Search

In this paper, the main objective is the simulation of the electric supply for homes in remote areas located in Morocco (Oujda and Ouarzazate), Spain (Granada), and Algeria (Bechar). This simulation study is divided into two ideas, the first one is to optimize the hybrid system under a varied number of houses and the second part is to fix it in chosen values. This work relied on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method to optimize and analyze the proposed stand-alone photovoltaic/wind/diesel/battery hybrid system. MATLAB software is used to run the simulations and to carry out the optimal solutions of the optimized system using a developed PSO algorithm. The PSO approach contains five principal operator axes, which are problem definition, PSO initial parameters, initialization, PSO main loop, and then run of the algorithm. Optimizing the system component sizes and reaching the minimum cost of energy (COE) were the function objectives of this optimization study. Moreover, calculation of the hydrogen production from the generated energy by PV and wind systems is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we retrieve data about the frequent users of electronic commerce during the period 2011–2016 from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics. These data, coming from surveys, have intrinsic uncertainty that we describe using appropriate random variables. Then, we propose a stochastic model to study the dynamics of frequent users of electronic commerce. The goal of this paper is to solve the inverse problem that consists of determining the model parameters as suitable parametric random variables, in such a way the model output be capable of capturing the data uncertainty, at the time instants where sample data are available, via adequate probability density functions. To achieve the aforementioned goal, we propose a computational procedure that involves building a nonlinear objective function, based on statistical moment measures, to be minimized using a variation of the particle swarm optimization algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an approach to determine the optimal daily generation scheduling based on the Spanish electricity market rules. The Spanish power system considers the pool-based daily market and the technical constraints resolution as two different and consecutive processes. After the daily market has been cleared, a centralized constraints resolution process is applied to this initial scheduling through the redispatch of previously matched energy. In this paper, an algorithm based on Benders decomposition, arranged in three levels, is proposed to solve the technical constraints solution process in order to define a preventive secure dispatch. The constraints resolution process includes a full ac network and security model. This method determines the active power committed to each generating unit so as to minimize the energy redispatch cost subject to dispatch, network, and security constraints. The solution also provides the reactive power output of the generating units, the value of the transformers taps, and the committed voltage control devices. The model has been tested in an actual example of the Spanish power system. Some relevant results are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel hybrid approach, combining wavelet transform, particle swarm optimization, and adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system, is proposed in this paper for short-term electricity prices forecasting in a competitive market. Results from a case study based on the electricity market of mainland Spain are presented. A thorough comparison is carried out, taking into account the results of previous publications. Finally, conclusions are duly drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the economically significant problem of the optimization of customs fraud control, which is a critical issue for many countries. The European Union (EU) alone handles 4693 tons of goods every minute (2018 figures). Even though 70% of goods are imported at zero tariff, the EU raised EUR 25.4 billions in 2018, and customs-related income transferred by member states to the EU accounts for nearly 13% of its overall budget. In this field, (a) the conflicting objectives are qualitative and cannot be reduced to a common measure (security and terrorism, health, drug market access control, taxes, etc.); (b) each submitted item has dozens of characteristics; (c) there are constraints; and (d) risk analysis systems have to make decisions in real time. Although the World Customs Organization has promoted the use of artificial intelligence to increase the precision of controls, the problem is very complex due to the data characteristics and interpretability, which is a requirement established by customs officers. In this paper, we propose a new Bayesian-based hybrid approach combining machine learning and multi-objective linear programming (MOLP), called multi-objective Bayesian with dynamic optimization (MOBADO). We demonstrate that it is possible to more than double (with a 237% increase) the precision of current inspection systems, freeing up almost 50% of human resources, and outperform past results with respect to each of the above objectives. MOBADO is an optimization technique that could be combined with any artificial intelligence approach capable of optimizing the quality of multi-objective risk analysis in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Traffic data obtained in the field usually have some errors. For instance, traffic volume data on the various links of a network must be consistent and satisfy flow conservation, but this rarely occurs. This paper presents a method for using fuzzy