Abstract
This paper presents a detailed architecture model for the Brain Imaging Network Grid (BING) that will be the main IT infrastructure of the recently created Portuguese Brain Imaging Consortium. The proposed architecture follows a service oriented philosophy and is designed to empower medical data sharing and processing, specifically brain images. Allowing the use of computationally intensive methods like feature extraction and retrieving of structured information, this system will take advantage of Grid computing new paradigm. In BING context, Grid infrastructure is the right option to provide the ability to seamless aggregate distributed computational power, extensive storage resources and high-bandwidth networking. The goal is to develop a system that simultaneously can provide basic data services, allow collaborative research between geographically distributed partners (e.g. analysis processes, workflows) and make use of the Grid computational power.

Abstract
This paper presents an embedded hardware/software implementation for the computing system of a small scale unmanned autonomous sailing boat. The system is integrated in a single XILINX FPGA, and hosts a Microblaze soft processor surrounded with heterogeneous, custom designed, control and processing modules than handle the interface with all the sensors, actuators and communication devices of the sailing boat. These interfacing modules implement tasks that have been decentralized from the main processor, thus alleviating its computational load and providing processing time for higher level software applications. Using an FPGA to implement an integrated single-chip computing system, as an alternative to conventional processors, has proven to be a very flexible solution as it eases the migration of computation tasks between the hardware and software domains, and more importantly, allowing the rapid adaptation of the digital interfacing hardware in order to support additional peripheral devices required for an application mission. The software component of the boat's control system runs on the top of the uClinux embedded operating system and is formed by various concurrent applications developed in C with the standard Linux libraries. The remote monitoring, configuration and operation of the sailing boat is done via a WiFi link, using a graphics interactive application that runs on a conventional PC.

Abstract
Art objects might be described as symbolic objects that aim at stimulating emotions. They reach us through our senses (visual, auditory, tactile, or other). They are displayed by means of physical material (stone, paper, wood, etc.) and combine some patterns to produce an aesthetic composition. They convey some message, normally to suggest some state of mind or to induce an emotion and the consequent feeling on the side of the viewer. Digital art differs from conventional art pieces by the use of computers and computer-based artifacts that manipulate digitally coded information, inheriting the almost unlimited possibilities in interaction, virtualization and manipulation of information the computer medium offers. In this chapter the authors propose to analyze and discuss the concepts and definitions behind digital art, emphasizing how the computer medium is itself the tool and the raw material in its creation, especially if we stress the fact that the conception and design of artistic information content is at the heart of any artistic work. Furthermore the authors present a framework for digital art creation that consists of a common design space where digital artists can smoothly progress from the concept until the final artifact while exploring the computer medium to its maximum potential. © 2009, IGI Global.

Abstract
Recent advances in computer hardware and signal processing assert that controlling certain functions by thoughts may represent a landmark in the way we interact with many output devices. This paper exploits the possibility of achieving a communication channel between the brain and a mobile robot through the modulation of the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal during motor imagery tasks. A major concern was directed towards designing a generalized and multi-purpose framework that supports rapid prototyping of various experimental strategies and operating modes. Preliminary results of brain-state estimation using EEG signals recorded during a self-paced left/right hand movement task are also presented. The user successfully learned to operate the system and how to better perform the motor-related tasks based on outcomes produced by its mental focus.

Abstract
The quality of care practice is difficult to judge. Indeed, support and care provision is very personal, i.e., assessments are individual and lead to specific care packages, involving social services, health workers, care agencies. We expect privacy in our own affairs and confidentially from those to whom we disclose them. Therefore, we are in an urgent need for new, technological and formal approaches to problem solving, as the increase of population with special care requirements. Following this line of thought, it is one's goal to present the VirtualECare framework, an intelligent multi-agent system able to monitor, interact and serve its customers, which are in need of care services, based in open standards, expecting not only to fulfil the objectives referred to above, but also to overcome the problems induced by the use of new technologies and formalisms.

Abstract