Abstract

Abstract

Abstract
Atanassov's intuitionistic fuzzy sets (A-IFSs) have been used recently to determine the optimal threshold value for gray-level image segmentation [1]. Atanassov's intuitionistic fuzzy index values are used for representing the unknowledge/ignorance of an expert on determining whether a pixel of the image belongs to the background or the object of the image. This optimal global threshold of the image is computed automatically, regardless of the actual image analysis process. Although global optimal thresholding techniques give good results under experimental conditions, when dealing with real images having several objects and the segmentation purpose is to point out some application-specific information, one should use heuristic techniques in order to obtain better thresholding results. This paper introduces an evolution of the above mentioned technique intended for use with such images. The proposed approach takes into account the image and segmentation specificities by using a two-step procedure, with a restricted set of the image gray-levels. Preliminary experimental results and comparison with other methods are presented.

Abstract
The influence of reduced feedback from the cutaneous receptors in the hindpaw in rat locomotion is still unclear. To evaluate this question., we conducted a detailed hindlimb kinematic analysis in animals, which suffered complete loss of thermal sensation. Two-dimensional hindlimb kinematics, temporal and spatial measurements. and walking track analysis were performed in rats before and during hypothermic anesthesia. The walking velocity. duration of the step cycle and stance phase, and stride length between the two testing conditions were statistically indistinguishable. Swing phase duration was significantly decreased during sensory loss. Analysis of angular motion revealed an increased hip and knee extension and an ankle joint with increased flexion during the step cycle under plantar anesthesia. Also after plantar cooling, the hip and knee angular velocity was significantly affected along the step cycle. The remarkably geometric similarity of the angle-angle plots obtained in our experiments reflected an interjoint coordination: however. the interpretation of the cyclogram perimeter revealed a larger excursion by the ankle and hip in their respective joint spaces in rats deprived of sensation. Examination of the horizontal position of the ankle with respect to the hip and the extension before toe-off revealed no major changes. whereas, there was a slight decrease in distance of the hip to the ground during sensory loss. Also, the walking tracks revealed a significant functional deficit following reduced cutaneous information of the plantar aspect of the hindpaw. We therefore conclude that sensory feedback from the hindpaw is important in the maintenance of normal rat locomotion.

Abstract
Nowadays there are specific video equipments which allow acquisition at very high frame rates, e.g., up to 5000 fps. When observing a high frame rate sequence, it becomes noticeable that a great percentage of the frames' pixels values do not suffer great changes along the sequence. Hence, if a pixel's value remains the same, then a unique sample is enough to represent that particular pixel over several frames. Only pixels that suffer great variations require a higher number of samples to be correctly represented. This work reports a methodology that combines compression and reconstruction techniques to evaluate an alternative to the traditional compression methods 25/30 fps. In the proposed method, sets of pixels are extracted along the temporal direction and by exploiting the high temporal correlation of the signals, a proper decimation process is applied in order to create a sequence with a lower number of frames and consequently smaller rile size. The main objective is to propose a new compression methodology that will take advantage of the signal characteristics using both compression and reconstruction techniques.

Abstract
Companies use multiple solutions of information technologies and information systems to support their activities. Among the systems adopted by companies we can find Enterprise Resource Planning systems, Customer Relationship Management systems, Business Intelligence systems and many others. Such systems assure a wide spectrum of activities, ranging from operational support to the strategic support of the company. With the purpose of identifying and characterizing which systems the large Portuguese companies have been implementing, in which systems they intend to invest in short-term and which is the current role of information technology in the organization, we developed a study with the participation of several chief information officers. The findings of this study reveal that in Portuguese large companies the adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning systems are consolidated, while the adoption of systems like Business Intelligence, Collaboration, Workflow and Groupware will increase in the near future.