SIZING OPTIMIZATION.

A method for structural member sizing optimization to be used for designing planar frames is presented. The procedure is based on the Augmented Lagrangian Multiplier method. The algorithm includes the displacements as state variables and consequently combines the analysis and the search for the optimal section properties into a single step. This combination process avoids the usual cycling between analysis and optimization phases. The width and height of rectangular elements are chosen from a finite compact set. The static equilibrium equations are treated as equality constraints eliminating the need to solve the standard structural analysis problem. The method handles displacement and stress limits as inequality constraints. Comparisons of performance and results are made with other optimization techniques

Reel and sheet cutting at a paper mill

This work describes a real-world industrial problem of production planning and cutting optimization of reels and sheets, occurring at a Portuguese paper mill. It will focus on a particular module of the global problem, which is concerned with the determination of the width combinations of the items involved in the planning process: the main goal consists in satisfying an order set of reels and sheets that must be cut from master reels. The width combination process will determine the quantity/weight of the master reels to be produced and their cutting patterns, in order to minimize waste, while satisfying production orders. A two-phase approach has been devised, naturally dependent on the technological process involved. Details of the models and solution methods are presented. Moreover some illustrative computational results are included

Inter-core crosstalk in weakly coupled MCFs with arbitrary core layout and the effect of bending and twisting on the coupling coefficient

We investigate the bending and twisting-induced longitudinal variation of the inter-core coupling coefficient (ICCC) and its effect on inter-core crosstalk (ICXT) in weakly coupled multi-core fibers (MCFs) with an arbitrary core layout. An analytical discrete changes model (DCM) for ICXT field propagation under those conditions is proposed for the first time, providing very fast and rather accurate mean ICXT power estimates. The analytical mean ICXT power estimates are validated through numerical simulation. It is predicted that the mean ICXT power between adjacent cores of the outer ring of the 19-core MCF can be more than 10 dB higher than the one between adjacent cores of the inner ring. It is also predicted that the difference between the mean ICXT power of cores in the inner and outer rings can be much smaller by decreasing the core pitch and increasing the bending radius. This behavior is attributed to the ICXT dependence on the bending and twisting-induced longitudinal variation of the ICCCs. In particular, larger bending and twisting-induced fluctuations of the ICCCs along the longitudinal coordinate are observed in the cores of the outer ring, but the fluctuations become smaller for smaller core pitches and larger bending radii. Furthermore, it is shown that, if the ICCCs’ longitudinal variation is neglected, the mean ICXT power estimates between two adjacent cores are very similar despite the location of those cores. This means that neglecting the longitudinal variation of the ICCCs can lead to misleading estimates of the mean ICXT power, with an error exceeding 15 dB.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Rompendo uma clandestinidade legal: génese e evolução do movimento dos cuidadores e das cuidadoras informais em Portugal

Capaz de forçar a discussão política em torno de uma das dimensões mais importantes do trabalho reprodutivo não remunerado, o movimento dos cuidadores informais em Portugal rompeu com as lógicas da invisibilidade que circunscreviam a sua existência, resgatando do plano do “natural” o seu trabalho gratuito com restrições importantes, na prática, à sua liberdade social. Neste artigo, procura-se historicizar o passado recente do movimento dos cuidadores e cuidadoras informais em Portugal, analisando os seus processos de formalização, as suas alianças sociais, as suas estratégias mediáticas, as suas reivindicações e os seus repertórios de ação. Pretende-se, a partir do estudo dessa experiência de ação coletiva, traçar a trajetória da evolução recente dos cuidados informais como um problema social, que mobilizou diversos agentes políticos e desencadeou um processo legislativo que conduziu à aprovação de um Estatuto do Cuidador Informal

Dual polarization discrete changes model of inter-core crosstalk in multi-core fibers

The discrete changes model (DCM) of inter-core crosstalk (ICXT) in weakly-coupled homogeneous multi-core fibers (MCFs) is generalized to a dual polarization (DP) scheme. This model provides theoretical expressions for the two polarization fields of the ICXT at the MCF output. Therefore, it may be of particular interest in the design of direct-detection MCF systems, where the photodetected ICXT results mainly from the beating between the ICXT field at the MCF output and the carrier of the interfered core. The DP-DCM is validated by comparison of the mean ICXT power and ICXT field amplitude estimates with the ones obtained with a rigorous, yet much more computationally demanding, model based on the coupled local mode theory (CLMT). Good agreement between the mean ICXT power estimates obtained with the DP-DCM and CLMT is observed when the inter-core coupling coefficient variation along the MCF is small. Good agreement is also observed when comparing the probability density functions of the ICXT field amplitude

Glomerular filtration rate change during chronic hepatitis C treatment with Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir in HCV/HIV Coinfected patients treated with Tenofovir and a boosted protease inhibitor: an observational prospective study

