Abstract

Abstract
To determine the differences between the optical clearing effects created by ethylene glycol in fresh and frozen samples, we have performed several measurements from samples in both conditions. Fresh samples were used after animal sacrifice and frozen samples were kept at -20 degrees C for 72 hours. The different measurements performed with samples from both cases were total transmittance, collimated transmittance, total reflectance and specular reflectance. Considering, for instance, collimated transmittance measurements, we have verified that the spectra measured from both samples before adding the solution present different levels of collimated transmittance. The time-dependence evolution of the collimated transmittance spectrum is similar between both cases of samples, but since they present different levels of "natural" transmittance, the optical clearing effect is observed at different levels if we compare between fresh and frozen samples.

Abstract

Abstract
Current electrical distribution systems are facing significant challenges due to the widespread deployment of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), particularly the integration of variable Renewable Energy Sources (RES). This requires a change in the paradigm of distribution grids from a purely passive perspective into fully active networks within the smart grid vision. This new paradigm involves new control and management architectures as well as advanced planning methods and operational tools for distribution systems exploiting a smart metering infrastructure. This infrastructure will enable leveraging data from smart meters and short-term forecasts of load demand and RES in order to manage the distribution system in a more efficient and cost-effective way, thus enabling large scale integration of RES. Future tests to be carried out in a new, state of the art laboratory environment will bring additional added-value to the validation of the proposed concepts and tools.

Abstract

Abstract
Innovation is a journey that is full of challenges. It is demanding, but we need to keep inspirational aspects in mind, such as the ones President Kennedy expressed in his predestinated “sticky” (Heath and Heath, 2007) speech in 1962 about sending a man to the moon. Since the seminal works of Schumpeter (1934), innovation has been widely acknowledged as a key driver of competitiveness, economic growth and welfare. There is a wealth of empirical evidence supporting a positive relationship between innovation and firm-level performance in the academic literature (e.g. Crépon et al., 1998; Griffith et al., 2006; Lööf and Heshmati, 2002). At firm level, innovation has long been recognized as a competitive advantage and a key driver of economic performance (Schumpeter, 1934). Innovation also lies at the very heart of policy mechanisms to achieve a smart, inclusive and sustainable growth in economies, as envisioned by the Europe 2020 strategy (European Commission, 2013).(...)