Range-resolved signal processing for fibre segment interferometry applied to dynamic long-gauge length strain sensing

A range-resolved interferometric signal processing technique using sinusoidal optical frequency modulation is applied to fibre segment interferometry. Here, six optical fibre segments of gauge length 12.5 cm are used as interferometric strain sensors and are formed between seven weak, broadband fibre Bragg gratings, acting as in-fibre partial reflectors. In a very simple and cost-effective optical setup using injection current modulation of a laser diode source, interferometric measurement of acoustic wave propagation in a metal rod is used to demonstrate the capabilities of the technique

Multiple minute digitate hyperkeratosis affecting the face and folds: clinical, dermoscopic, and histological report of a familial case.

A case of a generalized non-follicular digitate keratosis classified as multiple minute digitate hyperkeratosis is described with suggestive clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathogical data. The patient was a 52-year-old Caucasian woman presenting a 6-year history of multiple asymptomatic skin-colored digitate lesions, 3 to 5 mm long and 1 to 2 mm wide, distributed on the forehead, neck, and extensor surface of the arms as well as in the inframammary folds, axillae, and lower limbs, especially on the popliteal fold. She reported having a 67-year-old sister and a 39-year-old niece with an identical eruption. Treatment with 15% glycolic acid (AHA) lotion and heliotherapy improved this disturbing eruption

CEC research activities for the period 2003-2005

The Civil Engineering Research Center of the University of Minho will carry out research at an internationally recognised standard of excellence in the following areas: - Construction Materials, dealing with achieving sustainable materials focussing in durability design, use of eco-efficient materials and techniques for materials repair; - Construction Processes & Management, dealing with construction management, building physics and construction technology focusing on sustainable development and building rehabilitation; - Geotechnics, dealing with properties and modelling of natural ground (soil and rocks) and treated materials, focussing in environmental aspects and structures for transportation infrastructures; - Highways, dealing with pavement materials characterisation, pavement recycling, pavement design and pavement evaluation, both functional and structural; - Hydraulics, dealing with modelling techniques of processes in natural environments and engineered systems and decision support systems for sustainable use of water resources; - Structures, dealing with innovation, safety, strengthening and conservation of structures, focussing in new concrete and masonry structures, FRP, ancient structures and bridges; - Urban and Regional Planning, dealing with land use planning and policy, built environment and urban quality of life, and stressing the evaluation aspects. The management of research is the responsibility of the scientific committee, on which a representative of each group is represented. It is also under the auspicious of the Advisory Committee. The Center provides a core of people with internationally recognised expertise in the areas of Civil Engineering, particularly through PhD programs and post-doctoral training. The dynamism of the staff provides a stimulating atmosphere that will attract research students and professionals assuring excellent academic and technical support of their studies. A financial goal is to attract research funding from industry and other National and European research grants to continue its operation at an excellence research level.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Atitudes do consumidor em relação às práticas do marketing em Portugal

Com o presente trabalho de investigação pretendeu-se medir e conhecer a atitude do consumidor português face às políticas do Marketing-Mix, nas diferentes regiões de Portugal Continental através da aplicação de um inquérito. A dimensão da amostra para aferir sobre a população foi de 600 indivíduos selecionados proporcionalmente à população existente com mais de 15 anos, de acordo com os dados da mesma fonte. De referir que para tal assumiuse um erro de precisão de 4% e um nível de significância de 5%. Os principais resultados permitiram observar que os consumidores manifestaram uma atitude positiva relativamente as atividades de Marketing-Mix qualidade do produto e distribuição e vendas, pois a satisfação nos respetivos parâmetros corresponde às expectativas dos mesmos. Por outro lado, revelaram uma atitude negativa quanto à política de preço dos produtos e à política de comunicação, pois os consumidores revelaram uma insatisfação para estas atividades

Hermitian Yang-Mills instantons on resolutions of Calabi-Yau cones

We study the construction of Hermitian Yang-Mills instantons over resolutions of Calabi-Yau cones of arbitrary dimension. In particular, in d complex dimensions, we present an infinite family, parametrised by an integer k and a continuous modulus, of SU(d) instantons. A detailed study of their properties, including the computation of the instanton numbers is provided. We also explain how they can be used in the construction of heterotic non-Kahler compactifications.Comment: 20 pages, 1 figure; typos corrected, section 3.1 expande

Cutaneous mastocytosis: Two pediatric cases treated with topical pimecrolimus.

Cutaneous mastocytosis is characterized by increased numbers of skin mast cells that release mediators causing pruritus, urticaria, and flushing. Most pediatric mastocytosis patients exhibit the pattern of urticaria pigmentosa, which typically appears during the first two years of life and resolves spontaneously in late adolescence. However, while the disease is active, patients are frequently symptomatic and uncomfortable, which justifies symptomatic treatment. We report 2 patients, a 14-month-old girl and a 26-month-old boy, with localized cutaneous erythematous lesions with a positive Darier sign. In each, a punch biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of mastocytosis. Treatment was instituted with pimecrolimus cream twice a day and oral antihistamine. An almost complete response was achieved after 4 months of therapy in both patients, with no clinical evidence of recurrence after 4 years and 2 years of follow-up, respectively. In children, the treatment of mastocytosis is directed primarily to avoiding potential mast cell degranulating agents and alleviating symptoms. Topical calcineurin inhibitors act by inhibiting T-cell activation and cytokine release; they may suppress mast cell- mediated reactions by reducing their degranulation. These two cases suggest that in localized cutaneous mastocytosis they are a safe and efficacious alternative to topical steroid therapy