optimization to adjust observed values so they meet flow conservation equations and any consistency requirements. The novelty lies in the possibility of obtaining the best combination of adjusted values, thereby preserving data integrity as much as possible. The proposed method allows analysts to manage field data reliability by assigning different ranges to each observed value. The paper is divided into two sections: the first section explains the theory through a simple example of a case in which the data is equally reliable and a case in which the observed data comes from more or less reliable sources, and the second one is an actual application of the method in a freeway network in southern Spain where data were available but some data were missing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper proposes a new method for addressing the short-term optimal operation of a generation company, fully adapted to represent the characteristics of the new competitive markets. We propose an efficient and highly accurate novel method for next-day price forecasting. We model the functional time series with a linear autoregressive functional model which formulates the relationships between each daily function of prices and the functions of previous days. For the optimization problem (formulated within the framework of nonsmooth analysis using Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle), we propose a new method that uses diverse mathematical techniques (the Shooting Method, Euler’s Method, the Cyclic Coordinate Descent Method). These techniques are well known for the case of functions, but are adapted here to the case of functionals and are efficiently combined to provide a novel contribution. Finally, the paper presents the results of applying our method to a price-taker company in the Spanish electricity market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract  This paper presents an application of the Analytic Network Process (ANP) to farmland appraisal. The purpose of this new methodology is to solve some of the drawbacks found in comparative and capitalisation methods, called classical appraisal methods, which cannot deal with contexts where only partial information is available and/or qualitative variables are used. The ANP is a method based on the Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Previous works have already applied other MCDA techniques to the appraisal context, such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), however they have not been able to handle all the complexities of many real world appraisal problems. The ANP provides a more accurate approach for modelling complex environment because it allows the general study of the quantitative and qualitative explanatory variables of the price and the incorporation of feedback and interdependence relationships among variables. The new proposed methodology has been applied to a case study of a farm located in Valencia (Spain) in order to demonstrate its goodness. Both quantitative and qualitative variables, such as the age of the trees, productivity or water quality, have been considered to assess the market value of the farm. Six farms from the same region have been selected as reference assets. The appraisal problem has been solved in three different ways in order to study the influence of each model on the value of the problem farm. In this study it has been proved that the more information is incorporated into the model, the higher accuracy of the solution. From the results of this work we can conclude that the approach proposed stands out as a good alternative to current farmland appraisal approaches, as it has proven to be useful when data are only partially available, qualitative variables are used and influences among the explanatory variables are present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore two strategies for reducing the cash flow uncertainty of wind energy producers ascribed to variable weather conditions. The first strategy is based on the idea of aggregating the output of geographically-dispersed generating units. The second strategy employs financial instruments that compensate producers for unanticipated declines in the power delivery. Using a blend of advanced weather modeling, time series analysis, simulation and optimization techniques, we empirically access the ability of the two risk management approaches to control volumetric risk in Spain. With the aid of factor analysis techniques, we proceed with the decomposition of the remaining risk levels and assess the exposure of each strategy's revenue to systematic risk factors. Motivated by the results of this analysis, we propose new financial contracts and mixed-style strategies that are better suited to the risk position of each market player. • We introduce various strategies for managing the wind volumetric risk in Spain. • We quantify their ability to reduce the revenue variance of wind power producers. • Spatial aggregation of resources is not a cure for wind energy stochasticity. • Commercial wind power futures cannot hedge away all risk dimensions. • New contract designs are needed to control systematic variations in producers' income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study commemorates this event by presenting a retrospective of the publications related to the use of mathematical tools for the analysis of economic, ecological, and environmental phenomena. We analyzed 1257 scientific publications using bibliometric techniques to examine the most productive and influential authors and their contributions in the economic, ecological, and environmental fields. Co-authorship among the top authors and countries, co-occurrence of the keywords, bibliographic coupling of the