A new and fast methodology is discussed as a solution to pinpointing the location of a robot called RobVigil, in a robust way, without environment preparation, even in dynamic scenarios. This solution does not require a high computational power. Firstly, the EKF-SLAM is used to find the location of the vehicle, allowing to map the surrounding area in the 3D space. Afterwards, the constructed map is used in a 3D matching algorithm during the normal operation of the vehicle to pinpoint its location. The 3D matching algorithm uses data from a tilting Laser Range Finder. Experimental results on the performance and accuracy of the proposed method are presented in this paper.

This paper proposes a multi-objective approach to a distribution network planning process that deals with the challenges derived from the integration of Distributed Generation (DG). The proposal consists of a multi-objective version of the well-known Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization method (MEPSO). A broad performance comparison is made between the MEPSO and other multi-objective optimization meta-heuristics, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) and a Multi-objective Tabu Search (MOTS), using two distribution networks in a given DG penetration scenario. Although the three methods proved to be applicable in distribution system planning, the MEPSO algorithm has presented promising attributes and a constant and high level performance when compared to other methods.

A novel configuration able to measure simultaneously relative humidity and temperature is proposed. The sensing head is based on a long-period fiber grating (LPG) coated with silica nanospheres in-line with a fiber Bragg grating. The polymeric overlay that changes its optical properties when exposed to different humidity levels is deposited onto the LPG using the electrostatic self-assembly technique (ESA), resulting into a humidity-induced shift of the resonance wavelength of the LPG. Considering the humidity range from 20% to 50% RH, a system resolution of 1.6% RH and 2.5 C was achieved. At higher humidity, from 50% to 80% RH, the corresponding resolution values were 2.4% RH and 0.4 C.

This paper considers the problem of scheduling jobs in a permutation flow shop with the objective of minimising total earliness and tardiness. A genetic algorithm is proposed for the problem. This procedure and five other procedures were tested on problem sets that varied in terms of number of jobs, machines and the tightness and range of due dates. It was found that the genetic algorithm procedure was consistently effective in generating good solutions relative to the other procedures.

It is self-evident that financial innovation is a key player in the contemporary economy. However, its significant importance has largely been overlooked in innovation studies. To fill up this gap, and through an interdisciplinary approach, this article details a research agenda for innovation in financial services. It reviews the 'what', 'why' and 'how' of financial innovation in order to clarify all the ambiguities surrounding its nature, creation, purpose and impact. Specifically, the article investigates its definition and distinguishing features, its key determinants, its supporting processes, and finally its effects, mainly at firm-level. Therefore, the article opens the black box of financial innovation and uncovers its peculiarities in order to understand how it occurs when innovation is considered both as an 'outcome' of financial innovation and a 'process' supporting its creation.