Exploring chain, network and cluster collaborative practices:implications for SMEs

Collaboration among enterprises has been rendered as one of the most important issues in the business agenda, either as a result of the globalisation and deregulation of markets or as a result of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution. Both factors have created a business reality where success in the collaboration practices followed, may result in improvements in the competitive position of enterprises. This paper starts from the basic business activity of the individual enterprise, looks into the chain, network and cluster collaborative practices and analyses their characteristics and the implications for Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In addition, it provides insights regarding the opportunities, benefits, requirements and risks related to each collaborative practice. This paper finally argues that different collaboration practices are required, as enterprises and the industrial sectors where they operate, present distinctive characteristics.

A self-referenced optical intensity sensor network using POFBGs for biomedical applications

This work bridges the gap between the remote interrogation of multiple optical sensors and the advantages of using inherently biocompatible low-cost polymer optical fiber (POF)-based photonic sensing. A novel hybrid sensor network combining both silica fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) and polymer FBGs (POFBG) is analyzed. The topology is compatible with WDM networks so multiple remote sensors can be addressed providing high scalability. A central monitoring unit with virtual data processing is implemented, which could be remotely located up to units of km away. The feasibility of the proposed solution for potential medical environments and biomedical applications is shown.

WDM sensor network approach:bridging the gap towards POF-based photonic sensing

In this work a self-referenced technique for fiberoptic intensity sensors using virtual lock-in amplifiers is proposed and discussed. The topology is compatible with WDM networks so multiple remote sensors can simultaneously be interrogated. A hybrid approach combining both silica fiber Bragg gratings and polymer optical fiber Bragg gratings is analyzed. The feasibility of the proposed solution for potential medical environments and biomedical applications is shown and tested using a selfreferenced configuration based on a power ratio parameter.