Error resilient video transcoding for robust inter-network communications using GPRS

A novel fully comprehensive mobile video communications system is proposed in this paper. This system exploits the useful rate management features of the video transcoders and combines them with error resilience for transmissions of coded video streams over general packet radio service (GPRS) mobileaccess networks. The error-resilient video transcoding operation takes place at a centralized point, referred to as a video proxy, which provides the necessary output transmission rates with the required amount of robustness. With the use of this proposed algorithm, error resilience can be added to an already compressed video stream at an intermediate stage at the edge of two or more different networks through two resilience schemes, namely the adaptive intra refresh (AIR) and feedback control signaling (FCS) methods. Both resilience tools impose an output rate increase which can also be prevented with the proposed novel technique in this paper. Thus, an error-resilient video transcoding scheme is presented to give robust video outputs at near target transmission rates that only require the same number of GPRS timeslots as the nonresilient schemes. Moreover, an ultimate robustness is also accomplished with the combination of the two resilience algorithms at the video proxy. Extensive computer simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system

Soil-Cement Stabilization for Roads

The purpose of the manuscript is twofold: First, to explain some of the basic factors which must be considered by individuals dealing with soil-cement stabilization, and second, to present the application of the principles involving the basic factors to design problems. It is assumed that the reader has a knowledge of the fundamentals of soil mechanics and concrete

Maskin-Monotonic Scoring Rules

Cataloged from PDF version of article.We characterize which scoring rules are Maskin-monotonic for each social choice problem as a function of the number of agents and the number of alternatives. We show that a scoring rule is Maskin-monotonic if and only if it satisfies a certain unanimity condition. Since scoring rules are neutral, Maskin-monotonicity turns out to be equivalent to Nash-implementability within the class of scoring rules. We propose a class of mechanisms such that each Nash-implementable scoring rule can be implemented via a mechanism in that class. Moreover, we investigate the class of generalized scoring rules and show that with a restriction on score vectors, our results for the standard case are still valid

UX Research is Dead. Long live UX Research!

This paper critically discusses the future of User Experience (UX) research across the tech industry and hence the shift from classic usability research towards design-led approaches, quantitative research discipline, A/B testing and telemetry. Likely causes for this shift are addressed to empower the UX research discipline to remain relevant. The areas covered include the identity crisis and democratization of UX research; evolvement and sustainability of the UX discipline; and fusion of UX across heterogeneous fields. The adaptations to this shift are discussed from the Point of View (PoV) of practitioners. This includes offering clarity and meaning based on the organizational context and product positioning; and also leveraging deep understanding human behavior with a focus on data integrity that relates to the technology and environment

Macro- and micro-strain in GaN nanowires on Si(111)

We analyze the strain state of GaN nanowire ensembles by x-ray diffraction. The nanowires are grown by molecular beam epitaxy on a Si(111) substrate in a self-organized manner. On a macroscopic scale, the nanowires are found to be free of strain. However, coalescence of the nanowires results in micro-strain with a magnitude from +-0.015% to +-0.03%.This micro-strain contributes to the linewidth observed in low-temperature photoluminescence spectra

Brain Atrophy and Hypomyelination Associated with Iatrogenic Cushing’s Syndrome in an Infant

Prolonged use of topical corticosteroids, particularly in infants, albeit rare, may lead to Cushing's syndrome. Central nervous system abnormalities including brain atrophy and delayed myelination on cranial magnetic resonance imaging has been reported in patients with corticosteroid treatment. We herein report a 5-month-old female infant with brain atrophy and myelination delay that might be due to iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome caused by topical corticosteroid use

A study on Reseda lutea L. distributed naturally in West Anatolia in Turkey

Morphology and seed germination of Reseda lutea L. (Resedaceae), which is distributed naturally in Turkey, were investigated. Germination trial was observed at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C. In laboratory conditions at 25 °C, 87% of the seeds of R. lutea germinated, while in soil conditions, the best germination rate was only 23%, achieved with seeds sowed at 10 mm depth. The results of germination under different light conditions showed that the germination rate at 25 °C in continuous darkness was 87%, 76% with 6 hours of light, 67% with 12 hours of light, 52% with 18 hours of light and 42% with continuous light. Measurements of samples collected from different localities showed that the length of the plant is inversely proportional to the altitude

Computed tomography depiction of normal inguinal lymph nodes in children

Background: The aim of the study was to establish computed tomography (CT) characteristics, distribution and provide normative data about size of normal inguinal lymph nodes in a paediatric population. Materials and methods: Four hundred eighty-one otherwise healthy children (147 girls, mean age: 8.87, range 0–17 years) underwent pelvic CT in the setting of high-energy trauma were included in the study. Both axial and coronal 1.25-mm reconstructions were evaluated for the presence, location (deep or superficial), number, presence of fat attenuation, and shape of the lymph nodes, short-axis diameter of the biggest lymph node for each of right and left inguinal regions. Results: A total of 7556 lymph nodes were detected in 481 subjects (the mean count of superficial and deep inguinal lymph nodes was 13.35 [range 6–23] and 2.36 [range 0–7] per subject, respectively): 15% (1135/7556) deep located, 85% (6421/7556) superficially located, 86.6% (6547/7556) with fat attenuation, 99.2% (7496/7556) oval in shape, 0.8% (60/7556) spherical. The short-axis diameter of the lymph nodes increased with age. Pearson’s correlation coefficient for superficial and deep lymph nodes in boys and girls, respectively: 0.538 (p < 0.001), 0.504 (p < 0.001), 0.452 (p < 0.001) and 0.268 (p < 0.001). The mean maximum short-axis diameters in different age groups and gender varied between 6.33 ± 0.85 mm and 8.68 ± 1.33 mm for superficial, 3.62 ± 1.16 mm and 5.83 ± 1.05 mm for deep inguinal lymph nodes. Conclusions: Inguinal lymph nodes were multiple, commonly contained fat, and were oval in shape. The data determined about inguinal lymph node size in different paediatric age groups may be applicable as normative data in daily clinical CT evaluation practice