Abstract
The deployment of large mesh-type wireless networks is a challenge due to the multitude of arising issues. Perpetual operation of a network node is undoubtedly one of the major goals of any energy-aware protocol or power-efficient hardware platform. Energy harvesting has emerged as the natural way to keep small stationary hardware platforms running, even when operating continuously as network routing devices. This paper analyses solar radiation, wind and water flow as feasible energy sources that can be explored to meet the energy needs of a wireless sensor network router within the context of precision agriculture, and presents a multi-powered platform solution for wireless devices. Experimental results prove that our prototype, the MPWiNodeX, can manage simultaneously the three energy sources for charging a NiMH battery pack, resulting in an almost perpetual operation of the evaluated ZigBee network router. in addition to this, the energy scavenging techniques double up as sensors, yielding data on the amount of solar radiation, water flow and wind speed, a capability that avoids the use of specific sensors.

Abstract
Fractional calculus (FC) is no longer considered solely from a mathematical viewpoint, and is now applied in many emerging scientific areas, such as electricity, magnetism, mechanics, fluid dynamics, and medicine. In the field of dynamical systems, significant work has been carried out proving the importance of fractional order mathematical models. This article studies the electrical impedance of vegetables and fruits from a FC perspective. From this line of thought, several experiments are developed for measuring the impedance of botanical elements. The results are analyzed using Bode and polar diagrams, which lead to electrical circuit models revealing fractional-order behaviour.

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.