Abstract
This paper reports on-chip rail-to-rail timing signals generation thin-film circuits for the first time. These circuits, based on a-IGZO thin-film transistors (TFTs) with a simple staggered bottom gate structure, allow row and column selection of a sensor matrix embedded in a flexible radiation sensing system. They include on-chip clock generator (ring oscillator), column selector (shift register) and row-selector (a frequency divider and a shift register). They are realised with rail-to-rail logic gates with level-shifting ability that can perform inversion and NAND logic operations. These logic gates are capable of providing full output swing between supply rails, $V_{DD}$ and $V_{SS}$ , by introducing a single additional switch for each input in bootstrapping logic gates. These circuits were characterised under normal ambient atmosphere and show an improved performance compared to the conventional logic gates with diode connected load and pseudo CMOS counterparts. By using these high-performance logic gates, a complete rail-to-rail frequency divider is presented from measurements using D-Flip Flop. In order to realize a complete compact system, an on-chip ring oscillator (output clock frequency around 1 kHz) and a shift register are also presented from simulations, where these circuits show a power consumption of 1.5 mW and 0.82 mW at a supply voltage of 8 V, respectively. While the circuit concepts described here were designed for an X-ray sensing system, they can be readily expanded to other domains where flexible on-chip timing signal generation is required, such as, smart packaging, biomedical wearable devices and RFIDs.

Abstract
A multifunctional router IC to be included in the nodes of a wearable body sensor network is described and evaluated. The router targets different application scenarios, especially those including tens of sensors, embedded into textile materials and with high data-rate communication demands. The router IC supports two different functionality sets, one for sensor nodes and another for the base node, both based on the same circuit module. The nodes are connected to each other by means of woven thick conductive yarns forming a mesh topology with the base node at the center. From the standpoint of the network, each sensor node is a four port router capable of handling packets from destination nodes to the base node, with sufficient redundant paths. The adopted hybrid circuit and packet switching scheme significantly improve network performance in terms of end-to-end delay, throughput and power consumption. The IC also implements a highly precise, sub-microsecond one-way time synchronization protocol which is used for time stamping the acquired data. The communication module was implemented in a 4-metal, 0.35 mu m CMOS technology. The maximum data rate of the system is 35 Mbps while supporting up to 250 sensors, which exceeds current BAN applications scenarios.

Abstract

Abstract
Typical analogue-to-digital conversion (ADC) architectures, at Nyquist rate, tend to occupy a big portion of the integrated circuit die area and to consume more power than desired. Recently, with the rise of Interet-of-Things (IoT), there is a high demand for architectures that can have both reduced area and power consumption. Time encoding machines (TEM) might be a promising alternative. These types of encoders result in very simple and low-power analogue circuits, shifting most of its complexity to the decoding stage, typically stationed in a place with access to more resources. This paper focuses on a particular TEM, the integrate-and-fire neuron (IFN). The IFN modulation is based on a simplified first-order model of neural operation and it encodes the signal in a very power efficient manner. In the end, a novel hardware architecture for the reconstruction of the IFN encoded signal based on a spiking model will be presented. The method is demonstrated and implemented on FPGA, reaching an ENOB as high as 8.23.

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a research on the importance of Employer Branding (EB) for corporate brand success in the context of small and medium businesses (SME), from the perspective of the employees compared to the founders, considering a set of stable variables. This is an ongoing process through which company employees want to understand "who" and "what" is behind the brand's value proposition. Methodology: A qualitative methodology was used based on interviews with open questions in an exploratory case study, to gather as much information as possible and without constraints. This was properly supported by a literature review, from published works, academic works, as well as papers on employer branding. This approach is part of the scientific paradigm of realism, also known as critical realism, and is therefore an appropriate method in marketing and management research. Findings: The findings of this research demonstrate that EB seems not to be contributing for a successful corporate brand in the SME context. For that purpose, a medium-and long-term marketing and communication plan is needed, particularly regarding a brand plan, duly defined and implemented. The mere market/sector leadership cannot be viewed as a source in the long run for SME. If no one believes or bets on brand equity appreciation, EB won't certainly be potentiated. In this way, there is a risk that this type of organizations would become weak entities with no sense of belonging. Originality/value: Because there is a lack of applied scientific research on this topic in the context of SME, the aim was to understand EB from a specific case study, enabling the acquisition of knowledge on how this concept works and is applied (or not) in practice. Practical implications: This research aimed at contributing to a better strategic alignment of EB, from the institutional level to the operational level, passing through the intermediate level, in SME. It appears that the managers/administrators/directors in SME don't have a holistic perspective of the brand. It also emphasizes the great importance of employees in building the brand in this particular context. Research limitations: This investigation needed a deeper market analysis, namely of direct competitors. It was not possible to obtain enough information to carry out a more reliable analysis. It would be very interesting to understand what led some collaborators to leave the studied company and move to its direct competitors, as well as to realize what makes others leave the competitors or return to the company.

Abstract
This paper reports on recent activities by the Portugal Chapter of IEEE Education Society. It begins with a reflection on the work of a Chapter and on several aspects that may impact its performance. The major activities are also presented, as well as the policies developed by the Portugal Chapter in the last year, concluding with the presentation of the two awards received at the last FIE, namely the Chapter Achievement Award and the Distinguished Chapter Leadership Award.