Abstract
The ability to recognize emotions in spoken words is central in human communication and social relationships. When studying one's ability to perceive emotions, the standard paradigm is to have listeners choose which one of several emotion words best characterizes linguistically neutral utterances made by actors attempting to portray various emotional states. Usually, generic experiment control software are used, which may present several limitations. In this paper we present a novel approach to the problem, based on a mobile application that can be easily configured by the researcher to set up the desired protocol. This approach not only facilitates and improves study design and data collection, but also provides a plethora of new variables about the participants that, to the best of our knowledge, have never been considered before in this domain, including behavioural research.

Abstract
Ambient Intelligence has always been associated with the promise of exciting new applications, aware of the users' needs and state, and proactive towards their goals. However, the acquisition of the necessary information for supporting such high-level learning and decision-making processes is not always straightforward. In this chapter we describe a multi-faceted smart environment for the acquisition of relevant contextual information about its users. This information, acquired transparently through the technological devices in the environment, supports the building of high-level knowledge about the users, including a quantification of aspects such as performance, attention, mental fatigue and stress. The environment described is particularly suited for milieus such as workplaces and classrooms, in which this kind of information may be very important for the effective management of human resources, with advantages for organizations and individuals alike. © 2017 The authors and IOS Press.

Abstract
From the point of view of the Citizen, Justice is not always readily accessible. Either because it is a lengthy process, potentially expensive, sometimes unclear or simply scary, people will often avoid or withdraw from a judicial process, especially in those cases that involve relatively small amounts. This results in the giving up of a basic right, with the potential loss of rightful benefits. In this paper we briefly analyze the main aspects that impair access to Justice nowadays. We then move on to look at recent technological developments in the field of Online Dispute Resolution to argue that these can, in the near future, have a significant role in improving access to Justice. Specifically, we analyze the UMCourt Conflict Resolution Framework, developed by our research team, and address the different dimensions in which such tools contribute to make Justice more accessible, namely through better access to useful information, support in decision-making or more cost-effective processes. Copyright 2014 ACM.

Abstract
Personality traits play a key role in the shaping of emotions, moods, cognitions, and behaviours of individuals interacting in a virtual environment. The personalities one exhibits reflect one's perception of the world and are demonstrated in the act of communication. Thus, the evaluation of a message can be changed due to stress and mood variations. Being able to identify the degree of relationship between one's personality characteristics and one's current stress state can thus facilitate the communication process. In particular, in this paper it is studied the correlation between some personality traits and the stress levels exhibited by users' interactions. To do so a novel approach was followed in which an intelligent environment is used to support the stress recognition process providing important personality related information. An experiment has been designed for the purpose of addressing the estimation of relevant aspects of interactions that occur in a rich sensory environment. Outputs from the experiment, such as the relation between personality characteristics and stress, can be used to maximize the benefits of virtual environments and its applications in fields such as learning, medicine or conflict resolution. © 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.

Abstract
In our day to day, we often experience a sense of being tired due to mental or physical workload. Along with that, there is also a feeling of degrading performance, even after the completion of simple tasks. These mental states however, are often not felt consciously or are ignored. This is an attitude that may result in human error, failure, and may lead to potential health problems together with a decrease in quality of life. States of acute mental fatigue may be detected with the close monitoring of certain indicators, such as productivity, performance and health indicators. In this paper, a model and prototype are proposed to detect and monitor acute acute fatigue, based on non-invasive Human-computer Interaction (HCI). This approach will enable the development of better working environments, with an impact on the quality of life and the work produced. © 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.

Abstract
In our daily living, the environment surrounding us influences us as much or more than we influence it. Whether it is a domestic, leisure or working environment, its conditions will certainly have short and long-term effects on aspects such as stress, mood or fatigue, which will in turn influence indicators such as productivity, quality of work, quality of life, personal/group performance or even health. In this paper a dynamic environment is proposed that, based on the behavioural analysis of its users, will adapt its conditions to improve particular indicators. This will result in better working environments, with an impact on the quality of the work produced. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2013.