Abstract
This paper presents an innovative and flexible approach for recommending the number, size and composition of purchasing groups, for a set of hospitals willing to cooperate, while minimising their shared supply chain costs. This approach makes the financial impact of the various cooperation alternatives transparent to the group and the individual participants, opening way to a negotiation process concerning the allocation of the cooperation costs and gains. The approach was developed around a hybrid Variable Neighbourhood Search (VNS)/Tabu Search metaheuristic, resulting in a flexible tool that can be applied to purchasing groups with different characteristics, namely different operative and market circumstances, and to supply chains with different topologies and atypical cost characteristics. Preliminary computational results show the potential of the approach in solving a broad range of problems.

Abstract
This article proposes and illustrates a practical methodological framework to evaluate the fitness for use of spatial data sets for environmental and ecological applications, focusing on user requirements for specified application contexts. The methodology is based on the use of metadata to analyze similarity between the data characteristics and the user's needs or expectations for several quality indicators. Additionally, the concept of 'critical factors' is introduced in this framework, allowing users to define which quality indicators have greater importance given their own requirements or expectations and the specified application contexts. The proposed methodology further allows integrating and interconnecting the spatial data quality (SDQ) evaluation methodology with metadata geoportals in WebGIS platforms, facilitating its operation by users from non-spatial disciplines and with often limited expertise on this subject. Examples of the evaluation of fitness for use for specific application contexts within the project BIO_SOS ('Biodiversity Multi-SOurce Monitoring System: From Space To Species' FP7 project) are presented. By providing a prompt and straightforward evaluation tool, the proposed methodology can encourage the implementation of SDQ evaluation routines in ecological assessment and monitoring programs, promoting a more adequate use of geospatial data and ultimately contributing to well-supported policy and management decisions.

Abstract
Nowadays, with the large-scale penetration of distributed and renewable energy resources, ES (energy storage) stands out for its ability of adding flexibility, controlling intermittence and providing back-up generation to electrical networks. It represents the critical link between the energy supply and demand chains, being a key element for increasing the role and attractiveness of renewable generation into the power grid, providing also numerous technical and economic benefits to the power system stake-holders. On islanded systems and micro-grids, being updated about the state-of-the-art of ES systems and their benefits becomes even more relevant. Hence, in the present paper a comprehensive study and analysis of ES leading technologies' main assets, research issues, global market figures, economic benefits and technical applications is provided. Special emphasis is given to ES on islands, as a new contribution to earlier studies, addressing their particular requirements, the most appropriate technologies and existing operating projects throughout the world.

Abstract
The increase in information gathered and processed by large-scale urban sensors networks has generated a corresponding rise in interest in information visualization and interaction design. Creative initiatives in urban space explore how to translate complex data streams into engaging and meaningful outputs for experiencing and interacting with information. This oneday workshop will bring together practitioners and researchers who are interested in the organisation of human activities in urban space, and how these can be supported by technology in a positive way. This event is intended to share and stimulate an interdisciplinary discussion on the topic, with a view to contributing towards more consistent and creative forms of experiencing urban information. Copyright is held by the owner/author(s).

Abstract

Abstract
Combining conventional and unconventional generations with hard forecasting properties and consumption variability has made the task of fitting large amounts of wind generation into unit commitment procedures very challenging. In this context, massive integration of electric vehicles in the electric systems, is expected. This paper aims at evaluating the adequacy of a generating system taking into account the electric vehicles and high wind power integration level in its energy mix. This study was conducted on the European project MERGE framework, and the results have shown that the generating system evaluated is reliable. Nevertheless, the simulations carried out for scenarios with adverse weather conditions (dry years) have revealed specific circumstances that might jeopardize the system adequacy. © 2014 IEEE.