Video Quality Evaluation for Tile-Based Spatial Adaptation

The demand for very high-resolution video content in entertainment services (4K, 8K, panoramic, 360 VR) puts an increasing load on the distribution network. In order to reduce the network usage in existing delivery infrastructure for such services while keeping a good quality of experience, dynamic spatial video adaptation at the client side is seen as a key feature, and is actively investigated by academics and industrials. However, the impact of spatial adaptation on quality perception is not clear. In this paper, we propose a methodology for the evaluation of such adapted content, conduct a series of perceived quality measurements and discuss results showing potential benefits and drawbacks of the technique. Based on our results, we also propose a signaling mechanism in MPEGDASH to assist the client in its spatial adaptation log

4K real time video streaming with SHVC decoder and GPAC player

International audienceThis paper presents the first 4Kp30 end-to-end video streaming demonstration based on the upcoming Scalable High efficiency Video Coding (SHVC) standard. The optimized and parallel SHVC decoder is used under the GPAC player to decode and display in real time the received SHVC layers. The SHVC reference software model (SHM) is used to encode the 4K original video in two spatial scalability layers: the base layer at 1080p resolution and the enhancement layer at 2160p resolution. The SHVC bitstream is encapsulated with the GPAC multimedia library into MP4 file format. The GPAC player at the server side broadcasts the MP4 content in MPEG-2 TS. At the client side, the GPAC player receives the SHVC video packets which are decoded by the SHVC decoder and then rendered in real time by the player. The GPAC player provides an interactive interface enabling to switch between displaying the base and the enhancement layers

032: Thirty months outcomes after PCI of unprotected left main coronary artery according to the SYNTAX score

AimsTo assess middle term outcomes according to SYNTAX score and rates of delayed surgical/bleeding events after unprotected left main (LM) coronary artery (ULMCA) PCI in an unselected patients population.MethodsConsecutive patients treated by PCI for ULMCA were included among a single center 3508 PCI database within 36 months. Syntax scores were calculated, post discharge extracardiac surgery or hemorrhage were recorded during follow-up as clinical outcomes (Death, TVR, MACCE=cardiovascular death+MI+stroke+TLR).Results102 (3.6%) patients underwent PCI of the LM, including 21 protected LM. Among the 81 patients with PCI of ULMCA, mean age was 65±13, 27% had urgent PCI for AMI or cardiogenic shock, 61% had DES.SYNTAX score was 28±14 in mean and ≤22 in 30 (37%), 23 to 32 in 22 (27%) and ≥33 in 29 (36%) patients.At 30±11 months follow up (98% of the patients), death occurred in 24 patients (30%), TVR in 16 (20%) and MACCE in 35 (43%). Clinical events according to the SYNTAX score are shown in figure. No cardiovascular death occurred in patients with syntax ≤22. MACCE rates were significantly lower when DES were used (24% vs. 64%, p<0.05) and in case of non-urgent PCI (36% vs. 71%, p<0.05).During follow-up, 20 (25%) and 12 (15%) patients underwent unplanned extracardiac surgery and/or hemorrhage, leading to antiplatelet withdrawal in 31% of the cases.ConclusionsIn unselected patients treated by PCI of ULMCA with Syntax score ≤22, outcomes were found to be excellent with no cardiovascular death observed at 30 months. DES and non-urgent PCI were associated with a better prognosis. One patient out of three underwent unplanned extracardiac surgery or hemorrhage during follow up.Figure: 30-months outcomes according to SYNTAX scor

A pre-Caloris synchronous rotation for Mercury

The planet Mercury is locked in a spin-orbit resonance where it rotates three times about its spin axis for every two orbits about the Sun. The current explanation for this unique state assumes that the initial rotation of this planet was prograde and rapid, and that tidal torques decelerated the planetary spin to this resonance. When core-mantle boundary friction is accounted for, capture into the 3/2 resonance occurs with a 26% probability, but the most probable outcome is capture into one of the higher-order resonances. Here we show that if the initial rotation of Mercury were retrograde, this planet would be captured into synchronous rotation with a 68% probability. Strong spatial variations of the impact cratering rate would have existed at this time, and these are shown to be consistent with the distribution of pre-Calorian impact basins observed by Mariner 10 and MESSENGER. Escape from this highly stable resonance is made possible by the momentum imparted by large basin-forming impact events, and capture into the 3/2 resonance occurs subsequently under favourable conditions.Comment: Nature Geosci., 201

Sheep Updates 2005 - Part 7

This session covers eight papers from different authors: POSTERS 1. Sulpher in wool and its implications for fleece weight and sheep health, SM Liu, AC Schlink, JR Williams, CSIRO Livestock Industries Wembley WA, ME Dowling,JCGreef, Department of Agriculture Western Australia. 2. Stubbles for sheep: a reality check, Roy Butler, Keith Croker, Department of Agriculture Western Australia. 3. Genetic benchmarking using artificial insemination, LC Butler, JC Greeff, Department of Agriculture Western Australia. 4. The potential lambing performances of ewes in mixed age flocks, Kieth Croker, Department of Agriculture Western Australia, Rob Davidson, WAMMCO International, formally University of Western Australia, Ken Hart, Department of Agriculture Western Australia,Doug Harrington Cowcher Farms Narrogin, Mario D\u27Antuono, Department of Agriculture Western Australia. 5. National Livestock Identification System (Sheep) in Western Australia, Julian Gardner, Department of Agriculture Western Australia. DISPLAYS - TOOLS 6. To Feed or Not to Feed - I Only Hamlet had the Calculator!, Geoff Duddy, Livestock Officer(Sheep & Wool) Yanco. 7. WormBoss - a national Australian computer-based sheep worm control tool, RG Woodgate, Department of Agriculture Western Australia, A LeFeuvre, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, and Genie Pty Ltd, Warwick Qld, A Bailey, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Kings Meadow Tas, RB Besier, Department of Agriculture Western Australia, N. Campbell, Department of Primary Industries Victoria, Attwood Vic, I Carmichael, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Glenside SA, S. Love, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Armidale NSW. 8. \u27Eye in the sky\u27 takes guesswork out of farmers pasture decisions, Richard Stovold, Department of Land Informatio

The use of a direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system in a rural community in South Africa: a pilot study and lessons for future research

BACKGROUND: Challenges exist with the provision of appropriate mobility assistive devices in rural areas. The use of the direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system is a possible solution to these challenges. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to test and explore the clients’ perspectives with the application of this device. Study design: Within a mixed-methods approach, a longitudinal sequential explanatory design was applied. METHODS: The Orthotic and Prosthetic User’s Survey was administered to explore the use of the direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system in terms of function, health-related quality of life and client satisfaction. A conveniently selected sample of 21 individuals who suffered a unilateral trans-tibial amputation was included. Data were collected at 1, 3 and 6 months post fitting, and two focus group discussions were also administered. RESULTS: Of the 21 participants recruited, 11 returned for follow up. Although participants reported favourably about the prosthesis, their scores were generally worse than the norms with regard to function and quality of life. Participants highlighted the need for improvement in the cosmetic appearance of the prosthesis. CONCLUSION: The direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system could be considered as an alternative technique of socket manufacturing for individuals living in rural areas due to the shorter manufacture time and promising initial results, but further research on this topic with a bigger sample is recommended.ISI & Scopu