Abstract
The fabrication of Turn Around Point Long Period Fiber Grating in standard SMF-28e fibers through femtosecond laser direct writing is demonstrated and its sensing sensitivity is improved by coating the fiber with titanium dioxide through physical vapor deposition. © 2021 The Author(s).

Abstract
This paper explores the concept of the Local Energy Market and, in particular, the need for Trust in the negotiations necessary for this type of market. A multi-agent system is implemented to simulate the Local Energy Market, and a Trust model is proposed to evaluate the proposals sent by the participants, based on forecasting mechanisms that try to predict the expected behavior of the participant. A case study is carried out with several participants who submit false negotiation proposals to assess the ability of the proposed Trust model to correctly evaluate these participants. The results obtained demonstrate that such an approach has the potential to meet the needs of the local market. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020.

Abstract

Abstract
Training with Virtual Reality (VR) can bring several benefits, such as the reduction of costs and risks. We present an experimental study that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Virtual Environment (VE) to train firefighters using an innovative approach based on a Real Environment (RE) exercise. To measure the VE's effectiveness we used a Presence Questionnaire (PQ) and participant's cybersickness, stress and fatigue. Results from the PQ showed that participants rated the VE with high spatial presence and moderate realness and immersion. Signs of stress, analyzed from participant's Heart-Rate Variability, were shown in the RE but not in the VE. In the remaining variables, there was only an indicative difference for fatigue in the RE. Therefore, the results suggest that although our training VE was successful in giving participants spatial presence and in not causing cybersickness, its realness and immersion provided were not enough to provoke a similar RE response.

Abstract
The main objective of modeling a switched reluctance machine is to derive a mathematical function to relate the outputs to the inputs. Due to the nonlinear relationship between the variables of torque, flux linkage, current and angular position of the rotor, Switched Reluctance Machine (SRM) modeling is a very challenging task and an open problem. Modeling is usually done in two situations, modeling a single machine, or modeling a set of machines. Each one must fulfill different requirements. This work presents a survey of different SRM modeling approaches, evaluating its advantages and limitations when modeling a single machine or a set of machines.

Abstract
The use of robotic solutions in tasks such as the inspection and monitorization of offshore wind farms aims to, not only mitigate the involved risks, but also to reduce the costs of operating and maintaining these structures. Performing a complete inspection of the platforms in useful time is crucial. Therefore, multiple agents can prove to be a cost-effective solution. This work proposes a trajectory planning algorithm, based on the Ant Colony metaheuristic, capable of optimizing the number of Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) to be used, and their corresponding route. Experiments conducted on a simulated environment, representative of the real scenario, proves this approach to be successful in planning a trajectory that is able to select the appropriate number of agents and the trajectory of each agent that avoids collisions and at the same time guarantees the full observation of the offshore structures.