Effects of variation in nest curtain design on pre-laying behaviour of domestic hens

Laying hens in loose-housing systems select a nest daily in which to lay their eggs among many identical looking nests, they often prefer corner nests. We investigated whether heterogeneity in nest curtain appearance ��� via colours and symbols ��� would influence nest selection and result in an even distribution of eggs among nests. We studied pre-laying behaviour in groups of 30 LSL hens across two consecutive trials with eight groups per trial. Half of the groups had access to six identical rollaway group-nests, while the others had access to six nests of the same type differing in outer appearance. Three colours (red, green, yellow) and three black symbols (cross, circle, rectangle) were used to create three different nest curtain designs per pen. Nest position and the side of entrance to the pens were changed at 28 and 30 weeks of age, respectively, whereby the order of changes was counterbalanced across trials. Nest positions were numbered 1���6, with nest position 1 representing the nest closest to the pen entrance. Eggs were counted per nest daily from week of age 18 to 33. Nest visits were recorded individually with an RFID system for the first 5 h of light throughout weeks 24���33. Hens with access to nests differing in curtain appearance entered fewer nests daily than hens with identical nests throughout the study but both groups entered more nests with increasing age. We found no other evidence that curtain appearance affected nest choice and hens were inconsistent in their daily nest selection. A high proportion of eggs were laid in corner nests especially during the first three weeks of lay. The number of visits per egg depended upon nest position and age: it increased with age and was higher after the nest position change than before in nest position 1, whereas it stayed stable over time in nest position 6. At 24 weeks of age, gregarious nest visits (hens visiting an occupied nest when there was at least one unoccupied nest) and solitary nest visits (hens visiting an unoccupied nest when there was at least one occupied nest) accounted for a similar amount of nest visits, however, after the door switch, gregarious nest visits made up more than half of all nest visits, while the number of solitary nest visits had decreased. The visual cues were too subtle or inadequate for hens to develop individual preferences while nest position, entrance side, age and nest occupancy affected the quantity and type of nest visits.

A Radio Frequency Identification System for accurate indoor localization

In this paper we present a novel Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system for accurate indoor localization. The system is composed of a standard Ultra High Frequency (UHF), ISO-18006C compliant RFID reader, a large set of standard passive RFID tags whose locations are known, and a newly developed tag-like RFID component that is attached to the items that need to be localized. The new semi-passive component, referred to as sensatag (sense-a-tag), has a dual functionality wherein it can sense the communication between the reader and standard tags which are in its proximity, and also communicate with the reader like standard tags using backscatter modulation. Based on the information conveyed by the sensatags to the reader, localization algorithms based on binary sensor principles can be developed. We present results from real measurements that show the accuracy of the proposed system.

Estudio de la tecnolog��a de identificaci��n por radiofrecuencia, desarrollo y aplicaciones, seguridad, amenazas y mal uso

Resumen Ejecutivo Desde hace unos a��os, la tecnolog��a RFID parece estar tecnol��gicamente madura, aunque se halla inmersa en una continua evoluci��n y mejora de sus prestaciones frente a la tecnolog��a basada en el c��digo de barras. Esta tecnolog��a est�� empezando a aumentar su comercializaci��n y uso generalizado. Este proyecto describe su funcionamiento y arquitectura, las aplicaciones e implementaciones reales en diversos sectores empresariales y soluciones o propuestas para mejorar y fomentar investigaciones, desarrollos e implementaciones futuras. Una primera parte consiste en el desarrollo te��rico del funcionamiento, par��metros f��sicos y la arquitectura RFID. En la segunda parte se estudian las aplicaciones potenciales, beneficios e inconvenientes y varios puntos de vista; empresas que invierten a favor de RFID y han realizado implementaciones reales exitosas y organizaciones en contra. La tercera y ��ltima parte analiza las consecuencias negativas que supone un mal uso de la tecnolog��a como la p��rdida de privacidad o confidencialidad, se proponen algunas medidas de seguridad y soluciones al problema utilizando la regularizaci��n y estandarizaci��n. Finalmente, tras estudiar la tecnolog��a RFID, se aportan algunas conclusiones de car��cter actual y de futuro despu��s de observar resultados de expectativas previstas. Executive Summary For several years, RFID technology seems to be technologically mature, but is immersed in a continuous evolution and improvement of their performance than the technology based on the barcode. This technology is starting to increase their marketing and widespread use. This project describes its operation and architecture, applications and real implementations in different business sectors and solutions or proposals to improve and enhance research, development and future implementations. The first part consists of theory development of the operation, physical parameters and architecture RFID. The second part focuses on the potential applications, benefits and drawbacks and several points of view; companies investing on behalf of RFID and have made successful actual deployments and organizations against. The third and last part discusses the negative impact that is a bad use of technology such as loss of privacy or confidentiality; suggest some security measures and solutions to the problem using regularization and standardization. Finally, it provides some conclusions of the current character, after studying RFID technology and the future after observing results of expectations.