documents and authors, and author co-citation were analyzed by applying network analysis techniques using VOSviewer software, identifying the intellectual structure of the research and the collaborative networks in the fields. The results show that mathematics has grown impressively in terms of publication and citation. The contributions come from all over the world, but the majority are from the People's Republic of China and Spain. The results also show themes and trends in the economic, environmental, and ecological fields and a predominant use of mathematical tools in optimization processes in order to rigorously substantiate the decisions of investors and policymakers. Thus, our study offers support for any researcher to understand the current state of the art and develop a comprehensive understanding of journal publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cost-effective and sustainable energy systems retrofit for buildings. • 2nd life Li-Ion batteries in polygeneration systems for buildings. • To cut off the natural gas consumption at affordable cost. The building sector represents around one-third of the energy related to the EU CO 2 eq emissions, which makes it a crucial sector for achieving the EU's energy and environmental goals. Thus, the EU has established a legislative framework to foster, among others, the modernisation of the existing building stock through a better energy system integration. In this sense, bearing in mind the needs of energy system retrofit of the public buildings in Spain, this paper carried out a thorough analysis of different trade-off solutions obtained from the multiobjective optimization of a polygeneration system for the TR5 building of the Polytechnic University of Catalunya. The results highlight the selection of PV panels, cogeneration modules and 2 nd life Li-Ion batteries, among others, to achieve cost-effective and sustainable energy systems. By covering the available area, 2000 m 2 , the PV panels attend about 23% of the electricity required for the building. On the other hand, considering the current geopolitical tensions, it presents a potential configuration that allows to cut off the natural gas consumption reducing about 6% the current cost. The study was carried out by using a Mixed Integer Linear Programming model maximizing the Net Present Value of the project considering the environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the performance of a multi-method ensemble for optimization in a turbine layout problem for wind farms is discussed. Specifically, the Coral Reefs Optimization algorithm with Substrate Layer (CRO-SL) is evaluated. The CRO-SL is an evolutionary-type meta-heuristic, able to combine different search procedures or methods within a single population, leading to a multi-method ensemble. The CRO-SL has been adapted to the wind turbines layout problem by including a discrete encoding, based on sparse matrices (though it can also work over continuous encodings) and a convex geometric procedure to speed-up the wake effect calculation for each turbine. The performance of the proposed CRO-SL algorithm in the turbine layout problem is evaluated by means of different experiments, considering simulated and real data from a wind farm in Spain. The performance of the CRO-SL is also evaluated in a different wind turbine layout problem from a NREL-IEA case competition. The contribution of each substrate of the CRO-SL algorithm (search procedure) is discussed in terms of the global search ability of the algorithm in the different problems considered. The global performance of the proposed approach has been finally compared to that of existing approaches in the literature, obtaining excellent results in all scenarios considered. [Display omitted] • A multi-method ensemble meta-heuristic for wind turbine layout is proposed. • A discrete encoding based on sparse matrices is tested. • Different search operators work together to obtain optimal solutions. • Experiments in simulated and real wind turbine layout problems are carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When olives are harvested, local presses dispose of olive husk, the residue of the pressing process, transporting it to Olive Waste Management Centres (OWMC). Once there, the husk is emptied into pools to be classified, stored and then processed to obtain olive pomace oil and thermal and electric energy. Olive pomace oil extracted mechanically offers benefits over oil extracted chemically, both in terms of its culinary properties and in terms of its market price. This paper describes a decision model whose objective function seeks to maximise the quantity of olive pomace oil by improving the efficiency of mechanical extraction at OWMC. To improve this efficiency, a husk management decision model has been developed to cope with nonlinear husk pooling relationships over a multistage period. The convergence difficulties of mixed integer nonlinear optimisation in the decision model are dealt with by means of a novel multistage iterative linear formulation based on the first order Taylor approximation. The output accuracy and convergence of the proposed model is compared with that of a relaxed mixed integer nonlinear optimisation model. Finally, a real case study located in the south of Spain is described. In this study, by using the linear decision model the total amount of olive pomace oil was 10% greater than that obtained from the current procedure implemented at OWMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A MILP is set to ex-post optimise the Interruptible Load program in Spain. • Consideration of real technical and regulatory constraints. • Definition of a series of metrics to compare the optimal performance of