Answer the question in form of essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Answer the question in form of - Essay Example Personally, I have been raised to believe that there are only two acceptable genders, and a third one is utterly laughable and brings humiliation to the family. However, with the propagation of the principles of diversity, people of various sexual orientations are now being embraced to the fold. Media has been actively promoting them, breaking down barriers set by essentialists and creating a new morality that I am still having difficulty fully accepting. Vacek’s arguments were very clear as he used various examples, some even exaggerated in order for readers to see his point. He discussed six overlapping criteria for what should make a marriage and these criteria are being debated upon by essentialists and postmodernists. These are gender differences; reproduction; â€Å"unnatural sex†; institutional recognition; purposes of marriage and parenting. With differences, Vacek claims that boundaries between men and women are slowly disappearing with the fusion of gender roles. Only biological differences seem to remain. Hence, same sex partners who have similar biological make-ups can still be considered a couple due to diminishing gender differences required in marriages. The issues regarding sex and reproduction between heterosexual and homosexual marriages continue to be controversial, although Vacek reasons out that the modern world has found alternatives that make them more acceptable socially but not necessarily moral ly, especially in the eyes of essentialists. His point is that any couple can be having unnatural sex, as recognized by essentialists and can reproduce children or just adopt, but these do not make them less suitable to be people of good spouses and parents. Legal status and recognition were also discussed by Vacek as the law only recognizing heterosexual unions, but he argued about homosexual spouses having the same conditions or even better, but they are

Content-Based Video Retrieval Method

Content-Based Video Retrieval Method An Approach for Analyzing keyframes based on Self Adaptive Threshold and Scene Descriptors Suruthi.K, Tamil Selvan.T, Velu.S, Maheswaran.R, Kumaresan.A Abstract In this paper, we propose a CBVR (content based video retrieval) method for retrieving a desired object from the abstract video dataset. Recording and storing enormous surveillance video in a dataset for retrieving the main contents of the video is one of the complicated task in terms of time and space. Even though, methods are available for retrieving the main content of a video based on ROI as well as threshold values for retrieving background information key frames, determining the threshold values manually is a complex scenario. So, we propose a method, where we use self-adaptive threshold for determining the background information along with the use of several descriptors to increase the efficiency of determining the contents of the key frames. We can also use CBVR to retrieve the information of a desired object from our abstract dataset. Keywords: Self adaptive threshold, Keyframes, Descriptors, CBVR Introduction The process of providing security plays a major role in all organizations these days. This security can be provided in many ways considering the criticality of the information being secured. Theses security methodologies include providing manual guards around the perimeter or providing electric fence around the infrastructure or any other available effective means of technology available. In spite of the availability of these methodologies, an effective and 247 security could be provided with the help of installation of cameras at the crucial areas of an organization which should be out of reach for the humans. The optimal number of cameras to be installed in an environment could be calculated with respect to [1]. Since these cameras are recording videos with a time scale of 24 hours, the recorded videos are to be stored and analyzed where storing these videos require an enormous database and analyzing these videos require humans to play through the entire video in order to analyze t he incidents occurred where the biggest de-merit is that we cannot skip the videos being played since we would miss the important actions when we skip.so, we are in need of a method for extracting the essential events been occurred from the prolonged surveillance videos and storing these events alone in a separate database which would minimize the memory space being utilized for data storage along with minimization of human work to look through the entire videos. We know that the first step in observing videos is to convert it into individual frames or images since the broadcasting of moving visual images form a video. This can be termed as image retrieval. Image retrieval is the process of retrieving images from an enormous database based on the metadata added to the image which could be said as the annotations. But this annotations have some demerits. Annotating images manual is a time consuming work to be done and if images are annotated ambiguously, the user would never get the required results no matter the number of times he search the image database. Several methods for automatic image annotations have been under research due to the advancement in the field of semantic web and social web applications. In spite of the advancements, there is an effective methodology termed CBIR (content based image retrieval), in which feature extraction is basis. These features represent text based features representing keywords as well as annotations whereas visual features correspond to color, texture and faces along with shapes [2]. Since, features plays a major role here, when user inputs an input image, the pixel value of these images are com pared with all the images prevailing in the database and the results given to the user would contain all the images containing a part of the queried image which is an effective way of avoiding annotations to avoid ambiguity. Since we are dealing with videos here, we need an advanced approach from CBIR. 2. Related Work: Speech recognition is an important conc 3. Fast Clustering Method Based on ROI Since users find easy to access online videos easily these days, we are in need of finding an effective way to store and maintain enormous amount of video files facilitating easy and quick access for multiple users. In order to support research in this area, Guang-Hua-Song et al have proposed the fast clustering based on the region of interest (ROI). The authors have employed the average histogram algorithm for the purpose of extracting key frames from each shot. A shot could be defined as the depiction of a particular scene or action. A single shot refers to the action covered by a camera between the start and stop of the recording time which would be normally in the same angle. The extracted key frames are used for the generation of edge maps which contribute the next step in the video abstraction scenario. Based on the above methodologies, the authors have determined the key points. Calculation of threshold values from the respective key frames would be the next step which is done for the purpose of expanding and identifying the area surrounding the key points [9]. The authors have proposed the observation of main content in each of the key frame based on the threshold values defined and the concept of key points. As the final step of their proposed method, they have utilized the ROIs of the key frames and have performed the fast clustering method on them. The different methodologies involve before implementing the fast clustering method along with the implementation of fast clustering methodology is explained in the following sections. A. Key frame Extraction The representation of video sequence would be in the form of a hierarchical structure considering the scene, shot and frame contributing different levels on the hierarchy [10]. Different researches on video sequences requires the researches to deal with the different levels of the video sequence hierarchy with respect to the information needed for their research. Shot is to be considered first for the purpose of key frame extraction. The shot level is chosen at the hierarch among the other available levels due to certain reasons. The sequence of video frames captured continuously by a camera contributed a shot which also would include the moving objects, panning and zooming in terms of the recording camera. We also have a greatest merit with the shot as the two adjacent shot does not have the same content which would obviously eliminate redundancy. The authors have employed the use of algorithm proposed in [11] for the purpose of extracting key frames. The key frame extraction proces s also involves the average histogram method. A shot S = { } of length n is assumed. The kth frame in the assumed shot is represented as . Considering to be the gray level histogram containing L bins could be generated from frame, whereas the calculation of the average histogram H is done based on the following formula: Where represents the value of the ith frame of frame k. After the extraction of key frame, ROIs are generated by adopting a series of key frame analysis this process is followed by saliency map generation and edge map generation. B. Edge Map Detection It is a general concept that we would focus on objects which has a whole shape in the video. So there would be edges within these components. We are in need of determining the key points which would be available inside the objects and so determining edges would make our tracking process easier. The authors have used the canny edge detection scenario with respect to [12]. This process is followed by the location of key points and generation of ROI. C. Fast Clustering In a video sequence, though each shot would be having a different content to portray, some of the shots may look similar to one another in camera angle or facial expression of the people involved or in any other means. Sometimes, a shot would ne manually segmented into many shots and used at different places in a video sequence. The approach of the authors is to make the video sequence compact and thus they have clustered the key frames in order to avoid the redundant frames. Normally, clustering before the entire process of extracting the key frames is done would be of no use since the new frames could not be taken into account. In order to overcome this traditional approach, the authors have used fast clustering in which clustering process starts once the key frame extraction and identifying ROI are done. Even though this approach was good enough to an extent, the authors have not used more effective descriptors to extract more features from the frames for better observation. In addition to this manually setting the threshold to obtain the background information would not be so effective. 