Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging at the 1060-nm region proved to be a successful alternative in ophthalmology not only for resolving intraretinal layers, but also for enabling sufficient penetration to monitor the subretinal vasculature in the choroid when compared to most commonly used OCT imaging systems at the 800-nm region. To encourage further clinical research at this particular wavelength, we have developed a compact fiber-optic source based on amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) centered at similar to 1060 nm with similar to 70-nm spectral bandwidth at full-width at half-maximum and output power > 20 mW. Our approach is based on a combination of slightly shifted ASE emission spectra from a combination of Neodymium- and Ytterbium-doped fibers. Spectral shaping and power optimization have been achieved using in-fiber filtering schemes. We have tested the performance of the source in an OCT system optimized for this wavelength.

Abstract

Abstract
In this work the authors first summarily describe the main topics that were the subject of their post-graduate activity in fiber sensing at the Applied Optics Group of University of Kent in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After their return to Porto, Portugal, the know-how acquired during their stay at Kent and the collaboration paths that followed between the University of Porto and University of Kent were instrumental in the start-up and progress of optical fiber sensing activity in Portugal. The main topics addressed in this field, the description of some of the relevant developments achieved in recent years, the present situation and the guidelines for the future research and development activity in Portugal in fiber sensing will be the core of this work. © 2011 University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Abstract
As wind power generation undergoes rapid growth, lightning damages involving wind power systems have come to be regarded as a serious problem. This chapter gives an introduction to lightning phenomena, lightning location systems and important parameters regarding lightning protection. The wind turbine is described and the main characteristics of its components, like the tower, the generator, the blades, and the electrical and electronic equipment, are highlighted. This chapter also introduces fundamentals of risk analysis method based on international standards, and describes how the rolling sphere method can be used to identify the vulnerable points on a structure. Computer tools and simulations using the LPS 2008 computer program are presented and discussed. Finally, wind turbine issues are discussed.

Abstract
The main challenge to allow for use of the so-called TV White Spaces is to achieve a reliable approach for detecting presence of licensed users ensuring that harmful interference to television signals and other incumbent services does not occur. In the current debate, there is a trend towards the use of a geo-location database only, driven by the fear that other techniques fail to achieve the required detection reliability. Therefore, in this paper we intend to assess if the technical and business value of sensing in the context of TVWS should be neglected. Taking in consideration the discussion on the adequate technical requirements currently taking place in Europe and the USA, the cost and performance of the proposed techniques for local sensing, distributed sensing and geo-location database are compared through a simple model. As a result, we conclude that using a distributed sensing solution based on low-cost low-power sensing engines, we could achieve a solution with hardware and energy costs a par with the geo-location database. However, by assessing the costs and business impacts for stakeholders such as manufacturers and White Spaces Service Providers we conclude that in the geo-location database solution, regulators, White Spaces Service Providers, White Spaces Database Providers and consumers may incur additional infrastructure, maintenance and administrative costs compared to a distributed sensing solution. Consequently, we are of the opinion that the distributed sensing solution in the context of TVWS does indeed present value and its business and technical impact should be considered in further research and regulatory activities. © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
Twelve adolescent athletes underwent, in a crossover-design study, 3 separate 90-min training sessions in the following conditions: no fluid ingestion allowed (NF), ad libitum ingestion of water (W), and ad libitum ingestion of a commercial 8% carbohydrate-electrolyte sports beverage (CSB). After each session athletes performed a set of basketball drills (2-point, 3-point, and free-throw shootout, suicide sprints, and defensive zigzags). Body weight (before and after sessions), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), urine color, and beverage acceptability were determined in each session. Athletes also completed a survey about their knowledge and behaviors regarding hydration and fluid replacement. The percentage of weight loss was significantly higher in NF (2.46% +/- 0.87%) than in the other 2 conditions (W, 1.08% +/- 0.67%, p = .006; CSB, 0.65% +/- 0.62%, p = .001) but also higher in W than CSB (p = .012). RPE was higher in NF (16.8 +/- 1.96) than in the W (14.2 +/- 1.99, p = .004) and CSB (13.3 +/- 2.06, p = .002) trials. Athletes' fluid intake was positively correlated with proper self-reported behaviors (r = .75, p = .005) and knowledge (r = .76, p = .004) about fluid and hydration. In conclusion, fluid restriction during exercise was associated with a greater level of dehydration and increased perceived exertion but had no impact on basketball performance compared with ad libitum drinking of water or a CSB. Athletes with more knowledge about hydration and better self-reported hydration behaviors ingested more fluids during training sessions.