar [16 MPa]; and ii) test T-10-D160 - rapidly applied loading of a single impact equal to 160 Bar [16 MPa]. The results of these tests are compared against reference quasi-static tests [6]. The T-stub geometry is defined by two plates, the flange and the web, both with 10 mm of thickness and welded by means of a continuous 45º fillet. The flange is bolted through two bolts M20, grade 8.8 fully threaded

Development of an experimental system to apply high rates of loading

The work presented in this paper is part of an ongoing research project at the University of Coimbra IMPACTFIRE PTDC/ECM/110807/2009, which the main focus is the characterization of the behaviour of bolted steel connections subjected to accidental loads, such as impact and fire. Detailed description of the experimental parts developed, designed and fabricated at University of Coimbra, to carry out tests under high rates of loading is presented. This experimental part is operated by high pressure nitrogen comprising three main components: pneumatic reservoir, pneumatic cylinder and a rapidly opening valve, which allows the instantaneous nitrogen flow from the reservoir to the cylinder. Furthermore, the data acquisition system, the methodology for analysis of the results and the results of preliminary tests are also reported

User-Experience with Haptic Feedback Technologies and Text Input in Interactive Multimedia Devices

Remote control devices are commonly used for interaction with multimedia equipment and applications (e.g., smart TVs, gaming, etc.). To improve conventional keypad-based technologies, haptic feedback and user input capabilities are being developed for enhancing the UX and providing advanced functionalities in remote control devices. Although the sensation provided by haptic feedback is similar to mechanical push buttons, the former offers much greater flexibility, due to the possibility of dynamically choosing different mechanical effects and associating different functions to each of them. However, selecting the best haptic feedback effects among the wide variety that is currently enabled by recent technologies, remains a challenge for design engineers aiming to optimise the UX. Rich interaction further requires text input capability, which greatly influences the UX. This work is a contribution towards UX evaluation of remote control devices with haptic feedback and text input. A user evaluation study of a wide variety of haptic feedback effects and text input methods is presented, considering different technologies and different number of actuators on a device. The user preferences, given by subjective evaluation scores, demonstrate that haptic feedback has undoubtedly a positive impact on the UX. Moreover, it is also shown that different levels of UX are obtained, according to the technological characteristics of the haptic actuators and how many of them are used on the device.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Symptom clusters and survival in Portuguese patients with advanced cancer

Abstract This study aimed to identify clusters of symptoms, to determine the patient characteristics associated with identified, and determine their strength of association with survival in patients with advanced cancer (ACPs). Consecutively eligible ACPs not receiving cancer-specific treatment, and referred to a Tertiary Palliative Care Clinic, were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. At first consultation, patients rated 9 symptoms through the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (0-10 scale) and 10 others using a Likert scale (1-5). Principal component analysis was used in an exploratory factor analysis to identify. Of 318 ACPs, 301 met eligibility criteria with a median (range) age of 69 (37-94) years. Three SCs were identified: neuro-psycho-metabolic (NPM) (tiredness, lack of appetite, lack of well−being, dyspnea, depression, and anxiety); gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, constipation, hiccups, and dry mouth) and sleep impairment (insomnia and sleep disturbance). Exploratory factor analysis accounted for 40% of variance of observed variables in all SCs. Shorter survival was observed for patients with the NPM cluster (58 vs. 23, P < 0.001), as well as for patients with two or more SCs (45 vs. 21, P = 0.005). In a multivariable model for survival at 30-days, age (HR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97-0.99; P = 0.008), hospitalization at inclusion (HR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.47-3.51; P < 0.001), poorer performance status (HR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.24-2.89; P = 0.003), and NPM (HR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.17-2.31; P = 0.005), were associated with worse survival. Three clinically meaningful SC in patients with advanced cancer were identifiable. The NPM cluster and the presence of two or more SCs, had prognostic value in relation to survival. Cancer Medicine Open Access

The Evolving Treatment Landscape of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma in Patients Progressing after VEGF Inhibition

