Abstract
The economical and environment impacts of fossil energies increased the interest for hybrid, battery and fuel-cell electric vehicles. Energy management systems (EMS) have a fundamental role in achieving high efficiency levels in vehicle performances, without compromise its drivability features. This is a complex task, since one is dealing with the integration of different physical subsystems. In addition, several vehicle electric power-train architectures must be considered, requiring different energy management approaches. Considering EMS for real-time applications will bring a higher complexity level. This paper aims at putting these efforts into perspective deriving a more holistic view of the literature in this topic. We start the analysis on the general requirements for EMS to identify the more demanding ones for real-time applications. Based on this analysis, we suggest some open challenges and describe new research opportunities. © 2011 INESC Coimbra.

Abstract
We consider a methodology for flexible software design, runtime programming, defined by recurrent, incremental software modifications to a program at runtime, called runtime patches. The principles we consider for runtime programming are model preservation and scalability. Model preservation means that a runtime patch preserves the programming model in place for programs - in terms of syntax, semantics, and correctness properties - as opposed to an "ad-hoc", disruptive operation, or one that requires an extra level of abstraction. Scalability means that, for practicality and performance, the effort in program compilation required by a runtime patch should ideally scale in proportion to the change induced by it. We formulate runtime programming over an abstract model for component-based concurrent programs, defined by a modular relation between the syntax and semantics of programs, plus built-in notions of initialization and quiescence. The notion of a runtime patch is defined over these assumptions, as a model-preserving transition between two programs and respective states. Additionally, we propose an incremental compilation framework for scalability in patch compilation. The formulation is put in perspective through a case-study instantiation over a language for distributed hard real-time systems, the Hierarchical Timing Language (HTL). © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging at the 1060-nm region proved to be a successful alternative in ophthalmology not only for resolving intraretinal layers, but also for enabling sufficient penetration to monitor the subretinal vasculature in the choroid when compared to most commonly used OCT imaging systems at the 800-nm region. To encourage further clinical research at this particular wavelength, we have developed a compact fiber-optic source based on amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) centered at similar to 1060 nm with similar to 70-nm spectral bandwidth at full-width at half-maximum and output power > 20 mW. Our approach is based on a combination of slightly shifted ASE emission spectra from a combination of Neodymium- and Ytterbium-doped fibers. Spectral shaping and power optimization have been achieved using in-fiber filtering schemes. We have tested the performance of the source in an OCT system optimized for this wavelength.

Abstract

Abstract
In this work the authors first summarily describe the main topics that were the subject of their post-graduate activity in fiber sensing at the Applied Optics Group of University of Kent in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After their return to Porto, Portugal, the know-how acquired during their stay at Kent and the collaboration paths that followed between the University of Porto and University of Kent were instrumental in the start-up and progress of optical fiber sensing activity in Portugal. The main topics addressed in this field, the description of some of the relevant developments achieved in recent years, the present situation and the guidelines for the future research and development activity in Portugal in fiber sensing will be the core of this work. © 2011 University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Abstract
As wind power generation undergoes rapid growth, lightning damages involving wind power systems have come to be regarded as a serious problem. This chapter gives an introduction to lightning phenomena, lightning location systems and important parameters regarding lightning protection. The wind turbine is described and the main characteristics of its components, like the tower, the generator, the blades, and the electrical and electronic equipment, are highlighted. This chapter also introduces fundamentals of risk analysis method based on international standards, and describes how the rolling sphere method can be used to identify the vulnerable points on a structure. Computer tools and simulations using the LPS 2008 computer program are presented and discussed. Finally, wind turbine issues are discussed.