Abstract
We present a fully automated method for extracting the lung region from volumetric X-ray CT images based on material decomposition. By modeling the human thorax as a composition of different materials, the proposed method follows a threshold-based, hierarchical voxel classification strategy. The segmentation procedure involves the automatic computation of threshold values and consists on three main steps: patient segmentation and decomposition, large airways extraction and lung parenchyma decomposition, and lung region of interest segmentation. Experimental results were performed on thoracic. CT images acquired from 30 patients. The method provides a reproducible set of thresholds for accurate extraction of the lung parenchyma, needed for computer aided diagnosis systems.

Abstract
RepeatAround is a Windows based software tool designed to find "direct repeats", "inverted repeats", "mirror repeats" and "complementary repeats", from 3 to 64 bp length, in circular genomes. It processes input files directly extracted from GenBank database, providing visualisation of the repeats location in the genomic structure, so that for instance, in most mtDNAs the user can check if the repeats are located in coding or non-coding region (and in the first case in which gene), and how far apart the repeat pair(s) are. Besides the visual tool, it provides other outputs in a spreadsheet containing information on the number and location of the repeats, facilitating graphic analyses. Several genomes can be inputed simultaneously, for phylogenetic comparison purposes. Other capabilities of the software are the generation of random circular genomes, for statistical evaluation of comparison between observed repeats distributions with their shuffled counterparts, as well as the search for specific motifs, allowing an easy confirmation of repeats flanking a newly detected rearrangement. As an example of the programme's applications we analysed the Direct Repeats distribution in a large human mtDNA database. Results showed that Direct Repeats, even the larger ones, are evenly distributed among the human mtDNA haplogroups, enabling us to state that, based only on the repetitive motifs, no haplogroup is particularly more or less prone to mtDNA macrodeletions.

Abstract
This paper presents an innovative approach in supporting the operation of complex equipment. The concept was developed in the context of the KoBaS project (Knowledge Based Customized Services for Traditional Manufacturing Sectors Provided by a Network of High Tech SMEs) whose main objectives are the development of new knowledge based tools for cut intelligent use and management of more sophisticated manufacturing machines; and the creation of an innovative extended network of high-tech SMEs for use, customize, support and make business out of the new development tools. As a concrete example the paper presents a KoBaS solution based on the machine Maintenance. This solution allows one to know the machine condition, to detect and diagnose machine failures, to manage ordinary and extraordinary maintenance plans and maintenance work orders and to provide training support for maintenance interventions.

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to examine a multiclassifier approach to the classification of the lung nodules in X-ray chest radiographs. The approach investigated here is based on an image region-based classification whose output is the information of the presence or absence of a nodule in an image region. The classification was made, essentially, in two steps: firstly, a set of rotation invariant features was extracted from the responses of a multi-scale and multi-orientation filter bank; secondly, different classifiers (multi-layer perceptrons) are designed using different features sets and trained in different data. These classifiers are further combined in order to improve the classification performance. The obtained results are promising and can be used for reducing the false-positives nodules detected in a computer-aided diagnosis system.

Abstract
The present paper focuses on the topic of Communities & Networks but it also covers some issues on Collaborative Enterprises, Collaborative Processes & Workspaces, and Business to Business Networks. It is based mainly on the Collective project Know Construct (COLL-CT-2004-500276) starting in March 2005. The project aims to develop a common internet-based platform for SMEs from the construction sector to provide an effective combination of two general functionalities: an innovative decision making support system regarding the products characteristics, applications and other consultancy services for SMEs' customers applying the 'web enabled dialogue', and a system for SMEs to support an advanced form of co-operation through the creation of Knowledge Communities of SMEs in Construction Industry. The system supports the integration, management and reuse of the area specific knowledge via a common knowledge base. The system is intended to be used within the Associations to collect and exchange the business area specific knowledge among the members (SMEs) in a form of essential expertise, reachable anywhere, at any time. © 2006 IEEE.

Abstract
This paper discusses a method for the analysis of dependable interactive systems using model checking, and its support by a tool designed to make it accessible to a broader community. The method and the tool are designed to be of value to system engineers, usability engineers and software engineers. It has been designed to help usability engineers by making those aspects of the analysis relevant to them explicit while concealing those aspects of modelling and model checking that are not relevant. The paper presents the results of a user evaluation of the effectiveness of aspects of the tool and how it supports the proposed method. © Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2006.