Abstract
Every year thousands of students apply for access to higher education in Portuguese universities. These students are allocated according to their application, secondary school grades and their preference to distinct establishment-course pairs. Despite official statistics provided by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education (MCTES), it is not always possible to have the relevant indicators for universities make a good decision concerning courses and vacancies to offer. This study evaluates the factors that influence students in their choice of a pair establishment-course as well as understand the different variables that are related to the same attribution of influence. The study is observational and empirical using questionnaires, with the appropriate statistical analysis. The results showed a relation in greater number among the studied factors and gender. In conclusion the prestige of the institution, employment and intellectual development are the factors most valued by students.

Abstract
Most of the original image feature detectors are not able to cope with large photometric variations, and their extensions that should improve detection eventually increase the computational cost and introduce more noise to the system. Here we extend the original SURF algorithm increasing its invariance to illumination changes. Our approach uses the local space average color descriptor as working space to detect invariant features. A theoretical analysis demonstrates the impact of distinct photometric variations on the response of blob-like features detected with the SURF algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach in several illumination conditions including the presence of two or more distinct light sources, variations in color, in offset and scale.

Abstract
An electronic wheelchair facilitates the autonomy and independence of a person, however specific cognitive, sensorial and perceptual skills are needed to conduct the assistive technology. These skills are also inherent to the sport boccia. Thus, the aim of this study is to understand the relationship between the experience of the participant in driving a wheelchair in relation to their autonomy and independence and also examine the practice of boccia in relation to the cognitive skills and performance in driving an intelligent wheelchair using a simulator. It was performed an evaluation of 28 participants, 6 of whom had no experience driving an electronic wheelchair and 22 had experience, 15 practice boccia and 13 did not practice this type of adapted sports. In the collection of data was tested three interfaces command of a smart wheelchair in a simulator. It was showed a good performance of the participants with experience in using electronic wheelchair and practitioners of boccia. It was also possible to observe that the autonomous and independent participants showed good results.

Abstract
The use of real context simulation programs for training driving skills to control an intelligent wheelchair is an emergent area. The aim of this study is to verify if the exigency of use of the simulator of the IntellWheels project is adequate to the skills of children with cerebral palsy. A group study case was performed using children with cerebral palsy classified in the levels IV and V of the Gross Motor Function Classification System, aged between 6 and 12 years old. The user's performance in a wheelchair driving game using the Joystick and the Wiimote (for head movements' recognition) and the users' opinions about the system were studied. Results suggest that the system matches the children skills and it was verified that it was easier to drive the wheelchair with the joystick for most of the participants. Generally, the participants presented positive reactions, showing themselves satisfied with the experiment and convicted about the wheelchair future usability.

Abstract
Intelligent wheelchairs can become an important solution to assist physically impaired individuals who find it difficult or impossible to drive regular powered wheelchairs. However, when designing the hardware architecture several projects compromise the user comfort and the wheelchair normal usability in order to solve robotic problems. In this paper we describe the main concepts regarding the design of the IntellWheels intelligent wheelchair. Our approach has a user-centered perspective, in which the needs and limitations of physically impaired users are given extensive attention at each stage of the design process. Finally, our design was evaluated through a public opinion assessment. A statistical analysis suggested that the design was effective to mitigate the visual and ergonomic impacts caused by the addition of sensorial and processing capabilities on the wheelchair. © 2013 IEEE.

Abstract
With advances in communication technology, future internet presents numerous opportunities to develop new systems designed to make day to day life easier and to enhance and prolong the life of people with disabilities. This motivation propels the development of new services that integrate the mobility of cloud systems and the diversity of IoT (Internet of Things). It will enable us to create new and more independent care systems for people with disabilities, enabling a certain degree of independence. This can have a psychological and social impact due to the better quality of life that enables. Other motivation is the versatility and mobility of services it can provide, making those services available. In this paper is explored and explained the different kinds of technologies that can be integrated to enable creation of future internet platforms. Also, an IoT Cloud platform will be analyzed and some tests will be made, ending with some conclusions and lessons learned in this work.