Abstract
Embedded Systems permeate all aspects of our daily life, from the ubiquitous mobile devices (e.g., PDAs and smart-phones) to play-stations. set-top boxes, household appliances, and in every electronic system, be it large or small (e.g., in cars. wrist-watches). Most embedded systems are characterized by stringent design constraints such as reduced memory and computing capacity, severe power and energy restrictions, weight and space limitations, most importantly, very short life spans and thus strict design cycles. Reconfiguration has emerged as a key technology for embedded systems as it offers the promise of increased system performance and component number reduction. Reconfigurable components can be customized or specialized (even dynamically) to the task at hand, thereby executing specific tasks more efficiently leading to possible reductions of the weight and power. In this article, we introduce and discuss compilation techniques for reconfigurable embedded systems. We present specific compiler techniques focusing on source-level code transformations highlighting their potential and the applicability of generative programming techniques to this compilation domain.

Abstract
This paper presents an offline tool-chain which automatically extracts loops (Mega blocks) from Micro Blaze instruction traces and creates a tailored Reconfigurable Processing Unit (RPU) for those loops. The system moves loops from the CPU to the RPU transparently, at runtime, and without changing the executable binaries. The system was implemented in an FPGA and for the tested kernels measured speedups ranged between 3.9x and 18.2x for a Micro Blaze CPU without cache. We estimate speedups from 1.03x to 2.01x, when comparing to the best estimated performance achieved with a single Micro Blaze. © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
This demonstration presents a storytelling application specifically designed for older adults to share stories and thoughts. Studies claim that older adults commonly have difficulties in engaging with on-line social networks [1], but increased social inclusion and sense of well-being has been observed in those who engage [2]. While following a user-centered design approach, we have developed an HTML5 device-independent and intuitive social web application which addresses older adults' specific needs and age-related impairments, allowing them to connect to their friends and family through storytelling.

Abstract
Online social networks can potentially play an important role in connecting older adults with family and friends who often live far. However, adoption of social Web services among the elderly is still very limited because the user interfaces are not adapted to them and also because few of their friends use such services. This paper introduces a mobile Web application designed with older adults' characteristics in mind that integrates a popular social network.

Abstract
The urge to improve the life of older adults grows as this segment of society expands. Computers have an enormous potential to benefit the lives of older adults, however, the unawareness or disregard of their characteristics, renders technology, many times, impossible to use. Peripherals are a common obstacle when learning to operate computers, because the most common ones do not directly map the input in the user interface. It has been argued that touch- and gesture-based user interfaces, due to their direct mapping of input, can reduce the obstacles that older adults face, when using the computer. To assess this, this paper presents a project that uses a multi-touch tabletop system as a gaming platform for older adults. Specifically, it reports on the low-fidelity prototype that was built to test whether tangible objects can be used. Conclusions regarding the viability of tangible objects for that purpose are also drawn.

Abstract
Locating components which are responsible for observed failures is the most expensive, error-prone phase in the software development life cycle. We present an Eclipse Plug-in that aims to fill some of the automatic debugging tools gaps: the lack of a visualization tool that provides intuitive feedback about the defect distribution over the code base, and easy access to the faulty locations. Copyright 2011 ACM.