4. Application of Self Adaptive Threshold and Descriptors Though the use of assigning the threshold manually works in a better way, setting the threshold manually is a difficult task. So we are in need of an alternate way for setting the threshold which is the adaptive threshold methodology. We propose the use of adaptive threshold in our video abstraction method for the purpose of gaining more knowledge about the objects in the background. In addition to this, we have also made use of several descriptors such as FCTH (Fuzzy Color and Texture Histogram) and SCD (Scalable Color Descriptor). A descriptor is generally used for extracting different kinds of features from an image based on the functionality of a descriptor. Features refers to the different kinds of information that could be extracted from an image which may refer to the color, intensity, pixels, etc. the functionality of FCTH and SCD are discussed as follows: A. FCTH In this type of descriptor, fuzzy is used for gathering information about colors which lie between the pure black and pure white. Here, fuzzy is made used of since the general concept of fuzzy is to deal with all possible scenarios (partial true / partial false ) which lies between the True (1) and False (0) values. B. SCD (Scalable Color Descriptor) SCD is used here for the purpose of extracting information about the colors which are scalable. This scalable colors represent colors which are extended to the nearby boundaries and would be available in a different form within that boundary. C. Algorithm: Distance Vector We are using Distance Vector algorithm in this video abstraction process for the purpose of observing the distance travelled by an object in two subsequent frames in order to determine the motion of the object in a more likely scenario which involves the following steps: Detecting and identifying the boundaries of the moving objects. Extracting ROI (region of interest) of the object within the frame. Searching for the same object in the next subsequent frame. Detecting boundaries and location of the object. Comparing the location of the object and finding its distance moved from the previous frame to the current frame. Repeating the above steps for all the video frames would enable us to find the moving object distance covered for each frame. Updating the distance vector matrix. The overall methodology of the proposed methodology is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1. Block Diagram of the Proposed Methodology This scenario is applied for minimizing the memory complexity in terms of storing and retrieving enormous 247 surveillance videos where recording and storing of the entire video would increase the demand of memory as well as looking through the entire video to verify a crime scene would be a more complex scenario. In order to overcome this complexity, our method extract the key frames from the entire video and store it in a desired database where only the distinct images would be available minimizing the work of the user to look through a full length video. In addition to that, saving images would have a memory demand much lesser than the demand of the videos. Since we are using descriptors, more detailed information could be extracted from the images. Self-adaptive threshold enables the user to get more details above the objects available in the background which is an added advantage of this methodology. Any sort of frame can be given as a query into the system and the user would ge t the relevant video containing the respective key frame. If the frame is not available in any of the dataset, user would be shown with an error prompt. This process is termed as CBVR. CBVR is similar to CBIR but differs in a way that user would be given a frame (image) as a result in case of CBIR whereas result would be the entire video in case of CBVR. But in both the cases, data is compared and retrieved based on the contents available in the frames. 5. Experimental results We have conducted our experiment with videos available in the MATLAB dataset. First step would be the extraction of key frames based on self-adaptive threshold value which is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2. Window for Key frame Extraction Key frames are extracted and stored in a destined folder as shown in the Figure 3.     Ã‚   Figure 3. Key frames Stored in the Destined Folder After the key frame extraction, the user can input a key frame of their choice and the contents of all the available videos in the dataset are compared and the respective video containing the requested key frame would be found based on CBVR and retrieved as shown in Figure 4a. The user can click on the play button available at the bottom right to play the entire video containing the requested key frame. If the requested frame is ot found, the user would be prompted with an error message as shown in Figure 4b. Figure 4a. Video is retrieved based on the queried key frame using CBVR Figure 4a. User id prompted with an error message since the requested frame is not found Our experiment have showed a compromising result with more than 80% accuracy. As explained above, this methodology can decrease the memory space demands and the time of the user to spend in looking through the entire videos. 