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Publications

Publications by CITE

2020

Overcoming barriers to onshore wind farm implementation in Brazil

Authors
Farkat Diogenes, JRF; Rodrigues, JC; Farkat Diogenes, MCF; Claro, J;

Publication
ENERGY POLICY

Abstract
Brazil has been failing to offer the most favorable conditions for the implementation of onshore wind farms, due to the presence of multiple barriers. However, the country has observed a fast and expressive wind energy (WE) diffusion (the installed WE capacity grew 37 times in the last decade). Furthermore, its onshore wind farms have reached impressive capacity factors (with productivity levels much higher than the average around the world) and a very low levelized cost of electricity. This study aims at identifying how wind developers plan onshore wind farms to overcome existing barriers. Based on forty-one interviews with relevant stakeholders of the Brazilian WE sector, the study identified efforts targeted at overcoming twenty-four previously identified barriers. Although most barriers may be overcome directly through developer initiatives, addressing higher level barriers, namely an unstable macroeconomic environment, a poor transmission infrastructure, and inadequate access to capital, depends on government actions.

2020

Barriers to onshore wind energy implementation: A systematic review

Authors
Farkat Diogenes, JRF; Claro, J; Rodrigues, JC; Loureiro, MV;

Publication
ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE

Abstract
Onshore wind energy (WE) has achieved a significant diffusion worldwide, in spite of the existence of multiple barriers to the large-scale implementation of wind farms. These barriers have been reported in a large number of studies, but the literature is lacking a systematized overview of their categories and locations. Based on a framework for the analysis of barriers to the penetration of renewable energy sources proposed by Painuly [363], this systematic literature review contributes to addressing this gap, identifying barriers to the large-scale implementation of onshore wind farms by category (market failures, market distortions, economic and financial, institutional, technical, social and other barriers) and location (countries around the world), and characterizing them by the level of economic development (least developed, developing, in transition, and developed) and stage of diffusion (recent or advanced) in their locations. The framework showed a high level of fit with the case of WE and allowed the identification of 31 barriers in 159 countries. The barriers were found to be mostly present in developing economies with recent diffusion, although some barriers were found to occur broadly across developed economies, regardless of the stage of diffusion. The three most frequently observed barriers were the inadequate consideration of externalities, uncertain and unsupportive governmental policies, and insufficient transmission grids.

2020

The impact of Industry 4.0 on work: A synthesis of the literature and reflection about the future

Authors
Simoes, AC; Rodrigues, JC; Neto, P;

Publication
Proceedings - 2020 IEEE International Conference on Engineering, Technology and Innovation, ICE/ITMC 2020

Abstract
Industry 4.0 is a result of technological evolution and is intended to promote technological transformations in industry at different levels. The impact in human employment has been perceived as a major threat and is a matter of concern. Some authors argue that automation will bring unimaginable changes as soon as computers get more intelligence and as machines become able to perform complex tasks more efficiently than humans. However, technological progress is also pointed out as a stimulus for human-beings to develop the competencies that differentiate them from the machines. In this context, this study aims to explore the impacts of adopting Industry 4.0 technologies on work. The results of a comprehensive literature review provide an integrated perspective to identify and understand such impacts, analysing them in four categories: evolution of employment and creation of new jobs, human-machine interaction, new competencies creation/ development, and, organizational and professional changes. © 2020 IEEE.

2020

The influence of perceptions in adoption intention and behavior - A case study of a biomedical product

Authors
Abreu, P; Rodrigues, JC;

Publication
Proceedings - 2020 IEEE International Conference on Engineering, Technology and Innovation, ICE/ITMC 2020

Abstract
Similar to the case of biotechnology industry, companies providing devices in the biomedicine industry face several challenges, and to stand out from competitors need to know how to get to the right customer. Potential customers (i.e., individuals and organizations) may choose to adopt or reject an innovative product and will later confirm that decision or not. Such decision is of utmost importance to the success of innovative products and, therefore, of the company that provides them. The aim of this study is to understand how perceptions formed about a biomedical product can influence its adoption intention and behavior and, hereafter, influence the decision of other potential adopters. Findings from a multiple case study provide a clear definition of the adoption process of a specific biomedical product, combining two existing theories - the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model - and including the feedback created by interactions between current users of the product and potential users, to understand what influences potential adopters' decisions. © 2020 IEEE.

2020

Work-in-Progress: Tailoring broad-spectrum, technology-centred IEM studies

Authors
Perdicoulis, TPA; Teixeira, SF; Amorim, V; Perdicoulis, A;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2020 IEEE GLOBAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION CONFERENCE (EDUCON 2020)

Abstract
For many years, industrial engineers and managers have differentiated their duties in the work environment. While this has allowed for the two specialities to operate in their respective domains, the all necessary integration required to deliver a seamless industrial operation and outcomes has been sub-optimal - particularly in cases of conflict of knowledge or power. Industrial engineering and management (IEM) has come to resolve this situation, creating a new professional field and profile, as well as a multifaceted specialisation with a practical character. The challenge to take the next step in the refinement of this relatively new reality in Portugal is placed upon the most recent IEM degree, at the University of Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD).

2020

Osteoclasts degrade fibrinogen scaffolds and induce mesenchymal stem/stromal osteogenic differentiation

Authors
Almeida, AR; Bessa Goncalves, M; Vasconcelos, DM; Barbosa, MA; Santos, SG;

Publication
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A

Abstract
Fibrinogen (Fg) is a pro-inflammatory protein with pro-healing properties. Previous work showed that fibrinogen 3D scaffolds (Fg-3D) promote bone regeneration, but the cellular players were not identified. Osteoclasts are bone resorbing cells that promote bone remodeling in close crosstalk with osteoblasts. Herein, the capacity of osteoclasts differentiated on Fg-3D to degrade the scaffolds and promote osteoblast differentiation was evaluated in vitro. Fg-3D scaffolds were prepared by freeze-drying and osteoclasts were differentiated from primary human peripheral blood monocytes. Results obtained showed osteoclasts expressing the enzymes cathepsin K and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase colonizing Fg-3D scaffolds. Osteoclasts were able to significantly degrade Fg-3D, reducing the scaffold's area, and increasing D-dimer concentration, a Fg degradation product, in their culture media. Osteoclast conditioned media from the first week of differentiation promoted significantly stronger human primary mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) osteogenic differentiation, evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity. Moreover, week 1 osteoclast conditioned media promoted earlier MSC osteogenic differentiation, than chemical osteogenesis inductors. TGF-beta 1 was found increased in osteoclast conditioned media from week 1, when compared to week 3 of differentiation. Taken together, our results suggest that osteoclasts are able to differentiate and degrade Fg-3D, producing factors like TGF-beta 1 that promote MSC osteogenic differentiation.

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