Minimizing airport peaks problem by improving airline operations performance through an agent based system

Airports are important infra-structures for the air transportationbusiness. One of the major operational constraints is the peak of passengers inspecific periods of time. Airline companies take into consideration the airportcapacity when building the airline schedule and, because of that, the executionof the airline operational plan can contribute to improve or avoid airport peakproblems. The Airline Operations Control Center (AOCC) tries to solveunexpected problems that might occur during the airline operation. Problemsrelated to aircrafts, crewmembers and passengers are common and the actionstowards the solution of these problems are usually known as operationsrecovery. In this paper we propose a way of measuring the AOCC performancethat takes into consideration the relation that exists between airline scheduleand airport peaks. The implementation of a Distributed Multi-Agent System(MAS) representing the existing roles in an AOCC, is presented. We show thatthe MAS contributes to minimize airport peaks without increasing theoperational costs of the airlines

Pseudo-ductile Braided Composite Rods (BCRs) produced by braidtrusion

Braided composite rods (BCRs) are being successfully used as replacement of steel for strengthening of beams, columns, bridges and other civil engineering structures. In this research work, braided composite rods were produced through “braidtrusion” process reinforced with glass, glass/steel and basalt/steel hybrid fibres. Tensile testing have been conducted to evaluate the Pseudo-ductile behaviour. The results show that compared to 100% glass fibre BCRs, BCRs which has glass/steel or basalt/steel hybrid modified the tensile behaviour from linear (fragile) to non-linear (ductile).(undefined

Plasmodium translocon component EXP2 facilitates hepatocyte invasion

Plasmodium parasites possess a translocon that exports parasite proteins into the infected erythrocyte. Although the translocon components are also expressed during the mosquito and liver stage of infection, their function remains unexplored. Here, using a combination of genetic and chemical assays, we show that the translocon component Exported Protein 2 (EXP2) is critical for invasion of hepatocytes. EXP2 is a pore-forming protein that is secreted from the sporozoite upon contact with the host cell milieu. EXP2-deficient sporozoites are impaired in invasion, which can be rescued by the exogenous administration of recombinant EXP2 and alpha-hemolysin (an S. aureus pore-forming protein), as well as by acid sphingomyelinase. The latter, together with the negative impact of chemical and genetic inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase on invasion, reveals that EXP2 pore-forming activity induces hepatocyte membrane repair, which plays a key role in parasite invasion. Overall, our findings establish a novel and critical function for EXP2 that leads to an active participation of the host cell in Plasmodium sporozoite invasion, challenging the current view of the establishment of liver stage infection

Testicular aging involves mitochondrial dysfunction as well as an increase in UCP2 levels and proton leak

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6T36-4V1DJMK-4/2/e5e215dfcd6f54b36d458bf36b793db

Recovering from airline operational problems with a multi-agent system: a case study

The Airline Operations Control Centre (AOCC) tries to solve unexpected problems during the airline operation. Problems with aircraft, crewmembers and passengers are common and very hard to solve due to the several variables involved. This paper presents the implementation of a real-world multi-agent system for operations recovery in an airline company. The analysis and design of the system was done following a GAIA based methodology. We present the system specification as well as the implementation using JADE. A case study is included, where we present how the system solved a real problem

After sales service: key settings for improving profitability and customer satisfaction

This paper presents a performed study to develop and improve the process of after sales of a Latvian company specialized in manufacturing fish processing equipment. The project was developed based on an action- research methodology. During the first stage of the study, the current after sales process was analysed to identify the issues and possible improvement opportunities that could be implemented later on. Data were collected through surveys and analysed, resulting in a series of improvement proposals discussed with the board of the company. At a later stage of the study, improvements were implemented such as the introduction of new services, development of new process diagrams and improvements of the spare parts management strategy. To conclude the study, the new services were offered and presented to customers and the trial period for the new after sales methodology was started.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Linguateca: um centro de recursos distribuí­do para o processamento computacional da lí­ngua portuguesa

Neste artigo apresentamos uma panorâmica da actividade da Linguateca na criação e disponibilização de recursos e ferramentas para a língua portuguesa. Começamos por uma descrição dos objectivos e pressupostos da Linguateca e uma breve história da sua intervenção, e finalizamos com algumas considerações sobre a melhor forma de prosseguir na organização da área

In Vitro Activity of Quaternary Ammonium Surfactants against Streptococcal, Chlamydial, and Gonococcal Infective Agents

