Beira Interior Research Articles

Factors Affecting Usage of a Digital Asthma Monitoring Application by Old-Age Asthmatics Living in Inner Central Portugal.

To analyse factors affecting the ability to use the digital asthma monitoring application Mask-Air® in old-age individuals living in inland Portugal. In this observational study, patients with medically confirmed asthma who agreed to participate were interviewed and subdivided into Non-users Group: those who could not use the application and Users Group: those who could. Sociodemographic and psychological data, comorbidities, and asthma status were compared between groups. Assessment of reasons for refusal was based on a 6-item questionnaire. Among the 72 sequentially recruited patients (mean age±SD 73.26±5.43 yrs; 61 women; 11 men), 44 (61.1%; mean age±SD 74.64±5.68 yrs; 38 women; 6 men)) were included in Non-users Group and 28 (38.9%; mean age±SD 71.11±4.26 yrs; 23 women; 5 men) in Users Group. Non-users Group patients were significantly older, had lower socioeconomic level, and more frequently had severe asthma (25% vs 3.6%; Odds ratio=0.08 (95% CI=0.01-0.81; p=0.033)) and diabetes (32.6% vs 7.4%; Odds ratio=0.17 (95% CI=0.03-0.80; p=0.025)) than Users Group. The main reasons for not using the App were "Lack of required hardware" (n=35) and "Digital illiteracy" (n=26), but lack of interest to use the App among those who had conditions to use it was uncommon. Most old-age asthmatics living in Beira Interior either lack a smartphone or digital skills, which are significant obstacles to implementing app-based monitoring studies.

Short-Term Load Forecasting Based on Optimized Random Forest and Optimal Feature Selection

Short-term load forecasting (STLF) plays a vital role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and economical operation of power systems. Accurate load forecasting provides numerous benefits for power suppliers, such as cost reduction, increased reliability, and informed decision-making. However, STLF is a complex task due to various factors, including non-linear trends, multiple seasonality, variable variance, and significant random interruptions in electricity demand time series. To address these challenges, advanced techniques and models are required. This study focuses on the development of an efficient short-term power load forecasting model using the random forest (RF) algorithm. RF combines regression trees through bagging and random subspace techniques to improve prediction accuracy and reduce model variability. The algorithm constructs a forest of trees using bootstrap samples and selects random feature subsets at each node to enhance diversity. Hyperparameters such as the number of trees, minimum sample leaf size, and maximum features for each split are tuned to optimize forecasting results. The proposed model was tested using historical hourly load data from four transformer substations supplying different campus areas of the University of Beira Interior, Portugal. The training data were from January 2018 to December 2021, while the data from 2022 were used for testing. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the RF model in forecasting short-term hourly and one day ahead load and its potential to enhance decision-making processes in smart grid operations.

Use of and Beliefs toward Novel Tobacco and Nicotine Products among Portuguese University Students: A Pandemic Survey.

Over the last decade, novel tobacco and nicotine product experimentation and use have dramatically increased among the youth, even in countries with strong tobacco control and anti-smoking social norms. We performed an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in March-June 2021, targeting students from the University of Beira Interior, Portugal. The aim was to assess the experimentation and use of tobacco and nicotine products and students' beliefs towards these products. Of the 452 participants, 67.0% were female; the mean age was 21.9 ± 3 years. Most students (60.4%) reported experimenting with tobacco/nicotine products; 31.2% were current users; polyconsumption was common. Of the current users, all used cigarettes, 41.1% used heated tobacco, 20.6% e-cigarettes, and 14.9% used water pipes. Our multivariate analysis showed that being male, being in the third year of study, and cohabiting or socializing with smokers were strongly associated with tobacco/nicotine use. While most students agree that heated tobacco and e-cigarettes are addictive, that they are not less harmful than cigarettes, and that second-hand exposure may cause health problems, few tobacco/nicotine users are ready to quit, and few students support a smoke-free university campus. These findings indicate high experimentation and the regular dual use of novel tobacco and nicotine products and suggest a pro-smoking social norm among university students.