programs. • Recommendation to design and operate Interruptible Load programs. • The optimal usage of the resource could have saved the system a total of 163 M€. The deployment of demand response in reserve markets has been widely discussed. Interruptible Load programs contract demand capacity from consumers in exchange for fixed and variable payments. System operators contract these resources to increase system resilience and use them for economic purposes. Although common, no ex-post evaluations of the program's performance and efficiency exists in the literature. To fill this gap, the paper presents a procedure to evaluate the optimal usage of these resources from a system operator perspective. A Mixed Integer Linear Problem is set to minimise the overall cost of the system using the participant demand resources in the tertiary reserve market, while ensuring that all technical and regulatory constraints are fulfilled in the evaluation. The proposed method describes a series of metrics to compare the optimal performance with the current scenario, and we draw a set of conclusions and policy recommendations from it. We apply the method to the Spanish Interruptible Load program. Our results show that during the five and a half years of the program, demand resources could have provided savings to the system of up to 23% of the cost of tertiary reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Epidemiological models of epidemic spread are an essential tool for optimizing decision-making. The current literature is very extensive and covers a wide variety of deterministic and stochastic models. However, with the increase in computing resources, new, more general, and flexible procedures based on simulation models can assess the effectiveness of measures and quantify the current state of the epidemic. This paper illustrates the potential of this approach to build a new dynamic probabilistic model to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in different compartments. Methods: We propose a new probabilistic model in which, for the first time in the epidemic literature, parameter learning is carried out using gradient-free stochastic black-box optimization techniques simulating multiple trajectories of the infection dynamics in a general way, solving an inverse problem that is defined employing the daily information from mortality records. Results : After the application of the new proposal in Spain in the first and successive waves, the result of the model confirms the accuracy to estimate the seroprevalence and allows us to know the real dynamics of the pandemic a posteriori to assess the impact of epidemiological measures by the Spanish government and to plan more efficiently the subsequent decisions with the prior knowledge obtained. Conclusions: The model results allow us to estimate the daily patterns of COVID-19 infections in Spain retrospectively and examine the population's exposure to the virus dynamically in contrast to seroprevalence surveys. Furthermore, given the flexibility of our simulation framework, we can model situations —even using non-parametric distributions between the different compartments in the model— that other models in the existing literature cannot. Our general optimization strategy remains valid in these cases, and we can easily create other non-standard simulation epidemic models that incorporate more complex and dynamic structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper describes the calibration (year 2005) and validation (year 2003) processes for the simulation of an onion crop (Himalaya cultivar) in a two-year field test under deficit irrigation conditions in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) using the MOPECO model. Results show that MOPECO is suitable for simulating the yield versus total water use under the climatic and soil conditions in this study (RMSE=7462kgha−1, and relative error=10.1%, between observed and simulated yields). Growing-degree-days (GDD) for the whole growth cycle is around 2283.4°C, while the crop coefficient (K c: 0.65, 1.20, and 0.75) and calibrated crop yield response (K y: 0.45, 0.8, and 0.2) values for the growth stages proposed by FAO are similar to those presented in the literature. The electrical conductivity of the irrigation water in the area (0.85dSm−1) can be neglected when simulating the yield response of onion to water (over-estimations up to 7% without considering the effect of salinity). Under the current harvest sale price scenarios (0.12€kg−1 if onions are sold after harvest and up to 0.20€kg−1 if onions are stored to sell at a higher price later), this crop is one of the most profitable in the area, reaching a gross margin between 1750 and 2620€ha−1, respectively, for an average yield (70,000kgha−1). Even though optimized regulated deficit irrigation (ORDI) may slightly increase yield by 3–7%, the gross margin may significantly raise up to 30% compared with an irrigation strategy where the stress levels remain constant during the whole growth cycle. Hence, for medium and high water deficit conditions it is of interest to guarantee nascence and to favor the bulb formation stage as much as possible. For low and medium-low water deficit scenarios, nascence and establishment are guaranteed, and the model assigns more water to vegetative development than to ripening. