Abstract

Abstract

Abstract
The cost-effectiveness of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) makes them suitable platforms to survey cultural heritage sites. Developments in photogrammetry provide methods capable to generate accurate 3D models out of 2D aerial images. Considering the involved technologies, the purpose of this paper is to document the Chapel of Espiríto Santo: a very relevant monument for Vila Real (Portugal) that is currently located at the campus of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro. The UAS-based aerial imagery survey approach is presented along with photogrammetric process to build chapel’s 3D model. Moreover, two photogrammetric software were compared – Pix4Dmapper Pro and Agisoft Photoscan – in terms of modelling accuracy and functionalities ease of use.

Abstract
This paper proposes the development of a technological platform for support of psycho-technical tests in higher education institutions. This subject deals with a topic extremely important for the institution and for students, because the platform will serve internally to assist students in preparing them for the professional life. The application is web hosted and exclusively built using open source technologies. The application allows teachers to create new psycho-technical tests in various technical and scientific fields. Each psycho-technical test is composed of several multiple-choice questions, and the teacher may specify the list of alternative answers and indicate a maximum response time for each question. For its part, the students can visualise the list of psycho-technical tests available organised by subject. The platform registers the performance of students in several domains and allows students to practice and improve their skills. In this way, students may be better prepared for job interviews and, consequently, for the job market.   Keywords: Psycho-technical tests, web applications, software engineering, student evaluations, information technology.  

Abstract
The micro-grid concept has recently gained increasing attention for power system operators to increase the operational effectiveness and provide a more reliable, sustainable and economic power system. To ensure the autonomous power supply when disconnected from the bulk power system, energy storage system (ESS) options as well as demand side flexibility can be used to provide the local balance between time-varying production and consumption in a micro-grid structure. In this study, the demand side flexibility via thermostatically controllable appliances (TCAs)-based direct load control (DLC) strategies and common ESSs-based bi-directional energy flow possibility is considered for the economic operation of a micro-grid. Different case studies are conducted for validating the effectiveness of the proposed structure.

Abstract
This paper presents preliminary results of common water thermal conductivity measurements using an all-fiber sensor based in conventional hot-wire method concept. The thermal conductivity of common water at room temperature obtained is 0.699 W/mK. Although the result is relatively distinct, about 14%, from the reference value found in literature, it is promising and indicates the feasibility of using the experimental arrangement for measuring thermal properties of materials with higher accuracy, provided that improvements already foreseen in future work be incorporated. © OSA 2018 © 2018 The Author(s)