Abstract
The growing processing capabilities of mobile devices coupled with portable and wearable sensors have enabled the development of context-aware services tailored to the user environment and its daily activities. The problem of determining the user context at each particular point in time is one of the main challenges in this area. In this paper, we describe the approach pursued in the UPCASE project, which makes use of sensors available in the mobile device as well as sensors externally connected via Bluetooth. We describe the system architecture from raw data acquisition to feature extraction and context inference. As a proof of concept, the inference of contexts is based on a decision tree to learn and identify contexts automatically and dynamically at runtime. Preliminary results suggest that this is a promising approach for context inference in several application scenarios.

Abstract
Embedded systems are considered one of the most potential areas for future innovations. Two embedded fields that will most certainly take a primary role in future innovations are mobile robotics and mobile computing. Mobile robots and srnartphones are growing in number and functionalities. becoming a presence in our daily life. In this paper, we study the current feasibility of a smartphone to execute navigation algorithms. As a test case, we use a smartphone to control an autonomous mobile robot. We tested three navigation problems: Mapping, Localization and Path Planning. For each of these problems, an algorithm has been chosen, developed in J2ME, and tested on the field. Results show the current mobile Java capacity for executing computationally demanding algorithms and reveal the real possibility of using smartphones for autonomous navigation.

Abstract
Reconfigurable computing architectures are becoming increasingly important in many computing domains (e.g., embedded and high-performance systems). These architectures promise comparable characteristics to specific hardware solutions with the flexibility and programmability of microprocessor solutions. This chapter gives a comprehensible overview of reconfigurable computing concepts and programming paradigms for the current and future generation of reconfigurable computing architectures. Two paramount aspects are highlighted: understanding how the programming model can help the mapping of computations to these architectures, and understanding also the way new programming models can be used to develop applications to these architectures. We include a set of simple examples to show different aspects of the use of the reconfigurable computing synergies, driven by the initial programming model used. © 2010, IGI Global.

Abstract
It is well recognized that e-business supports all parts of an organization's value chain, and offer valuable competitive advantages to firms. It is imperative for an organization to identify potential constraints to e-business in order to minimize the risk derived from its e-business initiative. Hence, in this paper, we explore a range of constraints that the literature suggests influences e-business evolution, so that organizations could be better equipped in anticipating any difficulties while in progress through their e-business initiatives. Thirteen hypotheses were formulated and tested. Questionnaires were applied to investigate the research problem. It was administered to 1000 managing directors of the biggest (according to the amount of business) Portuguese enterprises. Results suggest that organizational constraints are more critical, such as, conflict with traditional trading partners, conflict with traditional business and e-business initiatives, reengineering business processes and resistance to change, among other.

Abstract
Large grocery stores are nowadays used by millions of people for the acquisition of an enlarging number of products. Product acquisition represents a complex process that comprises lime spent in corridors, product location and checkout queues. On the other hand, it is becoming increasingly difficult for retailers to keep their clients loyal and to predict their needs due to the influence of competition and the lack of tools that discriminate consumption patterns. In this article it is presented the proposal of an architecture and solution of an innovative system for the acquisition of products in grocery stores (IntelligentCart). The IntelligentCart explores enlarging mobile technologies and automatic identification technologies (such as RFID) as a way to improve the quality of services provided by retailers and to augment the consumer value thus allowing to save time and money.

Abstract