Abstract

Abstract
The art of telling stories in digital format is currently widely available due to the popularization of digital cameras, computers and other mobile devices. In this paper we discuss the use of collaborative learning strategies based on Digital Storytelling in corporative training. The text includes a concise review on theoretical and technical foundations about educational communication through the use of audiovisual products based on disciplines such as Communication, Education and Cognitive Sciences. We will also discuss how Digital Storytelling may be integrated in traditional contents oriented self-training systems, used by many corporations. However the main focus will be the discussion of the potential of the use of Digital Storytelling methodology in corporative training context which will be detailed based on data collected in scenarios from Portugal and Brazil. The paper is based on qualitative research and it will argue that digital storytelling may contribute to the improvement of the effectiveness of collaborative learning processes in corporative training, because it provides means for the swift delivery of highly contextualized learning materials and the sharing of relevant personal trainers and trainees’ experiences. Furthermore, Digital Storytelling methodology provides an opportunity to value, respect and promote the multiple and different cultural and social interactions in the corporative knowledge construction process. The research methodology adopted on this study involved three phases: 1) literature review; 2) detailed analysis of the digital Storytelling methodology and its implications in corporative training context; 3) collecting data from and discussing about some corporative cases in Portugal and Brazil. The result of the research aims at suggesting a critical analysis and creative attitude in the production of audiovisual teaching materials for the corporative training context.

Abstract
O potencial dos testemunhos pessoais em educação tem recolhido o interesse de muitos investigadores e profissionais do sector dado a riqueza desses materiais para promoverem aprendizagens significativas. No entanto esse potencial ainda necessita de ser explorado em contexto de formação empresarial, em que ainda são mal conhecidos os desafios e soluções para as várias questões relevantes, entre as quais: organização e estrutura dos materiais de formação; requisitos de produção; dinâmicas de formação; avaliação de resultados. Estudar, dos pontos de vista conceptual e de implementação, estas questões foi a principal motivação de um projeto de investigação realizado em parceria pela unidade de investigação CETAC.MEDIA da Universidade de Aveiro e a empresa PT Inovação S.A., que teve como contexto de estudo o portal de Objetos de Aprendizagem COLOR em desenvolvimento na empresa.

Abstract
A multilevel negotiation mechanism for operating smart grids and negotiating in electricity markets considers the advantages of virtual power player managemen. © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
The smart grid concept appears as a suitable solution to guarantee the power system operation in the new electricity paradigm with electricity markets and integration of large amounts of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). Virtual Power Player (VPP) will have a significant importance in the management of a smart grid. In the context of this new paradigm, Electric Vehicles (EVs) rise as a good available resource to be used as a DER by a VPP. This paper presents the application of the Simulated Annealing (SA) technique to solve the Energy Resource Management (ERM) of a VPP. It is also presented a new heuristic approach to intelligently handle the charge and discharge of the EVs. This heuristic process is incorporated in the SA technique, in order to improve the results of the ERM. The case study shows the results of the ERM for a 33-bus distribution network with three different EVs penetration levels, i.e., with 1000, 2000 and 3000 EVs. The results of the proposed adaptation of the SA technique are compared with a previous SA version and a deterministic technique.

Abstract
Electricity markets are complex environments, involving a large number of different entities, playing in a dynamic scene to obtain the best advantages and profits. MASCEM is a multi-agent electricity market simulator to model market players and simulate their operation in the market. Market players are entities with specific characteristics and objectives, making their decisions and interacting with other players. MASCEM provides several dynamic strategies for agents' behaviour. This paper presents a method that aims to provide market players strategic bidding capabilities, allowing them to obtain the higher possible gains out of the market. This method uses an auxiliary forecasting tool, e.g. an Artificial Neural Network, to predict the electricity market prices, and analyses its forecasting error patterns. Through the recognition of such patterns occurrence, the method predicts the expected error for the next forecast, and uses it to adapt the actual forecast. The goal is to approximate the forecast to the real value, reducing the forecasting error.