Abstract
Software connectors are external coordination devices which ensure the flow of data and enforce synchronization constraints within a component's network. The specification of software connectors through which context dependent behaviour is correctly propagated remains an open, non trivial issue in their semantics. This paper, building on previous work by the authors, revisits this problem and introduces a model in which context awareness is suitably handled.

Abstract

Abstract
Many heterogeneous and highly specialized software applications for eHealth were implemented and deployed by diverse health organizations, such as public and private hospitals and health care centers. The rational management of these eHealth assets together with their efficient and interoperable integration represents today a major hitherto unresolved challenge for the health sector at a global level. One of the present implications is the serious interoperability issues that arise by the lack of widely accepted standards for the homogeneous integration of the diverse identity and authentication mechanisms used by the eHealth applications ecosystem. Unfortunately this has not yet been a major infrastructure concern for the eHealth context and thus constitutes a major road block for the realization of these applications full integration potential. In this work a high level model and some critical infrastructure components are proposed. Together with the Portuguese eID smart-card, allowed to delineate a novel and more flexible infrastructure for secure identity management and authentication services for eHealth. The secure privacy oriented identity infrastructure proposed fits well the highly demanding and specific needs of a heterogeneous and integrated modern identity infrastructure for eHealth applications, precisely because it provides strong foundations, upon which more reliable, secure, trustworthy and inter-operable eHealth applications can be built.

Abstract
This paper presents a comparative study of the behaviour of different kinds of optical fibre sensors in response to high temperatures. It compares the performance of regenerated fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) written in hydrogen-loaded and non-loaded fibres with long period gratings (LPGs) written through the two different processes of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and electrical arc discharges. This work shows the importance of the use of hydrogen-loaded fibres to achieve regenerated FBGs capable of withstanding high temperatures as high as 955 degrees C. In addition, the results demonstrated that LPGs recorded by electric arc discharges have higher thermal resistance than LPGs written by UV radiation.

Abstract
Performance management in collaborative networks of organisations is a complex process due to the multiplicity of competing perspectives upon it. One of the more sensitive phases of this process is the agreement of the actors in the network regarding the performance evaluation model whose design is considered of great importance in the research literature. This paper proposes a method for the design of performance evaluation systems in collaborative networks through an innovative combination of performance information classification and multi-criteria decision model. The method is implemented in a web-based collaborative platform that enables the members of a collaborative network to efficiently achieve specific performance models that result from a collective and negotiated construction.

Abstract
Objective: To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren from Aveiro, Portugal, according to two criteria: the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cut-offs. Design: Weight, height and waist circumference were measured. Using the BMI, gender- and age-specific prevalences of overweight and obesity were determined according to the IOTF cut-offs extrapolated from an adult BMI of 25 and 30 kg/m(2) and the CDC cut-off values of 85th and 95th BMI percentile. Setting: Aveiro, Portugal. Subjects: A random representative sample of 905 children (457 boys; 448 girls) aged 7-9 years. Results: The prevalence of excess weight (overweight and obesity) was lowest according to IOTF cut-offs compared to CDC (28.1% v. 31.2%), especially obesity (8.1% v. 14.0%). However, the CDC and IOTF criteria have a strong agreement (Cohen's k=0.755; P<0.001). There were significant differences in excess weight between boys and girls according to the CDC (26.9% v. 35.7%; P=0.003). Obese children are younger and the majority present abdominal obesity. Conclusions: The present study shows a high prevalence of excess weight in Aveiro children, similar to other Portuguese regions and among the highest in Europe, especially in the female gender. The IOTF cut-off values give a lower prevalence of excess weight, namely obesity.