Abstract
In this paper we experimentally evaluate the performance of a fiber supported radio application, namely WiFi IEEE802.11n, using a low power consumption base-station based on a reflective electro absorption modulator and commercial transceivers. We conclude that the proposed setup is suitable to achieve a transmission of 20 Mbit/s over a 4m wireless channel. A theoretical signal to noise ratio analysis is also carried out, based on experimental results. Finally, we evaluate the possibility of employing the proposed setup in a passive optical network, concluding that this solution may not be cost effective. © 2012 IIMC Ltd.

Abstract
A major challenge when accessing protected multimedia content in heterogeneous usage environments is the ability to provide acceptable levels of quality of experience to all involving users. Additionally, different levels of protection should be possible to be addressed when manipulating the content towards the quality of experience maximization. This paper describes the use of a context-aware and Digital Rights Management (DRM)-enabled content adaptation platform towards meeting these challenges. The platform was conceived to deliver advanced content adaptation within different application scenarios, among which Virtual Collaboration (VC) was central. Descriptions of use cases implemented by the platform in heterogeneous VC environments are provided. Conducted experiments have highlighted the benefits to users when compared to an operation without the platform. Results of different adaptations suitable to sensed context conditions are also provided and analyzed. A brief description of the platform functionality is included together with pointers to additional information.

Abstract
Universities are continually pursuing ways to adapt their educational practices, looking to develop new learning culture that encourages creativity and active engagement. The adoption of augmented lecture podcast scenarios, based on a content-centric paradigm, looks a promising way to reach a new level of interactivity. This paper analyzes the main advantages provided by this innovative approach comparing it with the traditional podcasting developing model. Additionally, it proposes possible business models based on content distribution and augmentation, to enable wider exploitation of the approach within university environments. © 2012 Infonomics Society.

Abstract
Meeting safety requirements typically require substantial invasive extensions to applications. Even in the absence of faults, the overhead associated with these invasive extensions may unacceptably increase execution time. In this paper we focus on a number of experiments with schemes for error detection, having a 3D Path Planning application for an avionics system as case study. We analyze how these error detection schemes can be implemented to meeting system's time budget. The experiments allowed us to acquire the requirements for automating the application of the error detection schemes in the context of a hardware/software design-flow, and to determine how those schemes can be addressed using a novel approach where safety requirements are described using an aspect- and strategy-oriented programming language, named LARA. For our experiments and validation, we consider an FPGA-based embedded system consisting of a general purpose processor (GPP) coupled to custom computing units which are primarily used for hardware acceleration and for implementing fault detection schemes. © 2012 IEEE.

Abstract
A new wearable data capture system for gait analysis is being developed. It consists of a pantyhose with embedded conductive yarns interconnecting customized sensing electronic devices that capture inertial and electromyographic signals and sends aggregated information to a personal computer through a wireless link. The use of conductive yarns to build the myoelectric electrodes and the interconnections of the wired sensors network, as well as the topology and functionality of the sensor modules are presented.

Abstract
This paper presents a network circuit for wearable low-power BAN (Body Area Networks) applications, geared towards mesh network topologies with conductive yarns as transmission channels. The design and implementation of the physical and MAC layers is described. The resulting circuit sends and receives data simultaneously, and experimental results indicate that the proposed system works with variable data rates, up to a maximum of 9+9 Mbps. All reported measurements were collected from working FPGA-based prototypes, and the performance achieved shows that the circuit is suitable for use in reliable high-speed low-power BAN applications. © 2012 IEEE.