Applications for wireless sensor networks : tracking with binary proximity sensors

El inter��s cada vez mayor por las redes de sensores inal��mbricos pueden ser entendido simplemente pensando en lo que esencialmente son: un gran n��mero de peque��os nodos sensores autoalimentados que recogen informaci��n o detectan eventos especiales y se comunican de manera inal��mbrica, con el objetivo final de entregar sus datos procesados a una estaci��n base. Los nodos sensores est��n densamente desplegados dentro del ��rea de inter��s, se pueden desplegar al azar y tienen capacidad de cooperaci��n. Por lo general, estos dispositivos son peque��os y de bajo costo, de modo que pueden ser producidos y desplegados en gran numero aunque sus recursos en t��rminos de energ��a, memoria, velocidad de c��lculo y ancho de banda est��n enormemente limitados. Detecci��n, tratamiento y comunicaci��n son tres elementos clave cuya combinaci��n en un peque��o dispositivo permite lograr un gran n��mero de aplicaciones. Las redes de sensores proporcionan oportunidades sin fin, pero al mismo tiempo plantean retos formidables, tales como lograr el m��ximo rendimiento de una energ��a que es escasa y por lo general un recurso no renovable. Sin embargo, los recientes avances en la integraci��n a gran escala, integrado de hardware de computaci��n, comunicaciones, y en general, la convergencia de la inform��tica y las comunicaciones, est��n haciendo de esta tecnolog��a emergente una realidad. Del mismo modo, los avances en la nanotecnolog��a est��n empezando a hacer que todo gire entorno a las redes de peque��os sensores y actuadores distribuidos. Hay diferentes tipos de sensores tales como sensores de presi��n, aceler��metros, c��maras, sensores t��rmicos o un simple micr��fono. Supervisan las condiciones presentes en diferentes lugares tales como la temperatura, humedad, el movimiento, la luminosidad, presi��n, composici��n del suelo, los niveles de ruido, la presencia o ausencia de ciertos tipos de objetos, los niveles de tensi��n mec��nica sobre objetos adheridos y las caracter��sticas moment��neas tales como la velocidad , la direcci��n y el tama��o de un objeto, etc. Se comprobara el estado de las Redes Inal��mbricas de Sensores y se revisaran los protocolos m��s famosos. As�� mismo, se examinara la identificaci��n por radiofrecuencia (RFID) ya que se est�� convirtiendo en algo actual y su presencia importante. La RFID tiene un papel crucial que desempe��ar en el futuro en el mundo de los negocios y los individuos por igual. El impacto mundial que ha tenido la identificaci��n sin cables est�� ejerciendo fuertes presiones en la tecnolog��a RFID, los servicios de investigaci��n y desarrollo, desarrollo de normas, el cumplimiento de la seguridad y la privacidad y muchos m��s. Su potencial econ��mico se ha demostrado en algunos pa��ses mientras que otros est��n simplemente en etapas de planificaci��n o en etapas piloto, pero aun tiene que afianzarse o desarrollarse a trav��s de la modernizaci��n de los modelos de negocio y aplicaciones para poder tener un mayor impacto en la sociedad. Las posibles aplicaciones de redes de sensores son de inter��s para la mayor��a de campos. La monitorizaci��n ambiental, la guerra, la educaci��n infantil, la vigilancia, la micro-cirug��a y la agricultura son solo unos pocos ejemplos de los much��simos campos en los que tienen cabida las redes mencionadas anteriormente. Estados Unidos de Am��rica es probablemente el pa��s que m��s ha investigado en esta ��rea por lo que veremos muchas soluciones propuestas provenientes de ese pa��s. Universidades como Berkeley, UCLA (Universidad de California, Los ��ngeles) Harvard y empresas como Intel lideran dichas investigaciones. Pero no solo EE.UU. usa e investiga las redes de sensores inal��mbricos. La Universidad de Southampton, por ejemplo, est�� desarrollando una tecnolog��a para monitorear el comportamiento de los glaciares mediante redes de sensores que contribuyen a la investigaci��n fundamental en glaciolog��a y de las redes de sensores inal��mbricos. As�� mismo, Coalesenses GmbH (Alemania) y Zurich ETH est��n trabajando en diversas aplicaciones para redes de sensores inal��mbricos en numerosas ��reas. Una soluci��n espa��ola ser�� la elegida para ser examinada m��s a fondo por ser innovadora, adaptable y polivalente. Este estudio del sensor se ha centrado principalmente en aplicaciones de tr��fico, pero no se puede olvidar la lista de m��s de 50 aplicaciones diferentes que ha sido publicada por la firma creadora de este sensor espec��fico. En la actualidad hay muchas tecnolog��as de vigilancia de veh��culos, incluidos los sensores de bucle, c��maras de video, sensores de imagen, sensores infrarrojos, radares de microondas, GPS, etc. El rendimiento es aceptable, pero no suficiente, debido a su limitada cobertura y caros costos de implementaci��n y mantenimiento, especialmente este ultimo. Tienen defectos tales como: l��nea de visi��n, baja exactitud, dependen mucho del ambiente y del clima, no se puede realizar trabajos de mantenimiento sin interrumpir las mediciones, la noche puede condicionar muchos de ellos, tienen altos costos de instalaci��n y mantenimiento, etc. Por consiguiente, en las aplicaciones reales de circulaci��n, los datos recibidos son insuficientes o malos en t��rminos de tiempo real debido al escaso n��mero de detectores y su costo. Con el aumento de veh��culos en las redes viales urbanas las tecnolog��as de detecci��n de veh��culos se enfrentan a nuevas exigencias. Las redes de sensores inal��mbricos son actualmente una de las tecnolog��as m��s avanzadas y una revoluci��n en la detecci��n de informaci��n remota y en las aplicaciones de recogida. Las perspectivas de aplicaci��n en el sistema inteligente de transporte son muy amplias. Con este fin se ha desarrollado un programa de localizaci��n de objetivos y recuento utilizando una red de sensores binarios. Esto permite que el sensor necesite mucha menos energ��a durante la transmisi��n de informaci��n y que los dispositivos sean m��s independientes con el fin de tener un mejor control de tr��fico. La aplicaci��n se centra en la eficacia de la colaboraci��n de los sensores en el seguimiento m��s que en los protocolos de comunicaci��n utilizados por los nodos sensores. Las operaciones de salida y retorno en las vacaciones son un buen ejemplo de por qu�� es necesario llevar la cuenta de los coches en las carreteras. Para ello se ha desarrollado una simulaci��n en Matlab con el objetivo localizar objetivos y contarlos con una red de sensores binarios. Dicho programa se podr��a implementar en el sensor que Libelium, la empresa creadora del sensor que se examinara concienzudamente, ha desarrollado. Esto permitir��a que el aparato necesitase mucha menos energ��a durante la transmisi��n de informaci��n y los dispositivos sean m��s independientes. Los prometedores resultados obtenidos indican que los sensores de proximidad binarios pueden formar la base de una arquitectura robusta para la vigilancia de ��reas amplias y para el seguimiento de objetivos. Cuando el movimiento