Abstract
Prior statistical knowledge of atmospheric turbulence is essential for designing, optimizing and evaluating tomographic adaptive optics systems. We present the statistics of the vertical profiles of CN2 and the outer scale at Maunakea estimated using a SLOpe Detection And Ranging (SLODAR) method from on-sky telemetry taken by a multi-object adaptive optics (MOAO) demonstrator, called RAVEN, on the Subaru telescope. In our SLODAR method, the profiles are estimated by fitting the theoretical autocorrelations and cross-correlations of measurements from multiple Shack-Haltmann wavefront sensors to the observed correlations via the non-linear Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm (LMA). The analytical derivatives of the spatial phase structure function with respect to its parameters for the LMA are also developed. From a total of 12 nights in the summer season, a large ground CN2 fraction of 54.3 per cent is found, with median estimated seeing of 0.460 arcsec. This median seeing value is below the results for Maunakea from the literature (0.6-0.7 arcsec). The average CN2 profile is in good agreement with results from the literature, except for the ground layer. The median value of the outer scale is 25.5 m and the outer scale is larger at higher altitudes; these trends of the outer scale are consistent with findings in the literature.

Abstract
In recent years, we have been witnessing a real explosion of information, due in large part to the development in Information and Knowledge Technologies (ICTs). As in-formation is the raw material for the discovery of knowledge, there has been a rapid growth, both in the scientific community and in ICT itself, in the approach and study of the phenomenon called Big Data (BD) [1]. The concept of Smart Grids (SG) has emerged as a way of rethinking how to produce and consume energy imposed by economic, political and ecological issues [2]. To become a reality, SGs must be sup-ported by intelligent and autonomous IT systems, to make the right decisions in real time. Knowledge needed for real-time decision-making can only be achieved if SGs are equipped with systems capable of efficiently managing all the information sur-rounding their ecosystem. Multi-Agent systems have been increasingly used from this purpose. This work proposes a system for the management of information in the context of agent based SG to enable the monitoring, in real time, of the events that occur in the ecosystem and to predict upcoming events.

Abstract
We address the problem of generating electricity through Underwater Kite Power Systems. For this problem, we develop an optimal control problem formulation using a continuous-time model of the kite to devise the trajectories and controls for the kite that maximize the total energy produced in a given time interval. This is an highly nonlinear problem for which the optimization is challenging. We also develop a numerical solution scheme for the optimal control problem based on direct methods and on adaptive time-mesh refinement. We report results that show that the problem can be quickly solved with a high level of accuracy when using our adaptive mesh refinement strategy. The results confirm the values of electrical power that can be produced with such device.

Abstract
Although MNEs are important players in the present global world, there has been a debate regarding, on one hand, how MNEs contribute to the development of indigenous firms in host countries, and on the other hand, how indigenous suppliers are able to cope with their international technology demanding clients. This chapter analyzes the patterns of technology acquisition of 40 firms that supply eight multinational firms that belong to four different industries. It is possible to conclude that there are certain differences among foreign and indigenous suppliers as well across the industries they belong to. These differences are the result of a cumulative process over time, which reflect the different performances of the companies and their relationships with the environment.

Abstract
The hospitalization of patients with Heart Failure represents an increasing burden for the healthcare system with more than 23 million worldwide suffering from this disease. In this paper we explore methods to detect fluid retention in the lungs by measuring the thoracic impedance, so that is possible to monitor Heart Failure patients, and physicians can early detect acute episodes. A small and portable device was developed to measure the thoracic impedance of the patient. From the measured thoracic impedance it can estimate the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. This device is a low cost, friendly to use equipment that can be operated by a big range of users: Moreover, it was designed for low power consumption with a rechargeable battery for portable use. The device empowers the patient to monitor his own body fluid at home, and a physician can follow him remotely. This procedure would help to drastically reduce the number of hospitalizations and, consequently, improve the quality of life of people diagnosed with Heart Failure.

Abstract
This study addresses long-term sea level variability in Macaronesia from a holistic perspective using all available instrumental records in the region, including a dense network of GPS continuous stations, tide gauges and satellite observations. A detailed assessment of vertical movement from GPS time series underlines the influence of the complex volcano-tectonic setting of the Macaronesian islands in local uplift/subsidence. Relative sea level for the region is spatially highly variable, ranging from -1.1 to 5.1 mm yr(-1). Absolute sea level from satellite altimetry exhibits consistent trends in the Macaronesia, with a mean value of 3.0 +/- 0.5 mm yr(-1). Typically, sea level trends from tide gauge records corrected for vertical movement using the estimates from GPS time series are lower than uncorrected estimates. The agreement between satellite altimetry and tide gauge trends corrected for vertical land varies substantially from island to island. Trends derived from the combination of GPS and tide gauge observations differ by less than 1 mm yr(-1) with respect to absolute sea level trends from satellite altimetry for 56 per cent of the stations, despite the heterogeneity in length of both GPS and tide gauge series, and the influence of volcanic-tectonic processes affecting the position of some GPS stations.