Free PMC Article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4879390/Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) are widely used, cheap, and chemically stable disinfectants and topical antiseptics with wide-spectrum antimicrobial activities. Within this group of compounds, we recently showed that there are significant differences between the pharmacodynamics of n-alkyl quaternary ammonium surfactants (QAS) with a short (C12) alkyl chain when in vitro toxicities toward bacterial and mammalian epithelial cells are compared. These differences result in an attractive therapeutic window that justifies studying short-chain QAS as prophylactics for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and perinatal vertically transmitted urogenital infections (UGI). We have evaluated the antimicrobial activities of short-chain (C12) n-alkyl QAS against several STI and UGI pathogens as well as against commensal Lactobacillus species. Inhibition of infection of HeLa cells by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis was studied at concentrations that were not toxic to the HeLa cells. We show that the pathogenic bacteria are much more susceptible to QAS toxic effects than the commensal vaginal flora and that QAS significantly attenuate the infectivity of N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis without affecting the viability of epithelial cells of the vaginal mucosa. N-Dodecylpyridinium bromide (C12PB) was found to be the most effective QAS. Our results strongly suggest that short-chain (C12) n-alkyl pyridinium bromides and structurally similar compounds are promising microbicide candidates for topical application in the prophylaxis of STI and perinatal vertical transmission of UGI.This work, including the efforts of Otilia V. Vieira, was funded by FCT (PTDC/BIA-BCM/112138/2009). This work, including the efforts of Otilia V. Vieira, was funded by FCT (HMSP-ICT/0024/2010). This work, including the efforts of Otilia V. Vieira, was funded by FCT (iNOVA4Health - UID/Multi/04462/2013).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Neoplasia Maligna da Próstata e Fertilidade: Revisão das Implicações das Diferentes Opções Terapêuticas

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the second most common neoplasm in men, and its incidence is higher in the group aged 50-69 years. It is estimated that about 5% of cases are diagnosed in men under the age of 50. Given the current demographic developments, the desire for paternity is often postponed. Thus, it is relevant that the urologist can explain the different repercussions that the existing therapies for malignant prostate cancer have on male fertility. The purpose of this systematic review is to compare the repercussions that the diverse therapeutic options used in prostate cancer have on male fertility. Methods: a qualitative review of the scientific literature published between 1987-2019, according to the ENTREG guidelines and PRISMA methodology, through PubMed database. All articles written in English and covering the topics described were consi- dered, including randomized controlled studies, meta-analyses and systematic reviews. All the abstracts of the publications were read by two authors, with the consequent selection of those that met the defined criteria, after evaluating its quality using the CASP qualitative checklist. In case of divergent opinions, a third urologist was consulted to decide on inclusion. Results: According to the defined criteria, 436 references were identified and 10 publications were included as they refer directly to the defined objective. Despite the few published studies, there is evidence that active surveillance alone has no implications for fertility. Although there are no comparative studies, according to the currently available data, focal therapy and brachytherapy seem to be the therapeutic options with the least likelihood of permanent impairment of the capacity for natural fertilization as opposed to radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, hormonotherapy and chemotherapy. Conclusion: Nowadays, with increased survival after prostate cancer treatment, it is relevant to evaluate the repercussions on fertility of the existing therapeutic options for prostate cancer, so that patients can make an informed decision and, if necessary, resort to gametes preservation measures prior to therapeutic intervention. Although there are no comparative studies, focal therapy and brachytherapy appear to have less effect on male fertility. Active surveillance is currently the only option with no consequences on fertility.Introdução: A neoplasia maligna da próstata é a segunda neoplasia mais comum nos homens, e a sua incidência é mais elevada no grupo com 50-69 anos de idade. Estima-se que cerca de 5% dos casos sejam diagnosticados em homens com idade inferior a 50 anos. Dada a evolução demográfica actual, o desejo de paternidade é frequentemente adiado. Assim, é relevante que o urologista possa explicar as diferentes repercussões que as terapêuticas existentes para a neoplasia maligna da próstata têm na fertilidade masculina. O objectivo desta revisão é comparar o impacto que as diferentes opções terapêuticas existentes na neoplasia maligna da próstata têm na fertilidade masculina. Métodos: Realização de revisão qualitativa da literatura publicada entre 1987-2019, de acordo com as orientações ENTREG e metodologia PRISMA, utilizando a base de dados PubMed. Foram considerados elegíveis todos os artigos sobre este tema escritos em inglês, incluindo estudos randomizados controlados, meta-análises e revisões sistemáticas. Todos os resumos foram lidos por dois autores com subsequente selecção daqueles que cumprissem os critérios definidos, após avaliação de qualidade utilizando a checklist qualitativa CASP. Em caso de discordância, um terceiro urologista foi consultado. Resultados: De acordo com os critérios definidos, foram identificadas 436 referências e 10 publicações foram incluídas por se referirem directamente ao objectivo definido. Apesar da escassez de literatura publicada, é possível concluir que a vigilância activa não tem implicações na fertilidade. De acordo com os dados disponíveis, a terapêutica focal e a braquiterapia são as opções terapêuticas com menor probabilidade de provocar incapacidade permanente na fertilização por métodos naturais, em oposição a prostatectomia radical, radioterapia, hormonoterapia e quimioterapia. Conclusão: Actualmente, com o aumento da sobrevivência após tratamento de cancro da próstata, é necessário avaliar as repercussões que as diferentes opções terapêuticas têm na fertilidade, de forma que os doentes possam fazer uma decisão informada e, se necessário, recorrer a estratégias de preservação de gâmetas. Apesar de não existirem estudos comparativos, a terapêutica focal e a braquiterapia parecem ter menor efeito deletério na fertilidade masculina. A vigilância activa é actualmente a única opção sem consequências na fertilidade