de dichos objetivos es suficientemente suave, no tiene cambios bruscos de trayectoria, el algoritmo ClusterTrack proporciona un rendimiento excelente en t��rminos de identificaci��n y seguimiento de trayectorias los objetos designados como blancos. Este algoritmo podr��a, por supuesto, ser utilizado para numerosas aplicaciones y se podr��a seguir esta l��nea de trabajo para futuras investigaciones. No es sorprendente que las redes de sensores de binarios de proximidad hayan atra��do mucha atenci��n ��ltimamente ya que, a pesar de la informaci��n m��nima de un sensor de proximidad binario proporciona, las redes de este tipo pueden realizar un seguimiento de todo tipo de objetivos con la precisi��n suficiente. Abstract The increasing interest in wireless sensor networks can be promptly understood simply by thinking about what they essentially are: a large number of small sensing self-powered nodes which gather information or detect special events and communicate in a wireless fashion, with the end goal of handing their processed data to a base station. The sensor nodes are densely deployed inside the phenomenon, they deploy random and have cooperative capabilities. Usually these devices are small and inexpensive, so that they can be produced and deployed in large numbers, and so their resources in terms of energy, memory, computational speed and bandwidth are severely constrained. Sensing, processing and communication are three key elements whose combination in one tiny device gives rise to a vast number of applications. Sensor networks provide endless opportunities, but at the same time pose formidable challenges, such as the fact that energy is a scarce and usually non-renewable resource. However, recent advances in low power Very Large Scale Integration, embedded computing, communication hardware, and in general, the convergence of computing and communications, are making this emerging technology a reality. Likewise, advances in nanotechnology and Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems are pushing toward networks of tiny distributed sensors and actuators. There are different sensors such as pressure, accelerometer, camera, thermal, and microphone. They monitor conditions at different locations, such as temperature, humidity, vehicular movement, lightning condition, pressure, soil makeup, noise levels, the presence or absence of certain kinds of objects, mechanical stress levels on attached objects, the current characteristics such as speed, direction and size of an object, etc. The state of Wireless Sensor Networks will be checked and the most famous protocols reviewed. As Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is becoming extremely present and important nowadays, it will be examined as well. RFID has a crucial role to play in business and for individuals alike going forward. The impact of ���wireless��� identification is exerting strong pressures in RFID technology and services research and development, standards development, security compliance and privacy, and many more. The economic value is proven in some countries while others are just on the verge of planning or in pilot stages, but the wider spread of usage has yet to take hold or unfold through the modernisation of business models and applications. Possible applications of sensor networks are of interest to the most diverse fields. Environmental monitoring, warfare, child education, surveillance, micro-surgery, and agriculture are only a few examples. Some real hardware applications in the United States of America will be checked as it is probably the country that has investigated most in this area. Universities like Berkeley, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) Harvard and enterprises such as Intel are leading those investigations. But not just USA has been using and investigating wireless sensor networks. University of Southampton e.g. is to develop technology to monitor glacier behaviour using sensor networks contributing to fundamental research in glaciology and wireless sensor networks. Coalesenses GmbH (Germany) and ETH Zurich are working in applying wireless sensor networks in many different areas too. A Spanish solution will be the one examined more thoroughly for being innovative, adaptable and multipurpose. This study of the sensor has been focused mainly to traffic applications but it cannot be forgotten the more than 50 different application compilation that has been published by this specific sensor���s firm. Currently there are many vehicle surveillance technologies including loop sensors, video cameras, image sensors, infrared sensors, microwave radar, GPS, etc. The performance is acceptable but not sufficient because of their limited coverage and expensive costs of implementation and maintenance, specially the last one. They have defects such as: line-ofsight, low exactness, depending on environment and weather, cannot perform no-stop work whether daytime or night, high costs for installation and maintenance, etc. Consequently, in actual traffic applications the received data is insufficient or bad in terms of real-time owed to detector quantity and cost. With the increase of vehicle in urban road networks, the vehicle detection technologies are confronted with new requirements. Wireless sensor network is the state of the art technology and a revolution in remote information sensing and collection applications. It has broad prospect of application in intelligent transportation system. An application for target tracking and counting using a network of binary sensors has been developed. This would allow the appliance to spend much less energy when transmitting information and to make more independent devices in order to have a better traffic control. The application is focused on the efficacy of collaborative tracking rather than on the communication protocols used by the sensor nodes. Holiday crowds are a good case in which it is necessary to keep count of the cars on the roads. To this end a Matlab simulation has been produced for target tracking and counting using a network of binary sensors that e.g. could be implemented in Libelium���s solution. Libelium is the enterprise that has developed the sensor that will be deeply examined. This would allow the appliance to spend much less energy when transmitting information and to make more independent devices. The promising results obtained indicate that binary proximity sensors can form the basis for a robust architecture for wide area surveillance and tracking. When the target paths are smooth enough ClusterTrack particle filter algorithm gives excellent performance in terms of identifying and tracking different target trajectories. This algorithm could, of course, be used for different applications and that could be done in future researches. It is not surprising that binary proximity sensor networks have attracted a lot of attention lately. Despite the minimal information a binary proximity sensor provides, networks of these sensing modalities can track all kinds of different targets classes accurate enough.