6. Conclusion In this paper, we have proposed a methodology for video abstraction based on several descriptors and self-adaptive threshold. This methodology facilitates user to minimize the memory demands and time demands for looking through the videos. Our methodology also makes use of CBVR for retrieving a video based on the contents with respect to the user requested key frame. The only problem that our methodology faces is the time taken for comparison if the key frame to be searched is available in the final video available in the dataset. Our future work is to concentrate on limiting the time space for comparison in a large video dataset. References [1] Tatsuya Hirahara Figure Captions Fig.1.Optimal Position fo

Mass Extinctions On The Earth :: essays research papers

Intro: Sixty-five million years ago, some phenomenon triggered mass extinctions on the lands and in the oceans so profound that they define the geological boundary between the older Mesozoic Era, often called the "Age of Reptiles," and the modern Cenozoic Era, the "Age of Mammals." On a finer scale, the extinctions define the boundary between the Cretaceous (geological symbol, "K"), and Tertiary ("T") periods. This mass extinction is usually referred to as the K-T extinctions. The dinosaurs became extinct during the K-T mass extinction. To examine how the K-T extinctions fit into a broader perspective, please see the The cause of the K-T extinctions is one of the great mysteries in science, and many scientists have proposed theories to account for it. Theories span a vast spectrum of causes including: sea level change, supernova explosions, climate change, and on and on. Beginning in the 1980s, two new theories became the topic of an intense scientific debate. They are the K-T impact extinction theory originated by the Nobelist physicist, Luis Alvarez, and his team, and the K-T Deccan Traps extinction theory, which, for short, is called volcano-greenhouse theory. Details of the Impact Theory In the mid-late 1970s, Luis Alvarez and his impact team began searching for the cause of the K-T extinctions. His evidence of impact was enrichment of the chemical, iridium, in a thin layer of clay a few centimenters thick at the K-T boundary. His original theory held that a giant asteroid struck earth 65 million years ago, blasting so much dust into the atmosphere that it blocked out sunlight, and plunged earth into the blackness and cold of a sudden, short-duration, "impact winter." According to Alvarez theory, the global blackout triggered extinctions among the plant kingdom, and then among herbivores that depended upon plants for food, and then among the carnivores that ate the herbivores. Those smaller animals that could hide and hibernate until the sun came out again must have sruvived and formed the animals that there are today. There is other evidence for this theory : there is a layer of iridium found on top of the fossils which can be found all over the world. this is important becouse there is a lot of iridium on asteroids while on earth it is only deep down inside the crater. Details of the Volcano Theory: Another less popular theory to explain the disappearance of the dinosaurs suggests that a drop in the oxygen levels in the lower atmosphere led to the gradual death of all kinds of species.

Pretty Woman

The film Pretty Woman is a 1990 romantic comedy set in Los Angeles, California which takes place just following the 80’s era. The story of Pretty Woman centers on a Hollywood prostitute Vivian Ward who gets hired by a very wealthy businessman, (Edward Lewis), to be at his beck and call or escort for several business and social functions. During that time, they gradually begin to develop a relationship over the course of Vivian’s week-long stay in his suite. Edward then takes his lawyer’s exotic Lotus S4 Esprit and heads down Hollywood Boulevard where he took a detour to ask for directions.He has no other choice but to ask a nearby beautiful prostitute by the name of Vivian, who is willing to help him reach his point of destination. Edward hires Vivian to stay with him for an entire week as an escort for his social meetings and events. Vivian then makes a point that â€Å"it is going to cost him,† so in agreement he offers her three thousand dollars and acc ess to all his credit cards. He then tells Vivian that she needs to dress more appropriately so he sends her shopping on Rodeo Drive, only to be snubbed by saleswomen who disdain her because of her immodest clothing.Vivian runs into the hotel manager and he happily helps her buy a dress because she is with Mr. Lewis. When Vivian’s week is up, Edward tends to her and tries convincing her to stay. Vivian heads home with her friend Kit. Edward then travels to Vivian’s apartment and climbs up the fire escape, despite his fear of heights, with a rose between his teeth, to convince her. The film ends as the two of them kiss on the fire escape with a visual urban romantic metaphor being displayed.

