Abstract
Databases provide an efficient way to store, retrieve and analyze data. Oracle relational database is one of the most popular database management systems that is widely used in a different variety of industries and businesses. Therefore, it is important to guarantee that the database access and data manipulation is optimized for reducing database system response time. This paper intends to analyze the performance and the main optimization techniques (Forall, Returning, and Bulk Collect) that can be adopted for Oracle Relational Databases. The results have shown that the adoption of Forall and Bulk Collect approaches bring significant benefits in terms of execution time. Furthermore, the growth rate of the average execution time is lower for Bulk Collect than Forall. However, adoption of Returning approach doesn't bring significant statistical benefits.

Abstract
Transmission Expansion Planning (TEP) problem aims at identifying when and where new equipment as transmission lines, cables and transformers should be inserted on the grid. The transmission upgrade capacity is motivated by several factors as meeting the increasing electricity demand, increasing the reliability of the system and providing non-discriminatory access to cheap generation for consumers. However, TEP problems have been changing over the years as the electrical system evolves. In this way, this paper provides a detailed historical analysis of the evolution of the TEP over the years and the prospects for this challenging task. Furthermore, this study presents an outline review of more than 140 recent articles about TEP problems, literature insights and identified gaps as a critical thinking in how new tools and approaches on TEP can contribute for the new era of renewable and distributed electricity markets.

Abstract
This Letter discusses the benefits of introducing Machine Learning techniques in multi-view streaming applications. Widespread use of machine learning techniques has contributed to significant gains in numerous scientific and industry fields. Nonetheless, these have not yet been specifically applied to adaptive interactive multimedia streaming systems where, typically, the encoding bit rate is adapted based on resources availability, targeting the efficient use of network resources whilst offering the best possible user quality of experience (QoE). Intrinsic user data could be coupled with such existing quality adaptation mechanisms to derive better results, driven also by the preferences of the user. Head-tracking data, captured from camera feeds available at the user side, is an example of such data to which Recurrent Attention Models could be applied to accurately predict the focus of attention of users within videos frames. Information obtained from such models could be used to assist a preemptive buffering approach of specific viewing angles, contributing to the joint goal of maximising QoE. Based on these assumptions, a research line is presented, focusing on obtaining better QoE in an already existing multi-view streaming system

Abstract
Wind energy sources have created new challenges in power system scheduling to follow the network load. Gas fired units with high ramping could better deal with inherent uncertainties of wind power compared to other power generation sources. The natural gas system constraints affect the flexibility of natural gas- fired power plants in the electrical market. In this paper, three solutions have been proposed to cover the challenges of gas system constraints and the uncertainty of wind power: 1) using information-gap decision theory (IGDT) based robust approach to address the uncertainty caused by the intrinsic nature of wind power, 2) Integration of compressed air energy storage (CAES), and demand response (DR) in day-ahead scheduling and 3) considering flexible ramping products in order to ensure reliable operations, there must be enough ramp to eliminate the variability of wind power in real-time dispatch stage. This paper proposes an IGDT-based robust security constrained unit commitment (SCUC) model for coordinated electricity and natural gas systems with the integration of wind power and emerging flexible resources while taking the flexible ramping products into account. Numerical tests demonstrate the effect of emerging flexible resources on a reduction of system operation cost and the uncertainty of predicted wind power.

Abstract
The growing needs in exploring ocean resources have been pushing the length and complexity of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) missions, leading to more stringent energy requirements. A promising approach to reduce the energy consumption of AUVs is to use variable buoyancy systems (VBSs) as a replacement or complement to thruster action, since VBSs only require energy consumption during limited periods of time to control the vehicle's floatation. This paper presents the development of an electrohydraulic VBS to be included in an existing AUV for shallow depths of up to 100 m. The device's preliminary mechanical design is presented, and a mathematical model of the device's power consumption is developed, based on data provided by the manufacturer. Taking a standard mission profile as an example, a comparison between the energy consumed using thrusters and the designed VBS is presented and compared.

Abstract
When we look around us, we see people of all ages using all kinds of technology, more specifically, devices like cellphones are used by younglings, adults and older people. There is no escaping it. Consequently, we decided to analyse how technologies affect the lives of these men and women, focusing on an older age group, mainly because of the lack of studies that focus on people over 65. If most of them are able to speak, focus, and learn, how many of them have given in to the new waves of evolution that have feasted on the world for the past few years? That is exactly what we are trying to find out: How older people react to new technology (more specifically to information and communication technologies or ICT), how often and how they use it. For this study, we decided to focus on the littoral north of Portugal, given that the author-group’s members live along the coast line. A survey was performed (with 56 valid responses) as were eight interviews. Regarding the view that the older people we have interviewed have of millennials, most of our respondents show some concern. Notably, they see the Internet as an addiction of the younger elements in society, contributing to them getting into trouble, losing interest in school, meeting up with strangers and only being concerned with being popular on social media. As concerns ICT usage by elders, the psychological component of the “I can’t" does not help them. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019.