Media Research Center

About: Media Research Center is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Collaborative learning & Educational technology. The organization has 491 authors who have published 950 publications receiving 28581 citations. The organization is also known as: MRC.

Efficient RGB Video Coding Using Adaptive Inter-Plane Residual Prediction

Abstract: This paper presents an efficient video coding algorithm in the RGB color space. Currently most video coding algorithms are based on a decorrelated color space such as YCbCr which has reduced inter-color redundancy. For high fidelity video applications, however, it is essential to maintain the original signal fidelity. In pursuit of both high fidelity and coding efficiency, we propose an adaptive inter-plane residual prediction algorithm exploiting inter-color redundancy of the RGB signal. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can increase RGB video coding efficiency up to 0.9 dB, compared to the existing H.264/AVC High 4:4:4 Intra profile.

Processing word prosody - behavioral and neuroimaging evidence for heterogeneous performance in a language with variable stress

Abstract: In the present behavioral and fMRI study, we investigated for the first time interindividual variability in word stress processing in a language with variable stress position (German) in order to identify behavioral predictors and neural correlates underlying these differences It has been argued that speakers of languages with variable stress should perform relatively well in tasks tapping into the representation and processing of word stress, given that this is a relevant feature of their language Nevertheless, in previous studies on word stress processing large degrees of interindividual variability have been observed but were ignored or left unexplained Twenty-five native speakers of German performed a sequence recall task using both segmental and suprasegmental stimuli In general, the suprasegmental condition activated a subcortico-cortico-cerebellar network including, amongst others, bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, insula, precuneus, cerebellum, the basal ganglia, pre-SMA and SMA, which has been suggested to be dedicated to the processing of temporal aspects of speech However, substantial interindividual differences were observed In particular, main effects of group were observed in the left middle temporal gyrus (below vs above average performance in stress processing) and in the left precuneus (above vs below average) Moreover, condition (segmental vs suprasegmental) and group (above vs below average) interacted in the right hippocampus and cerebellum At the behavioral level, differences in word stress processing could be partly explained by individual performance in basic auditory perception including duration discrimination and by working memory performance (WM) We conclude that even in a language with variable stress, interindividual differences in behavioral performance and in the neuro-cognitive foundations of stress processing can be observed which may partly be traced back to individual basic auditory processing and WM performance

Representation of dynamic spatial configurations in visual short-term memory

Abstract: Locations of multiple stationary objects are represented on the basis of their global spatial configuration in visual short-term memory (VSTM). Once objects move individually, they form a global spatial configuration with varying spatial inter-object relations over time. The representation of such dynamic spatial configurations in VSTM was investigated in six experiments. Participants memorized a scene with six moving and/or stationary objects and performed a location change detection task for one object specified during the probing phase. The spatial configuration of the objects was manipulated between memory phase and probing phase. Full spatial configurations showing all objects caused higher change detection performance than did no or partial spatial configurations for static and dynamic scenes. The representation of dynamic scenes in VSTM is therefore also based on their global spatial configuration. The variation of the spatiotemporal features of the objects demonstrated that spatiotemporal features of dynamic spatial configurations are represented in VSTM. The presentation of conflicting spatiotemporal cues interfered with memory retrieval. However, missing or conforming spatiotemporal cues triggered memory retrieval of dynamic spatial configurations. The configurational representation of stationary and moving objects was based on a single spatial configuration, indicating that static spatial configurations are a special case of dynamic spatial configurations.

Full-body Movement in Numerical Trainings: A Pilot Study with an Interactive Whiteboard

Abstract: In this pilot study, we introduce an effective spatial-numerical training to improve children’s arithmetic abilities. We designed this training based on previous successful trainings of spatial-numerical associations (such as number line estimation) and introduced a full-body response movement. Children responded to a number line estimation task presented on an interactive whiteboard by moving their whole body to the left or right. In a pilot study with a small group of children (total sample size N = 27), this experimental training was compared to two control trainings, one training the same task without the full-body movement and one training a different task with full-body movement. The experimental training led to significant improvement in all dependent measures and was most effective in enhancing performance in a spatial-numerical task. Furthermore, full-body movement helped children maintain their performance level in multi-digit addition. We conclude that full-body movement can enhance the efficiency of numerical trainings, which could also be successfully utilized in serious games and incorporated into the classroom.

Have We All Just Become “Robo-Sapiens”? Reflections on Social Influence Processes in the Internet Age

Abstract: The first author (Rosanna Guadagno) is old enough to remember the dawn of the World Wide Web. In 1994, she was working as a Human–Computer Interaction Engineer at a large Silicon Valley corporation...