Automatic vehicle detection and classification

This paper presents a proposal for an automatic vehicle detection and classification (AVDC) system. The proposed AVDC should classify vehicles accordingly to the Portuguese legislation (vehicle height over the first axel and number of axels), and should also support profile based classification. The AVDC should also fulfill the needs of the Portuguese motorway operator, Brisa. For the classification based on the profile we propose:he use of Eigenprofiles, a technique based on Principal Components Analysis. The system should also support multi-lane free flow for future integration in this kind of environments.

Estudo de viabilidade de utiliza����o de VLC em infra-estruturas ITS baseadas em sem��foros rodovi��rios a LEDs

Trabalho Final de Mestrado para obten����o do grau de Mestre em Engenharia de Electr��nica e Telecomunica����es

A bilh��tica dos transportes de passageiros na nuvem computacional

Relat��rio de Projeto realizado para obten����o do grau de Mestre em Engenharia Inform��tica e de Computadores

Spatial analysis of the tuberculosis treatment dropout, Buenos Aires, Argentina

OBJECTIVE Identify spatial distribution patterns of the proportion of nonadherence to tuberculosis treatment and its associated factors.METHODS We conducted an ecological study based on secondary and primary data from municipalities of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. An exploratory analysis of the characteristics of the area and the distributions of the cases included in the sample (proportion of nonadherence) was also carried out along with a multifactor analysis by linear regression. The variables related to the characteristics of the population, residences and families were analyzed.RESULTS Areas with higher proportion of the population without social security benefits (p = 0.007) and of households with unsatisfied basic needs had a higher risk of nonadherence (p = 0.032). In addition, the proportion of nonadherence was higher in areas with the highest proportion of households with no public transportation within 300 meters (p = 0.070).CONCLUSIONS We found a risk area for the nonadherence to treatment characterized by a population living in poverty, with precarious jobs and difficult access to public transportation.

Location-Based services - A crescente import��ncia da localiza����o

Disserta����o apresentada como requisito parcial para obten����o do grau de Mestre em Estat��stica e Gest��o de Informa����o

Simulation and dynamics of freeway traffic

This paper presents the new package entitled Simulator of Intelligent Transportation Systems (SITS) and a computational oriented analysis of traffic dynamics. The SITS adopts a microscopic simulation approach to reproduce real traffic conditions considering different types of vehicles, drivers and roads. A set of experiments with the SITS reveal the dynamic phenomena exhibited by this kind of system. For this purpose a modelling formalism is developed that embeds the statistics and the Laplace transform. The results make possible the adoption of classical system theory tools and point out that it is possible to study traffic systems taking advantage of the knowledge gathered with automatic control algorithms. A complementary perspective for the analysis of the traffic flow is also quantified through the entropy measure.

Infer��ncia de percursos dos utentes de um transporte coletivo

Trabalho Final de Mestrado para obten����o do grau de Mestre em Engenharia de Redes de Comunica����es e Multim��dia

Sistemas de emprego p��blico no s��culo XXI: que significado? Uma sistematiza����o

O presente artigo intenta sistematizar as formas ou regimes do emprego p��blico em pa��ses da Uni��o Europeia e da OCDE. A metodologia compreende a an��lise dos tradicionais sistemas de carreira (career-based system) e sistema de emprego (position-based system) no emprego p��blico. Desenvolvem-se, ainda, breves reflex��es nas mudan��as operadas naqueles dois regimes que migraram para um terceiro modelo, vulgarmente designado por modelo h��brido de emprego p��blico, mais flex��vel e mais correlativo ��s circunst��ncias do s��culo XXI.

