Abstract
The analysis and interpretation of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images of the chest in the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a time-consuming task which requires experience. In this paper, a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) scheme is proposed to assist radiologists in the differentiation of lung patterns associated with ILD and healthy lung parenchyma. Regions of interest were described by a set of texture attributes extracted using differential lacunarity (DLac) and classical methods of statistical texture analysis. The proposed strategy to compute DLac allowed a multiscale texture analysis, while maintaining sensitivity to small details. Support Vector Machines were employed to distinguish between lung patterns. Training and model selection were performed over a stratified 10-fold cross-validation (CV). Dimensional reduction was made based on stepwise regression (F-test, p value < 0.01) during CV. An accuracy of 95.8 +/- 2.2% in the differentiation of normal lung pattern from ILD patterns and an overall accuracy of 94.5 +/- 2.1% in a multiclass scenario revealed the potential of the proposed CAD in clinical practice. Experimental results showed that the performance of the CAD was improved by combining multiscale DLac with classical statistical texture analysis.

Abstract
Rheumatic arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes irreversible damage to joints and other physiological structures. The Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is one of the first regions to suffer alterations. These alterations are visible with high frequency ultrasound devices, which are used to quantify inflammatory activity in the MCP due to RA. The accurate segmentation of the bone surface and the identification of the MCP capsule region remains a challenge in ultrasound image processing. In this article we aim to make a contribution to this problem by incorporating prior knowledge of the bone and joint regions anatomy into our segmentation algorithm. The log Gabor filter is used for speckle noise reduction and to extract ridge-like structures from the images, while the phase is left unchanged. After thresholding, scores are generated, based on the intensities and areas of the resulting regions, enabling the selection of the structure that best matches the bone. Finally, segmented joint bones are processed to calculate the initial seeds of joint capsule region. Experimental results demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed segmentation algorithm. The mean pixel error between the automatic segmentation and the reference images were 4.4 pixel. The bone regions not segmented were, on average, 5.4%.

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present a new approach in user modeling process that use learning and cognitive styles and student emotional state to adapt the user interface, learning content and context. The model is based on a constructivist approach, assessing the user knowledge and presenting contents and activities adapted to the emotional characteristics, learning and cognitive styles of the student. The intelligent behavior of such platform depends on the existence of a tentative description of the student - the student model. The contents of this model and emotional state of the student are used by a domain and interaction model to select the most suitable response to student actions.

Abstract
A spreadsheet usually starts as a simple and singleuser software artifact, but, as frequent as in other software systems, quickly evolves into a complex system developed by many actors. Often, different users work on different aspects of the same spreadsheet: while a secretary may be only involved in adding plain data to the spreadsheet, an accountant may define new business rules, while an engineer may need to adapt the spreadsheet content so it can be used by other software systems. Unfortunately, spreadsheet systems do not offer modular mechanisms, and as a consequence, some of the previous tasks may be defined by adding intrusive "code" to the spreadsheet. In this paper we go through the design and implementation of an aspect-oriented language for spreadsheets so that users can work on different aspects of a spreadsheet in a modular way. For example, aspects can be defined in order to introduce new business rules to an existing spreadsheet, or to manipulate the spreadsheet data to be ported to another system. Aspects are defined as aspect-oriented program specifications that are dynamically woven into the underlying spreadsheet by an aspect weaver. In this aspect-oriented style of spreadsheet development, different users develop, or reuse, aspects without adding intrusive code to the original spreadsheet. Such code is added/executed by the spreadsheet weaving mechanism proposed in this paper.

Abstract

Abstract
This chapter describes the development, installation, and operation of a multi-agent system, designated as GRACE, integrating quality and process control to operate in a real home appliance production line, producing laundry washing machines owned by Whirlpool and located in Naples, Italy.