Analysis of spinning reserves in systems with variable power sources

In this paper is studied an approach based on risk assessment to solve the scheduling of a power production system with variable power sources. The spinning reserves resulting from the unit commitment are analyzed too. In this methodology there are no infeasible solutions, only more or less costly solutions associated to the operation risks, such as, load or renewable production curtailment. The uncertainty of forecasted production and load demand are defined by probability distribution functions. The methodology is tested in a real case study, an island with high penetration of renewable power production. Finally, forecasted and measured reserves are compared, once the reserves are strongly linked with the forecasting quality. The results of a real case study are presented and discussed. They show the difficulty to achieve complete robust solutions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Insights into nanomedicine for head and neck cancer diagnosis and treatment

Head and neck cancers rank sixth among the most common cancers today, and the survival rate has remained virtually unchanged over the past 25 years, due to late diagnosis and ineffective treatments. They have two main risk factors, tobacco and alcohol, and human papillomavirus infection is a secondary risk factor. These cancers affect areas of the body that are fundamental for the five senses. Therefore, it is necessary to treat them effectively and non-invasively as early as possible, in order to do not compromise vital functions, which is not always possible with conventional treatments (chemotherapy or radiotherapy). In this sense, nanomedicine plays a key role in the treatment and diagnosis of head and neck cancers. Nanomedicine involves using nanocarriers to deliver drugs to sites of action and reducing the necessary doses and possible side effects. The main purpose of this review is to give an overview of the applications of nanocarrier systems to the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer. Herein, several types of delivery strategies, radiation enhancement, inside-out hyperthermia, and theragnostic approaches are addressed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Edible films as oral delivery systems for xanthines extracted from medicinal plants: an experimental design approach

Two formulations of edible films intended for oral delivery of therapeutic xanthines were developed, following an experimental design approach. Gelatin type A and sodium carboxymethylcellulose were used as polymeric matrices with different physico-chemical nature. Caffeine, a well-known methylxhanthine, was used as model bioactive molecule, representing overall xanthines (e.g. caffeine, theophylline, theobromine) extracted from medicinal plants. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was performed to outwit the formation of covalent bonds between caffeine and the matrix of edible films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to assess if caffeine was homogeneously dispersed on the matrix of edible films. Simulation of gastrointestinal tract and ex vivo permeability studies across intestinal mucosa were performed to predict the delivery profile of caffeine from developed formulations of edible films. Gelatin type A-based edible films offered a slow release of caffeine whereas sodium carboxymethylcellulose-based edible films promote an immediate release of caffeine.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Novel and revisited approaches in nanoparticle systems for buccal drug delivery

The buccal route is considered patient friendly due to its non-invasive nature and ease of administration. Such delivery route has been used as an alternative for the delivery of drugs that undergo first-pass metabolism or are susceptible to pH and enzymatic degradation, such as occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the drug concentration absorbed in the buccal mucosa is often low to obtain an acceptable therapeutic effect, mainly due to the saliva turnover, tongue and masticatory movements, phonation, enzymatic degradation and lack of epithelium permeation. Therefore, the encapsulation of drugs into nanoparticles is an important strategy to avoid such problems and improve their buccal delivery. Different materials from lipids to natural or synthetic polymers and others have been used to protect and deliver drugs in a sustained, controlled or targeted manner, and enhance their uptake through the buccal mucosa improving their bioavailability and therapeutic outcome. Overall, the main aim of this review is to perform an overview about the nanotechnological approaches developed so far to improve the buccal delivery of drugs. Herein, several types of nanoparticles and delivery strategies are addressed, and a special focus on pipeline products is also given.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Net load forecasting in presence of renewable power curtailment

This paper analyzes a real case study based on na islanding power grid, where there is wind power curtailment during the grid operation. This curtailment skews the wind power production database creating a huge challenge to the overall power production forecast. Thus, it is presented a solution which has allowed more accurate forecasts in order to improve the renewable production and reduce the fuel consumption in thermal power plants. The proposed filtering approach demonstrated to be a good solution allowing wind power forecasts with less error and net load forecasts with more accuracy.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Solid lipid nanoparticles vs. nanostructured lipid carriers: a comparative review

