Abstract
Traditionally, studies on the influence and impact of knowledge-producing organisations have been addressed by means of strict economic analysis, stressing their economic impact to a local, regional or national extent. In the present study an alternative methodology is put forward in order to evaluate the international scientific impact and influence of a knowledge-producing and -diffusing institution. We introduce a new methodology, based on scientometric and bibliometric tools which complement traditional assessments by considering the influence of a R&D institution when looking at the scientific production undertaken and the recognition of its releVance by its international peer community. Focusing on the most prolific scientific areas of the R&D institution (INESC Porto), and resorting to published scientific work recorded in the Science Citation Index (SCI) we show that the R&D institution has enlarged its international scientific network. The logit estimations demonstrate that the wide geographical influence of INESC Porto scientific research is a result not of its international positioning in terms of coauthorships, but rather a result of the quality of its scientific output. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2011.

Abstract
A major challenge when accessing protected multimedia content in heterogeneous usage environments is the ability to provide acceptable levels of quality of experience to all involving users. Additionally, different levels of protection should be possible to be addressed when manipulating the content towards the quality of experience maximization. This paper describes the use of a context-aware and Digital Rights Management (DRM)-enabled content adaptation platform towards meeting these challenges. The platform was conceived to deliver advanced content adaptation within different application scenarios, among which Virtual Collaboration (VC) was central. Descriptions of use cases implemented by the platform in heterogeneous VC environments are provided. Conducted experiments have highlighted the benefits to users when compared to an operation without the platform. Results of different adaptations suitable to sensed context conditions are also provided and analyzed. A brief description of the platform functionality is included together with pointers to additional information. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Abstract
Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a clinically interesting parameter associated to cardiac risk due to arterial stiffness, generally evaluated by the time that the pressure wave spends to travel between two arbitrary points. Optic sensors are an attractive instrumental solution in this kind of time assessment applications due to their truly non-contact operation capability, which ensures an interference free measurement. On the other hand, they can pose different challenges to the designer, mostly related to the features of the signals they produce and to the associated signal processing burden required to extract error free, reliable information. In this work we evaluate two prototype optical probes dedicated to pulse transit time (PTT) evaluation as well as three algorithms for its assessment. Although the tests were carried out at the test bench, where "well behaved" signals can be obtained, the transition to a probe for use in humans is also considered. Results demonstrated the possibility of measuring pulse transit times as short as 1 ms with less than 1% error.

Abstract
This paper presents a discrete approach, based on an improved integer version of the evolutionary particle swarm optimization (EPSO) algorithm, to solve the dynamic transmission expansion planning (TEP) problem. TEP corresponds to a mixed integer optimization problem that typically aims at identifying a schedule for transmission additions along an extended planning horizon considering operation and investment costs as well as a reliability index to measure the ability the system has to convey electricity from generation to consumers. After detailing the mathematical formulation of the TEP problem, this paper describes the enhanced EPSO algorithm and details its application to the TEP problem. The paper also includes a Case Study based on the IEEE 24 bus / 38 branch system to illustrate the application of the developed procedure.

Abstract
This paper is on variable-speed wind turbines with permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). Three different drive train mass models and three different topologies for the power-electronic converters are considered. The three different topologies considered are respectively a matrix, a two-level and a multilevel converter. A novel control strategy, based on fractional-order controllers, is proposed for the wind turbines. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the behaviour of the wind turbines during a converter control malfunction, considering the fractional-order controllers. Finally, conclusions are duly drawn. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract
The present work proposes a new device for local pulse wave velocity (PWV), by using an innovative configuration of a double piezoelectric (PZ) sensor probe. PWV is assessed in one single location and involves the determination of time delay, between the signals acquired simultaneously by two PZs, 23 mm apart. The double probe (DP) is characterized in a dedicated test bench system, where two main studies were carried out. In the first one, the impulse response (IR) for each PZ sensor is determined and evaluated through the deconvolution method. In the second one, DP time resolution is estimated from a set of time delay algorithms and compared with the reference values, obtained through the signals of two pressure sensors. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the inferred IRs in deconvolution purposes and the possibility of measure higher PWV values (approximate to 19m/s), through the DP, with an error less than 10%.