Abstract
The measurement of refractive index (RI) is an important tool for label free biosensing in biomedical applications [1,2]. In this work, a LPG based fiber optic interferometric probe is used for thrombin detection. The aptamer raised against the thrombin was immobilized through an electrostatic immobilization method, using poly-L-lysine as cationic polymer. The functionalized probe was characterized and tested against thrombin. The system was validated with the detection of thrombin using an aptamer based probe (5'-[ amine]GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG-3') as a model system for protein detection. The shift corresponding to the affinity-assay between TBA and the thrombin was of about 56 pm. A differential readout interferometer based on a white light Mach-Zehnder configuration, with pseudo-heterodyne phase modulation is described. The system can be used to interrogate two similar LPGs based interferometers in a differential scheme. Considering the configuration where both devices are functionalized being one active (sensor) and the other one passive ( reference) it is possible to accurately measure the behavior of the analyte of interest independent of non-specific binding events, bulk refractive index changes and temperature. Signal processing with low cost digital instrumentation developed in Labview environment allows a detectable change in refractive index of Delta n approximate to 2x10(6) [3]. Coupling the sensing probe together with a passively functionalized reference probe in a differential system will enable pseudo-heterodyne interrogation and extremely sensitive phase detection of biological species.

Abstract

Abstract
Contemporary safety standards prescribe processes in which system safety requirements, captured early and expressed in the form of Safety Integrity Levels (SILs), are iteratively allocated to architectural elements. Different SILs reflect different requirements stringencies and consequently different development costs. Therefore, the allocation of safety requirements is not a simple problem of applying an allocation "algebra" as treated by most standards; it is a complex optimisation problem, one of finding a strategy that minimises cost whilst meeting safety requirements. One difficulty is the lack of a commonly agreed heuristic for how costs increase between SILs. In this paper, we define this important problem; then we take the example of an automotive system and using an automated approach show that different cost heuristics lead to different optimal SIL allocations. Without automation it would have been impossible to explore the vast space of allocations and to discuss the subtleties involved in this problem.

Abstract
While a great number of battery balancing circuit topologies have been proposed, the unique control objective typically pursued is equalization of single cell charge. However, a balancing circuit could offer potentially more control features, especially with topologies able to provide bidirectional power flow control. This has not been explored yet in literature or at least not with enough thoroughness. Thus, in addition to charge balancing, up to three more objectives could be pursued simultaneously. Firstly, virtual resistance control, in order to provide dynamic compensation for variations in terminal cell voltage. Secondly, thermal management, to achieve a more uniform temperature distribution within a battery pack. Third, on-board diagnosis or fault detection tools, e.g. to perform characterization tests or to identify and even isolate problematic cells. In this paper, this issue is discussed and evaluated for a battery pack made up of 48 large format Li-Ion cells in series in a e-mobility application. Simulation results demonstrate the technical feasibility of this newly defined concept.

Abstract
Unicer, a major Portuguese beverage company, improved its tactical distribution planning decisions and study alternative scenarios for its supply strategies and network configuration as result of an operations research (OR)-driven process. In this paper, we present the decision support system responsible for this new methodology. At the core of this system is a mathematical programming-based heuristic that includes decision variables that address transportation and inventory management problems. Unicer runs a set of production and distribution platforms with various characteristics to fulfill customers demand. The main challenge of our work was to develop a tactical distribution plan, which Unicer calls an annual distribution budget, as realistically as possible without jeopardizing the nature of the strategic and tactical tool. The company had a complex tactical distribution planning problem because of the increasing variety of its stock-keeping units and its need for a flexible distribution network to satisfy its customers, who demand a very fragmented set of products. Atypical flows of finished products from Unicer's distribution centers to its production platforms are a major cause of this complexity, which yields an intricate supply chain. The quality of the solutions we provided and the implementation of a user-friendly interface and editable inputs and outputs for our decision support system motivated company practitioners to use it. Unicer saves approximately two million euros annually and provides better information to its decision makers. As a result, these decision makers now view their operations from a more OR-based perspective.

Abstract
The process of establishing the ontology objectives by the stakeholders is fundamental for the ontology success. This process is unstructured by nature, being a continuum from the initial discussion of the purpose to the first agreed conceptual representation. The inherent (inter) subjectivity of the process and their outcomes together with an excessive informality are perhaps the reasons for being overlooked in the literature. This paper proposes an approach integrating competency questions (CQ) and conceptual graphs to the support of domain experts and knowledge specialists in defining the purpose and fundamental conceptual commitments of the ontology to be developed. The approach was experimented and validated with experts in a project in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry.