Abstract
In this technical brief, a new subspace state space system identification algorithm for multi-input multi-output bilinear systems driven by white noise inputs is introduced. The new algorithm is based on a uniformly convergent Picard sequence of linear deterministic-stochastic state space subsystems which are easily identifiable by any linear deterministic-stochastic subspace algorithm such as MOESP, N4SID, CVA, or CCA. The key to the proposed algorithm is the fact that the bilinear term is a second-order white noise process. Using a standard linear Kalman filter model, the bilinear term can be estimated and combined with the system inputs at each iteration, thus leading to a linear system with extended inputs of dimension m(n + 1), where n is the system order and m is the dimension of the inputs. It is also shown that the model parameters obtained with the new algorithm converge to those of the true bilinear model. Moreover, the proposed algorithm has the same consistency conditions as the linear subspace identification algorithms when i -> infinity, where i is the number of block rows in the past/future block Hankel data matrices. Typical bilinear subspace identification algorithms available in the literature cannot handle large values of i, thus leading to biased parameter estimates. Unlike existing bilinear subspace identification algorithms whose row dimensions in the data matrices grow exponentially, and hence suffer from the "curse of dimensionality," in the proposed algorithm the dimensions of the data matrices are comparable to those of a linear subspace identification algorithm. A case study is presented with data from a heat exchanger experiment.

Abstract
In this paper the Wiener-Hammerstein system proposed as a benchmark for the SYSID 2009 benchmark session is identified as a bilinear discrete system. The bilinear approximation relies on both facts that the Wiener-Hammerstein system can be described by a Volterra series which can be approximated by bilinear systems. The identification is performed with an iterative bilinear subspace identification algorithm previously proposed by the authors. In order to increase accuracy, polynomial static nonlinearities are added to the bilinear model input. These Hammerstein type bilinear models are then identified using the same iterative subspace identification algorithm. © 2009 IFAC.

Abstract
In the recent years the ever growing concern of policy makers with respect to natural hazards has led researchers and practitioners to seek more reliable, precise and time efficient techniques map zones prone to hazards. Mass movement is a hazard common to many mountainous areas around the world which can pose a serious threat to the population living within the area as well as to the structures, property, environment and crops. Several geophysical methods assume a relevant role in monitoring and surveying unstable slopes. Our aim was to show that seismic refraction can meet the demands of a time efficient and cost effective method to map this vulnerability. We performed a series if profiles with the aim of determining distribution of rock weathering thickness and velocity distribution within the vicinity of Canelas (NW Portugal). The results of each profile were analysed to give thickness of geotechnical soil as well as average values for both near surface and deeper part of each profile. The results were georeferenced in GIS and thus the estimation of the spatial distribution of the parameters allowed a means of observing some correlation with the previously mapped features of the area, namely the geology and topography.

Abstract
The method of seismic refraction is widely used in many applied Geology fields and problems today. Although it has some limitations, in the case of detecting a lower velocity bounded layer, this method is well tailored to a crystalline environments where, more often, weathering degree is highest on the surface and gradually decreases in depth and thus can aid in associating the weathering degree to velocity. Some relationships have been made to establish a connection between velocities and the elastic properties of rocks. In recent years seismic refraction methods have evolved in terms of improved equipment, especially by means of better seismographs, but particularly due to better inversion techniques that consider the subsurface as a more heterogeneous environment. The later are commonly known as travel time tomography techniques. In crystalline environments this is useful due to the occasional heterogeneity of the near surface but also because of the gradual character of velocity change as opposed to sudden velocity breaks at boundaries that were associated with intercept time methods and even GRM. With this in mind we sought, over the years, to apply this method to projects throughout Portugal. In the northern part it is even more adequate due to the dominant granitic and schistose environments that we encounter. In the past few years High Speed railway networks have been planned to integrate with the European network, already existing in some countries namely Spain and France among others. The project requires detailed planning for excavation in hilly and mountainous terrain due to both engineering and environmental considerations. We had access to a seismic refraction dataset, acquired by a local geophysical company, comprising of around a 190 individual 60m profiles and we interpreted them with a travel time tomography technique. Each section easily permits the filtering of velocity domains and we considered the 800m/s as an empirical limit to separate geotechnical soil from soft rock. Afterwards, by georeferencing in GIS every test over the corresponding lithology, we were able to establish, through simple descriptive statistical parameters, defining characteristic relationships between each lithological group and the geophysical results. These relationships could surely be useful for the sustainable development of the project in this highly variable geologic environment.

Abstract
The growing concern for the preservation of heritage in face of natural hazards led to the appearance of the Regional Framework Operation (OQR) NOE - Heritage and Prevention of Natural Hazards under the Community Initiative INTERREG III C. The OQR NOE, led by the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (PACA, France) region, together with the Northern Portuguese regional coordination agency (CCDR-N), Molise and Sicily regions (Italy) and eastern region of Attica (Greece) aimed at developing preventive measures to safeguard the cultural heritage due to occurrence of natural hazards. The main aims, were to undertake an evaluation of existing practices through a strategy of inter-regional cooperation among the partners NOE and develop concrete actions in the field including strategies for prevention, early warning and intervention adapted to the heritage, awareness and accountability of officials and local decision makers, implementation of trans European experience, development of new technologies, cooperation and support for Euro innovative operations. In this context arised the subproject (SP) GEORISK, that joined an inter-regional cooperation of the City Council Port (CMP), the Bureau de Recherches et Geologiques Mini (BRGM), the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science of the University of Porto (DGFCUP) and the Portuguese Institute of Architectural Heritage (IPPAR), now called the Institute for Management Architectural and Archaeological Heritage (IGESPAR). For the implementation of the SP four main lines of action were defined: (i) Know the methods of assessment of geological hazards in France and Portugal and to foster the exchange of experiences, (ii) identify the specific level of management in relation to heritage geological risks; (iii) define the relevant actions to develop from local and regional decision makers, and (iv) Prepare a "Map of Geological Hazards in Historic Area of Porto (ZHP), to then therefore define a set of management measures, prevention, protection and intervention that can be generalized to other similar cases and to preserve the existing assets and then outline a plan for sustainable recovery. With these objectives in mind we sought map and integrate in GIS all the available information in order to assess the main geologic hazards of Porto: slope stability and seismic hazard

Abstract
This paper presents the results of a series of experiments aiming at the optimisation of vital sign monitoring using textile electrodes to be used in a swimsuit The swimsuit will integrate sensors for the measurement of several physiological and biomechanical signals, this paper will focus on ECG and respiratory movement analysis The data obtained is mainly intended to provide tools for evaluation of high-performance swimmers, although applications can be derived for leisure sports and other situations A comparison between electrodes based on different materials and structures, behaviour in dry and wet environments, as well as the behaviour in different extension states, will be presented The influence of movement on the signal quality, both by the muscular electrical signals as well as by the displacement of the electrodes, will be discussed The final objective is the integration of the electrodes in the swimsuit by knitting them directly in the suit's fabric in a seamless knitting machine