Abstract
In this paper we present a Decision Support System (DSS) to deal with the partner selection problem taking place in the formation or re-organization of a Virtual Enterprise (VE). This DSS is based on a multi-criteria model and handles several types of data (numerical, interval, linguistic and binary). This approach is used to facilitate the expression of the decision maker's preferences and assessments about the potential partners and can be performed individually or by group. The system also allows the assignment of a degree of confidence to each linguistic statement. the operation of the DSS is structured in two phases. In the first phase it determines the set of non-dominated alternatives (potential VEs) through the use of meta-heuristics. The second phase ranks the alternatives for a possible network of enterprises configuring the VE. This is achieved through a procedure based on linguistic analysis and distance measures.

Abstract
One major practical problem when applying traditional metaheuristics seems to be their strong dependency on parameter tuning. This issue is frequently pointed out as a major shortcoming of metaheuristics and is often a reason for Decision-Makers to reject using this type of approach in practical situations. In this paper we present a new search strategy - Constraint Oriented Neighbourhoods - that tries to overcome the referred drawback. The aim is to control the grade of randomness of metaheuristics, by defining "special" neighbourhood movements, that lead to a more robust heuristic, less dependent on parameter tuning. This is achieved by selecting and applying particular movements that take into account the potential violation of problem constraints. The strategy is illustrated in a real problem arising in the area of Power Systems Management - the Unit Commitment Problem, the computational experiments on a set of problem instances systematically outperforming those presented in the literature, both in terms of efficiency, quality of the solution and robustness of the algorithm.

Abstract
New forms of collaboration emerged as response to transformations of the business environment and the rapid information and communication technologies developments. In this context, collaborative networks rise as a powerful mechanism to achieve strategic objectives in a time response, quality and cost effective manner. The aim of this paper is to present the most relevant challenges concerning collaborative networks paradigm analysis, and to advance a multi-perspective approach on collaborative networks (technological, semantic, social and business perspective), emphasizing the importance of the business view that allows collaborative networks to be regarded as combinations of inter- and intra-enterprise business processes. Balance Scorecard is seen as a powerful tool which can guarantee the strategic and business goal alignment within the network.

Abstract
The rapid evolution of the markets and the changing client's demands determined enterprises to adapt their business from traditional business practices to e-business, and new forms of collaboration (such as supply chain enterprises, extended enterprises or virtual enterprises) were created. Technologies such as Peer-to-Peer, Web services, intelligent agents, Workflow become core technologies supporting enterprise integration, streamlining transactions while supporting process coordination and consistency. The aim of this paper is to concisely present some relevant business integration reference models, frameworks, standards and technologies, and to propose an approach towards the development of a conceptual framework for a self-forming business networking environment based on Plug-and-Do Business paradigm.

Abstract
This paper describes an approach towards workflow management based on the combination of learning and planning. Assuming that processes cannot be fully described at build-time, the approach makes use of learning techniques, namely Inductive Logic Programming (ILP), in order to discover workflow activities as planning operators. These operators will be subsequently fed to a partial-order planner in order to find the process model as a planning solution. The continuous interplay between learning, planning and execution aims at arriving at a feasible plan by successive refinement of the operators. The approach is illustrated in two simple scenarios. The paper concludes by relating the proposed approach with previous developments in this area.

Abstract
This work represents one of the first successful applications of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for interdisciplinary coastal research. A monitoring mission to study the shape and estimate the initial dilution of the S. Jacinto sewage outfall plume using an AUV was performed on July 2002. An efficient sampling strategy enabling greater improvements in spatial and temporal range of detection demonstrated that the sewage effluent plume can be clearly traced using naturally occurring tracers in the wastewater. The outfall plume was found at the surface highly influenced by the weak stratification and low currents. Dilution varying with distance downstream was estimated from the plume rise over the outfall diffuser until a nearly constant value of 130:1, 60 m from the diffuser, indicating the near field end. Our results demonstrate that AUVs can provide high-quality measurements of physical properties of effluent plumes in a very effective manner and valuable considerations about the initial mixing processes under real oceanic conditions can be further investigated.