New tendencies on intercultural communication

18th SPACE Annual Conference and EURASHE-SEPHE Seminar 21-24 March 2007 Thursday 22 March 2007

Information and communication technologies in education ��� a web-based intelligent tutoring system on teaching and learning electrical project

Electrical activity is extremely broad and distinct, requiring by one hand, a deep knowledge on rules, regulations, materials, equipments, technical solutions and technologies and assistance in several areas, as electrical equipment, telecommunications, security and efficiency and rational use of energy, on the other hand, also requires other skills, depending on the specific projects to be implemented, being this knowledge a characteristic that belongs to the professionals with relevant experience, in terms of complexity and specific projects that were made.

Divulga����o online da religi��o cat��lica - estudo de caso: an��lise do website da Diocese do Porto

Disserta����o de Mestrado apresentada ao Instituto Superior de Contabilidade e Administra����o do Porto para a obten����o do grau de Mestre em Marketing Digital, sob orienta����o de Mestre Ant��nio da Silva Vieira

Corporate brand identity ��� a conceptual redefinition

There is a wide agreement that identity is a multidisciplinary concept. Branding is an identity expression. Although there are some frameworks to assess brand identity there isn���t an accepted definition. The authors consider this a gap in literature and investigate the components to assess brand identity under a holistic approach. Literature was reviewed and reinterpreted under an integrated perspective evolving corporate and brand identity studies. The authors propose a definition and nine componentscharacterizing corporate brand identity: reputation, culture, positioning, personality, relationships network, presentation style, communication, environmental influences and mission. Some are related with internal and others to external facets. The authorsare strongly encouraged to test these results empirically towards validity and reliability of the proposed construct.

Principles of communication and negotiation

In this chapter we outline the fundamentals of communication and negotiation in a group of people. Being aware of these generic principals greatly contributes to improve the effectiveness and the outcome of the meetings that MUTW students will be engaged in.

Estudo de tecnologias dom��ticas e a sua aplica����o em projectos

Actualmente a ��rea da dom��tica (automa����o de casas e edif��cios) encontra-se em franca expans��o, com principal relev��ncia nos pa��ses mais desenvolvidos, com um crescimento de mercado de mais de 10% ao ano. Existem in��meras razoes para a crescente implanta����o da dom��tica em edif��cios, entre as quais a maior efici��ncia energ��tica, o aumento da seguran��a e a redu����o do custo de aquisi����o das tecnologias. No que diz respeito as habita����es particulares, acrescenta-se essencialmente o aumento do conforto devido ao grau de automa����o trazido pela dom��tica. Apesar da dom��tica n��o ser uma ��rea cientifico-tecnol��gica recente, a r��pida evolu����o das tecnologias associadas, nomeadamente a n��vel das redes de comunica����o com e sem fios, foi uma das razoes fundamentais para a elabora����o desta Tese. Acresce o facto de o candidato estar actualmente envolvido profissionalmente na ��rea, pelo qual esta Tese assume uma particular import��ncia. Realizou-se um estudo comparativo das tecnologias de dom��tica mais relevantes, escolhidas quer pelas suas caracter��sticas t��cnicas quer pela sua implanta����o de mercado e potencial futuro - KNX/EIB, LonWorks, HomePlug, ZigBee e Z-Wave. Destas, comprovou-se que as duas primeiras s��o aquelas que, actualmente, tem maior adequabilidade para serem aplicadas em projectos de dom��tica. Foi por isso efectuado um estudo mais elaborado das tecnologias LonWorks e KNX/EIB, incluindo a forma pratica de instala����o/programa����o, a elabora����o de dois demonstradores e de dois projectos (de acordo com um caderno de encargos real), usando as duas tecnologias. Concluiu-se que a tecnologia LonWorks apresenta vantagens no que respeita a escalabilidade (dimens��o) dos sistemas. Em termos futuros, prev��-se a necessidade da interoperabilidade entre os nos/redes cablados (tradicionais) com nos/redes sem fio, seguindo a tend��ncia para os ambientes inteligentes (���ambient intelligence/assisted living���, ���smart spaces���, ���ubiquitous computing).