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Solar thermal electricity technologies are attractive alternatives to produce electricity by means of a renewable source. One of these technologies is parabolic trough collectors. In Spain, the sale of solar electricity to the national grid is primed. There are three main parameters that affect the behaviour of these plants: area of solar collector field, capacity of thermal storage tanks and power of the auxiliary system. In this paper, a simplified model of the plant is used to optimize the size of its components that produces the maximum yearly profit. The use of traditional methods of optimization is not possible and genetic algorithms have been used. An important feature of the model is that the minimum level of the electricity production of the block of power can be fixed. Once the optimization has been performed, the traditional parameters that characterize the dimension of the plant are analysed (the solar multiple and the capacity factor). For a gross power of 50 MW, the optimum collector area varies between 583,000 m2 and 749,860 m2 with a thermal storage between 6.55 h and 13.46 h respectively. The economic benefit is always higher than 19.30 M€ per year and the cost of the electricity produced is about 18.5 c€/kWh. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes an application of the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm to the multi-objective optimization of a stand-alone PV–wind–diesel system with batteries storage. The objectives to be minimized are the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and the equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2) life cycle emissions (LCE). Each solution of the Pareto front is a possible solution for the PV–wind–diesel-batteries system, which can supply the load, but each one has a different LCOE and LCE. Some solutions have low LCOE values, but high LCE values, and vice versa. Results show that the photovoltaic (PV) generator is the most important source of electrical energy for stand-alone systems in Spain and Southern Europe, not only environmentally, but also economically. In some cases, PV is almost the only source of energy, as some solutions of the best Pareto front do not include wind turbines and diesel generators run only a few hours during the year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The optimization of aircraft noise abatement procedures involves several conflicting factors, including location specific noise sensitivity and aircraft operating costs. This paper presents a multi-objective optimization strategy that employs goal, lexicographic-egalitarian and hierarchical optimization techniques. The presented methodology aims at better assessing the design of site-specific noise abatement procedures that take into account the actual populated areas, their type and distribution, the hour of the day where the trajectory is supposed to be flown and the aircraft type. An illustrative example is given with the design of the East departures at Girona airport, Catalonia. Results point out how the noise annoyance impact of current operational procedures can be significantly reduced by the optimized trajectories and show, as well, an important dependency on the type of aircraft and the hour of the day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the optimization of aircraft noise-abatement departure procedures. A multicriteria optimization strategy is presented, where the fairness of the optimal trajectories is assessed vis-à-vis the different noise-sensitive locations around the airport of study. This equitable optimization is formulated as the minimization of the maximum noise-annoyance deviation regarding all considered locations. This strategy is complemented with an iterative lexicographic optimization algorithm which, in turn, guarantees the Pareto efficiency condition of the final solution. Aircraft operating costs are also considered by neglecting the marginal benefits of noise reduction below a certain threshold value. An application example is shown (as an illustrative case) based on a departure of runway 02 at Girona airport in Catalonia, Spain. The results show the feasibility of this technique, which is intended to be used by procedure designers or airport authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In transmission and distribution systems, the high number of installed transformers, a loss source in networks, suggests a good potential for energy savings. This paper presents how the Spanish Distribution regulation policy, Royal Decree 222/2008, affects the overall energy efficiency in distribution transformers. The objective of a utility is the maximization of the benefit, and in case of failures, to install a chosen transformer in order to maximize the profit. Here, a novel method to optimize energy efficiency, considering the constraints set by the Spanish Distribution regulation policy, is presented; its aim is to achieve the objectives of the utility when installing new transformers. The overall energy efficiency increase is a clear result that can help in meeting the requirements of European environmental plans, such as the ‘20–20–20’ action plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Combined heat, cooling and power (CHCP) systems are interesting for the supply of different energy services in urban districts and in large buildings. CHCP systems utilize a fuel''s energy to a greater extent, because the cogenerated heat can be used for heating in winter as well as for cooling in summer with an absorption refrigerator. The use of thermal energy storage (TES) provides the additional advantage of covering variable thermal demands while the production system operates continuously at nominal conditions. Thus, energy supply systems integrating the technologies of cogeneration, absorption refrigeration and thermal storage can provide substantial benefits from economic, energetic and environmental viewpoints. In this paper an optimization model is developed, using mixed integer linear programming (MILP), to determine the preliminary design of CHCP systems with thermal storage. The objective