Abstract
We report results of a search for light (less than or similar to 10 GeV) particle dark matter with the XENON10 detector. The event trigger was sensitive to a single electron, with the analysis threshold of 5 electrons corresponding to 1.4 keV nuclear recoil energy. Considering spin-independent dark matter-nucleon scattering, we exclude cross sections sigma(n) > 7 x 10(-42) cm(2), for a dark matter particle mass m(chi) = 7 GeV. We find that our data strongly constrain recent elastic dark matter interpretations of excess low-energy events observed by CoGeNT and CRESST-II, as well as the DAMA annual modulation signal.

Abstract
To compete in globalized business environments, manufacturing firms, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), need to be collaborative with respect to their total product life cycle. In this research, a focus on complex products is proposed and a new approach to structure collaboration in design and operational activities is suggested. A complete framework and guidelines for collaborative product design, development and manufacturing is proposed with respect to two product development scenarios: Engineer-to-Order (ETO) and Customize-to-Order (CTO). The ETO scenario, which is project-based, and the CTO scenario, which is platform-based, are employed to respond to individualized and market driven production strategies respectively. The CTO scenario is developed using the platform-based product family concept, following a new approach that uses a product configurator and white boxes to assure sustainable customization. The research also explains how the transition from ETO to CTO can be implemented, aiming at improving the customization level and profitability of SMEs. The overall results, lessons learned and future research directions conclude the paper.

Abstract
In response to the soaring energy crisis and the related pollution problems worldwide, it is essential to apply new technologies that use renewable energy sources in both an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. In this way, biomass offers one of the largest potential among renewable energy sources. The aim of this work is to demonstrate a novel fuzzy-based methodology for selecting hybrid energy systems fuelled by biogas. Fuzzy multi-rules and fuzzy multi-sets are used to evaluate the main operational characteristics of five types of renewable sources fuelled by biogas. The possibility of using the methodology for energy storage system evaluation is also assessed. The construction of the fuzzy multirules and fuzzy multi-sets is based on the following methods: Mamdani (fuzzification process), Max-Min (inference process), and Center of Gravity (defuzzification process). Several criteria are used: costs, efficiency, cogeneration, life-cycle, technical maturity, power application range, and environmental impacts. The methodology considers three different settings with two different constraints: costs and environment. One of the most relevant aspects presented by this work is about the previous classification of the criteria. It was created according to the different relevance observed among the attributes. The purpose of the proposed arrangement is to facilitate the understanding of the methodology and to increase the possibility of incorporating the decision makers' preferences on the decision-aid process. These aspects are essential to strengthen the final decision. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.

Abstract
This paper is concerned with the protection of wind energy systems against the indirect effects of lightning. As wind energy is gaining increasing importance throughout the world, lightning damages involving wind energy systems have come to be regarded with more attention. Nevertheless, there are still very few studies in Portugal regarding lightning protection of wind energy systems using models of the Electro-Magnetic Transients Program (EMTP). Hence, a new case study is presented in this paper, based on a wind turbine with an interconnecting transformer, considering that lightning strikes the soil near the tower at a distance such that galvanic coupling occurs through the grounding electrode. Computer simulations obtained by using EMTP-RV are presented and conclusions are duly drawn.

Abstract

Abstract
Mobile Sensor Networks based on connected vehicles and smart phones are poised to become key enablers in the development of sustainable and intelligent transportation systems in urban environments. By gathering and processing massive amounts of data in real-time, this form of information and communication infrastructure can be instrumental towards improving traffic flow, reducing carbon emissions and promoting multi-modal mobility and enhanced coordination among public transit systems. We propose a system architecture for a Massive Multi-Sensor Urban Scanner capable of acquiring large quantities of real-time information from a vast variety of sources and sending the data to a back-end data processing cloud using multiple communication interfaces. Requirements, technical challenges, design choices and first results are explained in detail based on a prototype that is currently being deployed in Porto, Portugal.