Abstract
We present a new group of audio effects that use beat tracking, the detection of beats in an audio signal, to relate effect parameters to the beats in an input signal. Conventional audio effects are augmented so that their operation is related to the output of a beat tracking system. We present a temposynchronous delay effect and a set of beat synchronous low frequency oscillator effects including tremolo, vibrato and auto-wah. All effects are implemented in real-time as VST plug-ins to allow for their use in live performance.

Abstract
A linear tunable dispersion compensation device based on a chirped grating (CFBG) mounted on a stretching mechanical structure is described. The tunability is obtained changing the CFBG bandwidth without modification of the total length structure. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract
Originally defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) as part of its standardization work for 3G mobile phone systems, the IMS model has been adopted as a baseline technology for network and service convergence by network (wireless, wireline and cable), service and content operators. Dealing with the same business actors, the ENTHRONE project (FP6-IP-507637) builds an MPEG-21-based service management system that enables distribution of audio-visual content with dynamic end-to-end QoS guarantees over heterogeneous networks to various types of terminal devices. This system controls the access of users to the content and supervises the delivery of the content to ensure the level of QoS. The paper examines how the IMS model could be extended to include service management features offered by the ENTHRONE management system. These features could constitute a potential vehicle for the IMS entrance to the audio-visual market chain. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract
The paper presents the application of temperature acquisition systems integrating thermocouples, a thermographic camera and fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors in gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process, MIG ( metal inert gas) welding type. Efficient procedures to use FBG sensors and thermocouples were developed. The paper presents and compares measurements made in welded plates of aluminium alloy 6082-T6. Tests were performed in both plate surfaces and good agreement between the three techniques was found.

Abstract
The apparent tardiness cost heuristic is one of the best performing dispatch rules for the weighted tardiness scheduling problem. This heuristic uses a lookahead parameter that has previously been set at a fixed value. We propose two different approaches for determining an appropriate value for this parameter. In the first approach, a function is used to map several instance statistics into an adequate value. The second method uses the characteristics of the current workload to determine an appropriate value each time a scheduling decision is to be made. The computational results show that the new procedures outperform the fixed value approach over a wide range of test instances and workload characteristics. The new versions are therefore suited for application in scheduling systems, since they are capable of adjusting themselves to changes in the workload, and provide important savings over the current fixed value implementations.

Abstract