Abstract
This paper presents a fast and straightforward method to assess displacement fields on the surface of a planar specimen with sub-pixel resolution. First, pixel level displacements are obtained by cross correlation (CC) of two consecutive images, used as the image similarity measure. Next, sub-pixel displacement information is calculated from the CC coefficients matrix using a similarity interpolation method. Finally, sub-pixel estimation error cancellation is performed. Several experiments were conducted to validate the proposed method effectiveness, applied to chestnuts compression test for quality control purposes.

Abstract
When developing applications with high integrity requirements, the choice of programming language is of utmost importance. In fact, IEC 61508 includes a table with suggested programming languages for each SIL (Safety Integrity Level). The languages defined in IEC 61131-3 are included in this table, but are only highly recommended for the higher SILs if a subset of the languages are used. In this paper we propose restrictions and changes to the IEC 61131-3 languages that constitute a subset of the languages with the objective of making them appropriate for the development of high integrity applications.

Abstract
The IEC 61499 standard defines function blocks with which distributed control applications may be developed, and how these are interpreted and executed. With the distributed nature of the control application, many issues also need to be taken into account. In this paper we propose a replication management framework for IEC 61499 applications, and discuss some mechanisms and protocols that may be used for this purpose.

Abstract
A smart house is usually described as an interactive house where information and communications technology is used to support the daily tasks of its inhabitants. One of the important components of a family house context is the food storeroom or pantry. In a fully smart house, the pantry should also be supported by information technologies, as it happens with the others components of the house. By other means, in a fully smart house, the pantry should be smart too. In this paper we present an UML specification for a smart pantry management system. We also discuss all the process that was followed to identify the system requirements, to build the systems models and to create the system prototype. As final remarks we present some guidelines for the future development of a complete smart pantry system. © 2008 IADIS.

Abstract
It is well known, widely accepted, scientifically proved and published by major governmental and non-governmental organizations worldwide (e.g. WHO - World Health Organization), that nutritional misbehaviour in so called developed countries, is a major cause of diseases, morbidity and death. The phenomenon is mainly felt in aged populations, but a significant increase has also been detected more recently in young populations. This paper presents a proposal to tackle serious social and behavioural problems related to aging and nutrition. NutriMe is presented as a nutritional monitoring and advising system to help individuals to monitor and correct their behaviours. We also propose NutriMe as the main component for a public national observatory on nutritional profiles for public health analysis purposes.

Abstract
Shelf-life is defined as the time that a product is acceptable and meets the consumers expectations regarding food quality. It is the result of the conjunction of all services in production, distribution, and consumption. Shelf-life dating is one of the most difficult tasks in food engineering. Market pressure has lead to the implementation of shelf-life by sensory analyses, which may not reflect the full quality spectra. Moreover, traditional methods for shelf-life dating and small-scale distribution chain tests cannot reproduce in a laboratory the real conditions of storage, distribution, and consumption on food quality. Today, food engineers are facing the challenges to monitor, diagnose, and control the quality and safety of food products. The advent of nanotechnology, multivariate sensors, information systems, and complex systems will revolutionize the way we manage, distribute, and consume foods. The informed consumer demands foods, under the legal standards, at low cost, high standards of nutritional, sensory, and health benefits. To accommodate the new paradigms, we herein present a critical review of shelf-life dating approaches with special emphasis in computational systems and future trends on complex systems methodologies applied to the prediction of food quality and safety.