Abstract
Introduction. The study of the clinical workflows and information flows in healthcare institutions is of vital importance to improve its effectiveness and efficiency. At Hospital Sao Joao, Oporto Portugal, a Diagnostic Breast Unit (DBU) was recently created. The implementation of a new Electronic Patient Record (EPR) called Breast.Care triggered the need to better understand the DBU processes and suggest improvements. Aim. To describe clinical workflows and information flows in DBU, detect problems and propose solutions for better communication among different actors. Methods. The study started with a direct observation period with a total of 24 hours. The observed processes and flows were transcribed into free text and then into structured text, tables and Unified Modeling Language (UML) diagrams (activity and partition-activity). The structured text and diagrams were analysed to find possible improvements. Results. Seven main processes were identified representing how different actors (humans and computers) work together. Three communication process improvements between humans were detected (e.g. changing timing of patient data insertion to facilitate reading access to others), three human machine improvements (e.g. changing computer medical forms) and one between machines (creating specific links between information systems). Discussion. Analysing workflow and information flow in DBU allowed the detection of communication problems and the improvement of those through changes in EPR and in DBU current processes.

Abstract
In this work, the authors present an alternative Sagnac interferometer based on a suspended twin-core fibre. Using the suspended twin-core fibre, the pattern fringe is due to the different optical paths of the light in the two cores. In this case, the value of the refractive index difference between the two cores is 10(-3), which indicates an advantage of this approach, namely the possibility to use a small length of the suspended twin-core fibre. The sensing configuration was characterized for strain, temperature, curvature and torsion, respectively.

Abstract

Abstract
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery (OPBS) is becoming an integral part of breast cancer management, but few surgeons have received formal training in these techniques. An International Symposium has recently debated the key issues which impact on training and specialisation in OPBS, as well as patient access to these procedures. The Symposium concluded that increasing the availability of OPBS is a major challenge, which demands much closer collaboration and cooperation between breast and plastic surgeons, backed up by new training schemes, new curricula and new guidelines.

Abstract
In this work, we propose to take advantage of properties of a Bragg fibre for optical sensing. The Bragg fibre exhibits three concentric high refractive index layers embedded in pure silica and surrounding a 35 mu m diameter core. A short (0.3 m long) piece of Bragg fibre slightly multimode, is used to elaborate an intermodal interferometer, the spectral response of which exhibits a fringe pattern that depends on the operating wavelength, which can therefore be used as a sensor. The two modes considered were found to be the fundamental LP(01) and the high-order mode LP(02). The sensor has been characterized in strain and temperature and presents a sensitivity of - 1.09 pm/mu epsilon and 14.1 pm/degrees C respectively. The sensor demonstrated insensitivity to curvature thanks to well known Bragg fibre properties.

Abstract
In the scope of a recently launched European Research Project, a team of experts from public laboratories and TSO is in charge of defining the concepts and methodological approaches to design and analyse the technical and economic feasibility of future HVDC grids. This work aims at identifying, assessing and comparing several possible HVDC network topologies, with appropriate control and protection schemes, able to collect wind energy on large areas, transmit it at the best points to the AC grid and provide the necessary ancillary services for optimising the DC / AC interconnection in normal and disturbed conditions. The methodology adopted for the study and presented in this paper will focus on three main items: 1. identify and assess the economic drivers for the development of off-shore HVDC networks 2. identify the requirements for an optimal operation of the AC / DC interconnected power systems under normal and emergency conditions 3. conceptualise the coordinated control / command and protection plans for HVDC networks This paper gives a comprehensive view of the issues and tasks to be addressed during the run of the project.