Abstract
The current diversity of available devices and form factors increases the need for model-based techniques to support adapting applications from one device to another. Most work on user interface modelling is built around declarative markup languages. Markup languages play a relevant role, not only in the modelling of user interfaces, but also in their implementation. However, the languages used by each community (modellers/developers) have, to a great extent evolved separately. This means that the step from concrete model to final interface becomes needlessly complicated, requiring either compilers or interpreters to bridge this gap. In this paper we compare a modelling language (UsiXML) with several markup implementation languages. We analyse if it is feasible to use the implementation languages as modelling languages. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.

Abstract
In this paper we examine the birefringence of buried optical waveguides written with femtosecond lasers in bulk fused silica glass. We report two modes of low and high birefringence associated with strong form birefringence and the orientation of nanogratings that align perpendicular to the writing laser polarization. The birefringence and waveguide losses are characterized over various laser exposure conditions to facilitate the fabrication of low-loss and compact wave retarders and polarization beam splitters for integration into polarization controlled circuits. Zero-order quarter-wave and half-wave retarders together with polarization beam splitters are demonstrated, all operating at telecom wavelengths. Integration of such devices is targeted for application in photonic quantum circuits. © 2012 SPIE.

Abstract
In the present moment, the sustainable water management is a major concern throughout the world. Mountain areas are more and more recognized as the world's water towers (UNESCO IHP-VI PROGRAMME). Since a large number of mountains are located at high altitude and are crossed by roads, deicing operations are inevitable. The use of deicing chemicals such as sodium chloride and calcium chloride to promote snow and ice melting in roads is an environmental problem of scientific, economic and social relevance. Due to its geological, geomorphological and climate characteristics, the Serra da Estrela mountain plays a strategic role in the water management in Portugal. This paper presents hydrogeochemical results that illustrate the process of groundwater contamination by road deicing salts in this mountain area. © 2012 LNEG.

Abstract
Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) systems involve complex interactions between multiple devices and users. This complexity makes it difficult to establish whether: (1) observations made about use are truly representative of all possible interactions; (2) desirable characteristics of the system are true in all possible scenarios. To address these issues, techniques are needed that support an exhaustive analysis of a system's design. This paper demonstrates one such exhaustive analysis technique that supports the early evaluation of alternative designs for ubiquitous computing environments. The technique combines models of behavior within the environment with a virtual world that allows its simulation. The models support checking of properties based on patterns. These patterns help the analyst to generate and verify relevant properties. Where these properties fail then scenarios suggested by the failure provide an important aid to redesign. The proposed technique uses APEX, a framework for rapid prototyping of ubiquitous environments based on Petri nets. The approach is illustrated through a smart library example. Its benefits and limitations are discussed. Copyright 2012 ACM.

Abstract
Data mining is being increasingly applied to social networks. Two relevant reasons are the growing availability of large volumes of relational data, boosted by the proliferation of social media web sites, and the intuition that an individual's connections can yield richer information than his/her isolate attributes. This synergistic combination can show to be germane to a variety of applications such as churn prediction, fraud detection and marketing campaigns. This paper attempts to provide a general and succinct overview of the essentials of social network analysis for those interested in taking a first look at this area and oriented to use data mining in social networks. C (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract
Automatic image registration is a process related to several application fields: remote sensing, medicine and computer vision, among others. Particularly in the field of remote sensing, the ever-increasing number of available satellite images requires automatic image registration methods, capable of correctly aligning a new image. An automatic image registration method - CHAIR (correlation-and Hough transform-based method of automatic image registration) - is proposed, the key concept of which relies on the 'correlation image' produced in both the horizontal and vertical directions. In particular, the computation of the distance of an identified diagonal brighter strip in the correlation image (through the Hough transform) to an offset (the main diagonal) allows for the determination of translational shifts and consequently control points. The set of obtained control points allows for the correction of several types of distortions. The geometric correction quality achieved by CHAIR was objectively evaluated through measures recently proposed, which allow for a more complete assessment of the obtained results. The CHAIR performance was evaluated on both synthetic and real data, with different spatial resolutions and spectral contents. CHAIR has been shown to be able to correctly align two images with a subpixel accuracy, having a priori a 'gold standard' image covering a considerable part of the image to be registered, and has also been shown to work for images of different sensors and/or different spectral bands, situations where traditional correlation methods often yield low and smooth peaks on the correlation surface. It is also able to account for elevation differences and to some extent for rotation and scale effects. Furthermore, it has been shown to have potential for registering synthetic aperture radar (SAR) with optical images.