Elena Taina Avramescu*, Olivera Lupescu**, Gheorghe Popescu**, Cristina Patru**, Mihail Nagea**
* University of Craiova, Romania, Craiova, 13 A.I.Cuza Str. (e-mail: taina_mistico@yahoo.com) ** Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest

Abstract: The goal of the training programme for residency in orthopaedics in Romania is to produce orthopaedic surgeons who are technically competent and knowledgeable of the literature in the field of orthopaedic surgery. In addition, we hope to stimulate interest in solving clinical and basic science problems in the field of orthopaedic surgery. To accomplish this, the present paper offers solutions for improving resident training by using new approaches, such as an innovative e-training method that is able to provide the trainees with a range of case studies and an advanced training curriculum. These solutions are developed within the framework of a Leonardo da Vinci project Transfer of innovation, named "A Web-based E-Training Platform for Extended Human Motion Investigation in Orthopedics". The project addresses to medical professionals, proposing formation of specialists that will systematically apply the principles of medical and bioengineering sciences in finding solutions that lead to improve health condition. The main outcome of the project is a Virtual Training & Communication Center ORTHO-eMAN for innovative education - on-line education and training material accessed via a standard web browser, which provides an integrated on-line learning environment. The e-learning platform includes a repository of training material with real clinical case studies using digital imaging and accompanying notes, an interactive multimedia database system containing full reports on patients receiving orthopedic treatment. It will be used as a method of dynamic distribution of course information, but with innovative and more interactive uses. By following this programme we hope that the residents will develop patterns of life-long learning about the field of orthopaedic surgery, as well as an interest in making contributions to this field of knowledge.
Keywords: e-learning, orthopedics, medical education, case studies, human motion investigation.

Beniamin Chetran*, Simona Noveanu**, Gelu Raducanu***, Olimpiu Tatar****, Dan Mândru*****
Department of Mechatronics and Machine Dynamics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Tehnical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania * e-mail: Beniamin.Chetran@mdm.utcluj.ro ** e-mail: Simona.Noveanu@mdm.utcluj.ro **** e-mail: Olimpiu.Tatar@mdm.utcluj.ro ***** e-mail: Dan.Mandru@mdm.utcluj.ro

Abstract: Robot-assisted rehabilitation procedures have clear advantages, already recognized. The researches in this field often involve the development of models of the upper limb and robotic system. In this paper, some models of portable exoskeleton-type rehabilitation robotic systems are emphasized and an original MATLAB model of upper limb - wearable exerciser ensemble, is given. The results of simulations for different combination of anatomical movements are presented and used for actuators selection.
Keywords: physical therapy, rehabilitation, exerciser, modeling, exoskeleton, upper limb.

Dicu Gheorghe Doru
e-mail: dicu_doru@yahoo.com

Abstract: This paper develops an integrated heating, cooling and ventilation solution for spaces designed for telecommunications equipments that are monitored and controlled by a controller. This ensures a significant reduction in energy consumption, a decrease in administration costs, increased safety and extended life operation of telecommunications equipments.
Keywords: parameters, ambient temperature, monitoring, ventilation, equipment, telecommunications.

Elena Doicaru
Faculty of Automation, Computer Science and Electronics, University of Craiova, Craiova, Romania (e-mail: dmilena@electronics.ucv.ro)

Abstract: This paper presents a CMOS current-mode fully-differential integrator realized by using floating-gate (FG)-MOSFETs. The possibility of controlling the apparent threshold voltage of FG-MOSFETs whit multiple control gates offer an extra degree of freedom which can be exploited with success in design of low voltage circuits. Also, the voltage signal summation at the floating gate was effectively used to simplify the circuit configuration. The proposed currentmode integrator was analyzed for 0.5?m standard CMOS process. The simulations show that the circuit implemented in 0.5?m standard CMOS process operate as integrator, for the 1V supply voltage, in the frequency range 8MHz-800Mz. In the paper firstly, the FG-MOS device is presented. Then the current-mode integrator is presented and analyzed. Finally, the simulation results for the sub-micron technologies are presented.
Keywords: analogue signal processing circuit, low voltage circuit, CMOS analogue integrator, FG-MOSFET.

Ionel Iorga*
* Doctoral School of Control Engineering and Computers, University of Craiova, A. I. Cuza str., no. 13, RO - 200585 Craiova, Romania (e-mail: ioneliorga@yahoo.com).

Abstract: In this paper the robust stability of a pilot-aircraft system with input disturbances, using a robust controller synthesized by the Hinf method, is studied. The aircraft is modelled by the ADMIRE short-period dynamics together with an unsaturated first-order actuator and the human operator influence is represented through the use of a proportional-integrator type element. Through a trial of numerical cases considered, the robustness of the proposed control law is investigated in the context of step, sinusoidal and white noise input disturbances.
Keywords: stability robustness, Hinf method, input disturbances, short-period dynamics, algebraic Riccati equation, white noise.