function to be minimized is the total annual cost. Taking into account the legal constraints imposed on cogeneration systems in Spain, the optimization model is applied to design a system providing energy services for a set of buildings constituted of 5000 apartments located in the city of Zaragoza (Spain). The effect of legal constraints in the design and operation of CHCP systems is highlighted in this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The transition to a hydrogen economy requires appropriate regional planning to take advantage of the each region potential. This paper deals with a first phase of this process, which consists of satisfying around of the energy demand for transport in Spain by 2010 through renewable energy sources. Planning has been carried out via a multiobjective optimization model. The obtained results allow the determination, for each region, of hydrogen production and consumption, the renewable energy sources used for obtaining this hydrogen, and transport requirements between regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We address a discrete competitive facility location problem with an asymmetric objective function and a binary customer choice rule. Both an integer linear programming formulation and a heuristic optimization algorithm based on ranking of candidate locations are designed to solve the problem. The proposed population-based heuristic algorithm is specially adapted for the discrete facility location problems by using their features such as geographical distances and the maximal possible utility of candidate locations, which can be evaluated in advance. The performance of the proposed algorithm was experimentally investigated by solving different instances of the model with real data of municipalities in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the quality of education is one of the main objectives for governments, given that it plays an essential role in providing well-being to the population. In this regard, the efficiency of teachers may be a key issue to improve the students' academic performance and learning achievement. Specifically, in this paper, we analyse the efficiency of teachers from a multi-criteria optimization perspective. The purpose is to detect the most efficient teachers to gain knowledge about the characteristics of their teaching context, which contribute to increase the education performance of the students. To this aim, data from TIMSS and PIRLS 2011 for fourth-grade reading, mathematics and science teachers in Spain have been used. Three synthetic indexes gathering these data are calculated: a weak index allowing full compensation among the variables, a strong index informing about the worst variable value (no compensation scheme) and a synthetic index representing a different degree of compensation of the two formers. These indexes are built using aspiration and reservation levels for each variable. This allows us to include desirable ranges of values to be achieved by the variables in the study of the teachers' efficiency. With this, it is possible to know if the teachers are performing better, within or worse than the desired limits, and to rank the teachers according to their efficiency. The analysis carried out has contributed to have a better understanding of the policies to be followed in order to promote efficiency in teaching. • Our study examines the efficiency of teachers as a key issue to improve students' academic performance. • Data from TIMSS and PIRLS 2011 for 4th-grade reading, mathematics and science teachers in Spain is used. • Three synthetic indexes are built using multi-criteria optimization techniques. • These indexes are based on the double reference point scheme and allow different compensation degrees among the variables. • Particularly significant conclusions are extracted from the efficiency ranking of the teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IIIA is a public research center, belonging to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), dedicated to AI research. We focus our activities on a few well-defined subdomains of artificial intelligence, positively avoiding dispersion and keeping a good balance between basic research and applications, and paying particular attention to training Ph.D. students and technology transfer. In this article, I survey some of the most relevant results we have obtained during the last 12 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hydrological Sciences Journal/Journal des Sciences Hydrologiques is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Attacks against computer systems are becoming more complex, making it necessary to continually improve the security systems, such as intrusion detection systems which provide security for computer systems by distinguishing between hostile and non-hostile activity. Intrusion detection systems are usually classified into two main categories according to whether they are based on misuse (signature-based) detection or on anomaly detection. With the aim of minimizing the number of wrong decisions, a new Pareto-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is used to optimize the automatic rule generation of a signature-based intrusion detection system (IDS). This optimizer, included within a network IDS, has been evaluated using a benchmark dataset and real traffic of a Spanish university. The results obtained in this real application show the advantages of using this multi-objective approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From an environmental perspective, the underground metro system is one of the cleanest forms of public transportation in urban agglomerations. Current studies report contradicting results regarding air