Despite significant changes in the therapeutic landscape of renal cell carcinoma, the majority of patients with metastatic disease eventually progress after first-line treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Understanding existing data on subsequent therapies is crucial to define an optimal treatment sequence following first-line failure. This review examines the data supporting currently approved agents in this setting and provides a framework for decision-making regarding treatment sequencing beyond first-line therapy with VEGFR TKIs

Effect of Tryptophan Dietary Content on Meagre, Argyrosomus regius, Juveniles Stress and Behavioral Response

Funding Information: This study was supported by the project AQUARAS (MAR-02.01.02-FEAMP-0223). M.C.S. is supported by the Foundation for Science and Technology through an individual contract (2021.01458.CEECIND). Publisher Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.There are a high number of stressors present in aquaculture that can affect fish welfare and quality. One way of mitigating stress response is by increasing dietary tryptophan. In this study, three diets containing 0.5% (Tript1), 0.6% (Tript2), and 0.8% (Tript3) of tryptophan were tested in 32 g juvenile meagre for 56 days. At the end of the trial, survival, growth, and proximate composition were similar between treatments. Significant differences were found in the plasma parameters before and after a stress test consisting of 30 s of air exposure. Blood glucose levels were higher in the post-stress for all treatments (e.g., 63.9 and 76.7 mg/dL for Tript1 before and after the stress test), and the hemoglobin values were lower in the post-stress of Tript1 (1.9 g/dL compared to 3.0 and 2.4 g/dL for Tript2 and Tript3, respectively). In terms of behavior, three tests were carried out (novel tank diving and shoaling assays, and lateralization test), but no significant differences were found, except for the number of freezing episodes during the anxiety test (1.4 for Tript3 compared to 3.5 and 4.2 for the other treatments). This study suggests that supplementation with dietary tryptophan, particularly in higher dosage (0.8%), can reduce anxiety-like behavior in meagre exposure to acute stress (novel tank). Although the remaining results showed mild effects, they provide some clues as to the potential of this amino acid as a stress mitigator in aquaculture.publishersversionpublishe

A benchmark for validation of numerical results in sheet metal forming

Advances in FE codes for simulation of sheet metal forming processes have enabled its use during pre-production stage of a component. Some of recent developments include improvements and implementation of new material models of mechanical behaviour. However, these developments and corresponding results need to be validated, which means being compared with experimental results. On the other hand, in order that experimental results are a reference data, they need to be tested to repeatability and need to be obtained with such characteristic preferably by different institutions.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TGJ-4CS4NXC-M/1/11b425ff3006b6fcdad85f1f6b4fa57

Biofortified Diets Containing Algae and Selenised Yeast: Effects on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Tissue Composition of Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)

Efforts have been made to find natural, highly nutritious alternatives to replace fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO), which can simultaneously promote fish health and improve the nutritional quality of filets for human consumption. This study evaluated the impact of biofortified diets containing microalgae (as replacement for FM and FO), macroalgae (as natural source of iodine) and selenised yeast (organic source of selenium) on gilthead seabream growth, nutrient utilization, tissue composition and gene expression. A control diet (CTRL) with 15% FM and 5.5% FO was compared with three experimental diets (AD1, AD2, and AD3), where a microalgae blend (Chlorella sp., Tetraselmis sp., and DHA-rich Schizochytrium sp.) replaced 33% of FM. Diet AD1 contained 20% less FO. Diets were supplemented with Laminaria digitata (0.4% AD1 and AD2; 0.8% AD3) and selenised yeast (0.02% AD1 and AD2; 0.04% AD3). After feeding the experimental diets for 12 weeks, growth was similar in fish fed AD1, AD2, and CTRL, indicating that microalgae meal can partially replace both FM and FO in diets for seabream. But AD3 suppressed fish growth, suggesting that L. digitata and selenised yeast supplementation should be kept under 0.8 and 0.04%, respectively. Despite lower lipid intake and decreased PUFAs bioavailability in fish fed AD3, compared to CTRL, hepatic elovl5 was upregulated resulting in a significant increase of muscle EPA + DHA. Indeed, filets of fish fed AD2 and AD3 provided the highest EPA + DHA contents (0.7 g 100 g–1), that are well above the minimum recommended values for human consumption. Fish consuming the AD diets had a higher retention and gain of selenium, while iodine gain remained similar among diets. Upregulation of selenoproteins (gpx1, selk, and dio2) was observed in liver of fish fed AD1, but diets had limited impact on fish antioxidant status. Overall, results indicate that the tested microalgae are good sources of protein and lipids, with their LC-PUFAs being effectively accumulated in seabream muscle. Selenised yeast is a good fortification vehicle to increase selenium levels in fish, but efforts should be placed to find new strategies to fortify fish in iodineThis work has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programe under Grant Agreement No. 773400 (SEAFOODTOMORROW) and from the project ATLANTIDA (ref. NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000040), supported by the Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement and through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This work received financial support from REQUIMTE/LAQV national funds (FCT) through project UID/QUI/50006/2019. LV acknowledges national funds provided by FCT to CIIMAR (UIDB/04423/2020 and UIDP/04423/2020), PP-F acknowledges MAR2020 national funds provided to IPMA (DIVERISAQUA project - 16-02-01-FEAM-66) and MF acknowledges FCT for the grant SFRH/BD/144843/2019.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Moving towards personalized medicine - the broad use of aptamers for targeted theranostic

