Abstract
In this paper, we study the problem of projection kernel design for the reconstruction of high-dimensional signals from low-dimensional measurements in the presence of side information, assuming that the signal of interest and the side information signal are described by a joint Gaussian mixture model (GMM). In particular, we consider the case where the projection kernel for the signal of interest is random, whereas the projection kernel associated to the side information is designed. We then derive sufficient conditions on the number of measurements needed to guarantee that the minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) tends to zero in the low-noise regime. Our results demonstrate that the use of a designed kernel to capture side information can lead to substantial gains in relation to a random one, in terms of the number of linear projections required for reliable reconstruction. © 2016 IEEE.

Abstract
Pectus Excavatum (PE) is the most common congenital chest wall deformity, affecting 1 in 400 live births. This deformity is commonly corrected using the minimally invasive Nuss procedure, where a bar is positioned under the sternum. Although recent procedure advances based on patientspecific prosthesis were proposed, correct bar placement is still challenging. In this work, we propose a novel augmented reality system to guide the surgeon during PE bar placement. This system combines a 3D sensor with a projector to superimpose the thoracic ribs cage on the chest wall of the patient, thus indicating the optimal insertion and bar placement points. This system was validated in three different scenarios: 1) simulated chest surface models; 2) 3D printed phantom; and 3) 3D commercial thoracic phantom. An error of 3.93 ± 3.44 mm, and 3.08 ± 1.57 mm were obtained in the first and second experiments, respectively. In the final experiment, visual assessment of the result proved that a high similarity was obtained between the projected model and the real ribs cage position. Overall, the proposed system showed high feasibility with low error, proving that 3D projection of the ribs on the patient’s chest wall may facilitate PE bar insertion and ultimately provide useful information to guide Nuss procedure. © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, London.

Abstract
Firefighting is a hazardous occupation. Firefighters are commonly subjected to high levels of stress and fatigue that could interfere with their ability to take decisions under pressure. Based on this assumption, a laboratory protocol was conducted among 10 Portuguese firefighters in order to address their stress and mental fatigue levels and its impact on cognitive performance. A 2-Choice Reaction Time Task was used to measure cognitive performance (before and after a stress condition) and a psychosocial stress paradigm was used to assess stress. Visual Analogue Scales were also used to measure perceived stress and mental fatigue. Results suggested that firefighters felt more fatigued at the end of the protocol, however their performance only decreased in the first reaction time task. Furthermore, findings suggested that stress improved firefighters reaction times, however when stress levels increased, performance decreased. This suggests the need to better understand firefighters optimal stress levels and fatigue, in order to promote their health and work safety, by improving their performance under demanding situations.

Abstract
Novel techniques and a toolset are presented for automatically testing the conformance of software implementations against partial behavioral models constituted by a set of parameterized UML sequence diagrams, describing both external interactions with users or client applications and internal interactions between objects in the system. Test code is automatically generated from the sequence diagrams and executed on the implementation under test, and test results and coverage information are presented back visually in the model. A runtime test library handles internal interaction checking, test stubs, and user interaction testing, taking advantage of aspect-oriented programming techniques. Incremental conformance checking is achieved by first translating sequence diagrams to Extended Petri Nets that combine the characteristics of Colored Petri Nets and Event-Driven Petri Nets.

Abstract

Abstract
This paper presents a study concerning the role of channel length scaling on IGZO TFT technology benchmark parameters, which are fabricated at temperatures not exceeding 180 degrees C. The parameters under investigation are unity current-gain cutoff frequency, intrinsic voltage-gain, and on-resistance of the bottom-gate IGZOTFTs. As the channel length varies from 160 to 3 mu m, the measured cutoff frequency increases from 163 kHz to 111.5 MHz, which is a superior value compared to the other competing low-temperature thin-film technologies, such as organic TFTs. On the other hand, for the same transistor dimensions, the measured intrinsic voltage-gain is changing from 165 to 5.3 and the on-resistance is decreasing from 1135.6 to 26.1 k Omega. TFTs with smaller channel length (3 mu m) have shown a highly negative turn-on voltage and hump in the subthreshold region, which can be attributed to short channel effects. The results obtained here, together with their interpretation based on device physics, provide crucial information for accurate IC design, enabling an adequate selection of device dimensions to maximize the performance of different circuit building blocks assuring the multifunctionality demanded by system-on-panel concepts.