Abstract
This paper describes a hybrid approach in which generation cost and demand uncertainties are represented by fuzzy numbers and the life cycle of system components is modeled by probabilistic models. The Monte Carlo simulation model is used to sample system states according to the failure rates of the system components and a Fuzzy DC OPF model is used to analyse each sampled state. This Fuzzy DC OPF model adopts multi-parametric optimization techniques and admits that loads, generation costs or both of them simultaneously are modeled using fuzzy numbers. At the end of this process, it is possible to compute estimates of the Power Not Supplied and also of the exposure and robustness indices that characterize the ability that the system has to accommodate the specified uncertainties. This information can then be used to characterize the ability each reinforcement has in increasing the robustness of the system. Finally, the paper includes results for two case studies. On of them is based on a 6 bus system and the second uses the IEEE 24 bus/38 branch test system to illustrate the developed approaches. © 2010 IEEE.

Abstract
The recent development of the concept of microgrid (mu Grid), associated to the emergent interest in microgeneration (mu Gen), has raised a number of challenges regarding the evaluation of the technical, economical and regulatory impacts of a high penetration of this kind of solutions in the power systems. In this paper, the topic of security of supply is addressed, aiming at evaluating the influence of mu Gen and mu Grids in the medium- and long-term availability of generation to serve the forecasted load. A Monte-Carlo based methodology is used to evaluate this influence and to assess the capacity credit of those entities.

Abstract
NITROGEN BALANCE ASSESSMENT IN BURN PATIENTS Introduction: The burn injury probably represents the largest stimulus for muscle protein catabolism. This state is characterized by an accelerated catabolism of the lean or skeletal mass that results in a clinical negative balance of nitrogen and muscle wasting. The determination of an appropriate value for protein intake is essential, since it is positively related to the nitrogen balance (NB) and accordingly several authors argue that a positive NB is the key parameter associated with nutritional improvement of a burn patient. Objectives: Evaluation of the degree of protein catabolism by assessment of the Nitrogen Balance; Defining of nutritional support (protein needs) to implement in patients with burned surface area (BSA) >= 10%. Methods: We prospectively evaluated the clinical files and scrutinized the clinical variables of interest. The NB was estimated according to three formulae. Each gram of nitrogen calculated by the NB was then converted into grams of protein, subtracted or added to protein intake (or administered enteric or parenterically) and divided by kg of reference Weight (kg Rweight), in an attempt to estimate the daily protein needs. Results: The cohort consisted of 10 patients, 6 females, with average age of 58(23) years old, a mean of BSA of 21.4(8.4)%, ranging from a minimum of 10.0% and maximum of 35.0%. On average, patients were 58 (23) years old. The average number of days of hospitalization in the burn unit was 64.8(36.5) days. We observed significant differences between the 3 methods used for calculating the NB (p = 0.004), on average the NB was positive. When the formula A was used the average value of NB was higher. Regarding the attempt to estimate the needs of g prot/kg Rweight/day most of the values did not exceed, on average, 2.6 g Prot/kg Rweight/day and no significant differences between patients with a BSA% of 10-20% and with BSA% > 20% were found. Conclusion: Despite being able to estimate the protein catabolism through these formulas and verifying that most values were above zero, wide individual fluctuations were visible over time. Based on the sample reference that recommends a value of 1.5-2 g Prot/kg Rweight/day, we can conclude it to be underestimated, when comparing with the mean value of 2.6 g Prot/kg Rweight/day we established.

Abstract
Ordinal classification is a form of multi-class classification where there is an inherent ordering between the classes, but not a meaningful numeric difference between them. Although conventional methods, designed for nominal classes or regression problems, can be used to solve the ordinal data problem, there are benefits in developing models specific to this kind of data. This paper introduces a new rationale to include the information about the order in the design of a classification model. The method encompasses the inclusion of consistency constraints between adjacent decision regions. A new decision tree and a new nearest neighbour algorithms are then designed under that rationale. An experimental study with artificial and real data sets verifies the usefulness of the proposed approach. © 2010 IEEE.

Abstract
Innovation is today a widely used buzzword in the enterprises environments, because it is seen today as the support for long-term surviving and a lever for the creation of new and differentiated products or services. The Fuzzy Front-End of Innovation (FFE) is often experimental, involving strong interaction with the end-users. This enables the knowledge transfer from users, communities or Collaborative Innovation Networks to organizations. Enterprises may master a set of Dynamic Capabilities in order to manage, learn and integrate that shared knowledge. Today, using Web 2.0 applications, users are able to easily join together, share ideas, catalog information, spread and share their knowledge in a variety of ways. This paper presents a model to enable those Dynamic Capabilities using a Web 2.0 Mashup in the FFE of innovation.

Abstract
Investments in new generation, specially in renewables, grew up in several countries contributing to change the generation mix. Among these new technologies, wind power became an important source in the sense that the share in installed capacity is large in countries as Germany, Denmark, Spain and Portugal namely considering the prices paid to the generated power. These subsidizing schemes are in several cases responsible for a large amount of the final end user costs meaning that in the future new ways of integrating this power in the grid have to be adopted. This means that for investors it is important to evaluate from a economic point of view the interest of new wind power projects admitting changes in current tariff schemes. For regulatory agencies it is also important to investigate the impact of changes in current schemes. This paper details an approach to characterize this type of investments in terms of the Net Present Value, NPV, and the Internal Return Rate, IRR, so that more sounded investment and policy decisions are adopted. © 2010 IEEE.