Abstract
This study aims at assessing the accuracy of estimating daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo) computed with NASA POWER reanalysis products. Daily ETo estimated from local observations of weather variables in 14 weather stations distributed across Alentejo Region, Southern Portugal were compared with ETo derived from NASA POWER weather data, using raw and bias-corrected datasets. Three different methods were used to compute ETo: (a) FAO Penman-Monteith (PM); (b) Hargreaves-Samani (HS); and (c) MaxTET. Results show that, when using raw NASA POWER datasets, a good accuracy between the observed ETo and reanalysis ETo was observed in most locations (R-2 > 0.70). PM shows a tendency to over-estimating ETo with an RMSE as high as 1.41 mm d(-1), while using a temperature-based ET estimation method, an RMSE lower than 0.92 mm d(-1) is obtained. If a local bias correction is adopted, the temperature-based methods show a small over or underestimation of ETo (-0.40 mm d(-1) & LE; MBE < 0.40 mm d(-1)). As for PM, ETo is still underestimated for 13 locations (MBE < 0 mm d(-1)) but with an RMSE never higher than 0.77 mm d(-1). When NASA POWER raw data is used to estimate ETo, HS_Rs proved the most accurate method, providing the lowest RMSE for half the locations. However, if a data regional bias correction is used, PM leads to the most accurate ETo estimation for half the locations; also, when a local bias correction is performed, PM proved the be the most accurate ETo estimation method for most locations. Nonetheless, MaxTET proved to be an accurate method; its simplicity may prove to be successful not only when only maximum temperature data is available but also due to the low data required for ETo estimation.

Abstract

Abstract
Cork stoppers were shown to have unique characteristics that allow their use for authentication purposes in an anti-counterfeiting effort. This authentication process relies on the comparison between a user's cork image and all registered cork images in the database of genuine items. With the growth of the database, this one-to-many comparison method becomes lengthier and therefore usefulness decreases. To tackle this problem, the present work designs and compares hashing-assisted image matching methods that can be used in cork stopper authentication. The analyzed approaches are the discrete cosine transform, wavelet transform, Radon transform, and other methods such as difference hash and average hash. The most successful approach uses a 1024-bit hash length and difference hash method providing a 98% accuracy rate. By transforming the image matching into a hash matching problem, the approach presented becomes almost 40 times faster when compared to the literature.

Abstract
The buildings' energy consumption increasing requires solutions to improve their energy efficiency, thus reducing the electricity bill's associated costs. This paper aims to study the load profiles of a service building and its optimization to reduce the costs related to electricity consumption. The electrical load profiles are analyzed, and the electrical equipment and its consumption are characterized. Moreover, to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs, a renewable energy system based on photovoltaic panels is sized and integrated into the building. The analysis of the building's consumption profiles allowed the PV system's dimensioning to eliminate power peaks, enabling a reduction in the contracted power. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution, resulting in a reduction of the electricity bill.

Abstract
The trend towards a decentralized, decarbonized, and digital energy system is gaining momentum. A key driver of this change is the rapid penetration increase of Distributed Energy Resources (DER). Commercial consumers can offer significant contributions to future energy systems, especially by engaging in demand response services. Virtual Power Plants (VPP) can aggregate and operate DERs to provide the required energy to the local grid and allowing for the participation in wholesale energy markets. This work considers both the technical constraints of the distribution system as well as the commercial consumer's comfort preferences. A stochastic mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimization model is developed to optimize the scheduling of various DERs owned by commercial consumers to maximize the profit of the TVPP. A case study on the IEEE 119-bus test system is carried out. Results from the case study show that the TVPP provides optimal DER scheduling, improved system reliability and increase in demand response engagement, while maintaining commercial consumer comfort levels. In addition, the profit of the TVPP increases by 49.23% relative to the baseline scenario.

Abstract
It was a recognized challenge of lack of ventilators needed to face COVID-19 worldwide. Although ventilators are sparse, self-inflating manual resuscitators are widely available in-hospital services, providing a rapid response to respiratory depression. Based on this, a device (PNEUMA) This work describes the use of a simulation environment to test the usability of a novel device to automate self-inflating manual resuscitators.The usability study was divided into two parts: (1) participants followed a protocol with instructions for assembling and using the system in a non-clinical context (Usability testing. Left panel – assembly of the system (part I); right panel – use of the system in an immersive clinical simulation environment (part II).A convenience sample (two MDs and six RNs) from an intensive care unit of a tertiary Portuguese hospital participated in the test. Usability testing showed that the system was easy and timely assembled, with low complexity of use (e.g. not requiring external help). The clinical scenario tested the transition between spontaneous and mechanical ventilation, and ventilatory parameters’ control, using PNEUMA. All participants reported that the controllable parameters (I:E, RR, Vol, PIP, Plat, and PEEP) were relevant and easy to change. Participants suggested the inclusion of patient parameters such as the tidal volume and lung compliance. Participants also suggested improvements, such as the inclusion of pressure alarms and a more user-friendly interface. All participants reported that they would be willing to use the device for emergency use.The reported study resulted in recommendations and ameliorations of the device, before its use in real settings, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of simulation environments for device/systems’ testing provides a timely and standardized approach, enabling a safer clinical practice.