Abstract
Of all the detrimental effects of spinal cord injury (SCI), one of the most devastating effects is the disruption of the ability to walk. Therefore, much effort has been focused on developing several methods to document the recovery of locomotor function after experimental SCI. Computerized rat gait analysis is becoming increasingly popular in the SCI research community. The two-dimensional (2D) kinematic approach is by far the most popular technique in rat gait analysis. This is a simple inexpensive procedure, which requires only one camera to record the movement. Our study included an examination of locomotion on a treadmill using 2D and three-dimensional (3D) analysis, in neurologically intact animals and following moderate T9 contusion injury. Despite the overall time course patterns of the curves were identical, we found significant differences between values of the 2D and 3D joint angular motion. In conclusion, maximal precision and accuracy of the kinematic values are expected when the experimental protocol includes a 3D motion analysis methodology. Moreover, a 2D method cannot be used to determine the external or internal rotations of the foot because this movement occurs in the transverse plane.

Abstract
This paper presents a fast and straightforward method to assess displacement fields on the surface of a planar specimen with sub-pixel resolution. First, pixel level displacements are obtained by cross correlation (CC) of two consecutive images, used as the image similarity measure. Next, sub-pixel displacement information is calculated from the CC coefficients matrix using a similarity interpolation method. Finally, sub-pixel estimation error cancellation is performed. Several experiments were conducted to validate the proposed method effectiveness, applied to chestnuts compression test for quality control purposes.

Abstract
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 to find a minima 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 pior knowledge of the image is required.

Abstract

Abstract
Information technology and information systems have evolved dramatically over the last half-century, playing an absolutely central and crucial role in the success of today's organizations. Therefore, the complexity of the information systems function has also increased significantly, which requires the use of more evolved software tools to support the information system function activities. In this paper we present a matrix of the main tools available for the information system function, which can help Chief Information Officers to identify the right tools to use in their departments.

Abstract
Electronic commerce is currently a world-wide phenomenon, with multiple impacts on the success and evolution of organizations of various business areas, due to its unique features that both challenge and revolutionize traditional entrepreneurial reasoning. However, many enterprises have experienced difficulties with their e-commerce initiatives, either due to lack of information, or because of the innumerable difficulties found in the definition of an action plan. Recognizing the importance of a broad and deep understanding of the multiple aspects supporting and constraining e-commerce, a theoretical model that explains electronic commerce initiatives is proposed. The model was developed following a qualitative methodology known as Grounded Theory, whose purpose is to assist organizations in their e-commerce initiatives. The work led to the identification and description of factors that influence the adoption and exploitation of e-commerce in Portuguese organizations.