Abstract
An increasing ageing society and consequently rising number of post-stroke related neurological dysfunction patients are forcing the rehabilitation field to adapt to ever-growing demands. In parallel, an unprecedented number of research efforts and technological solutions meant for human monitoring are continuously influencing traditional methodologies, causing paradigm shifts; extending the therapist patient dynamics. Compensatory movements can be observed in post-stroke patient when performing functional tasks. Although some controversy remains regarding the functional benefits of compensatory movement as a way of accomplish a given task, even in the presence of a motor deficit; studies suggest that such maladaptive strategies may limit the plasticity of the nervous system to enhance neuro-motor recovery. This preliminary study intends to aid in the development of a system for compensatory movement detection in stroke patients through the use of accelerometry data. A post-stroke patients group is presented and discussed, instructed to perform reach and press movements while sensors were positioned at different location on the arm, forearm and trunk, in order to assess sensor positioning influence. Results suggest that P1 is advantageous for compensatory elevation movement detection at the shoulder; P4 seems the most appropriate for detecting the abduction; and P5 presents a reasonable sensitivity for detection of anteriorization and rotation of the trunk.

Abstract
Advances in sensor technology, electronic textile integration, and integrated circuits have introduced a paradigm shift in the way most researchers approach signal monitoring. In recent years, devices such as body sensor networks (BSN) allow for direct on-body physiological and biomechanical parameters measurements. Such technology allows for a more in depth analysis of an athlete's performance, without affecting the results due to awkward wires or uncomfortable carry-on devices. Miniaturization and other achievements allow a more seamless interaction with the individual, permitting a more natural behaviour during the monitoring session. The project BIOSWIM (Body Interface System based on Wearable Integration Monitorization) is a joint multidisciplinary effort of a number of Portuguese universities which seeks a pervasive monitoring solution for performance, physiological and biomechanical signals from a swimmer under normal training conditions. In order to achieve such an undertaking a swimsuit prototype was developed with truly integrated EKG textile sensors; which will work in conjunction with a wearable inertial monitoring unit (WIMU) and a wearable chemical monitoring unit. This article focuses on the WIMU, which serves as the biomechanical data processing unit of the system.

Abstract
In this paper we will describe our experiments with x-ray image analysis for vertebra detection in juvenile/adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliotic spines. We will focus on detecting vertebrae location in a anterior-posterior x-ray image in a fully automatic way. For accomplishing this, we propose a set of techniques for (i) isolating the spine by removing other bone structures (e.g. ribs), (ii) detecting vertebrae location along the spine using an hierarchical and progressive threshold analysis, and (iii) detecting vertebrae lateral boundaries.

Abstract
This paper describes a new parallel algorithm to compute the optical flow of a video sequence. A previous sequential algorithm has been distributed over a cluster. It has been implemented in a cluster with 8 nodes connected by means of a Gigabit Ethernet. On this architecture, the algorithm, that computes the optical flow of every image on the sequence, is able of processing 10 images of 720 x 576 pixels per second.

Abstract
This paper describes a new parallel algorithm to compute the optical flow of a video sequence. A previous sequential algorithm has been distributed over a cluster. It has been implemented in a cluster with 8 nodes connected by means of a Gigabit Ethernet. On this architecture, the algorithm, that computes the optical flow of every image on the sequence, is able of processing 10 images of 720x576 pixels per second.

Abstract
The 'future is haptic' is what we have been hearing from technologists and visionary theorists. Yet, haptic is not a technological feature, but a biological function. Haptic is almost an unknown term outside the research discourses and engineering labs. When asked, the majority of people ignore the relation between haptic and touch. What is unknown is that haptic is part of our multifunctional sense of touch formed by cutaneous, kinesthetic, and haptic sensory systems. Proposing to rediscover the haptic through crossroads of art and design research, intermediated by emergent technologies, this paper aims to introduce a haptic art concept for a touch reactive dynamic surface as an awareness project. Inspired by the instinctive survival touch reactions of the living beings, it is intended to construct the knowledge of the self through the sense of touch, following the latest technological advances in smart materials that provide physical interactivity for art and design explorations. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.