A fuzzy measure approach to motion frame analysis for scene detection

This paper addresses a solution to the problem of scene estimation of motion video data in the fuzzy set theoretic framework. Using fuzzy image feature extractors, a new algorithm is developed to compute the change of information in each of two successive frames to classify scenes. This classification process of raw input visual data can be used to establish structure for correlation. The algorithm attempts to fulfill the need for nonlinear, frame-accurate access to video data for applications such as video editing and visual document archival/retrieval systems in multimedia environments

Histories of thought and comparative political theory: the curious thesis of "Chinese origins for Western knowledge," 1860-1895

How is cultural otherness any different from the historical otherness already found in our existing canons of thought? This essay examines an influential Chinese conversation that raised a similar question in struggling with its own parochialism. Claiming that all “Western” knowledge originated in China, these Chinese reformers see the differences presented by foreign knowledge as identical to those already authorizing innovation within their existing activity of knowledge-production. Noting that current academic theory-production treats the otherness of past authors in a similar way, I argue that we must broach something like a China-origins claim if we are to see typically marginalized (“non-Western”) thought as part of what disciplines our thought, rather than serves simply as its target of inclusion. Doing so, we blur self/foreign binaries and enable future innovation of thought on radically new terms

IMPACT OF RISK PREFERENCES ON CROP ROTATION CHOICE

Stochastic dominance analysis of five crop rotations using twenty-one years of experimental yield data returned results consistent with Pennsylvania cropping practices. The analysis incorporated yield risk, output price risk, and rotational yield effects. A rotation of two years corn and three years alfalfa hay dominated for approximately risk neutral and risk averse preferences, as did participation in government programs under the 1990 Farm Bill. Crop rotation selection appeared to impact net revenues more than the decision to participate in government programs.Crop Production/Industries, Risk and Uncertainty,

A Comparison of Polyamide 11 Mechanical Properties Between Laser Sintering and Traditional Molding

Tensile properties of laser sintering grade Polyamide-11 are processed using laser sintering, compression molding, and injection molding and the resultant mechanical properties are reported. The primary contributor to the enhanced mechanical properties of injection molded specimens is a fully healed polymer melt with preferred polymer chain orientation. It can be shown that laser sintering and compression molding specimens have comparable to compression molding specimens Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and Elongation at Break (EOB).Mechanical Engineerin

An Investigation of Personal and Professional Secondary Traumatic Stress Predictors in Urban School Personnel

Due to the high rates of exposure to potentially traumatic events in childhood, educators may experience high levels of indirect trauma exposure that can lead to adverse consequences, such as Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). STS is a potential “constellation of symptoms that may run parallel to those of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) including symptoms of intrusion, avoidance, arousal, and emotional numbing” (Molnar et al., 2017, p. 130). However, STS remains understudied in the school personnel population. This quantitative survey study explored to what extent a set of professional (i.e., supervisor support, colleague support, trauma-informed practices professional development, professional role) and personal factors (self-care, personal trauma history, perceived dosage of student trauma, and subjective impact of the COVID-19 pandemic) predicted STS scores for a sample of 225 urban school personnel. Analyses included conducting descriptives and a series of hierarchical and moderation multiple regression analyses. Results reveal 41.2% of the participants met criteria for STS on the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (Bride et al., 2007). The results suggest the set of personal factors are significantly associated with STS scores. Professional factors, however, were found to be less strongly related, with the possible exception of supervisor support. Finally, the results suggest supervisor support may moderate or positively impact the relationship between some risk factors (e.g., perceived dosage of student trauma) and STS scores. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed

What can a science fiction blockbuster teach us about China's worldview?

Professor Leigh Jenco shares her insights about the recent film screening and panel discussion of The Wandering Earth 2 at the British Film Institute