A Man For All Seasons

The change from night to day (81 ) Is conveyed using a simple change of lighting. Light conveys the notion of change. Many scene changes are followed by the subsequent change in lighting. Like the setting of the sun indicating the change into night. Bolt's use of light gives the viewers an ability to feel the mood of the next scene and foreshadow the outcomes. The candle is used many times throughout the play and is a source of focused light. It Is small and casts a dim light, bringing the feeling of darkness and conspiracy. When taken away or blown out, it represents a change; the end of something.Wolves exits the stage, † taking most of the light from the stage as he does so† (13) giving the scene a dark and sinister feeling. It foreshadows the change of Lord Chancellor to Thomas More, and how this new position is going to be troublesome and fatal. Cromwell â€Å"[seizes] Rich by the wrist [and] he holds his hand in the candle flame† (46) frightening Rich and Int roducing the feelings of cruelty and horror Into the atmosphere. Cromwell frightening action reflects what has happened In that scene; how Rich has now switched sides, ending his relationship with More.Their friendship smoldering away eke a slow burn. Silences are as Important as dialogue in a play?discuss the most significant silent moments In the play and their Importance. There are many silences In the play, such as those of the common Man, who chose to maintain silence Instead of revealing the plotting against More. More had also kept silent as Rich took the silver cup which signifies corruption instead of the teaching Job, a way to benefit society. In Act II, More remains silent about Norfolk until he is sure that the friendship should be ended.When Norfolk states that More should take the oath, More ends his silence s well as the friendship. The biggest silence Is Mere's, which had kept him alive through the ordeal of King Henrys divorce until the very end. This silence, accor ding to the bible, cannot be seen as dissent towards the king. He wittily uses this silence to his advantage in order to protect himself and his family against the law, as well as to prevent perjuring his beliefs. However, Cromwell argument that silence can signify affirmation with the example of the silent murder witnesses cost More his life.More also protects his family from the law by refusing to answer them. The silence e maintains about his opinions with the Act of Supremacy Is foreshadowed by the takes offence, by staying silent in front of them, they are able to truthfully answer in a court of law that they do not know his opinions. Stage directions convey a great deal: how do the stage directions for the Common Man convey the plays ideas? The Common Man is used by Robert Bolt to change the setting of the stage in the play. Many times in the play, he changes the setting while in character.He also addresses the audience and comments on the action as a character within the play . Robert Bolt uses the Common Man as a narrator through he stage directions to help the play to flow as a story rather than a play. Due to the Common Man's stage directions, he is meant to draw the audience into the play rather than alienate them. He begins the first act by saying, â€Å"It is perverse! To start a play made up of kinds and Cardinals in speaking costumes and intellectuals with embroidered mouths, with me. (1) The Common Man is to represent the common type of people and through his actions and different characters throughout the play, the Common Man is relatable for the audience members and his reliability is conveyed through his stage directions. The Common Man is also used to highlight the traits of the other characters. As the boatman, he is used to demonstrate mere's generosity. (15) The Common Man is also used to connect the two acts. At the beginning of Act II, the Common Man is used by Bolt to describe the change of time and setting, he sets up the scene by gi ving the audience some background.The foreign water is emphasized by the Common Man's speech at the beginning of Act II, â€Å"a lot of waters flowed under the bridge† (47). The Common Man is used as a tool to help bring the play together and to help develop the other characters within the lay. Thematic Questions: On page 1 5-16–More has a conversation with the boatman. Explore the ethical implications of ;their discussion. How does the imagery of the boat and water reflect those ideas? In the preface to the play, Robert Bolt addresses his usage of water â€Å"as a figure for the superhuman context. The sea is unpredictable, unknown and alien giving it a sense of supernaturalism. He states that his main metaphors are the sea and water; that the â€Å"references to ships, rivers, currents, tides, navigation† (xvi) are all used to create a poetic image with philosophical depth. He compares society by contrast figures as dry land. Although Thomas More grasps onto the safety of the law and land, his faith takes him out into the chaos of the sea. Within the play, the symbolism of Mere's faith in God as water and his belief in the law as the land is explored.Since Bolt intended the land to be considered to be a safe and known concept within the play, it can be compared to Mere's knowledge in law. More is educated in law and he constantly uses the law to back his arguments. Due to mere's knowledge of the law, he knows that he cannot be accused of high treason. â€Å"The law s a causeway upon which so long as he keeps to it a citizen may walk safely. † (92) More is comparing the law to a citizen's walkway, if the law is kept, the citizens should â€Å"When a man takes an oath, he's holding his own self in his own hands.Like water and if he opens his