Abstract
This paper proposes the development of a technological platform for support of psycho-technical tests in higher education institutions. This subject deals with a topic extremely important for the institution and for students, because the platform will serve internally to assist students in preparing them for the professional life. The application is web hosted and exclusively built using open source technologies. The application allows teachers to create new psycho-technical tests in various technical and scientific fields. Each psycho-technical test is composed of several multiple-choice questions, and the teacher may specify the list of alternative answers and indicate a maximum response time for each question. For its part, the students can visualise the list of psycho-technical tests available organised by subject. The platform registers the performance of students in several domains and allows students to practice and improve their skills. In this way, students may be better prepared for job interviews and, consequently, for the job market.   Keywords: Psycho-technical tests, web applications, software engineering, student evaluations, information technology.  

Abstract
The micro-grid concept has recently gained increasing attention for power system operators to increase the operational effectiveness and provide a more reliable, sustainable and economic power system. To ensure the autonomous power supply when disconnected from the bulk power system, energy storage system (ESS) options as well as demand side flexibility can be used to provide the local balance between time-varying production and consumption in a micro-grid structure. In this study, the demand side flexibility via thermostatically controllable appliances (TCAs)-based direct load control (DLC) strategies and common ESSs-based bi-directional energy flow possibility is considered for the economic operation of a micro-grid. Different case studies are conducted for validating the effectiveness of the proposed structure.

Abstract
This paper presents preliminary results of common water thermal conductivity measurements using an all-fiber sensor based in conventional hot-wire method concept. The thermal conductivity of common water at room temperature obtained is 0.699 W/mK. Although the result is relatively distinct, about 14%, from the reference value found in literature, it is promising and indicates the feasibility of using the experimental arrangement for measuring thermal properties of materials with higher accuracy, provided that improvements already foreseen in future work be incorporated. © OSA 2018 © 2018 The Author(s)

Abstract

Abstract
This work presents an interferometric study of the massive-binary fraction in the Orion Trapezium cluster with the recently comissioned GRAVITY instrument. We observed a total of 16 stars of mainly OB spectral type. We find three previously unknown companions for theta(1) Ori B, theta(2) Ori B, and theta(2) Ori C. We determined a separation for the previously suspected companion of NU Ori. We confirm four companions for theta(1) Ori A, theta(1) Ori C, theta(1) Ori D, and theta(2) Ori A, all with substantially improved astrometry and photometric mass estimates. We refined the orbit of the eccentric high-mass binary theta(1) Ori C and we are able to derive a new orbit for theta(1) Ori D. We find a system mass of 21.7 M-circle dot and a period of 53 days. Together with other previously detected companions seen in spectroscopy or direct imaging, eleven of the 16 high-mass stars are multiple systems. We obtain a total number of 22 companions with separations up to 600 AU. The companion fraction of the early B and O stars in our sample is about two, significantly higher than in earlier studies of mostly OB associations. The separation distribution hints toward a bimodality. Such a bimodality has been previously found in A stars, but rarely in OB binaries, which up to this point have been assumed to be mostly compact with a tail of wider companions. We also do not find a substantial population of equal-mass binaries. The observed distribution of mass ratios declines steeply with mass, and like the direct star counts, indicates that our companions follow a standard power law initial mass function. Again, this is in contrast to earlier findings of flat mass ratio distributions in OB associations. We excluded collision as a dominant formation mechanism but find no clear preference for core accretion or competitive accretion.

Abstract
This paper presents the development of an Escargot Nursery by a multinational and multidisciplinary team of 3rd year undergraduates within the framework of EPS@ISEP - the European Project Semester (EPS) offered by the Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP). The challenge was to design, develop and test a snail farm compliant with the applicable EU directives and the given budget. The Team, motivated by the desire to solve this multidisciplinary problem, embarked on an active learning journey, involving scientific, technical, marketing, sustainable and ethical development studies, brainstorming and decision-making. Based on this project-based learning approach, the Team identified the lack of innovative domestic snail farm products and, consequently, proposed the development of "EscarGO", a stylish solution for the domestic market. The paper details the proposed design and control system, including materials, components and technologies. This learning experience, which was focussed on the development of multicultural communication, multidisciplinary teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making competencies in students, produced as a tangible evidence the proof of concept prototype of "EscarGO", an Escargot Nursery designed for families to easily grow snails at home.