Abstract
When an oil spill occurs, a prompt response reduces significantly the impact. The preparedness and contingency plans are essential to identify the most appropriate technologies. Unmanned and autonomous vehicles (UAVs) is emerging as a powerful tool of strategic potential in the observation, oil tracking and damage assessment of an oil spill. The SpilLess project explored the suitability of these devices to be the first-line response to an oil spill. This work analyses the operational requirements related to environmental parameters following a two steps approach: 1) Environmental characterization from long wind and waves time series and modelling; 2) Definition of the optimal periods for operating each UAVs. We have defined the periods in which each of these facilities acts best, confirming that the operational limits of UAVs are not significantly more restrictive than the traditional operations. UAVs should be included in contingency plans as available tools to fight against oil spills.

Abstract
This work addresses a stochastic framework for optimal coordination of a microgrid-based virtual power plant (VPP) that participates in day-ahead energy and ancillary service markets. The microgrids are equipped with different types of distributed energy resources. A two-stage optimization formulation is proposed to maximize the benefit of the virtual power plant and minimize the energy procurement costs of the Distribution System Operator (DSO). The proposed model determines the optimal commitment scheduling of energy resources, considering the capacity withholding opportunities of the VPP that should be detected by the DSO. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model, the algorithm is assessed for the 123-bus IEEE test system. The results show that the proposed method successfully maximizes the virtual power plant profit considering capacity withholding penalties.

Abstract
Considerable amounts of data are required for a deep learning model to generalize to unseen cases successfully. Furthermore, such data is often manually labeled, making its annotation process costly and time-consuming. We propose using unlabeled real-world data in conjunction with automatically labeled synthetic data, obtained from simulators, to surpass the increasing need for annotated data. By obtaining real counterparts of simulated samples using CycleGAN and subsequently performing fine-tuning with such samples, we manage to improve a vehicle part's detection system performance by 2.5%, compared to the baseline exclusively trained on simulated images. We explore adding a semantic consistency loss to CycleGAN by re-utilizing previous work's trained networks to regularize the conversion process. Moreover, the addition of a post-processing step, which we denominate global NMS, highlights our approach's effectiveness by better utilizing our detection model's predictions and ultimately improving the system's performance by 14.7%.

Abstract
In this article, a novel topology generalization of a current source converter (CSC) that allows controlling of multiple single-phase ac converters independently sharing the same dc-bus, with the advantage of having a reduced number of conducting switches and a lower dc-bus current, is presented. A conventional n-output/port single-phase CSC that uses the same dc-bus needs to have n H-bridge converters connected in series, which means that it always has 2n conducting switches. The new topology allows generating any n ac output currents always having only (n + 1) conducting switches in a switching period. This represents (1 - 1/n). 50% less conduction losses when compared with the equivalent conventional multiport single-phase CSC. A scalar pulsewidth modulation to control the converters with switching optimization and its generalization is also presented. Details of topology, control strategy, and modulation are presented. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the theoretical approach.

Abstract
The issue of population ageing is no longer exclusively centred on developed countries. Empirical studies have proven that the rise in the proportion of the older age group has been already visible in the least developed countries (LDCs). The primary concern of population ageing in LDCs is that ageing is approaching LDCs even faster than approaching developing and developed countries. We found that despite the common factors such as human capital development, female participation in the labour market and economic growth, the annual growth rate of the ageing of LDCs highly depends on international aids (health care and development) and the rising number of emigrations over the working-age population. Our empirical results suggest that the existence of the ageing population in LDCs determine by the involvement of international bodies in supporting the welfare system of the country and the policy initiatives of developed countries in attracting migrant workers of LDCs to overcome the ageing problem in their countries.

Abstract
The recent emergence of e-commerce has brought a shifting paradigm into global markets. This revolutionary framework relying upon technological progress has conveyed a new era of commerce. More than ever, businesses are using digital marketplaces to stay relevant and competitive. Suddenly, buying online has become part of their daily routines. Accessibility, flexibility, and convenience make the internet the ideal platform for modern age consumers. Small and medium enterprises predominate in almost every industry generating employment, income, and sustainability. Nonetheless, e-commerce adoption among these organizations is yet to be widely undertaken. This article has a twofold objective: first, it gathers data regarding the emergence of e-commerce adoption by SMEs through a systematic literature review encompassing 32 indexed articles (published between 2003 and 2021). Secondly, it provides a quantitative and qualitative analysis identifying strategic options and guidelines for a smooth digital transition among these players. Lastly, some recommendations to policy makers were clipped to work as facilitators, given SMEs specificities. The future is digital and the struggle for e-commerce adoption and exploitation among these organizations is at the top of the agenda. It is central in maintaining the vibrancy of the business ecosystem, and is therefore a turnkey for economic recovery.