Abstract
The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a technical innovation that is already starting to play an important role in smarter water management, when a wide variety of sensors are incorporated into intelligent metering equipment and connected through wireless networks throughout the domiciliary water distribution network, being able to measure volume, flow, temperature, pressure, levels of chlorine, salinity and more. Water scarcity, aging or inadequate water distribution infrastructure, population variation, pollution, more intense and frequent droughts and floods, generate pressures that converge on the need to increase global investment in water infrastructures and to develop solutions for the conservation and management of water. The main stakeholders in the water distribution sector are the ones that can benefit most from the use of telemanagement. However, the results of adopting this innovation are contrary to expectations, with a slow change in traditional business models. The objective of this research is the construction of a value model that allows the identification of actors and value markets and the exchange of value related to the adoption of telemanagement in Portugal, having a solid theoretical basis and a real practical validation. Copyright

Abstract
Monitoring of environmental radioactivity for the purpose of earthquake prediction requires the discrimination of anomalies of non-tectonic origin from seismically-induced anomalies. This is a challenging task as time series of environmental radioactivity display a complex temporal pattern reflecting a wide range of different physical processes, including meteorological and surface effects. The present study is based on the detailed time series of gamma radiation from the Eastern North Atlantic (ENA) site in the Azores, and on very high resolution precipitation intensity and soil moisture time series. The results show that an abrupt shift in the average level of the gamma radiation time series previously reported as a potential earthquake precursor can also be explained by a corresponding abrupt change in soil moisture. It was concluded that the reduction of false positive earthquake precursors requires the detailed assessment of both precipitation and soil moisture conditions at high temporal resolution.

Abstract

Abstract
A remote sensor for radon continuous measurement using polymeric scintillation optical fibers was developed and evaluated. Successful preliminary results showed detection of natural occurring radon from a container with rocks rich in uranium oxides. © OSA 2018 © 2018 The Author(s)

Abstract
Regular monitoring is essential to understand coastal morphodynamics and anthropic as well as natural impacts, at different temporal and spatial scales. A stereoscopic video-based terrestrial mobile mapping system, three airborne digital photography systems (mounted on a small manned airplane, a fixed-wing UAV and a multi-rotor UAV, respectively) and airborne LiDAR were compared in terms of: system features, such as range, autonomy, acquisition and operating costs; information supplied, its type and precision; and constraints to system applicability in coastal topographic surveys. Systems differed in resolution, efficiency, and applicability. The terrestrial and UAV-based systems provided the most accurate 3D data, being particularly suited for small-scale, high-resolution surveys. UAVs were easy to deploy, but limited by weather condition, particularly wind speed. Observations from a plane were most efficient and suited for larger areas. Airborne systems had the advantage of being less (UAV) to non-invasive (plane) and thus suitable for the monitoring of sensitive areas (e.g. dunes) and/or areas with difficult access. Systems should be chosen according to the specific survey aims, spatial scale, and local conditions, taking into account their applicability and cost-benefit ratios. They may complement each other to provide a comprehensive picture of coastal morphology and dynamics at different scales.

Abstract
The emergence and widespread use of Information and Communication Technologies enabled government agencies to develop their capacity for citizens interaction, hence providing better public services. These electronic services, typically known as e-Government, have been undergoing significant development over the last few years. Information technologies have become one of the central elements in electronic governance today, and probably they will outstand in the future too. Despite the clear advantages inherent in e-Government services usage, the interaction rate between citizens and governments is still low and considered to be unsatisfactory. In order to understand which determinants may influence and trigger the adoption of e-Government services by civil society, a research methodology consisting of a theory-based qualitative validation, has been defined. This validation is performed by an Online Focus Group, where several experts were involved with the goal of reaching a set of remarkable considerations about potential determinants that can influence the use of e-Government services. © 2018, Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.