Sleep Quality among Medical Students of a Portuguese University

Introduction: Sleep is a complex physiological process shared by most living beings. Sleep disorders have been increasing exponentially. University students, particularly medical students, are especially vulnerable to this problem. However, the existing literature on the subject is scarce, especially in Portugal. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of sleep among medical students attending the University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal and to analyse the differences and existing relationships according to age, gender, cohabitation status and academic year. Method: This is a cross-sectional study in which the students completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) that was previously validated for the Portuguese population. The values obtained for each component of the PSQI were initially analysed for the total sample, and then coupled with sociodemographic variables, in order to obtain statistically significant relationships. Results: Two hundred and ninety-six students completed the questionnaire. A percentage of 62.2% of them stated that their sleep was good; 42.4% scored 2 in the component 2; 50% admitted that they usually sleep between 6 and 7 hours; 73.9% of the participants showed adequate sleep efficiency; 85.5% reported little or no sleep disturbance; 83.8% reported never having used sleep medications; and 60.8% mentioned little or no daytime disturbance. As for global PSQI score, 72.6% of the students’ scores were greater than 5, which indicates poor sleep quality. 74.7% of the female participants and 67.7% of the male respondents showed poor sleep quality. 91.3% of the students who were living alone at the time also revealed poor sleep quality. Of the 1st year students, 82.4% reported poor sleep quality, as did 77.5% of the 2nd year students, 72.1% of the 3rd year students, 77.8% of the 4th year students, 65.8% of the 5th year students, and 71.4% of those attending the 6th year. Conclusion: Generally speaking, the students who took part in this study showed a poor sleep quality, with a PSQI score superior to 5. However, the ratings in each of the components are not so negative. Most of the participants rated their sleep as good or very good, almost half of the participants reported sleeping more than 7 hours and the majority had a sleep efficiency of more than 85%. Similarly, 83.8% had never used sleep medication. Since this is not a robust result, it is imperative to carry out more studies that unequivocally prove it. Moreover, such studies will also be essential to identify situations in which therapeutic intervention will improve such parameters.

Electronic nose: a tool to verify the PDO declaration of Portuguese olive oils

The volatile and olfactory profiles of three Portuguese olive oils with protected designations of origin (PDO) were studied: “Azeite do Alentejo Interior”, “Azeites da Beira Interior”, and “Azeite de Trás-os-Montes”. Seven classes of volatiles were identified, with aldehydes, followed by hydrocarbons and alcohols, the most prevalent (5.63, 2.92, and 2.79 mg/kg olive oil, respectively). The “Azeites da Beira Interior” oils exhibited the highest amount of volatiles (18.2 ± 4.6 mg/kg olive oil) compared to the oils from the other two PDOs. Ten positive olfactory sensations were detected, and a significant effect of the PDO on the intensities of fruity, apple, cabbage, tomato, dry and fresh herbs was observed. Specifically, “Azeite do Alentejo Interior” PDO oils were characterized as fruity-ripe, while “Azeite de Trás-os-Montes” PDO oils were labelled as fruity-green. Conversely, “Azeites da Beira Interior” PDO oils encompassed both fruity-ripe and fruity-green oils. Unique volatile and olfactory fingerprints were established for each PDO, allowing the linear discrimination of the oils according to the PDO, with a predictive sensitivity of 98.0 ± 4.2% (repeated K-fold-CV). Furthermore, a lab-made electronic nose successfully discriminated the studied oils based on the PDO, with a predictive accuracy of 99.7 ± 2.0% (repeated K-fold-CV). This device also allowed predicting the concentrations of the three main volatile classes found in the oils through multiple linear regression models (R2 ≥ 0.923 ± 0.101 and RMSE ≤ 1.32 ± 0.72 mg/kg oil; repeated K-fold-CV). These findings underscore the potential of the electronic nose as a reliable traceability tool to authenticate the PDO declaration of Portuguese olive oils, and broaden its use beyond non-PDO oils from a specific geographical area to encompass a national scale.Graphical abstract

Application of the FTIR technique as a non-invasive tool to discriminate Portuguese olive oils with Protected Designation of Origin.

Three Portuguese olive oils with PDO ('Azeite do Alentejo Interior', 'Azeites da Beira Interior' and 'Azeite de Trás-os-Montes') were studied considering their physicochemical quality, antioxidant capacity, oxidative stability, total phenols content, gustatory sensory sensations and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. All oils fulfilled the legal thresholds of EVOOs and the PDO's specifications. Olive oils from 'Azeite da Beira Interior' and 'Azeite de Trás-os-Montes' showed greater total phenols contents and antioxidant capacities, while 'Azeites da Beira Interior' presented higher oxidative stabilities. Linear discriminant models were developed using FTIR spectra (transmittance and the 1st and 2nd derivatives), allowing the correct identification of the oils' PDO (100 % sensitivity and specificity, repeated K-fold-CV). This study also revealed that multiple linear regression models, based on FTIR transmittance data, could predict the sweet, bitter, and pungent intensities of the PDO oils (R2 ≥0.979±0.016; RMSE≤0.26±0.05, repeated K-fold-CV). This demonstrates the potential of using FTIR as a non-destructive technique for authenticating oils with PDO.

Lifecycle of Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu and Diversity and Importance of the Native Parasitoid Community Recruited in the Northern Region of Portugal.

In this work, the objective was to learn the life cycle of D. kuriphilus and the diversity of native parasitoids in the northern region of Portugal between 2017 and 2019. The places studied belonged to the regions of Entre-Douro-e-Minho, Beira Interior, and Trás-os-Montes. To achieve the proposed objectives, buds were collected for egg and larva observation, galls were collected for larva, pupa, and adult observation and monitoring, and emergency boxes were used to identify the fauna present in the galls. In this study, 92% of D. kuriphilus adults emerged between June and July, with emergences occurring until September. We also obtained adults in winter, so it is important to study, in future works, the hypothesis of this pest performing diapause. Regarding the study of native parasitoids, compared to other countries, the same families emerged, with good rates of natural parasitism, although with fluctuations over the years. In the three municipalities under study, 11 species were identified (Eupelmus azureus Ratzeburg, Eupelmus urozonus Dalman, Eurytoma brunniventris Ratzeburg, Megastigmus dorsalis (Fabricius), Ormyrus pomaceus (Geoffroy), Sycophila iracemae Nieves Aldrey, Sycophila variegata (Curtis), Sycophila biguttata (Swederus), Torymus flavipes (Walker), Torymus auratus (Mueller), and Torymus notatus (Walker)). The average parasitism rates varied between 1.92% and 10.68%.

Relationship between BMI and COVID-19

Body mass index has been studied as one of the factors that negatively influences COVID-19. In this work, we intend to analyze this influence. A representative sample of the population of Beira Interior was used (around 2%), on which immunity research and a socio-demographic survey were carried out. It was found that obesity influences the vaccination rate, and that all other variables analyzed were not influenced by body mass index.

Positioning Portugal in the Context of World Almond Production and Research

Almond production plays a very significant role in the Portuguese socio-economic context, especially with regard to dried fruit production. Indeed, Portugal is the third largest almond producer in Europe, producing 41,450 t of almonds in shells in 2021. This is due to its edaphoclimatic conditions that are favorable for its production. Traditionally, the north region of “Trás-os-Montes” has stood out as one of the most relevant for Portuguese almond production and bioeconomy. However, production in “Alentejo“ and “Beira Interior” will surpass the northern region in a short time as a result of the installation of new orchards. Despite its importance, there is a need to uncover genetic traits underlying phenotypic desirable traits needed to improve yield and quality but also cope and mitigate the impacts of climate change on their production. To address this, it is important to characterize the genetic resources available and the germplasm collection since they are crucial players for conservation and breeding initiatives. In this review, we describe the main cultivars of almonds cultivated in Portugal and their productive challenges. We also provide an overview of the main genetic resources available, breeding goals, and accomplishments regarding their improvement towards biotic and abiotic constraints in both Portugal and the rest of the world.

Comparison of three wine routes’ realities in Central Portugal

Abstract Wine tourism (WT) is an important area of special-interest tourism in Portugal, and represents an increasingly significant component of regional development. In a more conservative approach, WT has been described as visiting vineyards, wineries, and engaging in wine-related activities. However, this perspective has been broadened, taking advantage of all the potential of the specific destination’s terroir (nature/landscape, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, etc.). Wine routes make the connection between wine and tourism in a specific region and intend to boost wine tourism by promoting collaboration between different stakeholders. Different routes present distinct approaches to WT, within diverse regional contexts, and different ways of collaboration within the wine route. This study compares three wine routes at different stages of development, located in a rural periphery – in the central region of Portugal – Bairrada, Dão, and Beira Interior, considering both context data and information collected in 113 interviews conducted with diverse wine tourism agents from these routes. Besides a brief characterization of the three routes, the main results indicate supplier’s preference for terroir routes instead of wine routes and show the importance of gender, age, and education level for the collaborative work between stakeholders. These aspects and their contribution to the development of WT routes are discussed. Some questions that additional studies may help answering are also reflected.

E-LEARNING AS A COMPLEMENTARY MECHANISM TO TEACH POLITICAL SCIENCE – BETWEEN THE VOID OF THE CLASSROOM AND THE DEMANDS OF AN ONLINE GENERATION

Online teaching has occupied a prominent place in the training process of new generations, whether through formal models of education and training, or through informal education and training. The pandemic caused by the SARS-COV-2 coronavirus has had an effect on the way societies function, having produced the need to adapt work and educational contexts to the demands associated with physical distancing. This paper derives from a reflection that takes into account the pedagogical dimensions associated with the context of the classroom, with the need to adapt training to the online model, at a time when digitalization occupies a leading place in the western way of life. For this purpose, the teaching experience in the academic year 2020/2021 at the University of Beira Interior is based on a characterization of the pedagogical models associated with Political Science teaching.

Pterospartum tridentatum Liqueur Using Spirits Aged with Almond Shells: Chemical Characterization and Phenolic Profile.

With great cultural significance, spirits and distillate beverages constitute an important niche market in Europe. The development of new food products, particularly for the functionalization of these beverages, is increasing exponentially. The present work aimed to develop a new wine spirit beverage aged with almond shells and flowers of P. tridentatum for further characterization of bioactive and phenolic compounds, coupled with a sensorial study to evaluate the acceptance of this new product by the market. Twenty-one phenolic compounds were identified, mainly isoflavonoids and O- and C-glycosylated flavonoids, especially in P. tridentatum flowers, indicating that it is a highly aromatizing agent. The developed liqueur and wine spirits (almonds and flowers) showed distinct physicochemical properties, with the last two samples showing greater appreciation and purchase intention by consumers due to their sweetness and smoothness. The most promising results were found for the carqueja flower, which should be further investigated in an industrial context to contribute to its valorization in its regions of origin, such as Beira Interior and Trás-os-Montes (Portugal).

Differences Between Right and Left Colon Cancer in Beira Interior.

Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Portugal and worldwide, with a high mortality rate, especially in more advanced stages. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in the distinction between right colorectal carcinoma (RCC) and left colorectal carcinoma (LCC) due to the different presentation, treatment, and prognosis. Studies show that RCC and LCC have different clinical and biological characteristics, being considered two distinct entities. Material and methods This cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative retrospective study included data collection at the three hospitals of Beira Interior - Centro Hospitalar Cova de Beira, Hospital Amato Lusitano, and Hospital Sousa Martins - over a 6-year period. Results The proportion of RCC cases was higher. The proportion of women was higher in the RCC group compared to the LCC (46.2%, 121/262 vs. 39%, 76/195). Anemia was statistically higher in the RCC group (p <0.01). On the other hand, intestinal occlusion tends to appear in patients with LCC (p <0.001). The most frequent surgery was elective. The proportion of emergency surgery was higher in the LCC group (LCC vs RCC: 27.2% vs 18.3%; p = 0.03). Discussion and conclusion In both the RCC and LCC groups, the male sex is the most frequently observed in Beira Interior and in Portugal, opposite from the world population, in which the female sex predominates in patients with RCC. The RCC presents alterations in bowel habits more often (p> 0.05). On the other hand, anemia is more common in RCC and intestinal occlusion in LCC, following the current literature. Conducting targeted studies and optimizing the screening and treatment processes are key to reducing mortality associated with CRC.

O.O.2.1Development and evaluation of a class on bad news communication for medical students: Presenter(s): Paulo Vitoria, Beira Interior University, Portugal

O.O.2.1Development and evaluation of a class on bad news communication for medical students: Presenter(s): Paulo Vitoria, Beira Interior University, Portugal

Sleep Quality in Medical Students of a Portuguese University: a cross-sectional Study

IntroductionSleep is a complex physiological process present in all living beings, performing essential functions for various biological functions. The prevalence of sleep disorders has increased exponentially, as well as studies relating to sleep patterns of the general population.University students are especially vulnerable to a decrease in sleep quality, particularly medical students. Even so, the literature on sleep quality in medical students is scarce, especially when referring to Portugal, where studies are almost non-existent.ObjectivesTo evaluate sleep quality in medical students and to analyze the differences in sleep quality according to age, sex, cohabitation and physical activity. It is also intended to compare the sleep quality of medical students throughout the various phases of the medical course.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study involving medical students at the University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal. All medical students were invited to complete the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which has been validated for the portuguese population. First, the scores obtained in each of the components of the PSQI and the global PSQI score were analyzed for the global population. Lastly, the global PSQI score was correlated with each of the sociodemographic variables to verify the existence of a statistically significant relationship.Results296 students completed the instrument. Of these, 62.2% classify their sleep quality as good; 42.4% scored 2 in the sleep latency component; 50% reported sleeping 6 to 7 hours; 73.9% stated an adequate sleep efficiency; 85.5% mentioned few or no sleep disturbances; 83,8% said they never used sleep medication; and 60.8% had low or no sleepiness or daytime dysfunction.As for the overall PSQI score, 72.6% of the students had a score greater than 5, indicating a poor quality of sleep. 74.7% of female respondents have a low quality of sleep, as well as 67.7% of male respondents. Likewise, 91.3% of students who live alone have poor sleep quality, as well as 76.8% of those living with family members and 69.8% of those living with colleagues.Regarding the course year, 82.4% of the first-year students report a poor quality of sleep, as well as 77.5% of the second-year students, 72.1% of the third-year students, 77.8% of the fourth-year, 65.8% of the fifth-year students and 71.4% of the sixth-year students.ConclusionsMedical students seem to be more likely to have poor sleep quality, especially when compared to other university students. Thus, further studies are needed to prove this susceptibility as well as therapeutic interventions aimed at improving sleep parameters.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

In obese hypertensives cholecalciferol inhibits circulating TH17 cells but not macrophage infiltration on adipose tissue

In arterial hypertension, increased Th17 cells and reduced Tregs are the hallmarks of immunological dysfunction and the basis for the investigation of immunomodulatory drugs. Although cholecalciferol is not a primary immunomodulator, it has recognized action on immune cells, leading us to hypothesise if cholecalciferol can induce a more tolerogenic phenotype in obese hypertensives.In a phase-2, single-centre, randomised, open, 24-week trial, we assigned adults with obesity-associated hypertension and vitamin D deficiency to receive usual therapy plus 50,000 IU/week of cholecalciferol or usual therapy alone. The primary endpoint was the percentual variation in T CD4+, T CD8+, Tregs, and Th17 cells. Secondary endpoints included the percentual variation in Th1, Tc1, Tc17, and monocytes and variation in the number of perivascular and non-perivascular macrophages, T CD4+ and T CD8+ lymphocytes in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue. A control group of 12 overweight normotensives was also evaluated for peripheral immune cells.A total of 36 obese hypertensives were randomised, 18 in each group. In comparison with normotensive controls, hypertensives presented higher percentages of T lymphocytes (p = 0.016), Tregs (p = 0.014), and non-classical monocytes (p < 0.001). At week 24, Th17 cells increased in control group (p = 0.017) but remained stable in cholecalciferol group. For Tregs, downregulation towards the values of normotensive controls was observed (p = 0.003), and in multivariate analysis, an increased loading in the setting of the cells of adaptive immunity observed (eigenvalue 1.78, p < 0.001). No changes were documented for monocytes. In adipose tissue, a baseline negative correlation between vitamin D and perivascular macrophages was observed (r = −0.387, p = 0.024) that persisted in the control group (r = −0.528, p = 0.024) but not in the cholecalciferol group, which presented an increase in non-perivascular macrophages (p = 0.029) at week 24. No serious adverse events were reported for all the participants.In this trial, we found that supplementation with cholecalciferol interfered with peripheral and adipose tissue immune cell profile, downregulating peripheral Th17 cells, but increasing the number of infiltrating subcutaneous adipose tissue macrophages. (Funded by Núcleo Estudos Hipertensão da Beira Interior; EudraCT number: 2015–003910-26).

How diverse are residents’ perceptions of wine tourism impacts in three Portuguese wine routes? The role of involvement with tourism, wine production and destination life-cycle stage

Purpose Wine tourism has been growing considerably over the past decades. The literature highlights its relevance in the social, economic and cultural development of the regions where wine routes are located. However, few studies examine residents’ tourism impact perceptions and even fewer analyse the diversity of these perceptions. This study aims to fill this gap, examining this diversity according to the life-cycle stage of the wine route and residents’ involvement with wine and with tourism activities. Design/methodology/approach Data obtained from a questionnaire-based survey (N = 882) of residents from three wine routes of the Central Region of Portugal – Bairrada, Dão and Beira Interior – were used, with dimensions of perceived impacts tested for internal consistency via Cronbach’s α. T-tests and ANOVA tests were used to compare residents’ perceptions of wine tourism impacts according to the life-cycle stage of the wine route and residents’ involvement with wine and with tourism activities. Findings Generally, residents perceived that wine tourism generates more benefits than costs, with positive economic and socio cultural impacts standing out, while negative environmental and social impacts were perceived less. Some differences are observed according to the life-cycle stage of the wine route, with both the most and the least developed routes presenting more pronounced both positive and negative impact impressions in diverse dimensions. Also, a moderating effect (however not as pronounced) of working in tourism and (even less visible) of working in the wine sector is observed. Possible explanations of these findings and implications on wine route development are discussed. Originality/value This article analyses a subject of great relevance for the sustainable development of wine tourism destinations that has been little studied in the literature. Thus, relevant theoretical and empirical contributions are identified.

