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. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America

Abstract
We present a compact in-line fiber interferometric sensor fabricated in a boron doped two-mode highly birefringent microstructured fiber using a CO2 laser. The intermodal interference arises at the fiber output due to coupling between the fundamental and the first order modes occurring at two fiber tapers distant by a few millimeters. The visibility of intermodal interference fringes is modulated by a polarimetric differential signal and varies in response to measurand changes. The proposed interferometer was tested for measurements of the strain and temperature, respectively, in the range of 20-700 degrees C and 0-17 mstrain. The sensitivity coefficients corresponding to fringe displacement and contrast variations are equal respectively for strain -2.51 nm/mstrain and -0.02561/mstrain and for temperature 16.7 pm/degrees C and 5.74 x 10(-5) 1/degrees C. This allows for simultaneous measurements of the two parameters by interrogation of the visibility and the displacement of interference fringes. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate by simulation the feasibility of gain enlargement and equalization on extended reach WDM-ring PON by means of hybrid Raman/EDFA amplification. The system under analysis is composed by a bidirectional pump at 1480 nm and 16 channels (8 C band + 8 L band). The simulation describes an 80 km WDM ring with 8 nodes in which 2 channels are added/dropped. The results demonstrate gain equalization with a ripple of 2.54 dB over a bandwidth of 50 nm by using a 1480 nm bidirectional pump with 1 W and spans of EDF with a total length of 22 m.

Abstract
Assistive technology enables people to achieve independence in the accomplishment of their daily tasks and enhance their quality of life. Visual information is the basis for most navigational tasks, so visually impaired individuals are at disadvantage due to the lack of information or given unsufficient information about their surrounding environment. With the recent advances in inclusive technology it is possible to extend the support given to people with visual disabilities during their mobility. In this context we propose and describe the SmartVision project, whose global objective is to assist visually impaired people in their navigation through unknown indoor and outdoor environments. This paper is focused mainly on the Computer Vision module of the SmartVision prototype, were we propose a new algorithm to recognise fiducials marks suitably placed on sidewalks, revealing to be a promising solution.

Abstract
The rational development of new drugs is a complex and expensive process. A myriad of factors affect the activity of putative candidate molecules in vivo and the propensity for causing adverse and toxic effects is recognised as the major hurdle behind the current "target-rich, lead-poor" scenario. Structure-Activity Relationship studies, using relational Machine Learning algorithms, proved already to be very useful in the complex process of rational drug design. However, a typical problem with those studies concerns the use of available repositories of previously studied molecules. It is quite often the case that those repositories are highly biased since they contain lots of molecules that are similar to each other. This results from the common practice where an expert chemist starts off with a lead molecule, presumed to have some potential, and then introduces small modifications to produce a set of similar molecules. Thus, the resulting sets have a kind of similarity bias. In this paper we assess the advantages of filtering out similar molecules in order to improve the application of relational learners in Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) problems to predict toxicity. Furthermore, we also assess the advantage of using a relational learner to construct comprehensible models that may be quite valuable to bring insights into the workings of toxicity.

Abstract
The maintenance of military aircraft is complex and exhaustive, requiring an accurate training program. This process is not fault tolerant and requires certification renewal periodically. Furthermore, the process involves many professionals and resources, requiring phases of maintenance and verification of the tasks. Cooperation between professionals in the overall process is essential and requires strong team coordination. It is a highly costly process, since aircrafts are scarce and their readiness is essential for missions, and it requires a scheduling effort between all team members and aircrafts. The availability of tools that allow intensive training without aircraft presence is an asset to the maintenance squadrons. Virtual worlds have simulation and collaboration capabilities to implement this process. This paper presents a software architecture developed for training engine maintenance squadrons for certification, using virtual worlds platforms. This architecture is being tested in cooperation with the Portuguese Air Force and an engine maintenance squadron of F-16 aircrafts.