Simulador de sistema de informa����o ao p��blico para rede de transportes metro-ferrovi��ria

O aumento da complexidade e das funcionalidades a fornecer pelos equipamentos de apoio �� explora����o de sistemas de redes de transporte criou um novo paradigma no qual v��rios intervenientes s��o chamados a fornecer m��dulos. Estes devem comunicar entre si de forma transparente, n��o devendo haver limita����es colocadas pela tecnologia utilizada ou pelo facto de serem de fabricantes distintos. Este projeto de disserta����o resulta de uma proposta da empresa EFACEC para a constru����o de um Simulador de um Sistema de Informa����o ao P��blico numa rede de transportes metro-ferrovi��ria, que utilize como interface para comunica����o com a plataforma de gest��o EFARail a tecnologia de Web Services. Nesta disserta����o faz-se um levantamento dos principais equipamentos utilizados em Sistemas de Informa����o ao P��blico e das funcionalidades disponibilizadas, assim como dastecnologias de Web Services que permitem responder aos requisitos e funcionalidades gerais do sistema. A aplica����o desenvolvida permite a simula����o duma rede de equipamentos visuais e sonoros de informa����o ao p��blico que comp��em uma linha metro-ferrovi��ria. Desta forma �� poss��vel testar novos m��dulos sem necessidade de uma integra����o em ambiente real. Com isto pretende-se otimizar o processo de desenvolvimento, diminuindo os custos associados ao teste dos sub-sistemas que comp��em a solu����o.

Radar Based Collision detection developments on USV ROAZ II

This work presents the integration of obstacle detection and analysis capabilities in a coherent and advanced C&C framework allowing mixed-mode control in unmanned surface systems. The collision avoidance work has been successfully integrated in an operational autonomous surface vehicle and demonstrated in real operational conditions. We present the collision avoidance system, the ROAZ autonomous surface vehicle and the results obtained at sea tests. Limitations of current COTS radar systems are also discussed and further research directions are proposed towards the development and integration of advanced collision avoidance systems taking in account the different requirements in unmanned surface vehicles.

Modelling and Control of Freeway Traffic

This paper presents the most recent developments of the Simulator of Intelligent Transportation Systems (SITS). The SITS is based on a microscopic simulation approach to reproduce real traffic conditions in an urban or non-urban network. In order to analyse the quality of the microscopic traffic simulator SITS a benchmark test was performed. A dynamical analysis of several traffic phenomena, applying a new modelling formalism based on the embedding of statistics and Laplace transform, is then addressed. The paper presents also a new traffic control concept applied to a freeway traffic system.

Impact of dams and irrigation schemes in Anopheline (Diptera: Culicidae) bionomics and malaria epidemiology

Irrigation schemes and dams have posed a great concern on public health systems of several countries, mainly in the tropics. The focus of the present review is to elucidate the different ways how these human interventions may have an effect on population dynamics of anopheline mosquitoes and hence, how local malaria transmission patterns may be changed. We discuss different studies within the three main tropical and sub-tropical regions (namely Africa, Asia and the Pacific and the Americas). Factors such as pre-human impact malaria epidemiological patterns, control measures, demographic movements, human behaviour and local Anopheles bionomics would determine if the implementation of an irrigation scheme or a dam will have negative effects on human health. Some examples of successful implementation of control measures in such settings are presented. The use of Geographic Information System as a powerful tool to assist on the study and control of malaria in these scenarios is also highlighted.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for canine visceral leishmaniasis in the endemic area of Dias D'��vila, State of Bahia, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an important zoonosis in relation to public health systems. Dogs are the main domestic reservoir. This study aimed to investigate occurrences of canine VL in Dias D'��vila, State of Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: The prevalence was evaluated by means of clinical and laboratory tests on a population of 312 domestic dogs from 23 localities in this municipality, using indirect immunofluorescence and immunoenzymatic assays. RESULTS: Among the animals examined, 3.2% and 6.7% showed signs of VL, confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoenzymatic assays, respectively, with a distribution of 29.9% (24 dogs) in the rural zone and 4.9% (288 dogs) in the urban zone (p = 0.001). The clinical evaluation on seropositive dogs showed both asymptomatic animals (2.4%) and symptomatic animals (47.6%), along with other abnormalities (e.g. normocytic and normochromic anemia, with leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia). Observations relating to phenotypic characteristics (e.g. sex, age, breed and hair) did not present statistical significance, although high seropositivity among male, short-haired and mixed-breed dogs was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that VL was a predominantly rural zoonosis and that close contact between poultry and domestic dogs significantly increased the risk of canine infection in this region.

