Multi-layer model for the web graph

This paper studies stochastic graph models of the WebGraph. We present a new model that describes the WebGraph as an ensemble of different regions generated by independent stochastic processes (in the spirit of a recent paper by Dill et al. [VLDB 2001]). Models such as the Copying Model [17] and Evolving Networks Model [3] are simulated and compared on several relevant measures such as degree and clique distribution

Interactive Video Mashup Based on Emotional Identity

The growth of new multimedia technologies has provided the user with the ability to become a videomaker, instead of being merely part of a passive audience. In such a scenario, a new generation of audiovisual content, referred to as video mashup, is gaining consideration and popularity. A mashup is created by editing and remixing pre-existing material to obtain a product which has its own identity and, in some cases, an artistic value itself. In this work we propose an emotional-driven interactive framework for the creation of video mashup. Given a set of feature movies as primary material, during the mixing task the user is supported by a selection of sequences belonging to different movies which share a similar emotional identity, defined through the investigation of cinematographic techniques used by directors to convey emotions

A Connotative Space for Supporting Movie Affective Recommendation

The problem of relating media content to users’affective responses is here addressed. Previous work suggests that a direct mapping of audio-visual properties into emotion categories elicited by films is rather difficult, due to the high variability of individual reactions. To reduce the gap between the objective level of video features and the subjective sphere of emotions, we propose to shift the representation towards the connotative properties of movies, in a space inter-subjectively shared among users. Consequently, the connotative space allows to define, relate and compare affective descriptions of film videos on equal footing. An extensive test involving a significant number of users watching famous movie scenes, suggests that the connotative space can be related to affective categories of a single user. We apply this finding to reach high performance in meeting user’s emotional preferences

Identifying Video Content Consistency by Vector Quantization

Many post-production videos such as movies and cartoons present well structured story-lines organized in separated visual scenes. Accurate grouping of shots into these logical segments could lead to semantic indexing of scenes for interactive multimedia retrieval and video summaries. In this paper we introduce a novel shot-based analysis approach which aims to cluster together shots with similar visual content. We demonstrate how the use of codebooks of visual codewords (generated by a vector quantization process) represents an effective method to identify clusters containing shots with similar long-term consistency of chromatic compositions. The clusters, obtained by a single-link clustering algorithm, allow the further use of the well-known scene transition graph framework for logical story unit detection and pattern investigation

Audio-Visual VQ Shot Clustering for Video Programs

Many post-production video documents such as movies, sitcoms and cartoons present well structured story-lines organized in separated audio-visual scenes. Accurate grouping of shots into these logical video segments could lead to semantic indexing of scenes and events for interactive multimedia retrieval. In this paper we introduce a novel shot based analysis approach which aims to cluster together shots with similar audio-visual content. We demonstrate how the use of codebooks of audio and visual codewords (generated by a vector quantization process) results to be an effective method to represent clusters containing shots with similar long-term consistency of chromatic compositions and audio. The output clusters obtained by a simple single-link clustering algorithm, allow the further application of the well-known scene transition graph framework for scene change detection and shot-pattern investigation. In the end the merging of audio and visual results leads to a hierarchical description of the whole video document, useful for multimedia retrieval and summarization purposes

Decarbonising Urban Freight Transport: Experimentations in European Research Projects

One of the objectives of European research programs is to decarbonize freight transport while maintaining its competitiveness and economic strength, reduce negative externalities such as pollutant emissions, congestion and accidents, and foster innovation. Multiple initiatives have started in Europe to reach these objectives and this paper reviews some of these schemes in the field of urban freight transport. It is based mainly on 3 EC-funded projects (BESTFACT (2016), SOLUTION (2015) and SMARTFUSION (2016)). These 3 projects are either testing (Smartfusion) or examining and disseminating European ‘new solutions’ or ‘best practices’ in freight transport. The paper mainly focuses on the most decarbonizing solutions

Predatory ability of generalist predators on eggs, young nymphs and adults of the invasive Halyomorpha halys in southern Europe

Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) is an invasive pest causing serious damage to agricultural crops in Europe and the USA. Very little is known about H. halys predators in Europe. This survey evaluated the potential of generalist predators/omnivorous species by means of predation bioassays in tri-dimensional arenas, where the predator had to locate H. halys prey items on the leaves of a bean plant. Eleven species of different taxa were tested and the prey items consisted in fresh eggmasses, 1st and 2nd instar nymphs. One species was also tested against adults. Some predators were species commercially available as biocontrol agents against plant pests, other predators were wild, captured in habitats shared with H. halys. All tested specimens were starved 24 h before starting the experiment. The survivorship of control prey items in predator-excluding cages was compared to that of predator treatment groups to determine the effect of predator presence. According to the results, the generalist species showed a quite low acceptance of H. halys prey items, since only two species caused 80% mortality on at least one item (Eupholidoptera chabrieri and Rhynocoris iracundus) and mortality due the other species never exceed 60%. Among commercially available species only Adalia bipunctata adults and Chrysoperla carnea larvae were effective, predating the eggs and 1st instar nymphs, respectively. Among the field collected specimens, the orthopteran E. chabrieri and the predatory hemipterans R. iracundus, Nagusta goedelii and Himacerus mirmicoides showed efficacy against 1st instar nymphs, E. chabrieri and R. iracundus showed efficacy against 2nd instar nymphs, whereas only E. chabrieri and N. goedelii predated the eggs. R. iracundus was also tested on the adults and successfully predated them. By identifying some of the species that can exploit H. halys as a suitable prey in southern Europe, the present investigation provides an important contribution for conservation biological control of this pest

Preferential attachment in the growth of social networks: the case of Wikipedia

We present an analysis of the statistical properties and growth of the free on-line encyclopedia Wikipedia. By describing topics by vertices and hyperlinks between them as edges, we can represent this encyclopedia as a directed graph. The topological properties of this graph are in close analogy with that of the World Wide Web, despite the very different growth mechanism. In particular we measure a scale--invariant distribution of the in-- and out-- degree and we are able to reproduce these features by means of a simple statistical model. As a major consequence, Wikipedia growth can be described by local rules such as the preferential attachment mechanism, though users can act globally on the network.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, revte

A Closed Formula for the Barrier Transmission Coefficient in Quaternionic Quantum mechanics

In this paper, we analyze, by using a matrix approach, the dynamics of a non-relativistic particle in presence of a quaternionic potential barrier. The matrix method used to solve the quaternionic Schrodinger equation allows to obtain a closed formula for the transmission coefficient. Up to now, in quaternionic quantum mechanics, almost every discussion on the dynamics of non-relativistic particle was motived by or evolved from numerical studies. A closed formula for the transmission coefficient stimulates an analysis of qualitative differences between complex and quaternionic quantum mechanics, and, by using the stationary phase method, gives the possibility to discuss transmission times.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figure

Chemical Pleurodesis For Hepatic Hydrothorax.

Ascites can occur after hepatic diseases causing dyspnea, coughing and pain. When associated with pleural effusion it can also increase respiratory distress. In a bibliographic survey hydrothorax has been observed in up to 20% of the patients and the kind of treatment is still being discussed. This case report shows the occurrence of a large volume of ascites and pleural effusion in a cirrhotic patient and his treatment. Report the case of a patient with hepatic cirrhosis due to chronic alcoholism and massive pleural effusion and ascites. He was submitted to several pleural paracenteses without success. Scintigraphy showed the presence of ascites and confirmed a possible pleuroperitoneal communication. The thoracic surgery group was called and after evaluation it was decided to submit the patient to a pulmonary decortication and chemical pleurodesis. These procedures were carried out with success. The pleural effusion was solved and the treatment of ascites was decided upon because the patient did not accept any surgical procedure. This treatment could be applied to patients with hydrothorax who could not be submitted to a liver transplantation.38125-