ESTG - Artigos em revistas internacionais
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Percorrer ESTG - Artigos em revistas internacionais por Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) "11:Cidades e Comunidades Sustentáveis"
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- Active stereo tracking of N ≤ 3 targets using line scan camerasPublication . Barreto, Joao P.; Perdigoto, Luis; Caseiro, Rui; Araujo, HelderThis paper presents a general approach for the simultaneous tracking of multiple moving targets using a generic active stereo setup. The problem is formulated on the plane, where cameras are modeled as line scan cameras, and targets are described as points with unconstrained motion. We propose to control the active system parameters in such a manner that the images of the targets in the two views are related by a homography. This homography is specified during the design stage and, thus, can be used to implicitly encode the desired tracking behavior. Such formulation leads to an elegant geometric framework that enables a systematic and thorough analysis of the problem at hand. The benefits of the approach are illustrated by applying the framework to two distinct stereo configurations. In the first case, we assume two pan-tilt-zoom cameras, with rotation and zoom control, which are arbitrarily placed in the working environment. It is proved that such a stereo setup can track up to N = 3 free-moving targets, while assuring that the image location of each target is the same for both views. The second example considers a robot head with neck pan motion and independent eye rotation. For this case, it is shown that it is not possible to track more than N=2 targets because of the lack of zoom. The theoretical framework is used to derive the control equations, and the implementation of the tracking behavior is described in detail. The correctness of the results is confirmed through simulations and real tracking experiments.
- Adsorption Behavior and Mechanism of Oxytetracycline on Rice Husk Ash: Kinetics, Equilibrium, and Thermodynamics of the ProcessPublication . Andrade, Christhel A.; Zambrano-Intriago, Luis Angel; Oliveira, Nelson S.; Vieira, Judite S.; Quiroz-Fernández, Luis Santiago; Rodríguez-Díaz, Joan ManuelThe main objective of the present study is to determine the kinetics, thermodynamics, and adsorption mechanism of the oxytetracycline (OTC) on rice husk ash (RHA). The adsorbent was characterized by scanning electronic microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nitrogen physisorption. Batch studies were carried out to evaluate the influence of the adsorbent dose, initial concentration, contact time, temperature, and initial pH. RHA was characterized as having heterogeneous, fibrous, and porous particles, consisting predominantly of silica. The removal of OTC depends on the pH of the medium, which is favored at acid pH values. The kinetic data followed the Bangham model, which indicated an OTC diffusion in the pores of RHA, although this was not the only process, as demonstrated through the use of the Weber-Morris model (IPD model). The Sips isotherm best represents the experimental results of the equilibrium study. It was found that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The highest adsorption capacity was found at a pH in the range of 4–6, when the OTC is in its zwitterion form and the surface of the RHA is positively charged, thus permitting electrostatic interactions and the formation of hydrogen bonds between the adsorbent and adsorbate molecules. These findings demonstrate the potential of rice husk ash to remove oxytetracycline from water.
- AlineaGA - a genetic algorithm with local search optimization for multiple sequence alignmentPublication . Silva, Fernando José Mateus da; Pérez, Juan Manuel Sánchez; Pulido, Juan Antonio Gómez; Rodríguez, Miguel A. VegaThe alignment and comparison of DNA, RNA and Protein sequences is one of the most common and important tasks in Bioinformatics. However, due to the size and complexity of the search space involved, the search for the best possible alignment for a set of sequences is not trivial. Genetic Algorithms have a predisposition for optimizing general combinatorial problems and therefore are serious candidates for solving multiple sequence alignment tasks. Local search optimization can be used to refine the solutions explored by Genetic Algorithms. We have designed a Genetic Algorithm which incorporates local search for this purpose: AlineaGA. We have tested AlineaGA with representative sequence sets of the globin family. We also compare the achieved results with the results provided by T-COFFEE.
- Assessing the relevance of load profiling information in electrical load forecasting based on neural network modelsPublication . Sousa, J.C.; Neves, L.P.; H.M. JorgeThe article is focused on evaluating the relevance of load profiling information in electrical load forecasting, using neural networks as the forecasting methodology. Different models, with and without load profiling information, were tested and compared, and, the importance of the different inputs was investigated, using the concept of partial derivatives to understand the relevance of including this type of data in the input space. The paper presents a model for the day ahead load profile prediction for an area with many consumers. The results were analyzed with a simulated load diagram (to illustrate a distribution feeder) and also with a specific output of a 60/15 kV real distribution substation that feeds a small town. The adopted methodology was successfully implemented and resulted in reducing the mean absolute percentage error between 0.5% and 16%, depending on the nature of the concurrent methodology used and the forecasted day, with a major benefit regarding the treatment of special days (holidays). The results illustrate an interesting potential for the use of the load profiling information in forecasting.
