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This paper aims to automatically derive a 2D parametric model of the main characteristic lines of a car from images, blueprints or hand-made sketches of its side view. Then this model can be used for the further computer-aided design manipulation starting from images of the side view of a car.

The method combines different image edge detection techniques and edge removal processes with optimization techniques according to local and global constraints specific of the single curves to automatically construct a precise parametric model of the main character lines of a car from images. First, process the car image to compute the most important curves and then warp a car template model to match its feature points and curves with the ones detected in the image.

The paper provides method to construct parametric model from an image using maximum cover ratio to the edge points obtained by state-of-the-art edge detection algorithms. A feature points’ organization mechanism produces quadric curves to express feature curves of a product.

The robustness of the presented method depends on the completeness of edge detection results and the accuracy of some key points’ registration result, so if the image is not good, the result cannot be trusted. Only side-view is considered in this paper. Additional limits in the process regard the side view verification: pictures of the front or rear view can be wrongly classified as lateral ones when they contain round lights.

This program enables designers to convert the image to geometric parametric model directly.

The method is applicable to shaded pictures, sketches and blue prints of the side view of a car. It can process a database of car images in a batch mode or a specific picture on user demand. The method classifies the cars to different categories: SUV/Wagon/Hatchback, sedan, city and coupe. The authors obtain good results for every category.

This study was developed in response to the need to develop age-friendly smart living environments due to the complex demands placed on society by the ageing of the population. This study aims to analyse the potential that knowledge visualisation offers collaborative decision-making applied to the development of a multiple criteria framework supporting knowledge management (KM) through knowledge collaboration (KC) and knowledge sharing (KS) in the context of regional innovation systems (RIS).

Using a socio-technical approach, knowledgeable and experienced representatives of RIS innovation actors were brought together to develop a constructivist multiple criteria framework that integrates knowledge visualisation and collaborative decision-making techniques (i.e. cognitive mapping and system dynamics).

The study introduces a multiple criteria model supporting KM encompassing conditions and practices of RIS innovation actors facilitating and encouraging KC and KS. The potential for knowledge visualisation in collaborative decision-making is explored in great depth and illustrated in a case study setting.

The panel members who participated in this study consider our methodological proposal to be extremely versatile and see great potential for further applications in RIS contexts.

The combined use of cognitive mapping and system dynamics according to the strategic options development and analysis (SODA) approach offers a holistic and well-informed perspective on the issue in question. The literature reports no prior work of this methodological combination in the same research context.

This paper presents the second-generation estimates for the Italian engineering industry in 1911, a year documented both by the customary demographic census, and the first industrial census. The first part of this paper uses the census data to estimate the industry’s value added, sector by sector; the second further disaggregates each sector by activity, and estimates the value added, employment, physical product, and metal consumption of each one. A third, concluding section dwells on the dependence of cross-section estimates on time-series evidence. Three appendices detail the specific algorithms that generate the present estimates; a fourth, a useful sample of firm-specific data.

The modern economy of North America has been built on nearly five centuries of natural resource exploitation. Wetlands have been part of that pattern, with drainage and filling used to convert them to higher economic values. Ecological research and social value changes have been accumulating in the last half of the twentieth century, however, and suggest that such behaviour is becoming less acceptable. Whereas the social incentives for entrepreneurs used to be unmitigated in their encouragement of the elimination of wetlands, evolving values suggest a radical restructuring is under way. The dividing line between heroic entrepreneurial exploitation and vilification for ecosystem damage is best understood as a shifting zone of uncertain values. Prudent entrepreneurs will monitor those value shifts closely.

This study aims to understand if network brand management is a key activity in tourism business networks and how the network brand relates to the place brand and the brands of individual network members.

Preference has been given to a qualitative approach and to the use of case study methodology. Two qualitative techniques have been used: document analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews.

Results indicate that network brand identity is a prerequisite for all alliances, thus confirming the brand’s aggregating role in business networks. However, the network brand is not always exploited for commercial purposes, as signalled by the few efforts in communication activities. Results also indicate that there is a strong connection between the network brand and the place, confirming that tourism businesses are intertwined on a local context and cannot avoid citing the place where they operate.

Two main aspects limit the generalizability of this study. First, the empirical evidence is limited to four case studies and refers to only one country. Second, chairmen of the examined networks were interviewed without investigating the opinions of network members who may have contrasting views.

Poor brand management within the examined networks suggests that network managers should have more decision-making power. To apply concepts of brand architecture, network managers should be able to influence brand strategies of individual network members. For example, structures and processes could be created to engage all members in brand management activities like for Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) searching to increase participation of all stakeholders.

The novelty of this study is that it explores the role of brand management in networks created by partners with equal decision power. Moreover, it differs from previous research on inter-firm relations because it adopts the concept of brand consonance to evaluate if networks will succeed in the long term thanks to a proper management of the network brand.

Ghee, anhydrous milk fat, is chemically highly complex in nature. The authentication and characterization of edible fats and oils by routine chemical methods are highly laborious and time consuming. Fourier transform-mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy has emerged as a predominant analytical tool in the study of edible fats/oils. However, sufficient attention has not been paid so far to spectral characterization of milk fat obtained from cow and buffalo milk. The purpose of this paper is to fill this void.

Ghee samples were prepared from cow and buffalo milk by the direct cream method. From each type of milk (cow and buffalo), 35 samples of ghee were prepared; thus, in total, 70 samples of ghee were obtained for the study. For assigning absorption bands in the IR spectrum, spectra of cow and buffalo ghee samples were acquired in the MIR region (4,000-650 cm⁻¹).

In FT-MIR spectra of ghee, 14 peaks were obtained at different positions and with varying intensities. They were at 3,005, 2,922, 2,853, 1,744, 1,466, 1,418, 1,377, 1,236, 1,161, 1,114, 1,098, 966, 870 and 721 cm⁻¹ for cow and buffalo ghee with almost equal intensity of absorption.

The finding of this study will be useful for characterization and authentication of ghee.

Application of IR spectral bands of ghee in the MIR region using a FT-infrared spectrometer to monitor the quality of ghee is suggested.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how safeguarding intangible cultural heritage contributes to environmental conservation and favours sustainable development of natural landscapes. To do so, the authors will focus on a study of dry stone constructions, which have been recognised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The research has been carried out through three methodologies: the search and review of archives (historical and administrative documents), ethnographic methodology (field work and interviews) and case studies.

The abandonment of dry stone constructions is placing rural zones at risk, as they assume a strategic role in environmental conservation efforts. This article seeks to highlight the importance of safeguarding this cultural heritage.

The art of dry stone walling has its origins in ancient times and can be found in numerous regions around the world. The main ideas of this paper may be applied to many of the places where this vernacular architecture can be found.

Some stakeholders may apply the results of this study to identify new uses for heritage resources that allow maintenance of ecosystems while at the same time safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

This paper stresses the importance of raising public awareness of cultural heritage and vernacular architecture, its link with traditional activities such as farming and livestock raising, the rural landscape and reinforcement of cultural identity and historical memory.

This study illustrates the actions taken by UNESCO to safeguard intangible cultural heritage and the effects of those actions. It also considers dry stone constructions from the perspective of environmental sustainability, an area that has been subject to limited study.