Aptamers are short, single-stranded oligonucleotides synthesized in vitro from a randomized oligonucleotide library against a specific target. These molecules are capable of binding to a wide range of biological targets with high specificity and affinity. They present great advantages over antibodies with potential applications in research, diagnosis, and therapeutics. Specifically for tumors with late-stage identification and poor prognosis, like pancreatic cancer, the study of novel aptamers holds tremendous potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Along with cancer treatment, aptamers have also shown high potential in regulating the immune response and modulating several critical steps of signaling cascades, such as in immune checkpoints. In the context of microbiota and infection, aptamers are being studied to identify microbes and their metabolites. This assessment has the potential to improve the detection and management of infectious diseases while assisting us in better understanding health risks and treatment outcomes by tracking changes in the microbiota. In this review, the potential of aptamers is explored regarding their applications in cancer, immune, and microbiota therapy.Pilar Baylina (P.B.) acknowledges on the behalf of the authors the support of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), Portuguese Government, under the Strategic Project Reference: UID/BIM/04293/2013. Pilar Baylina (P.B.) and R.F. was also supported by FEDER/02/SAICT/2020/072560. Ana Cláudia Pereira (A.C.P.) acknowledges the support of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), Portuguese Government, under the Strategic Project Reference: 2022.09032.PTDC. André P. Sousa acknowledges FCT for the PhD grant 2022.12441.BD. Ana C. Rocha acknowledges FCT for the PhD grant 2021.06521.BD. Patrick P. Pais acknowledges FCT for the PhD grant 2021.09498.BD. Susana Ramalho acknowledges LaBMI for the PhD grant LABMI/BI/2021/01 (NEURO4COVID).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Bispecific T-Cell Engagers Therapies in Solid Tumors: Focusing on Prostate Cancer

Over the past decade, immunotherapy has demonstrated an impressive improvement in treatment outcomes for multiple cancers. Following the landmark approvals for use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, new challenges emerged in various clinical settings. Not all tumor types harbor immunogenic characteristics capable of triggering responses. Similarly, many tumors\u27 immune microenvironment allows them to become evasive, leading to resistance and, thus, limiting the durability of responses. To overcome this limitation, new T-cell redirecting strategies such as bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) have become attractive and promising immunotherapies. Our review provides a comprehensive perspective of the current evidence of BiTE therapies in solid tumors. Considering that immunotherapy has shown modest results in advanced prostate cancer to date, we review the biologic rationale and promising results of BiTE therapy in this clinical setting and discuss potential tumor-associated antigens that may be integrated into BiTE construct designs. Our review also aims to evaluate the advances of BiTE therapies in prostate cancer, illustrate the major obstacles and underlying limitations, and discuss directions for future research