Abstract
In this work an investigation of long period fiber gratings (LPFGs) over coated with iron (Fe) thin layers with different thicknesses and subjected to oxidation in air atmosphere under controlled temperature is presented. The formation of iron oxides was monitored in real time by following the optical features of the LPFG attenuation band. The morphology of the oxide layer was further analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Preliminary results show that iron coated LPFGs can be used as sensors for early warning of corrosion in projects where metal structures made of iron alloys are in contact with atmospheric air.

Abstract
Two different sensing structures based on a hollow microsphere Fabry-Perot cavity are proposed. The hollow spheroidal cavities are fabricated resorting only to fusion splicing. The first structure is based on a hollow microsphere located at the fiber end and works as a probe sensor. The structure was subjected to lateral load pressure and presents a sensitivity of 1.56 +/- 0.01 nm/N. The second proposed sensor relies on an in-line hollow microsphere. The sensing structure allows the detection of lateral loading, with a sensitivity of 2.62 +/- 0.02 nm/N, as well as strain detection, with a sensitivity of 4.66 +/- 0.03 pm/mu epsilon. The two proposed sensors present similar response when subjected to temperature and have low thermal sensitivity.

Abstract
This paper focuses on the susceptibility evaluation to bank gullies on earthen embankments through the application of SIMWE (SIMulated Water Erosion) model, using a high resolution digital elevation model (1 meter spatial resolution). The results provided by the model are compared with the hydrologic characteristics, soil texture and soil structure of the agricultural terraces. This approach demonstrates an association between the spatial distribution of erosive forms with high values of water depth and reduced water discharge that are consistent with the lower values of electrical resistivity. The areas with the highest percentage of erosive forms, related to sediment flux, transport capacity and sediment concentration susceptibility, assume medium values. These figures, combined with a low hydraulic conductivity and soil infiltration capacity, are consistent with the fine texture of soils, allowing increased runoff and the development of linear erosion.

Abstract
The use of the odometry and SLAM visual methods in autonomous vehicles has been growing. Optical sensors provide valuable information from the scenario that enhance the navigation of autonomous vehicles. Although several visual techniques are already available in the literature, their performance could be significantly affected by the scene captured by the optical sensor. In this context, this paper presents a comparative analysis of three monocular visual odometry methods and three stereo SLAM techniques. The advantages, particularities and performance of each technique are discussed, to provide information that is relevant for the development of new research and novel robotic applications. © Springer International Publishing AG 2018.

Abstract
The concept of underwater docking stations has long been proposed to support the long term deployment of AUVs, but the number of successful solutions is still very disappointing. Hovering type AUVs can navigate arbitrarily slow, simplifying the docking maneuver and the requirements for the receiving structure. This paper describes a docking system that was developed to extend the mission duration of the MARES AUV, a man portable hovering type AUV. Given the wide range of operational scenarios and configurations of this AUV, one of the design requirements was to have a simple modular structure, that could easily be reconfigured to support different vehicle configurations, deployment scenarios and docking maneuvers. The paper provides details of the mechanical aspects, the onboard electronic subsystems, and the general operational procedure, as well as preliminary data from the first trials. © 2017 IEEE.

Abstract
Internet is becoming one of the most adopted technologies of all times and one of its particular uses concerns the public health issues. The search for health related information and the exchange of experiences and opinions on symptoms and treatments is one of the main activities associated with eHealth websites, hence the need for these websites to be accessible to everybody, including those with some sort of disability. Nevertheless, when assessing the level of the WCAG 2.0 compliance of Iberian eHealth websites, the results achieved during a two stage, one year apart, evaluation indicated that these websites were definitely not accessible. By adding this finding to other similar results achieved by means of similar researches we believe that a new full scope Web accessibility and usability evaluation procedure was needed and is now presented. The referred proposal aims at creating a basis for both organisations and Web developers to understand how to perform an adequate assessment of their websites.