Benefits & drawbacks of different means of interaction for placing objects above a video footage

Public Display Systems (PDS) increasingly have a greater presence in our cities. These systems provide information and advertising specifically tailored to audiences in spaces such as airports, train stations, and shopping centers. A large number of public displays are also being deployed for entertainment reasons. Sometimes designing and prototyping PDS come to be a laborious, complex and a costly task. This dissertation focuses on the design and evaluation of PDS at early development phases with the aim of facilitating low-effort, rapid design and the evaluation of interactive PDS. This study focuses on the IPED Toolkit. This tool proposes the design, prototype, and evaluation of public display systems, replicating real-world scenes in the lab. This research aims at identifying benefits and drawbacks on the use of different means to place overlays/virtual displays above a panoramic video footage, recorded at real-world locations. The means of interaction studied in this work are on the one hand the keyboard and mouse, and on the other hand the tablet with two different techniques of use. To carry out this study, an android application has been developed whose function is to allow users to interact with the IPED Toolkit using the tablet. Additionally, the toolkit has been modified and adapted to tablets by using different web technologies. Finally the users study makes a comparison about the different means of interaction.

Funcionalidade e qualidade de vida : um estudo no processo de envelhecimento em portadores e n��o portadores da diabetes tipo 2

RESUMO: Introdu����o: A diabetes �� uma patologia cr��nica que v��m crescendo exponencialmente em pa��ses desenvolvidos e, principalmente, naqueles em desenvolvimento, como �� o caso do Brasil. Al��m de gerar importante custo aos sistemas p��blicos de sa��de, sabe-se que as consequ��ncias do mau controle da diabetes tem impacto importante na vida de indiv��duos que apresentam a doen��a, como a perda precoce da funcionalidade e a reduzida qualidade de vida. Nesse sentido, o governo federal brasileiro estabelece em 2002 o Programa Hiperdia, que prev�� educa����o terap��utica e a assist��ncia multiprofissional como estrat��gias na preven����o e controle das consequ��ncias geradas pelo mau controle da diabetes. Objetivo: O estudo aqui proposto tem como objetivo avaliar de que modo a presen��a e o tempo de diagn��stico da diabetes do tipo 2 (DM2) est��o associados �� funcionalidade e qualidade de vida de indiv��duos assistidos pelo Programa Hiperdia. Metodologia: Foram avaliados indiv��duos com idade igual ou superior a 40 anos, residentes na cidade de Vi��osa-Minas Gerais/Brasil, distribu��dos em diferentes grupos conforme as perspectivas de an��lise 1 (estudo da presen��a da DM2) e 2 (estudo do tempo de diagn��stico da patologia). Para a perspectiva 1 dois diferentes grupos foram comparados: controle (CTL), indiv��duos sem DM2 ou qualquer patologia em ��rg��os alvo da doen��a; e DM2, indiv��duos diagnosticados com diabetes do tipo 2. J�� para a perspectiva 2 de an��lise pessoas diagnosticadas com DM2 foram distribu��das em dois diferentes grupos: G1, indiv��duos com tempo de diagn��stico da DM2 ��� 1 ano e ��� 5 anos; e G2, indiv��duos com tempo de diagn��stico da DM2 ��� 10 anos. Previamente, avaliamos o estado cognitivo dos participantes por meio do Mini Mental State Exam. Dados sociodemogr��ficos e cl��nicos (rastreio de sintomas depressivos, sonol��ncia diurna excessiva e antropometria) tamb��m foram avaliados, al��m da verifica����o do perfil bioqu��mico por meio de informa����es provenientes de prontu��rios m��dicos. Para o estudo da funcionalidade, os instrumentos Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living e o Life Style Questionnaire foram utilizados, assim como o SF-36v2 para a avalia����o da qualidade de vida. Por fim, outras vari��veis como conhecimento sobre a DM2 e gest��o da patologia tamb��m foram investigadas. 