Abstract
In recent years the mass adoption of mobile devices and increasingly ubiquitous connectivity have contributed to a radical change in the way people interact with computer systems. Moreover cloud computing infrastructures have paved the way for the development of smart systems in such settings, whose goal is to provide a service to enhance user experience based on environment and user sensed data. In this context, there is a clear disconnection between the two streams that flow continuously between user and cloud-based systems. On the one hand, user- and environment-generated data is being, for the most part, disregarded by service providers. On the other hand, services offered do not address users' specific needs and preferences. In addition, service discovery is a cognitive demanding process and it may have detrimental consequences in user experience. In this paper we propose a user-centric framework that addresses the disconnection between these two streams: Cloud2Bubble. The framework facilitates the design and development of smart systems. It aims at leveraging existing technology, such as environment sensors and personal devices, to aggregate localised user-related data - defined as a bubble - into the cloud. This aggregation later supports the delivery of personalised services, contextually relevant to users. The delivery of services with such characteristics has the potential to enhance quality of experience and influence user behaviour. A first iteration of the platform was developed and an evaluation in a simulated environment was performed with encouraging results. Thus, the platform will be further expanded for instantiation and evaluation in the context of urban public transports. We intend to investigate the effects of relevant service delivery in terms of enhancement of quality of experience and influencing user behaviour. The delivery of a service with these characteristics presents benefits for both users and service providers. © 2012 ACM.

Abstract

Abstract
Wearable/portable biometric/physiological monitoring devices are rapidly becoming a recognized alternative in medicine, rehabilitation and sports. Developments in sensors, energy harvesting, embedded technology, smart textile, to mention a few, are driving the field to more seamless and complex solutions, sometimes part of pervasive strategies for activity monitoring. Additionally, the number of sensors forming part of wearable solutions seems to be incrementing thanks to miniaturization and lowering components cost. Consequently medical and rehabilitation protocols and standards are undergoing the slow process required for adaptation to such emerging trends. This article presnts a simple modular, low-cost, wearable device originally intended for rehabilitation data gathering. Such device was based on commercially available components which can be assembled and managed by physicians, therapist and other healthcare personnel through a proposed platform. The objective is the familiarization and even active inclusion of healthcare personnel in the technological development process and, more importantly, the incorportation of electronic data acquisition in their procedures.

Abstract
This paper focuses on the comprehensive modeling, simulation and experimental validation for a photovoltaic system formed by monocrystalline solar modules. The performance of the equivalent circuit model for a solar cell is validated by data measured parameters of photovoltaic modules. Also, this paper brings a novel iterative procedure to find the value of diode ideality factor, series and equivalent shunt resistances.

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this paper is to analyze international and national research and development (R&D) programs and roadmaps for the manufacturing sector, presenting how agile and lean manufacturing models are addressed in these programs. Design/methodology/approach: In this review, several manufacturing research and development programs and roadmaps - national programs from the USA and Canada, and international programs from the European Union and from one international organization - are reviewed. Findings: The major finding of this review is that the main concerns in agile manufacturing, as highlighted in these programs, are networks, supply chain and product/service customization, and lean manufacturing's inclination towards achieving better cost efficiency. Although the lean manufacturing approach has been considered in many past and present programs, analysis of the most recent programs shows a greater priority is given to the agile manufacturing approach. The path towards sustainable manufacturing is delineated by pro-active attitude and action towards customers. Research limitations/implications: The study analyzes two national R&D programs from the USA, one international program from the European Union, three international roadmaps from the European Union, one business plan from Canada and one international roadmap from the global organization Intelligent Manufacturing Systems. Practical implications: The findings of this paper are intended to help managers, researchers and practitioners from the manufacturing sector to enhance their understanding and define suitable strategy for their organizations' sustainability and identify suitable manufacturing path with respect to agile and lean philosophies. This study could also help academics in defining course curricula for students more coherent with the R&D policies and/or requirements towards sustainable manufacturing with respect to agile and lean philosophies. Originality/value: There are reviews comparing agile and lean manufacturing paradigms, but there are no reviews about how the two manufacturing concepts are addressed in manufacturing R&D programs and roadmaps. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Abstract
Mechanical maintenance of F-16 engines is carried out as a team effort involving 3 to 4 skilled engine technicians. This paper presents the development of a mechanical maintenance simulator for their training. This simulator aims to enable technician training to be enhanced with cooperation and context prior to the training phase with actual physical engines. We describe the requirements that were identified with the Portuguese Air Force, the overall software architecture of the system, the current stage of the prototype, and the outcomes of the first field tests with users. (C) 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B. V. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the scientific programme committee of VS-Games 2012