Abstract
A single-mode non-adiabatic tapered optical fiber (NATOF) sensor was inserted into a Sagnac loop interferometer allowing tuning its sensitivity to refractive index (RI) by use of polarization control. By adjusting any polarization controllers inserted in the Sagnac loop interferometer, various cladding modes are selectively excited in each arm of the interferometric taper resulting into different phase changes for the clockwise and counterclockwise beams. By this method, sensitivity of the sensor for RI in the range from 1.3380 to 1.3510 was tuned between 876.24 RIU/nm to 1233.07 RIU/nm.

Abstract

Abstract
From lone to short term planning, the decision processes inherent to surgery theatre organization are often subject of empiricism. The current hospital information systems available on Portuguese public hospitals lack a decision support system component that could help achieve better planning solutions, thus better operational performance of the surgery theatre. Since the surgery theatre is the biggest hospital budget consumer, the use of surgery related resources and its intrinsic planning must be carefully studied. We developed a new decision support system for surgery planning conjointly with one of the largest hospitals in the north of Portugal. As for now, the goals of the DSS are to improve the planning process and increase policy compliance. We will enhance this framework by integrating data mining, optimization and simulation techniques in a way that enables a more accurate representation of the surgery theatre problems' stochastic nature, allowing the users to rind enhanced planning alternatives.

Abstract
We experimentally realized an integrated temporal Fourier transformer based on a linearly-chirped Bragg grating waveguide written in silica glass with a femtosecond laser. The device operates in reflection and has a 10-nm bandwidth. © 2011 OSA.

Abstract
In this paper it is presented a methodology to assess the dynamic voltage stability of an electric power system using trajectory sensitivity analysis. Trajectory sensitivity analysis can provide valuable insights into the security of an electric power system. In this study it was simulated a significant disturbance in two test power network. The Automatic Voltage Regulator of the generating units, the Under Load Tap Changer and loads models were taken into account. The simulation results were obtained using EUROSTAG program and post-processing module developed using the Matlab software package. © 2011 INESC Coimbra.

Abstract
An integrated optical refractometer based on multimode interference, with sensitivity enhancement due to sub-micrometer axial features, is demonstrated with experimental sensitivity as high as 3200 nm/RIU and resolution limits on the order of 5 ppm. © 2011 OSA.