Abstract
This paper reviews the problem of translating signals into symbols preserving maximally the information contained in the signal time structure. In this context, we motivate the use of nonconvergent dynamics for the signal to symbol translator. We then describe a biologically realistic model of the olfactory system proposed by Walter Freeman that has locally stable dynamics but is globally chaotic. We present results of simulations and measurements obtained from a fabricated analog VLSI chip.

Abstract
This paper presents a routing protocol for wireless sensor networks (WSN), established on the basis of fundamental concepts in source based routing (SBR) for ad hoc networks and minimum cost forwarding (MCF) methods for heterogeneous WSNs. Neither routing tables nor network topology information is maintained at sensor level, which makes the proposed protocol part of the reactive routing protocols class. Despite the lack of network information at the sensor, the packets from the sink node to sensors, and viceversa, always follow the optimal communication path with minimum cost. Simulation results have shown that the proposed protocol performs better than MCF protocol alone, and nodes always route the packets through the optimal path up to destination. In fact, according to the energy consumption and throughput found by simulation, this protocol improves on the MCF protocol for applications where the sink node, acting as a server or base station (BS), generates significant amounts of network traffic. All results are based on simulations and data treatment performed with OMNet++ 4, Matlab 7 and Microsoft Visual Studio2010(C#) platform tools.

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.

Abstract
This paper presents two initiatives run by groups of engineering students at the University of Porto: the Microelectronics Students' Group and BioStar. These groups are student-led initiatives that promote different scientific fields through self-guided projects. Both experiences have proven to be very successful in increasing the undergraduate student's interest in science and technology. This work reports the activities, organization and main methodologies employed by these groups, which can be seen as successful approaches to enhance the technical curriculum of students. © 2012 IEEE.

Abstract
This paper presents the results of a preliminary study to examine the ability of post-silicon devices for analog processing. It is focused on the latest thin-film transistors (TFTs) with amorphous gallium-indium-zinc oxide (a-GIZO) as active layer. Three circuit configurations are presented: a differential pair and two multiplier topologies. Both triode and saturation regions of operation are included in the analysis, with the devices set to remain in strong accumulation. A neural model, which is developed based on the measured data of the TFTs, is used for the circuit simulations in the Cadence Virtuoso environment. The analog multipliers simulation results are compared against the expected functional results.