Novel system for bite-force sensing and monitoring based on magnetic eear field communication

Intraoral devices for bite-force sensing have several applications in odontology and maxillofacial surgery, as bite-force measurements provide additional information to help understand the characteristics of bruxism disorders and can also be of help for the evaluation of post-surgical evolution and for comparison of alternative treatments. A new system for measuring human bite forces is proposed in this work. This system has future applications for the monitoring of bruxism events and as a complement for its conventional diagnosis. Bruxism is a pathology consisting of grinding or tight clenching of the upper and lower teeth, which leads to several problems such as lesions to the teeth, headaches, orofacial pain and important disorders of the temporomandibular joint. The prototype uses a magnetic field communication scheme similar to low-frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) technology (NFC). The reader generates a low-frequency magnetic field that is used as the information carrier and powers the sensor. The system is notable because it uses an intra-mouth passive sensor and an external interrogator, which remotely records and processes information regarding a patient?s dental activity. This permits a quantitative assessment of bite-force, without requiring intra-mouth batteries, and can provide supplementary information to polysomnographic recordings, current most adequate early diagnostic method, so as to initiate corrective actions before irreversible dental wear appears. In addition to describing the system?s operational principles and the manufacture of personalized prototypes, this report will also demonstrate the feasibility of the system and results from the first in vitro and in vivo trials.

The Phase Space as a New Representation of the Dynamical Behaviour of Temperature and Enthalpy in a Reefer monitored with a Multidistributed Sensors Network

The study of temperature gradients in cold stores and containers is a critical issue in the food industry for the quality assurance of products during transport, as well as forminimizing losses. The objective of this work is to develop a new methodology of data analysis based on phase space graphs of temperature and enthalpy, collected by means of multidistributed, low cost and autonomous wireless sensors and loggers. A transoceanic refrigerated transport of lemons in a reefer container ship from Montevideo (Uruguay) to Cartagena (Spain) was monitored with a network of 39 semi-passive TurboTag RFID loggers and 13 i-button loggers. Transport included intermodal transit from transoceanic to short shipping vessels and a truck trip. Data analysis is carried out using qualitative phase diagrams computed on the basis of Takens?Ruelle reconstruction of attractors. Fruit stress is quantified in terms of the phase diagram area which characterizes the cyclic behaviour of temperature. Areas within the enthalpy phase diagram computed for the short sea shipping transport were 5 times higher than those computed for the long sea shipping, with coefficients of variation above 100% for both periods. This new methodology for data analysis highlights the significant heterogeneity of thermohygrometric conditions at different locations in the container.