quality in the metro systems: whereas some reveal poor air quality, others report PM levels which are lower or of the same order of magnitude than those measured in traffic sites above ground level. The present work assesses summer and winter indoor air quality and passenger exposure in the Barcelona metro, focusing on PM levels and their metal contents. In addition, the impact on indoor air quality of platform screen door systems (auto-mated systems consisting of closed rail track and platforms) is evaluated, to determine whether these systems reduce passenger exposure to PM when compared with conventional systems (open tracks and platforms). In the Barcelona metro PM levels inside the trains in summer are amongst the lowest reported for worldwide metro systems (11--32 µgm-3 PM2.5). This is most likely due to the air conditioning system working in all carriages of the Barcelona metro during the whole year. Levels were considerably higher on the platforms, reaching mean levels of 46 and 125 µgm² in the new (L9) and old (L3) lines, respectively. PM10 data are also reported in the present study, but comparison with other metro systems is difficult due to the scarcity of data compared with PM2.5. Results showed distinct PM daily cycles, with a drastic increase from 06:00 to 07:00 a.m., a diurnal maximum from 07:00 to 10:00 p.m., and marked decrease between 10:00 p.m. and 05:00 a.m. The elements with the highest enrichment were those associated with wheel or brake abrasion products (Ba, Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr, Sb, As, Mo, Co, Sr, among others). Laminar hematite (Fe2O3) was the dominant particle type, being mainly originated by mechanical abrasion of the rail track and wheels. Regarding passenger exposure to PM, the contribution of commuting by metro was estimated to account for around 10% of the daily exposure. However, this contribution may be one order of magnitude higher when specific matals are considered. Finally, we conclude that the implementation of platform screen door systems results in reductions of both PM levels and metal concentrations. In addition an advanced optimized ventilation system gave even a much higher efficiency in reducing exposure to PM of metro commuters. Combining these two features PM exposure levels in the platforms may be reduced down by a factor of 7 with respect the old subway lines in Barcelona. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relations between manufacturers and distributors have been the center point of the distribution channel’s management. This study covers the effects of coercive, as well as non-coercive power on intermediary variables such as cooperation and conflict. It will also analyze the effects of cooperation and conflict on American car dealers’ satisfaction and performance in Spain. Due to the small sample size (46 dealers), the model based on causal modeling compelled us to use the optimization method based on the partial least squares (PLS) regression techniques coupled with a bootstrapping to enable some generalization of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In deregulated electrical systems, production schedule for power plants is the result of an auction process. In the Spanish case, this schedule includes two main concepts: energy production (to be actually produced) and secondary reserve (to maintain available). The generation company faces the problem of converting energy schedule into a power schedule, respecting the reserve schedule as well as technical constraints, and trying to accomplish different goals: to minimise the production costs, to obtain smooth shapes for the power schedules and to optimise eventual compensation in schedules. A weighted goal mixed integer programming model with a real-size application to deal with this problem is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precision agriculture is a growing sector that improves traditional agricultural processes through the use of new technologies. In southeast Spain, farmers are continuously fighting against harsh conditions caused by the effects of climate change. Among these problems, the great variability of temperatures (up to 20 ° C in the same day) stands out. This causes the stone fruit trees to flower prematurely and the low winter temperatures freeze the flower causing the loss of the crop. Farmers use anti-freeze techniques to prevent crop loss and the most widely used techniques are those that use water irrigation as they are cheaper than other techniques. However, these techniques waste too much water and it is a scarce resource, especially in this area. In this article, we propose a novel intelligent Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring system to optimize the use of water in these anti-frost techniques while minimizing crop loss. The intelligent component of the IoT system is designed using an approach based on a multivariate Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model, designed to predict low temperatures. We compare the proposed approach of multivariate model with the univariate counterpart version to figure out which model obtains better accuracy to predict low temperatures. An accurate prediction of low temperatures would translate into significant water savings, as anti-frost techniques would not be activated without being necessary. Our experimental results show that the proposed multivariate LSTM approach improves the univariate counterpart version, obtaining an average quadratic error no greater than 0.65 ° C and a coefficient of determination R 2 greater than 0.97. The proposed system has been deployed and is currently operating in a real environment obtained satisfactory performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]