Developments in model-based video coding

In this paper several very low bit-rate, below 64 kbps, video coding schemes are reviewed. A typical application requiring very low bit-rate is video telephony that transmits video sequences through the existing plain old telephone line or via a mobile phone channel. Three types of potential coding techniques are presented: waveform-based video coding, model-based video coding and mesh-based interpolate video coding.

There are many applications for systems coping with the problem of face localization and recognition, e.g. model-based video coding, security systems and mug shot matching. Due to variations in illumination, back-ground, visual angle and facial expressions, the problem of machine face recognition is complex. In this paper we present a robust approach for the extraction of facial regions and features out of color images. First, face candidates are located based on the color and shape information. Then the topographic grey-level relief of facial regions is evaluated to determine the position of facial features as eyes and month. Results are shown for two example scenes.

The rapid development of Big Data as result of increasing interactivity with online systems between humans (e.g., online shopping, marketplace) and machine (internet of things, mobile phone, etc.) has led to a measurement revolution. This massive data if being mined and analyzed correctly can provide valuable alternative data sources for official statistics, especially price statistics. Several studies for using diverse Big Data as new sources of price statistics in Indonesia have been initiated. This article would provide a comprehensive review of experiences in exploiting various Big Data sources for price statistics, followed by the current development and the near future plans. The development of system and IT infrastructure is also discussed. Based on this experience, limitations, challenges, and advances for each approach would be presented.

To face the challenge regarding reconversion of stored green hydrogen into electricity, zero emission oxyfuel hydrogen cycles with steam as a working fluid are very promising in both thermal efficiency and large-scale applicability. Previous studies suggest that with Turbine Inlet Temperatures (TIT) of 1700 °C thermal efficiencies in excess of 70% based on Lower Heating Value (LHV) can be reached. This work starts with a historical review, from the early 80s until today, of the processes proposed in the literature which can be categorized in partly condensing and fully condensing cycles. Also, since the calculations in the literature are based on different assumptions of cycle parameters, component efficiencies and material limitations, a selection of state-of-the-art process and component parameters in the turbomachinery and power plant industry will be established to help identify the technically realizable and promising cycles. Those parameters will also be used as a common base for thermodynamic simulations of the selected cycles and can serve as a reliable reference for further calculations. The simulations show that thermal efficiencies up to 73% are achievable under conditions reflecting the present state-of-the-art and 75% in the near future, considering current development. Mitsubishi’s intercooled topping recuperation cycle shows the highest thermal efficiency with 75% based on LHV. Moreover, a higher TIT goes along with increased cooling demand and thus higher losses in the turbine, counteracting the efficiency increase due to the elevated temperature. A parametric analysis will identify the optimum operating point of each cycle regarding TIT with consideration of the cooling efficiency.

In this paper, we introduce a new method to reliably ex- tract humans from a video sequence even when the humans are static for long periods of time. The proposed method addresses a common problem in background subtraction techniques whereby humans that are static are mistaken for new additions to the background scene and are consequently absorbed into the background model. In the proposed method, codebook background subtraction is used to identify foreground regions in the video frame. A motion based particle filter is then used to track one or more human heads in the frame and determine which of these foreground regions represent people. The background model is then selectively updated given this knowledge thus ensuring that people will never be absorbed into the background model once detected, even when indefinitely static. Simulation results confirm that a human body is robustly extracted using this method in a non-static environment. (5 pages)

Video coding and processing: A survey

This paper presents a novel video codec scheme which is suitable for mobile devices and is matched to their limitations. It also takes into consideration the limited computational resources in mobile devices. The coding and decoding take advantage of the wavelet decomposition, the set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) and difference frames to substitute the complex motion estimation and compensation techniques used in modern video compression standards. A new fuzzy change detector is used to detect the changes in a video sequence and divide the sequence into scenes to be encoded independently. A further enhancement is done using a new fuzzy sequence tester to test each scene for high activity (due to motion) and decide whether or not another reference frame (keyframe) is needed. Simulation results prove the enhanced performance of the suggested codec.

In the article, the author starts from the different approaches between heritage studies on the one hand and disciplinary heritage approaches on the other hand to consider current and future developments in the field of intangible cultural heritage. In the play between critical studies and broader studies, there are risks of regression as well as opportunities for progress. To underpin his analysis, he refers to his experience of development processes in the field of cultural heritage and to some recent research in France on the institutional functioning of UNESCO in the field of intangible cultural heritage. He then focuses on the notions of “retrotopia” (Bauman, 2017) and “prospective” (Godet, 2004), which seem to him to be suitable for triggering a fundamental anthropological reflection on the future of cultural heritage research. At the end, he draws some conclusions about the possibilities of progress – or, conversely, regression – in intangible cultural heritage.

Le groupe FRANCOGYN : bilan et avenir

A smart fluid comprises a suspension of micrometre-sized particles in a dielectric carrier liquid. The application of a suitable stimulus – either electrical or magnetic – causes a significant increase in the resistance to flow of the fluid. Current and future developments in smart fluids are reviewed, paying particular attention to electro-rheological (ER) and magneto-rheological (MR) fluids. ER fluids have been the focus of intense academic interest over several decades. However, not until the re-discovery of MR fluids did commercial exploitation finally occur. Both microscopic and macroscopic models of smart fluids will be described. The link with industrial applications is established by introducing the three modes of operation through which smart fluids are harnessed. Insight into the behaviour of smart fluids is obtained through the development of relatively simple quasi-steady and dynamic models. A concise summary of the latest industrial applications is provided. Future trends are then considered under the headings of smart fluid technology, modelling of smart fluids and, finally, engineering devices.

The Systems Approach and the Nordic Model are methodologies that have been formulated and applied over the past 30 years to the development of performance-based building codes, standards, and specifications. Their respective use of similar terminology has differed, which has led to some confusion and has contributed to the perception that they are, in fact, quite different. Proponents of each methodology have occasionally stated this perception in public forums and by doing so have created the appearance of controversy. However, a comparative analysis of the Systems Approach and the Nordic Model demonstrates that they are, in fact, quite similar and complementary. They can be melded and applied in a productive manner to the current widespread development of performance-based building codes and standards.

Fetal and neonatal MR imaging is increasingly used as a complementary diagnostic tool to sonography. MR imaging is an ideal technique for imaging fetuses and neonates because of the absence of ionizing radiation, the superior contrast of soft tissues compared with sonography, the availability of different contrast options, and the increased FOV. Motion in the normally mobile fetus and the unsettled, sleeping, or sedated neonate during a long acquisition will decrease image quality in the form of motion artifacts, hamper image interpretation, and often necessitate a repeat MR imaging to establish a diagnosis. This article reviews current techniques of motion compensation in fetal and neonatal MR imaging, including the following: 1) motion-prevention strategies (such as adequate patient preparation, patient coaching, and sedation, when required), 2) motion-artifacts minimization methods (such as fast imaging protocols, data undersampling, and motion-resistant sequences), and 3) motion-detection/correction schemes (such as navigators and self-navigated sequences, external motion-tracking devices, and postprocessing approaches) and their application in fetal and neonatal brain MR imaging. Additionally some background on the repertoire of motion of the fetal and neonatal patient and the resulting artifacts will be presented, as well as insights into future developments and emerging techniques of motion compensation.

The scarce availability of non-renewable sources and the staggering amount of pollution have inevitably provoked many countries to opt for renewable sources. Thence, invariably, more renewable energy-based applications are hoarded by market stakeholders. Compared to all spheres of renewable energy applications, a considerable part of the energy is pulled into transportation. Wireless power transfer techniques play a significant role in charging infrastructure, considering the current development and advancement in the automotive industry. It will promise to overcome the widely known drawbacks of wired charging in electric vehicles. The effectiveness of wireless charging depends on coil design, compensation techniques, and the airgap between the coils. However, coil misalignment, improper compensation topologies, and magnetic materials reduce the efficacy. We can improve efficacy by overcoming the problems mentioned above and optimizing charging distance, time, and battery size. This paper comprehensively discussed the various electric vehicle charging technologies in conjunction with common charging standards, a list of factors affecting the charging environment, and the significance of misalignment problems. Furthermore, this review paper has explored the suitable coil design structure and different compensation techniques for an efficient wireless charging network.

AbstractThe Manpower Planning Study Group of the Operational Research Society was formed on 16th November 1967. This paper traces the growth of manpower planning in the United Kingdom from its origins in the Second World War to the present day. It identifies a series of stages, starting with the beginnings and growing awareness of the 1950s and early 1960s, which led on to an explosive growth between 1965 and 1970, and the lengthy period of consolidation thereafter. It places on record the interest and contributions of many individuals and organizations who laid the foundations of manpower planning in this country, and review trends in methodology and the growing role of computers. The paper concludes with some notes on possible future developments.Keywords: behaviouraldecisiondefence studiesforecastingmanagementmanpower planningmarkovmodellingplanningprogrammingsystem dynamics

Current video compression standards compress video sequences at NTSC quality with factors in the range of 10-100, like in MPEG-1 and MPEC-2. To operate beyond this range, that is, MPEG-4, radically new techniques are needed. We discuss one such technique called generative video (GV). Video compression is realized in GV in two steps. First, the video sequence is reduced to constructs. Constructs are world images, corresponding to augmented images containing the non-redundant information on the sequence, and window, figure, motion, and signal processing operators, representing video sequence properties. Second, the world images are spatially compressed. The video sequence is reconstructed by applying the various operators to the decompressed world images. We apply GV to a 10 sec video sequence of a real 3-D scene and obtain compression ratios of about 2260 and 4520 for two experiments done with different quantization codebooks. The reconstructed video sequence exhibits very good perceptual quality.