Detecci��n de problemas asociados a la calidad: frutas y hortalizas

El presente documento de la RED TEM��TICA FRUTURA de CYTED recoge las aportaciones de sus miembros al denominado 1er evento, celebrado en Sao Paulo en septiembre de 2009. El t��tulo asignado a dicho primer evento o reuni��n de los participantes, contiene el tema asignado a la Red Tem��tica, es decir Desarrollo de un sistema integral de la mejora de la calidad y seguridad de las frutas durante la confecci��n, el transporte y la comercializaci��n mediante nuevas tecnolog��as de inspecci��n y monitorizaci��n, y se refiere al an��lisis de temas actuales respecto de la Detecci��n y caracterizaci��n de problemas asociados a la calidad: Los problemas y desaf��os asociados con el transporte de fruta fresca para cada pa��s participante, con especial atenci��n a los pa��ses tropicales. Bajo este t��tulo se organizan unas sesiones t��cnicas, y visitas y presentaciones t��cnicas en instituciones de Sao Paulo y el EMBRAPA, que son las siguientes: Visita t��cnica a la Unidad de Instrumentaci��n Agropecuaria en S��o Carlos/SP , sita a 300 km de S��o Paulo), y la visita t��cnica a la Central de Abastecimiento del Estado de S��o Paulo - CEAGESP/SP. Las contribuciones aqu�� recogidas se completaron con los puntos de vista expresados por la industria, en un coloquio de empresas, presidido por el Dr. Fernando Flores, con la participaci��n de industriales, que abordaron sus puntos de vista sobre el tema: Los problemas del transporte de frutas y hortalizas, desde el punto de vista de la industria. De ellas se extrajo algunas conclusiones para tener en cuenta en las siguientes reuniones. La principal de ellas, fue que es fundamental a la hora de aconsejar mejoras en el transporte internacional de frutas contar con dicho punto de vista, lo que se tendr�� en cuenta en los eventos siguientes de FRUTURA . Asociando pa��ses y contribuciones, se identificaron y describieron varios condicionamientos y problemas que aparecen durante el transporte de productos perecederos, en especial de frutas durante su transporte, y que se asocian a p��rdidas de calidad: ��� Evaluar la problem��tica del transporte de frutas y hortalizas a mercados ubicados a gran distancia supone entender la fisiolog��a del producto y conocer los cambios que puede sufrir durante la conservaci��n y el transporte. Las p��rdidas en el transporte de frutas se basan en condiciones ambientales no apropiadas a las que el producto se ve expuesto, tanto en transporte terrestre como en el a��reo, y se relaciona con instalaciones y equipos de fr��o insuficientes, e insuficientemente controlados. ��� La reglamentaci��n de cada uno de los pa��ses receptores de fruta y hortalizas frescas afecta enormemente a los intercambios comerciales, y es un aspecto que debe ser estudiado especialmente, y a nivel internacional. Existen por ejemplo regulaciones cuarentenarias frente a plagas que requieren tratamientos espec��ficos con altas exigencias tecnol��gicas. ��� Teniendo en cuenta que las condiciones ��ptimas, en especial de temperatura, son diferentes para cada producto. los ampl��simos conocimientos y datos existentes a este respecto han de ser analizados y aplicados apropiadamente en los procesos de transporte. ��� Se establece el alto potencial de nuevas tecnolog��as como las RFID (Identificaci��n por Radio Frecuencia) y WSN (Redes inal��mbricas de Sensores) que hacen posible la supervisi��n/monitorizaci��n y el control de las condiciones del ambiente y del producto en el interior de contenedores de transporte. ��� El dise��o y uso de envases adecuados al producto, el tipo de transporte, paletizaci��n, condiciones de fr��o y las especies frut��colas debe ser analizado cuidadosamente para grandes distancias. Por otro lado, aumenta de demanda de productos f��ciles de preparar, siendo las frutas como manzana, pera y durazno m��nimamente procesadas en fresco (MPF) una nueva alternativa para los consumidores. Sin embargo estas frutas MPF presentan una serie de da��os durante su procesamiento que reducen su vida ��til durante su transporte y comercializaci��n, por lo que presentan exigencias especiales en su envasado, comercializaci��n y almacenaje. ��� Se a��ade a la variabilidad y falta de calidad de las frutas en el mercado, las deficiencias en las fechas y condiciones de cosecha, de envasado, de tratamiento y de manejo en origen, y a lo largo de la cadena de distribuci��n. ��� Debe asumirse en varios pa��ses y zonas productivas una falta de conocimientos de los productores, transportistas e intermediarios en la distribuci��n. (Es un objetivo iniciar acciones de formaci��n en este sentido, a trav��s de FRUTURA). ��� Los problemas en las infraestructuras, se centran en varios aspectos de gran relevancia y en todo caso requieren ser optimizados si se persigue calidad y reducci��n de p��rdidas: situaci��n de las fincas, caminos, distancias, carreteras, puertos, aeropuertos, equipos de transporte (camiones, contenedores). Las capacidades y caracter��sticas de los centros de distribuci��n, tales como los visitados CEAGESP de Sao Paulo y MERCAMADRID que representan un factor de enorme influencia en la comercializaci��n de calidad, procesos y productos. Los art��culos, al ser contribuciones de los miembros de los distintos pa��ses asociados a FRUTURA aportan datos, de la producci��n frut��cola y de su transporte, espec��ficos para algunos de los pa��ses participantes en el proyecto: Uruguay, Argentina, Brasil, Costa Rica y Espa��a. Los trabajos aqu�� recogidos se completan con las presentaciones expuestas en la reuni��n, y que se encuentran accesibles en la p��gina web de FRUTURA: www.frutura.net. Finalmente, otra contribuci��n relevante de estos trabajos es sus listados de bibliograf��a, los cuales ofrecen una informaci��n de gran valor dentro de los objetivos de FRUTURA.

Positional Accuracy in Smart-Phones and Its Effect on LBS Applications.

Location-based services (LBS) highly rely on the location of the mobile user in order to provide the service tailored to that location. This location is calculated differently depending on the technology available in the used mobile device. No matter which technology is used, the location will never be calculated 100% correctly; instead there will always be a margin of error generated during the calculation, which is referred to as positional accuracy. This research has reviewed the eight most common positioning technologies available in the major current smart-phones and assessed their positional accuracy with respect to its usage by LBS applications. Given the vast majority of these applications, this research classified them into thirteen categories, and these categories were also classified depending on their level criticality as low, medium, or high critical, and whether they function indoor or outdoor. The accuracies of different positioning technologies are compared to these two criteria. Low critical outdoor and high critical indoor applications were found technologically covered; high and medium critical outdoor ones weren?t fully resolved. Finally three potential solutions are suggested to be implemented in future smartphones to resolve this technological gap: Real-Time Kinematics Global Positioning System (RTK GPS), terrestrial transmitters, and combination of Wireless Sensors Network and Radio Frequency Identification (WSN-RFID).

