Abstract
Melanoma is the most dangerous and lethal form of human skin cancer and the early detection is a fundamental key for its successful management. In recent years the use of automatic classification algorithms in the context of Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems have been an important tool, by improving quantification metrics and also assisting in the decision regarding lesion management. This paper presents a novel and robust textured-based approach to detect melanomas among melanocytic images obtained by dermoscopy, using Local Binary Pattern Variance (LBPV) histograms after the Bidimensional Empirical Mode Decomposition (BEMD) scale-based decomposition methodology. The results show that it is possible to develop a robust CAD system for the classification of dermoscopy images obtained from different databases and acquired in diverse conditions. After the initial texture-scale based classification a post-processing refinement is proposed using reticular pattern and color achieving to 97.83, 94.44 and 96.00 for Sensitivity, Specificity and Accuracy.

Abstract

Abstract
In order to increase sales and profits, it is common that e-commerce website owners resort to several marketing and advertising techniques, attempting to influence user actions. Summarizing and analysing user behaviour is a complex task since it is hard to extrapolate patterns that never occurred before and the causality aspects of the system are not usually taken into consideration. There has been studies about characterizing user behaviour and interactions in e-commerce websites that could be used to improve this process. This paper presents an agent-based framework for simulating models of user behaviour created through data mining processes within an e-commerce context. The purpose of framework is to study the reaction of user to stimuli that influence their actions while navigating the website. Furthermore a scalability analysis is performed on a case-study.

Abstract
A Mach-Zehnder interferometer was created from a cavity milled in the taper region next to a microfiber knot resonator. A focused ion beam was used to mill the cavity with 47.8 mu m in length. The microfiber knot resonator was created from an 11 mu m diameter taper, produced using a filament fusion splicer. After milling the cavity, the microfiber knot resonator spectrum is still visible. The final response of the presented sensor is a microfiber knot resonator spectrum modulated by the Mach-Zehnder interference spectrum. A preliminary result of -8935 +/- 108 nm/RIU was obtained for the refractive index sensitivity of the cavity component in a refractive index range of n = 1.333 to 1.341. Simultaneous measurement of refractive index and temperature using this combined structure is a future goal.

Abstract
This paper investigates the effectiveness of using different decision-making frameworks in local energy systems (LES) through the assessment of the long-term equilibrium of energy players. For this purpose, the energy system is modelled through two levels of multi-energy player (MEP) and LES, coupled by energy price signals. The conflict between the decision-making of these two levels of players is modelled through a bi-level approach. A mathematical problem with equilibrium constraint is formulated by applying the duality theory, resorting to a linear representation of the constraints. The solution is found by using the CPLEX12 solver. The numerical results show the characteristics of the MEP behaviour in different energy aggregation modes for the LES, with centralised management or uniform pricing. The MEP may find benefits from possible synergies among the LES due to availability of energy carriers with complementary characteristics.

Abstract
Renewable energies as a solution for environmental issues have always been a key research area due to Demand Response Programs (DRPs). However, the intermittent nature of such energies may cause economic and technological challenges for Independent System Operators (ISOs) besides DRPs, since the acceptable effective solution may exceed the requirement of further investigations. Although, previous studies emphasized employing Demand Response and Renewable Energies in power systems, each problem was investigated independently, and there have been few studies which have investigated these problems simultaneously. In these recent studies, authors neither analyzed these problems simultaneously nor discussed which scientific and practical aspects of demand response and renewable energy injection were employed. Motivated by this requirement, this research has focused on a comprehensive review of recent research of these cases to provide a comprehensive reference for future works.