Abstract
We present a new algorithm for time-scale expansion of audio signals that comprises: time interpolation, frequency-scale expansion and modification of a spectral representation of the signal. The algorithm relies an an accurate model of signal analysis and synthesis, and was constrained to a non-iterative modification of the magnitudes and the wrapped phases of the relevant sinusoidal components of the signal. The structure of the algorithm is described and its performance is illustrated. A few examples of time-expanded wideband speech can be found on the Internet.

Abstract
This paper reviews special needs posed by today's technological advances in boards and MCMs, and addresses the requirements they place on Design for Testability techniques for assemblies of complex chips, both digital and mixed-signal. The IEEE P1149.4 mixed-signal test infrastructure is briefly described and its use as a means to support and implement different DfT techniques is described. Actual results are shown of its use on the implementation of a mixed current/voltage testing technique.

Abstract
This papers reports on an ongoing project to create 3D virtual exhibitions for the Internet. Special emphasis to provide Internet users with interactive and animated virtual worlds, providing a 3D interface whenever possible, is one of our priorities. Furthermore our project allows the construction of exhibitions through the Internet providing art galleries and other institutions with the possibility to ask visitors to participate in the site, building their own exhibition. Providing VRML optimised code we can deliver models with low polygon count as well as small file size thereby making this project suitable for Internet viewing.

Abstract
Propagation of short laser pulses in gases resulting in relativistic ionization fronts is studied numerically using a kinetic formulation based in the photon number phase-space distribution function. With this approach we are able to follow the dynamics of the laser pulse both in time and spectral content. The advance of the photon number is obtained by solving a Klimontovich type equation. The properties of the emergent laser pulse, responsible for the ionization front, such as duration, chirp and spectrum are continuously monitored by adequate diagnostics of the photon number phase-space distribution. In particular, a detailed analysis of the evolution of the laser pulse velocity is presented.

Abstract
This paper demonstrates that a classical stochastic optimization is, in many cases, not convenient for power system planning. Instead, a risk analysis approach is proposed. In a comparison of both planning paradigms, the probabilistic approach is in occasions not adequate, is half blind to compromise solutions and leads, in numerous, cases to riskier decisions. The technical discussion is illustrated with a distribution planning example.

Abstract
Soil water content has a direct influence on the cooling and growth mechanisms of the plants. Crop evapotranspiration is majoring influenced by solar radiation and the air temperature, humidity and movement. An efficient irrigation system must supply and maintain, at soil root zone of the plants, the adequate amount of water that best regulate the physiological mechanisms of the plant. For this purpose, an intelligent real-time greenhouse irrigation system was implemented which uses accurate sensors for measuring soil moisture, as well to determinate the crop evapotranspiration. To avoid loss of control, it was provided fault-detection capabilities to the soil moisture sensor and used a knowledge-based approach to estimate replacement values for the faulty sensors. A model-based controller was implemented to regulate the water content at the root zone of the plants. These tasks are very complex and difficult to meet, unless microcontroller and microprocessor systems are employed, such as in the integrated management irrigation system. The system comprises four modules: Sensor/Actuation, Acquisition and Data Validation, Data Correction, Model Based Controller, and Control Signals Generation. All the modules are linked and supervised by a higher-level supervision module to achieve an intelligent irrigation.