Detecci��n precoz de mortalidad en producciones av��colas empleando termograf��a de alta resoluci��n.

Las modernas instalaciones para la producci��n av��cola de puesta agrupan un muy elevado n��mero de individuos en bater��as de jaulas. Esta disposici��n supone un reto de cara al control de temperaturas dentro de las naves, para garantizar que ��stas se encuentren dentro del intervalo de confort t��rmico de los animales (12-24��C en el caso de ponedoras). Asimismo, la detecci��n temprana de posibles individuos con problemas o muertos resulta una tarea imprescindible para asegurar el bienestar de los animales restantes. La supervisi��n contin��a y multidistribuida de la temperatura en los gallineros puede contribuir al primer aspecto mencionado, mientras que la detecci��n temprana de animales muertos o afectados por alteraciones que conllevan cambios en su temperatura, podr��a acometerse mediante imagen t��rmica. La imagen t��rmica es una t��cnica basada en la conversi��n del espectro de radiaci��n infrarroja de un objeto a im��genes visibles para su posterior an��lisis. La posibilidad de determinar temperaturas a distancia y con una resoluci��n espacial suficiente hace esta t��cnica especialmente adecuada para la monitorizaci��n de la temperatura de los animales en las actuales instalaciones comerciales. As�� pues, el objetivo principal del presente trabajo es mejorar el bienestar animal de ponedoras en instalaciones evaluando: a) la viabilidad de la imagen t��rmica para la identificaci��n temprana de ejemplares muertos y b) la viabilidad de implementaci��n de dispositivos aut��nomos registradores de T�� tipo RFID TurboTag para la supervisi��n ambiental. El presente trabajo analiza los resultados obtenidos a partir de la toma de im��genes t��rmicas de gallinas eutanasiadas durante dos sesiones de necropsias dentro de un estudio de evaluaci��n de dos programas de vacunaci��n frente a Salmonella llevado a cabo por el Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET-UCM) de marzo a abril de 2012. Los resultados obtenidos muestran c��mo el enfriamiento de las zonas m��s expuestas (cara, cresta y patas) puede ajustarse mediante una regresi��n log��stica con un elevado coeficiente de determinaci��n (r2 superior a 0.97). La implementaci��n de un sistema automatizado para la detecci��n temprana de individuos muertos en instalaciones comerciales requiere del empleo de t��cnicas de an��lisis de imagen, apuntadas en este trabajo, y de la realizaci��n de estudios adicionales bajo condiciones clim��ticas m��s amplias. Adem��s, las tarjetas TurboTag suponen una herramienta eficaz (detect��ndose diferencias de T�� de hasta 40��C entre distintas ubicaciones y a lo largo del periodo de medidas) y de bajo coste para la caracterizaci��n ambiental de los gallineros.

The counteractive effect of the sensor housing on the unit sensitivity across a series of dynamic temperature profiles.

The advantages of wireless sensing implemented on the cold chain of fresh products are well known. These sensor systems consist of a combination of delicate internal electronic circuitry enclosed in a special housing unit. Manufacturers however are presented with the challenge that the housing required to withstand the harsh environment in which the sensors are being used all too often take from the functionality of the sensor. Therefore the target of this study is to determine the dynamic behavior and the counteractive effects of the sensor housing on temperature recording accuracy in the wireless nodes of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) semi-passive tags. Two kind of semi-passive Turbo Tags were used (T700 and T702-B), which consisted of sensors with and without a cover, and two kind of WSN nodes, IRIS (sensors Intersema and Sensirion soldered in the motherboard) and NLAZA (Sensirion in a cable and soldered to the motherboard). To recreate the temperature profiles the devices were rotated between a cold room(5 ��C) through a ambient room(23 ��C) to a heated environment (35��C) and vice versa. Analysis revealed the differences between housing and no housing are 308.22s to 21.99s respectively in the step from 5 to 35 ��C. As is demonstrated in these experiments the influence of the housing significantly hinders sensor accuracy.

Supervisi��n multidistribuida de transportes refrigerados mediante tecnolog��a inal��mbrica: diagrama de fases una nueva metodolog��a de an��lisis.

El estudio de los gradientes de temperatura en c��maras frigor��ficas y contenedores es un problema cr��tico en la industria alimentaria para el aseguramiento de la calidad de los productos durante el transporte, as�� como para minimizar las p��rdidas. El objetivo de este trabajo es el desarrollo de una nueva metodolog��a de an��lisis de datos basada en la reconstrucci��n del espacio de fases de la serie temporal de temperaturas, registradas por una red multidistribuida de sensores inal��mbricos aut��nomos y de bajo coste. Se monitoriz�� un transporte transoce��nico en barco de limones en un contenedor multimodal refrigerado, desde Montevideo (Uruguay) a Cartagena (Espa��a), utilizando una red de 39 tarjetas RFID semi-pasivas TurboTag ��. El viaje completo incluy�� el transporte transoce��nico de larga distancia, un cambio de buque para un segundo transporte en barco de corta distancia y finalmente un viaje en cami��n hasta la central. El an��lisis de datos se bas�� en un estudio cualitativo de las series temporales mediante la representaci��n de diagramas de fases calculados sobre la teor��a de reconstrucci��n de atractores de Takens-Ruelle. El estr��s de la fruta se cuantific�� en t��rminos del ��rea que sobre el diagrama de fases ocup�� el ciclo o atractor de la temperatura. Esta nueva metodolog��a para el an��lisis de los datos pone de relieve la significativa heterogeneidad de las condiciones t��rmicas en diferentes puntos del contenedor.

