Abstract

Abstract
Climatic data collected between 1963 and 2010 in the Portuguese Dão wine growing region were analysed to evaluate the relationship between climatic indices, seasonal weather and the berry composition of the red cultivar 'Touriga Nacional'. The trends over time for the classical temperature-based indices (growing season temperature, growing degree days, biologically effective degree days, Huglin index and cool night index) were significantly positive and can be mostly attributed to the effects of climate change. The dryness index showed a negative trend although not significant. These indices were able to explain 9 and 45% of the variability in total soluble solids and titratable acidity, respectively, using a multiple stepwise regression analysis. The proportion of explained variability was much improved, to 52% for total soluble solids and 65% for titratable acidity, when new climatic indices were used. The new indices resulted from the generalisation of the classical indices based upon chronological time specification as well as taking into consideration the phenological time instead. Our data shows that the classical climatic indices were not able to sufficiently explain the berry composition, and that new climatic indices should be used for a better understanding of the climate drivers of berry quality.

Abstract
No sentido de combater doenças que afetam as populações, existe um grande interesse na utilização de métodos quantitativos que se baseiam em modelos matemáticos. Os modelos epidemiológicos simulam a dinâmica infeciosa nas populações, ou seja, o aumento ou diminuição do número de infetados. Através destes modelos é possível fazer estimativas e provisões sobre o alcance da epidemia. Por outro lado permitem também prever o efeito de certas medidas preventivas, como por exemplo a vacinação Neste projeto exploram-se os modelos estocásticos para simular a evolução de um surto infecioso em diferentes contextos. Os modelos são implementados utilizando os métodos de simulação aleatória de Monte Carlo. O caso estudado consiste na propaga- ção de uma infeção numa enfermaria hospitalar, onde foram consideradas diferentes taxa de contágio, de mobilidade e de vacinação. Procura-se também fazer a simulação através do método das Cadeias de Markov de forma a tirar partido das suas vantagens computacionais. Esta técnica foi implementada para modelar uma epidemia numa população homogénea uniformemente misturada. Após obter os resultados das simulações, foram apresentadas as conclusões relativas aos métodos de Monte Carlo e método das cadeias de Markov.

Abstract
The design and modelling of a novel magnetic field sensor based on a long period fiber grating coated with a thin film of N doped ZnO is reported. The parameters of both, the grating and the thin film were carefully chosen to operate in the transition mode and near to the dispersion turning point. At this point, an LPFG shows its maximum sensitivity to external refractive index variations. The magnetic field induces variations in the coating refractive index, which changes the effective refractive index of the cladding mode and the consequent spectral response. In this work a sensitivity to the surrounding magnetic field of 2.9 nm/mT is reported with a maximum theoretical resolution of 2 mu T.

Abstract
In an increasingly aged society, with unmeasurable cultural richness kept by its elder elements for their vast life experience, it is urgent to preserve this cultural knowledge before it disappears. The capacity of the computational space to accommodate a virtualization of reality is evident, alongside with the possibility to preserve perspectives of reality with spontaneous and very easy to sort creations thanks to the web tools that now support content production by any common user. Despite all the relevant problematics brought by this context where the common user is simultaneously consumer and producer of information, the opportunities for the present and future of cultural identity maintenance are numerous. This paper approaches the idea of supporting the participatory maintenance of cultural identity through intergenerational storytelling and the dynamization of digital affinity spaces. Our contribution aims to grow the understanding of the role that interactive narratives can have in the real world and in the specific context of cultural identity maintenance, by developing new usage strategies to enhance cultural mediation with the tools we have available and with the help of social, ubiquitous and mobile storytelling strategies.

Abstract
The smart grid initiative, integrating advanced sensing technologies, intelligent control methods, and bi-directional communications into the contemporary electricity grid, offers excellent opportunities for energy efficiency improvements and better integration of distributed generation, coexisting with centralized generation units within an active network. A large share of the installed capacity for recent renewable energy sources already comprises insular electricity grids, since the latter are preferable due to their high potential for renewables. However, the increasing share of renewables in the power generation mix of insular power systems presents a significant challenge to efficient management of the insular distribution networks, mainly due to the variability and uncertainty of renewable generation. More than other electricity grids, insular electricity grids require the incorporation of sustainable resources and the maximization of the integration of local resources, as well as specific solutions to cope with the inherent characteristics of renewable generation. Insular power systems need a new generation of methodologies and tools to face the new paradigm of large-scale renewable integration. Smart and Sustainable Power Systems: Operations, Planning, and Economics of Insular Electricity Grids discusses the modeling, simulation, and optimization of insular power systems to address the effects of large-scale integration of renewables and demand-side management. This practical book: • Describes insular power systems, renewable energies, uncertainty, variability, reserves, and demand response • Examines state-of-the-art forecasting techniques, power flow calculations, and scheduling models • Covers probabilistic and stochastic approaches, scenario generation, and short-term operation • Includes comprehensive testing and validation of the mathematical models using real-world data • Explores electric price signals, competitive operation of distribution networks, and network expansion planning Smart and Sustainable Power Systems: Operations, Planning, and Economics of Insular Electricity Grids provides a valuable resource for the design of efficient methodologies, tools, and solutions for the development of a truly sustainable and smart grid. © 2015 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.