Abstract
Several standards have appeared in recent years to formalize the metadata of learning objects, but they are still insufficient to fully describe a specialized domain. In particular, the programming exercise domain requires interdependent resources (e. g. test cases, solution programs, exercise description) usually processed by different services in the programming exercise lifecycle. Moreover, the manual creation of these resources is time-consuming and error-prone, leading to an obstacle to the fast development of programming exercises of good quality. This chapter focuses on the definition of an XML dialect called PExIL (Programming Exercises Interoperability Language). The aim of PExIL is to consolidate all the data required in the programming exercise lifecycle from when it is created to when it is graded, covering also the resolution, the evaluation, and the feedback. The authors introduce the XML Schema used to formalize the relevant data of the programming exercise lifecycle. The validation of this approach is made through the evaluation of the usefulness and expressiveness of the PExIL definition. In the former, the authors present the tools that consume the PExIL definition to automatically generate the specialized resources. In the latter, they use the PExIL definition to capture all the constraints of a set of programming exercises stored in a learning objects repository. Copyright (C) 2013, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited.

Abstract
This work describes an all-fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (FFPI) that is sensitive to gas pressure variations. The geometry of the air cavity consists on splicing a small section of silica rod with a large offset in between two singlemode fibers. It is shown that the FFPI sensor is sensitive to gas pressure variation and when submitted to different gaseous environments, namely carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen, it presented different sensitivities of 6.2, 4.1 and 3.6 nm/MPa, respectively. This result is obtained due to refractive index difference between gases. The refractive index change on nitrogen environment by means of the gas pressure variation resulted in a sensitivity of 1526 nm/RIU. The response of the sensing device to temperature in air was also determined and a sensitivity of -14 pm/degrees C was attained.

Abstract
This paper discusses static transmission expansion planning (STEP) in terms of minimizing the costs of investment and operations. We propose a transmission expansion model that divides into investment and operations problems. We use a binary particle swarm optimization algorithm (BPSO) to solve the investment problem and a DC optimal power flow (DCOPF) to solve the operations problem. We model uncertainty as stochastic demand at each node. A simulated case study numerically evaluates the efficiency of the proposed method. © 2013 IEEE.

Abstract
This research provides mechanisms that facilitate to monitor and manage of Virtual Enterprise (VE) collaborative business processes in an efficient and effective way. First, it shows a self-contained process monitoring tool specification that contains the following main functionalities: events capturing from a workflow engine, business activity monitoring, process analytics and monitoring rules definition and evaluation. An interactive user interface layer in the form of dashboard is then highlighted within the scope of this research with the objective to monitor the VE operational processes. The dashboard will be the integration platform for a set of components that allow the establishment and operation of VE successfully. This platform enables a seamless integration of business processes and provides an endto-end ICT solution among the VE member organizations. The work presented in this paper is developed within the scope of the European Commission NMP priority of the Seventh RTD Framework Programme for the ADVENTURE (ADaptive Virtual ENterprise ManufacTURing Environment) project. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2013.

Abstract
Since 2011, it's mandatory to prescribe through an electronic system in Portugal. Several third party companies start to develop prescribing software/interfaces that act as gateways to transmit the prescription data from the practitioners to the Health Ministry. The use of those companies in this circuit weakens the Prescription System's security levels and compromises the confidentiality and privacy of doctors and patients' personal data. Aim: The main aim is to propose a secure and safer Prescribing System that allows prescriptions' authentication and protects the patient data, keeping their identity confidential. Results: By protecting several system flaws, this proposed increases greatly the Prescription System security levels, protects patient data, and avoid its collection from Third Party Companies. Also the physical model of the electronic Prescription appears to have all the security and applicability requirements needed to function during a communication network dysfunction.

Abstract
Higher education has evolved in the last decade with the use of information technology. This change was called distance education, a teaching method in which the student does not need to meet with the teacher on a certain day and time. The student may be either at home or at work and may have no interaction with the other parts, either the teacher or other students. It has allowed the institutions to resolve geographical gaps in order to reach the largest number of students. On the other hand, it paved the way for the "non-traditional" universities oriented for "adult work", in a narrow range of graduation programs, compatible with the current demands from industry. It is also important to mention that distance education is becoming increasingly appropriate for non-academic studies, such as corporate training environments. This paper addresses Circuit Theory systems, more specifically laboratory practices geared towards teaching and learning. The choice was made from observing the needs in the specific context of a measures and instrumentation laboratory, mainly related with access to the means and equipment to carry out laboratory practice. The purpose of the work is the use of virtual experimentation to carry out laboratory practice and also as an alternative tool to meet the needs of access to the means and equipment of the laboratory. In the present case, the basis of the project was the construction of a 3D lab environment (Measures and Instrumentation) where the equipment and the components can be seen and manipulated. The project involves simple electrical schematics, which later can be changed in values, presenting new results, and displays a set of menus and submenus to support experiments. The virtual laboratory can accommodate new devices and scenarios, being adapted to new subjects, such as electric machines and power system analysis of the Electrical Engineering program. This work was developed to demonstrate how a desktop VR prototype, "Virtual Electric Manual" - VEMA, can be applied to an engineering unit and used to enhance security and resourcefulness in using electrical equipment. Several interactive scenes were developed to illustrate the idea using a measurements and instrumentation laboratory as virtual environment. The added value of these various features in the educational context is that they contribute to the construction of new virtual environments, able to benefit the communication between teachers and students and among themselves, thus creating new opportunities for each student to participate more actively in his/her own learning construction process. Rather than being seen as mere information files, these e-learning platforms should be perceived as a means to promote interaction and experimentation through technological resources.