Abstract
This article presents the contribution of the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPCB) within the scope of PPS1 of the PRODUTECH SIF program - Solutions for the Future Industry, in terms of the definition of modules for scalability, adaptation, plug-and-play, with interoperability between processes and technologies inter/intra industrial plants. More specifically, its contribution for the definition, implementation and evaluation of OPC- UA device discovery services. Adopting the CompactRIO platform developed on PPS2 as a physical basis for a Smartbox, its development was extended during the present task with a view to incorporating and validating the adopted service discovery mechanisms in the program.

Abstract
This study proposes a hierarchical optimisation strategy for the energy dispatch and volt/var control problem of a photovoltaic-battery microgrid cluster (MGC) operating autonomously. The proposed approach takes advantage of the decentralised control architecture existing in multi-microgrids (MMGs) framework by distributing the management responsibilities between the microgrid central controllers (MGCCs) and the central autonomous management controller (CAMC). In the first stage, the optimisation strategy solves a multi-temporal active power scheduling problem for the MGC based on consumption and generation forecasts. In the second stage, the reactive power and volt/var control are addressed by taking into account the medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage levels independently. For this purpose, each MGCC computes the V(Q) capability area of operation at the boundary bus with the MV grid. Then, the CAMC performs an optimal power flow at the MV level for each time step, whose results at the boundary bus are considered in the last stage to schedule reactive power at the MGCC level. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is demonstrated in a cluster of three microgrids. It keeps the modularity, interoperability and scalability characteristics of the MMG concept by clearly defining the roles and the information to be exchanged between the CAMC and the MGCC.

Abstract
Precision Agriculture (PA) has a fundamental role in the sustainability of agricultural systems, supporting decision-making of agricultural crops, increasing yield and quality in production. In the present research a PA approach for viticulture was made combining remote sensing data and robotic monitoring. With this approach it was intended to perform a spatial-temporal analysis of the grapevine phenology, according the 3 periods of the grape's biological cycle reproductive cycle, peak of the season and vegetative dormancy - corresponding to the years of 2017/18, for a specific area of the Green Wine Region, from Celorico de Basto (Portugal). The proposed methodology is based in the automation of spatial analyses through Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Python programming language. GEE was used for image acquisition and processing data of several indices, as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI) and Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index ( VARI). Regarding the geoprocessing of environmental factors, it was considered the following parameters: precipitation, temperature and soil moisture. Afterwards, NDVI was selected for a space-time analysis of the vineyard phenology, once this index represents a close dynamic to the vineyard biological cycle. From the relation between environmental factors and NDVI it was possible to interpret the space-time dynamics of the vineyard phenology. Finally, a spatial interpolation of yield and NDVI was made to understand the influence of NDVI in the yield. It can be assumed that the NDVI does not have a statistically significant influence on vineyard yield.

Abstract
In this age of technology, information, innovation, and so many other features that could be associated with it, it becomes necessary to review the benefits and risks associated with this change. The question that guides this article is: Does the easiness granted to us, through the many online mechanisms, affect our ability to perceive at the moment of making a purchase decision? Rather, from a financial perspective, is the quick and easy way that the internet allows the consumer to make a payment influencing the consumers' buying act? Through the analysis of various mobile applications available for the aforementioned purpose, as well as a survey, that featured 137 answers from various age groups and occupations, we will present a brief conclusion about this theme, aiming to contribute to a better and broader understanding of the benefits, risks, advantages and disadvantages of these so well-known banking applications that increasingly stand out in the daily lives of the Portuguese. The results of this exploratory study reveal the importance of a greater and better instruction when using these innovative tools, so the user can stop being merely a hostage to their risks and begin to fully enjoy the benefits.

Abstract
In this study, the development of a mobile application, for people with visual disabilities, is presented. The solution allows assistance to easily walk outside and be warned from the obstacles that could appear. Specifically, the application alerts, with audio stimulus, the user for the incoming dangerous objects by identifying them at a certain distance, in real time, via the phone camera. It can be used with voice commands and/or manually, in two different ways. In addition, location information of frequently visited places can be saved, at any time, and the user can use the app's audible navigation service for his/her next visit. Also, this application can be used only with the mobile phone, without any additional hardware device. It was developed to be used on both IOS and Android platforms. A preliminary usability assessment has been made and the overall results appeared positive as it was showed 86% successful rate in user interaction. In future work, we will introduce improvements within the voice command system, also in the synchronization of the camera and navigation service, and provide an advanced model training to object detection.

Abstract
O sistema de distribuição de energia elétrica é a parcela do sistema de potência mais vulnerável aos eventos de interrupção, originados por fatores naturais externos ou intrínsecos aos equipamentos elétricos. Na mitigação dos impactos desses eventos, simuladores digitais em tempo real são utilizados na obtenção dos transitórios do sistema elétrico, todavia, essa técnica demanda grande esforço computacional. Nesse contexto, propõe-se uma técnica híbrida para simulação do transitório em sistemas de distribuição, combinando a alta taxa de amostragem dos modelos no domínio do tempo para monitoramento de tensão e corrente com a velocidade de processamento dos algoritmos que operam os modelos fasoriais em regime quase-estacionário, ou permanente. A metodologia proposta também permite considerar diferentes tecnologias de geradores distribuídos acoplados na rede. Os resultados dos testes realizados indicam a consistência da metodologia proposta, representando o comportamento do transitório no sistema de distribuição de energia elétrica. Todas as simulações realizadas são comparadas com valores amostrais obtidos usando um software comercial especializado.