'To interlace or not to interlace' is a hot issue currently. Traditionally interlace has been part of the video standard as it reduces the transmission and display demands, while hardly affecting the perceived quality of the pictures. With the current explosion of new video formats due to emerging technologies as multimedia PC's, videotelephony and flat matrix display the question whether or not interlace is a relict from the past is more relevant than ever. This book provides a broad overview of advanced motion estimation and de-interlacing techniques to enable a profound scientific basis for answering the above question. An extensive evaluation of the algorithms, including many screen photographs is an imt part of the book. But also system questions, such as whether interlace is a good choice in combination with modern video compression methods (MPEG), and which currently would be the optional choice for a display format are extensively treated. The combination of scientific profoundness and completions, with the focus on practical hot issues, makes the book unique in its kind.

The ‘Fuzzy Logic’ research group of the Microelectronics Institute of Seville is composed of researchers who have been doing research on fuzzy logic since the beginning of the 1990s. Mainly, this research has been focused on the microel- tronic design of fuzzy logic-based systems using implementation techniques which range from ASICs to FPGAs and DSPs. Another active line was the development of a CAD environment, named Xfuzzy, to ease such design. Several versions of Xfuzzy have been and are being currently developed by the group. The addressed applications had basically belonged to the control ?eld domain. In this sense, s- eral problems without a linear control solution had been studied thoroughly. Some examples are the navigation control of an autonomous mobile robot and the level control of a dosage system. The research group tackles a new activity with the work developed in this book: the application of fuzzy logic to video and image processing. We addressed our interest to problems related to pixel interpolation, with the aim of adapting such interpolation to the local features of the images. Our hypothesis was that measures and decisions to solve image interpolation, which traditionally had been done in a crisp way, could better be done in a fuzzy way. Validation of this general hypothesis has been done speci?cally in the interpolation problem of video de-interlacing. - interlacing is one of the main tasks in video processing.

The intricate structure and the many different narrative threads of the Prose Lancelot are here skilfully analysed, showing them to be a major new development in literary technique. Thematically and as a narrative technique, interlace, the complex weaving together of many different story-telling strands, comes to its full development in the intriguing conclusion of the Prose Lancelot. The Grail appearson the horizon and although Lancelot's love for Guenevere still makes him the best knight in the world, it becomes clear that this very love disqualifies him from the Grail Quest. Meanwhile, the adventures of a myriad Arthurian knights continue to be followed. This study explains how the interlace works and shows that it is the perfect vehicle for the relation of the events. It discusses the division of the narrative into threads, their interweaving, convergence and divergence, the gradual introduction of the Grail theme and its first climax (the begetting of Galahad), the distribution of information to the audience, the use of dramatic irony and emotions, and many other aspects of this major innovation in story-telling technique. Dr FRANK BRANDSMA is Senior Lecturer in Comparative Literature (Middle Ages) in the Department of Modern Languages at Utrecht University.

The properties of woven and knitted fabrics differ largely due to the path yarn follows in the fabric structure. This path determines the fabric’s physical properties, mechanical properties, and appearance. A slight variation to the design may result in entirely different properties for the fabric. Structural Textile Design provides detailed insight on different types of designs used for the production of woven and knitted fabrics, highlighting the effect design has on a fabric’s properties and applications. With focus on the techniques used to draw designs and produce them on weaving and knitting machines, this book will be of great interest to textile engineers, professionals and graduate students in textile technology and manufacturing.

The sensing, adapting, responding, multifunctionality, low energy, small size and weight, ease of forming, and low-cost attributes of smart textiles and their multidisciplinary scope offer numerous end uses in medical, sports and fitness, military, fashion, automotive, aerospace, the built environment, and energy industries. The research and development on these new and high-value materials cross scientific boundaries, redefine material science design and engineering, and enhance quality of life and our environment. “Novel Smart Textiles” is a focused Special Issue that reports the latest research of this field and facilitates dissemination, networking, discussion, and debate.

A doctor shares her unforgettable love story & informative journey into the world of medicine in this “thoughtful and endearing” memoir (Washington Post). When Vanessa met Robert, she had no idea that their relationship would thoroughly transform her life. Robert was suffering from end-stage kidney disease, which required him to endure years of debilitating dialysis in order to stay alive, at least until his failed organ could be replaced by a kidney transplant. Although Vanessa was a primary care doctor, she developed a deeper understanding of the difficulties Robert faced, including dialysis and finding a donor. So, even though they were still in the early stages of their relationship, she volunteered one of her own kidneys for testing and discovered that she was a match. This life-affirming donation forged a bond that would become a pillar of Vanessa and Robert’s marriage—and the beginning of a new career. Motivated by Robert’s experience and her newfound knowledge, Vanessa became a nephrologist—a kidney doctor—and discovered far more about the realities of the specialty. Shaped by Vanessa’s remarkable expertise as a doctor, a woman of color, a mother, and a kidney donor, Hundreds of Interlaced Fingers is a love story as well as an informative guide to kidney disease. Praise for Hundreds of Interlaced Fingers “A story told beautifully, courageously, and honestly. You’ll never forget Vanessa and Robert, and you’ll never view medicine quite the same way again.” —Robert Winchester, MD, author of the New York Times–bestseller The Digital Doctor “Intense, ambitious, and fascinating.” —Victoria Sweet, MD, award–winning author of God’s Hotel