Hierarchical fuzzy logic based approach for object tracking

In this paper a novel tracking approach based on fuzzy concepts is introduced. A methodology for both single and multiple object tracking is presented. The aim of this methodology is to use these concepts as a tool to, while maintaining the needed accuracy, reduce the complexity usually involved in object tracking problems. Several dynamic fuzzy sets are constructed according to both kinematic and non-kinematic properties that distinguish the object to be tracked. Meanwhile kinematic related fuzzy sets model the object's motion pattern, the non-kinematic fuzzy sets model the object's appearance. The tracking task is performed through the fusion of these fuzzy models by means of an inference engine. This way, object detection and matching steps are performed exclusively using inference rules on fuzzy sets. In the multiple object methodology, each object is associated with a confidence degree and a hierarchical implementation is performed based on that confidence degree.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Automatic histogram threshold using fuzzy measures

In this paper, an automatic histogram threshold approach based on a fuzziness measure is presented. This work is an improvement of an existing method. Using fuzzy logic concepts, the problems involved in finding the minimum of a criterion function are avoided. Similarity between gray levels is the key to find an optimal threshold. Two initial regions of gray levels, located at the boundaries of the histogram, are defined. Then, using an index of fuzziness, a similarity process is started to find the threshold point. A significant contrast between objects and background is assumed. Previous histogram equalization is used in small contrast images. No prior knowledge of the image is required.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Energy efficiency, sustainability and buildings interior comfort, relevant factors

Na sequência das directivas europeias, Portugal possui desde 2006, legislação no sentido de promover a Eficiência Energética, tendo estas entrada em pleno vigor em janeiro de 2009. No entanto, os autores, enquanto Peritos Qualificados do Sistema de Certificação Energética, no âmbito do Regulamento das Características de Comportamento Térmico dos Edifícios, têm-se vindo a deparar com uma série de casos de incumprimento do referido regulamento, devendo-se este fato, essencialmente à “resistência” que tem vindo a ser exercida pelos empreiteiros, principalmente pelos mais “pequenos”, por desconhecimento das novas directivas legislativas, travando assim todo o esforço de redução de consumos energéticos e de emissões de CO2, que tem vindo a ser levado cabo, em especial pela ADENE, agência para a energia. Apresenta-se, assim de seguida uma proposta de abordagem, tendente a uma efectiva transferência de conhecimento, da comunidade científica até aos seus aplicadores. Cabendo aqui ao Ensino Politécnico esse papel de interlocutor

Quanto tempo é necessário para recuperar de uma tarefa exaustiva/inabitual?

O exercício físico exaustivo e inabitual, como ocorre tipicamente em diversas modalidades desportivas, induz alterações estruturais, ultra-estruturais e bioquímicas de carácter focalizado e reversível

Graphical simulation of numerical algorithms : an approach based on code instrumentation and Java technologies

We want to create a working tool for mathematics teachers and a corresponding learning tool for students, namely a graphical simulator of mathematical algorithms (GraSMa). To achieve it we try two different strategies. We started by annotate manually the original algorithm with inspector functions. Now we are testing a new approach that aims to automatically annotate the original code with inspector functions. To achieve this we are developing a language translator module that enables to comment automatically any code written in Octave language. The run of the annotated code gated by one of these two ways, records in a XML (eXtensible Markup Language) file everything that happened during the execution. Subsequently, the XML file is parsed by a Java application that graphically represents the mathematic objects and their behaviour during execution. The final application will be accessed on-line through a website (WebGraSMa) which is currently under development. In this paper we report and discuss about the procedures followed and present some intermediate results

Comparison of muscle morphology, electromyographic activity and force production between prepubertal boys and girls

The purpose of this research was to compare the maximal voluntary isometric force (MVIF), the electromyographic activity (EMG) and the muscle thickness between pre-pubertal boys and girls. The sample comprises 27children (12 boys and 15 girls) with 9.5W.52 years old. The M V F and the EMG signal were acquired when the subjects made a single exercise of arm curl and triceps press. To evaluate the MVIF was used a dynamometer (TSD121C from Biopac Systems Znc.). During the arm curl exercise, one surface electrode (TSD 150A from Biopac Systems Znc.) was attached in each biceps. During the triceps press, one surface electrode was attached to the vastus lateralis and other to the vastus medialis of the each triceps. Ground electrode was attached to the elbow. The EMG signals were amplified by a differential amplifier with 2MW, a gain of 1000 and a bandwidth between 15-450Hz. The EMG signals were full-wave rectified and smoothed, allowing to determinate the integral of the EMG signal (iEMG). The iEMG was relativized according to the duration of the contraction. The muscle thickness of the biceps and of the triceps of both arms were measured by B-mode ultrasonography, using real-time electronic scanner with 7.5MHz scanning head (Ecocamera Aloca SSD-500). For comparison of those variables between gender was used the ANOVA factorial and Scheffe as post-hoc test (p< 0.05). There was no significant differences on the MVIF between boys and girls doing the arm curl exercise F(1; 25)=4.128, p=0.0529] or the triceps press exercise F(1; 25)=0.003, p=0.9554]. In the same way, there were no significant differences according to gender on the thickness of the triceps of the left arm F(1; 25)= 0.075, p=0.7859] of the triceps of the right arm F(1;25)=0.925, p=0.3454] of the bicep sof the left arm F(1;25)=0.257, p=0.6166] and of the biceps of the right arm F(1; 25)= 0.016, p=0.8989]. The EMG parameters also didn't present significant differences according to gender for the vastus lateralis of both arms, for the vastus medialis of both arms and for the biceps of the right and of the left arm. Therefore, we might conclude that apparently there are no significant differences on the muscle morphology, electromyographic activity and force production between pre-pubertal boys and girls.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Habitual physical activity pattern of prepubescent boys and girls

The propose of this study is to identify the pattern physical activity of boys and girls during a week. The sample comprises 14 girls and 11 boys of 9.5 years of age. Physical activity was evaluated thought the computer science and applications (CSA - 7164) activity monitor, during 4 days - two-week days (Monday and Friday), and during the weekend (Saturday and Sunday). The activity monitor was worn in wrist of the non-dominant arm. After de data collection it was calculated the mean of activity per min in each day. The repeatedmeasuresMANOVAwasusedtoanalysedthechangesbetweenday's activity,and the gender differences. The results indicated a significant main effects of days, meaning that the pattern of activity change over days. The differences occurred between the Friday and Saturday, and between Saturday and Sunday. In the weekend it was registered less physical activity than in weekdays in booth boys and girls. There's no significant main effect for gender, meaning that the physical activity of boys and girls are similar. Also there's no interaction between gender and days, meaning that the changes in activity pattern was similar for booth boys and girls.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio