A Family of Hierarchical Encoding Techniques for Image and Video Communications

As the demand for image and video transmission and interactive multimedia applications continues to grow, scalable image and video compression that has robust behavior over unreliable channels are of increasing interest. These desktop applications require scalability as a main feature due to its heterogeneous nature, since participants in an interactive multimedia application have different needs and processing power. Also, the encoding and decoding algorithm complexity must be low due to the practical considerations of low-cost low-power receiver terminals. This requires image and video encoding techniques that jointly considers compression, scalability, robustness, and simplicity. In this dissertation, we present a family of image and video-encoding techniques, which are developed to support conferencing applications. We achieve scalability, robustness and low computational complexity by building our encoding techniques based on the quadtree and octree representation methods. First we developed an image encoding technique using the quadtree representation of images and vector quantization. We use a mean-removal technique to separate the means image and the difference image. The difference image is then encoded as a breadth first traversal of the quadtree corresponding to the image. Vector quantization is then used to compress the quadtree nodes based on the spatial locality of the quadtree data. Our next step was to use the quadtree-based image encoding technique as a base for developing a differential video encoding technique. We extended it to encode video by applying the well-known IPB technique to the image encoding system. Then, we explore another method of extending our image encoding technique to encode video streams. The basic idea was to use exactly the same three steps used in our image encoding technique, mean removal, conversion to tree structure, and vector quantization, and replace the quadtree structure with an octree structure. The octree is the three-dimensional equivalent of the quadtree. We divide the sequence of frames into groups and view each group as a three-dimensional object. By encoding frames together, we can obtain substantial savings in encoding time and better compression results. Finally, we combined both the differential quadtree and octree approaches to generate a new hybrid encoding technique. We encode one frame using the quadtree-based image encoding technique, and then encode the following group of frames as a differential octree based upon the first frame. Using a set of experiments, the quadtree-based image encoding and differential video encoding techniques were shown to provide reasonable compression in comparison with similar techniques, while the octree and hybrid video encoding techniques gave impressive compression results. Furthermore, we demonstrated that our encoding techniques are time efficient compared to the more common frequency based techniques. We also compare their scalability feature favorably with other well-known scalable techniques. Moreover, we demonstrated their ability to tolerate and conceal error. The new encoding techniques proved to be efficient methods of encoding for interactive multimedia applications

A Bi-level Heuristic Solution for the Nurse Scheduling Problem Based on Shift-swapping

This paper presents a new heuristic solution to the well-known Nurse Scheduling Problem (NSP). The NSP has a lot of constraints to satisfy. Some are mandatory and specified by the hospital administration, these are known as hard constraints. Some constraints are put by the nurses themselves to produce a comfortable schedule for themselves, and these are known as soft constraints. Our solution is based on the practice of shift swapping done by nurses after they receive an unsatisfactory schedule. The constraints are arranged in order of importance. Our technique works on two levels, first we generate a schedule that satisfies all the hard constraints and guarantees fairness. The next level is to attempt to satisfy as many as possible of the soft constraints, by shift-swapping while maintaining the hard constraints. The technique was implemented as a simulation and demonstrated a satisfactory outcom

An Interactive Application for Tracking the Movement of the Limulus Polyphemus throughout Long Island Sound (LIS)

Poster presented at the Long Island Sound Research Conference held March 15, 2019 in Port Jefferson, New York

Religious Violence and Twitter: Networks of Knowledge, Empathy and Fascination

Twitter analysis through data mining, text analysis, and visualization, coupled with the application of actor-network-theory, reveals a coalition of heterogenous religious affiliations around grief and fascination. While religious violence has always existed, the prevalence of social media has led to an increase in the magnitude of discussions around the topic. This paper examines the different reactions on Twitter to violence targeting three religious communities: the 2015 Charleston Church shooting, the 2018 Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, and the 2019 Christchurch Mosque shootings. The attacks were all perpetrated by white nationalists with firearms. By analyzing large Twitter datasets in response to the attacks, we were able to render visible associations among actors across religions communities, national identities, and political persuasions. What this project revealed is that if we apply actor-network-theory and data visualization to look at networks created by human/non-human (text, computer, phone, meme, tweet, retweet, hashtag) actors, we can see that knowledge, empathy, and fascination drive communication around mass violence against religious communities