- Assessment of seismic strengthening solutions for existing low-rise RC buildings in NepalPublication . Chaulagain, Hemchandra; Rodrigues, Hugo; Spacone, Enrico; Varum, HumbertoThe main objective of this study is to analytically investigate the effectiveness of different strengthening solutions in upgrading the seismic performance of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings in Nepal. For this, four building models with different structural configurations and detailing were considered. Three possible rehabilitation solutions were studied, namely: (a) RC shear wall, (b) steel bracing, and (c) RC jacketing for all of the studied buildings. A numerical analysis was conducted with adaptive pushover and dynamic time history analysis. Seismic performance enhancement of the studied buildings was evaluated in terms of demand capacity ratio of the RC elements, capacity curve, inter-storey drift, energy dissipation capacity and moment curvature demand of the structures. Finally, the seismic safety assessment was performed based on standard drift limits, showing that retrofitting solutions significantly improved the seismic performance of existing buildings in Nepal.
- Asymptotic Analysis of the Method of Fundamental Solutions for Acoustic Wave PropagationPublication . Valtchev, Svilen S.The asymptotic behavior of the Method of Fundamental Solutions (MFS) is analyzed, for the numerical solution of acoustic wave propagation problems in 2D and 3D bounded domains. As a consequence, a meshfree method, based on superposition of plane acoustic waves, referred to as the Plane Waves Method (PWM), is developed. Numerical examples are included in order to illustrate the relation between the two methods and the accuracy of the PWM.
- Automated design of microwave discrete tuning differential capacitance circuits in Si‐integrated technologiesPublication . Mendes, Luís; Pires, E. J. Solteiro; Vaz, João C.; Rosário, Maria J.; Oliveira, P. B. de Moura; Machado, J. A. TenreiroA genetic algorithm used to design radio-frequency binary-weighted differential switched capacitor arrays (RFDSCAs) is presented in this article. The algorithm provides a set of circuits all having the same maximum performance. This article also describes the design, implementation, and measurements results of a 0.25 μm BiCMOS 3-bit RFDSCA. The experimental results show that the circuit presents the expected performance up to 40 GHz. The similarity between the evolutionary solutions, circuit simulations, and measured results indicates that the genetic synthesis method is a very useful tool for designing optimum performance RFDSCAs.
- Autonomous Wireless Sensor with a Low Cost TEG for Application in Automobile VehiclesPublication . Costa, A.; Costa, D.; Morgado, J.; Santos, Helder; Ferreira, Carlos Daniel HenriquesThe present work consists in the development of an autonomous, low cost, reliable, energy scavenger sensor for automotive applications. Thermoelectric generators typically exhibit low efficiency but high reliability, making them suitable for autonomous, low average energy consumption, applications. A prototype sensor was developed for mounting in the engine exhaust pipe using a step-up voltage converter, a microcontroller, temperature and pressure sensing elements, conditioning electronics and a wireless transceiver, all powered by a low cost TEG (Peltier module TEC1-12706), through the scavenging of exhaust gases thermal energy. During the tests the prototype was able to sustain a regular signal transmission throughout the engine operation. The sensor was installed directly at the measuring point eliminating wired cables to hot and vibrating parts, thus, simplifying the installation of components and improving the reliability of the vehicle systems.
- Bond strength of textured micropiles grouted to concrete footingsPublication . Veludo, J.; Dias-da-Costa, D.; Júlio, E.N.B.S.; Pinto, P.L.In a previous research study the authors performed push-out tests with smooth micropile inserts grouted under varying confinement conditions. It was shown that: (i) failure always occurs at the steel-to-grout interface; and (ii) the connection capacity increases with the passive confinement. To increase the connection capacity, it is a common practice to weld steel rings on the surface of the micropile and execute grooves in the predrilled hole. Therefore, a new study is herein presented aiming to widen the conclusions already drawn by analysing the influence of most important parameters in the bond strength of textured micropiles grouted to concrete footings. Laboratory tests were specifically designed for assessing the effect on the connection capacity of the: (i) diameter of the predrilled hole; (ii) insert’s embedment length; (iii) active confinement of the footing; and (iv) treatment of the hole surface. Eighteen textured micropile inserts grouted in RC footings were submitted to monotonic push-out tests until failure. In brief, it can be stated that the capacity of the micropile-to-footing connection increases by increasing the insert’s embedment length and by decreasing the hole diameter. Moreover, an adequate active confinement must be provided to achieve the required capacity.
- City marketing and identity: Study applied for small cities in rural and peripheral areasPublication . Moreira, Jacinta Raquel; Silva, Maria JoséThis research aims to study the identity of cities, presenting a proposed conceptual model and applying the model of the city identity study to the case of a small city in rural and peripheral areas of Portugal, namely Covilha. It has as reference sources several approaches, conducted construction of the model, and this is comprised of four different forms: current identity, communicational identity, ideal identity and desired identity. For data collection two strategies were used: document analysis and in depth personal semi-structured interviews. These data were processed through content analysis techniques. Results obtained from the analysis of cities' identities should generate a competitive positioning, differentiating and reinforcing the city's attractions, which is only possible through the construction of a clear, strong, rich and effective identity. In terms of implications, the study and recommendations are made having in view a better coordination among the different actors in the institutions involved so that the city marketing they offer can be more effective in the future. This paper presents an innovative contribution since the results obtained conducted dissemination of insightful and original marketing knowledge regarding the city marketing. This study highlights the contributions that marketing can provide in what regards the development of small cities, giving special emphasis to their identity.