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

The first notification of Salmonella Budapest in Portuguese meat products: a case report

Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause an illness in humans called salmonellosis. In the European Union, over 100,000 human cases were reported last year. The EFSA has estimated that the overall economic cost of human salmonellosis could be as high as EUR 3 billion a year

First Molecular Identification of Fasciola gigantica in Slaughtered Cattle in Cape Verde: Prevalence, Gross Pathological Lesions, Genetic Identification and Coprological Analysis

A study on fasciolosis prevalence, gross pathological lesions, fluke genetic identification and coprological analysis was carried out in slaughtered cattle from one abattoir in Cape Verde. Of the 131 cattle inspected over two months, 12 (9.0%) presented fasciolosis-compatible lesions (FCL) that resulted in liver condemnation. The genetic characterization of the flukes collected, through restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR-amplified fragments (PCR-RFLP), confirmed the presence of Fasciola gigantica; therefore, being the first identification of this species in cattle from Cape Verde. Animals that released Fasciola spp. eggs and, thus, responsible for environment contamination (positive shedders), were identified through coprological analysis (natural sedimentation technique). Of the 12 animals with FCL, samples from 11 were submitted to coprological analysis and 7 (63.6%) were found to be positive shedders. Furthermore, of the 82 animals with non-FCL, randomly selected for coprological analysis, 4 (4.9%) were also found to be positive shedders for Fasciola spp. The results of this study, regarding species identification and coprological analysis, are epidemiologically important to update the information regarding fasciolosis in Cape Verde. The new data could help implement effective strategies for disease control and mitigation, consequently reducing economic loss and the level of animal and human infection from the One Health perspective.This work was supported by the projects UIDB/CVT/00772/2020 and LA/P/0059/2020 funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)

Emotional intelligence profile of tourists and its impact on tourism

The study aims to characterize, for the first time, the emotional intelligence profile of the tourists visiting the city of Porto as well as to observe its influence on the intention to return and activities perfomed during the stay, along with other sociodemographic factors,To achieve these purposes, we used a sample of 886 responses with the following purposes: on the one hand, to get the emotional intelligence constructs by applying the confirmatory factorial analysis, and on the other hand, to apply a logit model to describe the intention to return. Four constructs of tourists’ emotional intelligence emerged: emotion regulation, emotion use, evaluation of their own emotions, and evaluation of others’ emotions. . The first construct was indicated as the most important leading us to conclude that tourists have the ability to control their own emotions, presenting a strong emotional control. The four constructs and different variables of the tourists’ socio-demographic profile show a positive effect on the intention to return. This type of information is highly useful for the sector since it allows the definition of communication strategies and guides businesses to adapt to the profile of tourists.B913-0565-0908 | Elvira VieiraN/

Application of a 235 rRNA Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization method for rapid detection of Salmonella sp. in slaughtered pigs

Pork products contamination during the slaughter process represents an important vehicle of Salmonella sp. dissemination to humans. It\u27s urgent to develop rapid, sensitive and accurate methods that allow the detection of a large number of Sa/monel/a-positive samples, in order to control these risks efficiently and in a practical time. This study evaluates the suitability of Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) method as a rapid screening tool for Salmonella sp. deteclton in pork carcasses, as well in some risk tissues (ileum, ileocolic and mandibular lymph nodes and tonsils), which could be involved in Salmonella contamination during slaughter process. For that, FISH was comparatively analysed with the labour intenstve reference microbiological culture method (ISO 6579:2002) whose results were previously published by the same authors

Salmonella sp. in edible offal (liver and tongue) from pigs slaughtered for consumption

During this study, 120 samples from slaughtered pigs (tongue swabs, n=40; liver swabs, n=40; liver parenchyma, n=40) were collected in a slaughterhouse. Salmonella sp. was isolated using conventional microbiological methods and strains were analyzed using serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and macrorestriction profiling (MRP) by Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), to identify clonal relationships and potential contamination sources

Study on Salmonella sp. in the head part of carcasses from slaughtered pigs

To define the importance of the head part of pigs’ carcasses as a potential vehicle of Salmonella, 105 carcasses were sampled at one abattoir. The results revealed the presence of Salmonella sp. in 25 samples (23.8%), which corresponds to a higher value than those previously presented by the same authors in similar studies in pig carcasses (12,9%). By means of serotyping, were identified 5 different serotypes: S. Typhimurium (9, 36%), S. London (6 24%), S. Rissen (6 24%), S. Agona (3, 12%) and S. Goldcoast (1, 4%). This study underlines the importance that the head part of the pigs’ carcass can take as a source of Salmonella throughout meat chain and a potential vehicle, direct or indirect, to the final consumer. For this reason, the authors suggest that increased hygienic measures should be adopted during head processing and cutting, especially if its meat will be subsequently used for sausage or smoked meat (Figure 1) production that could be consumed without any kind of heat treatment

Tribocorrosion behavior of bio-functionalized highly porous titanium

Titanium and its alloys are widely used in orthopedic and dental implants, however, some major clinical concerns such as poor wear resistance, lack of bioactivity, and bone resorption due to stress shielding are yet to be overcome. In order to improve these drawbacks, highly porous Ti samples having functionalized surfaces were developed by powder metallurgy with space holder technique followed by anodic treatment. Tribocorrosion tests were performed in 9 g/L NaCl solution using a unidirectional pin-on-disc tribometer under 3 N normal load, 1 Hz frequency and 4 mm track diameter. Open circuit potential (OCP) was measured before, during and after sliding. Worn surfaces investigated by field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results suggested bio-functionalized highly porous samples presented lower tendency to corrosion under sliding against zirconia pin, mainly due to the load carrying effect given by the hard protruded oxide surfaces formed by the anodic treatment.This study was supported by FCT with the reference project UID/EEA/04436/2013, by FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalizacao (POCI) with the reference project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006941, Programa de Accoes Universitarias Integradas Luso-Francesas' (PAUILF TC-12_14), and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation through "Programa de Mobilidade Academica para Professores". The authors also gratefully acknowledge the "Investissements d'avenir" programs (nos. ANR-11-IDEX-0003-02 and ANR-10- EQPX-37 MATMECA Grant) for financial support.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Relationship between Carcass Condemnations and Tail Lesion in Swine Considering Different Production Systems and Tail Lengths

Tail biting has been recognised as an intractable problem in pig production. This study aims to evaluate tail lesion occurrence in slaughtered pigs and explore the relationship between carcass condemnations and tail lesion considering different production systems and tail lengths and to evaluate the importance of creating a detailed tail score classification that includes scarred lesions. Data on a total of 9189 pigs from 73 batches with different tail lengths (undocked; docked mid-length; fully docked) and from distinct production systems (conventional; conventional antibiotic-free and organic) were collected at a Spanish abattoir. Batches with higher tail lesion scores presented a significantly higher chance of total condemnation and total condemnation due to pyaemia, being even more associated with scarring score. The within-batches probability for local condemnations and local condemnation due to abscesses increased significantly with higher scarring scores. Regarding tail length, docked at mid-length and undocked carcasses presented significantly higher odds to be condemned due to abscess. Organic farms showed a higher probability of total condemnations. This research highlights the importance of tail lesions on carcass condemnations that may also be influenced by docking and type of production. Results suggest that scarring score should be included in the tail surveillance program