Abstract
A new optimisation algorithm is proposed that results from merging a split adaptive particle swarm optimisation algorithm with the differential evolution algorithm. The proposed technique adopts the crossover type of operator used within the differential evolution algorithm to update the swarm particle velocity vectors. The hybrid algorithm is tested in a well known benchmark continuous function and its performance compared with the particle swarm optimisation and differential evolution algorithms. Copyright (C) 2003 IFAC.

Abstract
In this paper it is used a hybrid approach to study and analyse the tripping effect of one or more generators in the transient stability of a multimachine power system. This efficient and robust approach combines the advantages of the time domain integration schemes to compute the initial system trajectory with the equal area criterion. The transient stability assessment is obtained using stability indices. Consequently, the time domain simulation is only computed during a short integration period. This early termination procedure reduces drastically the computing time. The software package TRANsySTEM developed by the authors was applied to a multimachine test power network. The results obtained with this hybrid formulation were compared with the solutions produced by a time domain simulation program. Finally, some conclusions that provide a valuable contribution to the understanding of the generators tripping effect in the transient stability problem are pointed out.

Abstract
We present a fibre optic sensing head for making simultaneous measurements of temperature and strain, which operates over a large temperature range. The configuration is based on the different temperature sensitivities of type I and type IIA gratings written in a fibre with high germanium content. Maximal errors of +/-0.7 degreesC Hz(-1/2) and +/-3.8 muepsilon Hz(-1/2) are reported over 500 degreesC and 1200 muepsilon measurement ranges, respectively.

Abstract
In this paper it is studied and analysed the influence of the selective load shedding in the dynamic voltage stability assessment of the BPA test power network. The outage of a 500 kV overhead transmission line was simulated. Different values of emergency load shedding were used to avoid voltage collapse. The automatic voltage regulators of the generating units and the turbine speed governors were modelled. Different load models were used and the under load tap changers were also taken into account. The simulation results were obtained using the commercial transient software package EUROSTAG, developed by Electricité de France and Tractebel Energy Engineering. Finally some conclusions that provide a better understanding of the voltage collapse phenomena are pointed out.

Abstract
In this paper wastewater treatment processes in fixed-bed bioreactor are examined. One possible way to acquire more precise description of such processes is their real consideration as objects with distributed parameters. In order to avoid the complexity of mathematical description of distributed parameters objects, some new methods have to be applied. In this paper a new approach for description of wastewater treatment processes, based on the apparatus of Generalized Nets and Intuitionistic Fuzzy Logic, is presented. As a result from applied techniques, different decisions could be made about the variation of the number of levels in biofilter and about optimal carrying out of the processes in the meaning of technological time and quality of outlet water.

Abstract
A new approach for modelling of Escherichia coli cultivation process, based on the apparatus of Generalized Nets, is presented in this paper. Generalized Nets provide the opportunity to describe the logic of the cultivation process modelling. Developed Generalized Net model gives a possibility to change the concentration of feeding solution in dependence of substrate concentration in the fermenter in order to prevent the inhibition effect. Moreover, proposed Generalized Nets model allows to control the concentration of dissolved oxygen at some desired value, changing the aeration rate in dependence on concentration of dissolved oxygen during the process. The opportunities, which obtained Generalized Net model gives for process optimization, affirm the apparatus of Generalized Nets as very efficient tool for modelling of fermentation processes.