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In the context of project management, the attention given to project portfolio management has increased in recent years. The use of mathematical programming for portfolio management is also on the rise, because it integrates the project interactions with the multiple objectives of portfolio management into a single model. Among the possible objectives, recent studies have paid special attention to the emerging objective of future preparedness, which has not yet been incorporated into the existing mathematical models. This paper presents a mixed-integer nonlinear optimization model for portfolio selection that considers four main performance measures for project management, namely, value maximization, strategic alignment, balance, and future preparedness. Given the importance of the last measure, the purpose of this paper is to provide a more complete model that provides the marginal contribution and the best combination of projects according to the needs of the company. The model is tested using real data from two companies, one in Brazil and one in Canada, and the results obtained are coherent with their respective practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an optimization model to minimize the load curtailments necessary to restore the equilibrium of operating point with relaxation of restrictions. This model can be used for the operation planning of electrical power systems. The developed methodology minimizes the load cuts, limiting them to their importance and establishing different stages for them through the relaxation of the minimum limits of voltage and maximum limits of active power flows through the transformers. For instance, when an emergency occurs, if some operational limits are violated for a short period, fewer loads can be cut at a first stage than would be necessary if those violations would not be admitted. If the emergency does not cease, the remaining cuts necessary to recover the violations are made as a second stage of the strategy. On the other hand, if the contingency ceases, within this break, the system is recovered, and at this second stage, unnecessary cuts can be avoided, admitting only small breakings of operational restrictions. This methodology was tested at a system of 291 buses that is equivalent, in heavy load, to the electric network or the State of Parańa in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free to air television is still an important tool to provide information and communication in many countries. Therefore, the universal access to the television system is very important. This paper presents a set of Digital Television accessible remote control devices designed for the Brazilian Digital Television. A research was conducted, interviewing people with disabilities in Brazil. Three remote control models were proposed, consolidating the main identified requirements, being accessible for a diverse group of impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]