Abstract
Current maritime communications rely on expensive or proprietary technology, such as satellite, WiMAX, and narrowband HF radios. Broadband communications are limited to the near shore 3G/4G coverage provided by mobile operators. The usage of unlicensed and IEEE 802.11 networks may provide ship owners a low-cost broadband access to the Internet offshore, enabling real-time navigation applications and voice/video communications, while increasing safety onboard. Also, they can support underwater communications by acting as a bridge between shore and devices operating underwater. In this paper we present a performance evaluation of IEEE 802.11n networks in the 5.8 GHz band in a maritime environment. A point-to-point link was established between a fishing ship and shore. From our tests, communication links up to 7 km at 1 Mbit/s are possible, showing the advantage of using long range IEEE 802.11 links for broadband maritime communications.

Abstract
This paper examines the correlation between musical dissonance and auditory roughness-the most significant factor of psychoacoustic dissonance- and the contribution of the latter to algorithmic composition. We designed an empirical study to assess how auditory roughness correlates with human judgments of dissonance in natural musical stimuli on the sound object time scale. The results showed a statistically significant correlation between roughness and listeners' judgments of dissonance for quasi-harmonic sounds. This paper concludes by presenting two musical applications of auditory roughness in algorithmic composition, in particular to supervise the vertical recombination of sound objects in the software earGram. Copyright:

Abstract

Abstract
The integrate-and-fire model of a biological neuron is an amplitude to time encoding in the spacing between action potentials (spikes). In principle, this encoding can be used to modulate signals in an Impulse Radio Ultra Wide-Band (IRUWB) transmitter suitable for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). This paper presents a system level study on power efficiency using MATLAB/ Simulink to evaluate the required energy for an IR-UWB Transmitter using integrate-and-fire encoding technique. Also, a simple but clear comparison with common systems utilizing Nyquist rate Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) is presented. This study has been carried out on a band-limited random Gaussian signal and the results show that IR-IF transmitter consumes roughly seven times less energy than a digital UWB transmitter; moreover, in the proposed architecture the need for power hungry ADC is relaxed.

Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a major cause of disability in older people and because of its nature and symptoms it is a huge weight on the caregivers and health system. The aim of this project, developed at Fraunhofer Portugal, is to create a remote monitoring system for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. This system comprises a device able to monitor the environment temperature and humidity, the patients location, using GPS, as well as the patient's movements, including falls. The device sends this information to the caregiver via SMS, and also to a server, where it is stored in a database developed in this work, and which the caregiver can access via a smartphone, using an application also developed in this project. This system therefore affords a close surveillance of the patient's status as well as access to historical data of the patient's information.

Abstract
Plant diseases, such as the pinewood disease, PWD, have become a problem of economical and forestall huge proportions. These diseases, that are asymptomatic and characterized by a fast spread, have no cure developed to date. Besides, there are no technical means to diagnose the disease in situ, without causing tree damage, and help to assist the forest management. Herein is proposed a portable and non-damage system, based on electrical impedance spectroscopy, EIS, for biological applications. In fact, EIS has been proving efficacy and utility in wide range of areas. However, although commercial equipment is available, it is expensive and unfeasible for in vivo and in field applications. The developed EIS system is able to perform AC current or voltage scans, within a selectable frequency range, and its effectiveness in assessing pine decay was proven. The procedure and the results obtained for a population of 24 young pine trees (Pinus pinaster Aiton) are presented. Pine trees were kept in a controlled environment and were inoculated with the nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Nickle), that causes the PWD, and also with bark beetles (Tomicus destruens Wollaston). The obtained results may constitute a first innovative approach to the diagnosis of such types of diseases.