Abstract
This paper describes a procedural modeling methodology for urban environments, capable of reproducing real-world structures based on geographical information, operating on a spatial database engine, with applications in the field of digital gaming.

Abstract
The article presents an estimation approach for navigation of the Modular Autonomous Robot for Environment Sampling (MARES) autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) based on the range to a single beacon deployed in the operation area. Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto developed the MARES AUV. Typical MARES missions include environmental sampling and monitoring in which the vehicle sweeps a given area while collecting relevant data. The current localization system uses a long-baseline acoustic system based on two acoustic beacons mounted on surface buoys. Each beacon answers the AUV with an acoustic pulse after having been questioned by the AUV in the same way. The MARES AUV interprets sensor data and generates commands at a constant rate of 10 hertz. While measurements from the depth sensor and the compass are available at each time step, range measurements are performed at a lower frequency due to the speed of propagation of acoustic waves.

Abstract

Abstract
In a dynamic and competitive world, understanding the knowledge, skills and competences that managers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) require is an important endeavour, to ensure that both academic and business training institutions offer well formed programs/courses and curricula. Several studies, conducted by academic researchers and business associations around the world, focused on identifying managers' skills and competences, but there isn't an overall perspective on today's requirements of European SME managers. This is a critical aspect because managers' competences strongly influence enterprises' competitiveness and, therefore, the economic competitiveness of countries themselves. To help overcome this problem, the authors conducted a study in six European countries through a literature review and several interviews with business associations' executives. The result is a list of 34 competences, which the authors organized in four categories: personal; team management; business; and technical. These competences are presented and discussed in this chapterand show that an SME manager should be well prepared in a rich set of complementary areas to perform her/his job. The findings enable a better understanding of the profile of SME managers from the point of view of required competences, and may help in the design of new training programs to fulfil the identified needs. © 2011, IGI Global.

Abstract
The success of the digital game industry is spawning several undergraduate degrees aiming at the training of digital game developers. Building adequate new courses curricula is not a trivial task and demands a profound analysis of the scientific areas to introduce as well as the dependencies throughout the entire degree. Another important aspect of every academic educational plan are the satellite projects that promote entrepreneurship and provide practical professional experiences to students. This paper presents the main guidelines adopted in the creation of the first digital game development undergraduate degree created in Portugal. © 2010 IEEE.

Abstract
We study the measurand-induced spectral shift of the photonic bandgap edge of a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber. The physical measurands considered are strain, temperature, curvature, and twist. A noticeable sensitivity to strain, temperature, and twist is observed, with a blueshift to increase strain and twist. An increase in temperature induces a redshift. On the other hand, curvature has no observable effect on the spectral position of the photonic bandgap edge. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America