Abstract
The structure of a reactive transition system can to be modified on the fly by e.g. removing, reversing or adding new transitions. The topic has been studied by D. Gabbay and his collaborators in different contexts. In this paper we take their work a step further, introducing a suitable notion of bisimulation and obtaining a Hennessy-Milner theorem with respect to a hybrid logic in which transition properties can be expressed. Our motivation is to provide a characterisation of equivalence for such systems in order to exploit their possible roles in the formal description of software connectors in Reo, either from a behavioural (semantic) or spatial (syntactic) point of view.

Abstract
Limited perception capabilities underwater shrink the envelope of effective localization techniques that can be applied in this environment. Long-term localization in six degrees of freedom can only be achieved by combining different sources of information. A multiple vehicle underwater localization solution, for localizing an underwater mining vehicle and its support vessel, is presented in this paper. The surface vessel carries a short baseline network, that interact with the inverted ultra-short baseline, carried by the underwater mining vehicle. A multiple antenna GNSS system provides data for localizing the surface vessel and to georeference the short baseline array. Localization of the mining vehicle results from a data fusion approach, that combines multiple sources of sensor information using the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) framework. The developed solutions were applied in the context of the VAMOS! European project. Long-term real time position errors below 0.2 meters, for the underwater machine, and 0.02 meters, for the surface vessel, were accomplished in the field. All presented results are based on data acquired in a real scenario.

Abstract
The load balance aspect of the Container Loading Problem (CLP) has been handled in an simplified way in the literature. Either load balance has been treated as a soft constraint or the geometrical centre of the container has been assumed to be the ideal location for the centre of gravity of the cargo, or both, which does not meet regulatory directives and transportation legislation. In this paper, we treat load balance as a 'hard constraint and adopt vehicle specific diagrams that define the feasibility domain for the location of the centre of gravity of the cargo, according to the vehicle specific technical characteristics, thus fulfilling and complying with real-world regulations and legislation. We propose a multi-population biased random-key genetic algorithm (BRKGA), with a new fitness function that takes static stability and load balance into account. Extensive computational experiments were performed with different variants of the proposed approach. Also solutions taken from the literature were evaluated in terms of load balance. The computational results show that it is possible to obtain stable and load balanced solutions without compromising the performance in terms of container volume utilization, and demonstrate also the advantage in incorporating load balance in the packing generation algorithm.

Abstract
Fall situations in the context of hospitalization represent high injury risks for the patient and can determine delays or even setbacks in the recovery process. This risk of fall can be minimized by using trained personnel but also using smart equipments that continuously monitor the patients and that can automatically raise alerts as a preventive measure. In this paper a new low-cost system for the prevention of falls in inpatients is proposed. The system is based on a simple modular design that can be easily adapted to distinct equipments such as a bed or an armchair. The sensing devices are pressure mats, transparent for the user and highly sensitive to body position changes, and accelerometers, that can reliably monitor movement while using a very small footprint. The main purpose of the system is to monitor the patients' movement while trying to detect the intention to abandon the bed or armchair. The system was widely tested using a pre-defined protocol and the overall results are quite promising. Some issues were also detected which opens the path for further developments. © 2018 IEEE.

Abstract
Microgrid, as an emerging small-scale power system comprising a range of power sources, power electronic interfaces, loads, storage units, and being able to supply remote areas or local communities, either can be operated in islanded or grid-connected mode. Based on this concept, this paper proposes the scalability assessment and day-ahead optimization, with time-varying load and time-of-use tariff data in 48 time-periods, for multiple microgrids applied in the accommodation area in a UK university, based on an existing microgrid test system currently under investigation in its Smart Grid Laboratory. Four different scenarios, including weekdays and weekends over two seasons (summer and winter), are analyzed to achieve the optimal scheduling of the microgrid technologies. In addition, a long-term planning assessment, on optimization over 20 years, is presented to discuss the influence of microgrids' power component depreciation and life span on total energy costs and savings.

Abstract
METIS is one of the first three scientific instruments on the ELT, expected to see first light in 2025. METIS will provide diffraction limited imaging, coronagraphy, and low resolution slit spectroscopy over the 3 - 19 mu m range. Furthermore, METIS will provide a unique combination of high resolution (R similar to 100,000) integral field spectroscopy and coronagraphy from 2.9 - 5.3 mu m. The latter can be reconfigured to obtain a wider instantaneous wavelength coverage in exchange for integral field coverage. While METIS is a multi-purpose instrument for a wide range of infrared astronomy, its greatest strengths will be in the studies of exoplanets and proto-planetary disks. After two years into the preliminary design phase, the design of METIS has reached an advanced stage. This paper provides an update on the areas which have most advanced in the recent past: the main science drivers, the optical and opto-mechanical design, adaptive optics and the coronagraphy concept. We also describe the calibration of the instrument, give an overview of its observation modes, and present the schedule toward first light.