Abstract

Abstract
A metrological assessment of grating-based optical fiber sensors is proposed with the aim of providing an objective evaluation of the performance of this sensor category. Attention was focused on the most common parameters, used to describe the performance of both optical refractometers and biosensors, which encompassed sensitivity, with a distinction between volume or bulk sensitivity and surface sensitivity, resolution, response time, limit of detection, specificity (or selectivity), reusability (or regenerability) and some other parameters of generic interest, such as measurement uncertainty, accuracy, precision, stability, drift, repeatability and reproducibility. Clearly, the concepts discussed here can also be applied to any resonance-based sensor, thus providing the basis for an easier and direct performance comparison of a great number of sensors published in the literature up to now. In addition, common mistakes present in the literature made for the evaluation of sensor performance are highlighted, and lastly a uniform performance assessment is discussed and provided. Finally, some design strategies will be proposed to develop a grating-based optical fiber sensing scheme with improved performance.

Abstract
Model-Based learning is a methodology that facilitates students' construction of scientific knowledge, which, sometimes, includes restructuring their mental models. Taking into consideration students' learning process, its aim is to promote a deeper understanding of phenomena's dynamics through the manipulation of models. Our aim was to ascertain whether the use of three different types of models, integrated into an intervention program whose goal was to teach the "seismic effects on soils and buildings", would influence the learning process of graduation students or not. For a better understanding of the results, the data were collected and analyzed through a combination of methods using, simultaneously, quantitative and qualitative method. And results not only confirmed the importance of the use of models, but also led us to the conclusion that despite the potential and limitations of all three models, mixed models are better for restructuring students' mental models and the development of meaningful learning.

Abstract
Object localization and tracking is core to many practical applications, like human-computer interaction, security and surveillance, robot competitions and Industry 4.0. Such task may be computationally demanding, especially for traditional embedded systems, that usually have tight processing and storage constraints. This calls for the investigation of alternatives, including emergent heterogeneous embedded systems, like the Parallella line of single-board-computers (SBCs). The work presented in this paper explores the use of a Parallella board with a 16-core Epiphany co-processor, to perform real-time tracking of objects in frames captured by a Kinect sensor, based on color segmentation. We addressed several processing strategies, trying to assess which one performed better. We also ran the same code (where applicable) in several models of the Raspberry Pi platform, for comparison. We conclude that effectively exploring the Epiphany co-processor is not trivial, requiring considerable programming effort and suitable applications (CPU-demanding and highly parallelizable), to the extent that simpler development approaches, on more recent SBCs may be more effective. © 2017.

Abstract
In recent years, spatial load forecasting studies have helped to direct the expansion of the distribution systems in cities with rapid urban growth, providing maps that showing the spatial distribution of expected load. However, these maps do not allow to determine how load varies on the existing network elements. This information is important to define the reinforcements or the installation of new facilities in the electrical distribution network. In order to help planners in such decisions, a search method to allocate the loads resulting from spatial load forecasting studies is presented. This method treats each of these forecast loads as new load center to be connected to an existing distribution feeder. To find the path from a load center, the proposed method uses a list of its nearby feeders. Allocation depends on the path cost function, which is calculated based on the supply capability of the network elements. The proposal chooses the shortest path with sufficient capacity to supply the new load, i.e., it finds the path with minimal cost function for list of nearby feeders. The result is the final available capability of existing networks (after the allocation process) to supply the expected loads in the geographic area. The method is tested using the results of a spatial load forecast for a real distribution system in a medium-sized Brazilian city. In this test system, the load allocation influenced the number of network elements to be reinforced. The proposal was compared to commercial software, showing a configuration with smaller numbers of overload elements and a lower cost of expansion to the most overloaded feeders.

Abstract
A botnet consists of a network of computers that run a special software that allows a third-party to remotely control them. This characteristic presents a major issue regarding security in the Internet. Although common malicious software infect the network with almost immediate visible consequences, there are cases where that software acts stealthy without direct visible effects on the host machine. This is the normal case of botnets. However, not always the bot software is created and used for illicit purposes. There is a need for further exploring the concepts behind botnets and network security. For this purpose, this paper presents and discusses an educational tool that consists of an open-source botnet software kit with built-in functionalities. The tool enables anyone with some computer technical knowledge, to experiment and find out how botnets work and can be changed and adapted to a variety of useful applications, such as introducing and exemplifying security and distributed systems' concepts. Copyright