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Publications

2020

A Soft Context-Aware Traffic Management System for Smart Cities

Authors
Carneiro, D; Amaral, A; Carvalho, M;

Publication
INTELLIGENT ENVIRONMENTS 2020

Abstract

2020

Reconstruction of the ground-layer adaptive-optics point spread function for MUSE wide field mode observations

Authors
Fusco, T; Bacon, R; Kamann, S; Conseil, S; Neichel, B; Correia, C; Beltramo Martin, O; Vernet, J; Kolb, J; Madec, PY;

Publication
ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS

Abstract
Context. Here we describe a simple, efficient, and most importantly fully operational point-spread-function (PSF)-reconstruction approach for laser-assisted ground layer adaptive optics (GLAO) in the frame of the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) wide field mode. Aims. Based on clear astrophysical requirements derived by the MUSE team and using the functionality of the current ESO Adaptive Optics Facility we aim to develop an operational PSF-reconstruction (PSFR) algorithm and test it both in simulations and using on-sky data. Methods. The PSFR approach is based on a Fourier description of the GLAO correction to which the specific instrumental effects of MUSE wide field mode (pixel size, internal aberrations, etc.) have been added. It was first thoroughly validated with full end-to-end simulations. Sensitivity to the main atmospheric and AO system parameters was analysed and the code was re-optimised to account for the sensitivity found. Finally, the optimised algorithm was tested and commissioned using more than one year of on-sky MUSE data. Results. We demonstrate with an on-sky data analysis that our algorithm meets all the requirements imposed by the MUSE scientists, namely an accuracy better than a few percent on the critical PSF parameters including full width at half maximum and global PSF shape through the kurtosis parameter of a Moffat function. Conclusions. The PSFR algorithm is publicly available and is used routinely to assess the MUSE image quality for each observation. It can be included in any post-processing activity which requires knowledge of the PSF.

2020

Improved Voltage Control for the Electric Vehicle Operation in V2H Mode as an Off-Line UPS in the Context of Smart Homes

Authors
Monteiro, V; Catalão, JPS; Sousa, TJC; Pinto, JG; Mezaroba, M; Afonso, JL;

Publication
EAI Endorsed Trans. Energy Web

Abstract
As a contribution for sustainability, electric vehicles (EVs) are seen as one of the most effective influences in the transport sector. This paper proposes an improved voltage control of the EV operating as uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in smart homes. With the EV plugged-in into the smart home, it can act as an off-line UPS protecting the electrical appliances from power grid outages. The foremost advantages of the proposed voltage control strategy are comprehensively emphasized, establishing a comparison with the classical approach. Aiming to offer a sinusoidal voltage for linear and nonlinear electrical appliances, a pulse width modulation with a multi-loop control scheme is used. A Kalman filter is used for decreasing significantly the time of detecting power outages and, consequently, the transition for the UPS mode. The computer simulations and the acquired experimental results validate the proposed strategy in different conditions of operation. © 2019 Vitor Monteiro et al.

2020

Pre and postoperative deficiencies in iron, ferritin and B12 vitamin among portuguese patients undergoing bariatric surgery

Authors
Lopes, MS; Oliveira, BMPM; Neves, O; Melim, D; Freitas, P; Correia, F;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NUTRITION SOCIETY

Abstract
AbstractIntroduction:According to the World Health Organization obesity it's the result of an abnormal or excessive body fat accumulation, which presents a high risk for the health. Bariatric surgery appears as an alternative to the conventional treatment for the morbid obese individuals. However, this type of intervention causes changes in the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to the development of nutritional deficiencies in patients, in particular anemia.Aim:To evaluate micronutrient deficiencies in patients submitted to bariatric surgery in preoperative and postoperative periods, in particular iron, ferritin, and B12 vitamin.Methods:In this longitudinal study, we evaluated, retrospectively and prospectively, patients who attended the nutrition appointment at a central hospital. We completed a preexisting database containing anthropometric and biochemical data, adding biochemical data, at various periods: pre at 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th, 30th and 36th months post-surgery.Results:from the 121 patients submitted to bariatric surgery, 79,3% were female. The prevalence or iron deficiency reached 15%, ferritin deficiency reached almost 10% and B12 vitamin deficiency reached 18%. Furthermore there were deficiencies in other nutrients, e.g., vitamin D, magnesium and zinc. There was more than 85% adhesion to take the multivitamin supplementation and frequent use of specific supplementation.Conclusion:The prevalence of nutritional deficiencies is high, with a tendency to persist over time even with use of multivitamin supplementation, leading to the need for complementary supplementation, in particular to prevent the risk of anemia. Hence, periodic and long term monitoring is fundamental.

2020

Determinants of electric car purchase intention in Portugal

Authors
Miranda, JL; Delgado, CJM;

Publication
Developments in Corporate Governance and Responsibility

Abstract
The popularity of electric and hybrid cars has been growing worldwide, and Portugal is no exception. Companies have been offered incentives as a way to promote the transition to more sustainable transportation systems and supply chains. Celebrities and influencers are endorsing the new technology, and consumer preferences are changing. However, in Portugal, there are still consumers with misconceptions about the autonomy, cost and reliability of electric cars, which may favour the choice of a conventional car, in a new car purchase decision-making process. In this study, we analyse whether purchase intention in the near future of an electric car varies with a pro-environmental lifestyle, perceived symbolic value of the electric car, mobility patterns, age, and place of residence, (perfor-mance, social, financial and externalities) risk avoidance, consumer perceptions, knowledge about the cost, the autonomy and the existing infrastructures. A sample of 308 Portuguese consumers was collected with an online survey. Results from survey subsample analysis of 170 consumers who unequivocally claim that would opt for an electric vehicle or not show a positive relationship between the purchase intention of an electric car, the fuel cost increase, the proximity of convenient charging places and battery lifetime perception. It was also found that age, knowledge and perceived symbolic value of the electric car, in general, have a positive influence on consumers’ choice of an electric car. A negative relationship was found between the purchase intention, social and financial risk avoidance, perceived symbolic value of the electric car in particular and the number of cars each family has. © 2020 Emerald Publishing Limited.

2020

Cost-benefit Analysis on a New Access Tariff: Case Study on the Portuguese System

Authors
Vilaca, P; Saraiva, JT; Fidalgo, JN;

Publication
International Conference on the European Energy Market, EEM

Abstract
This paper reports the main results that were obtained in the scope of a consultancy study that was developed for EDP Distribuição, the main Portuguese distribution company, to evaluate the impact of a number of changes to be introduced in the Tariff System. These changes were proposed by ERSE, the Portuguese Regulatory Agency for the Energy Services, and included the redesign of the tariff periods and the possible introduction of a geographic differentiation on the Access Tariff to reflect different daily and yearly demand and flow patterns along the country. This work involved the development of a Cost Benefit Analysis, CBA, as well as a Pilot Project that included 82 MV and HV consumers to evaluate several Key Performance Indices, KPI, used to characterize the proposed changes on the tariff system. © 2020 IEEE.

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