Abstract
The main objective of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of the of Business Process Modelling field focusing on the definition of the Inter-Organizational Business Processes from both a high-level modelling perspective and a technological one. We used a conceptual maps' approach in order to clarify all the fundamental concepts that surround these two fields. We will present the two conceptual maps we have achieved through the help of a web-based tool for corpus linguistics and knowledge engineering named Corpografo and using the IHMC Cmaps Toolsfor the design of the Conceptual maps.

Abstract
Some areas of knowledge require the application of new learning methods in order to motivate and involve the students in the learning process. This paper describes the rapid prototyping of mobile robots with the flexible, modular and educational LEGO™ Mindstorms platform, supporting activities on some mobile robotics topics like control, positioning estimation and reconfiguration. The diversity of involved areas (mechanics, electronics, control,...) illustrates quite well the inter-disciplinarity of robotics. Those who are taking their first steps in robotics, specially in mobile robotics, need tools that allow them to learn some introductory concepts. Copyright © 2006 IFAC.

Abstract
Microgrids comprise Low Voltage distribution systems with distributed energy sources, such as micro-turbines, fuel cells, PVs, etc., together with storage devices, i.e. flywheels, energy capacitors and batteries, and controllable loads, offering considerable control capabilities over the network operation. These systems are interconnected to the Medium Voltage Distribution network, but they can be also operated isolated from the main grid, in case of faults in the upstream network. From the customer point of view, Microgrids provide both thermal and electricity needs, and in addition enhance local reliability, reduce emissions, improve power quality by supporting voltage and reducing voltage dips, and potentially lower costs of energy supply. This paper outlines selected research findings of the EU funded MICROGRIDS project (Contract ENK-CT-2002-00610). These include: • Development and enhancement of Microsource controllers to support frequency and voltage based on droops. Application of software agents for secondary control. • Development of the Microgrid Central Controller (MGCC). Economic Scheduling functions have been developed and integrated in a software package able to simulate the capabilities of the MGCC to place bids to the market operator under various policies and to evaluate the resulting environmental benefits. • Analysis of the communication requirements of the Microgrids control architecture • Investigation of alternative market designs for trading energy and ancillary services within a Microgrid. Development of methods for the quantification of reliability and loss reduction. • Initial measurements from an actual LV installation.

Abstract
Run-time partial reconfiguration of programmable hardware devices can be applied to enhance many applications in high-end embedded systems, particularly those that employ recent platform FPGAs. The effective use of this approach is often hampered by the complexity added to the system development process and by limited tool support. The paper is concerned with several aspects related to the effective exploitation of run-time partial reconfiguration, with particular emphasis on the generation of partial configurations and the run-time utilisation of the reconfigurable resources. The paper presents an approach inspired by the traditional software development: partial configurations are produced by assembling components from a previously created library, thus enabling the embedded application developer to produce the configuration data required for run-time modifications with less effort than is needed with the conventional design flow. A tool that supports this approach is also described. A second set of issues is addressed by a run-time support library that provides facilities for managing the hardware reconfiguration process and the communication with the reconfigured circuits. The use of run-time partial reconfiguration requires a high level of system support. The paper describes one possible approach, presenting a demonstration system developed to support the present work and characterising its performance. In order to clarify the advantages of the approach to run-time reconfigiaration discussed in the paper, two small case studies are described, the first on the use of dedicated datapaths for subword operations and the second on two-dimensional pattern-matching for bilevel images. Timing measurements for both cases are included.

Abstract

Abstract
Arguing that a system is sufficiently safe to operate in a particular context is an important element in the development of safety-critical systems. Hazard mitigation arguments support safety claims by providing evidence. They do this, typically, by appealing to barriers intended to prevent and to protect from a specific hazard. The paper summarises work on the structure of arguments, and then addresses two research questions: how understanding of the quality of arguments can be applied to hazard mitigation arguments; how making the underlying implied barrier model explicit can improve the argumentation and provide useful insights for managing risks. The EUROCONTROL Reduced Vertical Separation Minima Functional Hazard Analysis (RVSM FHA) is used to demonstrate these ideas. © 2006 Taylor & Francis Group.