This comprehensive and state-of-the art approach to video processing gives engineers and students a comprehensive introduction and includes full coverage of key applications: wireless video, video networks, video indexing and retrieval and use of video in speech processing. Containing all the essential methods in video processing alongside the latest standards, it is a complete resource for the professional engineer, researcher and graduate student. - Numerous conceptual and numerical examples - All the latest standards are thoroughly covered: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264 and AVC - Coverage of the latest techniques in video security "Like its sister volume "The Essential Guide to Image Processing," Professor Bovik's Essential Guide to Video Processing provides a timely and comprehensive survey, with contributions from leading researchers in the area. Highly recommended for everyone with an interest in this fascinating and fast-moving field." —Prof. Bernd Girod, Stanford University, USA - Edited by a leading person in the field who created the IEEE International Conference on Image Processing, with contributions from experts in their fields - Numerous conceptual and numerical examples - All the latest standards are thoroughly covered: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264 and AVC - Coverage of the latest techniques in video security

A complete introduction to the basic and intermediate concepts of image processing from the leading people in the field Up-to-date content, including statistical modeling of natural, anistropic diffusion, image quality and the latest developments in JPEG 2000 This comprehensive and state-of-the art approach to image processing gives engineers and students a thorough introduction, and includes full coverage of key applications: image watermarking, fingerprint recognition, face recognition and iris recognition and medical imaging. "This book combines basic image processing techniques with some of the most advanced procedures. Introductory chapters dedicated to general principles are presented alongside detailed application-orientated ones. As a result it is suitably adapted for different classes of readers, ranging from Master to PhD students and beyond." – Prof. Jean-Philippe Thiran, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland "Al Bovik’s compendium proceeds systematically from fundamentals to today’s research frontiers. Professor Bovik, himself a highly respected leader in the field, has invited an all-star team of contributors. Students, researchers, and practitioners of image processing alike should benefit from the Essential Guide." – Prof. Bernd Girod, Stanford University, USA "This book is informative, easy to read with plenty of examples, and allows great flexibility in tailoring a course on image processing or analysis." – Prof. Pamela Cosman, University of California, San Diego, USA A complete and modern introduction to the basic and intermediate concepts of image processing – edited and written by the leading people in the field An essential reference for all types of engineers working on image processing applications Up-to-date content, including statistical modelling of natural, anisotropic diffusion, image quality and the latest developments in JPEG 2000

Using everyday examples and simple diagrams, two leading DSP consultants and instructors completely demystify signal processing with this text. Students will discover what digital signals are, how they're generated, and how they're changing life. Students will learn all they need to know about digital signal collection, filtering, analysis, and more, and how DSP works in today's most exciting devices and applications.

Now updated for 2015! The best, most comprehensive guide for writers is now revised and updated, with new sections on ebooks, self-publishing, crowd-funding through Kickstarter, blogging, increasing visibility via online marketing, micropublishing, the power of social media and author websites, and more—making The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published more vital than ever for anyone who wants to mine that great idea and turn it into a successfully published book. Written by experts with twenty-five books between them as well as many years’ experience as a literary agent (Eckstut) and a book doctor (Sterry), this nuts-and-bolts guide demystifies every step of the publishing process: how to come up with a blockbuster title, create a selling proposal, find the right agent, understand a book contract, and develop marketing and publicity savvy. Includes interviews with hundreds of publishing insiders and authors, including Seth Godin, Neil Gaiman, Amy Bloom, Margaret Atwood, Leonard Lopate, plus agents, editors, and booksellers; sidebars featuring real-life publishing success stories; sample proposals, query letters, and an entirely updated resources and publishers directory.

Workplace mediation is becoming an increasingly popular dispute resolution method to settle interpersonal employee conflicts, including harassment and bullying complaints. There is a direct ratio between the quality of relationships across the workplace and long-term effectiveness and success. Mediation addresses complex relationship difficulties head-on so that working relationships can be restored. Fostering a philosophy of mediation as a culture and a "co-entrepreneurial" business model, Doherty and Guyler consider what mediation is, why it is necessary and how it works, including the main principles of operation and the 6-step structure of a mediation meeting. They analyze the reasons for conflict and suggest useful everyday communication skills to help defuse anger or aggression. Real case studies look at specific complaints of bullying, of sexual harassment and of racism, generational conflicts within family businesses and boardroom conflicts between chairmen and CEOs.

For potters, mold making is invaluable because it allows them to slip-cast identical multiples of their work-and this newly revised, now in color edition of Andrew Martin's classic is the definitive guide to the craft. No other volume has shown the processes in such how-to detail. It's overflowing with hundreds of photos, key techniques, projects, master artist profiles, and troubleshooting tips. A thorough introduction addresses materials and tools, and presents Martin's simple, unique template method for making clay prototypes. Create easy one-piece molds to make tiles, bowls, and platters, or multi-piece molds for more complex forms. An extensive overview covers slip formulation, while offering highly desired slip recipes for low-, mid-, and high-fire clay bodies. This will be the standard reference in every ceramist's library.

Like other kids their age, highly capable adolescents experience developmental challenges. They’re forging identity, finding direction, exploring relationships, and learning to resolve conflicts. These are difficult tasks to do alone, no matter how smart one may be. The 70 guided discussions in this book are an affective curriculum for gifted teens. By “just talking” with caring peers and an attentive adult, kids gain self-awareness and self-esteem, learn to manage stress, build social skills and life skills, and discover they are not alone. Each session is self-contained and step-by-step; many include reproducible handouts. Introductory and background materials help even less-experienced group leaders feel prepared and secure in their role. For advising teachers, counselors, and youth workers in all kinds of school and group settings working with gifted kids in grades 6–12.

The Essential Guide to Visual Communication is a concise introduction to the evolution, theory, and principles of visual communication in contemporary society. This guide helps students develop the skills they need to become critical consumers of visual media by examining images through the lens of visual rhetoric. Students see how images influence and persuade audiences, and how iconic images can be repurposed to communicate particular messages. Images selected and discussed throughout the text highlight examples of visual communication from earlier generations and the current digital environment that students encounter in their everyday lives.

This book focuses on the current state of play with the integration of digital technologies into school-based teaching and learning. As well as a comprehensive analysis of developments to date it identifies 'what works' with technology and education.