Abstract
This paper proposes a review of Energy Management Systems (EMSs) based on Multi-Agent Systems (MASs). Also, goal, scale, strategy and software are discussed as different characteristics of the EMSs. Then, multi agent-based structure of the EMSs is described. Finally, challenges and future discussions related to the EMSs are presented in this paper.

Abstract
Global warming and the depletion of fossil fuels suggest the need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels in the production of electricity worldwide, as well as to intensify the study and application of sustainable renewable energy technologies. Solar energy is very promising due to: (i) its enormous energy potential; (ii) its clean nature; (iii) the fact that it is available and abundant in large areas of the planet. Therefore, projections for solar electricity generation are very good, considering that the systems' performances are improving sharply, while prices go down. In this paper, the potential of concentrated solar power (CSP) for electricity generation in Portugal is evaluated. After analysing solar radiation data for Portugal mainland and the Portuguese national electricity grid, it is shown that one of the most favourable locations for the installation of a CSP plant is the region of Tavira, in the south of Portugal. Subsequently, the simulation of a 20MW parabolic trough concentrator (PTC) plant is performed and the obtained results are discussed. Results prove that Portugal has adequate solar resources to implement CSP despite the intra annual variability. Finally, it is shown that a CSP energy project may be economically competitive in Portugal, with the advantage of creating jobs and increasing research and industry in this field.

Abstract

Abstract
The collection and analysis of data are continuously growing due to the pervasiveness of computing devices. The analysis of such information is fostering businesses and contributing beneficially to the society in many different fields. However, this storage and flow of possibly sensitive data poses serious privacy concerns. Methods that allow the knowledge extraction from data, while preserving privacy, are known as privacy-preserving data mining (PPDM) techniques. This paper surveys the most relevant PPDM techniques from the literature and the metrics used to evaluate such techniques and presents typical applications of PPDM methods in relevant fields. Furthermore, the current challenges and open issues in PPDM are discussed. © 2017 IEEE.

Abstract
This article focuses on technology-based companies and the way they perceive the influence of cultural and social differences on their internationalization process. As national cultures and institutions differ from country to country and even more so between different continents, we herein discuss the adaptation of products and services to the cultures and institutions of each environment, for the optimization of sales and product positioning. An in-depth example of a platform that is for sale in different countries, including Portugal and Mozambique, was described. In addition, results from interviews and a questionnaire administered to Portuguese internationalized companies were analyzed. A review of the existing literature was also performed. The strategic notion of positioning is central to organizational success and should differ from context to context, where necessary. Namely, different economic and education conditions lead to distinct behaviors, which have a repercussion on the position to be adopted in order to sell products abroad.

Abstract
The use of virtual reality in training and simulation as well as the use of haptic feedback are already used in many areas such as medicine, aviation, and training in controlled environments, such as training firefighters. The purpose of this study was the creation of a virtual multisensory environment for the simulation of a training task used in the training of firemen, with the added purpose of studying the impact of the use of haptic feedback on the feeling of presence, satisfaction and performance in the task. For this study a virtual reality experiment was designed to simulate an urban fire environment, where the participants had to train one of the methods used by firefighters in these situations, and the temperature was selected for the haptic feedback. The analysis to the obtained data show that, after doing the experiment, the performance with and without haptic feedback was approximately the same and the participants showed a low error rate. Regarding the sense of presence and satisfaction, the results demonstrate that there was an improvement in the involvement and experienced realism, as well as a low cybersickness value.