INTRODUCTION: Concomitant use of ledipasvir and boosted protease inhibitors (PIs) may increase the risk of tenofovir (TDF) nephrotoxicity, since both these drugs increase TDF levels. Our aim was to evaluate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) evolution during HCV treatment with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) in HCV/HIV coinfected patients, according to their antiretroviral treatment (ARV). METHODS: Observational prospective study of HCV/HIV coinfected patients treated with SOF/LDV. eGFR evolution was evaluated during and 12 weeks after HCV treatment. Patients were categorized in three groups based on ARV regimen: non TDF, non-boosted TDF and TDF + boosted PI. RESULTS: We included 273 patients: 145 were receiving a non-TDF regimen, 78 a non-boosted TDF scheme and 50 were receiving TDF + boosted PI. We observed a statistically significant decrease in eGFR during treatment in all groups (non TDF p = 0.03, 95%CI [0.23-3.86], non-boosted TDF p < 0.01, 95%CI [3.36-7.44], TDF + PI p = 0.01, 95%CI [1.09-7.53]). The decrease was more pronounced in those receiving unboosted TDF (- 5.40 ml/min/1.73m2), but differences in eGFR decrease between the three groups were small and not statistically different (p = 0.06). eGFR decrease was greater in patients treated for 24 weeks (p = 0.009) and in cirrhotic patients (p = 0.036). At the end of follow up a recovery of eGFR was observed in all groups. CONCLUSION: We observed a significant decrease in eGFR during treatment in all study groups, that was small and reversible after SOF/LDV discontinuation. TDF was not associated with an increase in renal toxicity.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Drug screening using shape-based virtual screening and in vitro experimental models of cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most disregarded tropical neglected disease with the occurrence of self-limiting ulcers and triggering mucosal damage and stigmatizing scars, leading to huge public health problems and social negative impacts. Pentavalent antimonials are the first-line drug for CL treatment for over 70 years and present several drawbacks in terms of safety and efficacy. Thus, there is an urgent need to search for non-invasive, non-toxic and potent drug candidates for CL. In this sense, we have implemented a shape-based virtual screening approach and identified a set of 32 hit compounds. In vitro phenotypic screenings were conducted using these hit compounds to check their potential leishmanicidal effect towards Leishmania amazonensis (L. amazonensis). Two (Cp1 and Cp2) out of the 32 compounds revealed promising antiparasitic activities, exhibiting considerable potency against intracellular amastigotes present in peritoneal macrophages (IC₅₀ values of 9.35 and 7.25 μm, respectively). Also, a sterile cidality profile was reached at 20 μm after 48 h of incubation, besides a reasonable selectivity (≈8), quite similarly to pentamidine, a diamidine still in use clinically for leishmaniasis. Cp1 with an oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridine scaffold and Cp2 with benzimidazole scaffold could be developed by lead optimization studies to enhance their leishmanicidal potency

Assessment of direct radiological risk and indirect associated toxic risks originated by Coal-Fired Power Plants

Over the past few decades there has been some discussion concerning the increase of the natural background radiation originated by coal-fired power plants, due to the uranium and thorium content present in combustion ashes. The radioactive decay products of uranium and thorium, such as radium, radon, polonium, bismuth and lead, are also released in addition to a significant amount of 40K. Since the measurement of radioactive elements released by the gaseous emissions of coal power plants is not compulsory, there is a gap of information concerning this situation. Consequently, the prediction of dispersion and mobility of these elements in the environment, after their release, is based on limited data and the radiological impact from the exposure to these radioactive elements is unknown. This paper describes the methodology that is being developed to assess the radiological impact due to the raise in the natural background radiation level originated by the release and dispersion of the emitted radionuclides. The current investigation is part of a research project that is undergoing in the vicinity of Sines coal-fired power plant (south of Portugal) until 2013. Data from preliminary stages are already available and possible of interpretation

Novel amidines and analogues as promising agents against intracellular parasites: a systematic review

Parasitic protozoa comprise diverse aetiological agents responsible for important diseases in humans and animals including sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, toxoplasmosis and others. They are major causes of mortality and morbidity in tropical and subtropical countries, and are also responsible for important economic losses. However, up to now, for most of these parasitic diseases, effective vaccines are lacking and the approved chemotherapeutic compounds present high toxicity, increasing resistance, limited efficacy and require long periods of treatment. Many of these parasitic illnesses predominantly affect low-income populations of developing countries for which new pharmaceutical alternatives are urgently needed. Thus, very low research funding is available. Amidine-containing compounds such as pentamidine are DNA minor groove binders with a broad spectrum of activities against human and veterinary pathogens. Due to their promising microbicidal activity but their rather poor bioavailability and high toxicity, many analogues and derivatives, including pro-drugs, have been synthesized and screened in vitro and in vivo in order to improve their selectivity and pharmacological properties. This review summarizes the knowledge on amidines and analogues with respect to their synthesis, pharmacological profile, mechanistic and biological effects upon a range of intracellular protozoan parasites. The bulk of these data may contribute to the future design and structure optimization of new aromatic dicationic compounds as novel antiparasitic drug candidate