Abstract
MicroGrids comprise low voltage distribution systems with distributed energy sources, storage devices and controllable loads, operated connected to the main power network or autonomously, in a controlled coordinated way. In case of MicroGrids autonomous operation, management of instantaneous active power balance imposes unique challenges. Traditionally, power grids are supplied by sources having rotating masses and these are regarded as essential for the inherent stability of the system. In contrast, MicroGrids are dominated by inverter interfaced sources that are inertia-less, but do offer the possibility of a more flexible operation. When a forced or scheduled islanding takes place in a MicroGrid, it must have the ability to operate stably and autonomously, requiring the use of suitable control strategies. The MicroGrid power sources can also be exploited in order to locally promote a service restoration strategy following a general blackout. A sequence of actions for the black start procedure is also presented and it is expected to be an advantage in terms of reliability as a result from the presence of very large amounts of dispersed generation in distribution grids. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.

Abstract
Serious games have been used with success for training field operatives in tasks where there is a danger of injury or life threatening situations. This paper presents the development of a serious game aimed at the areas of security and safety supporting the training of specialists through supervised situational scenarios. The training plans involve security against third parties, focusing on social level security, and also safety actions on events such as floods and fires. The game provides a 3D virtual environment of the real location/facility to be secured and a multiplayer platform to allow collaborative training and supervising. (C) 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B. V. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the scientific programme committee of VS-Games 2012

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Abstract
Digital maps are very commonly used in the analysis, administration and representation of urban spaces. Despite the degree of information they can provide, they still pose some difficultives in decision making due to the three-dimensional nature of such ever-changing settings. This paper presents a collaborative solution for large virtual environment recreation aimed at urban landscape simulation. By providing an extensive interactive three-dimensional virtualization of a real-world city, multiple users may contribute with additional data, to either improve the model fidelity or to preview the impact of certain urban changes. This is achieved by employing procedural modeling methods to generate a basic three-dimensional city model from real-world data and a set of parameters, which can later be refined through human intervention. A multi-user simulation platform has been conceived, allowing the collaborative management of the model data, as well as the simulation of possible urban landscape changes, introducing therefore more advanced analysis and representation features to study and discuss the impact of certain decisions on the urban landscape.

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Abstract