3D Reconstruction with Low Resolution, Small Baseline and High Radial Distortion Stereo Images

In this paper we analyze and compare approaches for 3D reconstruction from low-resolution (250x250), high radial distortion stereo images, which are acquired with small baseline (approximately 1mm). These images are acquired with the system NanEye Stereo manufactured by CMOSIS/AWAIBA. These stereo cameras have also small apertures, which means that high levels of illumination are required. The goal was to develop an approach yielding accurate reconstructions, with a low computational cost, i.e., avoiding non-linear numerical optimization algorithms. In particular we focused on the analysis and comparison of radial distortion models. To perform the analysis and comparison, we defined a baseline method based on available software and methods, such as the Bouguet toolbox [2] or the Computer Vision Toolbox from Matlab. The approaches tested were based on the use of the polynomial model of radial distortion, and on the application of the division model. The issue of the center of distortion was also addressed within the framework of the application of the division model. We concluded that the division model with a single radial distortion parameter has limitations

CUTANEOUS ANGIOLEIOMYOSARCOMA IN A DOG

A 6 year-old male Labrador Retriever presented with a slow growing subcutaneous tumor in the elbow that mimetized a hygroma. Histologically the tumor consisted of a multinodular mass of spindle cells proliferating from the muscular layer of the subcutaneous vessels. Tumor cells stained positively for alpha-smooth muscle actin and vimentin but were negative for desmin and S-100. The diagnosis was cutaneous angioleiomyosarcoma. 

Determinants for the commitment relationship maintenance between the alumni and the alma mater

This study aims to find determinants for the commitment relationship between alumni and alma mater. Based on the literature, satisfaction and image are proposed as drivers of commitment. A survey applied to 2544 alumni in a Portuguese university provides data analyzed through a structural equation modeling technique. The results present 'image of education', 'image of communication' and 'satisfaction with social and academic environment' as determinants of the commitment relationship, which provide important clues for the marketers' decision-making process when developing activities geared towards alumni. This process should emphasize aspects relating to their willingness to give back, academic and relationship quality, and institutional values. Within the Higher Education market, this study underscores the need to maintain and reinforce the relationship with alumni, and contributes to the scarce Portuguese literature on alumni matters.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Using Machine Learning to Profit on the Risk Premium of the Nordic Electricity Futures

This study investigates the use of several trading strategies, based on Machine Learning methods, to profit on the risk premium of the Nordic electricity base-load week futures. The information set is only composed by financial data from January 02, 2006 to November 15, 2017. The results point out that the Support Vector Machine is the best method, but, most importantly, they highlight that all individual models are valuable, in the sense that their combination provides a robust trading procedure, generating an average profit of at least 26% per year, after considering trading costs and liquidity constraints. The results are robust to the different data partitions, and there is no evidence that the profitability of the trading strategies has decreased in recent years. We claim that this market allows for profitable speculation, namely by using combinations of non-linear signal extraction techniques.JEL Codes - G13; G14; Q4

Textile moisture sensor matrix for monitoring of disabled and bed-rest patients

This paper presents the development of a moisture sensor matrix based on textile materials provided with conductive yarns. The measurement principle is based on the measurement of electrical resistance of the textile. The main purpose of this work is to support research on the prevention of pressure ulcers in people committed to bed rest or using wheelchairs. In the first stage of development, the project is studying the relation between physical parameters, exposure time and the levels of discomfort and pain experienced by the patients. In a later stage, the underlying measurement and evaluation principles will be used to develop single sensors or sensor matrixes to be connected to active patient monitoring systems able to warn in situations of excess of moisture and/or pressure (produced by sweat, open wounds, incontinence, etc.).Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - PTDC/SAU-BEB/68678/200

Os enfermeiros enquanto agentes de educação para a saúde: validação da escala de práticas e comportamentos de educação para a saúde

Apresentamos o estudo da validade e fidelidade da Escala de Práticas e Comportamentos de Educação para a Saúde (EPCEPS). Neste estudo exploratório, quantitativo e transversal utilizou-se uma amostra não probabilística, acidental, de 301 enfermeiros (38 homens e 263 mulheres) que trabalhavam em instituições de saúde (198 em Hospitais e 103 em Centros de Saúde) no Distrito de Leiria, em Setembro de 2007. A média de idades foi de 37,49 anos (s=8,60) e do tempo de exercício profissional foi de 13,98 anos (s=8,27). A EPCEPS é constituída por sete factores, que explicam 71,85% da variância total. Todos os itens têm uma saturação superior a 0,465 e não se verificam correlações simultâneas com dois factores em que a distância entre ambos os valores seja inferior a 0,1. O coeficiente de Cronbach (=0,939) indicou uma boa consistência interna dos itens na avaliação do construto. Conclui-se que a estrutura da escala é pertinente e a sua utilização é uma possibilidade para desenvolver o conhecimento das práticas e comportamentos de Educação para a Saúde mais frequentemente adoptados pelos enfermeiros, auxiliando a reflexão sobre as formas de planear e executar acções de desenvolvimento de competências específicas

Flexible pressure sensors for integration into karate body protector

The increasing interest in karate has also attracted the attention of researchers, especially in combining the equipment used by practitioners with technology to prevent injuries, improve technical skills and provide appropriate scoring. Contrary to the sport of taekwondo, the development of a smart body protector in the sport of karate is still a niche field to be researched. This study focused on developing piezoresistive, textile-based pressure sensors using piezoresistive film, conductive fabric as well as different bonding materials and methods. Primarily, small-scale sensors were produced using ultrasonic welding, hot press welding and oven curing. These were characterized using a universal testing machine and specific conditioning and data-acquisition hardware combined with custom processing software. Large-scale sensors were then manufactured to be placed inside the karate body protector and characterized using cyclic testing. The conditioning circuit allows flexible gain adjustment, and it was possible to obtain a stable signal with an output of up to 0.03 V/N, an adequate signal for the tested force range. The transfer function shows some drift over the cycles, in addition to the expected hysteresis and slight nonlinearity, which can be compensated for. Finally, the configuration with the best results was tested in real practice tests; during these tests the body protector was placed on a dummy as well as on a person. The results showed that the piezoresistive textile-based pressure sensor produced is able to detect and quantify the impact of even light punches, providing an unobtrusive means for performance monitoring and score calculation for competitive practice of this sport.This research was funded by National Founds through FCT/MCTES, grant number UID/CTM/00264/2019 of 2C2T—Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil—and by European Cooperation in Science and Technology as a Short-Term Scientific Mission regarding the COST Action: CA17107–European Network to connect research and innovation efforts on advanced Smart Textiles, grant number 44750, Grant period: AGA-CA17107-2: 1 May 2019–30 April 2020, Dates: 8 July 2019–6 August 2019

Intelligent textiles for martial arts

Martial arts have become very popular among the young population and even children, especially over the past 10-15 years. This interest has created a research field for researchers and manufacturers about martial arts' clothing and equipment, especially in terms of intelligent textiles. This study has been conducted in order to present intelligent textile products for martial arts' equipment and clothing. For this purpose, we have analyzed and presented different martial art divisions' equipment and clothes and the existing electronic systems.This work is financed by FEDER funds through the Competitivity Factors Operational Program - COMPETE and by national funds through FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology within the scope of the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007136. Derya Tama thanks FCT for fellowship 2C2T-BPD-08-2017.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio