Paula Oliveira

A non-destructive method based on digital image processing for calculate the vigor and the vegetative expression of vines

Vigor and vegetative expression are parameters of great interest in viticulture.Traditionally these parameters are estimated using a destructive method.We present a new method that determines these parameters based on an image.The method consists on a digital image processing of an on-field acquiring image. The vigor and the vegetative expression of vines are parameters of great interest in viticulture since they are indicative of the entire guidance system state. Traditionally these parameters are estimated and obtained using a destructive method by cutting the sticks, weighing them and finally obtain the medium weight of pruning sticks. This paper presents a non-destructive method that successfully determines the vine vigor based on a digital image processing. The method consists of acquiring a digital image of vines and applying a software to those images to determine vigor and vegetative expression. This application can be divided in two independent phases: the first one consists in a digital image processing, that isolate the vine sticks and determines the mean area per stick of the vine; the second one determines the vine vigor and vegetative expression based on a polynomial relationship between mean area and mean weight of stick. The software application was tested on thirty vines (Vitis vinifera cv. Touriga Nacional) characterized by low, medium and high vigor and selected during a three-year study. Since the mean weight of stick obtained using the mathematical expression and the values calculated using the real sticks present a 0.998 correlation, we can conclude that this new methodology successfully determines the vigor and the vegetative expression of vines. With this new methodology it is unnecessary determinate the pruning mass and the number of sticks per plant in the vineyard. Its a simple use application that determines vigor and vegetative expression, based on a digital image of the vine and independent of the pruning date. This new method has a patent register in Portugal, with the reference number 105163.

A Model for Cooperation Networks: Promoting Information Share

Cooperation networks are a promising model for companies. There are currently several models for the creation of this kind of networks. This paper presents a conceptual model for the development of cooperation networks, which aims at promoting the information sharing about business opportunities between members of a specific network. The proposed model is based on a Web Information System, and it is useful in the context of building and managing inter-organizational and/or intra-organizational networks.

ISOPM: Framework for IT/IS Outsourcing Project Management

Information Systems IS and Information Technologies IT are fundamental elements for the competitiveness of organizations. Thus, an efficient development of IT/IS projects is a key factor for business success. Nowadays companies are increasingly outsourcing their activities, including the development of IT/IS projects. However, the results of investments often lead to frustration and are far from meeting the expectations. Bearing this in mind, this paper proposes a new framework-ISOPM-that identifies the most relevant activities for the IT/IS outsourcing projects management, aiming to contribute to the study and development of this specific area of project management.