Decoding-complexity-aware HEVC encoding using a complexity–rate–distortion model

The energy consumption of Consumer Electronic (CE) devices during media playback is inexorably linked to the computational complexity of decoding compressed video. Reducing a CE device's the energy consumption is therefore becoming ever more challenging with the increasing video resolutions and the complexity of the video coding algorithms. To this end, this paper proposes a framework that alters the video bit stream to reduce the decoding complexity and simultaneously limits the impact on the coding efficiency. In this context, this paper (i) first performs an analysis to determine the trade-off between the decoding complexity, video quality and bit rate with respect to a reference decoder implementation on a General Purpose Processor (GPP) architecture. Thereafter, (ii) a novel generic decoding complexity-aware video coding algorithm is proposed to generate decoding complexity-rate-distortion optimized High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) bit streams. The experimental results reveal that the bit streams generated by the proposed algorithm achieve 29.43% and 13.22% decoding complexity reductions for a similar video quality with minimal coding efficiency impact compared to the state-of-the-art approaches when applied to the HM16.0 and openHEVC decoder implementations, respectively. In addition, analysis of the energy consumption behavior for the same scenarios reveal up to 20% energy consumption reductions while achieving a similar video quality to that of HM 16.0 encoded HEVC bit streams

Content-adaptive feature-based CU size prediction for fast low-delay video encoding in HEVC

Determining the best partitioning structure of a Coding Tree Unit (CTU) is one of the most time consuming operations in HEVC encoding. Specifically, it is the evaluation of the quadtree hierarchy using the Rate-Distortion (RD) optimization that has the most significant impact on the encoding time, especially in the cases of High Definition (HD) and Ultra High Definition (UHD) videos. In order to expedite the encoding for low delay applications, this paper proposes a Coding Unit (CU) size selection and encoding algorithm for inter-prediction in the HEVC. To this end, it describes (i) two CU classification models based on Inter N×N mode motion features and RD cost thresholds to predict the CU split decision, (ii) an online training scheme for dynamic content adaptation, (iii) a motion vector reuse mechanism to expedite the motion estimation process, and finally introduces (iv) a computational complexity to coding efficiency trade-off process to enable flexible control of the algorithm. The experimental results reveal that the proposed algorithm achieves a consistent average encoding time performance ranging from 55% - 58% and 57%-61% with average Bjøntegaard Delta Bit Rate (BDBR) increases of 1.93% – 2.26% and 2.14% – 2.33% compared to the HEVC 16.0 reference software for the low delay P and low delay B configurations, respectively, across a wide range of content types and bit rates

Ferromagnetism at 300 K in spin-coated anatasea and rutile Ti0.95Fe0.05O2 films

Thin films of Ti1-xFexO2 (x=0 and 0.05) have been prepared on sapphire substrates by spin-on technique starting from metal organic precursors. When heat treated in air at 550 and 700 degrees C respectively, these films present pure anatase and rutile structures as shown both by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Optical absorption indicate a high degree of transparency in the visible region. Such films show a very small magnetic moment at 300 K. However, when the anatase and the rutile films are annealed in a vacuum of 1x10-5 Torr at 500 degrees C and 600 degrees C respectively, the magnetic moment, at 300 K, is strongly enhanced reaching 0.46 $\mu$B/Fe for the anatase sample and 0.48 $\mu$B/Fe for the rutile one. The ferromagnetic Curie temperature of these samples is above 350 K.Comment: 13 october 200

Forecasting: theory and practice

Forecasting has always been at the forefront of decision making and planning. The uncertainty that surrounds the future is both exciting and challenging, with individuals and organisations seeking to minimise risks and maximise utilities. The large number of forecasting applications calls for a diverse set of forecasting methods to tackle real-life challenges. This article provides a non-systematic review of the theory and the practice of forecasting. We provide an overview of a wide range of theoretical, state-of-the-art models, methods, principles, and approaches to prepare, produce, organise, and evaluate forecasts. We then demonstrate how such theoretical concepts are applied in a variety of real-life contexts. We do not claim that this review is an exhaustive list of methods and applications. However, we wish that our encyclopedic presentation will offer a point of reference for the rich work that has been undertaken over the last decades, with some key insights for the future of forecasting theory and practice. Given its encyclopedic nature, the intended mode of reading is non-linear. We offer cross-references to allow the readers to navigate through the various topics. We complement the theoretical concepts and applications covered by large lists of free or open-source software implementations and publicly-available databases

Content-Adaptive Feature-Based CU Size Prediction for Fast Low-Delay Video Encoding in HEVC

Determining the best partitioning structure of a Coding Tree Unit (CTU) is one of the most time consuming operations in HEVC encoding. Specifically, it is the evaluation of the quadtree hierarchy using the Rate-Distortion (RD) optimization that has the most significant impact on the encoding time, especially in the cases of High Definition (HD) and Ultra High Definition (UHD) videos. In order to expedite the encoding for low delay applications, this paper proposes a Coding Unit (CU) size selection and encoding algorithm for inter-prediction in the HEVC. To this end, it describes (i) two CU classification models based on Inter N N mode motion features and RD cost thresholds to predict the CU split decision, (ii) an online training scheme for dynamic content adaptation, (iii) a motion vector reuse mechanism to expedite the motion estimation process, and finally introduces (iv) a computational complexity to coding efficiency trade-off process to enable flexible control of the algorithm. The experimental results reveal that the proposed algorithm achieves a consistent average encoding time performance ranging from 55% – 58% and 57% – 61% with average Bjøntegaard Delta Bit Rate (BDBR) increases of 1.93% – 2.26% and 2.14% – 2.33% compared to the HEVC 16.0 reference software for the low delay P and low delay B configurations, respectively, across a wide range of content types and bit rates

CTU Level Decoder Energy Consumption Modelling for Decoder Energy-Aware HEVC Encoding

Accurate modelling of the decoding energy of a CTU is essential to determine the appropriate level of quantization required for decoder energy-aware video encoding. The proposed method predicts the number of nonzero DCT coefficients, and their energy requirements with an average accuracy of 4.8% and 11.19%, respectively

CTU Level Decoder Energy Consumption Modelling for Decoder Energy-Aware HEVC Encoding

Accurate modelling of the decoding energy of a CTU is essential to determine the appropriate level of quantization required for decoder energy-aware video encoding. The proposed method predicts the number of nonzero DCT coefficients, and their energy requirements with an average accuracy of 4.8% and 11.19%, respectively

Choice modeling for the commercial cultivation of underutilized aromatic plants for producing mosquito repellents: Targeting rural sector income generation

Tropical countries face considerable economic losses due to mosquito-borne diseases which can be effectively combatted using plant-based mosquito repellents. Therefore, using a questionnaire survey, we selected the 25 top-ranked common but underutilized aromatic plants with mosquito repellent ability in Sri Lanka to investigate the rural sector’s willingness to cultivate and supply them. Cinnamomum verum, Citrus aurantiifolia, Citrus sinensis, Citrus reticulata, Aegle marmelos, and Ocimum tenuiflorum were the common species thus identified. The willingness to cultivate and supply aromatic plants with mosquito repellent ability varied between 88% and 60%. The Chi-squared test indicated a significant association between gender and willingness to cultivate and supply these plants. Men had a higher willingness (82%). Persons formally educated up to elementary school level had the highest willingness (85%). The willingness from households with many non-income-generating members was 100%. The random forest model developed in this study identifies farmers’ willingness to cultivate and supply aromatic plants with mosquito repellent properties. It was trained using an upsampling strategy. Our findings aid in understanding the scenarios involved with introducing, cultivating, and supplying aromatic plants