Evaluation of comparative scenarios from different sites of chestnut production using life cycle assessment (LCA): Case study in the Beira Interior region of Portugal

The evaluation of the environmental impacts of chestnut production in the Beira Interior region (Portugal) is accessed. The comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed with the use of openLCA software with 16 Environmental Footprint (EF) impact categories retrieved from the AGRIBALYSE database. The system boundary was from “cradle-to-farm gate” and the functional unit was 1 ton of chestnut delivered to consumers (only wholesale buyers). The processes model for the production of agricultural machinery, pesticides, fertilizers, and materials was modeled based on surveys and existing literature. The data was gathered from four different production areas: Serra da Estrela, Malcata, Gardunha, and Plateau area. Each site has two selected representative producers inner 250 km2 square radius environment. The results showed that the average GHG emissions in the low-input group (Estrela and Gardunha) were 1.83 kg CO2-eq/ton with the energy burden (80–89%) as main contribution emissions and in the intensive-input group (Malcata and Plateau) were 2.61 kg CO2-eq/ton with the main contribution source of emissions are fertilizer (76–83%). Sensitivity analysis results indicate shift input material and cultivation activities in chestnut production systems can be possible for all study areas without reducing yield production. The suggestions in this article can be used by farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to adopt new alternative production scenarios.

Automatic Anomaly Monitoring in Public Surveillance Areas

With the dramatic increase in video surveillance applications and public safety measures, the need for an accurate and effective system for abnormal/suspicious activity classification also increases. Although it has multiple applications, the problem is very challenging. In this paper, a novel approach for detecting normal/abnormal activity has been proposed. We used the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and Kalman filter to detect and track the objects, respectively. After that, we performed shadow removal to segment an object and its shadow. After object segmentation we performed occlusion detection method to detect occlusion between multiple human silhouettes and we implemented a novel method for region shrinking to isolate occluded humans. Fuzzy c-mean is utilized to verify human silhouettes and motion based features including velocity and optical flow are extracted for each identified silhouettes. Gray Wolf Optimizer (GWO) is used to optimize feature set followed by abnormal event classification that is performed using the XG-Boost classifier. This system is applicable in any surveillance application used for event detection or anomaly detection. Performance of proposed system is evaluated using University of Minnesota (UMN) dataset and UBI (University of Beira Interior)-Fight dataset, each having different type of anomaly. The mean accuracy for the UMN and UBI-Fight datasets is 90.14% and 76.9% respectively. These results are more accurate as compared to other existing methods.

Wine tourism in rural areas – hopes and fears amongst local residents

PurposeThe study analyses residents' impact perceptions and attitudes towards wine tourism development in a Portuguese hinterland region. It additionally assesses heterogeneity within the community regarding these perceptions and attitudes to inform wine route managers about possible implications and to aid adequate intervention for sustainable regional tourism development.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from February to August 2020 among the residents of Beira Interior Region (n = 272), via a survey, regarding tourism development and impact perceptions (social, economic, cultural and environmental) of the emerging wine route.FindingsResults reveal that the residents have rather positive attitudes towards tourism development with perceived and anticipated social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits. Some negative perceptions were also observed. Differences amongst residents, based on age, education and sector of activity, are also assessed and implications discussed. The latter lie mostly in suggestions regarding sensitization of residents, particularly the older and less educated, and community inclusion in engaging, endogenous-resource-based, co-created wine tourism experience development.Originality/valueThe paper provides an analysis of the community's view of rural wine tourism development, going beyond the generally studied business and market perspectives. The community's perspective is important not only due to its central stake in place development, but also its role in preserving local culture, specifically food and wine traditions, providing a welcoming atmosphere and possibly engaging in innovative, co-creative tourism experiences, permitting the generation of benefits to all involved. Community involvement is relevant from the very beginning of the destination development cycle, and hence pertinent for this emergent wine tourism route as well.