Intelligent decision making in electricity markets: simulated annealing Q-Learning

Electricity markets are complex environments, involving a large number of different entities, playing in a dynamic scene to obtain the best advantages and profits. MASCEM is a multi-agent electricity market simulator to model market players and simulate their operation in the market. Market players are entities with specific characteristics and objectives, making their decisions and interacting with other players. MASCEM is integrated with ALBidS, a system that provides several dynamic strategies for agents��� behavior. This paper presents a method that aims at enhancing ALBidS competence in endowing market players with adequate strategic bidding capabilities, allowing them to obtain the higher possible gains out of the market. This method uses a reinforcement learning algorithm to learn from experience how to choose the best from a set of possible actions. These actions are defined accordingly to the most probable points of bidding success. With the purpose of accelerating the convergence process, a simulated annealing based algorithm is included.

Self-optimization module for scheduling using case-based reasoning

Metaheuristics performance is highly dependent of the respective parameters which need to be tuned. Parameter tuning may allow a larger flexibility and robustness but requires a careful initialization. The process of defining which parameters setting should be used is not obvious. The values for parameters depend mainly on the problem, the instance to be solved, the search time available to spend in solving the problem, and the required quality of solution. This paper presents a learning module proposal for an autonomous parameterization of Metaheuristics, integrated on a Multi-Agent System for the resolution of Dynamic Scheduling problems. The proposed learning module is inspired on Autonomic Computing Self-Optimization concept, defining that systems must continuously and proactively improve their performance. For the learning implementation it is used Case-based Reasoning, which uses previous similar data to solve new cases. In the use of Case-based Reasoning it is assumed that similar cases have similar solutions. After a literature review on topics used, both AutoDynAgents system and Self-Optimization module are described. Finally, a computational study is presented where the proposed module is evaluated, obtained results are compared with previous ones, some conclusions are reached, and some future work is referred. It is expected that this proposal can be a great contribution for the self-parameterization of Metaheuristics and for the resolution of scheduling problems on dynamic environments.

Adaptive learning in multiagent systems: a forecasting methodology based on error analysis

Electricity markets are complex environments, involving a large number of different entities, playing in a dynamic scene to obtain the best advantages and profits. MASCEM is a multi-agent electricity market simu-lator to model market players and simulate their operation in the market. Market players are entities with specific characteristics and objectives, making their decisions and interacting with other players. MASCEM pro-vides several dynamic strategies for agents��� behaviour. This paper presents a method that aims to provide market players strategic bidding capabilities, allowing them to obtain the higher possible gains out of the market. This method uses an auxiliary forecasting tool, e.g. an Artificial Neural Net-work, to predict the electricity market prices, and analyses its forecasting error patterns. Through the recognition of such patterns occurrence, the method predicts the expected error for the next forecast, and uses it to adapt the actual forecast. The goal is to approximate the forecast to the real value, reducing the forecasting error.

A utiliza����o da plataforma Educast@fccn, como ferramenta de grava����o de aulas no ambiente de e-learning portugu��s

Disserta����o apresentada �� Escola Superior de Comunica����o Social como parte dos requisitos para obten����o de grau de mestre em Audiovisual e Multim��dia.

Problem-Based Learning e suas implica����es: breve revis��o te��rica

A ESTSP-IPP implementou em 2008-2009 um novo modelo pedag��gico, o PBL, em tr��s licenciaturas. Este modelo tem sido considerado capaz de promover a aquisi����o de conhecimentos mas tamb��m o desenvolvimento de compet��ncias transversais valorizadas no mercado de trabalho; orienta-se em torno de problemas significativos da realidade profissional, trabalhados segundo a metodologia dos sete passos, destacando-se a aprendizagem atrav��s de pesquisa individual e trabalho de grupo; e visa ainda desenvolver processos cognitivos e metacognitivos como levantar hip��teses, comparar, analisar, interpretar e avaliar. Neste artigo, caracterizamos brevemente o modelo e respectivas implica����es, justificando o interesse em investigar as repercuss��es da sua implementa����o.

