Delivering a personalised video service using IPTV

Video oriented services are taking the lead in terms of revenue in the current Internet environment. In order to tap this revenue, Telcos are resorting to serious measures such as moving to Next Generation Network (NGN) where they can provide QoS for services that demand this feature, such as, IPTV. IPTV is more than just what its name implies and includes various types of additional services to make the TV a better entertainment and communication environment. Various innovative IPTV services have been proposed and developed by researchers and practitioners, including personalized advertisement, personalized EPG (Electronic Program Guide), and personalized VoD (Video on Demand). In this paper we introduce a new IPTV service called, the personalized dynamic video delivery service, which sends new video alerts (like breaking news alert) to subscribed users and notifies them when the video is available. If desired, users can watch the video automatically by switching from what they are currently watching without requiring explicitly a new video setup. Users can configure their profile and also set a policy on the way they wish to be notified and the types of video they wish to be alerted to. The paper describes the issues surrounding the delivery of this service and presents the architecture and the various open source technologies that are used to develop the service

Magnetic resonance imaging reveals the complementary effects of decongestant and Breathe Right Nasal Strips on internal nasal anatomy

Objectives/Hypothesis This magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of 26 subjects with nasal congestion was performed to assess in the complete nasal passage both the anatomical effect of the marketed Breathe Right Nasal Strip (BRNS) relative to placebo and the potential adjunctive effect of using a decongestant in combination with the BRNS. Study Design Randomized, crossover study. Methods The study consisted of two parts, the first involving application of either the BRNS or the placebo strip in a randomized, crossover design with evaluator blinding, and repeated MRI scanning; and the second a sequential process of decongestant administration, MRI scanning, application of the BRNS, and repeated MRI. The same anatomical MRI protocol was used throughout. Nasal patency was assessed in the whole nasal passage and eight subregions (by inferior–superior, anterior–posterior division). Numerical response scores representing subjective nasal congestion were also obtained. Results Results demonstrate significant anatomical enlargement with the BRNS relative to placebo (P < .001), as well as an additive effect of using a decongestant in combination with the BRNS; both supported by a strong and significant negative correlation with the subjective nasal response measures of nasal congestion (r = −0.98, P = .002). Furthermore, analysis of the nasal subregions indicates that this adjunctive effect arises from a partially localized action of the complementary products: the BRNS acting primarily anteriorly in the nose and the decongestant mainly posteriorly. Conclusions The BRNS alone significantly increases nasal patency and alleviates perceived nasal congestion, and additional relief of symptoms can be obtained with simultaneous use of a decongestant