Advanced characterization of a coffee fermenting tank by multi-distributed wireless sensors: spatial interpolation and phase diagrams.

In coffee processing the fermentation stage is considered one of the critical operations by its impact on the final quality of the product. However, the level of control of the fermentation process on each farm is often not adequate; the use of sensorics for controlling coffee fermentation is not common. The objective of this work is to characterize the fermentation temperature in a fermentation tank by applying spatial interpolation and a new methodology of data analysis based on phase space diagrams of temperature data, collected by means of multi-distributed, low cost and autonomous wireless sensors. A real coffee fermentation was supervised in the Cauca region (Colombia) with a network of 24 semi-passive TurboTag RFID temperature loggers with vacuum plastic cover, submerged directly in the fermenting mass. Temporal evolution and spatial distribution of temperature is described in terms of the phase diagram areas which characterizes the cyclic behaviour of temperature and highlights the significant heterogeneity of thermal conditions at different locations in the tank where the average temperature of the fermentation was 21.2 ��C, although there were temperature ranges of 4.6��C, and average spatial standard deviation of ��1.21��C. In the upper part of the tank we found high heterogeneity of temperatures, the higher temperatures and therefore the higher fermentation rates. While at the bottom, it has been computed an area in the phase diagram practically half of the area occupied by the sensors of the upper tank, therefore this location showed higher temperature homogeneity

Advanced Characterisation of a Coffee Fermenting Tank by Multi-distributed Wireless Sensors: Spatial Interpolation and Phase Space Graphs

The fermentation stage is considered to be one of the critical steps in coffee processing due to its impact on the final quality of the product. The objective of this work is to characterise the temperature gradients in a fermentation tank by multi-distributed, low-cost and autonomous wireless sensors (23 semi-passive TurboTag�� radio-frequency identifier (RFID) temperature loggers). Spatial interpolation in polar coordinates and an innovative methodology based on phase space diagrams are used. A real coffee fermentation process was supervised in the Cauca region (Colombia) with sensors submerged directly in the fermenting mass, leading to a 4.6 ��C temperature range within the fermentation process. Spatial interpolation shows a maximum instant radial temperature gradient of 0.1 ��C/cm from the centre to the perimeter of the tank and a vertical temperature gradient of 0.25 ��C/cm for sensors with equal polar coordinates. The combination of spatial interpolation and phase space graphs consistently enables the identification of five local behaviours during fermentation (hot and cold spots).

Multi-distributed wireless sensors for monitoring a long distance transport in a reefer container

The study of the temperature gradients in cold stores and containers is a critical issue in the food industry for the quality assurance of products during transport and for minimising losses. This work presents an analysis of the temperatures during the refrigerated transport of 4,320 kg of blueberries in a reefer (set point temperature at ?1��C) on a container ship from Montevideo (Uruguay) to Verona (Italy). The monitoring was performed by using semi-passive RFID loggers (TurboTag cards). The objective was to carry out a multi-distributed supervision using low-cost, wireless and autonomous sensors for the characterisation of the distribution and spatial gradients of temperatures during a long distance transport. Data analysis shows spatial (phase space) and temporal sequencing diagrams and reveals a significant heterogeneity of temperature at different locations in the container, which highlights the ineffectiveness of a temperature control system based on a single sensor, as is usually done.

Supervisi��n multidistribuida para el control de procesos de conservaci��n de productos agroalimentarios: optimizaci��n de calidad del producto