RCrab: An R Analytics Tool to Visualize and Analyze the Movement of Horseshoe Crabs in Long Island Sound

Mark-recapture programs are important for studying the ecology and population dynamics of wildlife. An R shiny analytics tool was developed to track the movement of horseshoe crabs in Long Island Sound based on tag and resight data. The crabs were tagged and recaptured by volunteers of Project Limulus, a community-based research program. The dataset contains tag and recapture location information for 14,065 horseshoe crabs over 18 years. The dataset was initially cleaned by removing records with missing, duplicate or incorrect data. A new data structure was developed to save the data and simplify processing: Three dimensions were used, one for the original horseshoe crab tag data, the second for the recapture data, and the third for the mating behavior data recorded both when originally tagged and when found during the recaptures. The R tools enables scientists and the general public to easily produce charts and movement maps based on the dataset. To study horseshoe crab movement, the Long Island Sound area was divided into five major tagging activity areas. Our results show that horseshoe crabs can cross the Sound (from CT to NY and back) and an interesting trend of movement towards the northern and eastern parts of Long Island Sound which correlates with less pollution and human disturbance

Like a Prayer? Applying Conflicts with Religious Dimensions Theory to the Muezzin Law Conflict

What is the nature of the dispute around an Israeli law that proposes restricting how Muslim followers are called for prayer? And, why does the nature of this dispute hold any importance? LeBaron and Senbel have developed a theory differentiating conflicts with religious dimensions (CRDs) from other types of conflicts. The importance of this distinction stems from and highlights the unique role that religion plays in conflicts, which liberal, rational, and individualistic orientations to conflict management fail to address. This article offers a trial run of LeBaron and Senbel’s innovative theoretical framework. We apply CRD theory to conduct an analysis of a legislative attempt to amend an environmental law in Israel. The proposed amendment would limit the use of public address (PA) systems to amplify the Mouzins’ calls for prayer. Proposed limitations on this Islamic practice triggered a public outcry and a sharp societal dispute in Israel. The analysis in this article exposes the real conflict over the proposed amendment to be a CRD, rather than what it seemed on its face: an environmental regulation conflict. This article also contributes to further developing CRD theory. We elaborate on the combined effects of the conflict’s intensity, its duration, and the proximity of its subject to the core values of a religion. We suggest that identifying the unique amalgam of these aspects in a CRD is important to its effective management

A Dynamic Online Dashboard for Tracking the Performance of Division 1 Basketball Athletic Performance

Using Data Analytics is a vital part of sport performance enhancement. We collect data from the Division 1 \u27Women\u27s basketball athletes and coaches at our university, for use in analysis and prediction. Several data sources are used daily and weekly: WHOOP straps, weekly surveys, polar straps, jump analysis, and training session information. In this paper, we present an online dashboard to visually present the data to the athletes and coaches. R shiny was used to develop the platform, with the data stored on the cloud for instant updates of the dashboard as the data becomes available. The performance of athletes can be compared to the group averages, while coaches have access to all athletes and can compare them to each other and the team averages for all parameters. A simple color-coded design was utilized to convey the coaches which of the measured parameters is in an acceptable range and which is deficient. The dashboard was reviewed by the athletes, coaches, and exercise scientists and was useful for their needs

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology: Differences and similarities between human and rodents concerning prostaglandin EP1-4 and IP receptors: Specific roles in pathophysiologic conditions