O trabalho de projeto no desenvolvimento da cidadania

Disserta����o apresentada �� Escola Superior de Educa����o de Lisboa para obten����o de grau de mestre em Educa����o Matem��tica na Educa����o Pr��-Escolar e nos 1�� e 2�� Ciclos do Ensino B��sico

Word learning and text organisation: an intervention case

In the present study we focus on the interaction between the acquisition of new words and text organisation. In the acquisition of new words we emphasise the acquisition of paradigmatic relations such as hyponymy, meronymy and semantic sets. We work with a group of girls attending a private school for adolescents in serious difficulties. The subjects are from disadvantaged families. Their writing skills were very poor. When asked to describe a garden, they write a short text of a single paragraph, the lexical items were generic, there were no adjectives, and all of them use mainly existential verbs. The intervention plan assumed that subjects must to be exposed to new words, working out its meaning. In presence of referents subjects were taught new words making explicit the intended relation of the new term to a term already known. In the classroom subjects were asked to write all the words they knew drawing the relationships among them. They talk about the words specifying the relation making explicit pragmatic directions like is a kind of, is a part of or are all x. After that subjects were exposed to the task of choosing perspective. The work presented in this paper accounts for significant differences in the text of the subjects before and after the intervention. While working new words subjects were organising their lexicon and learning to present a whole entity in perspective.

Motivations in volunteer work

The objective of this paper is to review and discuss the literature about volunteers��� motivations to donate their time to NGOs (Non Governmental Organisations). According to Parboteeah, Cullenb & Lim (2004) management research has not paid much attention to voluntarism, however, voluntarism is a substantial part of productive work for many societies. Wilson & Pimm (1996) show that in Great Britain about 39% of the adult population has been involved in some volunteer activity for some period of time. In the U.S.A. these values reach 50% (Wilson & Pimm, 1996). Considering the benefits that voluntarism can bring to an organisation, we understand that more attention must be devoted to this phenomenon. The more an organisation knows volunteers, the better this organisation will be able to meet the needs and expectations of these individuals. We present a literature review that illustrates and compares the different motivations associated with volunteer work. The paper includes a bibliographical databases search in specialised journals. The search used the key words ���motivations��� and ���voluntarism��� (in the heading and text body) and covered all numbers between 2000 and 2007. We identify the existence of repeated motivations (Holmberg & S��derlung, 2005; Prouteau & Wolff, 2008; Soupourmas & Ironmonger, 2001; Yavas & Riecken, 1997), which allow the establishment of a typology of volunteers��� motivations, based on four categories: altruism, social needs, self-esteem, learning and self-development. Finally we identify three main gaps in the literature that justify further research. First, research focusing on the differences between motivations related to volunteers��� "Attraction" versus "Retention" in NGO���s is nil. Second, the great majority of the studies rely on north American (USA and Canada) and Australian context, which demands for further research in European countries. Third, the majority of NGOs researched are related to sport, art or the environment, and it would be interesting to explore the relationship between motivation and NGO type. These questions may obtain interesting answers for NGO management, in particular with regard to volunteer attraction and retention.

Motivations and management factors of volunteer work in nonprofit organisations: a literature review

The objective of this paper is to review and discuss the literature about volunteers��� motivations to donate their time to NPOs and the management factors that can influence volunteer work. Firstly, the paper illustrates and compares the different types of motivation followed by a presentation of a typology that organises the volunteers��� motivations into four types: (i) altruism, (ii) belonging, (iii) ego and social recognition and (iv) development and learning. Secondly we discuss the key management factors in volunteering: recruitment, training and rewarding. Finally, we present four gaps in the literature that justify the scope for further research: (i) omission of differences between motivations related to volunteers��� "Attraction" versus "Retention"; (ii) focus of the research on the USA, UK and Australia context; (iii) absence of comparative analyses that relate motivations by NPO types and (iv) comprehension of how management factors (recruitment, training and rewarding) influence volunteers��� satisfaction and retention.

A 5GHz/1.8V CMOS Active Balun Integrated with LNA

The development of high performance monolithic RF front-ends requires innovative RF circuit design to make the best of a good technology. A fully differential approach is usually preferred, due to its well-known properties. Although the differential approach must be preserved inside the chip, there are cases where the input signal is single-ended such as RF image filters and IF filters in a RF receiver. In these situations, a stage able to convert single-ended into differential signals (balun) is needed. The most cited topology, which is capable of providing high gain, consists on a differential stage with one of the two inputs grounded. Unfortunately, this solution has some drawbacks when implemented monolithically. This work presents the design and simulated results of an innovative high-performance monolithic single to differential converter, which overcomes the limitations of the circuits.The integration of the monolithic active balun circuit with an LNA on a 0.18��m CMOS process is also reported. The circuits presented here are aimed at 802.11a. Section 2 describes the balun circuit and section 3 presents its performance when it is connected to a conventional single-ended LNA. Section 4 shows the simulated performance results focused at phase/amplitude balance and noise figure. Finally, the last section draws conclusions and future work.