Solid–lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers are delivery systems for the delivery of drugs and other bioactives used in diagnosis, therapy, and treatment procedures. These nanocarriers may enhance the solubility and permeability of drugs, increase their bioavailability, and extend the residence time in the body, combining low toxicity with a targeted delivery. Nanostructured lipid carriers are the second generation of lipid nanoparticles differing from solid lipid nanoparticles in their composition matrix. The use of a liquid lipid together with a solid lipid in nanostructured lipid carrier allows it to load a higher amount of drug, enhance drug release properties, and increase its stability. Therefore, a direct comparison between solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers is needed. This review aims to describe solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers as drug delivery systems, comparing both, while systematically elucidating their production methodologies, physicochemical characterization, and in vitro and in vivo performance. In addition, the toxicity concerns of these systems are focused on.LA/P/0101/2020, LA/P/0140/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Combining power electronic converters and automation to simulate solar PV systems

This paper presents a solar photovoltaic panel simulator system with the ability to perform automatic tests in different condition according to manufacture parameters. This simulator is based on three buck-boost DC-DC converters controlled by a microcontroller and supported by a Programmable Logic Controller which is responsible for the automatic tests. This solution will allow to achieve fast response, like suddenly changes in the irradiation, temperature, or load. To control the power converter, it will be used a fast and robust sliding mode controller. Therefore, with the proposed system is possible to perform the I-V curve simulation of a solar PV panel, evaluate different MPPT algorithms considering different meteorological and load variation. The main advantage of this work is the possibility to evaluate and test several MPPT algorithms and understand the operation and typical operation of solar PV panels in different conditions. Several simulations and experimental results from a laboratory prototype are presented to confirm the theoretical operation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Muon Array with RPCs for Tagging Air showers (MARTA)

We discuss the concept of an array with Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC) for muon detection in ultra-high energy cosmic ray (UHECR) experiments. RPC have been used in particle physics experiments due to their fast timing properties and spatial resolution. The operation of a ground array detector poses challenging demands, as the RPC must operate remotely under extreme en- vironments, with limited power and minimal maintenance. In its baseline configuration, each MARTA unit includes one 1.5x1.2 m 2 RPC, with 64 pickup electrodes (pads). The DAQ sys- tem is based on an ASIC, allowing one to read out the high number of channels with low power consumption. Data are recorded using a dual technique: single particle counting with a simple threshold on the signal from each pad and charge integration for high occupancy. The RPC, DAQ, High Voltage and monitoring systems are enclosed in an aluminum-sealed case, providing a com- pact and robust unit suited for outdoor environments, which can be easily deployed and connected. The RPCs developed at LIP-Coimbra are able to operate using very low gas flux, which allows running them for few years with a small gas reservoir. Several full-scale units are already installed and taking data in several locations and with different configurations, proving the viability of the MARTA concept. By shielding the detector units with enough slant mass to absorb the electro- magnetic component in the air showers, a clean measurement of the muon content is allowed, a concept to be implemented in a next generation of UHECR experiments. The specificities of a MARTA unit are presented, which include particle counting with high efficiency, time resolu- tion and spatial segmentation. The potential of the MARTA concept for muon measurements in air showers is assessed, as well as tentative methods for calibration and cross-calibrations with existing detectors.Peer Reviewe

Influence of two choline-based ionic liquids on the solubility of caffeine

Poor drug solubility represents a major problem for the development of new drug delivery systems. Finding new excipients that promote drug solubility is one of the strategies currently used. In this context, ionic liquids (ILs) have been studied as solubility promoters due to their ability to be placed in either lipophilic or hydrophilic solutions. Two choline-based ILs, [Cho][Met] and [Cho][Cys], were prepared and their influence on the solubility of a model hydrophilic drug, caffeine, was evaluated at 25 ºC. Results show that both ILs improved drug solubility, with [Cho][Met] providing a higher soluble concentration. Our results suggest that the studied choline-based ILs are effective solubility enhancers of caffeine and thus may potentially be used as functional ingredients in drug delivery systems

LATTES: a novel detector concept for a gamma-ray experiment in the Southern hemisphere

The Large Array Telescope for Tracking Energetic Sources (LATTES), is a novel concept for an array of hybrid EAS array detectors, composed of a Resistive Plate Counter array coupled to a Water Cherenkov Detector, planned to cover gamma rays from less than 100 GeV up to 100 TeVs. This experiment, to be installed at high altitude in South America, could cover the existing gap in sensitivity between satellite and ground arrays. The low energy threshold, large duty cycle and wide field of view of LATTES makes it a powerful tool to detect transient phenomena and perform long term observations of variable sources. Moreover, given its characteristics, it would be fully complementary to the planned Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) as it would be able to issue alerts. In this talk, a description of its main features and capabilities, as well as results on its expected performance, and sensitivity, will be presented