Abstract
Software packages for educational purposes are increasingly important for classroom use, because they are a valuable way to motivate learning. However, the resources available on the market, with the designation of educational software, often have dubious quality. This led the authors to reflect on the process of evaluating the quality of a given educational software and develop tools that allow to measure its quality. This paper presents the results of the technical (software) and educational (guidelines for the didactic exploration) evaluation of Courseware Sere - The Human Being and Natural Resources - made by students of 2nd cycle of basic education (10 to 12 year old). The results indicate that the resource is easy to use, even for students who do not regularly use computers. It can also be concluded that the evaluation of educational resources, made by end-users, allows to correct issues related to usability (navigation and interaction), and to ensure the adequacy of resource to the target levels of education.

Abstract
Different strategies have been adopted for the optimization of legged robots, either during their design and construction phases, or during their operation. Evolutionary strategies are a way to imitate nature replicating the process that nature designed for the generation and evolution of species. This paper presents a genetic algorithm, running over a simulation application of legged robots, that allows the optimization of several locomotion, model and controller parameters, for different locomotion speeds and gaits. Here are studied the model and locomotion parameters that optimize the robot performance, in a large range of distinct velocities.

Abstract
Technological evolution is leading telecommunications to all-IP networks where multiple services are transported as IP packets. Among these are the group communications services with confidentiality requirements. Secure IP multicast may be used to secure the broadcast of video channels. However, in scenarios such as cable TV where the concept of video channel and bundle are present, groups are very large, and users switch very rapidly between channels (zapping), a sort of problems still need to be addressed. The solution proposed in this paper addresses these problems. For that purpose, a centralized form of secure group communications is proposed also used to transmit, not data, but group cryptographic material. Threes types of cryptographic keys are used. End systems use this material to decrypt the data sent by the content providers.

Abstract
We propose and theoretically study a novel surface-plasmon-resonance sensor based on an H-shaped, elliptical-core optical fibre. The two grooves of the H-fibre are coated with a thin, uniform metal layer that in turn is covered with a high-index dielectric layer to allow broad spectral tunability. The sensor maintains linear polarization and facilitates effortless splicing. Electromagnetic mode analysis indicates a sensitivity of 1800 nm/RIU (refractive-index unit) for aqueous analytes.

Abstract

Abstract
Portugal started its "formal" path to the Information Society in 1997 with the creation of the "Green Paper on the Information Society". In 2000, the "Operational Programme for the Information Society" was created and based on three main pillars. Having been created as part of the second pillar, "Portugal Digital", the "Digital Cities and Regions" initiative, aimed at developing the Information Society on a regional basis. In this article an overview is made on the purposes and results of the projects incorporated in the "Digital Cities and Regions" initiative. The goals of several projects were analysed. From this analysis a summary chart and a brief discussion of the Goals of the Digital Projects were made.