Abstract
We propose an automated timetabling system for a typical situation in universities, where agents (usually departments or faculties) compete for a set of resources (lecture rooms) on a given number of time slots. Each agent uses its own algorithm (which might be unknown to the others). A central system decides whether some agent is granted a resource or not, based on a list of requests and on a certificate, obtained from each agent, asserting that it does not have requests with priority higher that a certain amount. Priority is measured primarily by the number of attendees and some requirements for particular features on the resources, but other criteria are proposed for ties. We describe a prototype implementation, in use at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto.

Abstract
We describe a linear channel inference system for the TyCO programming language, where channel usage is tracked through method invocations as well as definition instantiations. We then apply linear channel information to optimize code generation for a multithreaded runtime system. The impact in terms of speed and space is analyzed. © 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

Abstract
The use of formal probabilistic modelling together with advanced statistical inference in communications engineering, has the potential of providing a powerful workbench for deriving conclusions about the behaviour of systems and sources of data and therefore developing innovative and efficient control and management strategies of communication systems. Targeting the efficient dimensioning of systems and resources in order to make possible the provision of high quality and larger-choice services to the end-users, this paper proposes the use of a Bayesian framework in video broadband communications. In the context of the combined transmission of several good-quality video sources, such as a digital television broadcast service, using VBR video encoding algorithms and based on prior beliefs and statistical models, an intelligent multiplexer is capable of predicting the probable amount of free space and fill it with extra services or increase the quality of the transmitted channels.

Abstract

Abstract
Innovation projects could be considered successful if they lead to novel products, processes, or services, with positive impact on the market. INESC Porto, in partnership with the Science and Higher Education Observatory (OCES) of the Portuguese Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MCES) is undertaking a research project aiming to characterize and analyze the Innovation process, and to identify the critical success factors, in terms of consortium structure and management. The paper describes the work undertaken so far, with a special focus on the impact of the human factor for the success of strategic cooperation networks and alliances for innovation.

Abstract
We propose an interesting application of Constraint Logic Programming to automatic generation and explanation of mathematics exercises. A particular topic in mathematics is considered to investigate and illustrate the advantages of using the CLP paradigm. The goal is to develop software components that make the formulation and explanation of exercise's easier. We describe exercises by grammars which enables us to get specialized forms almost for free, by imposing further conditions through constraints. To define the grammars we concentrate on the solving procedures that are taught instead of trying to abstract an exercise template from a sample of similar exercises. Prototype programs indicate that Constraint Logic Programming frameworks may be adequate to implement such a tool. These languages have the right expressiveness to encode control on the system in an elegant and declarative way.