Neighborhood coherence and edge based approaches to film scene extraction

In order to enable high-level semantics-based video annotation and interpretation, we tackle the problem of automatic decomposition of motion pictures into meaningful story units, namely scenes. Since a scene is a complicated and subjective concept, we first propose guidelines from film production to determine when a scene change occurs in film. We examine different rules and conventions followed as part of Film Grammar to guide and shape our algorithmic solution for determining a scene boundary. Two different techniques are proposed as new solutions in this paper. Our experimental results on 10 full-length movies show that our technique based on shot sequence coherence performs well and reasonably better than the color edges-based approach.

2-D edge feature extraction to subpixel accuracy using the generalized energy approach

Precision edge feature extraction is a very important step in vision, Researchers mainly use step edges to model an edge at subpixel level. In this paper we describe a new technique for two dimensional edge feature extraction to subpixel accuracy using a general edge model. Using six basic edge types to model edges, the edge parameters at subpixel level are extracted by fitting a model to the image signal using least-.squared error fitting technique.

Dynamic threshold determination by local and global edge evaluation

In this paper we consider two methods for automatically determining values for thresholding edge maps. Rather than use statistical methods they are based on the figural properties of the edges. Two approaches are taken. We investigate applying an edge evaluation measure based on edge continuity and edge thinness to determine the threshold on edge strength. However, the technique is not valid when applied to edge detector outputs that are one-pixel wide. In this case, we use a measure based on work by Lowe for assessing edges. This measure is based on length and average strength of complete linked edge lists.

Reliability and validity of the Melbourne edge test and high/low contrast visual acuity chart

Purpose. The purposes of the study were to investigate the test-retest reliability and the validity of new versions of the Melbourne Edge Test (MET) and the High/Low Contrast Visual Acuity (H/LCVA) chart and to investigate the agreement between the original and new versions.

Methods. The MET original photographic version, MET new light box version, H/LCVA Chart original photographic version, H/LCVA Chart new printed version, and the Pelli-Robson chart were administered twice to one eye of 22 subjects with low vision and 20 soft contact lenses wearers.

Results. For the low vision group, the test-retest 95% limits of agreement were ±5.2 dB for the MET new light box version and ±0.39 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for the LCVA component of the H/LCVA new printed version. For the soft contact lens group, the test-retest 95% limits of agreement were ±2.1 dB for the MET new light box version and ± 0.26 logMAR for the LCVA component of the H/LCVA new printed version. Moderate to high correlations were obtained between contrast sensitivity tests, thus providing evidence of validity. Scores obtained for the new test versions were significantly higher than the original versions (p < 0.01).

Conclusions. Of all the tests administered, the MET original photographic version and the Pelli-Robson Chart had the highest test-retest reliability for the low vision group. For the soft contact lens group, the H/LCVA original version (low contrast letters, 18% Weber) and the Pelli-Robson Chart had the highest reliability.

Edge effects in patchy seagrass landscapes : the role of predation in determining fish distribution

Predation is often described as an underlying mechanism to explain edge effects. We assessed the importance of predation in determining edge effects in seagrass using two approaches: a video survey to sample predators at small scales across seagrass edges, and a tethering experiment to determine if predation was an underlying mechanism causing edge effects. Underwater videos were placed at four positions: middle of seagrass patches; edge of seagrass; sand immediately adjacent to seagrass and sand distant from seagrass. Fish abundances and the time fish spent in view were measured. The main predatory fish (Australian salmon, Arripis spp.) spent more time over adjacent sand than other positions, while potential prey species (King George whiting, Sillaginodes punctata (Cuvier), recruits) were more common in the middle of seagrass patches. Other species, including the smooth toadfish, Tetractenos glaber (Freminville), and King George whiting adults, spent more time over sand adjacent to seagrass than distant sand, which may be related to feeding opportunities. King George whiting recruits and pipefish (Stigmatopora spp.) were tethered at each of the four positions. More whiting recruits were preyed upon at outer than inner seagrass patches, and survival time was greater in the middle of shallow seagrass patches than other positions. Relatively few pipefish were preyed upon, but of those that were, survival time was lower over sand adjacent to seagrass than at the seagrass edge or middle. Video footage revealed that salmon were the dominant predators of both tethered King George whiting recruits and pipefish. The distribution of predators and associated rate of predation can explain edge effects for some species (King George whiting) but other mechanisms, or combinations of mechanisms, are determining edge effects for other species (pipefish).

Research mentoring on the edge : early career researchers and academic fringe-dwelling

Discourses of research leadership define not only what quality research leadership can and should be, but also identify those who speak and act with authority. Similarly, these discourses construct particular professional identities and idealised ‘ways of being’. They provide possibilities for research leaders as well as those categorised as 'Early Career Researchers' (ECRs) to create alternative identities and representations of themselves. This study reports the views of 32 academics across 16 Australian universities in four States about research mentoring and leadership for ECRs. The primary interest was to explore how research leadership is conceptualised, implemented and negotiated in the disciplinary fields of business, nursing and education. Whilst a number of ECRs viewed formal research mentoring as taking a ‘tick the box’ approach that they believed of limited value, a number of research leaders had different views. Most senior research leaders viewed the systemic provision of assistance their universities offered in a positive light. The dissonance in views centred on the subject positioning of academics in research. The dissatisfaction expressed by ECRs, a number of whom positioned themselves as fringe-dwellers ‘on the edge’ of their institutional research culture, raises questions about research sustainability and succession planning in Australian tertiary
institutions.

Co-evolution path model : how enterprises as complex systems survive on the edge of chaos

In this theoretical paper, we introduce and describe a model, and demonstrate its origins from the disciplines of Enterprise Architecture, cybernetics and systems theory. We use cybernetic thinking to develop a ‘Co-evolution Path Model’ that describes how enterprises as complex systems co-evolve with their complex environments. The model re-interprets Stafford Beer’s Viable System Model, and also uses the theorem of the ‘good regulator’ of Conant and Ashby, exemplifying how various complexity management theories could be synthesised into a cybernetic theory of Enterprise Architecture, using concepts from the generalisation of EA frameworks.

Identity on the edge: The impact of risk, compliance and performativity on VET practitioner identity.

 German Sociologist, Ulrich Beck’s seminal political analysis of risk, Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity, in 1992 posited the concept of ‘risk’ that has become privatised, objectified and a matter for individual concern. This study examines how the management of ‘risk’ is achieved through individual scrutiny, audit and review and the impact these practices have on changing VET practitioner identity. Preliminary PhD interviews with VET practitioners, using grounded theory methodology, identified the symbiotic nature of risk management and generation within the current diverse and challenging VET environment. Resistance or acquiescence to compliance practices and the performative VET environment have significant implications for VET practitioners’ identity construction.