Abstract
Multimedia databases are extending the scope of traditional databases to handle the complex structure of multimedia objects. Models for multimedia information must include representations for the structure and content of several media in a form that allows flexibility in retrieval. Content-based retrieval is the main motivation behind recent research in multimedia databases. The task of searching in video and audio content is made hard by the nature of audiovisual data where, unlike text, there is no direct syntactic channel between the object and its meaning [1]-[3]. We propose a model for multimedia content storage and retrieval accounting for both context and content information and taking advantage of their dependencies for effective retrieval. We then describe a prototype multimedia database with a retrieval interface. It has been used as a workbench for testing the representation model and integrating tools for feature extraction, information interchange and retrieval. The workbench allows an easy inclusion of new tools for content analysis and new methods for context- and content-based retrieval while offering storage and access for both the actual digital content and its metadata.

Abstract
In this paper we propose a novel probabilistic broadcast protocol that reduces the average end-to-end latency by dynamically adapting to network topology and traffic conditions. It does so by using an unique strategy that consists in adjusting the fanout and preferred targets for different gossip rounds as a function of the properties of each node. Node classification is light-weight and integrated in the protocol membership management. Furthermore, each node is not required to have full knowledge of the group membership or of the network topology. The paper shows how the protocol can be configured and evaluates its performance with a detailed simulation model.

Abstract

Abstract
This paper presents a concept for building up a distributed monitoring and diagnosis system for complex industrial applications. For this purpose, a hierarchical organized model with distributed, cooperating agents was developed. The hierarchical aspect guarantees a predictable behaviour of the system with a high performance and the flexibility of the system is ensured by the federal distribution (Bongaerts 1998). By using this approach, a modular component diagnosis and monitoring (CDM) system is realized that enables the integration of legacy monitoring and diagnostic tools, specific to the application area. Universal applicable mechanisms were found to perform diagnostic processes and to improve the quality of a diagnosis by handling different diagnostic mechanisms in parallel and by applying conflict resolution algorithms. This software architecture for monitoring and diagnosis was developed by the University of Karlsruhe in cooperation with three industrial partners and one research institute within the framework of the EU Esprit Program: 'DIAMOND: DIstributed Architecture for MONitoring and Diagnosis' (DIAMOND 2002).

Abstract
In a general screening of some mining areas in SE Spain for wild and autochthonous plant species with the potential to accumulate zinc and lead, of which some classified as accumulators were able to accumulate large concentrations of metal ( > 1000 mg kg(-1)) dry matter. Several Mediterranean taxa showed moderately enhanced heavy-metal accumulation and tolerance, e.g. Piptathertan miliacetall (L.) Cosson, or Smilo grass. This could be considered a Pb hyperaccumulator, being most efficient at removing and accumulating Ph from contaminated soil, and also efficient in Zn extraction. When soils were polluted with both metals, accumulation of Ph was greater. Results indicated that concentration of metal in the plant was directly correlated with that of the soil, although the transfer factors for Ph and Zn were not high. Most plants remained healthy for 3 weeks after introduction of pollutants.

Abstract
This paper presents several experiments with a genetic algorithm (GA) for designing combinational logic circuits. The study addresses the population size and the processing time for achieving a solution in order to establish a compromise between the two parameters. Furthermore, it is also investigated the use of different gate sets for designing the circuits namely RISC and CISC like gate sets.