Sistema de aquisi����o de dados em tempo real

Neste trabalho propus-me realizar um Sistema de Aquisi����o de Dados em Tempo Real via Porta Paralela. Para atingir com sucesso este objectivo, foi realizado um levantamento bibliogr��fico sobre sistemas operativos de tempo real, salientando e exemplificando quais foram marcos mais importantes ao longo da sua evolu����o. Este levantamento permitiu perceber o porqu�� da prolifera����o destes sistemas face aos custos que envolvem, em fun����o da sua aplica����o, bem como as dificuldades, cient��ficas e tecnol��gicas, que os investigadores foram tendo, e que foram ultrapassando com sucesso. Para que Linux se comporte como um sistema de tempo real, �� necess��rio configura-lo e adicionar um patch, como por exemplo o RTAI ou ADEOS. Como existem v��rios tipos de solu����es que permitem aplicar as caracter��sticas inerentes aos sistemas de tempo real ao Linux, foi realizado um estudo, acompanhado de exemplos, sobre o tipo de arquitecturas de kernel mais utilizadas para o fazer. Nos sistemas operativos de tempo real existem determinados servi��os, funcionalidades e restri����es que os distinguem dos sistemas operativos de uso comum. Tendo em conta o objectivo do trabalho, e apoiado em exemplos, fizemos um pequeno estudo onde descrevemos, entre outros, o funcionamento escalonador, e os conceitos de lat��ncia e tempo de resposta. Mostramos que h�� apenas dois tipos de sistemas de tempo real o ���hard��� que tem restri����es temporais r��gidas e o ���soft��� que engloba as restri����es temporais firmes e suaves. As tarefas foram classificadas em fun����o dos tipos de eventos que as despoletam, e evidenciando as suas principais caracter��sticas. O sistema de tempo real eleito para criar o sistema de aquisi����o de dados via porta paralela foi o RTAI/Linux. Para melhor percebermos o seu comportamento, estudamos os servi��os e fun����es do RTAI. Foi dada especial aten����o, aos servi��os de comunica����o entre tarefas e processos (mem��ria partilhada e FIFOs), aos servi��os de escalonamento (tipos de escalonadores e tarefas) e atendimento de interrup����es (servi��o de rotina de interrup����o - ISR). O estudo destes servi��os levou ��s op����es tomadas quanto ao m��todo de comunica����o entre tarefas e servi��os, bem como ao tipo de tarefa a utilizar (espor��dica ou peri��dica). Como neste trabalho, o meio f��sico de comunica����o entre o meio ambiente externo e o hardware utilizado �� a porta paralela, tamb��m tivemos necessidade de perceber como funciona este interface. Nomeadamente os registos de configura����o da porta paralela. Assim, foi poss��vel configura-lo ao n��vel de hardware (BIOS) e software (m��dulo do kernel) atendendo aos objectivos do presente trabalho, e optimizando a utiliza����o da porta paralela, nomeadamente, aumentando o n��mero de bits dispon��veis para a leitura de dados. No desenvolvimento da tarefa de hard real-time, foram tidas em aten����o as v��rias considera����es atr��s referenciadas. Foi desenvolvida uma tarefa do tipo espor��dica, pois era pretendido, ler dados pela porta paralela apenas quando houvesse necessidade (interrup����o), ou seja, quando houvesse dados dispon��veis para ler. Desenvolvemos tamb��m uma aplica����o para permitir visualizar os dados recolhidos via porta paralela. A comunica����o entre a tarefa e a aplica����o �� assegurada atrav��s de mem��ria partilhada, pois garantindo a consist��ncia de dados, a comunica����o entre processos do Linux e as tarefas de tempo real (RTAI) que correm ao n��vel do kernel torna-se muito simples. Para puder avaliar o desempenho do sistema desenvolvido, foi criada uma tarefa de soft real-time cujos tempos de resposta foram comparados com os da tarefa de hard real-time. As respostas temporais obtidas atrav��s do analisador l��gico em conjunto com gr��ficos elaborados a partir destes dados, mostram e comprovam, os benef��cios do sistema de aquisi����o de dados em tempo real via porta paralela, usando uma tarefa de hard real-time.

An identity-based approch to communication

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the key elements in the construction of cosistent organisational messages over time. In order to accomplish that, we propose the aligment of several elements: vision, misson, objectives, cultural values, optimal identity attributes, positioning, type of messages, communication style and means, and image...

Utilization of different encryption schemes for securing SCADA component communication

A vital role is being played by SCADA Communication for Supervisory Control and Data acquisition (SCADA) Monitoring Ststems. Devices that are designed to operate in safety-critical environments are usually designed to failsafe, but security vulnerabilities could be exploited by an attacker to disable the fail-safe mechanisms. Thus these devices must not onlybe designed for safety but also for security. This paper presents a study of the comparison of different Encryption schemes for securing SCADA Component Communication. The encryption schemes such as Symetric Key Encrypton in Wireless SCADA Environment, Assymmetric-key Encryption to Internet SCADA, and the Cross Crypto Scheme Cipher to secure communication for SCADA are analysed and the outcome is evaluated.

