Abstract
In this paper, a reversible multilevel nine-leg converter for three-phase applications is investigated. This topology can be applied in line voltage regulators, power factor correction devices, and uninterrupted power supplies. It is composed of three single-phase three-leg converters with a leg shared by both load and grid sides. Suitable modeling, a pulse-width modulation (PWM) strategy based on a vector approach, and a control system are developed. The proposed PWM and control strategies are suitable to balance the dc-link voltages and to optimize the harmonic distortion, reducing switching stress and power losses. The investigated configuration is compared with two conventional topologies, including a neutral-point-clamped converter and has demonstrated that it presents some advantages in terms of voltage rating of the power switches, harmonic distortion, and semiconductor losses. Computer simulations and experimental results have been carried in the same operation conditions to verify the validity of theoretical considerations.

Abstract
Despite the recent popularity achieved by the modern X-band SAR sensors, mainly due to their high spatial resolutions which enable the detection of deformation components impossible so far, such as thermal expansion, SAR C-band sensors continue to be of great utility and with a great future in the deformation monitoring field, namely for critical structure monitoring, such as dams. The new ESA missions (Sentinel-1A and 1B) and the extension of the Canadian Radarsat mission corroborate this finding. In this paper the possibility of using spacebome SAR sensors for dam monitoring is addressed in terms of feasibility and applications. The presented results show the potential of C-band sensors for the particular case of dam monitoring and can be handful to recognize the applicability of new Sentinel-1 data (since 2014) for continuous monitoring of dam deformations. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Abstract
In this paper a cone tapered surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based chemical fiber sensor is fabricated and demonstrated for the detection of low water content in ethanol. Here the 11nm thickness of Aluminum (Al) is used to coat tip of probe to generate Plasmon wave. The output power has been found to increase linearly with water content in the range 1-10% due to the increase in refractive index (RI) of ethanolabove which, as the percentage of water increases in step of 20% it shows abrupt decrease in RI hence decrease in the output power. The compact size of sensor and its low cost fabrication makes it useful for many applications in the field of chemical and biochemical sensing. © 2016 Author(s).

Abstract
This study analyses how drivers of PSS enable supplier companies to adoption integrated solutions in B2B relationships. Two case studies were performed in two large supplier companies that operate in different segments, which represents a significant Brazilian market share. The findings show that this adopted PSS strategies enable the two companies to operate their customer's systems and to price their offerings according to the established performance. The strategies adopted by the companies provide a more rigorous knowledge about the products and services, attention to promoting the buyers' support over the life cycle and promote the relationships with buyers. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Abstract
In this paper, a novel real-time rolling horizon optimization framework for the optimal operation of a smart household is presented. A home energy management system (HEMS) model based on mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) is developed in order to minimize the energy procurement cost considering that the household is enrolled in a dynamic pricing tariff scheme. Several assets such as a photovoltaic (PV) installation, an electric vehicle (EV) and controllable appliances are considered. Additionally, the energy from the PV and the EV can be used either to satisfy the household demand or can be sold back to the grid. The uncertainty of the PV production is estimated using time-series models and performing forecasts on a rolling basis. Also, appropriate distribution is used in order to model the uncertainty related to the EV. Besides, several parameters can be updated in real-time in order to reflect changes in demand and consider the end-user's preferences. The optimization algorithm is executed on a regular basis in order to improve the results against uncertainty.

Abstract
Faced with the need to quantify software (un)reliability in the presence of faults, the semantics of state-based systems is urged to evolve towards quantified (e.g. probabilistic) nondeterminism. When one is approaching such semantics from a categorical perspective, this inevitably calls for some technical elaboration, in a monadic setting. This paper proposes that such an evolution be undertaken without sacrificing the simplicity of the original (qualitative) definitions, by keeping quantification implicit rather than explicit. The approach is a monad lifting strategy whereby, under some conditions, definitions can be preserved provided the semantics moves to another category. The technique is illustrated by showing how to introduce probabilism in an existing software component calculus, by moving to a suitable category of matrices and using linear algebra in the reasoning. The paper also addresses the problem of preserving monadic strength in the move from original to target (Kleisli) categories, a topic which bears relationship to recent studies in categorial physics.