As pr��ticas educativas em contexto Pr��-Escolar e 1�� ciclo do Ensino B��sico: a consci��ncia fonol��gica e a aprendizagem da leitura

Mestrado (PES II), Educa����o Pr��-Escolar e Ensino do 1�� Ciclo do Ensino B��sico, 3 de Julho de 2014, Universidade dos A��ores.

Pesticide residues in Portuguese strawberries grown in 2009���2010 using integrated pest management and organic farming

Pesticides are among the most widely used chemicals in the world. Because of the widespread use of agricultural chemicals in food production, people are exposed to low levels of pesticide residues through their diets. Scientists do not yet have a total understanding of the health effects of these pesticide residues. This work aims to determine differences in terms of pesticide residue content in Portuguese strawberries grown using different agriculture practices. The Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe sample preparation method was conducted and shown to have good performance for multiclass pesticides extraction in strawberries. The screening of 25 pesticides residue was performed by gas chromatography���tandem mass spectrometry. In quantitative validation, acceptable performances were achieved with recoveries of 70���120 and <12 % residual standard deviation for 25 pesticides. Good linearity was obtained for all the target compounds, with highly satisfactory repeatability. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.1���28 ��g/kg. The method was applied to analyze strawberry samples from organic and integrated pest management (IPM) practices harvested in 2009���2010. The results showed the presence of fludioxonil, bifenthrin, mepanipyrim, tolylfluanid, cyprodinil, tetraconazole, and malathion when using IPM below the maximum residue levels.

Towards a complex model of cooperative learning

Este artigo �� uma introdu����o �� teoria do paradigma desconstrutivo de aprendizagem cooperativa. Centenas de estudos provam com evid��ncias o facto de que as estruturas e os processos de aprendizagem cooperativa aumentam o desempenho acad��mico, refor��am as compet��ncias de aprendizagem ao longo da vida e desenvolvem compet��ncias sociais, pessoais de cada aluno de uma forma mais eficaz e usta, comparativamente ��s estruturas tradicionais de aprendizagem nas escolas. Enfrentando os desafios dos nossos sistemas educativos, seria interessante elaborar o quadro te��rico do discurso da aprendizagem cooperativa, dos ��ltimos 40 anos, a partir de um aspeto pr��tico dentro do contexto te��rico e metodol��gico. Nas ��ltimas d��cadas, o discurso cooperativo elaborou os elementos pr��ticos e te��ricos de estruturas e processos de aprendizagem cooperativa. Gostar��amos de fazer um resumo desses elementos com o objetivo de compreender que tipo de mudan��as estruturais podem fazer diferen��as reais na pr��tica de ensino e aprendizagem. Os princ��pios b��sicos de estruturas cooperativas, os pap��is de coopera����o e as atitudes cooperativas s��o os principais elementos que podemos brevemente descrever aqui, de modo a criar um quadro para a compreens��o te��rica e pr��tica de como podemos sugerir os elementos de aprendizagem cooperativa na nossa pr��tica em sala de aula. Na minha perspetiva, esta complexa teoria da aprendizagem cooperativa pode ser entendida como um paradigma desconstrutivo que fornece algumas respostas pragm��ticas para as quest��es da nossa pr��tica educativa quotidiana, a partir do n��vel da sala de aula para o n��vel de sistema educativo, com foco na destrui����o de estruturas hier��rquicas e antidemocr��ticas de aprendizagem e, criando, ao mesmo tempo, as estruturas cooperativas.

A tradi����o oral nas pr��ticas do ensino Pr��-Escolar e 1.�� ciclo do Ensino B��sico

Mestrado (PES II), Educa����o Pr��-Escolar e Ensino do 1.�� Ciclo do Ensino B��sico, 21 de Janeiro de 2015, Universidade dos A��ores.

The flipped-broadcast learning system, application on Azores

On this work we suggest a teaching solution that can be implemented in Azores, an archipelago of nine islands of Portugal, based in already known system of e-learning, with a twist based on the flipped method. Structured in a cooperative way, the organization of the system allows to isolated groups of people to have access to a certain level of teaching, if they cannot have the possibility to have physical presence in school due to problems emerging from territory discontinuity. Our suggestion can be elaborate in a model that can be adapted to any level of education, and can be adapted also in cases that a cut of budget exists. We suggest the name of fb-learning: Flipped Broadcast Learning.