Abstract
In the Industry 4.0 context, humans are taking up new roles in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) since it was realized that they constitute the most flexible part of an automated system. With this new reality, humans are becoming integral parts of CPS, entering in the realm of the Human-in-the-Loop of Cyber-Physical Systems (HiLCPS). In this paper, the challenges and technologies for the integration of humans in CPS environments are briefly discussed, and a practical application of the HiLCPS concept is presented. For this purpose, a human operation workbench is empowered with intelligent decision and assistant systems that use, among others, reasoning algorithms, image processing and speech recognition, to improve the productivity and quality of the tasks performed by humans, particularly focusing the assembly of highly customized products, as well as the training of operators to perform complex assembly, repairing or maintenance tasks.

Abstract
This paper analyses the effect of new smart grid technologies (SGTs) on the reliability indices typically specified by distribution network operators in low-voltage rural distribution systems. Rural areas generally denoted as 'thinly-populated', are to a large extent neglected in the anticipated transformation of existing networks into the future smart grid. An innovative Monte Carlo simulation technique is refined in this analysis to model the stochastic failure rates of power components over a specific time period, which are then applied to network load flow analysis to assess the quality of supply enhancement of a modelled rural distribution network. The proposed method enables much faster and more refined reliability studies, allowing for larger data sets to capture the inherent uncertainty from the new SGTs. Simulation results providing base case reliability indices, and the addition of SGTs accumulated from models in previous works, provide scenarios used for comparison into SGT-effectiveness.

Abstract

In the last decade the advances in wearable technology have driven and transformed performance monitoring in fitness and wellness applications, surveillance in extreme (working) conditions, and management of chronic diseases. These innovations have opened a whole new perspective on health and social care, challenged by vast expenditures in ageing societies.

Abstract
The topic of Smart Cities involves various aspects of convergence and support to necessarily safe activities, which are dependent on reliable data and reliable sources. The answer could be provided by means of the adoption model of Blockchain technologies for this purpose, applied to the different characteristics of the city from the electronic governance, the contracting of products and services, and the sensing or data collection. The multiple IoT objects and the multiple networks, together with the Blockchain technology, may result in safer and more efficient cities. This paper analyzes and deepens the concept of Smart Cities using Blockchain technology as a platform for safety and reliability of the data. It is intended to reflect critically on this topic, looking through the different aspects involving this concept and the way in which it can implement. It analyzes the Smart Cities and its ecosystems with the generic data models, integrated, with quality data and trusted information.

Abstract

Abstract
The classical multi-level lot-sizing and scheduling problem formulations for process industries rarely address perishability issues, such as limited shelf lives of intermediate products. In some industries, ignoring this specificity may result in severe losses. In this paper, we start by extending a classical multi-level lot-sizing and scheduling problem formulation (MLGLSP) to incorporate perishability issues. We further demonstrate that with the objective of minimising the total costs (purchasing, inventory and setup), the production plans generated by classical models are often infeasible under a setting with perishable products. The model distinguishes different perishability characteristics of raw materials, intermediates and end products according to various industries. Finally, we provide quantitative insights on the importance of considering perishability for different production settings when solving integrated production planning and scheduling problems.