Abstract
In this paper we provide an analysis of rate-distortion (R-D) relationship in an H.264 codec using as quality metric Structural Similarly Information (SSIM). This study focus on the quantization parameter, namely rate-quantization (R-Q) functions and distortion-quantization (D-Q) functions. Together, these functions allow a better understanding of the rate-distortion (R-D) behaviour of an H.264 video codec, which is the key issue of optimum bit allocation. Initial results are presented and discussed.

Abstract
This work presents a model to evaluate the Distribution System Dynamic De-adaptation respecting its planning for a given period of Tariff Control. The starting point for modeling is brought about by the results from a multi-criteria method based on Fuzzy Dynamic Programming and on Analytic Hierarchy Processes applied in a mid/short-term horizon (stage 1). Then, the decision-making activities using the Hierarchy Analytical Processes will allow defining, for a Control of System De-adaptation (stage 2). a Vector to evaluate the System Dynamic Adaptation. It is directly associated to an eventual series of inbalances that take place during its evolution.

Abstract

Abstract
Web growth has brought several problems to users. The large amount of information that exists nowadays in some particular Websites turns the task of finding useful information very difficult. Knowing users' visiting pattern is crucial to owners, so that they may transform or customize the Website. This problem originated the concept known as Adaptive Website: a Website that adapts itself for the purpose of improving the user's experience. This paper describes a proposal for a doctoral thesis. The main goal of this work is to follow a multi-agent approach for Web adaptation. The idea is that all knowledge administration about the Website and its users, and the use of that knowledge to adapt the site to fulfil user's needs, are made by an autonomous intelligent agent society in a negotiation environment. The complexity of the problem and the inherently distributed nature of the Web, which is an open, heterogeneous and decentralized network, are reasons that justify the multi-agent approach. It is expected that this approach enables real-time Web adaptation with a good level of benefit to the users.

Abstract
The rational development of new drugs is a complex and expensive process, comprising several steps. Typically, it starts by screening databases of small organic molecules for chemical structures with potential of binding to a target receptor and prioritizing the most promising ones. Only a few of these will be selected for biological evaluation and further refinement through chemical synthesis. Despite the accumulated knowledge by pharmaceutical companies that continually improve the process of finding new drugs, a myriad of factors affect the activity of putative candidate molecules in vivo and the propensity for causing adverse and toxic effects is recognized as the major hurdle behind the current "target-rich, lead-poor" scenario. In this study we evaluate the use of several Machine Learning algorithms to find useful rules to the elucidation and prediction of toxicity using ID and 2D molecular descriptors. The results indicate that: i) Machine Learning algorithms can effectively use ID molecular descriptors to construct accurate and simple models; ii) extending the set of descriptors to include 2D descriptors improve the accuracy of the models.

Abstract
Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are today fundamental components in fiber optics. They can be used as sensors, in signal processing, e.g. telecom applications, as wavelength stabilizers in fiber lasers or in dispersion compensators. However, there are applications where the demand for fiber Bragg gratings is not compatible with standard photosensitivity techniques like germanium doping or hydrogen loading. Examples are their use as laser-mirrors in spliceless all fiber fiber-laser solutions or the fiber Bragg grating inscription in suspended core all silica fibers for evanescent field sensing. Fiber Bragg grating inscription with femtosecond-laser exposure is a challenging new method to realize grating structures for waveguides made of materials which do not provide UV-photosensitivity. Especially fs-IR-inscription has been demonstrated for Bragg grating inscription in a variety of material systems such as boron-silica glass, sapphire and pure silica glass. The feasibility of the phase mask FBG inscription technique with DUV femtosecond lasers was also shown, which allows grating inscription even in pure silica microstructured fibers. The phase mask inscription method requires that the fiber will be placed directly behind the phase mask. While the laser beam should be focused onto the fiber to support nonlinear material interaction, this inscription method also leads to phase mask degradations, presumably due to non-bridging oxygen holes (NBOH). Our solution to avoid the mask degradation is to increase the space between fiber and phase mask by using a Talbot-interferometer. Another advantage is the wavelength versatility of this inscription setup. Due to the short temporal coherence length of the femtosecond pulses, the angular alignment variability of the interferometer mirrors is limited and restrictions concerning the wavelength versatility of the interferometer arise. Grating arrays in pure silica suspended core fibers are demonstrated as an example for the versatility of the inscription arrangement. © 2009 SPIE.