Cookies Policy
The website need some cookies and similar means to function. If you permit us, we will use those means to collect data on your visits for aggregated statistics to improve our service. Find out More
Accept Reject
  • Menu
Publications

Publications by CRAS

2023

Towards an IDE for Scientific Computational Experiments

Authors
Costa, L; Barbosa, S; Cunha, J;

Publication
2023 IEEE SYMPOSIUM ON VISUAL LANGUAGES AND HUMAN-CENTRIC COMPUTING, VL/HCC

Abstract
In recent years, the research community has raised serious questions about the replicability and reproducibility of scientific work. In particular, since many studies include some kind of computing work, these are also technological challenges, not only in computer science but in most research domains. Replicability and reproducibility are not easy to achieve, not only because researchers have diverse proficiency in computing technologies, but also because of the variety of computational environments that can be used. Indeed, it is challenging to recreate the same environment using the same frameworks, code, programming languages, dependencies, and so on. In this work, we propose a vision for an Integrated Development Environment allowing the creation, configuration, execution, packaging, and sharing of scientific computational experiments. Such a framework should allow researchers to easily set the code and data used and define the programming languages, code, dependencies, databases, or commands to execute to achieve consistent results for each experiment. With this work, we intend to aid researchers by integrating into the same platform all the stages of the design, execution, and analysis of a computational experiment.

2023

Association between blood pressure and angiotensin-converting enzymes activity in prepubertal children*

Authors
Gaspar, AR; Andrade, B; Mosca, S; Ferreira-Duarte, M; Teixeira, A; Cosme, D; Albino-Teixeira, A; Ronchi, FA; Leite, AP; Casarini, DE; Areias, JC; Sousa, T; Afonso, AC; Morato, M; Correia-Costa, L;

Publication
JOURNAL OF HYPERTENSION

Abstract
Objectives:Angiotensin-converting enzymes' (ACEs) relationship with blood pressure (BP) during childhood has not been clearly established. We aimed to compare ACE and ACE2 activities between BMI groups in a sample of prepubertal children, and to characterize the association between these enzymes' activities and BP.Methods:Cross-sectional study of 313 children aged 8-9 years old, included in the birth cohort Generation XXI (Portugal). Anthropometric measurements and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring were performed. ACE and ACE2 activities were quantified by fluorometric methods.Results:Overweight/obese children demonstrated significantly higher ACE and ACE2 activities, when compared to their normal weight counterparts [median (P25-P75), ACE: 39.48 (30.52-48.97) vs. 42.90 (35.62-47.18) vs. 43.38 (33.49-49.89) mU/ml, P for trend = 0.009; ACE2: 10.41 (7.58-15.47) vs. 21.56 (13.34-29.09) vs. 29.00 (22.91-34.32) pM/min per ml, P for trend < 0.001, in normal weight, overweight and obese children, respectively]. In girls, night-time systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) increased across tertiles of ACE activity (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). ACE2 activity was associated with higher night-time SBP and DBP in overweight/obese girls (P = 0.037 and P = 0.048, respectively) and night-time DBP in the BMI z-score girl adjusted model (P = 0.018). Median ACE2 levels were significantly higher among nondipper girls (16.7 vs. 11.6 pM/min per ml, P = 0.009).Conclusions:Our work shows that obesity is associated with activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, with significant increase of ACE and ACE2 activities already in childhood. Also, we report sex differences in the association of ACE and ACE2 activities with BP.

2023

Engineering geosciences, geotechnics and functional geomaterials: new trends on GIS mapping, geotechnologies and design with geohazards

Authors
Chamine, HI; Pires, A; Fernandes, I; Prikryl, R; Tugrul, A; Duzgun, HS; de Vallejo, LIG;

Publication
SN APPLIED SCIENCES

Abstract

2023

Geotechnics, Georesources and Natural Hazards: Impacts in Marine Technology and Oceanic Engineering

Authors
Pires, A; Chaminé, HI;

Publication
Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation

Abstract
This essay addresses the importance of geotechnics and marine georesources in developing technologies. The study proposes a coastal and marine geoengineering approach that focuses on five domains (5G’s): georesources, geology, geotechnics, geomechanics and geotechnologies. These domains are considered in several engineering projects related to coastal, hydraulic, marine, and maritime applications. The reality of a world in rapid, continuous evolution has put into perspective a multidisciplinary approach combining different practices and coastal strategies. That is the main driving force that should be considered when dealing with geoengineering projects in general. Moreover, geological resources and the potential exploitation of mineral and rock raw materials boost innovative techniques and upscaling geo-robotic systems. Finally, the essay unravels new trends in challenging and extreme environments and natural hazards, highlighting emerging fields such as deep-sea mining, geo-exploration, offshore, coastal, harbour and marine geotechnics. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

2023

Hardness Tester for Analog Planetary Rocks: A Preliminary Assessment in Microgravity Flight

Authors
Pires, A; Costa, C; Moura, R; Persad, H; Reimuller, J; Gowanlock, D; Alavi, S; Beatty, HW; Almeida, J; Almeida, F; Silva, E; Pérez Alberti, A; Chaminé, I;

Publication
Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation

Abstract

2023

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CAPELINHOS VOLCANO (AZORES ISLANDS, PORTUGAL) AS A NEW PLANETARY ANALOG SITE AIMED AT SPACE EXPLORATION RESEARCH

Authors
Moura, R; Pires, AC; Pinto, MC; Nunes, JC;

Publication
International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference Surveying Geology and Mining Ecology Management, SGEM

Abstract
Volcanic sites on Earth provide valuable insights into the geological processes that shape our planet and can also serve as effective analogs for studying similar volcanic activity on other celestial bodies, such as the Moon. This work aims to discuss the general characterization of the Capelinhos volcanic site, in the archipelago of Azores in Portugal, showing the potential as a planetary analog. It's barren landscape, covered with pyroclastic rocks can lend itself the purpose of becoming a lunar planetary analog site, possibly even a Martian site. This geological site was formed during an eruption that occurred in 1957-58, thus the vegetation is practically absent. By examining the physical and chemical properties of its pyroclastic rocks, as well as the associated volcanic landforms, researchers of different fields can better understand lunar volcanic activity and its implications for many aspects of future lunar exploration. Although its origin is different from most of the locations on the lunar surface, since it doesn't contemplate the impactism originated regolith characteristics and associated geomorphology, it does resemble this setting for a broad range of research objectives. © 2023 International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference. All rights reserved.

  • 16
  • 173