Abstract
A set of modern heuristic techniques is reviewed in the context of PID control structures optimization. The selected techniques are: simulated annealing, genetic algorithm, population based incremental learning algorithm, particle swarm optimization algorithm and the differential evolution algorithm. An introduction to each algorithm is provided followed by an illustrative example based in a simulation assignment of an evolutionary algorithms course. Some conclusions are presented about the effectiveness of the reviewed heuristics based on the simulation results.

Abstract
Genetic interventions that accelerate or retard aging in mice are crucial in advancing our knowledge over mammalian aging. Yet determining if a given intervention affects the aging process is not straightforward since, for instance, many disease-causing mutations may decrease life span without affecting aging. In this work, we employed the Gompertz model to determine whether several published interventions previously claimed to affect aging in mice do indeed alter the aging process. First, we constructed age-specific mortality tables for a number of mouse cohorts used in longevity experiments and calculated the rate at which mortality increases with age. Estimates of age-independent mortality were also calculated. We found no statistical evidence that GHRHR, IGF1R, INSR, PROP1, or TRX delay or that ATM + TERC, BubR1, klotho, LMNA, PRDX1, p53, WRN + TERC, or TOP3B accelerate mouse aging. Often, changes in the expression of these genes affected age-independent mortality and so they may prove useful to other aspects of medicine. We found statistical evidence that C/EBP, MSRA, SHC1, growth hormone, GHR, PIT1, and PolgA may influence aging in mice. These results were interpreted together with age-related physiological and pathological changes and provide novel insights regarding the role of several genes in the mammalian aging process.

Abstract
Most power systems are nowadays operated very near to their operating limits due to increase in consumption, while economic and environmental constraints have limited construction of new generation facilities and lines. This paper is devoted to the analysis of the ULTC effect in the dynamic voltage stability of an electric power network. Usually substations are provided with transformers with tap-changers facilities. It was long believed that transformers with tap-changers could eliminate or minimize effectively voltage instabilities. In this study it is shown the influence of the ULTC in the voltage instability for some situations in the analysed power network. It was used the BPA test power network. A severe contingency situation was simulated. The automatic voltage regulators of the generating units and the turbine speed governors will be modelled. The simulation results were obtained using the commercial transient software package EUROSTAG. Finally some conclusions that provide a better understanding of the voltage collapse phenomena are pointed out.

Abstract
In this paper it is presented a methodology to assess the transient stability of an electric power system using trajectory sensitivity analysis. This approach studies the variations of the system variables with respect to the small variations in initial conditions and parameters. Trajectory sensitivity functions of the post fault system with respect to relevant parameters are evaluated. The developed technique is combined with an accurate, flexible and efficient hybrid method that allows detailed modelling of the different devices of the power network, the simulation of distinct contingency scenarios, as well as the suitable identification of the different modes of instability. Moreover, it indicates unequivocally the set of the critical machines and allows to easily evaluate the transient stability margin and the critical clearing time.

Abstract
This paper addresses the navigation and guidance of an AUV operating in a network of moving acoustic beacons. In this network, the vehicle position is obtained from acoustic signals exchanged between the vehicle and the beacons and is computed in a reference frame associated with the moving beacons. The paper describes the operation of the acoustic network, the mission specification and guidance system that computes the references for the vehicle controllers, and the navigation system that produces all the data required by the guidance system.

Abstract
The fabrication and characterisation of Long Period Gratings in fibre tapers is presented alongside supporting theory. The devices possess a high sensitivity to the index of aqueous solutions due to an observed spectral bifurcation effect.