10 Resultados: 198 indiv��duos (CTL: 81; DM2: 117) com idade ��� 40 anos foram avaliados, dos quais 55,5% apresentaram idade igual ou superior a 60 anos. A maioria corresponderam ao sexo feminino (62,6%). Foram verificados similares resultados para o estado cognitivo em ambas as perspectivas de an��lise. Pode-se dizer que, para a perspectiva 1 (CTL vs. DM2), os grupos apresentaram diferen��as estat��sticas significantes para a maioria das vari��veis estudadas e tend��ncia para a vari��vel estilo de vida, com resultados desfavorecedores ao grupo DM2. Para a perspectiva 2 (G1 vs. G2), nossos resultados n��o evidenciam diferen��as significantes para o tempo de diagn��stico em nenhuma das vari��veis estudadas. Conclus��es: Os resultados do estudo mostram que a presen��a da DM2 em situa����o de inadequado controle, bem como o insuficiente conhecimento sobre a patologia entre os indiv��duos assistidos pelo Centro Hiperdia podem representar um importante fator para a verifica����o da reduzida funcionalidade e qualidade de vida. Isto sugere a necessidade de ajustes na execu����o do Programa, de modo a tornar poss��vel o alcance dos objetivos propostos pelo mesmo. Referente ao tempo de diagn��stico da DM2, em nossa amostra, os resultados indicam que este parece n��o representar um fator desfavorecedor da funcionalidade e qualidade de vida.---------------------------ABSTRACT: Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (DM2) is a chronic disease that has been growing exponentially in developed countries, and even more so in developing countries such as Brazil. In addition, the pathology generates a significant cost to public healthcare systems. It is well known that the poor control of diabetes has important consequences on the lives of individuals diagnosed with the disease, such as the early loss of functionality and a reduced quality of life. In this sense, the Brazilian federal government established the Programa Hiperdia in 2002, a program that provides therapeutic education and multidisciplinary care in order to prevent and control the consequences of diabetes. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate how the presence and the diagnosis time of DM2 are associated with the functionality and quality of life of individuals assisted by the Programa Hiperdia. Methodology: We evaluated individuals aged 40 years or older living in Vi��osa, Minas Gerais/Brazil, and divided them into different groups according to the analytical perspectives 1 (the study of the presence of DM2) and 2 (the study of the diagnosis time of DM2). For perspective 1, two different groups were compared: the DM2 group, which consisted of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and the control group (CTL), which consisted of individuals without type 2 diabetes or any disease in the target organs. For perspective 2, people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were divided into two different groups: G1, individuals with diagnosis time ��� 1 year and ��� 5 years; and G2, individuals with diagnosis time ��� 10 years. Prior to group assignment, we assessed the cognitive status of all participants with the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE). Sociodemographic and clinical data (i.e. screening of depressive symptoms, excessive daytime sleepiness and anthropometry) were also evaluated, as well as the biochemical profile based on information from the local Hiperdia center. To study functionality, Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Life Style Questionnaire were administered. Quality of life was assessed via the SF-36v2 Health Survey. Finally, variables such as knowledge about DM2 and disease management were also verified. Results: 198 subjects (CTL: 81; DM2: 117) aged ��� 40 years were evaluated, of whom 55.5% were aged 60 years or older. The majority of subjects were women (62,6%). Cognitive status scores were similar amongst both analytical perspectives. In terms of perspective 1 (DM2. vs. CTL), it showed statistically significant differences between the groups for the most part of the variables studied, and poorer results in the DM2 group. Regarding perspective 2 (G1 vs. G2), our results did not show significant differences for the diagnosis time in any of the variables studied. Conclusions: Our findings show that the presence of DM2 with inadequate control of the condition, as well as lack of knowledge about the disease among individuals assisted by the Hiperdia center may represent an important factor in the poor functionality and reduced quality of life when compared to the control group. This suggests that the Program likely needs some adjustments on its implementation in order to make possible the achievement of the objectives proposed. With respect to the diagnosis time for DM2 in our sample, the results indicate that it does not seem to be a factor in poor functionality nor quality of life.