Abstract
Touchscreens allow interaction with icons and buttons for executing applications or selecting information. This can be used for non-verbal communication, enabling the deaf to communicate without the need for sign language translation and with a richer context than just using text. This paper explores the development process of iconographic driven applications for nonverbal communication following a user centered design approach. MyCarMobile, a mobile application intended to facilitate the communication of the deaf with roadside assistance services, is introduced as a case study. The application follows the iconographic driven interaction model allowing users to describe an occurrence, through the interaction with icons and buttons in a touchscreen device. Based on the implementation of the case study application and previous work a set of guidelines for implementing iconographic driven applications is proposed. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.

Abstract
Currently, Virtual Worlds technology is used for educational purposes in a cross-disciplinary way. However, particularly in formal learning institutions, its widespread adoption is far from being a reality due a broad range of technological challenges. This paper addresses identity federation systems as possible solutions to some of the interoperability, security and user management problems. Our major goal is to present what systems, architectures and standards are standing out, how the research area is moving toward identity federation, and why educational institutions need to address it. We consider identity, privacy, security-assurance, and interoperability as main concerns within our analysis, in order to interconnect digital identities with physical identities, and create a unique federated identity system that can act independently from the service in use. Thus, VWs technologies will be able to scale and evolve independently without compromising user's identity.

Abstract
Assistive technology enables people to achieve independence in the accomplishment of their daily tasks and enhance their quality of life. However, the development os assistive technology does not always follow user needs and expectations, comprising their usability and effectiveness. This paper discusses the design and evaluation strategies for assistive technologies applied to a blind navigation system case study. The research carried out focused on the gathering of user requirements for ensuring enhanced autonomy of blind people in their daily life. The picked requirements were used in an architecture that unifies the benefits of a redundant blind navigation system with a set of services that are provided by daily used information and communication technologies. The system combines guidance, navigation and information gathering, extending traditional aids with realtime knowledge of the surrounding environment to provide an enhanced assistive tool for autonomy of the blinds. Moreover, the developed solution fills the gap of existing solutions that require the users to carry a wide range of devices and, mostly, do not include mechanisms to ensure the autonomy of users in the event of system failure. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Abstract
The task of moving from one place to another is a difficult challenge that involves obstacle avoidance, staying on street walks, finding doors, knowing the current location and keeping on track through the desired path. Nowadays, navigation systems are widely used to find the correct path, or the quickest, between two places. While assistive technology has contributed to the improvement of the quality of life of people with disabilities, people with visual impairment still face enormous limitations in terms of their mobility. In recent years, several approaches have been made to create systems that allow seamless tracking and navigation both in indoor and outdoor environments. However there is still an enormous lack of availability of information that can be used to assist the navigation of users with visual impairments as well as a lack of sufficient precision in terms of the estimation of the user's location. Blavigator is a navigation system designed to help users with visual impairments. In a known location, the use of object recognition algorithms can provide contextual feedback to the user and even serve as a validator to the positioning module and geographic information system of a navigation system for the visually impaired. This paper proposes a method where the use of computer vision algorithms validate the outputs of the positioning system of the Blavigator prototype. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.

Abstract
Nowadays, navigation systems are widely used to find the correct path, or the quickest, between two places. These systems use the Global Positioning System (GPS) and only work well in outdoor environment since GPS signals cannot easily penetrate and/or are greatly degraded inside of buildings. Several technologies have been proposed to make navigation inside of buildings possible. One such technology is Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID). In the case of outside environments, some hybrid systems have been proposed that use GPS as main information source and RFID for corrections and location error minimization. In this article we propose a navigation system that uses RFID as the main technology to guide people with visual impairment in unfamiliar environments, both indoor and outdoor, complementing the traditional white cane and providing information about the user's geographical context. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Abstract
The production of waste pollutants has increased in recent decades at an impressive rate. These pollutants pose a threat to life on our planet, so it is increasingly important to process them correctly. Fortunately, today it is possible to obtain profit through the reuse and recycling of most of these residues, in particular, of vegetable oil, which is especially interesting due to the potential of transforming it into biodiesel. However, this process does present some constraints, mainly related to the operating costs associated with its collection. This paper proposes a new platform that aims to simplify the bureaucracy of the process and optimize the collection routes, thus maximizing the potential profit to be obtained from this business.