Abstract

Abstract

Abstract
Optical immersion clearing is a technique that has been widely studied for more than two decades and that is used to originate a temporary transparency effect in biological tissues. If applied in cooperation with clinical methods it provides optimization of diagnosis and treatment procedures. This technique turns biological tissues more transparent through two main mechanisms - tissue dehydration and refractive index (RI) matching between tissue components. Such matching is obtained by partial replacement of interstitial water by a biocompatible agent that presents higher RI and it can be completely reversible by natural rehydration in vivo or by assisted rehydration in ex vivo tissues. Experimental data to characterize and discriminate between the two mechanisms and to find new ones are necessary. Using a simple method, based on collimated transmittance and thickness measurements made from muscle samples under treatment, we have estimated the diffusion properties of glucose, ethylene glycol (EG) and water that were used to perform such characterization and discrimination. Comparing these properties with data from literature that characterize their diffusion in water we have observed that muscle cell membrane permeability limits agent and water diffusion in the muscle. The same experimental data has allowed to calculate the optical clearing (OC) efficiency and make an interpretation of the internal changes that occurred in muscle during the treatments. The same methodology can now be used to perform similar studies with other agents and in other tissues in order to solve engineering problems at design of inexpensive and robust technologies for a considerable improvement of optical tomographic techniques with better contrast and in-depth imaging.

Abstract
This paper presents the development framework for an energy management platform that is being developed within the AnyPLACE project. In order to ensure that end-users become active participants in services like demand response, a combined approach is necessary in terms of monitoring, automation, and user interfacing. The success in engaging the end-user, as the centerpiece of the energy management challenge, is vital in taking advantage of a more efficient use of energy, as it is shown in this paper. The proposed framework can be run in a single board computer.

Abstract
The development of the Smart Grid concept is the pathway for assuring high reliability, control and management requirements in future electric power distribution systems. The Smart Grid can be defined as an electricity network supported by an intelligent infrastructure, both hardware and software, capable of accommodating high shares of Distributed Energy Resources. Within this line, a Smart Grid laboratorial infrastructure was developed, being dedicated to advanced research and demonstration activities. The adopted laboratorial architecture was developed according to the Microgrid concept, where Electric Vehicles are regarded as active and flexible players. Following the laboratory implementation, this paper provides a detailed description of its infrastructure and experimental capabilities, presenting and discussing different experimental set-ups and associated results.

Abstract