Sorin Manoiu-Olaru*, Mircea Nitulescu**
*Department of Automation, Electronics and Mechatronics, University of Craiova, Romania (e-mail:manoiusorin2006@yahoo.com) ** Department of Automation, Electronics and Mechatronics, University of Craiova, Romania (e-mail:nitulescu@robotics.ucv.ro)

Abstract: In this paper the authors present a new software platform that has been made using Matlab, for studying hexapod robot stability in gravitational field and locomotion simulations over common types of obstacles and two particular forms of obstacles. For the proposed design of the leg the kinematical model was calculated and a workspace analysis of the leg was made. The trajectory generator for the leg tip was implemented using piecewise cubic spline interpolation method. Next the most common types of obstacles are presented and the influence upon robot locomotion. The analysis of the robot static stability is made for two different situations. The paper includes some simulation results related to the static gravitational stability depending on the support polygon, single leg control and locomotion over common types of obstacles.
Keywords: hexapod robot, kinematic model, Matlab, simulation, robot locomotion.

Ileana-Diana Nicolae*, Anca-Iuliana Nicolae**
*Department of Computers and Information Technology, University of Craiova, Decebal Blv. No. 107 (e-mail:nicolae_ileana@software.ucv.ro) **Department of Cybernetics and Economic Statistics, Doctoral School of Bucharest, University of Economic Studies, (e-mail:ancaiuliana.nicolae@gmail.com)

Abstract: The efforts made by authors to implement an efficient Sudoku solver based on 3-d arrays, successfully tested for classic grids of small and medium difficulty were continued. An improved version, able to solve all types of grids, was conceived and tested. New functions were added : hidden/naked quads are now detected and exploited, the functions dealing with the techniques known in gamers world as "x-wing" and "y-wing" were improved such as to deal with more general indirect reduction techniques, known as "Extreme strategies" : "Perfect and finned (non) Sashami x-wing" and "Reduction based on Almost Locked Sets" respectively. Tests made on 35 grids with different degrees of difficulty (17 of them being classified as "hardest") revealed significant mean, maximum and minimum runtime savings (around 50%, in some cases reaching hundreds of seconds) as compared to a classic backtracking algorithm using a 2d representation of the grid and to free online solvers respectively. The Matlab code used by solver does not make use of any specialized libraries. It is portable to C++ or Java with minimum modifications. The hybrid solver can be easily adapted to solve grids with additional restrictions (e.g. restrictions corresponding to diagonals, symmetric grids etc.).
Keywords: Constraint satisfaction problems, Backtracking, Algorithms, Computer programming.

Dorin Popescu*, Juan Lopez Pascual**, Marius Marian*, Mihaela Ilie*, Ignacio Bermejo Boch**
* Faculty of Automation, Computers and Electronics, University of Craiova, Romania (e-mail:dorinp@robotics.ucv.ro) ** Biomechanics Institute of Valencia, Spain.

Abstract: E-learning proposes a new method of learning in many educational fields. The project named "A Web-based E-Training Platform for Extended Human Motion Investigation in Orthopedics" proposes formation of engineers that will apply the principles of medical and biomedical engineering sciences for the use, adaptation, evaluation, projecting and/or distribution of technological and medical solutions that lead to improvement of the patients' health. The paper presents this project, its aims and the e-learning platform that offers to engineers interested in the medical field, a learning tool, with interdisciplinary approaches, trying to close the gap between engineering and medicine, by creating a new e-learning environment for human motion analysis.
Keywords: biomedical engineering, e-learning, motion analysis, case studies, pressure platform.

Ionut Cristian Resceanu*, Sabin Mihai Simionescu**, Cristina Floriana Resceanu*
* Department of Automation, Electronics and Mechatronics, Faculty of Automation, Computers and Electronics, University of Craiova, Romania (email: resceanu@robotics.ucv.ro) ** S.C. White Pyramid S.R.L., Online software solutions development department, Craiova, Romania (email: sabin@white-pyramid.com)

Abstract: This paper was written to summarize an analysis of current practices in multi-lingual website design. The analysis includes views on optimisation, speed, content distribution as well as age group, gender and local culture differences of the visitor impact on the usability and design of a website. Also analysed are techniques for information spanning across domain names and physical/virtual servers, SQL data distribution and methods of obtaining high quality translations for user generated content.
Keywords: Semantic Web, Web design, Uniform resource locators, Electronic publishing, Content distribution networks.

Viorel Stoian*, Daniel Strimbeanu**
*University of Craiova, Automation, Computers and Electronics Faculty, Automation, Electronics and Mechatronics Department, 107, Decebal Street, 200440, Craiova, Romania (e-mail: stoian@robotics.ucv.ro). **Technical High School "Nicolae Balcescu", Computers Department, 47, Nicolae Balcescu Street, 235100, Bals, Romania (e-mail:strimbeanudaniel@yahoo.com).

Abstract: In this paper a new control algorithm for a hyper-redundant manipulator, which moves in a labyrinth and can touch the boundaries of the niche, is presented. The collisions or contacts are part of the task. The support-points from the walls help with the moving process. Initially, a study of the hyper-redundant locomotion by creeping and climbing is achieved. Also, the dynamic model by Lagrange method of the hyper-redundant robotic structure is established. Afterwards, a hybrid position/force controller for the hyper-redundant locomotion is proposed. Finally, the simulations of the hyper-redundant locomotion by climbing are presented.
Keywords: hybrid control algorithm, hyper-redundant manipulator, creeping and climbing movements, dynamic model.