Abstract
In this work we study a way to explore and extract more information from data sets with a hierarchical tree structure. We propose that any statistical study on this type of data should be made by group, after clustering. In this sense, the most adequate approach is to use the Mahalanobis-Wasserstein distance as a measure of similarity between the cases, to carry out clustering or unsupervised classification. This methodology allows for the clustering of cases, as well as the identification of their profiles, based on the distribution of all the variables that characterises each subject associated with each case. An application to a set of teenagers' interviews regarding their habits of communication is described. The interviewees answered several questions about the kind of contacts they had on their phone, Facebook, email or messenger as well as the frequency of communication between them. The results indicate that the methodology is adequate to cluster this kind of data sets, since it allows us to identify and characterise different profiles from the data. We compare the results obtained with this methodology with the ones obtained using the entire database, and we conclude that they may lead to different findings.

Abstract
Gesture recognition is very important for Human-Robot Interfaces. In this paper, we present a novel depth based method for gesture recognition to improve the interaction of a service robot autonomous shopping cart, mostly used by reduced mobility people. In the proposed solution, the identification of the user is already implemented by the software present on the robot where a bounding box focusing on the user is extracted. Based on the analysis of the depth histogram, the distance from the user to the robot is calculated and the user is segmented using from the background. Then, a region growing algorithm is applied to delete all other objects in the image. We apply again a threshold technique to the original image, to obtain all the objects in front of the user. Intercepting the threshold based segmentation result with the region growing resulting image, we obtain candidate objects to be arms of the user. By applying a labelling algorithm to obtain each object individually, a Principal Component Analysis is computed to each one to obtain its center and orientation. Using that information, we intercept the silhouette of the arm with a line obtaining the upper point of the interception which indicates the hand position. A Kalman filter is then applied to track the hand and based on state machines to describe gestures (Start, Stop, Pause) we perform gesture recognition. We tested the proposed approach in a real case scenario with different users and we obtained an accuracy around 89,7%.

Abstract

Abstract
Electric vehicles (EVs) are to play an important role in electricity markets, since their energy storage capability can be beneficial to power systems operation. Electric vehicle aggregators will consequently develop adequate offering strategies to participate in energy and reserve markets, accounting for the market rules and operational capabilities of EVs aggregators (e.g., fleet of EVs). In this paper, we propose an offering strategy model for an EV aggregator to participate in the frequency-controlled normal operation reserve service (FCR-N) in Eastern Denmark. The aim is to maximize the expected revenue of the aggregator, accounting for potential penalties for missing the provision of both upward and downward reserves. The methodology has been modeled and tested under the scope of the PARKER project, which considers a case study based on real data from a small fleet of electric vehicles. An important conclusion relates to the availability patterns of the EVs that significantly changes the strategical participation of the EV aggregator in the service.

Abstract
The coordination of various energy vectors under the concept of multi-energy system (MES) has introduced new sources of operational flexibility to system managers. In this paper, the behavior of multi-energy players (MEP) who can trade with more than one energy carrier to maximize their profits and mitigate their operational risks has been investigated. The MES is represented based on a multilayer structure, namely the energy market, MEP, the local energy system (LES), and multi-energy demand. In such environment, an MEP aggregates LES and participates in the wholesale electricity market, simultaneously to maximize its profit. The decision-making conflict of the MEP with other energy players for the aggregation of LES and participation in the electricity market is modeled based on a bilevel approach. Numerical results show the behavior of the MEP as a prosumer in the electricity market to produce smoother demand and price profiles. Results reveal a mutual effect of local and wholesale equilibrium prices by increasing the share of the MEP.

Abstract
The introduction of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in the electrical system is bringing various challenges. The main issue is incorporating the PEV owner's preferences in the models. One of the main attributes representing the preference of the owners is their travel purposes, impacting on the traffic flow pattern. The PEVs' traffic pattern defines the required charging schedule of the PEVs, and consequently, characterizes the operation of the charging facilities such as PEV parking lots (PLs). The deployment of resources such as PEV PL requires a detailed modeling of the factors affecting their operation. In this regard, this paper aims to model the power flow of the PEVs based on their traffic flow. Different travel types and purposes are considered for the PEVs traffic modeling. Two types of charging infrastructure (i.e., PLs and individual charging stations) are considered. The study is performed on a distribution network categorized based on the consumption patterns of the zones.