A two-stage video coding framework with both self-adaptive redundant dictionary and adaptively orthonormalized DCT basis

In this work, we propose a two-stage video coding framework, as an extension of our previous one-stage framework in [1]. The two-stage frameworks consists two different dictionaries. Specifically, the first stage directly finds the sparse representation of a block with a self-adaptive dictionary consisting of all possible inter-prediction candidates by solving an L0-norm minimization problem using an improved orthogonal matching pursuit with embedded orthonormalization (eOMP) algorithm, and the second stage codes the residual using DCT dictionary adaptively orthonormalized to the subspace spanned by the first stage atoms. The transition of the first stage and the second stage is determined based on both stages' quantization stepsizes and a threshold. We further propose a complete context adaptive entropy coder to efficiently code the locations and the coefficients of chosen first stage atoms. Simulation results show that the proposed coder significantly improves the RD performance over our previous one-stage coder. More importantly, the two-stage coder, using a fixed block size and inter-prediction only, outperforms the H.264 coder (x264) and is competitive with the HEVC reference coder (HM) over a large rate range

Two birds with one stone: Goal conflict handling and its effect on well-being

A tourist’s journey is often shaped by the pursuit of diverse and sometimes conflicting goals. In this study, we investigate how tourists handle conflicting goals during their travels. Drawing upon life history theory, we have developed and tested a conceptual model that examines how life history strategies (LHS, fast vs. slow) influence goal management approaches (highlighting vs. balancing) and their subsequent impact on tourist well-being. Through a combination of surveys, field and lab experiments, and a meta-analysis, our research reveals that when confronted with goal conflicts, tourists with a fast LHS tend to prefer a highlighting approach, while those with a slow LHS gravitate towards a balancing approach, with perceived deservingness serving as a mediator in this relationship. Moreover, matching (vs. mismatching) LHS with goal management enhances overall well-being. These findings offer valuable insights for both theoretical advancement and practical management in tourism

Effects of cadmium exposure on tissue structure, antioxidant enzyme activity, serum biochemical indices and gene expression in the liver of juvenile largemouth bass (<em>Micropterus salmoides</em>)

This study aimed to understand the effect of various levels of waterborne cadmium exposure and associated integrated response in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The experimental fish were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group H (high concentration group): 0.25 mg/L of water (100% of the LC~50~); Group M (medium concentration group): 0.01 mg/L of water (50% of the LC~50~); group L (low concentration group): 0.05 mg/L of water (12.5% of the LC~50~) and group C (control). Experimental fish in group C (control group) were cultured in cadmium (Cd)-free tap water. After 28 days of Cd exposure, the gill and liver tissues were collected for histological analysis and antioxidant enzyme activities assay. Serum biochemical indices and the expression levels of HSP70, HSP90, Cyp1a, and MT in the liver were assayed. Results indicated Cd exposure in group H could significantly damage the gill and liver. The SOD activity of gill and liver exhibited an increasing trend with Cd concentrations increasing, and SOD activities increased significantly in group M compared to that of group C. Still, SOD activity significantly decreased in group H. MDA content increased significantly in both the gill and liver, while T-AOC activities were not significantly different in both the gill and liver. By comparison with group C, the activities of ALT and AST in serum were significantly increased in group M and group H; the contents of ALB and TP significantly decreased in group M and group H except for the content slightly increased in the group L; the contents of GLU, TG, and TC did not show significant changes in the group L and the group M, but increased significantly in the group H. The expression levels of HSP70 and HSP90 in the liver exhibited the highest level in group M, whereas the expression levels of MT and Cyp1a were highest in groups H and L, respectively. Our results are intended to provide a reference basis for the safety risk evaluation of Cd and healthy fish farming

A New Digital Watermarking Algorithm Based On DWT-DCT-RLC

Abstract: The paper presents an imperceptible and robust digital watermarking algorithm using a combination of the DWT-DCT , which improves the robustness via using new embedding strategy. Apply 4-level DWT to the host image. Then, DCT transform of each directional middle frequencies DWT subband is computed; A binary watermarked logo is coded by Run-Length Code(RLC);The watermark bits are embedded in the coefficients of the DCT block based on the energy of each corresponding to coefficient in the highest level selected using the value of RLC. Performance evaluation show that the proposed scheme is invisible and robust against common image manipulations like JPEG compression, noise adding, sharpening, filtering. I Introduction Image watermarking is the process of embedding the ownership information into host data so that intellectual copyrights can be identified. Along with the rapid growth of novel watermarking schemes, various attacking attempts have also been developed to destroy watermarking II Theory A.Run Length Code Run-length code (RLC) is a very simple form of data compression in which runs of data (that is, sequences in which the same data value occurs in many consecutive data elements) are stored as a single data value and count, rather than as the original run. This is most useful on data that contains many such runs: for example, simple graphic images such as icons, line drawings, and animations

TIMS: A Tactile Internet-Based Micromanipulation System with Haptic Guidance for Surgical Training

Microsurgery involves the dexterous manipulation of delicate tissue or fragile structures such as small blood vessels, nerves, etc., under a microscope. To address the limitation of imprecise manipulation of human hands, robotic systems have been developed to assist surgeons in performing complex microsurgical tasks with greater precision and safety. However, the steep learning curve for robot-assisted microsurgery (RAMS) and the shortage of well-trained surgeons pose significant challenges to the widespread adoption of RAMS. Therefore, the development of a versatile training system for RAMS is necessary, which can bring tangible benefits to both surgeons and patients. In this paper, we present a Tactile Internet-Based Micromanipulation System (TIMS) based on a ROS-Django web-based architecture for microsurgical training. This system can provide tactile feedback to operators via a wearable tactile display (WTD), while real-time data is transmitted through the internet via a ROS-Django framework. In addition, TIMS integrates haptic guidance to `guide' the trainees to follow a desired trajectory provided by expert surgeons. Learning from demonstration based on Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) was used to generate the desired trajectory. User studies were also conducted to verify the effectiveness of our proposed TIMS, comparing users' performance with and without tactile feedback and/or haptic guidance.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures. For more details of this project, please view our website: https://sites.google.com/view/viewtims/hom