fingers then- he needn't hope to find himself again. â€Å"(83) Since More refuses to take the oath towards King Henrys divorce, he is avoiding the law. He is choosing his faith and religion over the law; water over land. By not taking the oath, More doesn't open his fingers and he doesn't lose himself. He stays rooted in his faith. Only God is love right through, Howard; and that's my self. â€Å"(71) In the end, More explores the extent of his faith and he learns to walk on water, by putting all his trust in God and putting God above the law.Character Questions: Compare and contrast Thomas More and William Roper. Thomas More and William Roper were both upright men who had a strong sense of morality and goodness. More and Roper differ in terms of religion. While More is unwavering in his Catholicism, Roper has swayed towards the Lutheran Church before turning back to Catholicism. More is modest in his dress, refusing to change even when the king visited. However, Roper is bold in clothing, changing into a magnificent black robe and cross after his conversion back to Catholicism. Bolt calls More â€Å"a hero of selfless. (xiv), referring to how he keeps his morals int act even when his life is threatened. Both men were well educated in law and put in service of the crown, with More as the lord chancellor and Roper â€Å"[being] called to the bar. † (16) Thomas More is a conservative, sensible man with a solid foundation on his morals and beliefs. He is not outspoken about his ideas, and he tries to guide people in the eight direction by posing questions and choices instead of being direct. William Roper, however, is more liberal, and energetic. More is older and more experienced with life, careful with his speech and loyal to his conscience.Roper speaks his mind, thinking little of the effects of his words. He is constantly voicing his opinions at every opportunity, leading to Mere's warning to protect his family. He also stands very firm on his beliefs and what he feels is right. Roper is one to take quick action, doing what he wants to do. However, More is thoughtful about his actions, staying out of harms ay and hiding behind his knowle dge of the law and having faith in it. Through Roper's actions within the play, Roper is Mere's foil and emphasizes Mere's strong belief in God and the Church in contrast to his passion for whichever church he was in at the time.Compare and contrast Cardinal Wolves and Thomas Cromwell. Cardinal Wolves and Thomas Cromwell were both key figures in this play, as influential members of government. They were both practical, politically aware men that played important roles in the affair of the kings divorce, and recognized the importance of having an heir to the throne. There are many physical differences between Wolves and Cromwell. Wolves is â€Å"Old. A big decayed body in scarlet† (xx), whereas Cromwell is in his late thirties, and dressed in black.Beyond the physical, the name of effective action† (xx), while Wolves is ambitious and intelligent, although his character is not well-developed before his death early in the play due to pulmonary pneumonia. His death serves a s a warning for anyone else that did not follow the wishes of the king, and foreshadows the eventual death of Thomas More. Both Cromwell and Wolves try their best to complete what the King wants. â€Å"When the inning wants something done, [Cromwell] does it. † (21). Cromwell doesn't stop to question the kings desires, nor does he try to compromise with those who are against the King.He wished to gain power through the affairs of the king despite the immoral consequences. Wolves tries to find alternate paths to the same outcome for the king, he looks at all aspects of the situation before drawing a conclusion. His wisdom is shown when he tells More that â€Å"Letting [King Henry] without an heir and we'll have them back again. Let him die without an heir and this ‘peace' you think so much of will go out like that! (12) Wolves takes other's opinions into account whereas Cromwell only cares for the result that will make himself look best.Wolves failed to obtain the Pope' s dispersion, and therefore did not succeed in fulfilling the Kings wishes for divorce, while Cromwell devised many plans that led to the achievement of the divorce through force. Compare and contrast Lady Alice and Lady Margaret. Alice and Margaret are the ones closest to Thomas More. Both women are intelligent and righteous. This is shown when they agree that Rich was to be arrested when it became apparent that he had betrayed More. Alice is Mere's wife, an understanding and caring woman that trusts in More beyond simple reasoning.She understands that he values morality over his life,and she feels that â€Å"[More] the best man that [she] ever met. † (86) Alice is sad to see her loved one go, but accepts his final resolution and painfully comes to terms with his decision. Unlike her stepmother, Margaret does not understand his reasons for sacrificing his life. â€Å"Meg [is] under oath to persuade [More]† (83) to choose life over morality. Alice is an impressive woma n in her forties with an incredible ability to understand and worship her husband† (xx) as well as society, leading to trouble and defiance towards both.Margaret is a beautiful girl in her twenties with a naivety that is fostered by the care of her father. Both Alice and Margaret possess a unconditional love and care for Thomas More that they act upon in many occasions in the play. For instance, they repeatedly asked him about his conversations with Cardinal Wolves. Also, they prepared a feast for the King's visit on his behalf. Although More is evasive and silent on his affairs, they think nothing but good of him, and support him to the end.