Abstract
This paper presents a binary acceleration approach based on extending a General Purpose Processor (GPP) with a Reconfigurable Processing Unit (RPU), both sharing an external data memory. In this approach repeating sequences of GPP instructions are migrated to the RPU. The RPU resources are selected and organized off-line using execution trace information. The RPU core is composed of Functional Units (FUs) that correspond to single CPU instructions. The FUs are arranged in stages of mutually independent operations. The RPU can enable several stages in tandem, depending on the data dependencies. External data memory accesses are handled by a configurable dual-port cache. A prototype implementation of the architecture on a Spartan-6 FPGA was validated with 12 benchmarks and achieved an overall geometric mean speedup of 1.91x.

Abstract
Existing adaptive educational hypermedia systems have been using learning resources sequencing approaches in order to enrich the learning experience. In this context, educational resources, either expository or evaluative, play a central role. However, there is a lack of tools that support sequencing essentially due to the fact that existing specifications are complex. This paper presents Seqins as a sequencing tool of digital educational resources. Seqins includes a simple and flexible sequencing model that will foster heterogeneous students to learn at different rhythms. The tool communicates through the IMS Learning Tools Interoperability specification with a plethora of e-learning systems such as learning management systems, repositories, authoring and automatic evaluation systems. In order to validate Seqins we integrate it in an e-learning Ensemble framework instance for the computer programming learning domain.

Abstract
Flexibility requirements can appear in the middle of a software development, perceived by several client requests to change the application. A flexible domain model, usually implemented with using the adaptive object model (AOM) architectural style, required custom-made components to handle the current implementation of the domain entities. The problem is that by evolving an AOM model, the components need to be evolved as well, which generates constant rework. This work studied the possible AOM evolution paths, in order to provide support in the components for model changing. An evolution of the Esfinge AOM RoleMapper framework were developed to provide this functionality, allowing AOM models in different stages to be mapped to a single structure. The study was evaluated using a set of tests that were applied in each possible structure for the model.

Abstract
Industrial automation relies on PLC's to perform real-time critical tasks. These tasks are commonly implemented using IEC 61131-3 and tend to be very complex due to the current evolution of microprocessor capabilities. This complexity causes testing to be considered a very difficult task and the scope to be reduced to minimize effort. The application of automatic calibration techniques could allow the identification of optimal or near optimal solutions for the set of inputs to allow a better test coverage and simulation accuracy. This paper reviews current automatic simulation calibration methodologies and provides a description of an experiment of the application of search-based metaheuristics to IEC 61131-3 implemented algorithms in the context of power systems automation.

Abstract
Several methodologies have been proposed in the last decades to improve the quality of Safety-Critical Embedded Systems (SCES) and, at the same time, keep costs and schedule compatible with project plans. In particular, approaches such as Product Line Engineering (PLE) and Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) offer an interesting solution to reduce development complexity and time to market due to their synergy and common goals. However, the current state of how MDE and PLE can be combined to enhance productivity in the domain of SCES is not clear yet. This paper presents a systematic literature review, with the purpose of obtaining the state of the art of the aproaches, methods and methodologies whose goal is the combination of PLE and MDE for the development of SCES, and to verify the existence of empirical studies that demonstrate the application of these techniques in this type of development. We drew the following conclusions from the review results: (1) The number of studies using PLE with MDE to build SCES is relatively small, but has increased gradually in recent years. (2) The approaches diverge about what is needed to build Model-driven Product Lines. (3) Most of the approaches do not consider to differentiate between hardware and software variabilities. (4) Most of the studies propose the use of UML and feature diagrams. (5) The studies present case studies implemented in different tools and most of them are free. (6) The approaches do not cover the entire development lifecycle.

Abstract
The development of Critical Embedded Systems (CES) like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) is complex because it needs to ensure a high degree of quality, with affordable cost and delivery time. It is also necessary to ensure security since failures in this type of system can lead to catastrophic results. In this sense, a Model-Driven Development (MDD) approach presents itself as a good alternative to the traditional development because coding complexity will be reduced by the use of high level models. In addition, it avoids the introduction of coding errors by human programmers, since the critical code will be built automatically through models transformation. From another perspective, Embedded Systems Development can benefit from Software Engineering techniques like Product Lines to reduce costs and time-to-market. While other works propose the use of Product Line techniques to improve Embedded Software development, we propose a Product Line approach to the whole Critical Embedded System development life cycle, including hardware variability management. Therefore, this paper proposes a Critical Embedded System Product Line Model Based approach, which aims to reduce the above mentioned challenges. The development approach proposes a Domain Engineering and Application Engineering focused on the system, with both software and hardware. To illustrate the proposed approach we include some artifacts from a case study in the UAV domain.