Abstract
A common problem in computer programming use for education in general, not simply as a technical skill, is that children and teachers find themselves constrained by what is possible through limited expertise in computer programming techniques. This is particularly noticeable at the preliterate level, where constructs tend to be limited to extremely simple elements. Having worked for 4 years with over 150 children, aged 3 to 5, we present age-appropriate computer programming activities involving different computer programming techniques, from the basic (computer language syntax) to the advanced (client-server). These may contribute to expand the panorama on viable computer programming techniques available to children and educators, thus broadening the variety of educational activities and projects that can be approached in educational settings using computer programming.

Abstract
In modern daily life people need to move, whether in business or leisure, sightseeing or addressing a meeting. Often this is done in familiar environments, but in some cases we need to find our way in unfamiliar scenarios. Visual impairment is a factor that greatly reduces mobility. Currently, the most widespread and used means by the visually impaired people are the white stick and the guide dog; however both present some limitations. With the recent advances in inclusive technology it is possible to extend the support given to people with visual impairment during their mobility. In this context we propose a system, named SmartVision, whose global objective is to give blind users the ability to move around in unfamiliar environments, whether indoor or outdoor, through a user friendly interface that is fed by a geographic information system (GIS). In this paper we propose the development of an electronic white cane that helps moving around, in both indoor and outdoor environments, providing contextualized geographical information using RFID technology. © 2010 TSI Press.

Abstract
CRM systems mark a new paradigm with regard to the customization and qualification of services delivery and to the relationships between local government and citizens. CRM are strategic tools that enable to optimize the relationship between municipalities and residents, as well as the optimization of most organizational processes. Despite the acknowledged importance of such tools, it appears in practice that most Portuguese municipalities has not yet to implemented CRM systems. Trying to identify the main reasons for this fact, the authors undertook a study based on a questionnaire, and the main findings are presented and discussed in this paper.

Abstract
The two-dimensional (2D) kinematic approach is by far the most popular technique in rat gait analysis. This is a simple inexpensive procedure, which requires only one camera to record the movement. However, maximal precision and accuracy of the kinematic values are expected when the experimental protocol includes a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis methodology: Locomotor speed is a basic kinematic parameter that is often neglected in most studies of movement disorders and neurological diseases. Because locomotor speed c:an act as confounder for the interpretation of the obtained results we also focused our attention on the relation between speed and 3D hindlimb kinematics. Our experimental set-up consisted of a motion capture system with four CMOS cameras which allowed a non-invasive estimation of the instantaneous position of color markers in a 3D measurement volume. Data were recorded while rats walked at different treadmill speeds (30 vs 60 cm/s). For the first time we reported detailed kinematic data for the sagittal, coronal and transverse plane during treadmill locomotion in rats. Despite the overall time course patterns of the curves were identical, we found significant differences between values of joint angular motion at 30 and 60 cm/s at selected points of the step cycle. The adaptation to higher treadmill walking included greater joint angular excursions. The present report highlights the importance of walking speed when evaluating rat hindlimb kinematics during gait. Hopefully, this study will be useful in experimental data assessment when multiple gait abnormalities are expected to occur in all planes. of motion.

Abstract
Visual impairment and blindness caused by infectious diseases has been greatly reduced, but increasing numbers of people are at risk of age-related visual impairment. Visual information is the basis for most navigational tasks, so visually impaired individuals are at disadvantage because appropriate information about the surrounding environment is not available. With the recent advances in inclusive technology it is possible to extend the support given to people with visual impairment during their mobility. In this context we propose a system, named SmartVision, whose global objective is to give blind users the ability to move around in unfamiliar environments, whether indoor or outdoor, through a user friendly interface. This paper is focused mainly in the development of the computer vision module of the SmartVision system.

Abstract
Regular video cameras shoot normally at 25/30 frames per second (fps). Actually there are available in the market equipments that allow us to acquire video at 1.000.000 fps. When we observe a video sequence it becomes noticeable that great part of the information remains unchanged regardless of the bit rate or frame rate used. One origin of discontinuity in video signals is directly related to movement. Several areas use high frame rate images to analyze and comprehend certain events or effects, biomechanical engineering is one of them. Biomechanics engineering studies the mechanics of a living body, especially the forces exerted by muscles and gravity on the skeletal structure. Some examples are athlete assessment, were images are capture and then the acquired parameters are analyzed. This article describes a new methodology to decrease the space needed to store high frame rate image sequences in the specific case of biomechanical related areas.