50,198 research outputs found
MPEG-4 tools and applications: an overview
In this paper we present an overview of the software tools currently available for the creation and display of MPEG-4 content. We first describe tools for encoding raw video into MPEG-4 compliant bitstreams. We then describe how this content may be used to create a complete MPEG-4 scene containing both graphical and interactive elements in addition to the more usual video and audio elements. Clearly, MPEG-4 content cannot be viewed without appropriate decoders and players and these are addressed in the third section of this paper. Finally, we demonstrate how these tools may be combined together to create MPEG-4 applications by presenting the details of two sample applications we have developed
Region-based segmentation of images using syntactic visual features
This paper presents a robust and efficient method for segmentation of images into large regions that reflect the real world objects present in the scene. We propose an extension to the well known Recursive Shortest Spanning Tree (RSST) algorithm based on a new color model and so-called syntactic features [1]. We introduce practical solutions, integrated within the RSST framework, to structure analysis based on the shape and spatial configuration of image regions. We demonstrate that syntactic features provide a
reliable basis for region merging criteria which prevent formation of regions spanning more than one semantic object, thereby significantly improving the perceptual quality of the output segmentation. Experiments indicate that the proposed features are generic in nature and allow satisfactory segmentation of real world images from various sources without adjustment to algorithm parameters
Dialogue scene detection in movies using low and mid-level visual features
This paper describes an approach for detecting dialogue scenes in movies. The approach uses automatically extracted low- and mid-level visual features that characterise the visual content of individual shots, and which are then combined using a state transition machine that models the shot-level temporal characteristics of the scene under investigation. The choice of visual features used is motivated by a consideration of formal film syntax. The system is designed so that the analysis may be applied in order to detect different types of scenes, although in this paper we focus on dialogue sequences as these are the most prevalent scenes in the movies considered to date
Temporal dimensions of vulnerability to crime in economic sectors
This paper presents the results of research into vulnerability to crime in two economic sectors in Belgium. Vulnerability to crime is an integration of diverse temporal factors. We address pre-crime and post-crime aspects of vulnerability, arising before and after the criminal event in an economic context. Based on interviews with professionals, security staff, law enforcement agents and with criminals in the transport sector and the hotel and catering industry, a study of police files, and inspired by ecologistsâ work on resilience, we explore vulnerability to crime as a multifaceted factor undermining the sustainability of businesses
Engineering the Rod of Asclepius â A Biochemical Investigation of Snake Venom Components and their Application as Potential Cancer Treatments
In the wild, venom is crucial to many snakesâ success as predators. While antivenin research focuses on combatting venomsâ abilities to disrupt physiological processes, new studies are attempting to manipulate these same abilities into anticancer therapies. Given the diversity of neurotoxins, hemotoxins, cytotoxins, and others, every new discovery and development within snake venom research adds to the knowledge base and broadens applicational opportunities. Cancer-related venom research isolates various components, manipulates their interaction with target cancer cell lines, and evaluates how their natural biochemical activity counteracts mechanisms that are integral to tumor development. Several more promising components, namely disintegrins, lectins, oxidases, and phospholipases, have emerged. Summarizing and highlighting recent research of these key components can serve as a springboard for future venom-derived antitumor medicines
Kaon-nucleon and D-nucleon scattering in the quark model, including spin-orbit interactions
Interactions of charmed and strange mesons with baryonic matter can be
calculated in the nonrelativistic quark potential model. For KN scattering data
exists, and the theoretical results for S-waves are in approximate agreement
with experiment. Here we apply the same model to the scattering of open-charm
(D) mesons by nucleons, and give quark model predictions for DN scattering
amplitudes. Spin-orbit forces in KN and DN will also be discussed.Comment: 5 pages, 14 figures. Presented at Strange Quarks in Matter 2001 - A
Flavourspace Odyssey (Frankfurt, 25-29 Sept. 2001
Classical transport of charged particles in a magnetic field
We examine the traditional transport equation for classical, charged particles diffusing in a cold, absorbing medium subject to a uniform magnetic field and in which scattering is isotropic. Steady-state solutions in plane geometry are examined in some detail; we make no expansion about an isotropic angular distribution. Restricting the motion to two dimensions captures most of the interesting features; there is some discussion of the three-dimensional case
Karl Proskeâs Musica Divina and the popularity of Giuseppe Ottavio Pitoniâs Cantate Domino and Laudate Dominum
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