Prostaglandins are derived from arachidonic acid metabolism through cyclooxygenase activities. Among prostaglandins (PGs), prostacyclin (PGI(2)) and PGE(2) are strongly involved in the regulation of homeostasis and main physiologic functions. In addition, the synthesis of these two prostaglandins is significantly increased during inflammation. PGI(2) and PGE(2) exert their biologic actions by binding to their respective receptors, namely prostacyclin receptor (IP) and prostaglandin E-2 receptor (EP) 1-4, which belong to the family of G-protein-coupled receptors. IP and EP1-4 receptors are widely distributed in the body and thus play various physiologic and pathophysiologic roles. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in studies using pharmacological approaches, genetically modified animals, and genome-wide association studies regarding the roles of IP and EP1-4 receptors in the immune, cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal, respiratory, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal systems. In particular, we highlight similarities and differences between human and rodents in terms of the specific roles of IP and EP1-4 receptors and their downstream signaling pathways, functions, and activities for each biologic system. We also highlight the potential novel therapeutic benefit of targeting IP and EP1-4 receptors in several diseases based on the scientific advances, animal models, and human studies

Consumption-based emission accounting for Chinese cities

Most of China’s CO2 emissions are related to energy consumption in its cities. Thus, cities are critical for implementing China’s carbon emissions mitigation policies. In this study, we employ an input-output model to calculate consumption-based CO2 emissions for thirteen Chinese cities and find substantial differences between production- and consumption-based accounting in terms of both overall and per capita carbon emissions. Urban consumption not only leads to carbon emissions within a city’s own boundaries but also induces emissions in other regions via interregional trade. In megacities such as Shanghai, Beijing and Tianjin, approximately 70% of consumption-based emissions are imported from other regions. Annual per capita consumption-based emissions in the three megacities are 14, 12 and 10 tonnes of CO2 per person, respectively. Some medium-sized cities, such as Shenyang, Dalian and Ningbo, exhibit per capita emissions that resemble those in Tianjin. From the perspective of final use, capital formation is the largest contributor to consumption-based emissions at 32–65%. All thirteen cities are categorized by their trading patterns: five are production-based cities in which production-based emissions exceed consumption-based emissions, whereas eight are consumption-based cities, with the opposite emissions pattern. Moreover, production-based cities tend to become consumption-based as they undergo socioeconomic development

Evaluation globale standardisée systématique des rhumatismes inflammatoires chroniques: intérêts et limites

Introduction: National and international recommendations call for an annual standardized systematic holistic review in the management of chronic inflammatory rheumatism (CIR). This includes an assessment of disease activity and severity, as well as patient education on the disease, knowledge of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, adherence to treatment and screening for comorbidities. Our study aims to recall the definition of a holistic review (HR), to present the evidence of their effectiveness and to give an overview of HR practices in France. Methods: A literature review was conducted in the Pubmed database to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses reporting the efficacy of a multidisciplinary intervention in ICR or other chronic diseases. Two online surveys were sent to all rheumatology departments in France and to a sample of independent rheumatologists, with 34 and 19 questions respectively. These questionnaires were used to determine the profile of the responding center/rheumatologist, the existence of an HR and the obstacles or facilitators to its implementation. Results: Literature search yielded 872 articles, 24 of which were finally included: 16 RCTs and 8 meta-analyses. Only 3 articles concerned ICRs, including one meta-analysis of 10 RCTs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Of these 3 studies, 2 RCTs in systemic lupus and systemic sclerosis showed a favorable impact of a multidisciplinary approach on SLEDAI and grip strength and mouth opening respectively, while the meta-analysis in RA showed no benefit on disability or disease activity.The questionnaire was answered by 72 centers and 186 rheumatologists. A third of the centers had already implemented a HR during an day hospitalization. 70 % of centers estimated that they managed more than 10 patients per month, devoting an average of 35 minutes of rheumatologist time and 90 minutes of cumulative time for all other healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in the program. Most of the HCPs involved were nurses (92 %), dieticians (56 %) and physiotherapists (56 %). The main obstacles to setting up a HR were the lack of paramedical resources, lack of economic value and lack of support from treating rheumatologists, while patient motivation was seen as a facilitating factor. Conclusion: Although HR is recommended, there is little evidence of its effectiveness in ICR. Only 36 % of responding centers have implemented such a program. This survey helps to identify the obstacles and facilitators, and to find solutions for extending this practice