Abstract
This work addresses the rock matrix strength comparative analysis on rocky coasts. A coastal geoengineering integrated system for rocky coast assessment was proposed and applied in two fissured granitic key-sites in NW Iberia (NW Portugal, and Galicia). The main stages of the study comprise six steps: (i) high-resolution aerial imagery survey; (ii) visual inspection and systematic monitoring; (iii) applied field datasheet; (iv) in situ evaluation; (v) scanline survey; (vi) coastal geosciences engineering GIS based mapping. The Schmidt Hammer and Equotip tester were applied to measure the rebound and hardness, respectively, in rocky platforms, geoforms and coastal boulders. Moreover a detailed description of discontinuities and a geologic-geotechnical evaluation in the rocky platforms was performed. The current rock project is of great interest especially to highly dynamic coastal areas. This approach evolving geomorphic processes, geoengineering issues and geomechanical testing assessment contributes to support coastal management/planning.

Abstract
This work deals with the problem of assessing armourstone structures focusing on strengthening the combination of geo-marine techniques and geotechnical properties. The research has two main purposes: (i) to establish an integrative coastal geo-engineering approach for better assessment of the hydraulic structures; and (ii) to draw attention to the importance of quarry evaluation in order to improve armourstone quality and durability. Several studies have demonstrated the relevance of a holistic approach to coastal design issues. The suggested approach couples GIS-based mapping with geo-engineering techniques assessment along five pilot sectors of the Espinho coastal system in Northwestern Portugal. This investigation allowed us to propose zoning a coastal structure according to its degree of deterioration, geomechanical properties and geomaterial status. Replacement of the primary armour layer in only selected sections or components of the structure will reduce the cost of maintenance, repair and reinforcement work. All the gathered data about the preservation status of the armour layer and the quarry inventory have been compiled in a powerful GIS geo-database. The paper argues for the wider use of combination of coastal geo-engineering and GIS analysis in planning the monitoring and/or maintenance of marine works using armourstone.

Abstract
In this article, an algorithm to identify LPV State Space models for both continuous-time and discrete-time systems is proposed. The LPV state space system is in the Companion Reachable Canonical Form. The output vector coefficients are linear combinations of a set of a possibly infinite number of nonlinear basis functions dependent on the scheduling signal, the state matrix is either time invariant or a linear combination of a finite number of basis functions of the scheduling signal and the input vector is time invariant. This model structure, although simple, can describe accurately the behaviour of many nonlinear SISO systems by an adequate choice of the scheduling signal. It also partially solves the problems of structural bias caused by inaccurate selection of the basis functions and high variance of the estimates due to over-parameterisation. The use of an infinite number of basis functions in the output vector increases the flexibility to describe complex functions and makes it possible to learn the underlying dependencies of these coefficients from the data. A Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM) approach is used to address the infinite dimension of the output coefficients. Since there is a linear dependence of the output on the output vector coefficients and, on the other hand, the LS-SVM solution is a nonlinear function of the state and input matrix coefficients, the LPV system is identified by minimising a quadratic function of the output function in a reduced parameter space; the minimisation of the error is performed by a separable approach where the parameters of the fixed matrices are calculated using a gradient method. The derivatives required by this algorithm are the output of either an LTI or an LPV (in the case of a time-varying SS matrix) system, that need to be simulated at every iteration. The effectiveness of the algorithm is assessed on several simulated examples.

Abstract
The Geophysical Institute of the University of Porto (IGUP) constitutes an important pillar in the scientific and technological culture, developed over more than a century in the city of Porto. A strategic plan for its recovery has been recently developed. In terms of instruments there are currently some instruments related to seismology, meteorology and radiation, which are directly related to the measurement of variables involved in the estimation of seismic hazard and risk, meteorological hazards and radiological hazards. Thus IGUP has the potential to become a center for research in the field of Natural Hazards that in turn may contribute to studies, data and parameters for civil society and the scientific community. The Recovery that is already underway in seismic station, previously included as PTO in the world network known as Worldwide Standardized seismographic Network (WWSSN), can help achieve the implementation of a complex research in seismology and simultaneously acknowledging the geopolitical importance of this stations records. With the current work we intend to show a brief analysis of a few previously unknown seismic records, relating to Soviet nuclear explosions, as well as a few aspects of the the digital signal conversion adaptation of the previous 1960s analogue equipment.

Abstract
Mental models are students' representations of the real world based on their knowledge and understanding. In a meaningful learning it is essential to analyse students' mental models and promote a reconstruction of scientific knowledge, by allowing them to become consistent with the scientific models. Having this in mind, we aimed to analyse undergraduate students' mental models concerning the seismic effects on soils and buildings, before they learn these contents at the university. To collect the data we applied a questionnaire with several items. The questionnaire was answered by a convenient sample of 31 freshmen from an undergraduate degree in Geology, in a northern Portuguese university. The results show that, in the majority of the items, students recognized the seismic effects on soils and buildings. However, some of their mental models were inconsistent with the scientific model, highlighting the importance of diagnosing students' mental models and their restructuring to promote a meaningful learning and scientific literacy.

Abstract
Faculty of Sciences of University of Porto annually organizes the Open Days to Schools, which allow the contact of high school students with researchers from different scientific areas. By recognizing a high potential to modelling, which promotes the construction of students’ knowledge through models that recreate geological phenomena, participants contacted with some models that simulated the effect of earthquakes on soils and buildings. We tried to understand if the use of models in the dissemination of Geology helps students to build their scientific knowledge, concerning seismology contents. A seismology model evaluation scale was applied to 126 high school students from schools of northern Portugal, which participated in the activities at Open Days to Schools. The results shown that students consider that models help to clarify and to restructure their knowledge about geological phenomena, highlighting the importance of modeling in the promotion of a meaningful learning. © 2014 LNEG - Laboratório Nacional de Geologia e Energia IP.