Abstract
This paper describes an MPEG-2 distributed studio architecture that was proposed for the ATLANTIC (Advanced Television at Low bit rates And Networked Transmission over Integrated Communications systems) Project. This is one of the European Projects approved in the ACTS (Advanced Communication Technologies and Services) programme. The main goals of this distributed studio are to develop a system that will provide functionality for the production and distribution of TV programmes in an MPEG-2 format, with all the equipment interconnected by an ATM LAN. The architecture of the studio is compliant with the specifications issued by the Digital Audio-Visual Council (DAVIC).

Abstract

Abstract
Cooperative Go-evolution using Structured Genetic algorithms is proposed as a new technique to solve the problem of identification of discrete-time multivariable systems, using a closed-loop Multi-Input Single Output simultaneous testing procedure. This identification technique is illustrated by identifying a two-inputs two-outputs plant model, and simulation results are presented that allows to conclude about the convergence effectiveness of the cooperative co-evolutionary identification technique when compared with a single population Structured Genetic Algorithm applied to the same identification problem.

Abstract
Using multiple classifiers for increasing learning accuracy is an active research area. In this paper we present a new general method for merging classifiers. The basic idea of Cascade Generalization is to sequentially run the set of classifiers, at each step performing an extension of the original data set by adding new attributes. The new attributes are derived from the probability class distribution given by a base classifier. This constructive step extends the representational language for the high level classifiers, relaxing their bias. Cascade Generalization produces a single but structured model for the data that combines the model class representation of the base classifiers. We have performed an empirical evaluation of Cascade composition of three well known classifiers: Naive Bayes, Linear Discriminant, and C4.5. Composite models show an increase of performance, sometimes impressive, when compared with the corresponding single models, with significant statistical confidence levels. © Springer-Veriag Berlin Heidelberg 1998.

Abstract
The simultaneous production of both a 2-D waveguide and a Bragg grating is reported. The samples used consisted of a three layer slab structure produced by flame hydrolysis deposition. They were exposed to a focused KrF excimer laser beam. The exposure was done through a non-absorbing quartz plate which contained a 6 mm long phase mask with a period of 1066 nm on its central part. A type II grating was obtained, with the periodic perturbation clearly observed under a microscope.

Abstract
We present a closed-loop technique for measuring wavelength shifts associated with fiber Bragg gratings by using a fused biconical wavelength division multiplexer (WDM). The spectral response of the WDM is actively tuned by stretching of the coupling region to maintain a fixed coupling ratio at the reflected Bragg wavelength. The closed-loop operation allows sensitivities usually associated with a highly selective WDM to be obtained without compromising the measurement range. A simple theoretical model is presented together with experimental results for temperature and strain measurements. (C) 1998 Optical Society of America.