La presente Tesis est�� orientada al an��lisis de la supervisi��n multidistribuida de tres procesos agroalimentarios: el secado solar, el transporte refrigerado y la fermentaci��n de caf��, a trav��s de la informaci��n obtenida de diferentes dispositivos de adquisici��n de datos, que incorporan sensores, as�� como el desarrollo de metodolog��as de an��lisis de series temporales, modelos y herramientas de control de procesos para la ayuda a la toma de decisiones en las operaciones de estos entornos. En esta tesis se han utilizado: tarjetas RFID (TemTrip��) con sistema de comunicaci��n por radiofrecuencia y sensor de temperatura; el registrador (i-Button��), con sensor integrado de temperatura y humedad relativa y un tercer prototipo empresarial, m��dulo de comunicaci��n inal��mbrico Nlaza, que integra un sensor de temperatura y humedad relativa Sensirion��. Estos dispositivos se han empleado en la conformaci��n de redes multidistribuidas de sensores para la supervisi��n de: A) Transportes de producto hortofrut��cola realizados en condiciones comerciales reales, que son: dos transportes terrestre de producto de IV gama desde Murcia a Madrid; transporte multimodal (barco-barco) de limones desde Montevideo (Uruguay) a Cartagena (Espa��a) y transporte multimodal (barco-cami��n) desde Montevideo (Uruguay) a Verona (Italia). B) dos fermentaciones de caf�� realizadas en Popay��n (Colombia) en un beneficiadero. Estas redes han permitido registrar la din��mica espacio-temporal de temperaturas y humedad relativa de los procesos estudiados. En estos procesos de transporte refrigerado y fermentaci��n la aplicaci��n de herramientas de visualizaci��n de datos y an��lisis de conglomerados, han permitido identificar grupos de sensores que presentan patrones an��logos de sus series temporales, caracterizando as�� zonas con din��micas similares y significativamente diferentes del resto y permitiendo definir redes de sensores de menor densidad cubriendo las diferentes zonas identificadas. Las metodolog��as de an��lisis complejo de las series espacio-temporales (modelos psicrom��tricos, espacio de fases bidimensional e interpolaciones espaciales) permitieron la cuantificaci��n de la variabilidad del proceso supervisado tanto desde el punto de vista din��mico como espacial as�� como la identificaci��n de eventos. Constituyendo as�� herramientas adicionales de ayuda a la toma de decisiones en el control de los procesos. Siendo especialmente novedosa la aplicaci��n de la representaci��n bidimensional de los espacios de fases en el estudio de las series espacio-temporales de variables ambientales en aplicaciones agroalimentarias, aproximaci��n que no se hab��a realizado hasta el momento. En esta tesis tambi��n se ha querido mostrar el potencial de un sistema de control basado en el conocimiento experto como es el sistema de l��gica difusa. Se han desarrollado en primer lugar, los modelos de estimaci��n del contenido en humedad y las reglas sem��nticas que dirigen el proceso de control, el mejor modelo se ha seleccionado mediante un ensayo de secado realizado sobre bolas de hidrogel como modelo alimentario y finalmente el modelo se ha validado mediante un ensayo en el que se deshidrataban l��minas de zanahoria. Los resultados sugirieron que el sistema de control desarrollado, es capaz de hacer frente a dificultades como las variaciones de temperatura d��a y noche, consiguiendo un producto con buenas caracter��sticas de calidad comparables a las conseguidas sin aplicar ning��n control sobre la operaci��n y disminuyendo as�� el consumo energ��tico en un 98% con respecto al mismo proceso sin control. La instrumentaci��n y las metodolog��as de an��lisis de datos implementadas en esta Tesis se han mostrado suficientemente vers��tiles y transversales para ser aplicadas a diversos procesos agroalimentarios en los que la temperatura y la humedad relativa sean criterios de control en dichos procesos, teniendo una aplicabilidad directa en el sector industrial ABSTRACT This thesis is focused on the analysis of multi-distributed supervision of three agri-food processes: solar drying, refrigerated transport and coffee fermentation, through the information obtained from different data acquisition devices with incorporated sensors, as well as the development of methodologies for analyzing temporary series, models and tools to control processes in order to help in the decision making in the operations within these environments. For this thesis the following has been used: RFID tags (TemTrip��) with a Radiofrequency ID communication system and a temperature sensor; the recorder (i-Button��), with an integrated temperature and relative humidity and a third corporate prototype, a wireless communication module Nlaza, which has an integrated temperature and relative humidity sensor, Sensirion��. These devices have been used in creating three multi-distributed networks of sensors for monitoring: A) Transport of fruits and vegetables made in real commercial conditions, which are: two land trips of IV range products from Murcia to Madrid; multimodal transport (ship - ship) of lemons from Montevideo (Uruguay) to Cartagena (Spain) and multimodal transport (ship - truck) from Montevideo (Uruguay) to Verona (Italy). B) Two coffee fermentations made in Popayan (Colombia) in a coffee processing plant. These networks have allowed recording the time space dynamics of temperatures and relative humidity of the processed under study. Within these refrigerated transport and fermentation processes, the application of data display and cluster analysis tools have allowed identifying sensor groups showing analogical patterns of their temporary series; thus, featuring areas with similar and significantly different dynamics from the others and enabling the definition of lower density sensor networks covering the different identified areas. The complex analysis methodologies of the time space series (psychrometric models, bi-dimensional phase space and spatial interpolation) allowed quantifying the process variability of the supervised process both from the dynamic and spatial points of view; as well as the identification of events. Thus, building additional tools to aid decision-making on process control brought the innovative application of the bi-dimensional representation of phase spaces in the study of time-space series of environmental variables in agri-food applications, an approach that had not been taken before. This thesis also wanted to show the potential of a control system based on specialized knowledge such as the fuzzy logic system. Firstly, moisture content estimation models and semantic rules directing the control process have been developed, the best model has been selected by an drying assay performed on hydrogel beads as food model; and finally the model has been validated through an assay in which carrot sheets were dehydrated. The results suggested that the control system developed is able to cope with difficulties such as changes in temperature daytime and nighttime, getting a product with good quality features comparable to those features achieved without applying any control over the operation and thus decreasing consumption energy by 98% compared to the same uncontrolled process. Instrumentation and data analysis methodologies implemented in this thesis have proved sufficiently versatile and cross-cutting to apply to several agri-food processes in which the temperature and relative humidity are the control criteria in those processes, having a direct effect on the industry sector.