Abstract
Over the past years, volumetric cardiac imaging has matured to a modality that can be used in daily routine clinical practice. However, despite the evolution of volumetric ultrasound systems with remarkable improvement in image quality, spatio-temporal resolution of the 3D data set remains limited and inferior to what can be obtained in 2D. Further development of volumetric ultrasound is thus required. However, the development of new beam forming techniques for 3D ultrasound (US) imaging requires an open, flexible and fully programmable US platform. To date, such systems are scarce and required (custom-made) dedicated electronics. Therefore, the aim of this report is to present a novel High channel Density Programmable ULtrasound System based on consumer Electronics (HD-PULSE). © 2015 IEEE.

Abstract
Focused ion beam (FIB) patterning of 3D topography on optical fiber tips for application in stand-alone, rugged and simplified setups for optical tweezers cell sorters, optical near-field lithography and optical beam profile engineering are reported. We demonstrate various configurations based on single-step FIB patterning, multiple-step FIB processing and hybrid approaches based on optical fiber pre- and post-FIB treatment with either etching, fusion splicing, photo-polymerization or electroplating steps for optical fiber texture, topography and composition engineering. Different conductive coatings for minimal charge accumulation and beam drift are studied with the relative merits compared. Furthermore optimal beam parameters for accurate pattern replication and positioning are also presented. Measured experimental field profiles are compared with numerical simulations of fabricated optical fiber tips for fabrication accuracy evaluation. Applications employing these engineered fiber tips in the field of optical tweezers, optical vortex generation, photolithography, photo-polymerization and beam forming are presented.

Abstract
Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) constitutes a heterogeneous entity that includes advanced-stage primary tumours, cancers with extensive nodal involvement and inflammatory breast carcinomas. Although the definition of LABC can be broadened to include some large operable breast tumours, we use this term to strictly refer to inoperable cancers that are included in the above-mentioned categories. The prognosis of such tumours is often unfavourable; despite aggressive treatment, many patients eventually develop distant metastases and die from the disease. Advances in systemic therapy, including radiation treatment, surgical techniques and the development of new targeted agents have significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients with this disease. Notwithstanding these advances, LABC remains an important clinical problem, particularly in developing countries and those without widely adapted breast cancer awareness programmes. The optimal management of LABC requires a multidisciplinary approach, a well-coordinated treatment schedule and close cooperation between medical, surgical and radiation oncologists. In this Review, we discuss the current state of the art and possible future treatment strategies for patients with LABC.

Abstract
Keeping students interested and motivated is perhaps one of the most difficult and traditional tasks assigned to teachers. With technology being engaged increasingly into learning activities, with its advantages and disadvantages, some new aspects need to be considered. Undoubtedly, technology acts as an enhancer for learning, opening new paths for teaching. However there are some drawbacks too. Keeping students in the right track, doing what they are expected to do, with commitment and motivation, becomes an enormous challenge when an amazing digital world full of all kind of temptations is at the distance of their personal smartphones or even in the computer they use to study. This excess of stimuli and the process of switching and choosing between them has as potential effects on attention, stress and mental fatigue. Stressed or fatigued students fail to deliver the required performance for the task they are engaged in. This paper presents a non-intrusive approach for monitoring student's performance in real time and measure the effect of these external variables on students. The long-term goal is to empower teachers with valuable information about the students' state, allowing them to better manage their students and teaching methodologies.

Abstract
The increase in the complexity inherent to public administrative activities, including public procurement, has led ANO to develop a public e-procurement platform in order for Portuguese public entities to perform their contracts and acquisitions. Given the introduction of European PEPPOL standards and the requirement for all Portuguese e-procurement platforms to be WCAG 2.0 level A compliant, ANO company established a consortium with the UTAD University in order to improve their platform and develop the required features. By using a specially designed stage-based work methodology, the R&D project was carried out with success and all initial goals were achieved. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015.

Abstract
Crop monitoring and harvesting by ground robots on mountain vineyards is an intrinsically complex challenge, due to two main reasons: harsh conditions of the terrain and reduced time availability and unstable localization accuracy of the GPS system. In this paper is presented a cost effective robot that can be used on these mountain vineyards for crop monitoring tasks. Also it is explored a natural vineyard feature as the input of a standard 2D simultaneous localization and mapping approach (SLAM) for feature-based map extraction. In order to be possible to evaluate these natural features for mapping and localization purposes, a virtual scenario under ROS/Gazebo has been built and described. A low cost artificial landmark and an hybrid SLAM is proposed to increase the localization accuracy, robustness and redundancy on these mountain vineyards. The obtained results, on the simulation framework, validates the use of a localization system based on natural mountain vineyard features.