Abstract
This work presents a case study of the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) as part of the promotion of cooperative learning supported by computer in exterior lighting design, with solar energy. The influence and importance of ICT in various aspects, among which is the field of education, is already a subject practically defined and accepted. In this context the cooperative learning, including ICT, gives rise to the research area called cooperative learning supported by computer (CSCL). This study indicates the effectiveness of Problem Based Learning (PBL) in educating engineering students to make students more responsible in the contents area as well as in generic competences. By using PBL students get the opportunity to work or simulate real problems, making the learning experience much more meaningful. This method can also be seen as a benefit for Electrical Engineering programme where educators strive for improved teaching and learning.

Abstract
Regular video cameras shoot normally at 25/30 frames per second (fps). Actually there are available in the market equipments that allow us to acquire video at 1.000.000 fps. When we observe a video sequence it becomes noticeable that great part of the information remains unchanged regardless of the bit rate or frame rate used. One origin of discontinuity in video signals is directly related to movement. Several areas use high frame rate images to analyze and comprehend certain events or effects, biomechanical engineering is one of them. Biomechanics engineering studies the mechanics of a living body, especially the forces exerted by muscles and gravity on the skeletal structure. Some examples are athlete assessment, were images are capture and then the acquired parameters are analyzed. This article describes a new methodology to decrease the space needed to store high frame rate image sequences in the specific case of biomechanical related areas.

Abstract
This paper proposes a novel method for controlling the convergence rate of a particle swarm optimization algorithm using fractional calculus (FC) concepts. The optimization is tested for several well-known functions and the relationship between the fractional order velocity and the convergence of the algorithm is observed. The FC demonstrates a potential for interpreting evolution of the algorithm and to control its convergence.

Abstract
Web 2.0 and Enterprise 2.0 concepts offer a whole new set of collaborative tools that allow new approaches to market research, in order to explore continuously and ever fast-growing social and media environments. Simultaneously, the exponential growth of online social networks, along with a combination of computer-based tools, is contributing to the construction of new kinds of research communities, in which respondents interact with researchers as well as with each other. Furthermore, by studying the networks, researchers are able to manage multiple data sources - user-generated contents. The main purpose of this paper is to propose a new concept of Distributed Informal Information Systems for Innovation that arises from the interaction of the accumulated stock of knowledge emerging at the individual (micro) level. A descriptive study is to unveil and report when and how market research professionals use social networks for their work, creating, therefore, distributed information systems for innovation.

Abstract
With the rising concern about the needs of people with physical disabilities and with the aging of the population there is a major concern of creating electronic devices that may improve the life of the physically handicapped and elderly person. One of these new solutions passes through the adaptation of electric wheelchairs in order to give them environmental perception, more intelligent capabilities and more adequate Human - Machine Interaction. This paper focuses in the development of a user-friendly multimodal interface, which is integrated in the Intellwheels project. This simple multimodal human-robot interface developed allows the connection of several input modules, enabling the wheelchair control through flexible input sequences of distinct types of inputs (voice, facial expressions, head movements, keyboard and, joystick). The system created is capable of storing user defined associations, of input's sequences and corresponding output commands. The tests performed have proved the system efficiency and the capabilities of this multimodal interface.

Abstract
With the recent expansion of services available in the Web, the Internet is becoming more and more a network of services, at a global scale. These services cover the majority of business areas, such as: bank account management, trip reservation, hotel bookings, information search portals, social networks, etc. A related subarea is the georreferencing of objects and people. The appearance of services like Google Earth and Virtual Earth has created enormous Web based service creation opportunities, allowing the interconnection of the digital and real worlds. In this work we present a project intended for locating the physical places associated with a person, based on his email address. This project implements a search portal that associates a user to an email and a set of user defined locations.