Splicing of concurrent upper-body motion spaces with locomotion

In this paper, we present a motion splicing technique for generating concurrent upper-body actions occurring simultaneously with the evolution of a lower-body locomotion sequence. Specifically, we show that a layered interpolation motion model generates upper-body poses while assigning different actions to each upper-body part. Hence, in the proposed motion splicing approach, it is possible to increase the number of generated motions as well as the number of desired actions that can be performed by virtual characters. Additionally, we propose an iterative motion blending solution, inverse pseudo-blending, to maintain a smooth and natural interaction between the virtual character and the virtual environment; inverse pseudo-blending is a constraint-based motion editing technique that blends the motions enclosed in a tetrahedron by minimising the distances between the end-effector positions of the actual and blended motions. Additionally, to evaluate the proposed solution, we implemented an example-based application for interactive motion splicing based on specified constraints. Finally, the generated results show that the proposed solution can be beneficially applied to interactive applications where concurrent actions of the upper-body are desired

On a uniform estimate for positive solutions of semilinear elliptic equations

We consider semilinear elliptic equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions in a Lipschitz, possibly unbounded, domain. Under suitable assumptions on the nonlinearity, we deduce a condition on the size of the domain that implies the existence of a positive solution satisfying a uniform pointwise estimate. Here, uniform means that the estimate is independent of the domain. Besides of its simplicity, the main advantage of our approach is that we can remove a restrictive assumption on the nonlinearity that was imposed in a recent paper. Moreover, we can remove a non-degeneracy condition that was assumed in the latter paper

Reconsidering the Marxist-anarchist controversy in and through Radical Praxis

This paper reflects on the Greek revolt of December 2008 and reexamines the dispute between Marxism and anarchism in and through the social unrest. It argues that their polemic and intolerance should not be perceived as established and unchanging. Throughout the uprising, both Marxists and anarchists created a space of openness, united action and active solidarity overcoming their sectarianism and closure. The study considers that the two opposing currents could learn valuable lessons and draw significant conclusions from the radical practice of the insurgents concerning the critical organizational issue and the means-end relationship. It argues, also, that the revolted questioned the existing Marxist and anarchist presuppositions as regards the issues of state and time. The paper maintains that the continuation of the Marxist-anarchist conflict perpetuates the crisis of the international radical movement. It concludesthat both Marxism and anarchism could play a constructive role in order to form a new radical alternative and return to the practical and theoretical broadmindedness of the First International