Abstract
It is described a large-core air-clad photonic crystal fiber-based sensing structure using the outer cladding as a light guide, which is highly sensitive to refractive index. The sensing head is based on multimodal interference, and relies on a single mode/large-core air-clad photonic crystal fiber/single mode fiber configuration. Using this configuration and controlling the light to travel in a segment of the outer cladding multimode fiber, it was possible to implement a sensing head and the results were obtained independently from variations of temperature, strain and refractive index. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:10091011, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26726

Abstract
This paper describes the main results of the MERGE project relative to Electric Vehicle (EV) charging strategies and the impacts of EV integration on the steady-state grid operation. MERGE is a €4.5m, collaborative research project supported by the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The consortium includes utilities, regulators, commercial organisations and universities with interests in the power generation, automotive, electronic commerce and hybrid and electric vehicle sectors across the entire European Union (EU). One of the MERGE project missions is to evaluate the impacts that EV will have on EU electric power systems, exploring EV and SmartGrid/MicroGrid simultaneous deployment, together with renewable energy increase, to achieve CO 2 emission reduction through the identification of enabling technologies and advanced control approaches. The work presented proposes three charging strategies, dumb charging, multiple price tariffs and smart charging, and uses EV integration scenarios of adherence to these charging schemes. The resulting scenarios are tested using an algorithm coded with Python and using PSS/E, created within the MERGE framework to study EU grids steady-state behaviour. Additionally, the critical mass of EV adherence to smart charging schemes that brings positive impacts to the distribution grids operation was also evaluated.

Abstract
In this book chapter, two important applications of linear programming are presented from the electric power industry, namely short-term hydro scheduling and the development of offering strategies for wind power producers. The linear programming approach is proposed to solve the problems related with generation companies whose main goal is to maximize profits. On the one hand, the main concern of hydroelectric companies is to find the optimal scheduling of hydroelectric power plants, for a short-term period in which the electricity prices are forecasted. The actual size of hydro systems, the continuous reservoir dynamics and constraints, still pose a real challenge to the modelers. On the other hand, wind power producers are entities owning generation resources and participating in the electricity market. The challenges for wind power producers are related to two kinds of uncertainties: wind power and electricity prices. It can be concluded that linear programming represents a robust approach for these two problems.

Abstract
Local pulse-wave velocity (PWV) is recognized as the simplest and most reproducible process of non-invasively assessing the vascular marker of arterial stiffness that allowing the risk of cardiovascular diseases to be determinate. Devices currently available for local PWV measurement have not yet been generalized to clinical practice since they require high technical expertise and most of them are limited in precision, due to the lack of reliable signal processing methods. This work describes a new type of probes, based on a piezoelectric sensor in different configurations, single probe and double probe. The principle of PWV measurement involves determination of the pulse transit time between the signals acquired simultaneously by both piezoelectric placed 23 mm apart in the same probe. The double probe characterization is accomplished in different studies, carried out in a dedicated test bench system, capable of reproducing a range of clinically relevant properties of the cardiovascular system.

Abstract

Abstract
This paper studies the semantics of sets under eventual consistency. The set is a pervasive data type, used either directly or as a component of more complex data types, such as maps or graphs. Eventual consistency of replicated data supports concurrent updates, reduces latency and improves fault tolerance, but forgoes strong consistency (e.g., linearisability). Accordingly, several cloud computing platforms implement eventually-consistent replicated sets [2,4]. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.