Abstract
A spatial optical filter based on splice misalignment between optical fibers with different cladding dimensions is proposed for gas refractometry. The sensing head is formed by a 2 mm-long optical fiber with 50 mu m diameter spliced with a strong misalignment between two single mode fibers (SMF28) and interrogated in transmission. This fiber structure causes a Fabry-Perot-behavior along the reduced-size fiber giving at its output end a well defined spatial filtering selectivity. Depending on the misalignment position of the lead-out SMF28, it is possible to obtain two different spectral responses, namely, bandpass or band-rejection filters. It is shown that this filter device is highly sensitive to refractive index changes on a nitrogen (N-2) environment by means of the gas pressure variation. A maximum sensitivity of -1390 nm/RIU for the bandpass filter was achieved.

Abstract
Spatial data infrastructures (SDI) are extremely important in order to combine the technical and organizational elements required to promote the use of territory-based information in an interoperable way. In fact, geographic information has unique intrinsic features, which makes it a natural indexing mechanism for spatial data. Due to its high cost and upgrade dynamics, this information should be available for reuse and should be managed and maintained by those responsible for producing it as part of management interventions in the territory. Therefore, it is important that different spatial data infrastructures, developed at different hierarchical levels, coexist and communicate in an interoperable way so that they can constitute a spatial basis of reference that facilitates the integration with other sectorial applications. This ongoing work proposes the implementation of a regional spatial data infrastructure based on free software, in compliance with the principles of the EU INSPIRE Directive and with the OGC standards.

Abstract
A fiber-optic sensor for simultaneous measurement of refractive index and temperature is described. The refractive index measurement is based on the visibility variations of a Fabry-Perot interferometer. It is formed with the interfering waves generated from a low reflectivity Bragg grating inscribed on a Panda fiber and from the fiber end tip (Fresnel reflection) in contact with the liquid. The sensor is characterized by immersing the fiber tip in distilled water with different concentrations of ethylene glycol. A linear relation of the interferometer fringe visibility with refractive index variation is observed. The temperature is determined by the wavelength shift of the FBG peaks. Results show the feasibility of simultaneous measurement of refractive index and temperature and also the possibility of adjusting fringe visibility via polarization control.

Abstract
The new generation of e-learning, commonly nominated e-learning 2.0 or social e-learning, aims at eliminating physical, social and cultural barriers, allowing knowledge everywhere, whether being in the workplace or being at home. This allows a growth in the motivation and likeness for learning, shortening the distances between people by the creation of learning communities that share the same tastes and interests. This article proposes a model for e-Learning 2.0 that can be implemented on a social network, and discuss its advantages by supporting the education and training throughout life and in designing new models for distance learning.

Abstract
In this paper we propose a divisive top-down clustering method designed for interval and histogram-valued data. The method provides a hierarchy on a set of objects together with a monothetic characterization of each formed cluster. At each step, a cluster is split so as to minimize intra-cluster dispersion, which is measured using a distance suitable for the considered variable types. The criterion is minimized across the bipartitions induced by a set of binary questions. Since interval-valued variables may be considered a special case of histogram-valued variables, the method applies to data described by either kind of variables, or by variables of both types. An example illustrates the proposed approach.

Abstract
The empirical studies in the area of Open Innovation (OI) reveal that there is a significant bias in favour of countries on the technological frontier. The present study aims to bridge this gap by examining firms in Portugal, a country at an intermediate stage of technological development. Based on 70 innovative firms, we found that whatever perspective of the OI model is considered, firms tend, on average, to share a relatively closed innovation model when compared with firms located in countries where technological development is advanced. About a quarter of the surveyed firms implemented the OI model in their innovation strategy/business, this being much more widely disseminated regarding the absorption of external knowledge/technology, with almost 40% of firms surveyed acknowledging its use in comparison with the perspective of transfer of knowledge/technology to other organisations - less than 10% provide their "surplus technology" to other organisations. This result may indicate a lack of awareness of the economic potential of making internally created technologies available to third parties, albeit this potential might also depend on other circumstances such as technology architecture (the system and interdependence of technologies).