function outsize = FA_SZ_COLUMN_DIAG(insize)
    // function outsize = FA_SZ_1(insize)
    // -----------------------------------------------------------------
    // Returns the first element of the size array.
    // 
    // Input data:
    // insize: size of input argument. It is an array of 2 strings. 
    //          The first string specifies the number of rows.
    //          The second string specifies the number of columns.
    // 
    // Output data:
    // outsize: first element of the insize array.
    //
    // Status:
    // 08-Dec-2007 -- Raffaele Nutricato: Author.
    // 08-Dec-2007 -- Alberto Morea: Test Ok.
    // -----------------------------------------------------------------

    if(insize(2)=='1') then
        outsize = insize(1);

    elseif(insize(1) == insize(2)) 
        outsize = '1';
    else
        outsize = insize(2);        

    end
endfunction