The cross crypto scheme cipher integration for securing SCADA component communication

Critical Infrastructures became more vulnerable to attacks from adversaries as SCADA systems become connected to the Internet. The open standards for SCADA Communications make it very easy for attackers to gain in-depth knowledge about the working and operations of SCADA networks. A number of Intenrnet SCADA security issues were raised that have compromised the authenticity, confidentiality, integrity and non-repudiation of information transfer between SCADA Components. This paper presents an integration of the Cross Crypto Scheme Cipher to secure communications for SCADA components. The proposed scheme integrates both the best features of symmetric and asymmetric encryptiontechniques. It also utilizes the MD5 hashing algorithm to ensure the integrity of information being transmitted.

Communication protocol for the rempli project

The overall goal of the REMPLI project is to design and implement a communication infrastructure for distributed data acquisition and remote control operations using the power grid as the communication medium. The primary target application is remote meter reading with high time resolution, where the meters can be energy, heat, gas, or water meters. The users of the system (e.g. utility companies) will benefit from the REMPLI system by gaining more detailed information about how energy is consumed by the end-users. In this context, the power-line communication (PLC) is deployed to cover the distance between utility company���s Private Network and the end user. This document specifies a protocol for real-time PLC, in the framework of the REMPLI project. It mainly comprises the Network Layer and Data Link Layer. The protocol was designed having into consideration the specific aspects of the network: different network typologies (star, tree, ring, multiple paths), dynamic changes in network topology (due to network maintenance, hazards, etc.), communication lines strongly affected by noise.

Characterizing the timing behaviour of power-line communication by means of simulation

Although power-line communication (PLC) is not a new technology, its use to support communication with timing requirements is still the focus of ongoing research. Recently, a new infrastructure was presented, intended for communication using power lines from a central location to geographically dispersed nodes using inexpensive devices. This new infrastructure uses a two-level hierarchical power-line system, together with an IP-based network. Within this infrastructure, in order to provide end-toend communication through the two levels of the powerline system, it is necessary to fully understand the behaviour of the underlying network layers. The masterslave behaviour of the PLC MAC, together with the inherent dynamic topology of power-line networks are important issues that must be fully characterised. Therefore, in this paper we present a simulation model which is being used to study and characterise the behaviour of power-line communication.

Position paper on time and event-triggered communication services in the context of e-manufacturing

Modern factories are complex systems where advances in networking and information technologies are opening new ways towards higher efficiency. Such move is being driven by market rules with ever-increasing competition levels, in search for faster time-to-market, improved process yield, non-stop operations, flexible manufacturing and tighter supply-chain coupling. All these aims present a common requirement, i.e. a realtime flow of information, from the plant-floor up to the management, maintenance, suppliers and clients, to support accurate monitoring and control of the factory. This stresses the importance achieved by the communication infrastructure in modern manufacturing industry. This paper presents the authors view concerning the current trends in modern factory communication systems. It addresses the problems of seamlessly integrating different information flows with diverse requirements, mainly in terms of timeliness. In this aspect, the debate between event-triggered and time-triggered communication is revisited as well as the joint support for both types of traffic. Finally, a view of where factory communication systems are moving to is also presented, showing the impact of open and widely available technologies.

CIDER - envisaging a COTS communication infrastructure for evolutionary dependable real-time systems

It is foreseen that future dependable real-time systems will also have to meet flexibility, adaptability and reconfigurability requirements. Considering the distributed nature of these computing systems, a communication infrastructure that permits to fulfil all those requirements is thus of major importance. Although Ethernet has been used primarily as an information network, there is a strong belief that some very recent technological advances will enable its use in dependable applications with real-time requirements. Indeed, several recently standardised mechanisms associated with Switched-Ethernet seem to be promising to enable communication infrastructures to support hard real-time, reliability and flexible distributed applications. This paper describes the motivation and the work being developed within the CIDER (Communication Infrastructure for Dependable Evolvable Real-Time Systems) project, which envisages the use of COTS Ethernet as an enabling technology for future dependable real-time systems. It is foreseen that the CIDER approach will constitute a relevant stream of research since it will bring together cutting edge research in the field of real-time and dependable distributed systems and the industrial eagerness to expand Ethernet responsabilities to support dependable real-time applications.